Questions about females in trucking

[Steph83]

My husband and I are really excited about getting in the trucking industry as team drivers.
I just wanted to know some of the dangers of women being in trucking. Any advice or suggestions?
I'm very excited about the change but I'm also a little scared about what we may run into.
Hopefully it's not as bad as I'm thinking because I do really want to get into this profession.
Any advice from anyone? Any tips for when we are out on the road together?

[repete]

My husband and I are really excited about getting in the trucking industry as team drivers.
I just wanted to know some of the dangers of women being in trucking. Any advice or suggestions?
I'm very excited about the change but I'm also a little scared about what we may run into.
Hopefully it's not as bad as I'm thinking because I do really want to get into this profession.
Any advice from anyone? Any tips for when we are out on the road together?

Stay together, don't park in the dark back row and walk by yourself, don't wear "suggestive" clothing, keep your head up and walk like your on a mission, don't flirt with anybody. All in all commen sense and it's really not as bad as some think (from a male point of veiw). BOL

[Musicman]

My wife teamed with me for nearly five years. When she first started riding with me occasionally as recreational passenger, she wouldn’t get out of the truck and go to the bathroom by herself even when I was parked right in front of the fuel island (this was at a TA in SC if I remember correctly, in 2004). After being on the road for a while, she’d walk from anywhere in the parking lot into just about any truck stop at any time of day or night without reservation. Most truck stops are still pretty safe. You have to use your head, though. I’m a pretty big guy, played defensive tackle and offensive guard and wrestled at the heavyweight division in the Chicago area from 4th grade through college and am a former Airborne soldier, and there’s a few places I won’t walk through at night without my guard up and preferably a weapon close at hand.

The old TA on Conley, GA was one of those (they closed it a few years ago). I used to call it the “OK Corral”. You could’ve told me you saw a six-legged, eight-eyed space alien running through the parking lot eating drivers for lunch and I would think it possible. I pulled in one night and everybody was on the CB tracking some nut running around half naked with a gun. Another time, a driver called over the radio to the guy next to me (employee of same company I was with) to tell him that some guy had just snuck up on his catwalk just after he backed in. We went out with “beaters” at the ready and found him lying in wait with a knife. He had planned on robbing the driver when he got out of his truck to go shower.

Places like the OK Corral are few and far between, however. Unless you’re totally brain-dead or oblivious, you’ll get a vibe when you pull into a place. The rule of thumb is the truck stops that are in or very near large urban areas are the ones that are more dangerous.

Good luck on your driving adventure. Like most things in life, it is what you make of it. Keep us posted on your travels.

[Steph83]

Thanks for the advice I really appreciate it. I may post more questions or concerns as I
Think of them. Lol. Thanks again

[Musicman]

I may post more questions or concerns as I think of them.

That is one of the primary reasons for this site. If you haven’t discovered it yet, there is a search feature that, clunky as it may be, allows you to search through the thousands of previous posts and most likely get the answer to whatever questions you may have. Most common questions have been asked and answered many, many times before. Still, never be shy about asking whatever is on your mind. Folks post everything from questions about the minutiae of the law to, believe it or not, questions about odd, seemingly incurable rashes on private parts … don’t worry, I don’t think it’s catching.

[briar rabbit]

Steph83 my wife runs with me and she is a verry attractive lady. Best advice I can give is turn your radio off when you go to truckstops or will husband will prob. be in jail or worse.People in this buisness can be extremely disrespectful so save yourself the headache and turn it off.Truckers have a bad name and its sad to say but the government hands out money to retired criminals and low income for free cdl school so always assume there are lots of unsavory ppl where you park.They should do more screening who they train and less of our log books.

[Musicman]

Steph83 my wife runs with me and she is a verry attractive lady. Best advice I can give is turn your radio off when you go to truckstops or will husband will prob. be in jail or worse.People in this buisness can be extremely disrespectful so save yourself the headache and turn it off.Truckers have a bad name and its sad to say but the government hands out money to retired criminals and low income for free cdl school so always assume there are lots of unsavory ppl where you park.They should do more screening who they train and less of our log books.

I have to take issue with your assessment that the industry is full of “retired criminals and [GASP] low income” individuals that are recruited en masse and offered free CDL schooling. If this is true, just where do all these serious criminals and, God forbid, low income folks go to put their free CDLs to use? None of the big carriers (which are pretty much the trainee’s only option) will hire trainees who are recent felons. Many of the big carriers have a “no felonies in the last ten or fifteen years policy”, and some even have a “no felonies ever” policy. Also, I’m curious about this correlation you’ve invented between folks who come from modest financial means and the likelihood that after they obtain a decent paying job they are likely to rape or rob other drivers.

