Any Ladies From The Northeast?

I'm a 36 year old parts manager, been in the automotive business since 2001, minus 4 years where I worked for a snowmobile company. I've been tired of the high pressure service side of the automotive business, and looking for a change. My only fear is backing a rig. Went to forestry school, no fears handling saws or equipment, pretty good with parts identification and all that. Also have Hazmat training. . At this point my finances wouldn't allow me to pay for training privately, so I'm looking for a company that trains. Hoping for some feedback and suggestions on that as well. I'm single, have a dog. No kids. I'm not afraid of being alone nor am I afraid of driving alone. Any other ladies in the cold north? lol

Hi Michelle, I hung up the keys back in the late nineties after a million plus safe miles, so I'm not up to date on the best companies to seek training with, but I'd say don't be nervous about backing. It's a skill like any other and can be learned. I think the most helpful thing I was taught when I learned was not to lose sight of the corner of my trailer in the mirror - basically "don't let the trailer fill up the whole mirror" because you lose your point of reference. And don't be afraid to get out and check behind you. There's a really helpful Facebook group you can join called "Ask a Veteran Driver" - it's a safe space where you can ask about company training programs. Also, check for community colleges in your area that might have less expensive CDL courses. And avail yourself of books/videos if that suits your learning style. Just a quick search on Amazon popped this up (has a backing video) http://tinyurl.com/m3pv347. Also, my current job is as a dog trainer, so feel free to join my FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/EBDpets/ and like my page at https://www.facebook.com/exladytrucker/.

Hi Michelle, I hung up the keys back in the late nineties after a million plus safe miles, so I'm not up to date on the best companies to seek training with, but I'd say don't be nervous about backing. It's a skill like any other and can be learned. I think the most helpful thing I was taught when I learned was not to lose sight of the corner of my trailer in the mirror - basically "don't let the trailer fill up the whole mirror" because you lose your point of reference. And don't be afraid to get out and check behind you. There's a really helpful Facebook group you can join called "Ask a Veteran Driver" - it's a safe space where you can ask about company training programs. Also, check for community colleges in your area that might have less expensive CDL courses. And avail yourself of books/videos if that suits your learning style. Just a quick search on Amazon popped this up (has a backing video) http://tinyurl.com/m3pv347. Also, my current job is as a dog trainer, so feel free to join my FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/EBDpets/ and like my page at https://www.facebook.com/exladytrucker/.

Thanks! The closest place to me now is a vocational school and it's 5k for the program. I'll check out the Ask a Veteran group and see what I get for feedback there. I'm in northern NY. Funny you are a dog trainer, I have an Aussie that I show! Another thing to contemplate, he's my heart dog and I really don't want to leave him with family for too long.

All the information you need is already here on this forum. Try checking out the general forum. This "ladies" section doesn't get used often. Most of the female drivers here don't use this section. You'll find much more info in the general forum.