New Woman to the Forum

[countrygirl29]

Hello!

Through family connections I went on my first OTR trucking trip from New Hampshire to Texas and back about a month ago (as a passenger). I have been hooked ever since and have frequented this forum to try to get a more in depth feel on life as a Woman Truck Driver. So I decided it was time to join!

When I got back from the trip I immediately started studying to take my permit test and just sent in for a date last week! I am very excited. Over this past weekend I actually had the chance to sit in the drivers seat of a big rig and low boy. I drove it around the dirt parking lot and backed it into place with a very experienced driver guiding me the whole way(although I think he might have gotten a little frustrated since it took me 3 times to get it straight!). I am hooked!!! Even though it was a nerve wrecking experience since it was my first time but I can't wait to get back in the seat. (Hopefully with my permit in hand next time so a short road trip can be possible )

Anyway, as I said, I just wanted to introduce myself to the men and women on the forum. Even though the first time behind the wheel made me slightly nervous and I probably wasnt all that good at it, I am not giving up and hopefully, soon, I will be racking up the miles to join the ranks of the drivers who have accomplished the "million mile markers" on safe driving.

Can't wait to hear from you!

[countrygirl29]

Thanks!

I actually got my date back for my permit last week. I take the test on Thursday (the 2nd). I am incredibly excited. I am not going to count my chickens before they hatch but I have been studying like crazy so Im hoping for the best!!!

[countrygirl29]

Well... My first try I passed the General Knowledge Test and the Air Brakes test but missed the Combination Test by a couple questions (they like to trick you...) I didn't give up and reapplied to take the Combination Test. I retook it yesterday and PASSED!!! I now have my class A permit!!! I am sooo incredibly excited.

But now comes the real challenge of turning the permit into a career...I have ways to practice driving but it would be strictly on weekends as we are not financially stable enough for me to quit my current job and go without a paycheck for a month or two. I am going to keep my head up and keep moving forward, we will see what opportunities present themself to me .

Thanks for checkin in!!!

[jojodemo]

Good luck to ya! If I can be of any help please let me know..I own my own truck and pull a dry van mostly. Been at it a few years and have seen some country...Have fun and BE SAFE!

[countrygirl29]

Thank you JoJo for offering your expertise. Over the weekend I have decided if I really want to get on the road I have to have a "go get em" attitude. After reading post after post after post, it seems like one of the only ways to get your foot in the door is to apply with a company and take their training program.

Do you think there will be any benefit from me already having my permit? Besides having a headstart on some of the knowledge.

I know some of the major companies out there are swift, schneider, jb hunt... but I also know there are a ton of other companies offering training. Also, after reading so many posts, a lot of the things I have read is to stay away from some of those big guys. Whether it is from bad compensation, broken promises, bad training, or even sexual harrassment.

Anyone want to throw some companies out that they have heard are good, or KNOW are good? Just looking for opinions... in the meantime I'm off to research companies on my own

Thanks again!!!

[bigjoe]

Just because you took a trip as a bunk bunny and managed to get a "learners permit"doesn't mean that you are going to be a big rig driver. This is some fantasy you split tails dream up after a trip and think you have what it takes.

A woman has no place in a truck. They are too emotional to ever acquire the skills neccessary. You will never drive a truck as good as a man so you might as well go back to what a woman does best...cooking, cleaning, laundry and taking care of her man.

If a woman was able to drive as good as a man then a site for "women drivers" wouldn't be neccessary...they could just join the regular drivers forum.

Don't waste your time nor money...you will fail.

[chuk510]

Good luck to you. My sujestion would be prime as well, but I know of a web site but cant think of the name as well as the lady that runs it she helps people get driving jobs. When I do I will post it. And ignore that idiot he dosnt know what he's talking about I can guarantee that he is just a wanabee and a coward and has nothing better to do than spread hate. I know lots of women drivers that can drive circles around alot of guys. Dont give up.

[countrygirl29]

First off "Big Joe", you are not going to get a rise out of me to fight back, there are a few of us who are more mature than you are. When you actually know someones WHOLE story and their experiences, maybe then... maybe... you have the right to criticize someone elses goals, atleast there are some people out there who still have them.

And I appreciate everyone elses help. Dont worry, Im not going to let one person ruin what I have going. And everyone I have met in the industry has been very helpful and supportive...besides "Big Joe" who seems scared of us women

I was raised and still am a tom boy and have found that I can do things just as well if not better than many of the guys out there, and most of the time, the guys think that is pretty darn cool.

I'll keep everyone posted!

[bigjoe]

I'm not scared of you women, its just that women have a different perception of what trucking is and tends to see things through rose colored glasses.

When given a challenge they just sit and cry about the problem instead of trying to fix it...or sweet talk a man into doing it for them..not helping them...but doing it for them.

What is really a crime is that some even dump young children off on whomever to pursue this fantasy of theirs. Like I said a woman belongs in the home.

[ladyt2u]

Countrygirl29...best of luck.