Women Drivers

Those guys messing with u are flirting.At the time I started driving trk I was single and drove OTR solo for 9 yrs.Loved it back then.Your first couple of months are very stressful only because you're new.How do woman deal with what being solo and most the drivers are male or trk driving in general?It never has bothered me being one of the few females u see on the road compared to all the guys.They don't look at u with amazement and think shouldn't you be home baking something.Women are considered equal in this profession.

 

Check Allie Knight on YouTube , I just watched some of her videos last night.
i think she is a single woman driver. Interesting videos
i think she has only been driving solo around 6 months

 

Yes,and how I handle it depends on what they say and how they say it.One flatbedder I told him to go to hell im not no lot lizard,which is the same as a truck stop prostitute.Others ive told to get the blank out of my face and some i'll give them respect with my answer.For the most part guys out there are friendly and just want someone to talk with.No harm in that.Ive went to dinner with some drivers.But unless you want more just be yourself and don't flirt because you're inviting them.I also suggest not talking on the cb too much unless its trucking related.Guys hear a females voice and they're all over you.There are female trainers once you get done with school.But that also could mean a long wait before u get assigned a trainer.

 

I long hauled solo for a year and a half, and met all kinds of characters along the way... I carried a can of bear mace and a can of starter fluid in my truck, and I'd pop one in my purse if I was in a sketchy area. Also, park in areas that have decent lighting. There will always be guys that give us a hard time, but there are some pretty decent ones out there that will help, if need be. That being said, you would benefit for having a decent amount of backbone, and dish it out as good as you can take it. Don't let what guys say get to you, it takes a lot of "balls" to do what we do
Feel free to PM me if you have any questions or need advice. Good luck out there!!

 

Girl...19yrs in and out of Truck Stops. It can be scary, that's kinda why I went onto doing city work. The industry has changed since I first started driving in 95. Our society and the drivers out there now is a new game. I went back OTR for just a month couple yrs back and was kinda freaked out. I sat by a scales one night when there weren't any parking spots, just doing my logs and watching everyone fuel. There is certainly a new breed of drivers out there.

Honestly, I bought a port-a-potty, and never got out of my truck at night, walking across a lot. Best advice is just keep your guard up, especially in the lots. Simply because of the work I did, I always had a legal buck-knife on my hip. It also depends on the State you are in...I've had to hit Jersey City Truck Stop plenty of times when I first started driving. Now that's a scary place. Not trying to freak you out! For the most part you are safe, and you'll come across a ton of truck stops that you will be amazed at how nice they are.

My brother-in-law has been a driver for 44yrs. One night he stopped in a Rest Area, was checking his tanker, had a guy come up behind him and hit him in the head with something, and stole what he had on him. Just be diligent wherever you are. Even in yards where you are loading and unloading. I cannot count how many docks I've stepped onto over the yrs, especially being a City/Intrastate Driver, but I've faced some pretty bad/harda** Dock Managers that gave me a tough time. I just always stayed cool, did what they asked, and got outta there a quick as I could!!

I've posted my email, if you need any other advice...

 

I've been driving for about 10 years and frankly, I've never had a problem. I make sure I park at a busy place, truckstop or rest area. There's always someone coming or going there so I feel pretty safe. I don't spend a lot of time on the CB, usually just one on one conversations. Mind you, these days, no one talks on the radio anymore. I just drive my truck and let others drive theirs. And I soak up any information someone is willing to share with me. I learn something new everyday.

 

If you have looks even comparable to what "looks good" you will always be approached at Truck Stops. That's most of my reason's for becoming a city driver. Just be vigilant wherever you go! Don't look or act scared no matter what your circumstances are, and you won't attract attention. I wear a wedding band even though I've been single for yrs, and don't make appearances as if I'm looking to be picked up. Something else to keep in mind: always have your license on you. I've been stopped several times by Security checking for "lot lizards" and some places won't cut you any slack.

There are still good people out there, and I'm going back on the road very soon...I just find it best to keep to myself. Even though I'm a strong built woman, and know how to defend myself, I still won't get out of my truck and walk across an open lot at night. Just sayin'