Comments By ColeTrucker

Hi Colleen,

I have some questions for you. How bad do you really want your class A CDL license? What were your goals or dreams when you decided you wanted a Class A license? If/when you leave are you going to have at least a Class B license?

I had a similar situation happen with me while I attended my county's vocational school. I did not grasp the basic skill maneuvers as quickly as the other five students in my class at the time. Therefore, I failed the basics skills test twice. I never even made it out of the yard for the road test.

My instructor advised that I can either get a Class B or pay extra money to start with the new class that began two days prior. I didn't even answer him. I got up and went straight to the guidance counselor's office and told him what happened. I also let him know that I didn't work my tail off doing massive overtime to save the money for the course only to leave with a Class B, I don't have access to someone's truck to practice and, I surely don't have a money tree in the backyard.

I refuse to let anyone tell me what I can or cannot do. My grandma used to say, "No one has the power to shatter your dreams unless you give it to them". I know what my strengths and weaknesses are. Therefore, it was only a matter of me getting extra practice in order to get the maneuvers right . Long story short, I didn't pay more money, I learned to do the maneuvers from a different instructor, made use of the extra time and, I got my Class A.

Please check with your guidance counselor to see what your options are before you leave. If possible, find someone with a truck that can help you. Recall a time in your past when you had to work through your fear. Mimic the energy you used to get through it then keep it moving! Cole.

Hello ladies,

Here is a quick update as to what I've been up to.

I graduated CDL school in August. Got invited to Schneider Bulk (my first choice) in September. I completed phase one of my training where I had an AWESOME drive trainer who has 26yrs with Schneider.

Phase two starts at 0300hrs tomorrow and it is when I will meet my Training Engineer. He is local which is great news for me! I get to have more practice driving in this hilly, curvy terrain (vs driving in flat FL), I get to do a lot of loading/unloading and most of all, I get to see Pittsburg, PA.

Back tracking a little bit. I will share what the pre-work screen entails. I was a little intimated at first so, I stepped up my workout routine, practiced breathing through each exercise, and passed with no problems. On the first day of orientation I had to:

Step Test, 12" step and down for 1 minute ---3 min rest period--- -Squats, 10 reps -Front Carry 30ft, 25 then 50lbs 1 rep ea. -Floor to Waist Lift, 25 then 50lbs, 3 reps ea. -Waist to Shoulder Lift, 25 then 50lbs 3 reps ea. -Horizontal Pull, 100lbs, 3 reps -Horizontal Push 80lbs, 3 reps ~~~~~on all the above, your heart rate is monitored and cannot go above (220-your age) x 0.9. -Balance Beam, forward-backward-side step -Walk/Crouch on Catwalk, 3 reps

So far all is well and I feel that I made the right choice. The instructors, staff, other drivers and classmates that I've met are down to earth and respectful. I've been told that every new class this month has had at least one female student!

The only sad thing is that I had to use my sister's address in Atlanta to get this gig (they were not hiring for bulk out of FL). However, once everything gets more routine for me, I will figure out a way to get closer to see the hubster more often.

I am not a writer and this will not be an ongoing post. I just wanted share with my fellow "sisters-in-trucking" about my journey thus far.Cole

Hi, how is it with self protection, can you carry a stun gun or mace.

Hi there!

On of my instructors told me to always carry one of those large mag flashlights wherever I go. He said to get a holster for it or whatever thing that will let me reach for it quickly. Make that potential knucklehead wonder, "Why in the hell is she carrying that flashlight on her hip"?

When you swing.... swing like you are in the world series. After you knock him/her out....shut your mouth, walk over the body and keep it moving.

I've been practicing my swing, jam into _____ and working out at least 4 times a week.

I'm over it,( or at least working on it) I have many other hopes and dreams and new plans! Thanx for listening.

THATS what I'm taking about! Life it too short. Keep it moving.

I start Roehl's CDL school on October 13th! I will get started a week before my 53rd birthday and will get to spend it with them!!! I am excited and extremely freaked out at the same time!!!!

Whoa! Can you believe it's October already?! Congratulations!

"Two forces in the universe, according to a Chinese theory: yin is the passive, negative force, and yang the active, positive force."

I have been in the Corporate world for 20 years and am in serious need of a big change. My brother is in the trucking industry and has been trying for a year now to get me to get my CDL's and start driving. He assures me it's easy once you learn the ins and outs but isn't that true of any new profession?

I have been researching the industry for several months now and I'm 99% positive this is what I want to do. However, I am scared. Scared of leaving a steady job and pay check. Scared of screwing up. Scared of not passing. As my subject title states...Yin & Yang...Two forces working against the other.

Did any of you have these feelings and how did you combat the indecisiveness?

Hi there and welcome!

First off let me say that your feeling is normal. Btw, Ying and Yang are two forces that work TOGETHER not against each other.

In reality, trucking IS apart of the corporate world. All the skills that you've applied in your aspect of the corporate world still apply. You just have to add additional skills to the mix like learning how to drive big rigs and all that come with it. Life is short! Just do it or,.... not. When all is said and done, YOU are the one who have to deal with whatever decisions you make in life.

I'm saying this to you because the above was my mantra while I pressed on to become a Professional Class A Driver.

Oh, and let me assure you...you are gonna screw up! That is just a part of life. You live, you learn. Remember, you have the support of your brother...whoo, hoo! That is something to celebrate...Cole.

Whoo hoo, another female trucker coming down the line!!! Congratulations...Cole

Well..... I hope every one has a fantastic day ! I flopped around the bed all night. Lol I guess at 47 you still get that excited feeling......of the 1 st day at school. LoL I have worked the last 25 years in the class room. You would think It would be like just another day to me.😂 So here is to my 1st day of my new career.

Hi there and welcome!

Well? How was your first day of school?Cole

I love this site and really appreciate all the info and support here! My name is Trish and I'm studying for my CDL now ... just signed up with Stevens for school in Denver in October. Still not 100% sure about this decision but the more I learn about this career and talk to people, the more excited I get. I'm 47, newly "single" again and loving it ... looking forward to getting paid to see this beautiful country. Just wanted to say hi and thanks for the community on this site!

Welcome! I think this career is the best thing for us 40 something's especially, we that want to see this great ole USA.... Please keep us updated.

Hey Ladies, I just wanted to let everyone know that I got my permit today!!! I'll be starting school with Swift Transportation in a couple of weeks. Anyone know anything about Swift Driving School in Millington, Tenn.? Please respond.

I don't know anything about Swift but, just want to say CONGRATULATIONS!Cole.