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Desiree has contributed to 143 posts out of 3647 total posts
(3.92%) in 637 days (0.22 posts per day).
20 Most recent posts:
Also, I found this link for a training aid to help educate people on Violence Toward Women for a project I am working on for Solutions
It has an interesting excercise to use for training:
http://toolkit.endabuse.org/Resources/ContinuumOfHarm.html
Desiree Member #10546-D
http://www.facebook.com/truckerdesiree or http://www.truckerdesiree.com
Thanks, ...
I did not realize that the story had traveled like it has. All the way to Washington DC I was advised today.
It also has become quite long and I was told by Donna that to see all the posts you have to scroll to the bottom and click where it says " to read all **** posts click here" then they drop down.
After the the Dallas Truck Show Aug 20-22 GATS we will be consolidating the story into sections, CDL School, Trainers and the CO-DRIVERS
Alot of people MISUNDERSTAND that I was recruited to a company that REQUIRES 6 months of teaming as part of the training period.
That is the root of much of the problem in my Student Trucker Horror Story.
It's a matter of cheap labor for the company which is fine by me if I get my training but the manner it is conducted is simply un natural and unsafe for everyone involved including those sharing the highways next to such team trucks.
The thread I started here called "My NEW experience might help you..." was sort of a commentary of the actual story.
http://www.womenintrucking.org/forums/index.cfm?page=topic&topicID=373&start=lastpage
I say story because I did write it after I was on my dedicated fleet and decided to take a very ambiguous approach to forming my personality.
I found much jealousy and ego when I entered trucking which made learning esspecially difficult.
I was eager to listen and learn even from egomaniacs who required total submission for their own whacked out needs.
On the other hand, I met many other students who misinterpeted this shallowness as a personal attack on them and it hindered their training.
This break in communication often was the first misstep in derailing their ultimate success in trucking.
Remember, you will eventually work alone, at least some of us will, so you can't get upset those first months dealing with all the jerks because the prize is eventually coming.
The egos are enormous and it's a real obstacle course getting around them to learn what you need and get as far from them as possible.
The number 1 thing everyone became upset with me about during my training was .......
my ability to remain calm when they were freaking out & my PDA which none of them had or could learn to operate even when I tried to show them.
That is sad ....THAT is all they had to be upset with me about, because I knew how to do my job and I was resourceful.
That should be a good thing in trucking don't you think?
Desiree Member #10546-D
http://www.facebook.com/truckerdesiree or http://www.truckerdesiree.com
Hi Bea;
I'm sad to say this is happening down in the lower 48 also. It's quite a breeze to get a a CDL license right now because selling student loans from recruitment entities brings them kickbacks.
Unfortunately, jobs are very tight and that's what the recruitment vehicles do not tell you.
We have a few Ladies here who are Canadian Truckers and are experiencing the same thing up there.
Just 2 days ago a Male Trucker came up to me when I was in Missouri and asked me for some assistance with his tandem weights, I asked him is he knew any companies hiring in Canada and he said, "No and Good Luck, if you do... "
Selling the dream makes those who sell it some commissions and they did their job.
Do not give up though, keep applying and do not quit no matter what if this is what you want to do.
The myth is that you only need six months experience, that is false also.
Once you get your foot in the door stay there for at least 2 years.
Good Luck and stay in touch.
Desiree Member #10546-D
http://www.facebook.com/truckerdesiree or http://www.truckerdesiree.com
Wow Steffany, that's some story but I'm glad you shared it.
I wrote my student trucker story to give new females coming into this industry some honesty about what they might possibly encounter.
My reward for that has been to be called a "Radical Feminist" & a "Man-Hater" , neither is true, I'm a realist & want Women to know they need to pay attention because you really have no idea who you are dealing with.
This is due to the recruitment process.
Someone you've known for months will turn on you if they have you far enough from witnesses.
The real problem is when your own company trys to make you feel responsible & sometimes knowing that guy has has "incidents" in the past.
I met a knight in shining armour in my story & he became my only trusted friend & confidant for a good deal of time.
He also helped me correct my backing issues that I never mastered because of the poor haphazard training I got.
Deb, your story is so sweet. I just love it!
For now I'm staying single but met a 27 year Veteran Trucker who drives to see me when I'm in his vicinity.
He has a local job now but drove big permit loads for 18 years.
He says I make him realize the stress he put his ex-wife thru now, never knowing where I am or when I'm coming back.
That's all I can offer right now. I'm just enjoying my life & my private time for a bit.
Be Safe Ladies.
