Driven Women

Trainer Trouble

When I first got into trucking 12 years ago, being a driver trainer was “it.” They were respected and recognized as best in breed. Today, trainers not only suffer from a lack of
respect, but they are also feared by new female drivers. Below is feedback from two of 12 female drivers recently interviewed about their training experience.

Carlene: “My trainer told me to keep my mouth shut about a ticket that was supposedly his. Later I learned that the ticket showed up on my record. I was fired, and now I have a
$350 ticket that I can’t afford.”

Sarah: “If I didn’t sleep with my trainer, he said he’d fail me. I felt that no matter who the trainer was, I’d be in the same position.”

Five out of 12 of the women had similar experiences. Below are some recommendations to prevent this from happing to you. Incidentally, the other seven were trained by their husbands, boy-friends or significant others.

When interviewing for a job, ask to speak with other female drivers about their training experience. If you have a CB in your car, look for trucks that you’re considering, and get some feedback.

If you are partnered with a trainer who behaves unprofessionally, turn him or her in. You might not feel comfortable doing so in the middle of nowhere, so the instant you return to the terminal, inform your dispatcher or fleet manager of the situation.

A co-driver once informed me he was on medication and had an “understanding” wife. I learned this just 10 miles from the terminal!

Thank goodness we had a flat and had to go back immediately. My dispatcher hooked me up with another co-driver the next day. My new co-driver and I teamed up for nearly two years.
Drive safe and be professional!

GG

You can e-mail Golden Girl at landrese@aol.com or mail your letter to Pro Trucker Magazine, P.O. Box 549, Roswell, GA 30077-0549.