Profile For Sarah D.

I had a classmate start this profession at your age as well, never stepping into a truck before . so don't fret about the age.

I have been out here on my own for about 7 weeks, and have not felt unsafe once. Just always be aware of your surroundings and follow your instincts.

From my research most companies pay and benefits are pretty equal starting out, so for me it came down to hometime options. There are a lot of different companies out there, so you will find something. But just remember it is a lot of work, but also a lot of fun. And if you get into this, give yourself a year to see things through if you start having reservations

good luck on your decision

My company (Roehl) did a conference call with me and another female in class about working with a male trainer. It is my understanding that in addition to the regular train the trainer classes they also go thru a type of gender sensitivity course and are screened prior them accepting female students. Of she talked about issues of sexual harassment that would not be tolerated. And we were given a booklet on how to work with a male trainer. {u can have him step outside while you change, etc}

My guy was a complete gentleman. Was it a little different at first {me in the top bunk, him on the bottom yes it was. but after a couple of days we got into a nice routine and it was no big deal. PLus there were some days I was dog tired and really didn't care. I'm sure you will be able to tell within those first few days how it will go between you two.

Good lick with your venture

Your background is very similar to mine. I too was also in healthcare and got WIA grant for school. I've been solo driving for 7 weeks now, and this is what I can offer. Don't compare yourself to others, I had a great bunch of classmates at my CDL and we all different levels of backing/shifting experience. You are there for you and your career, do what you need to to learn. If it takes longer to back oh well. You stall out oh well. Don't recognize an engine part right away oh well. {ive done all those things} Learn from what happened, break everything you do down into smaller components. Eventually you will get a feel for the double clutching, how the gear shift moves and what the engine will sound like. If you have instructors who are good, they should be very patient and explain those little things. They should be pleased if you are working hard and showing improvement with your skills.

Regarding backing.......everyone has their own way of turning the wheel to move your rig. Talk to your instructors and get their advice. You may get a few different answers but I bet one of them will make more sense to you and it will really click. [that is what happened to me during school]Watch and learn how to use your bend of the trailer and moving of your tandems to get the trailer to do what you want it too. The set up is key, from there make small and slow movements. the biggest piece of advice I got was "slow is control" (and that applies to everything in driving)

Every day you're out here you're learning. Some days will go better than others. Take it one day at a time, have fun with it and be safe.

I had 4-5 pre-employment letters to choose from and they were all good companies. one was even local. My advice talk to other people in the industry (ie here) and make a list of pros and cons. IMO pay and benefits were all comparable, so it came down to home time and Roehl Transport and the best options for me starting out in this field. So far they have been up front and honest with answering my questions. my phase 1&2 training was good. Now I am out on my own (week 2) and learning lots ( which will never stop) Good luck in your endeavors!!

Nice work classmate!! I love the fact you conquered the hills at night, none the less. Enjoy the home time!! I'm out here for week #2!!!

Thanks for the posts and keep the info coming.

Well I start orientation/training with Roehl on Monday!!

Hey Sarah, are you by chance going to be in Appleton? I will be there Monday too if that is where you are going to be. Dylan told me there was one other female that would be there. How cool if it was someone from TT! Tim F. (also from TT) and I were in the same class for Roehl's driving school. It makes it nice to kinda know someone!

Yep, we are roomies. How funny is that. Should be a fun week

Well I start orientation/training with Roehl on Monday!!

Congratulations!!

I am probably going with Roehl, we had a recruiter at our school today, and I chatted her up. hang in there with school, those first few days are a doozy, but take it one skill at a time!