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You Want to WHAT???? What made you decide to drive a truck?
Have you ever been asked why you drive a truck? Or what got you into this industry?
If so, share your stories. Sorry guys...this topic is for LADIES only! :D I get asked all the time, especially since I have been "in" the industry for almost 30 years. I am truthfully a bit tired of all topics started on a serious note being hijacked by some joker trying to poke fun at us. :roll: :roll: When I started out I could count the number of lady truckers on the fingers of one hand & still have fingers left over. Did somebody influence you? So, to start it off here's my story...it's fairly long, so please bare with me. :lol: :lol: I was born at the tail end of the 50's, grew up in the 60's/70's, so women were NOT really ALLOWED to try different things, especially in any male dominated professions. Women up here had to SUE for equal pay! Most of my friends in high school married right out of school & still work in what is termed as "women's" jobs. I guess there were really 2 people who influnced me throughout my beginnings of trucking, the first was a recently passed away uncle, who owned a few trucks until I was about 14, apparently at the ripe old age of 2 I told him I was going to drive a truck "just like him" :D The next was & still is my mother. She raised me to be strong & independent & not be afraid to "take the bull by the horns" & do what I wanted with my life. To not be afraid to fail (for that is how we learn), but to learn from those failures & move on. How I got started? Well, I'm not really dead sure, except that I started handling big equipment at a very young age (family farm). I drove trucks, tractors, combines, etc from the age of 13. I KNEW at that time I had no real desire for marraige, & so trucking seemed a natural fit for my temperment. I recall my dad telling me I should "grow" up & be a lady! "Get married...have babies, settle down", were his favourite comments. So, here I am nearly 30 years later, still trucking, still loving most of it. I have 2 beautiful daughter, 2 wonderful grandchildren, a husband who understands me (I often get asked where I found him :D ) & a life that I would not change for anything. What about you? |
My Dad had gravel trucks while I was growing up, and later drove logging truck. The earliest evidence of me being 'into' trucks, was a picture I have of me at the age of 3, sitting beside my Dad while hes workin under the truck. I wasn't watching, I was busy with a spray bottle and rag, cleanin the mud flaps. lol
After a long time of jobs I got bored with very fast, jobs I hated, etc. One day (I was a dental assistant at the time) I was driving downtown, and it just hit me that thats what I wanted to do, I was almost angry I hadn't done it sooner. The rest is history. It wasn't my first non-traditional female job, I am actually a horseshoer by trade. |
I hope no one minds if I tell my story, even though I'm not a trucker... I own one, just a little 4x4 though... :oops: :lol:
I grew up with a Dad I admired, and even though I did spend time with my mother, baking, etc... I just had more fun hanging around my Dad... I watched him build a chopper motorcycle with one of his friends when I was little, he worked on cars owned a Corvette Stingray, and at one time worked in a garage as a mechanic himself. He built an addition on the first home they ever bought, all by himself. We went fishing, skiing, ice skating, and sailing together as a family. My Dad came with me once when I wanted to go horse back riding on my birthday as a kid as well... But, my Dad was the one to participate more, and my mother would rather spend time on the side lines watching, rather than participating... I simply enjoyed hanging out with my father helping, and watching him fix, repair, build, or create something, then I did spending time with my mother... Though she knitted, sewed, crochet, etc... I just wasn't interested in those things... I think my Dad was the bigger influence on my life. He was more supportive of my ambitions, then my mother. She would have preferred I get a "safe" job, and do more old fashioned traditional woman type things... Well, when your the type of person who takes the road less traveled, my mother lost out... I had 2 dolls when I was young, the "Crissy" doll who's hair you could lengthen, and a Malibu beach, suntan Barbie... The only reason I got the Barbie doll was so my model horses had a rider... :lol: I've worked with horses, went into the automotive repair business as a mechanic, and drove the Tow Truck, and had dreams of being a stock car driver, (had the fastest reflex time in my drivers ed. class). :lol: I worked Dairy Cattle on a large scale commercial Cattle Dealer Farm, bought, and raised my own breeding bull. Worked for a Veterinarian... Though I have had what would be termed more woman type jobs, mostly office jobs. I hated them with a passion... I just can't stand to be stuck indoors in a cubical somewhere, hated the office politics, and I hate to say it, but, I prefer to work with men, or by myself... No offense ladies... My father applauded my independent jobs, and my mother was against them... I've always gotten along better with my Dad, and my only brother get's along better with my mother, go figure... :roll: :lol: Though I broke my back working for a living literally, when I was at the garage. If I had it to do over again, I would in a heartbeat. Some people know why I came to this site, and others don't... I was looking into becoming an OTR truck driver. I researched it, and it is truly something I would love to do... I have a passion for driving, and