Roehl GYCDL Starting May 2022!

Wow, so here I am starting a training diary after reading so many others, and spending quite a bit of time here on TT on the High Road CDL Training Program, and just taking it all in before I decided to Apply For Paid CDL Training.

Hi y'all, I'm Shannon, I'm in my early-mid 40s, single with no kids (except the fur baby, Lily) and I'm about to embark on my next adventure.

I just signed on with Roehl for their reefer division and I've got a phase 1 class date of May 23rd, in Marshfield, WI.

My backstory: I've always been a little bit unconventional. I started working in construction and remodeling when I was 18, and did that for 8 years. I've worked retail, in a book bindery, and I served in the Air Force for 6 years as an AMMO troop. Then I went to college, got an English degree (pretty cool, but what do I do with it?) and then became a radio DJ for a small media company in the Lake of the Ozarks, MO area. That was a lot of fun, playing music and talking on the air, but after a while there, I got shuffled into a 9-5 Monday-Friday position that I pretty much hated. I hung in there for a year and a half, until I really couldn't stand it any more.

I've always been fascinated by truck drivers, since I was a little girl, whenever I'd see them on the highways and interstates. So I thought "Why not?"

I gave my notice for my job for the end of the month of April, and didn't look back. I moved out of my house, put everything I wanted to keep in storage, and I'm currently staying with friends.

Over the past two weeks, I studied for my written test. I wanted to take my test a week ago, on Monday, but here in Missouri it was an observed state holiday, so the state offices weren't open! I took it Tuesday instead, and passed. The feeling of elation was unbelievable! Then I spent the rest of the day at the DMV (two trips!) to get my CLP. Along the way I also had my DOT physical done, and my drug screens.

I'll be driving up to Marshfield in my POV (a hatchback. Don't laugh. Okay, you can laugh a little. I can't help but think of how tiny it's going to feel after learning to drive a truck!) so I'll be glad to have my own wheels for getting back and forth to training and around town. I'll be looking for those who flew or bussed in and will need a ride.

One of the bigger reasons I went with Roehl, other than the fact that my recruiter was excellent, communicative, and worked within my constraints (like calling me after 5 pm, when I got off work, even though he normally gets off work then, too), is the fact that they have a decent pet policy. My 9 year old coonhound mix Lily IS my family, and as soon as I can, when I get my own truck and go solo, she's coming with me. That girl loves car rides, and she's well behaved enough. She's velcro to my side when we're together, and honestly I'm probably the most torn up about leaving her with relatives while I train. But she'll be okay. I guess I will be, too.

A few questions I've accumulated, especially if any other woman truckers want to chime in...

A lot of people who love me have asked about my personal safety. They want to know if I'll be packing. I've told them I don't think I'd be allowed to carry a gun in a company truck. I don't think I'd want to, anyway. But is that accurate? But what about personal safety? Mace or pepper spray? A knife? I'm used to keeping sharp situational awareness anyway, walking head up and looking around, not being an easy target, and I have to imagine that walking across a truck stop parking lot at night can't be much more dangerous than anything else. I'm thinking that most of the people there are truckers, too, and just trying to make a living like I am. Am I misguided?

Also, I was asked if I would be okay with a phase 2 trainer who is male, if he's undergone sexual harassment training. I'm thinking to myself, who knows when a woman trainer might be available, right...? Well, again, this is just a person who's trying to make a living, and doesn't want to risk his job doing something stupid. But I guess what I'm most concerned about is bathroom situations. It's really just going to come down to honest communication, right? Like, if you're in someone's presence 24/7, you're gonna have to get over it real quick when you need to go pee, or really need to get a shower. Any input here?

Everyone, I already know what a supportive community this is, so thank you in advance for kind words and answers.

If you're interested in seeing a picture of my Lily dawg.

Congrats on your new career decision. I'm just a few weeks ahead of you. I finished my Phase 1 at Roehl (also in Marshfield) this past Saturday. I was originally scheduled to start May 9th, but they had an opening and I was able to start on April 25th. Really good training program. The instructors are great. Nice hotel, the breakfast is pretty good there too. Then the box lunches aren't terrible, obviously any free food is better than nothing. I tested last Wed and passed my CDL , just went to my local BMV this morning and got it sent in to Roehl. Talked to my FTM (fleet training manager) today for the first time. Should be going out for Phase 2 within the next week or so once a Trainer Driver is set up for me. I'm nervous about being in such close quarters for so long, but I realize it's gotta happen. Hoping to get along well with him. I obviously can't answer any questions about your concerns yet since I haven't experienced it yet. But I do know that showers and stuff like that will be done at truck stops, and they have male and female facilities, so that shouldn't be an issue with your trainer. But if you want to know anything about Phase 1, I may be able to help.

Welcome Shannon!

Not sure if you’ve read this yet; Becoming A Truck Driver: The Raw Truth About Truck Driving? If not I strongly suggest taking a look.

Also in preparation for your schooling at Roehl this link will also assist in your studies:

• Pre-Trip Inspection Study Guide
• Daniel's Pre-Trip Inspection
• Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist
• Pre-Trip Inspection Practice Questions

You might want to post the last half of your intro in the general forum. That’s where the experienced drivers tend to hang, offering first hand experience. And finally we have a blog section found in the menu drop own. Rainy (aka Kersey) has written several good articles designed to help women truck drivers.

Good luck!

If you're interested in seeing a picture of my Lily dawg.

I meant to welcome you the other day as well, Shannon! Better late than never, so..WELCOME!

Lily is GORGEOUS !! You're gonna have quite the copilot!!

The photo is in your gallery, but it didn't post to the thread, because you either didn't label it, or hit 'GO' and wait for the 'success' message, and then see a thumbnail. You'll get it next time!

I'm happy for ya girl. Love to have more women up in here, too!

Check out some posts from Kearsey & Laura (IDMtnGal) on here, as you can. Both, long time drivers and/or trainers!

If you have time before you head out, check out: Truckin' Along w/Kearsey!

I'll be following your diary, and cheering you on, too!

Best wishes;

~ Anne ~ (& Tom, my driver/hubby!)