Trainer Request Advice

Okay, I'm not one of those who feels entitled to making requests simply because I'll be a newcomer into the trucking business but I do have actual reasons to consider making specific requests with whomever ends up as my employer assigning me a trainer.

First, yes, I'm female and I'm not really concerned with having a female trainer (although that would be preferable, but I've encountered replies on here mentioning a wait list for females) so to make this clear -- this is not one of the requests being referred to.

I do, however, request:

- the ability to charge an item that uses a wall outlet. (no, it's not a cellphone or a luxury item, but a required item for a condition). If this means I need to get an adapter to make this happen somehow with a cigarette lighter while the engine is running, let me know! (I'm not sure if this is the same as an "inverter", btw). I'd want to make sure the trainer is aware of this and is ok with this need (if they're really that fickle with students) -- and yes, to the company I'd explain what it is, if I need to share that info.

- have a trainer who would understand and respect the need of drinking water. I will not endanger my own hydration health and thus drink a gallon a day as I have poor water absorption -- and yes, for those curious, it makes me pee a lot haha! I'd get my own 3-gal waters from the supermarket, but I need to make sure the trainer is ok with the space it may take-- especially if it's a trainer who refuses to stop at a supermarket for a weeks, or something. I'd ask for a health-conscious trainer, first, to teach me proper road nutrition habits as well -- which I figure will also include hydration. But if they're unable to offer a health-conscious trainer, then yes, I'd need to clarify this aqua hydration as the bare ("non-negotiable", i want to say) minimum. [Tips for how a female can ****, sharing would be much appreciated.... since we chicks don't, um, have the ability to "whip it out". LOL]

- a non-smoking trainer, or at least, one who truthfully refuses to smoke inside the rig. I'm allergic to cigarette/cigar smoke, especially in confined spaces -- and no, the windows down doesn't count as "okay" lol

Any advice/suggestions for the approach of these requests with potential employers? I figure it would be best to ask about these things when collecting pre-hires , so the company and whomever ends up my trainer is forewarned -- and that they have time with this. I feel as if it may be a test of the company, as well -- I don't think I'd want to sign up with a company that has issues with students wanting to be healthily hydrated, haha!

Thanks in advance for any pointers!

I would definitely talk to the company about these things, especially since you have two legitimate conditions; needing a 120v outlet and being allergic to smoke. Those things are non-compromisable things.

As far as the water, you will probably have to store your water in your bunk with you. You can refill smaller bottles at truck stops and such but you might have trouble with the larger bottles.

Finding places to stop for potty breaks can be tricky sometimes. What happens if you get stuck in traffic crossing NYC for three hours like I did? Or you have a delivery appointment you can't be late for and you have just enough hours to make it? I'm not saying don't hydrate, but consider these things before you start your day.

There have been discussions here about female + pee + truck living. I don't know what words to search on to get reasonable results.

Also, don't freak about "you will probably have to store your water in your bunk with you". The bunks are extra long. I'm 6'2", and on the team part of training kept a suitcase at the foot end. I could still stretch out as needed.

As far as women being able to "whip it out" paste this amazon https://www.amazon.com/Bowink-Female-Urination-Device-Lightweight/dp/B01HNY204Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468981695&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=female+urination+device&psc=1

Many years ago my mother and aunt got plastic ones for a backpacking trip we took. They had fun running off into the woods to pee.

Any advice/suggestions for the approach of these requests with potential employers? I figure it would be best to ask about these things when collecting pre-hires , so the company and whomever ends up my trainer is forewarned -- and that they have time with this.

ChickieMonster -- Yes, I know-- see above direct quote from my own question. That was the very asked question.

Errol -- Oh, that's good to know you are still able to stretch out! I'm 5'11 and wondered about that. Thanks!

Big Scott- yeah, I've seen that before.... I suppose as an real emergency (gross!) but I would lose all self-respect if I made it a habit. Haha, I never needed to use any aid to pee in the woods when I've gone camping; but I can't assume I can always just run off somewhere... It's not like I can pretend to be checking a tire like you guys can lmao. I was hoping I'd hear from the experienced women drivers on this one

Any advice/suggestions for the approach of these requests with potential employers? I figure it would be best to ask about these things when collecting pre-hires , so the company and whomever ends up my trainer is forewarned -- and that they have time with this.

. I was hoping I'd hear from the experienced women drivers on this one

I'll tackle the female urination in a truck issue. Not that I ever did this with a trainer and wouldn't.... but as solo... I have a small rubber maid container with a tight lid... put a 13 gallon bag in it then add kitty litter. For emergencies when alone... it comes in handy and seals in the odor. Just remove bag and throw away. Putting baking soda in helps with odor as well.