this was going to be my next career move... But, as some of you know, I was the victim in a bad auto accident several years ago, and busted my back in 3 places. Though it's heeled, I simply can not do any heavy lifting... I looked into area trucking companies, and honestly emailed them with my questions... Unfortunately, I was told that sometimes you are expected to unload a truck, and starting out you wouldn't necessarily get a job just doing drop, and hook... I was informed by one company that with my physical limitations, it would be difficult to find an employer who would hire me... So, needless to say, I suppose I won't get the chance to drive the big rigs... But, I would probably be the best one on the road, if I was given the chance... I have an excellent driving record, a mechanical background, and I know how to work hard... The issue is that I would be seen more as a liability than an asset, and so I just wouldn't be given the opportunity... :sad: I figure the next career move is to own my own business, right now I'm just trying to figure out what type of business I would like to create... :wink: So, that's my story, and I'm sticking to it.... :lol: 8) I would also add that I think I see a common thread here, and that is, that the woman who pursue male dominated jobs, have had somewhere along the line, a strong supportive male role model, who made an impression on their lives... |
I'm sure no one minds Red :) Glad for the input. Actually my most influencial person to date is my mother. She's one tough lady, and as with me she had to LEARN to be so.
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Thanks WildKat... I admire all the woman who have followed their dreams, no matter the obstacle... Who've taken the road less traveled, and succeeded... You are a woman to be admired not only by other woman, but, by men as well... Being a woman who can stand up for herself, work hard, and show leadership through independence, courage, and self determination, makes you a role model for others to follow... I'm sure your daughters look up to you, as you did your own mother... I think that is the best thing any woman can teach her children, especially her daughters..
Today we have more woman role models to look toward for inspiration, and it is woman like yourself, and others (including myself), who were, and are still the trail blazers for the next generation... You got the "brass ring", WildKat, you did it all... You worked in a male dominated field and succeeded. You married a good man who supports your ambitions, raised good kids, and you've lived out your dreams... What more could any woman, or anyone want out of life... I also respect men who work hard, and are open to working with woman as an equal in the work place... The woman I became friends with were all the same way... Independent woman, who had minds of their own, the courage to pursue activities, careers, and lives that were not the so called "norm"... The men I became friends with, are men who do accept woman as an equal, respect them, and value their thoughts, and opinions. I think it is simply the fact that we all enjoy a challenge, and we have the confidence in ourselves to take on those challenges, work hard, and succeed... My Dad eventually started his own business, made it a success, worked it all by himself, and so again, I am inspired by his efforts... My mother actually has a lot of creative talents, that she could have turned into her own business. I have over the years tried to encourage her to pursue any one of the many things she is good at and turn it into a business. Especially since she's always complained how much she's hated every job she's ever had... But, she just doesn't have the self confidence, or ambition to do so... It disappoints me, since as my mother I probably would have looked up to her more, if she'd had the courage, and self determination to pursue a business of her own... But, not everyone has what it takes to do so, or, the ambition to choose such a path... I think if she had at least tried to start her own business, I truly believe she would have succeeded... But, you can't make anyone do anything they don't want to do... I've had a good influence on my younger brother, and now he has a daughter, and 2 sons. I hope he will give his daughter the support, and encouragement to pursue whatever dreams she may choose... These days as a woman you are better off to be independent, self sufficient, and have the courage to pursue you dreams. Though many woman marry, and find success there. There are many more who find themselves divorced, and must find a way to support themselves... I would tell any young girl, pick a path, or dream you want to follow, get the education to pursue it, and think about what you want out of life... Then go do it... Don't let anyone discourage you, and remember that marriage while a choice, isn't a necessity... That you be prepared to live your life on your own, since there are no guarantees, and not all marriages are a success... It is a hard fact to have to tell them. But, if they do not want to be one of the 80% of woman who will retire to poverty in this country. It is a cold hard fact that they must learn. They do not have the luxury of thinking a man is going to support them, once they reach adulthood, and possibly consider marriage... If they start out with an independent mind set, they will be more capable of taking care of themselves, and succeeding in life, and if they choose to marry, they can do so knowing they will have nothing to lose, financially anyway... :wink: |
Well I cannot yet consider myself a "driver". But I am working towards my dream of driving a big ol' rig.
