Starting to research companies, could use a little help

I'm sure you'll get a lot of answers however there are plenty of threads on that subject as it seems someone asks the same question most every day. Good Luck.

 

I've had at least one recruiter say he'd love more female drivers, mostly to try to get more female trainers, lol.

Also, different companies have different training policies for females. Some will do their best to get you a female trainer, some will just stick you with a male, but put you up in a hotel for the night. Either way, it's only a few weeks of training that it should matter for. As long as you're not with some gross idiot, you'll be fine I'm sure.

 

I (male) started with Watkins Shepard partly because you DON'T go teaming with a "trainer". Only thing is that you'll have to make arrangements to get your CDL first. They used to do a 30 day class but last that I heard they don't. With your freshly minted CDL you will go through their 10-day class and you'll have the skills and confidence to drive on your own. Or, they'll fail you, lol. Best of luck to you on your new career!

 

Where do u live? Like what state and as far as companies go send me a pm and we can talk about what to ask and what to look for. I also have a good form if u want to ask ?'s to a recruiter

 

Females coming into this trade should not be anymore apprehensive about taking a trucking job as they would be any other job in an office with mostly male co-workers. Yes it has been a male dominated trade since forever, but it is changing quickly (like everything else). The training process will be the most difficult, assuming you have certain aptitudes and skills to get to a point where you are fairly proficient at shifting and backing early on.

 

Sharpp,

Do women have to unload the trucks like the males do? I was thinking Watkins Shep, but read that some loads are unloaded by the driver (especially furniture, been there done that in my personal life and don't want to anymore). I, personally would prefer a company that didn't request this.

 

Central Refrigerated would be a good start.

Remember, the larger the company, the more complaints you will hear, simply because there are more people there. Percentage wise, it will average out to about the same number of complainers in each company.

Reputable companies have lumper services that unload trucks.

 

Trucking is more geared toward men, you might want to stay in the kitchen where your more comfortable.

I'm pulling your chain, I would suggest Prime, Central Refrigerated, whatever company you choose as a starter, remember its just to get experience to find a higher paying, better driving job.

 

Yes, some furniture loads have to be tailgated. It's not too bad though. It's way easier than helping a friend move, lol. As I recall, I had to hop in the back two or three trips a month. There was one nice girl there who weighed no more than 110 lbs. I'm sure those macho dock guys were tripping all over each other to help her out.

In my current reefer gig, I never touch freight. Good luck on your research!