Questions about females in trucking
 

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

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.

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

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 http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/...9/29d1b9d4.gif… don’t worry, I don’t think it’s catching.

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.

Steph83, welcome to CAD :p

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... :lol:

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l2...10/FebToon.jpg

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

dont think youve ever been in a truck instigator

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.

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.

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).

You always crack me up, Sharlie! Maybe, you just need a little more "cushion." EAT something! lol!

It's called "Data Mining." And Steph got all of you. Some of the best advice I've ever read, given for free, to a Company Troll.

TWO posts... one including the word "profession" when describing TRUCKING. Hasn't been back! STILL reading posts and gathering strategic info for targeting women and couples for team driving.

I give her an "A" for audacity. I wish she (or others) would just open a thread and ASK us for info that they need. Or just do a SEARCH. [Maybe the mods/admin will create a separate forum for "Questions from Employers."]

As I'm sure Steph83 has flagged this thread for updates, she will get a message in her email inbox that there is another "reply" to her thread... on THIS site. I hope she reads my response.

I will "swap" apologies with her in any manner that they are due.

Hi all :)
I am thinking about getting my CDL and I have been looking into company paid CDL,

As a 50 yr old female,Are there any I should stay away from, and Look into further?
Also, once my training is over I want to bring my 6 Lb dog with me, Any Trucking companies that allow pets and would be a good start for a noob ?

I spoke with a truck driver at one of the rest stops,he mentioned Swift... any thought's about Swift Transport ?

And please don't get any funny Idea's I'm not trashy, I'm just researching Before
I sign a 6 to 12 month contract with anyone

( I was asking different truck drivers ,it seems they never had anything bad to say about the company they drove for ) lol

Also I've been doing research on DeBoer Transportation Inc. any feed back about them would be great! I will be sending them my application in a few days

I stay to myself and don't go out of my way ( Don't go looking for drama or problems ) I've worked around guys doing landscaping/panting/driving dump trucks,construction work,So I'm use
to the *trash talk* or Sailor talk, I'm a TomBoy, Reason I'm adding this is per the Other lady's post about having problems as a female, I wouldn't think I'd have any problem and at my age ??

Thanks for your time.
Amie

Feel free to email me with any info :)
[email protected]

i would run like hell as my hair was on fire from cr england. ok so you want to go for the company cdl training. that has it's good points and bad points. you'll need to sighn a contract for xxx amount of time before it's paid off wich is ok. but remember cdl mills like to keep the seats cold to keep pumping the students thorugh so they can get the goverment money ontop of your tution fee!! so what happens if they find some reason to fire you they probily will screw up your dac and they will send you the bill in the mail for your tution for the full amount. recruiters are used car salesmen they will tell you what you want to hear but not what you need to hear. don't let them talk you into leasing the truck. why not research cdl tech schools. i don't know anything about deboer transportation. but i know most companies are getting rid of there pet policies because of the idling for the animal unless the truck has an apu on it and not to mention the damage fido could cause to the truck as well not saying he will.

Sweet thanks for the Information :) and yes I googled APU ;p
the companies I've researched that will take pets ask for a $$ depo,which Is not a problem at all.

Again thanks for your time :) have a great day.
Safe travels too you and yours.

Your welcome for the info. Tri pak is the best apu. Glad you researched companies that take pets as most are getting rid of there pet policy unless you lease the truck don't lease the truck! Yes companies charge a deposit to take your pets wich really isn't much to ask compared to what damage an animal could do to the truck and another reason there dumping pet policies is because people with alergies. Good luck out there and safe travels.

;)
I've been lucky with my Pup (Gizmo),He'll be a year come Aug 1st. I take him pretty much every place,Walmart or wherever, He's so good, people think he's a stuffed animal,The only time I've been turned away from taking him inside some place is because normally The person who stops me dislikes animals lol Normally it's the old lady greeter at walmart who yells at me as I just look at her and keep walking,
The managers and rest of the workers love it when I bring him in.

I just lost my dad a few months ago,and other then my elderly mom, it's me and my pup, If I have too I'm willing to sign a truck lease in order to keep Gizmo and take care of my mom.
Yes I'm able to work other types of jobs, But none that will pay the $$ I need in order to help keep her house and pay for her Chemo when the time comes etc.

Not looking for a pity card, just explaining why Trucking is a must do for me, My Real father was a truck driver back in the day,that and It's something I've always wanted too do.That and
I love traveling :)

Hope you've have a great one so far today,Safe travels.

Mitchno1 why do you think I have never been in a truck? I am LMFAO as I write this, maybe its you who have never been in a truck? Would you like to see some pics of me and my truck? I drove OTR for 16 years, took off for 13 and got back in 18 months ago. I work for Joule Yacht Transport out of Clearwater Florida. I handle wide loads up to 14 feet wide could you handle a wide load? I am out for 4 to 6 weeks at a time, oh I also have a perfect record if you can believe that one too!

Well I have to go check and see if my permits came in, I am currently hauling a Carver Yacht to Riviera Beach from Wisconsin. Safe travels!...........still laughing!

..umm..
 

This might seem a little frivolous, but is parking something to be worried about?
Have heard people talk about the problem with finding a parking space number of times.

Parking is an issue.. The earlier you get going the better your options are. The best scenario is parking at the shippers or receivers if its allowed.. but its rarely allowed. The second best is the larger chain truckstops but you have to get in there pretty early to get a spot. A lot of these places are "reserving" parking.. its expensive, bit its an option. Rest Areas fill even earlier than truck stops do. Ramps are a bad option even if the state you are in allows it. You cannot run to the end of your hours unless you KNOW there is parking available where you will end up. Lots of drivers wait too late to find parking and run themselves into Hours of Service issues.