It really only hit me the other night when my old man asked me if I could remember what I wanted to be when I was 13 years old, why I was destined to become a professional truck driver. When I was the ripe old age of 13 :wink: my dream was to drive a big truck, not specifically an 18-wheeler. Just a big truck. I was fascinated with large vehicles of all kinds and I was going through a serious tom boy phase in my life at that age. I remember going to my first monster truck rally that year, watching the big trucks on the high way as we rolled around town and on our way to and from vacation. I was one of those kids that always gave the "honk the horn" arm pulling motion to every trucker we passed. And I always got giddy when someone obliged! It really wasn't until about 4.5 to 5 years ago that I really seriously started considering driving for a living. I was living in the mid-west to a man in the USAF and he was stationed over seas for a time. While he was gone I was driving back and forth to my home state 16 hours away and visiting friends all across the country. I put on many many miles and found such great pleasure in the open road. I could pack a bag at any moment and be ready to hit the road without reason. I love the freedom, the solitude, everything about driving. So I figure... why not get paid to do it!? :idea: I'm thrilled to have found the courage to start making my dream come true. I'll be even more thrilled when I'm out there living the dream! |
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Anyway, each of the students got to read their essays during a parent conference, so all the parents were there, even me for a change. Well, my daughter's turn came & she began her story. She began by saying that her role model was someone that she knew well & that whom she was very close to. She went on to describe her role models accomplishements & how much she respected & admired her. By the time she was done her essay I was crying, as her role model was....you guessed it ME, her mother! |
My Father was my biggest influence, he was a trucker and a farmer. He taught me a lot about life, about working hard and about being independent and self sufficient. He was the type of man who could fix everything himself. He was the hardest working man I have ever seen in my life.
I was a big time tom boy my whole life. I loved cars, trucks, motorcycles, and if I wasn't driving a truck I probably would have been a mechanic. I rode with my dad in the truck during school breaks. One time when I was about 13 he let me drive his truck around the yard while we were waiting to unload. He even had me help him tarp loads, roll up tarps and help set up covered wagons. My dad didn't raise me to be a sissy little girly girl, he wanted me to be able to look after myself, and he taught me the importance of hard work, he taught me a lot of mechanical stuff, and he taught me to learn as many skills as you can so you always have something to fall back on if you ever needed to. My brother and I grew up working on the farm, I started driving tractors and operating farm equiptment when I was about 10 years old. I learned how to back up hay wagons and farm machinery. When I was about 17 years old I used that farm experience to get a job working at a small trucking company. I used to move their trailers around their yard with an old highway truck, and I also loaded the trucks by hand. When I was old enough to get my licence I borrowed one of their trucks and went for my road test. I drove a daycab for them for about six months and then bought my own truck, and here I am today still at it. |
I'm apparently a good case in point for it being part of my DNA, and not so much on influences from family or friends. My father left when I was two, but I've always followed unknowingly in his footstepsm while my mother encouraged me to do whatever I wanted to. I knew since I was small I wanted to drive a truck, my mother said I used to stare at them all the time and say I wanted to drive one. I planned on being an owner-operator, and while I was still too young to get my CDL, I went to diesel mechanics school to learn to work on them.
