Profile For lil lightning

I'm 5'3" and maybe weigh less than 100 pounds. I'm a flatbedder. My only limitation is tarps. I physically can not handle them. I'm just not big enough. Flatbedding IS physically drmanding and requires strength (and clever use of leverage). But trucking in general? Many people with poor upper body strength are truck drivers and there are gadgets and tools designed to take strain off the driver. Keep looking in to it! Good luck!

I really like that you said, these same things apply to men. Or something along those lines. I honestly don't think there are any special concerns for female truckers. All truckers deal with the same dangers and the same problems. The biggest differences between us have more to do with what type of equipment we use, what we haul, and where we haul to, not what gender the trucker is. :)

Thank you everyone for all the replies. I wasn't trying to put out a "horror story" just the experience I've had with this particular company. Money was an issue for me so I jumped at this opportunity since it's free up front and if you fulfill your nine month contract you can leave. I signed up for this to be a real truck driver not a wheel holder like basically I am. I was going to contact other companies, more up front companies, and see if they can help. I did my research before entering school and it backfired. I will get back out on the road, but with way more training so I can feel comfortable in that truck.

Get used to the fear and apprehension, and get over it. Or how about drive the darn truck or go home. Seriously, it sounds like you're making excuses or looking for the job to be easy. Nut up, sister. :)

Thanks for the good input. I've struggled a little grasping the hos rules and effectively applying them. I think I finally get it! :D

That helps. So really, I could work everyday as long as my 8 day total is under 70 hours.

Before 2013 the rule was you could take your 34hr reset at any period, then in July of 2013 they changed the rules, 2 consecutive periods between 1am and 5am and could only do a reset after 160hrs . So basically every 6.75 days. They also issued the 8hr break rule which doesn't change.

I'm still confused. Do you reset only if you hit 70 hours in the 8 day period?

Congrats! It's a great feeling, eh? Good luck on your training.

Welcome !

I sure the High Road Program has been mentioned - it is essential.

Keep in touch

Thanks. I should check it out. I can always learn something.

Welcome aboard Ladybug, let us know where you end up working. We're glad your here, and don't be shy. Anytime you have a question or maybe a concern about your training, or whatever might be going on at your new job just jump in here and we will see if we can help.

Thanks and will do. By Monday or Tuesday I'll pick a company. So far, I've found the site here to be real informative, especially when it comes to the big OTR companies. It helped me narrow down my choices. I seriously can't wait to be working hard both inside and outside a truck.

Hello Laurie and welcome!

Daniel covered it.

Wait, where did I get Laurie? Did it change to Ladybug?

Thanks! Laurie is my name but ladybug is my handle. So I'm going with ladybug on the forum.