Essential Information for New Drivers

I'm concerned about safety. Is it so terribly dangerous for a woman these days?

 

Do you have kids to worry about?

 

Nope

 

Watch this woman's videos.

https://www.youtube.com/user/TruckerDesiree

It can be dangerous, but thousands of women drive and they started somewhere. The odds are probably against you making it even a year OTR, without quitting. The odds are also against men as well, it is not a racial issue. If you can go through the training and make it your first year OTR, you will have accomplished something for sure. The people you know will not understand the sacrifices you made and how tough you had to be.

 

What part of the country are You in? Please list on profile. Some people will have some specific advice for you regarding potential carriers and training. It will help if they know the general area you live in. A guy named China here is a great resource.

 

I watched all of her videos. They are several years old and I wonder how relevant they are today.
Also, do I HAVE to ride with someone else (a stranger) for a whole year for my first year? I see Schneider is hiring cdl carriers out of the gate... How does that work?

 

Thank you! I will do that right now.
I'm in Northeast FL

 

You did not see all the videos. Click on more at the bottom on the Youtube. There are hours of videos by Desiree. She is a very strong, smart, and articulate woman. You will not be with a trainer for a year. Do you want to run solo or team? When I started, I went to Schneider's Training School in Jan '03. I did about 2 weeks there in Green Bay, WI, and about 10 days in Indianapolis. Then I went with a trainer for about 5 or 6 weeks. I drove for less than a year and a half, and I am going back to it, in a week or two. People on this forum are very helpful, and it will be a great resource for you. I have been out of the industry for over 11 years, so you will find more recent info from them.

 

Here is Allie Knight:

Let me warn you, though, that Allie makes things appear easier than they are.

 

I'm sure I'd rather drive solo