Unknowingly to me, the same time I entered school for truck driving, so did my father. He was a diesel mechanic by trade in the Coast Guard prior to it :wink: My uncle also pulls the feeder trucks for UPS in the Northeast, so it does run in my family to a degree. I've really never held a "traditionally" female job....I've done everything from trucking to industrial painting to mechanic work. I'm the quintessential tomboy :wink: |
Well, I always liked to drive and I like to travel. Yeah, I did realize that I would not necessarily see much but the Interstate highways, but I like to see the countryside. And I am alone a lot of the time anyway, so I figured that would be okay too. Cruisin' down the highway with the radio cranked up loud and music I like, it all sounded great to me. And that was not wrong, I did like the cruisin' down the highway with the tunes cranked up part. (I did watch a movie once, Road Games, and that also got me more interested in trucking.) ... It was living in the truck -what felt like 23 hours a day, sleeping in the truck, I just did not like that at all -I felt like I was in jail.
I would have been okay if I had been able to team with someone. Anyway, I did not drive long, only a few weeks and then I spent the winter at home. Had a lot of trouble finding a decent job too. But then something happened and I start a new job on June 18. It requires a Class A-CDL, but I won't be driving full time. It's a long story. The company I am going to work for does hearing tests at manufacturing plants where there is a high noise level. So, I will be giving hearing tests, driving the rig with the equipment in it, and maintaining equipment. I won't be out on the road all the time, only when one of the "van" teams has to leave their rig and go home (for a variety of reasons). So, unlike being a full time trucker, I won't have much advance notice of when I will be out on the road. I will be working in the company headquarters when I am not out driving and giving hearing tests. At least the CDL training was not for nothing and I have found a unique job that requires the CDL without having to live in a truck. I really do give all you full-time REAL truckers a lot of credit. You all know that not just anyone is suited to life in the truck. I did have a lot of good experiences out there with the truck and I met a lot of very helpful truckers along the way. Everyone was very nice and very helpful. Special thanks to the Oberg driver who guided me in backing my tractor-trailer into a tight dock last November (in Franklin Park, IL). Special thanks to the lady Hearland Express driver who gave me her shower pass last November (just west of Mason City, IA). Thank you to the Crete driver who got me out of a tight spot (east of Dayton, OH) and thanks to my training drivers (Gene and Barron) from Roehl! |
my dad put me in the driver's seat of a peugot that had the most beautiful red velvet seats when i was 10 and let me drive around a parking lot. my first big grin that started the love affair with driving.
after my dad died when i was 13, we were living in hampton, va and spent friday nights driving home to jersey to visit my grandparents. my mom would let me drive once we got over the chesapeake bay bridge and onto the eastern shore of va/ma. :shock: she died while i was in college for nursing, so i quit school and got a job as a bio/chem lab tech to support my brothers and sister. trucks came into my life in the form of a boyfriend who drove a 13 speed marmon 2nd big grin who let me drive when traffic wasn't too heavy. don't even think about it, the statue of limitations is looong gone i then decided to go to school since my sis was almost 18, the lab chemicals were killing me and if i didn't do something for myself then, i never would. that went well and i went on the road for a year, before getting married. a bonus was that trucking paid 3xs as much as what i was earning working in the lab, but the funniest thing in all this was my great aunt Sis who (while my husband to be was sitting beside me) asked. "but Di, aren't you afraid everyone will think you're a lesbian"??? all in all it's been good to me and i don't regret a bit of it. :mrgreen: :wink: |
Convoy in my blood!
Well... I was born in 1964 and I seem to remember that around the time I was 9 years old or so (give or take a few years) that old song CONVOY came out by CW McCall. I bought the album (Wolf Creek Pass) and played that thing til I literally wore it out. I was hooked! For years I wanted to drive a truck and would send off for brochures from trucking companies and read them over and carry them with me until they were just dog-eared and had to be thrown away.
