More Questions

I have many questions and I will try to put them all right here. Some companies allow their employees to take a pet with them. If I did that and I worked by myself, how does anyone keep their pet under control? How would I keep my cat from going to the pedals where my feet are and not allow her to sit on my lap while I am driving?

Also, do Truck Driving schools teach students how to understand Dispatch? Whenever I have heard a little bit of dispatching they have codes mixed with English and I don't really understand it. If they don't teach students how to understand it, how do we learn to understand it?

If I am single with no kids, but I am a lady, is that okay? Maybe it's ideal, but I understand from reading Trucking Truth that most women do a Truck Driving career with their husbands. That is safer. Any advice on that?

Kristine....Welcome to TT !!!! And let me help you get lined out on this truckin' thing !! Tho I did team with my husband, I drove ALOT of solo truck....Redgator, Julie, Deb, and alot of other Lady Drivers are single, and drive OTR...and LOVE it !!! Redgator bobtails to have her nails done ...and she has also been known to wear dresses !! So being a LADY trucker is a choice you can make. I'm a jeans kinda person,...I do own a dress...well two of them...but they aren't my everyday dare...But I always have my hair done, I"m clean, bathed,and smell nice when ya get down wind...And its all possible to do while being a truck driver.I'm sure some of the other ladies will chime in here...We may be truckers, but we are Lady Truckers first !!

My Maine Coon cat Gustaf used to sprawl across the dash in the sun while I hauled beer from PDX to LA twice a week. He never caused trouble in the cab but one time he snuck outside in San Bernadino while offloading. I got the call 30 miles N from their loading dock office. When I returned, Gustaf was laying all over the papers on the mgr's desk, looking at me like "It's about time"!! And getting petted by everyone. hahaha, It was a pretty funny scene!.

Hi Kristine!

I'm a student right now but, plan to go solo with my future dog. My two step sons are grown and my hubby prefers his regular at home job. I am in the process of looking for a company that will accommodate my needs. There are so many to choose from once you narrow down your needs. I am very excited to start this new venture in my life.

I pray nothing but the best for you and the choices you make.

Cole

Hey, Ive been driving for about a month now, and I gotta say while I have recieved a lot of attention from men while making deliveries I have never felt uncomfortable or in danger. I do carry a very sharp pocket knife and pepper spray just incase but I havent had any problems so far. Most places I go have tons of surveilance so people wouldnt dare to cause much trouble anyway. But as a lady trucker I find that men just want to help me in anyway they can. Whether its setting a dock plate or operating an electric pallet jack and unloadin my truck they just want to be gentlemen. Oh theres also a lot of ""hey, a woman driver! Youre coming back every saturday right?!' ....even though I was 30 mins late for my appointment.

Susannah...good to hear that you have figured out the poor men.....Even tho you "feel" safe...still take the usual precautions...Never walk around the back of a trailer at night...stay in the light...carry a flashlight( I like the big 3 cell), be looking around ALL the time,and walk like You Have A Pair (which we do, they are just high rise !!). criminals pick their victims just like animal predators...they want one that looks like it won't fight back ( cuz they are afraid to get hurt)....So look like you can whip the world. I, for one will die protecting myself...and I'll take anyone I can with me...

Oh dont worry I walk confidently and deffinately look like I can kick ass. Steel toed boots complete the look along with a sizeable pocket knife and pepper spray. Im doing NYC runs into the Bronx along with other unsavory places. I also plan on taking self defense coursea as soon as I have the opportunity.

Suzannah, I've had extensive police training....And the real trick is to NEVER let anyone close enough that you could even shoot them with pepper spray. When I was driving, I always carried the 20 foot hornet spray stuff...It works just like pepper spray...and you don't run the risk of spraying yourself...and trust me, I've been peppered...its horrid. That is the major problem with both tazars and pepper spray..you have to get close...I don't want to be close...

Crst has a pet policy. And cats do learn to stay out from under the pedals. Put a treat in the floor near your feet. Whenever they get close, stomp all over and yell, shake a can of coins. Leave the treat there and repeat until they leave it alone. Then pick it up and give them the treat. Sounds awful but it works.

Hello, I am currently in school but plan to go to May Trucking. I will be solo and have my little dog with me. So afar I am the only solo female driver in my school. Once I get my CDL I will be on a truck with a trainer for a few weeks. They should show me the ropes like understanding dispatch.

Companies are becoming more pet friendly as well as truck stops. Just ask the recruiter when you talk to them.

Hope to see you out there soon.