Solo Lady Trucker Here, Willing To Help.

1. What were your trainers like? I'm so worried about getting a guy that makes lewd comments all day. Or even worse, one that hinders my training/completion because I turn down his advances. I know that probably 99% of the trainers out there are nice, normal guys. But knowing my luck, I'll get one of the 1%.

I actually had three different male trainers, the first one quit to take a job with another company. The second one I had a raging UTI and finally had to come home for a week to clear that up. Third one finished up my training. All three were extremely professional. That being said, you will get harassing comments out there on the road, even from drivers that work for the same company as you. If your trainer makes you feel uncomfortable, by all mean report it immediately. As far as coworkers or other drivers, you can report it if you want, but that can come back to haunt you. I have an attitude of, "If I'm easily offended, I'm in the wrong line of work." While you should never be put in a situation that makes you uncomfortable, unless you are in fear for your immediate physical safety, sometimes its better to ignore and walk away. The choice is yours though.

2. Have you ever had times when you didn't feel safe sleeping in your truck at night?

Nope, but then as soon as your trainer feels you are ok to drive on your own, you will be doing split shift anyway, he'll sleep while you drive, you'll sleep while he drives.

3. Getting exercise seems like it might be difficult while doing this job. Are you ever able to just take a walk? Like if I was at a customer's location, is it ok to leave the truck to walk around while they are loading/unloading the truck?

Absolutely, just be careful of trucks in motion.

4. How are the truck stop showers?

If you shower at the big truck stops, like the Flying J's, Pilot's, Love's, or TA, the showers are fine. You may come across one once in awhile that ain't all that great, I once was at a small mom and pop truck stop where the shower had a mold-covered curtain, and I was like no way and asked for my money back. But the major truck stops are nice enough. They supply towels, but I always used my own, just personal preference.

1. What were your trainers like? I'm so worried about getting a guy that makes lewd comments all day. Or even worse, one that hinders my training/completion because I turn down his advances. I know that probably 99% of the trainers out there are nice, normal guys. But knowing my luck, I'll get one of the 1%.

I actually had three different male trainers, the first one quit to take a job with another company. The second one I had a raging UTI and finally had to come home for a week to clear that up. Third one finished up my training. All three were extremely professional. That being said, you will get harassing comments out there on the road, even from drivers that work for the same company as you. If your trainer makes you feel uncomfortable, by all mean report it immediately. As far as coworkers or other drivers, you can report it if you want, but that can come back to haunt you. I have an attitude of, "If I'm easily offended, I'm in the wrong line of work." While you should never be put in a situation that makes you uncomfortable, unless you are in fear for your immediate physical safety, sometimes its better to ignore and walk away. The choice is yours though.

2. Have you ever had times when you didn't feel safe sleeping in your truck at night?

Nope, but then as soon as your trainer feels you are ok to drive on your own, you will be doing split shift anyway, he'll sleep while you drive, you'll sleep while he drives.

3. Getting exercise seems like it might be difficult while doing this job. Are you ever able to just take a walk? Like if I was at a customer's location, is it ok to leave the truck to walk around while they are loading/unloading the truck?

Absolutely, just be careful of trucks in motion.

4. How are the truck stop showers?

If you shower at the big truck stops, like the Flying J's, Pilot's, Love's, or TA, the showers are fine. You may come across one once in awhile that ain't all that great, I once was at a small mom and pop truck stop where the shower had a mold-covered curtain, and I was like no way and asked for my money back. But the major truck stops are nice enough. They supply towels, but I always used my own, just personal preference.

Thanks for replying :)

Hello! I am looking to change careers this summer and give truck driving a try. I'm a high school science teacher...been doing that 14 years, and honestly, I've had enough of education. I'm looking at FFE/KLLM right now. They offer free schooling and only a year's commitment to pay it back. I figure if I hate driving, I can always take the year as a learning experience and go back into the classroom. I've been studying for the CDL on this site, and I have a question. Would it be better to go on and take the written permit test before going to school so that part would be over with, and all I'd have to focus on would be learning the truck? I've driven a school bus and the largest U-Haul truck, and while I realize those two things are still much smaller than a rig, I'm fairly confident in learning to drive a big one. Both my kids are grown, and I have one grandchild. The only real obligations I have to leave behind are my pets, and those will be in the care of my youngest son while I'm away. To the lady here who talked about leaving her abusive relationship....yay for you!! I too found myself in a situation like that 15-16 years ago. It was tough, and a long road with two small children...but I got out, and you can too. Plus, you can make life so much better for yourself! Sorry for a long, rambling post... I'm nervous but excited about this new adventure.

