Profile For Lynette O.

With my company, I was pretty much given no choice. Another female hired at the same time as me, demanded a female trainer and was told she would have to wait a few weeks to get one. Of course they would be unpaid weeks. She chose to quit instead.

Some of the women here just ask for another trainer after being harassed without specifically mentioning the harassment.

Yes, I did report my trainer, after I finished training. I didn't want another female to end up with him and not have the tools to handle the situation. I was able to deal with him effectively and I didn't want to start with another trainer that could have been worse than the one I had. I don't wish to take this any further since I won't risk any backlash (yes, I know that would also be illegal, but realistically, it would still happen in some way that could affect my trucking career). The company assured me that he would not be training any other females.

Recently, survived the school process, getting the Class A, riding with a trainer that should never be allowed to train women for 2 months and first couple of months as a team driver.

It seems like there are more women coming out of the schools now but not really remaining with my company. Just be aware that you have to really commit to getting through the process. Don't give up on yourself and certainly don't let anyone make you quit! You can do it. You WILL learn this new job. Don't let yourself get into unsafe situations either professionally or personally. I advise dressing comfortably yet conservative (not provocative) if you want to be treated respectfully. Of course you can still be girly but dress for the results you expect.

My biggest suggestion is help a sister out when it looks like she might need help. I was amazed at some of the gals out here not willing to step up when their sisters were being crushed by the process or the harassment that is unfortunately pretty frequent out here. If you see someone close to tears time to step up. Help keep women out there.

Now for the good stuff. . .this country is beautiful! I can't believe the view from my 'office' window. My commute to work is really short, although I have stubbed my toe on the driver's seat once on my way to work. Every day is new experiences, new people and new places.

Good luck and enjoy!

I have posted anything in quite a while. Getting my Class A, completing 2 months on a trainer's truck, upgrading to the next phase and changing from a bad DM in the Western Regional Division to a great DM in the national division, has taken a lot of focus and time. I am totally committed to completing the last 6 months of my contractual obligations. However, this has been not easy by any means.

I DO LOVE trucking but the company I am with really has pushed the line with me.

My biggest problem that I could use some help with is I now have CSA points attached to my record. Here is how I got them. . .before I started school I was insulin dependent. I went through the FMCSA diabetes waiver program which took a total of 6 months and about $1,500 to get. When I started driving, I realized I wanted off the program due to the stringent rules, pulling off the road every 2-4 hours to test my blood sugar levels was the worst of them. So I called the FMCSA and asked them how to get off the program. I was told that my Endocrinologist had to write a statement on his letterhead that I am off insulin. I specifically asked them if that was it. They said that was it. I had already started the process of changing my lifestyle eating better and doing a lot of walking (lost about 50 lbs). When I went for my first mandated quarterly Endocrinologist appt, he took me off the insulin. He faxed and mailed the required letter to the FMCSA. I immediately, called my compliance department and spoke with the MANAGER. I told him about the change and ASKED him if I needed to do anything else including get another DOT physical. He said the physical that was already done in the beginning is adequate and to get a new one just before it expires in September. I pointed out that that physical stated that it was ONLY valid WITH the waiver. He remained adamant that a new physical was not needed. Well, I went out and continued driving based on his supposed knowledge. I was stopped for a routine DOT inspection while in Ohio on the Friday evening at the beginning of Memorial Day weekend. Since I came up in the system as having my waiver end on April 28th he gave me a violation (not a citation) and suspended me from driving till I could correct the problem. So I had to wait to get any answers about how to resolve this on Tuesday. I called the FMCSA informed them of the problem and was told that they got the letter and removed me from the program. BUT I needed to get a new physical. This was the first time they mentioned that step in the process. I also called the useless compliance Mgr and informed him that YES I did need a physical. He then ran an MVR on me and told me that not only was my CDL not valid but the company AND myself got CSA points from the situation. He also started pressuring me to get it to be someone else at fault so that the company could get the points removed. Up to this point I had been pleasant and gracious with everyone involved in this situation. However, this was the breaking point and I finally told him that I hold HIM responsible since he should have made sure that the information he was giving me was correct, even if he had to research the correct answer and get back to me.

I can't figure out who is putting the CSA points on my record. No one will admit to it. I am very protective of my license. I drove Class B city transit buses for 7yrs with a spotless record and my last citation was 22 years ago. I feel I need to pursue this but don't know where to turn.

So if anyone out there could give me an idea of what I can do, I would be truly grateful.

Welcome Lil! You have come to the right place for areal perspective on trucking. Go for it. I'm new at this and every day as I am driving down the road, I keep saying to myself,

I can't believe that I am being paid to do this.

It's a lot of hard work to get that license, but if you stick to it, you will never regret it.

Got officially hired on Thursday, now I am waiting for my trainer to call me and get this career started. It feels great to have made it. I feel optimistic about this new career. Thanks to this site, I believe I have a clear picture of what to expect. Not going into this with rose colored glasses on will help me get through this 180 hours with my trainer.

Going from a Class B to Class A does have a few advantages. For the permit test you will only need to take the combination vehicle portion. You should have already gotten over any fear of driving a large vehicle. You should have a better concept of what it takes to maneuver a larger vehicle and know how to maintain yours and the other motoring vehicles' safety out there after your experience as a professional driver. If you used double clutching in your previous vehicle, that would be a bonus. Finally, when I changed from the permit to the actual Class A license it only cost me $10 while some of my classmates were spending $75 to $150 to get the license. I hope that answered your question. Good luck to you.

Way to go!!! I also was a bundle of nerves during my road test yesterday so I REALLY understand. Just the fact that we passed is something we can be very proud of ourselves. So a huge congratulations on your accomplishment.

I use Style Edit concealer spray. Just spray on the roots you want to hide. Comes in several different colors and blends perfectly. Takes only a couple of seconds and stays put till you wash your hair. Coloring I do on home time. Cost is about $10-$12 a 2oz can. I order off Amazon. There are other brands out there and sometimes you can find it at beauty supply stores.

I just finished CDL school for CR England yesterday. They sent me to a private school they contracted with here in Washington that I loved! I can't say enough good things about them. I am currently on the Greyhound now on my way to orientation in Fontana,CA. I knew from the beginning that the pay was not the best but decided to go with them for other reasons that are important to me. Mainly, one of the shortest contracts needed to pay off the school. Good luck to you.