female needing advice on where to start

one last comment.the man i pull for,a fairly large broker,is adding 5 more company trucks to be equipped w/dual wet lines which is neither here nor there i know,but as we conversed today,he asked me if i knew of any drivers that may be interested.he specifically asked me about female drivers.

it seems that most of the male drivers he has just don't care for the equipment,which they take home, and don't/won't truly take care of the trucks and trailers.i have been telling him for years that the majority of the drivers that i witness actually walking around their trucks first thing in the mornings and really doing a pti just happen to be female.that is the honest truth as i have noticed.i've been sharing that insight routinely with him and apparently he has asked outfits(major scrap dealers for the most part) that we pull for their opinion on the matter.

i don't know if it is the sissyfication of the new breed of (male)driver or that they just don't care for the most part,but my perspective is that women drivers do a better job in this male dominated industry and i am a man. i have dated women that have 18-21 year old sons that have no idea how to even mow the lawn much less start the darn mower and then that same boy wants to "learn"how to drive a truck.

no.i am not inferring that all newbies or younger men in this industry are feminine but i will declare that most of the guys refuse to get their hands dirty adjusting brakes or replacing a light and all the women i know will.just saying-

go for it SMC.your posts indicates that you will succeed-

 

I agree with you... female drivers are more cautious, more careful and take better care of the equipment than male drivers. Also, female drivers are cleaner, neater, always on time for appointments, show better appearance to customers, do better job with paperwork than males... My company also thinks the same. Just not as strong as males (generally speaking). And according to my impression, they are not as good backers as males... I am a solo female driver.

 

Hey SMC, there's a Women Truckers Network blog radio with shows every other Tuesday. Folks can either listen online or use the call in number to listen to the show. If you want to ask questions during the show you just press 1 & it lets us know you want to say something. Here is the link http://www.blogtalkradio.com/womentruckersnetwork


There is also the conference calls (on the phone) on Wednesday evening & Sunday afternoon. The Sunday call is co-ed (both male & female drivers invited).

Dial 805 399 1000 access code 560199#

I hope you can join sometime. It's very informative and quite helpful. Being a new female driver in this male dominated industry can be difficult sometimes. I wish you all the best.

 

About your company.. how many years experience? I'm in cdl school...
Thanks
Mary

 

You should probably start where any other wannabe guy driver would start!

 

WOW ROCKS--kinda of a sweeping generalization isnt it? I know(we all do)you do a great job--BUT--Ive seen all kinds--slobs--men and women--etc....

 

I've been driving for many many years and if you dont mind working I would suggest line haul with one of the larger ltl carriers the nice thing is the pay is good no issues with being owner operater ie the headache of paperwork and insurance maitnence etc also you get home everyday and I see several women working in this field it's a way to get into the industry with minnimum hassel

 

You can always pull flatbeds later in your career if you choose. for now, stick to dry vans and figure out how to drive, trip plan and find shippers/receivers. After a few months you can observe all areas of the industry and go in that direction. As far as a first company, you might want to stay away from swift. Try Schneider or us express.

 

Of those 2 I would suggest Werner, the reason I say that is: I used to be a trainer for them and they will get you a decent place to stay durring Orientation and work to find you another female trainer with you in mind. Yes their training takes a bit of time but you will learn what you need to know and training pay is not bad just make sure you get to drive as much as you can..

That being said - I would explore ALL of your options as stated in other post's before proceeding. You CAN make money, You just have to stick to your guns out there and keep your goals in mind for you and your family. That's who counts the most...