Update To Officer Turning To Truck Driver From Last Year...

Hello group...I am hesitant to post as I have done so in other forums and got nothing but negative or insulting comments. Yes, a major crimes detective CAN become a truck driver!!

I did remember having posted here a year ago when I was fresh out of the gate about my decision to go OTR. It was just an idea I was entertaining at the time but a few people here responded and supported me. So I hope this gets to them.

My name is Donna and I did retire from law enforcement from the outer banks of NC, moved in with my parents to save money. I put my things in storage, have study every manual I could find at the library and obtained my CDL permit. I knew I wanted to go out on the road to see if this is something for me so I was able to find two drivers who would take me out. I stayed 6 weeks OTR and went out west.

I did very well and I learned a lot. Being a woman (even with a gun) intimidated me a lil at some of the truck stops. Especially Near Texas and Mexico. But I can handle it.

I have decided to pursue this to the end. I obtained my DOT physical yesterday and signed on with a major truck line today. I start training Monday March 9. I was NOT impressed with the response I got from recruiters. I searched every trucking company that would train me. Recruiters seem not to know much. Some couldn't even tell me how much a CDL costs in the state I would be training in or other important stuff I wanted to know. This was disappointing. I do want to mentor eventually and maybe become a recruiter. But not until I can prepare the driver for this career, not just push him out there.

Well, thanks for being there for me in the early days and I have started making videos and I have already given you mention.

Take Care and Safe Travels.

Donna "Casey" Greene

I remember your post from then. Good to see you back. It can be intimidating for anyone, even with a gun at times. The one thing, as you know, is to be aware of your surroundings. Even things that are going on behind and beside you. Like when you are walking back to your truck, look for feet under your truck and the one beside you. From a distance you can clearly see under your truck and trailer.

Congrats on taking the time to make the decision.

I remember you too Donna! Glad to see another woman jumping in with both feet! I have been driving solo for Roehl for the last 3 months and it is amazing how quickly time passes when you are on the road. May I ask who you decided to sign on with? Best of luck to you and let us know how things progress!

Congratulations!

Welcome back! We'd love for you to keep us posted on how the new job is going, and of course if you have a question or two, I'm sure there is someone in here that can answer it for you.

Congrats Donna! I'm retiring from Law Enforcement next week and start an 8 week CDL school on Mar 17. I'm looking forward to this new career and look forward to hearing about your adventures since you will be ahead of me with yours. Best of luck!!!

Donna, I'm gonna beat a dead horse here, but it like so many cliches - it's TRUE . . . you obviously have no problem asserting yourself (former officer of the law) and you already exhibit the true characteristics of a "student" . . . so dive right in and don't look back (look under the trucks if you want, though) . . . the best kept secret of this whole truck driving thing is this (it is really simple): BE A PROBLEM SOLVER! I assume you are already one because you have been "a major crimes detective" you know what I mean . . . figure it out . . . don't let anyone intimidate you as you have as much right as anyone else to be where you are and complete the maneuvers at the speed appropriate to your skill level . . . you will be amazed at how quickly your skills will improve . . . another secret? HAVE FUN . . . make friends and stay in touch . . . the miles melt away as you have these "streams-of-conscientiousness" conversations with your friends (in other words, inane, pointless conversations that stretch on for hours - no one else would be a bit interested in what you two are saying!) . . . heck, you might even hit on the "solutions" to all the problems of the world, who knows??

Jopa

Interesting to me, that you carry a gun, which is not normally allowed. How are you able to legally carry a firearm in a CMV? What company allows you to carry? What must you do when say, entering a different state or say Massachuttes? Are you carrying a loaded firearm in the cab of your CMV?

Also I am way more scared of trouble in Chicago or New York than I ever have been in Texas and Mexico, but I was born in the Southwest so maybe thats why. Maybe someone from Chicago might think Texas is tough (doubt it tho). LOL.

Phil

Thank you for the encouraging words. To answer some of your questions, I chose SWIFT because I investigated the company, liked what I saw, spent time out as a rider with them and know their procedures and such. I was comfortable with them and I believe it is a solid company that will keep me running. Secondly, the question was posed about me carrying my firearm. I will not keep my weapon with me on the truck. First it is against the companies policy (I have already read their entire drivers manual) and I have my passport and FAST card so I want to drive to Mexico and Canada. I have a former Chief who chose to drive a semi after retirement and I hear a lot of cops do it because we drive many miles while on patrol. We are used to scanning and the safety end of being a responsible driver. Also I am an introvert. I enjoy working solo. I was happy to see another officers post here that they too are interested in trucking. My mother has been a dispatch coordinator for Wal-Mart for 21 years and she has been so helpful. But I have to tell ya, she was shocked when I came home for Christmas and told everybody my choice. You could have dropped a tack and heard it across the world. (Follow me on facebook msblueventures. I will be glad to give you ideas as I have kept excellent notes, ha!~ feels like I am putting together a DA discovery) ...............Thanks All!

I loled a little at "cops being responsible drivers" lol sorry not all cops are responsible drivers...