Women driving alone

[Windwalker]

I got to see that "apple-juice" thing once. A lady was walking between trucks, and got douced with it from one of the vents of a BULL-WAGON. But, she wasn't a lot-lizard. She was a driver, and I really felt sorry for her. I don't think there was any part of her that got missed. She was coming back from getting a shower, and turned right back around to get another one.

So, if you're walking through the truck lot, steer clear of the BULL-WAGONS. They can be deadly, and they have far more apple-juice than you can fit in a baggy.

[Mars]

I got to see that "apple-juice" thing once. A lady was walking between trucks, and got douced with it from one of the vents of a BULL-WAGON. But, she wasn't a lot-lizard. She was a driver, and I really felt sorry for her. I don't think there was any part of her that got missed. She was coming back from getting a shower, and turned right back around to get another one.

So, if you're walking through the truck lot, steer clear of the BULL-WAGONS. They can be deadly, and they have far more apple-juice than you can fit in a baggy.

Can you elaborate on this? What is a bull wagon, and how does this apple juice thing work.

[Shawnee]

i have always driven alone the most important thing i've found is to not bring attention to yourself, don't tell people where you are going and don't tell them that you are alone, I stay away from most rest areas at night unless i have no where else to park, i have been cornered by other drivers in these rest areas, always be aware of what's around you when walking in truckstops at night, dress respectfully, if you want respect from other drivers you don't want to be thought of as just a floozy, i agree with sizzle that it is always inportant to have something in your truck for when you have to pee and are parked somewhere and there are no washrooms, i always carry a dummy wallet with a few dollar bills in it in case i get robbed

[Granpa's Little Girl]

I am so sick of pushing papers in catty corp America.
Can someone tell me the truth about Truck Driving for women. My Grandpa Retired well on his trucking salary and died a happy man who loved every day of his job. Is that also the case for women as well? Is the schooling very costly? And how long does it take?

[mapleleaf_1]

8) Hi Granpa's Little Girl. I've driven solo for over 5 years now. I love it very much. I just need to worry about myself, no one else. Working for a company you like makes up a big part of how things work out for you. I stay at truck stops or rest areas, just depends on whether I want to put up with the noise of a truck stop and the availability of a spot at one. I would definitely recommend you take a course through a reputable driving school to start with. Usually after you complete the course they will help you with finding a job. Give you some pointers as to what you should look for in a company and what you should stay away from. All you can do is to try it. Hopefully you'll enjoy it and will want to stick with it. Don't know unless you try. I wish you all the best if you do decide to give it a whirl. Everyone drive safe out there.

[Shawnee]

Hi granpa's little girl, i agree with mapleleaf_1 that all you can do is try it and see if you like. I grew up in this industry and have been driving trucks in some form or another since the age of 18, just remember that trucking is not for everyone and it's not all fun and games like some people think(bad weather, delays, accidents, breakdowns, always being alone, time away from home etc.). I never did go to a driving school so i'm not sure what to expect as far as cost but i would recomend any one thinking of trucking to go to a reputable one. I'm happy with my job for the most part, just some things to consider

[Krzysztof]

PS - if you flatbed at all, a winch bar that's kept handy is even better than a tire thumper, and is longer to boot! :wink:

You and your tire thumpers

[KatiD]

Okay, so I do not have the experience that most of these other ladies have, but I have driven solo, and let me tell ya I LOVE IT!

I do have a dog, he goes with me once in a while, but you know, part of what I like about driving is that I am not responsible for feeding, cleaning, pottying, or keeping alive, anyone but me.

Maybe I am selfish, but I like being alone, even though I am happily married with kids. (Besides the husband and I don't take our time alone together for granted anymore.)

[dieselgrl]

You and your tire thumpers

Hey now, in orientation we got a bit of a lecture in safety with winch bars - including when they can be used FOR your own safety... besides... it's chrome and pretty and shiny....

... oh, sorry, temporary thread hijack.... 8)

[Mars]

Maybe I am selfish, but I like being alone

You find that is a common trait amungst trucker, we love our solitude and the freedom of completing a task without supervision.

(Besides the husband and I don't take our time alone together for granted anymore.)

Trucking can either strenghen a marriage/relationship or destroy it altogether.

[Mars]

You and your tire thumpers

Hey now, in orientation we got a bit of a lecture in safety with winch bars - including when they can be used FOR your own safety... besides... it's chrome and pretty and shiny....

We were told in school, unless it says tire buddy, it can and will be considered a weapon by law enforcement, and that can end up in trouble.

[dieselgrl]

You and your tire thumpers

Hey now, in orientation we got a bit of a lecture in safety with winch bars - including when they can be used FOR your own safety... besides... it's chrome and pretty and shiny....

We were told in school, unless it says tire buddy, it can and will be considered a weapon by law enforcement, and that can end up in trouble.