On top of my deisre to be a trucker, I was also a major tomboy. I grew up on a "fun" farm... about 12 acres with some farm animals as pets and that's about it. But I was physical and strong and loved playing with the boys. I've never had many girlfriends because I just can't relate... and they feel the same about me! LOL! My mom dissuaded me from trucking so I joined the Army instead. Did that for 3 years and loved it and am quite proud to have served my country. It wasn't until I was 36 years old that I started to date a guy who was talking about going back to OTR. We discussed it all and decided I would join him, he could be my trainer and we would take it from there. Well he was flatbed all the way and when he explained it all to me it seemed to be right up my alley. I went to a company sponsored training course that was supposed to be 6 weeks and I finished it in 4 weeks. I teamed with my boyfriend for about 3-4 months to learn the ropes but ended up getting my own truck when he turned out to be a major jerk. Then I soloed for about 1-2 months, met my husband at the company we both worked for... started to team with him about 6 weeks later and had a BLAST!! We finished out my year in trucking so I didn't have to repay my school costs and then came off the road to try and make a home life. That was 4 years ago and now we both have the itch and are in the process of applying back to the company where we met and get back on the road. We figure we both loved what we were doing, we met each other doing what we loved, and it's time to get back at it! Yay! Fun thread! |
I decided to go trucking after getting divorced. I took two years off to decide what I wanted to do. I realized years ago after supervising seven women that there is no way all seven would ever be happy all on one day. I got sick and tired of the back stabbing and blatent "comptetion" between women. They can be so competitive and hateful for no apparent reason(s).
I had friends that were drivers. My first boyfriend after leaving my husband was a driver. He took me on his truck for six weeks and I had the time of my life. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I felt like I was on vacation every day and still do. Although, when you can't move tandems-like the other night on the way home for hometime after being out three weeks. I was supposed to have a simple drop n hook 50 miles from my home it ended up being a 5 hour journey. I had to have a wrecker pick up the back of the trailer to relieve the weight so I could move the tandems. It was loaded way too heavy on the back, after spraying lubricant three times in an hour all over the sliders and using a hammer and sledge hammer it was apparent they weren't going to move. I also chaulked the wheels and that didn't work. The repair shop guy said he could always move the tandems-he admitted that was very rare that they wouldn't move at all. I think trucking is like going camping. I tell everyone if you don't like to camp don't go trucking. Because you have to pack up your toiletries and head for the bathroom and go back and forth every other day or if you're lucky every day to shower. I doubt most of us have time to shower every day?!? I came from a very sheltered background. My Father was a U.S.A.F. Fighter Pilot, my Mother was a stay at home Mom until I was 16. She went to work to enable them to pay for all of our degrees [I have three brothers who are Software Engineers]. I lived on Air Force Bases or in upper middle class neighborhoods. My husband was a Professor, I worked while he obtained his Masters & Ph.D. degrees. I was in the process of being hired at AT&T Bell Labs as a Software Tester, when he graduated and we moved to the backwoods of Missouri. Which in essence ended any hopes for me at AT&T Bell Labs. I went back to school to obtain my Accounting Degree when I moved to Missouri. My first degree is in Psychology. I tell everyone I was a long hauler way before I became one. I drove 200 miles 2-4 times per week to obtain my Degree. My ex-husband's University was strictly an Engineering University so I had to travel to Columbia, MO to get my degree. After graduating, I drove 200 miles every day to St. Louis for a year and a half so that I could have a decent paying job. Didn't do it for the income we had more than enough with his. I had always wanted my own career. People where I lived couldn't believe it, they usually traveled there a few times a year. I was very determined and ambitious. I so resented him for moving me to the backwoods. Loved doing Accounting but didn't like the deadline pressures and working with women. Knew that I would eventually with or without him move back to my beloved Colorado-where I am now. I am very extroverted so I rely on the CB for conversation. Sometimes it gets too dicy for me. The guys are just DAWGS sometimes. My first week was a shocker. I had never associated with "White Trash". Unfortunately, I think we have more than our fair share of "White Trash" in the big rigs. Some of the stuff the guys said to me took me quite some time to figure out exactly what they met. I hadn't heard of that crap before. Although, I came from a sheltered background I