Women Drivers

On a serious note--I understand why you mention a woman or gay man co-driver--BUT I would caution you on closing doors--and suggest you just look into any possible co-driver very deeply--and spend some time (if possible) getting to know each other--
Since you are going to be starting out--IMHO--the most important thing in a co-driver(trainer etc.)is a very solid--well rounded SAFE COMPLIANT DRIVER--and of course it goes without saying this must be someone who can be TRUSTED and is patient and understanding of others needs--
Good luck in whatever you choose to do!

 

None of us lady drivers look anything like what one would 'expect' a truck driver to look like!

 

I might... I have a missing tooth up front - LOL - had to have it pulled 2 days before leaving for school/training

 

SK, ok I jumped a bit hard on you. But you do need to grow up a bit. You step in on a legitimate thread by a lady by saying you know what she means (you don't) and start talking about how "pretty" you are? Not into yourself? Come on.

Straight up, no bull..... there's not a #### thing wrong about keeping yourself clean and presentable. Far from it, it used to be the norm and actually is still pretty prevalent. But this is a working trade; sometimes you're gonna get sweaty and grimy.... that's a fact. You're not always gonna be able to hit the shower when you want.... that's a fact. You're not gonna be able to carry 43 changes of clothes with you.... that's a fact. No, you don't have to be a pig but you ain't gonna be a fashion plate either. Look at UPS and a good many other companys that issue and require uniforms. They're neat and all but they are working clothes.

So get you a couple three pairs of working clothes (Walmart has em) and go with that. Once you get into your "own" truck you'll adjust styles and such to your own liking..... and guess what, nobody will care even a little bit. But lose the "sue for sexual harassment" thing right now. This ain't no office job.

Low self esteem? Well think on this; if you make it through you will be entrusted with several hundred thousand dollars worth of other people's money and goods. You will be entrusted with delivering a valuable service on time and safely. Not everybody can handle that. So a couple years down the road you can look back and say "yeah, I did it"..... and when you hit a million miles or two you can #### well take alot of pride in that.

Trucking is a huge and diverse trade and we have just about every "type" of personality you can think of. But it's up to you to "fit in" to the niche you settle on.

 

Hear Hear - Kittyfoot!! Good post!!

 

*sits and tries to decide what to say after reading all of this*


First off, I don't think either lilbit68 or supremekizzle meant to be offensive when they spoke about their looks in comparison to the "average truck driver". I believe it's a simple matter that they've bought into the image protrayed by the media and some drivers. Let's be honest folks; there are some grungy looking drivers out there.

Secondly, lilbit68 and supremekizzle we in the industry get a lot of garbage from people who don't know better. The trucking industry is a wide ranging group from the type of drivers y'all mention to the highly educated and polished types. If y'all are seriously considering the industry please open your minds to the idea that we're not all toothpick chewing, backwoods boys with our underwear hanging out and we haven't showered in three weeks. Also, keep in mind that a great many drivers have a keen sense of satire and sarcastic wit. They use it like switchblades on the wealth of people who come and insult us. *coughs a bit* I myself have been known to rip into one or two. *smiles a little sweet ol' lady angelic smile*

Thirdly: I welcome both of you to the joy of trucking but I also welcome you to the entire world of it. It's an industry of continuous contradictions and you'll be better off if you spend time reading the variety of threads on this forum which will give you great insight into the reality of the industry and it's people.

Fourthly: Yes there are idiots who sexually harrass women. Even I, at my age and vast overweight get hit on by fools who somehow get the idea that I would disregard my beloved husband whom I team with and jump into their truck for some slap and tickle. A gentle word of rebuff such as "I'll beat you to a bloody pulp with my tire thumper, rip your mrhappy off and feed it to the dogs" will usually take care of the situation. As to sexual harrassment by those in authority over you, that happens in all industries and you protect yourself just as you would if you worked for Bill Clinton. Never shut the door, tape conversations, document document DOCUMENT and don't wear a blue dress.

Lastly: Don't go into the industry just because you think you'll make a lot of money. Please don't do that. You'll always be disappointed and frankly you'll be crushed by the lifestyle.

The previous words were just my lil ol' opinion.


T-N


P.S. Lilbit---as always you're one of the classiest chicks I know. Most people would have pitched a yahoo fit that someone chose a similar forum name.....you see it as a good thing. I adore you and plan to steal you from Nik. I'll put you on my dashboard and you can sit there bobbing your head like a hula girl.

 

As long as I don't have to wear the grass skirt and coconut bra!

 

Well dang, Kittyfoot made his post while I was writing mine. His is so much better. *kicks dirt and stomps off sulking*


Lilbit......but that coconut bra was going to get us through the scale houses!

 

Oh, I got it! OK then!