Training Question: Female Trainee With Male Trainer

Hi All,

Just wondering...when out on the road for several days during training, how does it work for when trainer and trainee get sleep? Is all sleep done in the truck, or do OTR drivers also sleep in motels? Thanks, Deb

Hi All,

Just wondering...when out on the road for several days during training, how does it work for when trainer and trainee get sleep? Is all sleep done in the truck, or do OTR drivers also sleep in motels? Thanks, Deb

You will sleep in the truck. Barring some kind of mechanical issue where the truck has to be left in a shop overnight to be repaired, you won't stay in a hotel (except for perhaps when your trainer takes home time). For the first several days to several weeks (depending on the company and how your particular trainer operates), you will sleep at the same time, one in the top bunk and one in the bottom. After that, the truck will be operated like a team truck, and often your trainer will be sleeping while you are driving and vice versa. Some companies (I think Knight and a few others) are 1:1 the entire training period; that is, anytime you are driving your trainer will always be awake and guiding you.

You are allowed to request a female mentor, but the waits are generally very long (a few weeks to a few months). Female trainers are not common in the industry, and there aren't usually enough at most companies to keep up with the influx of new drivers. I was told by Swift that currently the wait is about 2 months (from your orientation date), and that's too long for me. So I'll most likely be going with a male mentor.

GREAT ANSWER AND INFORMATION C.S. !!! Every company has different rules...But across the board one rule applies to all. If ANY trainer makes sexual advances, innuendos, threats, or sexual blackmail towards you....you CALL the safety department of your company asap. You deserve to be treated with respect, period.

I would rather have a non-smoker as a trainer than a woman trainer. Not judging here, but I really have problems with smoke of all kinds.

I would rather have a non-smoker as a trainer than a woman trainer. Not judging here, but I really have problems with smoke of all kinds.

I would want the same. I don't smoke and when I leave my relative's place, my hair, coat and clothes reek of cigarette smoke! I don't want the wait for the female driver-trainer, and just hope snoring in the truck isn't a problem. His or possibly mine! I think the place I'm hoping to sign with has the driver awake during all the trainee driving time. Still waiting to retest next week for skills and road, so this whole thing is a new world to me.

I would rather have a non-smoker as a trainer than a woman trainer. Not judging here, but I really have problems with smoke of all kinds.

. I will be okay with a male trainer. I would want someone who isn't cold nature cause I'm always hot, even if they smoke I can't deal with someone who is shivering cold while I'm sweating.. lol