adjusted quickly. I have lived in 12 states and several places in each state. So I had already traveled extensively prior to trucking. I love to drive and am good with directions. I really think that makes the job a lot easier. I usually call shippers and receivers to ascertain that the directions I have are accurate. Rarely get "turned around". Thank goodness, because sometimes in a big city like L.A. life won't be real easy to get "back" to the right place. I hauled trucks to Canada much longer than I've done freight. Took trucks apart in 20 below weather In Montreal, Quebec [don't know what the wind chill was that day]. I lost tools when I set them down it was snowing so hard, the snow covered them. Had a truck gel up in Quebec, have been in a major accident, had three blow outs, breakdowns and god knows how many close calls with the idiot 4 wheelers. There are days where you have to do "creative logging" because your day will not end in 14 hours. One day I had a 22 hour day. Boy, was I beat. You have to be strong and be able to fend off advances by the men. I have had women be much ruder to me. Apparently, wearing a skirt makes them think I'm a "girlie girl". Which I am not, I am heavy and don't like showing off my "round rear end". I hauled trucks before getting into freight. Prefer that over freight. Got to stay in motels every night and fly back after delivery. As a driveaway driver you put the trucks on the ground and put in the rear axles of the drives. I can assure you there were no "girlie girls" that worked with me. Although, I must say there were 10 of us females out of 200 drivers and they were all atttractive and mostly educated and sick of office work. I get so tired of other women who stereotype me simply because I wear skirts and not pants. It has nothing to do with being female so much as comfort level. Enough said. I would not recommend this job to the average women. They could not handle breakdowns in the middle of the night, blowouts and the various "hard work" we do moving tandems, chaining in the winter time etc. Fortunately, I've had only new trucks in my career for three years; other than a truck that had 170,000 on it that I had for two months. I haven't had fifth wheel issues yet. Hope I don't. The tandems just kick my butt sometimes. Most women are "nesters" and want to be home with the boyfriend, husband, children and pets. I don't have any of the above so it makes it much easier for me. I said I raised a husand and he probably took the energy of raising five children. He was very narcissistic and never thought of anyone but himself. Given my background I'm happy to report that I'm content being a driver right now. Although, I have considered getting a regional job I think it would be the best of both worlds for me. I could drive a few days per week and be at home a few days per week. I love my cozy condo and hate leaving it after 3-4 days to go again for weeks. SIGH!!! :? |
I was born and raised an a farm so I was used to hard work an long hours started makin noise about trukin,daddy told me I couldnt well knowin me all I said is watch me and 21yrs later hes still watchin me but now hes happy about it!mom supported me in whatever i did she knew i had a restless spirit :D
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they have a website: roehl.net |
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I was raised on a farm as well and not afraid of hard work. I more or less 'stumbled' upon the trucking industry. There were no truckers in my family. My Mother thought that it was improper for a woman to even ride in a pick-up truck. So I bought a pick-up truck, standard at that. I was working as a waitress in a restaurant, (absolutely hated that ), when a girl I had seen before, came in and said she was driving a gravel dump truck. I thought that was so cool. A few years later, I started driving a school bus. It was a job, not much pay. I met a fellow who was a friend of a friend. He had a dump truck. I hounded him to drive. In between the school bus I drove his truck. ( received no pay for driving the dump truck. I just wanted to learn to drive. At that time no one would let women drive trucks.) I applied at some local trucking companies. They would basically laugh me out of the building. No one would give me a job. I was persistent at one tanker company. Finally after bugging the same company for 3 years, I got a job. being persistent finally paid off. The rest is history. I'm still trucking. I have only driven locally. There are days when I would like to do long distance. But in a way I have both worlds. I do a few longer runs now and still get to enjoy my horses, dog and home life. It was hard to get into the industry when I started out. Especially with no connections to the trucking industry. It was a real novelty to see a woman driving a truck, no matter what it was. In a lot of ways in this part of the country it still is not easy. But being determined and persistent will eventually pay off. Annie 8) |
Well here goes....Out of 4 of my living immediate family four of us are truck drivers. My mom, brother, and me. My sister doesnt drive....She gets sick driving her own car...lol.
