So. Here we go again folks… I was left the below message by someone named Judy who I’m guessing is yet another “Advocate” to the trucking industry. (Yay, just what we need) She thinks she knows trucking, and I guess she also thinks she knows me. Now normally I would not “out” someone and just write about the message I was privately sent. Since she posted this on my public Facebook page (for some reason I just found it a little bit ago) and I thought I would share my thoughts with anyone who cared to read.
Judy said:
You say nothing about the long hours alone and the poyential for rape by male drivers, the DOT shutting your truck down, log books being checked, food is great far and few places on the road and if you are only a rider you can be pushed out for someone the driver thinks is prettier etc than you what about all that and that does nothing about foreman’s who chew you up because you are supposed to be there the same day you load when the load is 20 hrs from where you load. Trucking is a hard life and few people let alone women deserve the harshness of that life. Maybe some day loads will go shorter distncs and the long hours will be a thing of the past but til then use your brain for something other than a ceiling punching box.—–Little Diesel for Women
First off, just to give a little information about myself for anyone who may not know me: I call my website & myself One Girl Trucking because first and foremost, I am out here on the road, trucking by myself. Nobody is out here holding my hand nor would I have it any other way. I write about MY life out here on the road as a trucker because people find it interesting.
I am not, nor will I ever be an “Advocate” for the trucking industry. I am an Owner Operator, a business owner, and driver who LOVES trucking to the bone. The only thing you will find me advocating is cool trucks & old school drivers that know how to walk the walk.
Dearest Judy,
First and foremost if you had read my blog here, you could have schooled yourself on who I am, as well as my life in trucking (3rd generation trucker), and pretty much everything else in between before you made such a dumb assuming comment on my page. Since you failed to do this, I have to assume that I need to tell you who I am and what my thoughts are. Now please don’t think I take this personal, I take this very lightly, but like I’ve said here & here I get a kick out of people like you.
Now to start off I have to point you in the direction of this post, and this post since it talks a bit about my loneliness out here on the road. Everyone who drives a truck has had their share of days that are less than perfect. I can only speak for myself though and say that I love the road even when it’s lonely, and it is as much my home as the one I’m sitting in right now with four walls.
I love the road, I love my truck, and I can only write about what I know.
You write that I don’t talk about the potential of rape out here on the road. Well, here’s the thing Judy, I’ve never been afraid to protect myself out here, and I think guys know that number one. I have no problem shooting first and asking questions later. I have also had enough brains in my head to not put myself in a situation where I could be raped. Maybe I have been lucky, maybe I just know how to pick out good character in a guy. I have, over the past 20 years drank beer & whiskey in truck stop parking lots with MANY male drivers. I have danced on flatbeds under the stars with them, I have taken taxi cabs to bars with them, I have even shared a motel room with a male driver (separate beds of coarse) and swam half naked under the Arizona sky with fellow drivers and I have never had a problem. Yes, I have had too many offers to count and I have been hit on more times than I know what to do with, but never have I had one driver ever put his hands on me when I did not want him to. There is a potential for rape in a Wal-Mart parking lot just like there is in a truck stop parking lot, use your head. I take care of myself and I don’t expect anyone else to do it for me. I look and act like a lady, and I demand respect, that is something ALL women should be doing while out here. I have written plenty on protecting ones self here if your interested though.
Now on to the DOT checking log books and shutting your truck down. Judy if you actually drive a truck, which I’m thinking you don’t have a clue, you would know that you will get pulled in a checked every now and then. It is part of our job out here and as long as I don’t have an officer trying to scew me, I have no problem being pulled over because generally I have my shit together. Hell in November alone I was DOT’d 3 times in two weeks (Both my truck & I passed all 3 times for the record) and that is part of trucking. You can find post on what I think of the CVSA here.
I also write plenty on eating in a truck because I agree there is less and less good food out here on the road, but I’m guessing you would know that if you would have looked a bit further into my website. I am not one to bitch about what someone does not provide for me Judy. I fix the problem for myself.
Now, on to riding in a truck with someone who would kick you out, a foreman that would chew you out, and what a tough life trucking is, and poor, poor women who don’t deserve such a life. First off, I’m sorry, but I don’t know what it is like to be a rider or to be pushed out of a truck because some guy found a better looking seat cover. I own Rosie and depend on no man to cart my ass around the countryside because I either don’t have the brains or the brawn to learn how to drive a truck, or most likely, just don’t want to work…
Here’s the thing Judy, I am NOT PRO WOMEN so really you are barking up the wrong damn tree with me. I am out here because I have busted my ass to learn and be as good, if not better than the MEN I have admired my whole life in this trucking industry. I am PRO any person MALE or FEMALE that can do the JOB.
