Profile For Patricia M.

My family has concerns about me be safe. Not only driving but at truck stops, along the highway and staying by myself. Btw I am a female. Tell me what you guys think. Is this something I need to be concerned about? Do I need to carry a gun for safety?

Guns are a big NO NO! But there are things you can carry with you that will protect you should the need arise. 1) Keys: Your truck keys are a wonderful weapon. Position them in your hand with the "key part" sticking out. One swipe across the face will cause enough hurt for you to run away.

2) Tire Thumper: Tire Thumpers come in all shapes and sizes. I prefer the ones with a steel shank down the middle. One crack to the head and your attacker is down. (Quite possibly for good)

3) Simple Ratchet Strap: Ratchet straps work great to secure your doors.

Here a few simple tips that will also keep you safe: Rest Area's At Night: Parking only. Do not get out of your truck. Close the curtains and go to sleep. If you must use the restroom before day-break use your keys or tire thumper as a safety measure. Truck Stops At Night: Pull through the fuel Island before parking, go in use the restroom, get a snack, etc... then park close your curtains and go to sleep. Road side parking area's (Texas and Mississippi) Park your truck, close the curtains and go to sleep.

One thing you must not do as a woman trucker: Live in fear. If you do, you will be miserable, and you will not be successful. Take control, hold your head up, demand respect. You belong out there as much as anyone else. Happy trucking Trish

I have been looking for months, and I cannot find any train to hire in my area. It's Worcester County, in Massachusetts. Near the NH border. Either the companies out here do not do TTH or my zip code is outside their area. (01430)

I have not worked in so long, bills are piling up, trucking is what I really want to do. I need major help! :(

You may have to finance your truck driving school. Most schools can help you apply. Then you owe nothing until you graduate school and start working. They payment is like 50.00 per month or so. This is what I had to do many moons ago. There were no TTH companies out there (or none that I could find) Hope this helps. Trish

Update: drug screen passed. Now I'm waiting to reclassified from Awaiting hire TO awaiting trainer.... inching closer.

Way to go! Happy trucking! Trish

Maybe a 5 gallon bucket will help you be able to drive. a bed pan... or you can just call your DM and say Im not going to make it, letting them figure it out...

what you do alone cannot embarrass you if you don't tell on yourself.

DayQuil for the flu, Imodium AD for the diarrhea. You will feel like crap (pun intended) but you should be able to get the load there on time. Let your FM know what is going on, what you are doing, and if you will need "down time" once you make delivery. Neither DayQuil nor Imodium AD will cause you to drive under the influence. Just a thought... Happy trucking Trish

Thanks guys. I know I'll get it. It was just a frustrating day yesterday. And today very well may be another. But hey, I'm up, alive, and it's gonna be fantastically beautiful day here in Central Florida!

Gonna share something from facebook from yesterday:

Me: Not gonna lie... This is easily one of the toughest things I've ever done... My Cousin: What ?????? Me: Cuz-How have you missed that I'm in school to become a Truck Driver? My Cousin: Oh That. I thought you meant something more difficult.

#facepalm

J: think about it this way. Backing is the one skill you will never master. For every 3,000 miles you drive forward you will only drive backwards 1 mile. There is nothing to get stressed about. Every single driver out there has days when they can put that baby in first shot, then days when they couldn't hit the broad side of a barn if they tried. Its just one of those funny laws of trucking. Take a deep breath, set the brake get out and walk around. visualize where you want the trailer to go, then put it there. You can do it! Also remember; practice does not make perfect, it only makes proficient. Keep at it! Happy trucking Trish

my first day of securement training with Melton today...

That is so very cool!!!

Thanks Wilson! I'm standing in front of the hotel waiting on the van right now. Did I mention that I am so excited I can't wait? ;)

I ran flat bed with TSMT (not all the time) and had to tarp one load; a building that was headed to the port of New Jersey. If it hadn't been for another trucker a full time flat bedder, I would still be there trying to get that darn thing tarped. It is a great work out, but man... I think I will stick to jumping jacks lol... Happy trucking! Trish

And it's a good thing. Took my drug screen in orientation last Thursday, still waiting. It's all I need. All other testing is passed and as soon as this clears I can wait for my trainer. Excited, nervous, happy and sad ask at the same time. I just want to start making money.

Wow... That's a long time. Have you spoken to anyone in safety/compliance about it? There may have been a problem with the sample. It could have been contaminated at the lab. Most results are back within 24 hours and at the most 48. If you don't mind my asking; what company are you going with? Usually the larger the company, the quicker the turn around time.

