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Originally Posted by saratoga
I'm doing some shopping and need to know what is practical or what yous think I should have that maybe nobody told you to bring. I also need boots or work shoes, any clue on what's best? Please be specific. Other than that I'm getting those jitter feelings of excitement and can't wait to start a new career! Oh! I am nervous about one thing. During school I was the only girl, and I was always catching grief for not being able to open the hoods of the volvo and freightliner. Anyone out there with same problem, help! Also any ideas on the pros and cons of male/female trainers? The recruiter is pushing me towards a man due to shortages of women but wouldn't women have a different take of living on the road? Thanks for all your help, I'm so glad I stumbled across this site. Saratoga
Congrats on getting through school and heading towards the road!
I had a little trouble too with the hoods of some of the thousand year old trucks that were used at my school but I can tell you two things that helped once I was on the road: One, the trucks won't be old yard trucks and will be in much better condition and Two, if when you flip the ''strap'' on each side of the hood, you push the hood UP from each side, it will pop up much easier from the front. I have never much used the ''step up'' on the front of the truck (because I am super clumsy and do better when I keep both feet on the ground as often as possible).
As for work boots, I won't suggest a particular brand but I will say getting something that hits right at or just above your ankle will be most comfortable to drive in as anything higher can dig into your calves after a while. Also, pay attention to the thickness of the sole because you want something with traction but not something so stacked that it makes walking or climbing into the truck a pain. Meaning, if the sole is too thick it can be a trick to judge how high to lift your leg without the sole ''catching'' on the steps. And lastly, too high of a step will make you feel like a high-stepping horse when walking because with socks and a thick sole, it's hard to ''feel'' the ground.
As for male/female trainers, they are all, presumably, professionals and gender shouldn't be an issue. You just want to learn, they just want to train. This isn't always the case as there are definately some trainers, of both genders, who aren't concerned with teaching and if you find yourself with one of those, of either sex, speak up to safety and get another trainer.
But for the most part, trainers just want to get you through your hours behind the wheel and upgraded to solo. Unless you, personally, don't feel like you would be at ease with a man, I would say take whatever is available first, male or female, and get through training. But if you, for whatever reason, feel like you would progress better with a female trainer, don't let recruiting or anyone else talk you into going with a male. It's your training and only you can know what is best for you.
As for packing, PACK LIGHT! Or as light as possible. Those trucks can be really, really tight if you bring every single thing ''suggested''. Make sure you have a coat (and gloves, both to wear for warmth and to fuel) and also, if possible, a light rain coat to keep from getting soaked. Bring enough clothes for a week to ten days (you can do your laundry while in training; I don't know why companies tell trainees to pack enough clothes for 3-4 weeks), bring bedding that is comfortable for you ( a sleeping bag or twin size sheet set and blanket with pillow) and maybe a few books to read or puzzle books to pass the time when you're waiting on a load or winding down at night. Leave tv's, coolers, laptops, cb's and all the ''play pretties'' until you have upgraded into your own truck. I know that sounds like common sense but you would be amazed at what some people show up with for training. Hopefully your trainer will already have a cooler and that can save you some serious $$ on the road, just on cold drinks alone.
Best of luck to you and let us know how it goes.
I hope I get to meet up with you all out there someday! Happy Labor Day cause I'm sure you don't get the day off. :wink: 
