26, Female, NO EXPERIENCE, But I Think I Really Want To Get Into This. Here I Beg For Advice:

Hello ladies and gentlemen. I could have posted this in general, but I suppose I'm something of an outsider to the trucking world. For various reasons (rabblerabble*Job Market*rabblerabble) I'm seriously considering a change of career. I apply and apply, no jobs. My employment history has huge holes punched into it by stints attempting college for this major or that one, with no degree to show for it. After eight years of school I am less hire-able than I was straight out of high school, HELP ME!

I was chatting with my wise old dad this afternoon and he suggested I get a class B, he welds and deals with lots of truckers so I guess he's noticed women picking it up more, and the idea really feels right to me. Here's my problem, I'm afraid. I don't want to be taken advantage of by an overpriced school, but I don't have a truck to practice on. Does someone with a history like me have to cough up the entire tuition on my own or are there companies that will work with me?

What are your experiences, do you know any younger women who have jumped in without previous experience? Even more, do most men who pick it up even have experience? Am I over stressing the gender issue and just psyching myself out? I am a pretty tough lady but I have all these unfounded preconceptions about the trucking business that I need straightened out.

I need to take action, my patient nature has left me behind the curve, and I want to get going!

I am sure one of the ladies will be along shortly with some better advice. But I will try and help you out a bit. Start the CDL training corse here on the site. It is free and will greatly help you get a handle on the knowledge part needed to take your tests.

As for the holes in your employment history you will just have to show the companies that you were going to school. Your next and biggest choice will be if you want to go to a private school or a company sponsered school. Best of luck to you in whatever you decide. I start my new trucking career in a week and a half.

I got into trucking with ZERO knowledge other than it takes you away from home for months on end ( which I was okay with ) I started by this site studied day in and day out took test after test after test til I understood and got good grades ( not memoriez the question and correct answer after I finished on this site I went got my class a cdl ACED all my tests I also had my state hand book that i'd study out of as well. this site is VERYYYY helpful THANK YOU BRETT!!

AS for no experience with DRIVING a truck hon b4 I got in an 18 wheeler the only thing I knew how to drive was an automatic I went to school they teach you how to drive and park ( the school I went to didn't teach you the parking skills you use out here on a daily basis actually come to think of it I never used the parking skills the school taught me because we don't use them out here. but don't let that scare you cause your mentor is the one who will teach you how to park and drive better.

I am no pro that is for sure! I am prob one of the worse parkers out there lol... I do about 20 pull ups before I actually get in a good position. but it all practice you'll eventually get the hang of it.

as for the money part for schooling I know for me I am stuck with my company for a year and each pay check they take a few bucks out for schooling that I did.

I hope this helps a little I know this prob sounds like im rambling and I prob am I had a long stressful day and am on my way to bed.

i'd deffinetly would say start with training on here it is free and really good info. also go to your local dmv and grab a cdl hand book they are free as well. study them both and you'll do fine.

CallMeGan....welcome to TT. and to the ladies forum !! We will help you all we can..thats why we are here. Feel free to post on any forum, you will receive great advice from all the people on here, be they moderators,drivers,retired drivers, rookies, or those like you, just getting into trucking. Now...to answer some of your concerns... You have options for training, and heres a few: Check with your employment office regarding the WIA program. it will pay for your training at an approved CDL school. Look at the trucking companies that offer training, and you pay it off as you drive for them.

Now while you are waiting to hear about schooling, get into the High Road Training Program and start studying !!! it will help you ALOT.... you will need to have a DOT physical before you go to the dmv , and your school of choice( usually) Then you will need to get your cdl permit thru your DMV, You will want to get endorsements for doubles , triples, tanker, and HAZMAT. So be sure and study those areas really well. And the HAZMAT will also take a background check, and finger printing... So, by the time you go to school, you will be READY !!!!!!!!!!

Hope this helps a little. and keep those questions coming. The trucking world has alot of women out there running the road, and quite a few of them are TT contributors...and the list is growing.