Desiree Member #10546-D
http://www.facebook.com/truckerdesiree or http://www.truckerdesiree.com
Hi Hellion:
I didn't see your post before, funny you should ask about "Karma's" contribution to our "Team"
Like most dogs, as soon as I get out of the drivers seat she sits in it.
It's funny because she has taken to sitting watch when I go to the sleeper, she dosen't bark unless someone get to close and it's ussually a firm warning until they split.
On three occasions she actually warned someone off my running board and last month when we were in La Grange, she was incessant which she normally isn't.
I got up to look and a guy was trying to get into the truck in front of us who was up to no good, she would not quit and by me opening the curtain and locking eyes on him, he knew he was busted and left the premises immediatley.
I always say on Twitter, "Karma works the night shift"
and I've snapped pictures of her sitting up there on patrol.
One male trucker who loves hearing about "Karma" on Twitter sent her a message that was cute, he said "excuse me driver, I'll need you to pull it over and show me your "dog books" please.
I thought that was funny. 
Desiree Member #10546-D
http://www.facebook.com/truckerdesiree or http://www.truckerdesiree.com
I'd love to have that seat! But alas, I am a company driver so I get what they give me.
For now, I got a gel seat cushion from the TA that costs about $30
I also do Yoga and Pilates moves in the Truck and walk daily to get the blood moving in my hips and legs again.
In the TA Road King and Pilot Challenge Free Mags. they often share a few moves you can do inside your bunk that are based on Pilates and Yoga poses that will help.
I also lay on my back with my feet up straight up for at least 15 minutes after I drive and I lay with my head hanging over the edge for about 5 to make the blood rush to those areas it has been constricted from by the long periods of sitting.
Gotta do the free stuff until my company buys me that chair at Christmas, right?
Desiree Member #10546-D
Quickly I wanted to mention a few thing that some are not aware of:
Male Truckers are often flashed by Women in "4-Wheelers" and also by Men, yes it's true.
There are some people who like to be "seen" neekked and use the Highway and some Public areas for this purpose.
I have girlfriends who are truckers who have had other male truckers give them a "drive by" but more often it is a regular passenger vehicle that "wants" you to "see" them.
It's nothing personal, they probably can't even tell you are a female driver, just that someone will "look" at what they are proud to show.
They do it to the Men also and even though it's not spoken about as much as the girls who flash, it is actually more common that the girls that flash.
The view from a tractor is very different indeed, I've seen drugs, and enormous amount of texting and that nice man in the suit driving his crown victoria who from the waist up looks like the sort of fellow you'd like to shake hands with, until you pull up next to him and see his expensive slacks are around his ankles while he is driving and both hands are not on the steering wheel.
I wouldn't take it personally unless they are hindering your driving, which does happen when they continue to speed up and slow down so you will watch the final product.
Keep in mind , they cannot actually see you from that angle and most times are assuming you are a male driver.
They just want someone to give it a peek
Desiree Member #10546-D
T. Boone Pickens is Pushing for Natural Gas for the Trucking Industry and their group has set up a Trucking discussion group that everyone is invited to join to get answers about this topic.
Here is the link:
http://push.pickensplan.com/group/truckingandthepickensplan
My article about "The Truck Stop of the Future" has been very well received but some rather big organizations who have been "ReTweeting" it like crazy around the internet.
I will reproduce it on my personal site when I have a chance to add all the links and photos again.
Comments in Pickens Plan are for members but on Twitter I have received that are from significant organizations.
I put the article on my personal Pickens Page but added it later to the Trucking discussion group with another phot.
As with everything I write, the manner is to make a bread trail of information.
I don't believe in getting all your information from one place.
Those who follow the trail pick up something new, here and there which expands their personal knowledge base.
Those who don't, don't... they stay where they are.
I hope you like it.
I will add more when I can but BEEP, my Qualcomm just told me I gotta ROLL!
See you at GATS everyone 
Desiree Member #10546-D
Yes I am OTR. I am just 1.5 years into Trucking & I am a Single Woman that had no previous affiliation to the Trucking Industry.
That is significant because many Women like me are coming to this industry.
Having a resource will be invaluable for you to be successful.
Lots of people will offer advice but buyer beware if the are not OTR and alone out here, its a different ball of wax.
I love this job, but I knew I would.
It depends on the lifestyle you have.
I have always spent a good deal of time alone.
I walk for excercise & I work.
I am an adaptable traveler which some people do not factor into play.
If you lose your temper is uncomfortable situations it will be a challenge.
Driving is top of the list.
I was always a safe concientious defense driver.
Moreso in Trucking.
Do your homework & then some.