The first ride I remember was in my Dads old cabover Emryville. I was hooked..every summer, every holiday break I was in my dads truck. One time I even stowed away in the back of his pickup truck on his way to work. Boy was he mad cause he had to take me back home. My favorite thing was to sit in his rig and play driver or hand him tools while he worked on it. I realize now what a pain in the azz I was cause I always used up all his air pressure blowing the horn and playin in his truck. I was an office manager for several years. I hated it and loved it. I realized that the career didn't really suit me cause I guess I'm kind of a gypsy at heart. Here I am 8 years into driving and even on the days I hate it I know I could never do anything else. :D |
I knew no one that drove, I never ever had a desire too yet a yr. ago I got my cdl and love it. I did Hair for almost 30 yrs. I do get what made you want to drive a truck alot. Kinda funny I guess. I don't look much like a trucker but that makes it even more fun. The guys are great when they keep you company going down the road. I had some really great exp. so far.
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I've always wanted to drive a truck! My Dad was an O/O and I spent a lot of time (as much as allowed) in the 60's & 70's riding with him. He let me drive when I could reach the pedals, (just around the lot of course). Then life happened, married at 17, five kids, 20 years in corporate America, downsized in 2003. I lost my Mom in Dec. '03 and my brother in March '04. The last thing my brother said to me was "Life's too short, figure out what makes you happy and just do it." (he was 33 when he died)
Trying to make ends meet the last few years as my youngest finished school She'll be 21 in August and I'm going on the road in September! I'm not naive and expect the 1st year or two to be tough but I believe you get out of it what you put in it. Too many people see it as a get rich quick thing, it isn't. And it isn't for everyone, but I know it's for me. :wink: |
when I was a kid we watched 'movin on' and 'BJ and the bear' 2 bad shows that featured truckers as the main characters..I used to beg my dad to stop at truck dealers when I was 10-11-12 years old and I wanted my own conventional peterbilt or one of those old mack trucks they used to make with the offset cab...sizzle...your comment about camping has hit home with me...I LOATHE camping...hmmm..more food for thought here...I may be too girly girl for this...I have my tomboyish traits to be sure...I fix my own cars, do carpentry, can do most guy things though I am not into sports at all...BUT...I do love my homelife...I'll have to mull all of this over..Iam so glad I found this site though, you guys have helped me so much! thank you! :D
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I went into driving after being widowed. My late husband was a driver for over 30 years OTR and O/O. Since I knew so much about trucking having helped him manage our business and spending some time with him out on the road, a friend suggested I go and get my CDL. I wasn't sure that I really wanted to drive but went into training. When the insurance money was running out I had to find a job. Driving has allowed me time to find myself again and figure out/find a new life. Driving filled the void loosing him and the life I knew. Now that I am closing in on my 2nd year of driving, I find that I am really enjoying the life of the road. The company I am with doesn't pay the highest for someone with 2 years but I am comfortable with the way the company operates so I stay with them. Don't know how long I will be traveling down the road but for the present I am enjoying seeing the country.
Soladad |
I think most men hire on for the money, which makes them miserable. Some of you ladfies have great reasons for driving.
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LadyKatrina, don't let being femine detour you. Again, I think I mentioned it here on this message board I am very femine. I did hair for 30 yrs. I wish I could get my picture on here but the pixal thing is messed up. I got a new camera and plan on postin my picture on this. I'm not bragging, just want you to know that you don't have to look like a guy to drive a semi. I will say however, as a young girl I liked all the things the boys did. Playing with match box cars was my favorite. No hopscotch for me I wanted to play marbles and did and won alot. I used to love to play war with the boys too. I wasn't the nurse either. Point being don't let being a girly girl interfer with your boyly boy side. It's all cool. Who cares. If you end up doing something you enjoy who cares if anyone says you don't look like a trucker. I love it, actually embrace it when I hear it. It's all to fun!
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