Author Archives: Tumbleweed

About Tumbleweed

Hello, to all of you! I'm glad to see that you took some time out of truckin', or hopin' to be truckin' or even done with truckin', to stop in. I've done my truckin'. I had several years "on the CB" before I even got to truckin', and that dad-blasted radio is the reason I've paid my dues. Me and my big mouth, that's what I get. I used to work about an hour from a very big city and I was always chattin' with the drivers and helpin' them get to places in town that they were trying to get to. I could get them around all the construction and any events that might be taking place at the fairgrounds or the convention center. Every now and then I'd stop and have coffee with one of the drivers. The last time I did that, we ended up talking for four hours! Two weeks later I was on the road with my future hubby. Hubby had been driving big trucks for about seventeen years, by then. He's had the opportunity to drive the "double-stick" shift, he's hauled swingin' meat, gasoline, produce, dry goods, lumber, car engines, you-name-it. Then, I got to do it, too. Of course, I did know how to drive a straight stick and I think that helped some. I actually tried driving the big truck like it was a really, really big 5-speed. Took a little while to get used to double-clutchin', but once I got the hang of it, then I wanted to do it in the 5-speed, too. Geez. I've been in Kenworths (KWs), Peterbilts (Petes), Western Stars (Star Cars), International Harvesters (IH's), and I think I even drove a Volvo once. My favorite truck as far as looks go…Western Star, hands down. But as far as driving and comfort, I go for the Petes. Those of you who are or have been truckin' will understand what I give up in this blog. Those of you who haven't yet will get a little bit more education, maybe a laugh or two, and hopefully a little insight as to what you're in for. And if I know anything about truckers, it's that they love to talk about their experiences out on the road...the good, the bad AND the ugly. Come on in and let us hear from you. You don't have to start blogging, just add your own experiences for everyone to share. I've been off the road now for nine years and for the most part, I don't miss it. However, I wouldn't trade the experience for anything in the world. Truckin' is a life unto itself. Now, I'm livin' in the southwest with my hubby and takin' things one day at a time. I like it like that.

There’s Not Just A Truck, There’s A Trailer, Too!

Trucks aren’t the only thing that you should consider when opting to drive a big rig as a career. What are you going to pull behind that truck? The type of trailer you pull will make a huge difference in the type of job and lifestyle you’ll have on the road. Continue reading

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Women on the Road – Preparing for the Trip – Part 2

We’ve covered most of your basic necessities in Part 1. Those are the little things that will help you feel more comfortable while being on the road. I was also a driver, so most of my “time off” was spent sleeping. If you’re not driving, then you’ll need more “creature comforts” than I took with me. Continue reading

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Women on the Road – Preparing for the Trip – Part 1

More and more women are starting to drive trucks, but there are still quite a few that are just along for the ride. If you’re going to be out there for the long haul, instead of just a few days, you may want to be prepared. Continue reading

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This Really Burns Me…Bad News About Driving in the Fog!

Better late than never, and I don’t care how much it pays, because if I die by my careless driving, I’m not going to get paid anyway! Continue reading

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Supper Time! Favorite Places To Eat On The Road

I can’t tell you if these places are still here since I’ve been off the road for almost 10 years, but these were my favorites while I was out there. Continue reading

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Takin’ the CDL Test

Most mistakes will cost you. I just made one mistake and won! This is a great story of what it took for me to pass the driving test! Continue reading

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Bad Directions

How many times have you ducked going under an overpass that did not appear tall enough to let you travel underneath it with your trailer?  I’ve done it a couple of times and always had a good laugh when a voice would come over the radio asking, “Okay.  Who ducked?” But wait….it’s not so funny when the bridge becomes attached to your trailer! Continue reading

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Want Some Company?

It’s not just the guys that get propositioned on the road! Continue reading

Posted in Stories of the Road | 2 Comments

From the Driver’s Seat

With 10 years of truck driving under my belt, I’ve spent a lot of hours in the driver’s seat.  Most of my driving time was at night, though.  It was easier on a woman to drive at that time of the day.  The guys couldn’t ogle you as they could during the daytime. You’d be amazed at some of the sights you’ll see sittin’ way up there above most everybody else on the highway. Continue reading

Posted in Advice and Opinions, Career Help, Tips, Advice, Safe Driving Tips, Stories of the Road, Women In Trucking | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Sometimes It Just Happens!

You never know when something crazy is going to happen when you’re cruisin down the road. But when something does go wrong, the proper training and understanding of how to handle a big rig will keep you safe and ready to run another day. This story was about one of those days. Continue reading

Posted in Advice and Opinions, Safe Driving Tips, Stories of the Road, Women In Trucking | Tagged , , | 4 Comments