Considering a career as a truck driver, any insight and advice?
Asked by crisis
so i have a couple questions...first and foremost i know i would be doing a lot of driving..i love driving though and it's the only thing i'm really good at. I deliver now, i've driven across the country, to canada, florida...one time i even drove from oklahoma city to philadelphia without stopping (27 and half hours..i know that wasn't safe) so that parts def fine with me. I only drive stick and i'm up to the challenge of learning how to drive a big rig.. the only thing that bothers me is i dont like to be away from my sig other so much...so are there truck driving jobs that i can take without driving over the road like regional or statewide?..being a new driver and how readily available are those jobs? I also hear that some companies will let you partner up with your husband/wife? I'd like to get more insight on that? and also how many female truck drivers are there? and is being a female truck driver at truck stops any more unsafe than being a male one? anything else to add?

Best Answer:
I have been a driver for Schneider for 4 1/2 years. I was trained by them ( at 55!), and indebted to them for a year to pay for it. After a year and a half, I wanted more control, so I bought a cheap truck, and was an IC (independent contractor) for 2 1/2 years. Just recently I have switched back to the company to drive flex (part time) I work on a dedicated account delivering groceries to Walmart stores within about a 200 mile radius. To answer your questions: Yes, there are local jobs that get you home every night, but they are coveted and hard to get. Most companies want partners, and will pay more for them, because it keeps the truck moving. A Walmart driver once told me, if I remember correctly, that there was 4,000 Walmart drivers and 125 of them were women. That is about right. Women are accepted, but it is a hard job for them. It can be safe, if you practice common sense. Should get a CB. Most drivers are honest, helpful and protective, if you are nice to them. The hardest part is being away from home and living in your truck. It just gets old. Also the hours are long. But, it is a job.

always coming some problems when people will go anywhere as alone... mainly if thats female , so you have to keep some protecting tools like "Pepper spray"
Answered by leandar

You are wise to think about truck driving as a career right now. There is such a huge shortage of qualified drivers that companies are offering many options to attract and keep good people. There are companies that can offer you regular hours, limited time on the road, guaranteed weekends at home, and other arrangements to suit your needs. Husband-and-wife teams are fairly common in the driving business, so as long as both of you are qualified, you can also find work together. There are many fewer women in the business than men, it's true, but there is no reason you could not be one of them. You will encounter jerks from time to time, but as long as you keep your wits about you and behave in an intelligent way with an eye to safety, you will be fine. Many truck drivers consider themselves old-fashioned gentlemen and they won't put up with other guys harassing women who drive. The ones who give a woman a hard time are insecure fools -- but you would run into them in any occupation, especially one that is male-dominated. Being good at your job is the best defense. If your state has a department of employment or jobs (and most do), you can look them up online and see if they can direct you to driving schools and employers in your area. Once you are certified, you will find you have many choices. Good luck!
Answered by Traveler79