Hey Ladies

Recently, survived the school process, getting the Class A, riding with a trainer that should never be allowed to train women for 2 months and first couple of months as a team driver.

It seems like there are more women coming out of the schools now but not really remaining with my company. Just be aware that you have to really commit to getting through the process. Don't give up on yourself and certainly don't let anyone make you quit! You can do it. You WILL learn this new job. Don't let yourself get into unsafe situations either professionally or personally. I advise dressing comfortably yet conservative (not provocative) if you want to be treated respectfully. Of course you can still be girly but dress for the results you expect.

My biggest suggestion is help a sister out when it looks like she might need help. I was amazed at some of the gals out here not willing to step up when their sisters were being crushed by the process or the harassment that is unfortunately pretty frequent out here. If you see someone close to tears time to step up. Help keep women out there.

Now for the good stuff. . .this country is beautiful! I can't believe the view from my 'office' window. My commute to work is really short, although I have stubbed my toe on the driver's seat once on my way to work. Every day is new experiences, new people and new places.

Good luck and enjoy!

riding with a trainer that should never be allowed to train women

Hey Lynette, if your trainer acted unprofessional during your time together I would encourage you to report him if you haven't already. Companies generally take a hard stance on the behavior of male mentors with female trainees. Remember that it does not have to be sexual in nature to still be harassment.

Great post! It sure is the life, isn't it?

The act of systematic and/or continued unwanted and annoying actions of one party or a group, including threats and demands. The purposes may vary, including racial prejudice, personal malice, an attempt to force someone to quit a job or grant sexual favors, apply illegal pressure to collect a bill, or merely gain sadistic pleasure from making someone fearful or anxious. Such activities may be the basis for a lawsuit if due to discrimination based on race or sex, a violation on the statutory limitations on collection agencies, involve revenge by an ex-spouse, or be shown to be a form of blackmail ("I'll stop bothering you, if you'll go to bed with me"). The victim may file a petition for a "stay away" (restraining) order, intended to prevent contact by the offensive party. A systematic pattern of harassment by an employee against another worker may subject the employer to a lawsuit for failure to protect the worker. (See: harass, sexual harassment)

Recently, survived the school process, getting the Class A, riding with a trainer that should never be allowed to train women for 2 months and first couple of months as a team driver.

It seems like there are more women coming out of the schools now but not really remaining with my company. Just be aware that you have to really commit to getting through the process. Don't give up on yourself and certainly don't let anyone make you quit! You can do it. You WILL learn this new job. Don't let yourself get into unsafe situations either professionally or personally. I advise dressing comfortably yet conservative (not provocative) if you want to be treated respectfully. Of course you can still be girly but dress for the results you expect.

My biggest suggestion is help a sister out when it looks like she might need help. I was amazed at some of the gals out here not willing to step up when their sisters were being crushed by the process or the harassment that is unfortunately pretty frequent out here. If you see someone close to tears time to step up. Help keep women out there.

Now for the good stuff. . .this country is beautiful! I can't believe the view from my 'office' window. My commute to work is really short, although I have stubbed my toe on the driver's seat once on my way to work. Every day is new experiences, new people and new places.

Good luck and enjoy!

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.

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.

Hi Lynette, I am in cdl school as of now and yes so excited to see all the ladies jumping on board. Hang in there.

I had been concerned of potentially being in a similarly inappropriate/unsafe situation with a potential trainer and a friend assured me that I'd be fitted with a female trainer. Is this not really the case with a female trainees, or do the trainees need to specifically request?

I had been concerned of potentially being in a similarly inappropriate/unsafe situation with a potential trainer and a friend assured me that I'd be fitted with a female trainer. Is this not really the case with a female trainees, or do the trainees need to specifically request?

You will not be forced to go with a male trainer. You will be allowed to specify at some point during orientation whether you would like a female trainer or don't care either way. Depending on the company and current wait list situation, you may have to wait longer for a female mentor.

With my company, I was pretty much given no choice. Another female hired at the same time as me, demanded a female trainer and was told she would have to wait a few weeks to get one. Of course they would be unpaid weeks. She chose to quit instead.

Some of the women here just ask for another trainer after being harassed without specifically mentioning the harassment.

Ah, good to officially know. I suppose there's no chance of actually meeting with the trainer before embarking to pre-judge (hah! "pre-judge") the character.... I'll keep this in mind when I get to that point! As for changing trainers w/out informing of the harassment? My opinion says "that's probably why it continues to exist". Even though I already know I'm able to handle it (I'm already involved in a male-dominated industry and have proven this), that would be my first question before heading out, "what if I have an issue with my trainer and need to report inappropriate action?" and get direct answers, such as a direct number to call or something. Sad to hear women do still deal with this issue in other places too even in this changing modern times. Sorry, ladies... :(