New Woman Driver Needs Job Help

[Trese]

Bahahaha @ Steel Horse...those buffets can be brutal. Made it through orientation, passed DOT Physical and all their requirements and I am now with my trainer. The first day he fell asleep in the passenger seat. Said he was that comfortable with my driving because I drive like a seasoned driver...now that's a compliment....and yes I have bragging rights...lol. I am loving it so far, I knew I would. I do have some fear, but I think fear is good, it keeps you sharp. We are at this moment in Nebraska, out in the morning to Columbia, SC.

My trainer has also asked me if I wanted to team drive with him. I am thinking about it...he's a pro and I would get some excellent teaching. We get along really well and his wife is all for it, actually it was her idea.

[len]

Wanted to attend the local community college, but no one bothered to tell me that their trucking course wasn't covered by student loan/federal grant. I need to get my learner's permit for now. Not sure just what to do. Any ideas would be most helpful. Thanks, Len

[Chunker]

My trainer has also asked me if I wanted to team drive with him. I am thinking about it...he's a pro and I would get some excellent teaching.

Congrats on the job. You may want to get a couple weeks in with him in the front seat before team driving, some companies allow this before a trainee has passed a company road test. And ask him to try to stay awake. Lots of situations pop up instantly, especially in the winter months.

[dieselgrl]

Wanted to attend the local community college, but no one bothered to tell me that their trucking course wasn't covered by student loan/federal grant. I need to get my learner's permit for now. Not sure just what to do. Any ideas would be most helpful. Thanks, Len

Len, most community college programs do get covered by work retraining through the unemployment office if you qualify for those benefits even if a Pell Grant or other traditional financial aid will not. It's worth checking into. I myself went through a company school (Swift's back in 2004) because I didn't have any other options, but I wouldn't reccomend that unless it's your last option and you're really serious about making a 1 year minimum commitment to the road.

[forbestransport]

call crst in cedar rapibs ia

[strawberryrhubarbpie]

My trainer has also asked me if I wanted to team drive with him. I am thinking about it...he's a pro and I would get some excellent teaching. We get along really well and his wife is all for it, actually it was her idea.

I am just curious (thinking about going into the business) when you drive team with someone you are not married to, do you both sleep in the truck together (bunk beds) or do you stop to get rooms every night? I would think that getting a room would be cost prohibitive, but sleeping in the same tiny box with someone I don't know would be uncomfortable.

[RottsATruckin]

. I went to nursing school instead and worked as a nurse nearly 20 years, but I'm burned out on all the politics and the greed of it all. I just want a chance to finally get my career started.

I'll trade careers with you Trese, oh wait, I'm already doing that...(currently in Nursing school) congrats on finding a job.

[4roses]

strawberryrhubarbpie .... welcome to CAD. Read alot of the post and you'll get a world of information - take what works for you and throw the rest to the curb .... As for the question about sleeping ..... when your with a Trainer or Teaming ... there will be 2 bunk beds .... one person sleeps while the other person drives ... the truck doesn't stop unless loading/unloading, fueling, eating. Most big companys are careful on 'who' they permit to be a Trainer .. and they do their best not to put female and male in the same truck. I've teamed with males before and there wasn't any trouble ... before getting on a Trainers truck ... take time to have lunch and talk about the Rules of the truck .... what they expect out of You and What you expect out of them ! .... Be Professional, Stay Professional at all time .... when your in the truck your on the job ... if anyone gets uneasy with something said or done ... address it at that moment .. and put a stop to it. If you feel harrassed - call your dispatcher and share your concerns. I've seen some females get off a truck with their 1st trainer and go to another truck to finish their training .... For reasons that the trainer wouldn't let them get enough practice in all areas of the job and etc.. But luckly I've not heard of any females I know have problems with their male trainers ... Their Professional and value their job too ...

[strawberryrhubarbpie]

Thanks for the info 4roses... I figured that once I get to that point I would ask those questions, but was just curious when I saw Trese's post. Right now I have just been talking with companies and researching schools, so I have a while before I get to the point of driving with a trainer. So you'll see me around

[Steel Horse Cowboy]

While with your trainer, they will not sleep while you drive. If they do, or the company allows this, you should not work for said comapny because this is the most unsafe thing you could do!!!! You both will sleep at the same time in the truck. I do know for a fact tho, Schneider will have a hotel each night if you are placed with a male trainer (which rarely happens there) but I have known a few places to not do this.

[4roses]

Steel Horse Cowboy ... your so right ... while she is in training the Trainer better not be in the sleeper while she drives .... accidents happen in the blink of an eye on the hwy. ...

[Steel Horse Cowboy]

Steel Horse Cowboy ... your so right ... while she is in training the Trainer better not be in the sleeper while she drives .... accidents happen in the blink of an eye on the hwy. ...

Back in the early 90's, I know Schneider would take 2 fresh drivers out of their school and team them together. I have not heard of this being done in MANY MANY years, but back then I guess it was ok???? I didn't start driving till 2003, but I had to go thru a training session ( I had no OTR experience, tho I had been driving grain wagons since 14) with people whom had never driven a truck (or even a stick-shift) and I just about pulled my hair out I was so frustrated with the newbies.... I give anyone who trains credit, they deff have more patience than i do.

[syl77dar]

whatever you do do not go to CRST they have an horrible record for women being raped while working for them! have you tried Swift? I don't think they will take you, but if they do let me know and let me know if you would like to team? syl77dar@yahoo.com I can't give you a telephone number due to fact I am getting a new number very soon like in next few days!