There is much to learn about this industry.
Desiree Member #10546-D
I ran out of space (tee hee)
Here is the family website
http://www.jhlivenburg.com
Please don't take for ganted the just because some big organizations have publically said they support the bill they actally do.
This bill is a no-brainer when infrastructure is a hot topic.
Google "Transportation Bill" & see all the other crap that people are trying to get funded & they have the advertising budget & the lobby power to do it ladies.
Let's help this widow out, she's got her hands full & she's appreciates our help.
Thanks
Desiree Member #10546-D
Thanks for sharing this article.
Some of the "Groups" would be Slain Trucker Wife Hope Rivenburg who gave birth to Twins just two weeks after her Husband was shot for $7 that was sitting on his dashboard.
Hope & Jason Rivenburg already had now 2 Year old Josh.
Jason's double Milk delivery was first to Virginia where the hostile enviroment toward truckers may have prompted him to move on according to his family.
Instead he chose an abandoned gas station in SC.
The family started a petition which has now becomme a Bill Called "Jason's Law" for Safe Trucker Parking in the form of a Trust Fund.
That means some people are getting any money out of the deal & they don't want to come ot & say it because what they are really saying is " Jepordize Safety by forcing tired truckers to drive or choose unsafe situations because they might park by my store and buy a donut"
Be aware that it has been "grassroots" only who have helped Hope Rivenburg & her Family get "Jason's Law" introduced to help the entire trucking community.
They need lots of help for ordinary folks to call your represetitives and ask them to Support HR 2156 & S 971
Any State Rep can co-sponser this Bill.
Hope needs your help.
She will be coming to Dallas the the GATS show to do a petition drive & raise awarness because this Bill is getting pushed aside by BIG $$ that want it to disappear.
The Public in a Bi- Partisan way agree that this long neglected problem needs to be addessed but having then means to get the word out for one small broken family with 3 little ones is a challenge.
Private Donations alone have made it possible for Hope to go to the Dallas Tuck Show to meet the Truckers she wants to help so this does not happen to anothe Trucker family.
Come meet her at the show Agust 20-22
The family website has the CSPAN Video of Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) introducing the "Jason's Law" plus text of bill, petition & updates.
It's part of the Transportation Bill & your phone call are needed to help this bill have a fighting chance against "the big boys"
Desiree Member #10546-D
Hey Deb:
I didn't realize that you posted about the Twitter person @Puparazzi who is a real sweetheart. She sent Karma a "Bandanna of the month" club membership.
Also donating to Hope Rivenburg, who is the Widow of slain Trucker Jason Rivenburg an Ebay Auction for the same thing to benefit the family to go to the Dallas Truck Show "GATS" for a petition drive on "Jason's Law, the Safe Trucker Parking Bill"
One thing I'd like to point out is that the Pet Industry is one of the bigget money makers there is besides pornography believe it or not.
Business people and advertisers know this.
Karma has grown in such popularity on Twitter that she is now being modeled by OOIDA's @LittleRoadDog and I see that Ellen has been asked about something from "Animal Planet"
Narrow minds may not see the Big Picture but "Trucking Dogs, Cats & Lizards"
(yep, Ive seen em)
May very well be the NEW spokesmodels for Trucking.
This opens up interesting conversations to people who otherwise would not care about laws or regulations that apply to truckers.
I communicate with Truckers who do Pet Relocation. I have been contacted by Animal Sanctuarys who have asked for Truckers to haul Dog Food into areas where animals are being abandoned in record numbers as foreclosures rise. There are a number of other Animal/Trucker cooperatives such as Idle Laws and the topic of HR 2156 and S 971 which is "Jason's Law"
There are multiple opportunites for the business minded and those who want to make a difference to better the industry.
I also see opportunites for difficult dogs who need one on one attention to adapt to the life of a trucking dog.
I often meet Women Truckers who have previously abused Pit Bulls that they have personally "rehabilitated"
The wonderful work at "Best Friends Animal Sanctuary" in Kanab Utah has documented the progress of "The Vicktory Dogs" who are the surviving pit bulls from Michael Vicks Dog Fighting Ring.
Dogs are a HOT topic right now.
Stay tuned because "Trucking Dogs" are coming soon
PS: "Best Friends" has daily tours, RV Parking and they told me Trucker Parking... it is the Largest No-Kill Sanctuary with thousands of animals , some who are simply "unadoptable" but will be able to live out their lives thanks to the kindness of volunteers and donations.
Check them out if you ever get a load through that area
Desiree Member #10546-D
Hi Avalon:
Love your handle, it actually was my email many years ago.... Have you ever been to Avalon? on Catalina?
