Comments By C. S.

Yes, I did report my trainer, after I finished training. I didn't want another female to end up with him and not have the tools to handle the situation. I was able to deal with him effectively and I didn't want to start with another trainer that could have been worse than the one I had. I don't wish to take this any further since I won't risk any backlash (yes, I know that would also be illegal, but realistically, it would still happen in some way that could affect my trucking career). The company assured me that he would not be training any other females.

Thank you for doing the right thing. It can be a hard decision to make especially when your job is potentially on the line, but it's a real possibility that you saved another woman from an even worse experience than the one you no doubt had.

A for instance might be something like but not limited to wages or company policies that are not public knowledge. It is in a way confidential information not intended for public consumption.

California does not allow employers to prohibit employees from their wages. A few other states have similar laws, but even if your state does not have such a law I'd find it hard to believe that a trucking company has the resources or incentive to scour internet forums for employees who are disclosing "confidential information".

If they did waste resources on such a fruitless task, what would they do? Nothing I signed at either company I've worked for obligated me to keep pay or policies secret, so retaliation would be pointless and potentially very damaging for them. Not to mention it'd be hard to prove the actual identity of anyone posting (I'm guessing Bullwinkle J. Moose is not your real name, BTW say hi to Rocky for me) without a subpoena, which most judges would not grant given the circumstances. Trucking for the most part isn't like some other industries where trade secrets are a big deal (at least not on the driver side of things).

ETA I see you looked at 4 different lenders, in this case I'm guessing it's something to do with the requirements of the VA loan. If you are set on staying OTR maybe look into a conventional mortgage.

Yeah, that sounds like something specific to the lender you looked at. I guess you argue that trucking is unreliable income due to the pay being per mile, but you could argue the same thing for hourly jobs since you are not guaranteed a certain number of hours per week. That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. Look at another lender.

I kissed someone's bumper two years ago. It was minor, and no police were involved, but she eventually felt like having State Farm buy her another bumper on my behalf, so I have an accident on my CLUE report. Will this hurt my chances with companies? I don't have any tickets or violations otherwise.

Not sure on this one, but since the accident was pretty minor and it didn't go on your actual MVR, I'd say you're fine. Some companies might be picky, but you'll have plenty of opportunity. Make sure you fully disclose it at any company you apply to.

Here's an "out there" question. I know people in several states who own land and could see myself wanting to hunt during the season on my off time. Do you think companies, and/or law enforcement, would have an issue with having a compound bow with me? I'm certain every single company has a rule against carrying a firearm on the job (and I've had my carry license long enough to know that compiling with state and local laws all over the country would be next to impossible).

My company (Celadon) has a blanket policy against all weapons. As I recall, Swift did too when I worked for them (although I no longer have my driver handbook so I can't confirm this). Now obviously, some things which can be considered weapons probably wouldn't be disallowed under the policy. For example, a kitchen knife and a tire thumper both have practical uses. But since the only real use of a compound bow is as a weapon, I'd doubt any company that has a no weapons policy would allow it. You can certainly try to find a company that will, though.

Well, if I can't slide my tandems, I can't scale the load correctly

Sure, but it's pretty rare to have tandems that will not slide at all. Not saying yours weren't or that it never happens, but given that you're new it's a possibility that they just needed some tough love.

What was the first trailer in the shop for? Anyways, sounds like you've had a tough but rather typical newbie week. Get ready for a lot more like it, but like I said it'll get better with time.

Get ready for a lot more days/weeks like this. It'll slowly get better as you get more experience, but issues never disappear completely. With that said, it is a little odd that you had three bad trailers in a row. It could have just been a stroke of bad luck, but are you sure you're not being overly picky about the condition of the trailers?

Since I don't pay for my fuel I can tell you that diesel prices have very little (if any) effect on my behavior.

If you still live in Virginia you do not have six months. If you have not submitted your new medical card within 30 days of expiration, they downgrade your license. More info here: State by State Guide to Medical Certificates.

With that said, you can still go and take a DOT physical and as long as you are otherwise qualified you will pass, the doctor will just temporarily disqualify you (probably until you get your cast off) and schedule a follow up for when you will have full use of your wrist. Check out the bottom of page three of the medical long form here: Medical Examination Report.

Go and get your physical done, and make sure you submit it to the DMV asap.

Thanks for all the feedback guys (and gals). Still on the mend - another month before I can start to explore where/if my physical limitations are.

Get well soon Rick, I always enjoy your contributions.