Thanks guys. They called me shortly after this post and gave me a list of things to bring, as well as told me about the $25 per day advance program. I believe I will be fine now. I happy that I have made it this far and am thankful for all the advice and help from this site and will continue to turn here for further questions that I'm sure will arise

If your trainer is worth his/her salt, you should not have to bring any food stuffs along at all. Trainers know and understand that you have very little if anything to contribute your first 2 weeks on the truck. Your trainer is there to help you, and most will, even if food comes from the dollar menu, they won't let you go hungry. Not sure what is on the list that you received from your company, but everything you need should fit in a large duffel and a smaller "shower" bag. With the exception of your pillow and bedding. (sleeping bag, or sheet and blanket) BEWARE! if your company "gives" you money and calls it an advance, you will have to pay it back. It will be taken from your paycheck 25.00 doesn't seem like much, but when you are only making training pay, after taxes and advances you run the risk of being in the hole. (been there done that) I wish I could see the list they gave you. As a former trainer myself, I can help you make sure you have exactly what you need and what you do not. If your list came from a fleet manager well most of them have never set foot in a truck much less understand what you will and will not need while on the road. Here are a couple of tips that will save you in the long run. 1) Do not buy anything from a truck stop if you can help it. Food, coffee and snacks are extremely over priced. If you are a coffee drinker get a canister of instant, "make your coffee" in the truck, then use the hot water from the truck stop. My husband and I did this for years until we purchased a microwave for our truck. We saved a ton of money on coffee alone. Most trainers have a refrigerator and microwave on their truck and keep a goodly store of sandwich/microwave foods. This will save you tons of money, money that you can keep in your pocket for a rainy day, or money you can send home to the family (if you have one)

2) Always make a list and commit to sticking to it before going shopping for necessities. By doing this you will not end up with excess "stuff" in your cart. Impulse purchases that do nothing but eat your money, and you will spend less time wandering around the store. A list will allow you to get in and get out quickly with the least possible money spent. Most trainers are keen on splitting the cost of food down the middle. That way neither of you are footing the total bill, and neither of you will go hungry :D

3) If you smoke, stop. Tobacco and tobacco products do nothing but ruin your health and your pocket book. The average cost for a pack of smokes is around 6.00 depending on where you are. In the North East they are as much as 12.00 per pack. 6.00 will buy snacks, a pack of socks, a pack of gloves, soap... you get the idea. . 4) RELAX!! you are about to begin the greatest journey of your life. Happy trucking. Keep the dirty side down and ROLL ON!! Trish

I recently saw an ad for Helwig. Anyone work for them? Any reviews?

They are an awesome company! I worked with them for about 2 years. I ran my tail off lol and made some serious money! They are a small company, most of their loads are meat loads, time sensitive cannot be late! They take care of their drivers. They have good insurance and some of the best pay in the industry. Pretty much their motto is "don't have a wreck and don't be late" :D They are serious about trucking. Oh sorry they are in Texas right off I-20 one exit down from the loves just before you get into Rockwall. They have awesome equipment (trucks and trailers) and a top notch maintenance program. I think you may have to have 1 year experience not sure though call them and ask. It may only be 6 months... Not sure if Jennifer is still working in recruiting. it's been a long time since I worked for them. One thing I am positive about: you cannot go wrong with Helwig and Sons. They are a great company.

New Graduate ??STEVENS vs SHIFT vs FFE?? where can i get better training ,how much $$ is the pay in the training and how long is the training period please help i live in el paso tx,i am looking for a company for my carrer as a truck driver

You cannot go wrong with Swift or Stevens. They are both excellent companies with proven training for new drivers. FFE is another story. I do not like them or their training program. Other starter companies that will take the time to teach you as much as possible are Werner, Covenant, Snider, JB hunt, Tyson-may or may not be accepting student drivers, give them a call.... Which ever company you choose stay with them for one year possibly two. With the exception of Tyson, all the companies I listed are starter companies. Tyson on the other hand is a career company. Once you start with them you will not want to leave. (I was a driver for them for 7 years) No I do not work for Tyson any longer (medical issues) but as a former driver for them I can tell you I wondered many times why I did apply with them right out of school. Just a thought. And Tyson has a plant in El Paso so home time wouldn't be a problem :D Happy hunting. Hope this helps Trish