From 911 To Trucking

It's with Stevens Transport and it's because I admitted to having had depression and bring in anti depressant medication in the past. Even though I haven't seen that doctor in almost a year, they are still making me go all the way home to see him and get my records because the doctor still hasn't sent my records here. I do have a history of depression, but I didn't realize that would be such a big deal...I kind of figured that everyone has had depression or been on medication :/ I called my school and they said they might be able to get me on at another company, but Stevens really seems like a good place to start off, and I would like to stay here if I can....

Stevens is a great company. I know Prime wants three years of being off the meds. Yes, many people get situational depression, but when it comes to trucking.... companies dont want to put someone behind the wheel who will drive off a cliff or take out 10 cars on purpose. Also, the solitude of driving alone can make people depressed, and worsen those with depression. Someone who is prone to depression can really suffer.

This is also and insurance issue. they need documentation saying you are good to go. in the long run it will benefit you if you are ever in an accident, they cant blame the depression. I wouldnt doubt the depression was from your job.

jump through the hoops and go back. bothersome, but really worth it!!!

Thanks! Yeah, I can see how that would be a problem, I guess I didn't really consider that when I had my first physical, unfortunately :/ I did get an appointment with a doctor here in Dallas for this week, so that I don't have to go back to Tampa, and Stevens is ok with this. I'm hoping that I will be able to convince the doctor that this new career will be good for me! If I can get cleared, I only have to do some maneuvers and then wait for a trainer!

Monika D, You will be fine so don't be too upset, that might cause more anxiety. You have chosen a great person to listen to in Rainy. She is by far the most compassionate, straight forward person on the forum. If she hasn't experienced it yet it probably doesn't happen. Rainy has always given her advice either from experience, her knowledge of the industry or where you can find out information to help you. She is a great source of help and has given the best advice to everyone whether man or woman's point of view. Good luck to you.

Its funny you say that cause sometimes i feel like my Jersey comes out too often. Lol

thank you.

Monika, you got this. its just a little hurdle then you get on your way. stay calm and then drive baby drive. lol

Monika, the title of this thread captured my attention. Made the transition from the job to trucking five + years ago. Trust me - if you could manage the stress of dealing with US on the radio, you're more than capable of handling the stresses of driving. Different environment, but, from my experience, much less drama. You no longer have to deal with anyone else's problems, unless you choose to. You can provide good customer service, empathy, and practice all of the verbal judo skills you learned in dealing with the public on shippers, receivers, brokers and your fellow drivers all to great success.

You'll find driving to be an amazing change of pace, and mostly in a good way. Good luck to you, and if you never heard it from the other end of the radio, at least one of us knows we couldn't have done that job. There is no perfect job, but the elimination of being responsible for all of the bad choices others make is liberating.

Keep us posted on your progress. Like Rainy said, "You've got this!"

Thanks y'all :)

I did get clearance from my old doctor and I've been out with a trainer for a little over a week.... But man idk if I'm cut out for this. Idk if it's me or maybe my trainer or the fact that she has a manual (which I suck at) but I'm going from "ok maybe this isn't too bad/this is kind of fun" to "holy crap this is terrifying/I'm so freaking miserable I just want to go home" :/ I'm told this is normal, but I don't know how to get over it. Right now all I am doing is counting down until six months is over and I can quit. I'm honestly considering going back to dispatching...

Sorry to be annoying and needy y'all. I really do appreciate all the advice and kind words :)

You are NOT annoying...and you are perfectly normal. everyone wants to quit during training. most do.

its ok if trucking isnt for you, BUT please give it a real.chance. Training and going solo are completely different. when YOU are in control and get to choose when and where it is a whole different ball.game.

i hated the manual in training too but i just switched to an auto and i want my old truck back!!!

hang in there. if after a few months of solo its not for you, then you gave it a shot. you might be able to do line haul which is more of a schedule like a normal job and more local. but please dont quit until you give it a fair shot.

good luck