I’ll agree about the trash that is prevalent on the CB. Mine broke two years ago and I never bothered replacing it until just recently when I bought my step-deck. I certainly never leave my radio on when I approach a truck stop, but none of that means I have ever felt threatened by another driver. Now the hookers and drug dealers that a very few drivers patronize are another story. Those criminals long with the homeless drug addicts and alcoholics that are drawn to the truck stops by the prospect of quick cash through panhandling or thievery are a completely different story.

You say truck drivers have a bad reputation, but that reputation isn’t for raping, robbing and pillaging. It’s because this new breed of non-driving trucker lacks any self-respect. They run over and damage private property (just look at the curbs and light poles in any Wal-Mart store or truck stop), leave bottles of urine on the ground wherever they go, throw trash on the ground and in general make a nuisance of themselves. That has little to do with whether or not they are likely to accost a woman walking through a parking lot. Frankly, I think most of them would be too lazy to get out of their truck and chase after a fleeing, fighting and screaming female… that would be way too much work and exercise. Now if they could hire a lumper to go chase the woman down, subdue her and bring her back to the truck… then maybe you’d have something to worry about.

[Roadhog]

Steph83, welcome to CAD

The majority of truckers are decent people, and a big part of the backbone of this country. They are like first responders of the road, and I can list dozens of times I've lent a hand, or had help given to me from fellow drivers. You have lots of brothers and sisters out there, who are the silent majority. It's good to be cautious, because trucking does expose us to the underbelly, not just at truck stops, but also at some of your drops. I've had to chase off more riff-raff around my truck at some of my picks and drops, than at any truck stop. We all have to watch our backs out there, but also look out for one another, and lend a hand once in awhile too.
You can tell allot by what they drive...

[MichiganDriver]

Victims have a body language. Bad-asses have a body language. People that keep to themselves but are armed to the hilt have a body language. Etc, etc, everybody's got a body language.

I lived more years than I care to admit on the wrong side of town. Look people in the eye. Never look down. Always look confident. Keep a friendly air about you, but only because you're doing the other guy a favor. More than anything look people in the eye, give them the slightest of nods and go about your business.

[ftracker]

All above points are good but always remember one thing don't get in hurry on roads, have pateince while driving.

[4roses]

I agree with most of the reply's ... MichiganDriver you said it ~ like it is ~ ! ....

One thing I would add to all these ... Do Not carry a big purse - your best bet would be to buy a smaller backpack that 'both' of your arms go through the loops. Or carry a wallet in your 'front' pocket of your jeans. I've driven solo and teams ... and for the most part - the drivers were always polite and kind when I get out of my truck and walk into a TS by myself. I always look Everyone in their eyes and use my manners ... this way they know I see them clearly and appreicate their kindness to a female on the road . Stay OFF the back row of any TS ...!! And keep your Doors LOCKED at All times ... Day and Night. ! But as for the radio .... there's no boundaries as for the language that your going to hear .......male or female talking ... (there's also female driver/lizards that make more money parked than traveling down the road .. so just prepare yourself for that kind of trash)...

It's a good living out there, and it can be quite enjoyable with the right person setting next to you. Being in a very close living area with your husband, there will be day's or moments that one of you will have to go take a long shower while the other one takes a long nap ... ( tempers can climb fast in a truck) .... and it Won't have anything to do with either one of you - - the shipper is delayed loading or unloading you ... truck breaks down out in the middle of 'no where' and you have to wait for dispatch to send someone to come help you, air conditioner stops working while your driving in the middle of the desert, or you drive into a snow blizzard and there's no place safe to pull the truck off the road ... So the tension Will climb while the two of you are on this journey of trucking togehter.. but remember why your both there. To make a Living and Enjoy life together.

If you have any queston on any subject ~ please feel free to ask it here. It doesn't matter how many times the question or questions are asked ... it's all about getting anwers and suggestions from other female drivers who love the life and respect the job. Good luck and enjoy ! .....

* if your laid over for a few days, ask your Dispatcher if you can grab a taxi and go do something fun away from the truck for a few hours .... Buy a good 5th wheel lock and check your tractor and trailer over good when returning.

[mgfg]

* if your laid over for a few days, ask your Dispatcher if you can grab a taxi and go do something fun away from the truck for a few hours .... Buy a good 5th wheel lock and check your tractor and trailer over good when returning.

Why would you feel the need to "ask" for permission? Unless they're paying you while you are "laid over" you're not a security guard! Go do what you want, go see what you want.