Not entirely true. It's generally a good rule of thumb, but lets be realistic - no one is going to question a flatbed driver's right to have a winch bar. They are used to secure chains and binders as well as to tighten straps around a winch. It's also three feet long which I find to be nicer than having to get within 6" of my attacker to defend myself. (*Disclaimer, I've never had to defend myself at this point in my career)



As with all regulations, there is leeway to either side of them. They tell you that so that you don't try to take a sledgehammer with 4" spikes on one end with you as a tire thumper. :wink:

[SamIam_Murphy]

I haven't been driving for very long, but I feel fairly safe out there alone.
Most truckers are friendly and helpful. As one of the other lady drivers
had posted someplace: make sure you walk like you 'own the place',
especially in truck stops. Look and act like you belong where you are -
appearances can make a difference.

As for my pry bar, I suppose it can be considered a weapon, but I am
expected to remove nails from the trailer bed, what else am I going to
use? Of course, I do keep it next to the driver seat, well within easy
reach.
And I often carry the hammer when I do a 'vehicle check', especially
after dark, thump the tires.....

[JungleJane]

A while back there was a post asking how women could be brought out of their trucks and actually use the truck stops etc. I think if you are fearful all the time you exude that to all around you. I've only been driving for 4 months, and have stayed in a few rougher truck stops and rest areas. I don't get scared, and maybe I'm a fool for that, but I don't believe that truck stops are any more dangerous than the wal-mart lots. Lets face it we all go to Wal-mart and see some unsavory types hanging about, do you decide not to go to Wal-mart when you see these folks? Generally I think we just get on with what we went there for right?

I was in the T/A in Troutdale, OR this week and I'm often down that way. I was sitting in my truck in the dark just chatting on my cell, now I don't think Troutdale is a bad place, maybe it is and I just don't know it..lol Anyhow...as I was sitting there, this man walked by my truck numerous times, the entire time just about tripping over himself staring at me in a most creepy way. Then another guy walked by several times...both of these guys staring at me. Neither looked friendly about the deal, and I thought to myself...this is a good time to lock my door...or at least make sure I've locked my door. At the same time, I didn't acknowledge these guys, and invite trouble to my steps. I think had I smiled at these guys and made myself look either lonely or interested, I might have had trouble. And I have had guys actually come over and bang on my truck door after standing in front of it for a while. I don't make them welcome..period.

I am sure as hell not going to become a prisoner in my truck either, and I don't think any woman should. We have as much right as anyone else to be there. We, male or female are always at risk for danger no matter where we are, be that Wal-mart, a park, a business or even at home. Be smart, stay alert, make note of things if you must. Call a friend on your cell, describe a person who seems to be taking far too much interest in you, tell them where you are. (when telling your friend of the situation try also to see what truck that person came from if you can) You can always call the truck stop itself from your cell phone and complain about someone bothering you. You have to take your safety into your own hands. But by all means if you feel unsafe don't go prancing around the lot. Do what you must do, IE go potty..but maybe don't take that opportunity to check your tires...lol.

I've found that most people in the truck stop are great, just like you they are there doing their job and looking out for others, so if you feel you are in a situation, you could always ask your neighbor to look out for you.

It bothers me the paranoia that this conversation brings up in people, I don't see how you can enjoy your job worrying constantly about the small chance that something is going to happen to you in a truck stop, I think we have enough to worry about just staying safe on the roads, mind constantly thinking we are going to get raped or robbed. Don't carry a ton of money, don't flash it around, don't wear sleazy clothes (although rapists don't care what you are wearing) the sleazy clothes will just invite the jerks of the world. These are just common sense things.

Ok I've babbled on long enough...lol

[Shawnee]

I agree with you JungleJane, I've been driving for years, its just comes down to common sense, although I have seen many women drivers bring it on themselves

A few weeks back I stopped to get fuel at a pilot in Georgia, and this woman was parked in the lot and she was saying on the radio " Everyone come over to my truck and watch TV with me, who wants to come and watch TV with me" and of course these guys were like "Ok where are you"
There were a few guys who thought she was serious, and when they came over to her truck she of course wouldn't let them in, and some of the guys got pretty ticked off at her. it's obvious that she just wanted attention and get a reaction out of these guys

when women go out to look for attention you will get attention and it's not going to be good attention.

[JungleJane]

LOL Shawnee, now that's just plain stupid of her...lol I mean lets face it..we are all a bit lonely on the road and would love to have someone come sit with us for a bit, but to send out a general invite...lol that's just ridiculous!

That's just the kinda thing that puts all of us women in danger, having people act like that..geez! And I'm sorry I'll never do that again..haha..Joking..haven't driven to Georgia yet..lol

[gsherm]

God Bless all of you, You have as much right to be doing this career as any guy and I just wanted to let all of you know that!!!

[Hwyfly]

My cousin who is a female has been driving over the road for the past 17 years , and loves it.

Best of Luck!

[highway_gypsy_4ever]

I have driven solo and team and I have to say I prefer solo even thou it can get lonely at times, a pet can help with that , but you must concider the timev not driving taking care of it on the road, safety is common sence , lock doors, be aware of your surroundings , I love this life the travel meeting different people, good luck out here maybe one day our paths will cross

[retarder]

... get a port-a-potty to avoid using rest area restrooms, to save time stopping and parking through the day and having to ''beat your bladder'' to get inside to a restroom in the morning.


wow i always wonder if they had those for the truck id feel better using one of those than a public tolier...where u dump the mess after ward and keep it clean

where does one dispose this potty waste legally? thx.