here's my story...

Posted on Fri, Aug 11 2006 @ 1:38 PM [CST]

Hello y'all!
I am a 24 yr old daughter of a 30 odd yrs trucker. Even my mom has her CDL. I have been working recently at a company of about 900 trucks, auditing logs. (don't hate me, just want you to stay safe)
Recently, I left my job and attended Schneider's training academy.
The very first day in the truck, I knew I wanted to do this for a living. However, after five days of driving, my team driver dropped out and I became very nervous and anxious. By the last day, my driving was worse than the first day. Schneider says they want me to come back, after I attend another school or gain confidence/experience behind the wheel. They suggested I drive a straight truck or do something along those lines also.
This sounds like an excellent plan, except I can't seem to find a job that doesn't require either a cdl to begin with or at least one year experience (I only have my permit). I'd love to attend another school, but I need $300 a week to continue paying my bills, as I am broke. I could probably make it one more week at a school, with help from my family, with an instructor willing to take me on. I have the skills, I just tend to overthink the task at hand and need a calm, friendly mentor.
Today, I am applying for some jobs in offices at trucking companies, and hope to find employment. I may have to wait until spring to try again at driving, as I want as much time as possible before winter.
Anyone who has some advice or encouragement, please reply. I don't want to give up on this.

Category Posted: General

Comments

I would see about going out on some runs with your Dad or if you know somebody from your old job that you could possibly ride with once in a while. You wouldn't have to drive at all, but the time spent in the truck watching could make a big difference. That will help get you settled down and accustomed to being in the truck. My wife rode with me off and on for a few months and then went to the local college. She took the driving course there and was then hired on by the company I was working for. I happened to be her trainer because she was the first trainee the company ever hired and didn't have a training program at the time. That was over 10 yrs ago and she is still driving. Don't give up at all. Working in the office for a trucking company and actually spending some time out in a truck are two drastically different worlds. Even just sitting around a table and talking with drivers may help. Good luck and don't give up

Comment By:
Roadhzrd on Sat, Aug 12 2006 @ 3:49 AM [CST]

Maybe you should try to get a job as a "yard dog" and you can polish your driving skills on private property w/o a Cdl. So when you think your ready after some practice pulling trailers around a yard and making money at the same time. Perhaps you can find a company that will let you work in the office and cross train pulling trailers around. Just a thought..Don't give up..Sometimes it takes a little time just relax and learn on your own terms. VM-out!

Comment By:
VM on Sat, Aug 12 2006 @ 7:26 AM [CST]

I hope things work out for you, it'd been awhile since this post.

Comment By:
JimsOpus on Sat, Jan 20 2007 @ 8:18 PM [CST]

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