[4roses]

Because there are some companys that insist you stay with your truck if laid over away from home / no we're not security guards, but the company puts alot of Trust in their drivers .... Their trusting you with their equipment and cargo and expect it to be parked in a safe place.... one company I drove for insisted that their equipment be parked at certain locations if I/or company drivers were going to go site seeing for the day while laid over. I'm just sharing what I've experienced. To much money is wrapped up in the equipment and the cargo to leave it someplace a thief can easily take what they want.

[Sabine]

Because there are some companys that insist you stay with your truck if laid over away from home / no we're not security guards, but the company puts alot of Trust in their drivers .... Their trusting you with their equipment and cargo and expect it to be parked in a safe place.... one company I drove for insisted that their equipment be parked at certain locations if I/or company drivers were going to go site seeing for the day while laid over. I'm just sharing what I've experienced. To much money is wrapped up in the equipment and the cargo to leave it someplace a thief can easily take what they want.

That may be so, but in all honesty if someone wants to steal your truck they will. If it ever happens to me, while still in it, I am willing to show them how to drive it or whatever else, just let me leave alive....it's equipment, it has insurance. I am not replaceable, the truck and the freight is.

[4roses]

I agree with you Sabine .... hand them the keys and get out of the truck. Your life is worth more !!

But still yet we are suppose to be responsible employees, use common sense on where it's parked. That's all I was saying.

[Instigator]

Hmmmmm I have to chime in on this one. My wife came with me many years ago and we caught a lot of flack at the truck stops because she is a very attractive woman with a great figure. Turning off the radio is probably the best thing you can do, or tint your windows so they cant see as much. I hear women take a verbal lashing on the road and in truck stops, its the nature of our business, some drivers are very insecure about themselves and feel the need to bash women truckers. If I hear this going on in a truck stop, I am old school and will usually chime in and tell them to back off. I like the fact that more and more women are getting in to the industry. There are many good drivers out there that will make you feel right at home, me being one of them! I agree with one of the posters that some of these newer driver have a taotally different attitude than most of us old time drivers do, they dont get the rules of the road and show common courtesy like we do, that being said, my best advise is to trust your in stinks out there. If you dont feel good about where you are parking at night then simply find a better place. We all worry about parking at night, even some of us that are 6'3" and 300 lbs! You will learn as you go and certainly get more comfortable as time goes on. best of luck to you and your husband, and welcome to our industry! Drive safely!

[mitchno1]

dont think youve ever been in a truck instigator

[Musicman]

I agree with you Sabine .... hand them the keys and get out of the truck. Your life is worth more !!

Having had my own truck stolen, I have decided since that they will have to kill me to get my truck if I’m in it when they break in. You ever show up to get in your truck and find nearly everything you own gone, you will know what I’m talking about. That was the third worst thing that has ever happened to me and I’d never sit idly by and watch it happen again. Now a COMPANY truck would be a different story. The thieves would be welcome to it.

[SamIam_Murphy]

My husband and I are really excited about getting in the trucking industry as team drivers.
I just wanted to know some of the dangers of women being in trucking. Any advice or suggestions?
I'm very excited about the change but I'm also a little scared about what we may run into.
Hopefully it's not as bad as I'm thinking because I do really want to get into this profession.
Any advice from anyone? Any tips for when we are out on the road together?

I was a trucker for 6 months (in a regular tractor-trailer job) and never had any problems in truck stops or anyplace else.
Like they say, walk with your head up and look like you know where you are going, that says a lot. I read a lot of the
female truckers topics of conversation here at C.A.D. too looking for advice.
Any time I was walking at night through a truck stop I put on my carhart jacket and wore it with the hood up any time
I was walking around. Do not wear "suggestive" clothing and try to look like you know your business.

I found that the majority of truckers I met (male and female) were polite and helpful, but there are some jerks out there.

I still drive a bit and have never, in over 6 years, encountered any problems in truck stops or rest areas.
Like they say look like you know where you are going, look like you know what you are doing --that seems
to help a lot. Most of the male truckers I have talked to seem to figure that if you are out there driving
you must know what you are about --elsewise how would you manage to get a license. In other words I
have heard them comment "good for her" and "looks like she knows what is going on". They made me
feel like I had a right to be there, maybe because I tried to "act" the part.

I think it is a good idea, when pulling in to a truck stop for the night, to turn on the cb radio and see what
the chatter is about. Find out if anything weird is going on in the area if you can, just so you know maybe
what to expect.

[Sharlie]

I went for a few days once with my husband. Take an ass pill. My butt hurt after only a few miles. Don't normally sit so long. We had no problems but my husbands a big guy few people would risk crossing him (he looks scarier than he really is).