Heading back out, still have my fear....

I don't. I respect it, but I don't fear it.

 

Originally Posted by Infosaur Just keep the tractor in front of the trailer and you should be fine.

You shouldn't, IMO.

Once that trailer starts to come around it is not so easy staying 'in front' of it.
More likely, you will be following it to whatever destination it is headed for.

That is why we see so many jack-knifed trucks in the ditches in bad weather.

 

Not really directed to the OP but I came to the conclusion that if you can't learn how to control your fears, respect the truck as it should be, you are dangerous to all on the road. I've seen people freeze backing up a truck, I've seen people who are focused on the wrong stuff and then you have those who are not able to drive safe no matter what training they do.

Mountain driving is easy, it takes focus.

Winter driving is very easy, you just have to learn how to deal with traffic and what to look for with idiots (4X4s are great to get going but they can only stop like everything else on slush and ice).

My advice is this take a Smith course and if you are in the Michigan area any time in the future, take some skid pad training at Eaton's test track (its cheap and fun ... just go to the Michigan truck safety website to see about it) and learn how to relax.

As for being a female in a male dominated industry, I know a few petite women who would tell you to get over it. One of the best drivers I know is a woman and she is tough, not putting up with crap from her dispatcher.

 

Yeah, I was just being pithy.

The first time had less to do with avoiding tolls, just a rookie mistake. I thought there was a more direct route from Huntington WV, to Bluefield, WV. (on paper! lol) The 2nd time I just didn't have a choice, I had a delivery to some small town in WV (looks on Google because I can't remember the name,,,) Elkins, WV maybe? And the next load I had was in northern VA, so I tried to work my way due East. IIRC as bad as it was it was easier than whatever way I came in. And I know I passed Seneca Rocks, because it's on my bucket list to get back there (with my roadster) and spend a nice quiet weekend in one of those fishing cabins in the area.

 

Try to get on with a regional or local company. I've had my CDL 17 years now and have never been west of Iowa in a truck. Look into getting hired on at local grain elevators that run trucks, home everyday, they do run all winter. That's where I got my second driving job. Try looking into temp to permanent jobs. I got a teamsters job with a local haz mat hauling company (primarily tankers) from a local temp agency, again, home everyday after only having @ 2 months experience with a flatbed company & @4 months hauling grain. Don't limit your options by thinking all you can do is apply at the big starter companies.