Profile For Exladytrucker

Hi Michelle, I hung up the keys back in the late nineties after a million plus safe miles, so I'm not up to date on the best companies to seek training with, but I'd say don't be nervous about backing. It's a skill like any other and can be learned. I think the most helpful thing I was taught when I learned was not to lose sight of the corner of my trailer in the mirror - basically "don't let the trailer fill up the whole mirror" because you lose your point of reference. And don't be afraid to get out and check behind you. There's a really helpful Facebook group you can join called "Ask a Veteran Driver" - it's a safe space where you can ask about company training programs. Also, check for community colleges in your area that might have less expensive CDL courses. And avail yourself of books/videos if that suits your learning style. Just a quick search on Amazon popped this up (has a backing video) http://tinyurl.com/m3pv347. Also, my current job is as a dog trainer, so feel free to join my FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/EBDpets/ and like my page at https://www.facebook.com/exladytrucker/.

I'm new around here, but just want to say that it's really nice to see old school drivers helping newer people in the industry. On Facebook, there's a similarly nice page called "Ask a Veteran Driver" - the mod there is good at keeping it clean and eliminating the "noise" from people who haven't got such a generous spirit. I linked this page from my FB page (https://www.facebook.com/Exladytrucker-1524338781212330/?ref=hl) and hope more folks will join or come here to learn. Thanks for being one of the good guys!

Don't assume any female at a truck stop must be a lot lizard. I can't tell you the number of times I would be asked if I was "working."

I actually never got this from other drivers (maybe the work boots were a dead giveaway), but I did have two cops in NJ watch me go from the truck stop to my truck, after giving me a somewhat flip comment. They were surprised when I geared up and got out. Of course, that was quite a few years back, when it wasn't as common to see solo women driving. But, honestly, there's never a reason for disrespect. Men should treat women the way they'd want their mom treated. Women should treat men with the respect they'd want given to their dad.

I drove in comfy shoes, slipped in to regular work boots when I needed protection. Merrells or sneakers usually. I also carried slip on waterproof rubber boots. I dressed in layers, outer shell was waterproof light weight rain gear - I think I got it at LL Bean at the time. Everyone's different. I say just think safety first, and then do it as comfortably as you can. Being female, I had less upper body strength, so I used to like gloves that gave me some "purchase" on whatever I needed to move/handle.

Hi everyone! I'm new here, and a retired O-O. That Eagle in the avatar was mine. Now I own a dog training business. I know a lot of you travel with dogs - I did, too. So, I'm always interested to hear about people's life on the road with Rover. Happy to answer any questions you might have about behavior, too.

Don't worry ladies - someday you'll be an old retired lady like me. Go for it and enjoy your travels! Good luck ;-)

Another way you could do it is to go to work for a local company for a while to get some time/miles. Smaller companies might take a chance on you if your record was good.