[tinyhiny]

I would add that she make sure to always be aware of her surroundings before getting out of the truck by herself for pottie breaks and such. And not just right around the truck either - scope the whole path out as much as possible before leaving the truck. Get a good feel for the situation and surroundings and trust your gut. If you get even the slightest bad vibe take hubby with you. Wake him up if you have to. There are portable toilets available at Wal-Mart, but I don't have a clue where you'd put one in a truck. I use zip-lock baggies for pee breaks in a pinch. Gross, I know, but it's something you'll need to consider. For the most part, it's not other drivers you need to worry about. It's the riff-raff that drifts in and out of the rest areas in 4 wheelers through the night that sometimes gives me that bad vibe. You don't want to wind up half way through the parking lot and find yourself wishing your hubby was there! :shock:

[Shebear]

Maybe a lady trucker can tell me -

Do I have to do heavy lifting once I get to be a truck driver?
Do I need to be strong turning wrenches, hooking chains, etc.?

Getting under the truck to check whatever -- what kind of physical shape should I be in? A lot of the truckers out there don't seem to be A-1, but as a woman will I have a hard time?

Originally Posted by Shebear

Maybe a lady trucker can tell me -

Do I have to do heavy lifting once I get to be a truck driver?
Do I need to be strong turning wrenches, hooking chains, etc.?

Getting under the truck to check whatever -- what kind of physical shape should I be in? A lot of the truckers out there don't seem to be A-1, but as a woman will I have a hard time?

First question depends on what you are pulling (van, flat, reefer). Well you are in Canada you are going to have to know how to hang iron (chains) don't think anyone up there gets out of that lesson.

You'll learn a PTI (pre-trip inspection) depends on what company you with and how good of equipment they put you in I guess. Most woman drivers don't have any trouble completing the task at hand.

BTW I'm not a woman.....just team with one. :wink:

[LadyNorthStar]

Originally Posted by Mad Dog

BTW I'm not a woman.....

:lol:

[LadyNorthStar]

Originally Posted by Shebear

Maybe a lady trucker can tell me -

Do I have to do heavy lifting once I get to be a truck driver?
Do I need to be strong turning wrenches, hooking chains, etc.?

Getting under the truck to check whatever -- what kind of physical shape should I be in? A lot of the truckers out there don't seem to be A-1, but as a woman will I have a hard time?

'

What kind of shape are you in? It's not a desk job for sure, but the kind of job you take will affect how much physical ability you will need too.

I wouldn't feel as confident in my job if I didn't know I could get out and throw chains, or do anything else that might require some physical work.

[Soladad]

My suggestion for your wife is to watch, help and learn as much as she can about the truck and the job. She might have to fall back on that knowledge if something every happens to you and she has to support herself. I am so glad that I listened and got involved with my late husband's profession. It is supporting me now as a driver and is giving me a future to look towards.

When walking at the truck stops I always walk straight out from the truck and walk down the middle of the open area. Once I am parked for the night I usually don't get out of the truck after dark. If you need to get out and walk into the buildings have your husband go with you. Better safe than sorry. Also have your own key to the truck always on you.

Soladad

[jiptwoo]

I read twice about posting this in the womens section, am I missing something or what. Is this category not! Women in trucking, now if that is not a feminine section than what is.

[syl77dar]

good luck.