Anywho.... I am fairly new to trucking and I've met a number of former Nurses believe it or not who have entered this Industry.
I understand entering the Nursing profession has it challenges.
Hope to see you around
Desiree Member #10546-D
Before I came to trucking I often traveled with my former dogs & became knowledgleable on Dog Parks, Pet Friendly accomadations & Vet. Svcs around U.S.
Taking extra time for trip planning for "Karma" benefits me because the sedentary life of Trucking can be detrimental to your health.
Having a Dog has encoraged me to continue walking everyday even though I have already lost 60 lbs.
Walking with the Dog is good for my health, my circulation,stress & for her also.
She's a happier girl if she gets more than just a otty stop & me too!
Desiree Member #10546-D
I'd love to hear more about your book when it's complete, Keep us posted. Deb has some stories to tell and she had a dog she shared her travels with also.
I often have people say to me , "I know you get lonely" and I say "But I don't, I'm totally fine" I just like doing my job and spending time alone anyways so it's not like I'm lonely, I'm doing what I like to do.
People have hard time understanding that
Desiree Member #10546-D
I just picked up a stray a few months back who had been living at our truck terminal since last winter.
No one could catch her, she was wild.
Finally Animal Contraol was called but she apparently escaped from them.
She was gone 3 weeks but somehow found her way back across the Dallas Metroplex to our Truck Terminal.
She looked so sickly when I saw her upon her return I knew she wouldnt live thru the summer in Texas, plus she had many trust issues and would not make a suitable house pet.
I caught her and she is on the truck with me now.
I named her "Karma" because she always comes back and wrote a story about here on my website www.truckerdesiree.com
I also recently did a radio show about her because her story has gotten so popular it put me in touch with many rescue organizations that have now sponsered her when she came positive for heartworms.
I had a 3 legged dog for 14 years who was a rescue and then lost my beloved Lab & Basset just before I came to trucking, I never thought I'd take another dog because it was painful to lose mine and I had not emotionally recovered from it.
Karma is a real trucking dog, she just loves being around the Trucks.
I finally found a good team partner
Desiree Member #10546-D
This is a step in the right direction to have the ATA & OOIDA both coming out in Support of this bill.
There is so much more work to be done to be certain that "Jason's Law" is not forgotten when the Transportation Committee begins prioritizing.
The list of states the Rivenburg Family has provided us that are in support are a good start but there are so many who have never heard of the safe trucker parking bill named in Jason Rivenburg's name.
The CSPAN Video introduction of the bill is located on the family website & the new You Tube Video Allen Made for the Rivenburg Family is very helpful to send & share with others who don't know about the bill yet.
http://bit.ly/KC7L3
Let's help the Rivenburgs attend GATS in Dallas & get the best chance possible to educate the Trucking Community on how we can get this bill passed.
Desiree Member #10546-S
I totally agree with you Deb.
There is a facination with Women Truckers & unless it is grasped control of the media will sell the novelty with any vehicle they can.
That's how they make money, sensationalism.
I grew up in & around in Hollywood community & I know that they will make the story with or without you. Regardless of truth.
Being in a movie or show does not guarentee that you don't end up on the cutting room floor either or have your words edited to infer another meaning.
In Hollywood & vincinity its Easy to get numerous offer to projects that make someone with stars in their eyes jump at opportunities. But Beware ....
Smart Women are not as marketable & entertaining as silly women that think they are smart.
Its importent to take control of the coming wave of attention before a Sarah Palin fallout occurs that can damage the image of what hard working Women Drivers have been fighting for like yourself.
Dignity & Respect #10546-D
Desiree Member #10546-S
I totally agree with you Deb.
There is a facination with Women Truckers & unless it is grasped control of the media will sell the novelty with any vehicle they can.
That's how they make money, sensationalism.
I grew up in & around in Hollywood community & I know that they will make the story with or without you. Regardless of truth.
Being in a movie or show does not guarentee that you don't end up on the cutting room floor either or have your words edited to infer another meaning.
In Hollywood & vincinity its Easy to get numerous offer to projects that make someone with stars in their eyes jump at opportunities. But Beware ....
Smart Women are not as marketable & entertaining as silly women that think they are smart.
Its importent to take control of the coming wave of attention before a Sarah Palin fallout occurs that can damage the image of what hard working Women Drivers have been fighting for like yourself.
Dignity & Respect
Desiree Member #10546-S
Starting today I will begin doing observations to see if they do indeed face East... Thanks for the interesting bit of information!
Desiree Member #10546-S
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