Never once have I asked for a break or respect that I did not earn, because trucking always has been a man’s world. “I” am the one who wanted to be out here with the boys-I had other options but I CHOSE trucking. They sure as hell didn’t ask me to come join them, I showed up and jumped right in.
There are MANY women who DO NOT BELONG OUT HERE. I’m guessing YOU ARE ONE OF THOSE WOMEN. Trucking is trucking and I love it with all of my heart and soul. People like you fuck up trucking (please excuse my language but I feel very strongly about this subject). I love running hard. I love the tiredness I feel when I’ve drove my ass off, because rarely do I ever let anyone down. I love bullshitting and learning from the people that have this same love that I do. I love greasing my truck. I love changing my oil. I love swearing & sweating my ass off backing my truck into a bitch of a hole that was made for a straight truck and feeling the accomplishment when I’m done. I love looking at wheat fields and the snow drifts that come with the long hours. I also love finding ways to make my days out on the road better for ME because trucking is trucking and no one asked me to come out here. I came out here all on my own.
Trucking is NOT about having your hand held, although every big trucking company is putting more and more people out here on the road that DO NOT BELONG out here, because if their hand was not held they would never make it.
If you or anyone else don’t like the rules, then get the hell out because we don’t need you out here.
Signed,
One Girl Trucking
P.S
I am still wondering about the ceiling punching box thing. Maybe someone who reads this can teach me what exactly it is?
About Bethany
I’d have more of a comment but right now all can say is “Amen, sister, you tell ‘er, B.”.
Thank you Penny!
Hi Beth
I agree with you , alot of new drivers see this as a job ( sorry folks it’s a life choice not a job )
I myself have been driving trucks for 25 years this year and have seen Change .. Some good some bad … I have tried a few times to get out but then I’d always come back , i have 4 children from 2 failed marriages ( because of trucking) 2 of which live with me now even though I am gone for 10-20 days at a time and I can tell you my kids wouldn’t have it any other way because they know that GOOD HONEST hard working drivers are needed to make everybodies life simple and convienent .. To my kids truckers are superheroes because we work long hours to make sure that the stores get their stock on time so you can have your daily neccesities
Amen Ray~ You have great kids!
I know its YOUR post,but I want to add to Judy…signed Dianna too
You have me LOL’ing Dianna! You got it!
Very well said Beth, My dad was a trucker and Almost “ALL” of the card’s are against the Trucker. My hat’s off too you and those like you.
Dew
Thank you Dew, I loved your dad. Think about him often!
Bethany, Whoooo dear… I don’t think Judy deserves the tongue, lashing you gave her, I read it where she is actually on your side, and just making a comment…
I am a Retired Woman Driver, / and was the owner of a lovely red and black pete, back in 1968… pulling a flatbed…
And was attacked by a male driver in the tomahawk, Truck Stop in Denver, where I had fueled, parked showered, ate, and was walking around my truck checking my tires, at 1 am… and thank the good lord had my tire thumper…
So yes it can happen and no I wasn’t lollygaging in some truck stop, dressed like I was looking for trouble…
I was minding my own business… Doing the job , I too loved… Yes solo for 15 years…
and over 20, with my loving husband…
Take a deep breath and count to ten… I think she was on your side… and I know I am… I give you a radio almost everyday… love your pix… and recipe’s… / web page… God Bless you… Have a good one… <3
PS I too love teapots, chickens, mine are all named, and am going tomorrow to adopt another named flo who had sugery, is now fine… whoop whoop… I love horses and had many up to a few years back… We have a lovely little Dog Called Heidi… I to love cats, ours passed, and I have not found another yet who likes Heidi… I was mostly raised on my Grandpa’s and Grandma’s farm… and it’s small farmy place here, I lama, 2 goats, and 9 chickens…
Have a good one…
You go Bethany. I love reading posts like hers where you have to re-read it over and over just to make sence out of it because it is so poorly written. The Internet pulls opinions from everyone. Keep doing your thing. WLBS. Ken
VERY.. well said…truck on
I believe she is referencing the headliner as a ceiling punching box…….
If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen!
Thanks Doug! And you got that right!
Looks like you mostly told her! We don’t need “advocates” so much as we need the Government to quit MANDATING all these rules and regulations on us. Trucking and farming are two of the few businesses you can be in where we ask ” How much will you give me for it?” rather than putting a price on it and saying “take it or leave it” like a retailer or manufacturer does.
If farmers had to play by trucking type rules we would all starve to death.