Ahmalia, That's nice of you to offer your guidance. I'm sure I will have plenty of questions for you once I'm in school. Thanks!

Katherine, I'm not in school yet, but after doing my research I would think it's better to try for your CLP (Commercial Driver Learner Permit) before you start school. Yet, that may also depend upon how long a CLP is valid in your state. In WI, one is good for 6 months, so I'm going to try to get mine a few weeks before school. I'm going to a tech college (not a private school), and the instructors said the students will try for the CLP within the first few weeks of classes. Since I want to be a step ahead, I'm going to start reading Brett's High Road series on here to help me prepare and try for the CLP a few weeks before school.

Before I decided on trucking, I was thinking of getting my alternative teaching license, but all the teachers I know are leaving the profession because of all the bureaucracy. Good for you for getting out of an abusive relationship. That takes courage and strength!

Hey, Katherine!! Well, I can't speak for FFE or KLLM training schools, but for Swift, I was required to have my CLP before starting school. And with Swift, it took a year to pay them for the schooling, but in the second year Swift pays you back, so if you commit to two years, school ends up being free. Just be sure that once you decide on a company, make sure to ask them if they require you to obtain your CLP prior to starting school. Good luck!!!

Before I decided on trucking, I was thinking of getting my alternative teaching license, but all the teachers I know are leaving the profession because of all the bureaucracy. Good for you for getting out of an abusive relationship. That takes courage and strength!

Teaching is nothing like it used to be. Bureaucratic BS has sucked all the fun out of the profession and replaced it with ridiculous ideas of what accountability looks like. I love the kids...I love what I teach...but I'm tired of being made to feel like I have no clue what I'm doing after 14 years. The straw that broke the proverbial camel's back was when my principal told me that it was too much to ask of my upper level chemistry and AP physics students to study and work outside of my classroom. At that point, I knew I was finished. So when my contract is up on June 2nd, I'm heading to CDL school with Prime if all goes as planned. As far as testing for my permit ahead of time, apparently the rules have changed as far as transferring a permit to another state, so I am just going to wait. I'm using the study material on this site though to get up to speed before I go.

Kat, your statements mirror what I've heard from the teachers I know. I even saw how NCLB has hindered education not helped it when I worked for a youth training program. It's sad that accountability and excellence are diminishing, even in AP classes. But it's good you will be done w/ the BS and starting a new direction. That's great about Prime; they seem like a good company. Good point on out of state permit.

3. Getting exercise seems like it might be difficult while doing this job. Are you ever able to just take a walk? Like if I was at a customer's location, is it ok to leave the truck to walk around while they are loading/unloading the truck?

Absolutely, just be careful of trucks in motion.

Hello Ahmalia! Thank you for your offering! I just started studying for the permit. I also have wondered about the opportunity to get exercise. Do you ever have time in your schedule to go to a gym? I have a membership at Planet Fitness, and they have many locations in many states, so would I have the time for a workout if the schedule allowed it?

4. How are the truck stop showers?

If you shower at the big truck stops, like the Flying J's, Pilot's, Love's, or TA, the showers are fine. You may come across one once in awhile that ain't all that great, I once was at a small mom and pop truck stop where the shower had a mold-covered curtain, and I was like no way and asked for my money back. But the major truck stops are nice enough. They supply towels, but I always used my own, just personal preference.

And as for your own towels and wash cloths - what do you do with them after you use them? Just hang them up in your cab to dry? I don't know that I would be comfortable using a truck stop's towels either.

I use major truck stops towels and never been grossed out. They are usually freshly washed, smell clean and still warm from the dryer.

Just don't hang your towels on the outside of the truck to dry! I spilled a 44 oz soda in the floor and hubby used a towel to dry it up. We hung it outside on the hood mirror to dry and someone swiped it. I guess someone needed that towel more than I did!

I'm also planning to start trucking career next year and I really appreciate all the advice and info you ladies share on here. I too am nervous and don't really know what to expect by going this route but I am also excited. Anything you can advice us newbies about would be gratefully appreciated. Be blessed :)