Profile For Robin F.

Hi Ladies,

I lurked here about a year ago.....I have a strong work ethic, don't mind driving, but would like pros/cons to starting a new career as a woman trucker in your 40s?? Seems like the job opportunities I encounter near home are low paying and unsatisfying. I like variety and enjoy challenge. I have a best friend who drove truck for years and loved it, said she thought I'd really like it. My biggest concern is actually driving something that big !

Any advice you can share pro or con is great! Thanks very much!

Robin in CT

What is wrong with automatic trucks versus manual? Just curious, thanks! :)

Robin

Ick, it's an International. My least favorite of trucks. I've been in a 2014, a 2016, and now a 2019 AutoShift that I completely despise. It's pretty but the gloriousness ends there. While I'm very grateful my company gives us new equipment with cool features like built in fridges, heated and cooled seats, etc, the way it's been programmed is positively dreadful. Currently on my way to Cedar Rapids with my latest victim.. er trainee at the wheel, ready to have a little sit down with management regarding the driveability of this truck. I'm praying they'll listen because I cannot see myself driving this truck any appreciable length of time. I've tried to like it even a little but still no dice. I drove it to Columbus OH, then by the house, then to ft Myers FL, up to Baltimore, Chicago and now to CR. A little over 3k miles now. The people at freightliner lost their minds when designing the 2019s and my company has lost their minds, setting the driving parameters ridiculously. I need cheese to go with my whine. Wish me luck.

I really appreciate the detailed and thoughtful replies. I feel like most of my life has been taking care of others, not really focusing on myself. For some reason I think having a career where I'm the responsible one and it's up to me totally to succeed is attractive to me in ways I don't even understand yet.

I will definitely keep in touch and would love to get to know you all. If I embark on this journey I for sure am going to need all the experienced help I can get!! :)

Robin

Your truck is beautiful...! What is the big difference between auto and manual? Having never ever driven a stick I am way more used to automatic transmissions...haha..

Robin

Rainy, I sure know how you felt going into an auto from the manual. I would have kicked and screamed all the way until I had no choice but you are right it sure is a beautiful truck. It looks like it fits you to a "T".

Harry, i cried to my FM so hard " i cant drive this thing. i dont even know how to start it!" i seriously coukdnt get it to move.

but it is what it is. its mine now.

I am very tempted to go to Prime because everything I'm reading here seems like they are the best place for a woman to drive. Although Stevens has it's very good points, apparently you get a truck that is pretty young to start with, which is probably something that normally wouldn't happen. It's just deciding if I can handle the vigors of the road, being away from my husband and stepkids that much, although if it comes right down to it if he can't get a job that produces I have to make hard choices, like it or not.

It's just something I have been drawn to and nothing I've done has really been a career for me. I feel like this would be that thing I've been needing in my life.

Robin

I got an email from Prime today. Apparently I would have to get my CDL Permit and DOT Medical Card in CT before I go there. Steven's training would start in January and I think Prime would be sooner. Still doing my research and I think my biggest worry is actually handling the truck...Thanks so much for your input, it's very very helpful as I try to decide what's the best route to go.

Robin

Thanks so much for the welcome! I'm at the point of I'm not sure of what I need to know, you know? I think my husband thinks I'm nuts, but if he can't find a job someone's gotta make enough to pay the bills, LOL..

What did you find were the difficulties for you when you began driving? I have also never driven a stick successfully, so there's worry there....Stevens says I'd be set up with a female trainer, which is a boon I think?? Or maybe not. How is Prime for training?

Robin

:)

Welcome Robin!

I am a 55 year old woman who worked in a law firm for over 20 years. In August I put my last child in college, walked away from a career I knew very well, and went to Prime CDL school in Springfield, MO. I am now a CDL holder and am working through the second phase of OTR training with a trainer (30,000 miles). I’m loving it and am so glad I made the decision to do this. I’m not sure about Stevens, but most companies are switching to automatics and, for me, that helped in my training a lot. As for whether you will be able to handle a big truck, you won’t know until you try. I will say it is a completely different experience than driving a car, even a big SUV.

The advice I can give as to safety is this...be vigilant, know who is around you, don’t walk between trailers, park in well lit areas. There are always dangers for solo women wherever they go but just be aware.

Good luck and let us know if you have any questions.

I am considering a major change in life. I have worked in retail and merchandising for several years and in January my husband's well paid pharmaceutical job will be ending due to company closure of the facility he works at. I have a very good woman friend who was a trucker and loved it and suggested I think about a career in trucking.

I'm looking for up front advice ladies....don't worry about hurting my feelings. I've spoken with Steven Transport and have an opportunity to go to CDL school with them starting in January. I have always loved travel and I've always been interested in trucking. I am about to turn 44 and wonder if this is the kind of career I could be successful at. My main concerns are 1. Safety for solo women truckers and 2. Can I even learn to handle a semi? ok..that's the biggest worry...I'll be honest...lol. I've never driven anything bigger than a large SUV before....

I'd love any input you could provide and don't worry about me, I can take tough love!

Thanks so much,

Robin