34 years of long-haul has shown me a lot of CHANGE but the rising number of women drivers is one of the few positives in all that time. Men drivers come in many categories but women are either REALLY good or danged near worthless. Maybe that comes from the perception of having to prove themselves.
I’ve known, work with and hired women who were Old School and Drivers. I’ve also seen (and hired) a few who shouldn’t be allowed on a bicycle let alone behind the wheel of a 40 ton 18 wheeler.
nuf said.
P.S. The Celing punching box was used many many years ago, at least on the west coast, when rubber biscuit, suspension was used. in trucks, no air ride tractor or seat, and you literally, bounced off the celing with your head. I have done it many times in the cabover mack & White Frieghtliner, cabover I drove…
Hence the saying Celing Punching box, as you were ready to punch it after so many times of hitting it with your head… Or your head was one… I didn’t make the saying just heard it used many times up and down I-5 and
HWY 97… Funny how things can be misconstrued so easly…
I am sure she met no harm…
I didn’t hear any cussing, or see any capatial letters…
And I love it that you are being a lady and doing such a great job, no cussing, and treating everyone, like the Lords Prayer, Do unto others as you would have them do unto you… You are truly setting a example, and blazing a trail for the future lady Truck Drivers. in the next generation… Thanks… whoop whoop, Motor easy… God Bless you… I started in 1965, and retired in 2001… I hope after you have 36 years you still have your splended attitude… you go girl… your four gold stars… no pun intended, I mean it… I will post a picture of my Pete…maybe tomorrow…but feel free to visit my page and pictures and see a few of the show truck’s my Husband and I drove and Showed for Navajo express, out of Denver, Co…
P.S My Grandmother who just passed was very much Catholic and very much a lady, but she swore with the best of them. None of us are perfect Karen.
P.S Thank’s for unfriending me from the bottom of my heart… Your a keeper for sure…
Karen,
Like I said on my facebook page in response to your comment, I am sorry you feel the way you do but I have a right to my own opinion too. I never unfriended you on Facebook or anywhere else because I feel you have a right to YOUR opinion even if we do not agree, so maybe you need to check your facts a little better.
As for the comment left by Judy I will say I did not know what a ceiling punching box was… and I had no problem admitting that. And congrats! that you have me on time served in a truck and if telling me that over and over makes you feel better that’s great! What ever floats your boat Karen!
I am out here doing what I do, and it works for ME. That is all I am worried about. I handle myself how I see fit, and I do not care what you consider being lady vs. what I do in my daily life. Keep your prayers to yourself Karen, I don’t put much into the “church” so the references to the Lords Prayer & all the prayers you’re saying for me don’t really do much for me. Maybe you should be saying prayers for yourself since you’re doing the judging here. I run my life how I see fit, and I am sure when it is time to check out I will leave with few regrets.
I am not, nor do I want to be an advocate to the trucking industry. If someone gets a little something from my writing that is great. I write what I know. Therefore if you or anyone else who follows me does not like what I write, how I handle myself or the words that are written in capital letters and/or the foul words that come out of my mouth please feel free to “Unlike” my facebook page, as well as unfriend me on my private facebook page and stop reading my website. This way you will never have to be bothered by me again.
Although I have enjoyed your comments in the past, I am not going to get into a pissing contest with you. Have a great day Karen.
Hello Beth. Once again you have hit the nail on the head. And you are my hero. You are one of three people that I would ride with or sleep behind. And that is sayin something, from my point of view. I know that you would not embarrass me or yourself. And you are one of the greatest class acts of all times. You and Wanda Lackey, from San Antonio. Betty Roberson of Pecos, Nogales, and later China Springs, Tx. (Waco) and Ann Bird, of Glen Rose, Tx. And Nogales. Were the best, but you are the only one still alive,. You are in the top 5 of my best list. And I believe I have known and grown ip up with some of the best. And I’m not even in the top 100, well maybe top 50.I know that I’m proud to know you. And you and Rosie are both so damn hot! If you don’t mind me sayin. Frank
Bethany, I so agree with you someone who know’s what they are capable of does not need to bray about it…
I know what I did and can do…
I am 67 years old Bethany, so your right I want no disagreement’s with anyone…
I wasn’t bragging , or directing your life, I was sharing, with someone who I thought was my friend… Sorry …
My Mistake about the unfriending… Again sorry… My whole day has been like this…
I don’t care how long you have drove…
And only stated my driving time, to share with someone, who I though was pretty cool, you see being retired I don’t get to talk to many women so sharing, time’s and places with another real woman trucker, helps me with my golden years…
I do pray everyday for myself and all of my friends, & family , I will be sure to delete you from them from now on…
This computer is my link with the world and is my best friend, and I look forward to my friends in it…
Like sharing the temp. Here on Vashon Island , Washington with you most everyday while I have my coffee…
Regards… Another woman trucker…
So now as Paul Harvey would say you know the rest of the story… Please don’t be so cross…
You sound mad all of the time…
I was getting ready to vote for you in the… Woman Driver of the year… Award…
Nominations open for influential trucking woman…
Nominations are being accepted through Jan. 31 for the 2012 Influential Woman of the Year award sponsored by Women in Trucking and Navistar.