I met a trainer who insisted his student drink water and set breaks every 2 hours. Some students thought that was abusive and was being treated like a child. Some trainers have health conditions which require breaks. If they are stopping any way... you can too.

Prime has some sort of health program you can join in which a nutritionist and exercise coach sets you up on a diet and exercise program. Again its somethi g probably better solo than With a trainer.We have fairly healthy food in the cafe and gyms at the terminals.

I doubt the outlet would be a problem. Storing the water would be on your bunk. The issue would be the constant stopping for restrooms. Many team runs do not allow such breaks. Especially high value loads which you can not stop for the first 200 miles.. in Dallas NYC or atlanta... that could be half a drive shift in traffic. Also slowing down the truck means less miles covered which means less money for the trainer. There are other roads where no lie.. I drove US route 400 and it took over 7 hours. No place to stop.... not even a shoulder for much of it. My point is that could be out of your trainers hand.

I would look at training as a sort of boot camp. Get through it quickly then do what you want on your own truck. Do you really need someone to teach you how to eat? U don't need a trucker for that. No offense but they are there to teach you to drive not eat or be healthy.

It's a double edge sword being a woman. One one hand... many trainers think women take training more seriously... on the other many wives won't let their hubby train a woman or men are afraid of false allegations of sexual harassment. Thus trainers for women can be few. The more picky you ate the less likely you will find a trainer. No matter which company

Prime made us sign a paper stating we were willing to take a different gender or smoker.

Best advice I can give is to talk to the trainers you meet about the truck rules and your condition. It's not just their truck but their home... you are a guest so placing requirements is like saying... "thanks for letting me visit. I want my own bathroom... need special food... and insist you leave the room when I make calls". That is an exaggeration but would u let a guest dictate the way things would be in your home?

Im not trying to be offensive. But there are times I have had to pee so bad I honestly thought I was gonna pee my pants. I have considered buying some adult diapers to keep on the truck. As others have said, you can get stuck in traffic for HOURS. Anticipating such a situation, I would like to have the option. The other option would be a sopping wet drivers seat to deal with and trying to clean/dry/ deodorize. I hope I did not gross anybody out. Just my thoughts! (and maybe a bit too much honesty)

TractorMan -- I completely agree!!! What you just told me is exactly why I was asking for advice from you guys on how to address.. I did not want to come in and make it look like I've already overwelcomed my presence as the guest, although those three things do need to be understood by the company and trainer, regardless. 1) I will need to be able to charge something that uses a wall outlet plug, 2) I need to be able to drink a gallon of water a day (and yes, clearly this means I will be peeing), 3) i'm allergic to cig smoke. If the company/co-driver has issues with it, well.. then it won't work out, but I'm not going to get trapped in a contract before finding this out. Hence asking how to address while collecting pre-hires....

No, I did not think it would be best to just wait until I'm about to be assigned with a someone and go *blamblamblam* "this and that, and this and.." without some kind of forewarning or courtesy notice. It will not matter the truck rules: these three are non-negotiable. Since I'm not doing company-sponsored but applying for employment with completion of CDL school, I don't think I will have the same opportunities to talk to trainers in advance, and yes my understanding is I will still be put with a trainer initially as an inexperienced (correct me if I'm wrong on this!).

Maybe I worded this wrong... it's not requesting, but trying to give a courtesy heads up on these items so no one is surprised or unprepared, and have an opportunity to tell me if some course of action would be needed (example, if I need to get an adapter product for my device). I don't know how many come in asking "make sure my trainer/co-driver is aware that I truly do drink water all day with poor water absorption so that s/he does not hold the fact that I *do* pee a lot against me" lol

By giving advice or suggestion on how to address something with the company on the items that I've publicized as important and not negotiable while I'm asking for pre-hires , I'd also indirectly be getting advice on how to address an actual condition that has not publicized. So sometimes, not all questions are strictly 100% solely to do with the product/item and also would be applicable advice for something else that wasn't shared. (hint!)

And yes, your info about Prime -- is what has me very interested in the company, because of their emphasis on health. Right now, it's the #1 company I'm eyeing. I have to find out if their pet policy will be lenient with having three cats, though, and have to consider other companies if Prime will not permit after I've directly spoken to them.

As far as charging something, there are small inverters that plug into a 12 volt outlet, which all trucks have, which you can charge your whatever in. They are usually cheap and will charge cell phones lap tops etc. I have one for my car that I got from Harbor Freight, it has a USB port as well. That should take care of one of your demands. Hope it helps.

Errol -- Oh, that's good to know you are still able to stretch out! I'm 5'11 and wondered about that. Thanks!

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