New Driver From Pittsburgh!

Hey there, I'm Trish and I've pretty much decided to start a career in truck driving from what I currently do. I'm a wine specialist and if you know PA Liquor Laws, then you know they are all state run. It's a fantastic job and I absolutely love it, but it doesn't pay and the union is all messed up. I'm also worried about privatization and that that of long-term stability has scared me off. I've always wanted a good skill that I could use in more than one place. Having a CDL always appealed to me, I just never had the money for schooling (Did I mention the pay for a wine specialist is AWEFUL?). I found a company called CR England that pays for my schooling and is sending me out to Harrisburg May 14th or 15th. I'm very very excited and nervous, I'm quick to learn new things, this is just a GIANT new thing that could kill people. Haha, what have you experienced in your training, any tips and advice? Thanks!!

Also, how soon do they send you on super-long roadtrips, can I bring my cats? I heard that it was encouraged, but you never know!

Hi Trish, This is a really big change in our lives to become a truck driver! Welcome aboard! I would suggest going into this with all you have! It is tough to get through, I know it was for me, learning all these things and there is plenty to learn and we never stop learning. As far as going on a long road trip, first you have to get through your schooling, go on the road with a trainer, and then after all that will be assigned your own truck. There are companies who allow pets, but if you ask me, I highly advise against bring your cat, especially two of them. If they are not used to being in a small confined space, they won't like it and unless they are brought up that way they will never really get used to it, and there is a risk of them escaping from your truck and you will lose them somewhere.. But, that is my opinion.. I would only bring a dog along who I raised as a puppy starting out in the truck.. Not all pets are good for trucking. Some are more laid back and would probably do better than others. So, that being said, Is just my opinion..

Oh yea! I only have one cat that would be able to handle the trucking life. She always comes on car rides with me and is always just hanging out on the backseat very calm. She doesn't like going outside much. (I live on farmland.) I have another that is a candidate but he's a little more high energy.

Tomorrow is my last day at the liquor store. It's bittersweet. I will miss everyone I worked with over the past few years but I am beyond excited to get my butt behind the wheel. I learn by doing and that's exactly what I want to be doing! What's class like? Were your classmates friendly and what's teh chances I run into another girl?

Hey Trish!

I love how honesty you are lol. I too will be starting trucking soon. This is something that is TOTALLY out of the box for me. Never would I have imagined even considering driving a 80,000 lb building!!! I am excited though. I am deciding between Prime and Earl Henderson (a company which not many people have heard of apparently.)

I am concerned about the safety of everything, as I have heard and seen some horror stories! I am researching everyone's blog to get as much info as I can. So ladies any info you have that would make things easier would be great!

I am concerned about the safety of everything, as I have heard and seen some horror stories! I am researching everyone's blog to get as much info as I can. So ladies any info you have that would make things easier would be great!

Hi Amanda! I wrote a post specifically about this because it comes up a lot on the Ladies' forum.

You can read it here: Women Truckers and Personal Safety.