Candidates are defined as women who make or influence key decisions in a corporate, manufacturing, supplier, owner-operator, driver, sales, or dealership setting. The individual must have a proven record of responsibility and mentored or served as a role model to other women in the industry. The woman does not have to currently hold the position for which her work is nominated, but she must be living.
Three finalists will be invited to attend the awards ceremony at the Truckload Carriers Association conference [1] March 5 in Kissimmee, Fla., The winner will be announced following a panel discussion on issues facing women in the industry.
Nominations may be submitted online at http://www.womenintrucking2012.org [2]. B
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Karen I do not want to argue with you and I am not cross. I have always looked forward to your comments. Please remember words do not always sound or come out like what it is written. I appreciate every thought and prayer you have said for me, but I to me it feels like they are being held over my head for what you do not approve of and that I do not care for.
That being said, what I write comes from my heart. I see the trucking industry being changed, and I would think you of all women (who had been there & done that) could see it going to heck in a handcart. You may be retired, but this is my life, a life I love and it makes me mad when people want to push the “Bad” down everyones throats even if a lot of the bad is due to their own poor choices.
Thank you for the thought on Woman of the year, but I am sure there are many other women out on the road with more miles under their belt.
Beth, you know what I pull…guess we’ll call it a covered stage…you can dance on my stage anytime!
I’d like to thanks for everything you said to this woman except for what you put about passengers. I’m a passenger by choice. I was a school bus driver for 12 years but when the economy went south and my husband lost his job.WE decided to go on the road. He doesn’t want me to drive because it would cut into together time not because I couldn’t. Heck sometimes when we see driver “acting” stupid he pops off with “hey my wife could drive that better than you”. I do his paperwork and do the cooking on the truck~basically same thing I do when we are home just a lot less room~lol. As far as her comment about being curbed for something prettier~that happens a lot more outside the truck than it does in the truck~she needs to look around. Sounds to me like she has only had bad experiences or hhas only talked to people who have had no fun out here.
I just wanted to say as a female who is going to start trucking school in the summer I find your blog inspiring. Of everyone who knows my plans I only have one friend who thinks I should do it. everyone else thinks I am crazy. I really enjoy reading your blog. Keep on trucking!
Hi Molly! Congrats on the schooling this summer. This is a different life, and one not everyone understands. I was told when I said I was going over the road that I couldn’t do it for numerous reasons (I was very shy, it was a mans world, etc.) but I proved them wrong so if you feel strongly go for it! You and only you know what you can and can’t do! Even if OTR isn’t for you the Class A is a great thing to have and will open doors with experience. Good luck and let me know how it goes!
Just read your article in RoadKing and thoroughly enjoyed it. Where I work, we have many female drivers and I’d have to say that on average, they out perform the male drivers. Keep up the good work!
Thank you Curt! I didn’t even know it was out, or that they published it… I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I will have to be on the lookout for it.
I completely agree with your post. I am a rider and my husband drives. We are a team and he treats me as a partner. I love being out here on the road with him. Some people will never get it though.
I was fortunate enough to be able to teach my wife to drive back in ’95, and we have been running as a team ever since, excluding the summer of ’98 in Montana when we both ran solo pulling hot road oil. She ran all over Montana, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming and North Dakota in a 235 inch ’98 flat top Pete pulling rocky doubles at 105 thousand gross. When we had the good fortune to be running to the same hot plant, I really enjoyed watching the expressions on the faces of the crew the first time she got out of the truck on site. You just knew that they were thinking “She’s going to want us to pull the sample, open the dome lid, hook up the hoses, open the valves and start the pumps.” She always told them “Get out of my way, your help will just cause me problems.”
I’m proud to say that she, like you, is one of the good women in this life that we lead. She has that Can Do attitude that is so necessary to survive out here. She has thrown straps and chains, pulled tarps in a breeze, hung iron on Donner, bumped produce docks, and put a smile on the face of the grouchiest of grocery receivers.
I know that because of the difference in our ages, I will pull my last load long before she does, but I have no doubt that she will be out here wheeling our old W-9 long after I’m gone.