TravelsinTrucking

Hey everybody! Just a quick note that my interview with David Nemo is THIS MORNING 😃😃😃!!! It is a 30 minute segment starting around 9am EST.  The interview is LIVE on SiriusXM 146, on a show called "Road Dog Trucking."  Dave and Ellen Voie (the president of the Women in Trucking Association) will be talking with me about being the association's July member of the month and my trucking journey so far. Please pray that I reflect God's glory and remain calm and focused while speaking. Thanks! 🤗💝

Hi everyone!  A few quick updates for ya :).  So, as I neared the end of CDL school, I narrowed my prospective employers list down from 15 to 2 (yes, I really was that thorough bahaha).  I got my CDL on 6/8, and went to visit the York terminal of Hogan Transports that afternoon.  I had spoken to the ops manager on the phone a week or two before then, but it was my first time meeting her in person.  She's super chill!  The following Monday, I visited my other remaining option, but they only had home daily, bulk material loads, and that was pretty exactly what I DIDN'T want to do!!!  So, I felt really good and a lot of peace about Hogan, and decided to make them my first trucking home <3. I called my recruiter that afternoon (6/14) and let him know my choice, and he pretty much said I was hired, could I attend orientation the next morning, and could I be in Ohio the following Monday.  I was like, uhhhh, I think so??  LOL.  Apparently, s...

The other 2 guys who had failed their first times, passed on their second times.  I was the last person to test the 1st time and retest the 2nd time.  I didn't want to be a three-peat!!!  Now, I should mention, everyone in the class besides me had owned and driven a manual vehicle at some point in their life.  I, the cheese, was standing alone.  So, for what that's worth, I did an amazing job learning to shift in the short time I had (5 weeks). When I got to school that morning (last Tuesday), I was looking for a useful distraction lol.  I found it in tutoring the new class of CDL students on the finer points of the pre-trip (which I, of course, loved doing!!!).  I felt like a proud teacher, imparting wisdom with every gesture I made.  Then...it was time for me to turn back into a pumpkin (another student), and do my retest haha. I retested with a different examiner, which was fine with me.  I made it out of the yard without running over ...

My first shot at the road test was about mid-morning.  First thing that morning, I went with my instructor and we tried all sorts of roads and turns.  I only made 1 mistake; everything else I nailed!  Annnnd then, I promptly failed the road test on the actual exam!!!  I was like, what the heck just happened?????  Again, it could have been nerves, but I also suspect that I was just plain confused.  See, there are things one has to think about with a manual transmission that one simply glosses over with an automatic transmission.   Oh, and did I mention I had to double-clutch???  I had to learn to press the clutch in slightly to come out of gear, then press the clutch in slightly again to put it into the next higher gear.  To downshift, do that and then add in a quick engine rev in the middle just for kicks and giggles.  Not gonna lie, the manual transmission was kinda my arch nemesis during class.  I was convinced the clutch w...

Hey everyone!! So, by now, most of you should know that I passed my CDL exams, and am now a licensed commercial driver!!!  I am beyond elated.  I can't describe just how good it feels to have made it all this way from where I started <3 .  I'll take this opportunity to share my insights as to how my testing went. There are 3 tests: pre-trip/in-cab (a verbal explanation of all the components of the tractor and trailer that need to be inspected every day prior to driving + a test of the brake systems); maneuvers (straight line backing, offset backing, and parallel parking); and the road test.  If you think about it, getting your CDL is 3x as hard as getting your normal Class C (regular license for cars and light duty trucks).  I had to take 3 tests to get my permit, and then 3 tests to get my license LOL. I passed the pre-trip/in-cab the first time I attempted it.  I named 88/90 components accurately.  My examiner said that I gave a thoughtful, ...

Hi everyone!!! One weekend, I was fighting an ear infection. The next weekend, I was exhausted and busy, and the next weekend was really, really hard!!! I finally have a quick second to update all of you haha. Things are going very, very well at school. I'm in my 4th week out of 5, and I'm enjoying myself, and enjoying learning about the industry! I can now upshift and downshift on a manual semi-trailer. Back in a straight line, offset park, and parallel park (yes, I can actually parallel park a 53' trailer!!! thazz right, I'm a boss...😎). Now, if only I could figure out how to parallel park my Hyundai Elantra bahahaha 😂😂😂. I've done left turns, and right turns, and drove on Route 30 yesterday. I've only hit 1 object, and stalled out 3 times. The object didn't break, and I didn't hurt anyone, so for never having driving a manual trans in my entire life, this is a total win for me!!! I can perform a complete exterior pre-trip inspection wi...

Hi everyone! I wanted to let you know that the 1st week at my new school was awesome!!!  It took some time to settle in, but now, I'm feeling like part of the crew, and I'm really enjoying myself.  I am the only woman in a class of 8, and at times that feels daunting.  But, I'm doing my best to focus on learning how to do my job to the best of my ability, so when I'm out on the road by myself, I can be safe and efficient.  I've retained about 85% of what I learned in my first training program, so I'm really proud of myself. My class is made up of several generations, so it's interesting to kind of hear and see how each person arrived at this point in their lives/careers.  We had 3 recruiters come in on Wednesday, and they made their pitches.  2 of them were advertising their flatbed divisions (which I'm not strong enough to do safely, and I'm okay with that lol), and the 3rd had an equally arduous dry van division (loading and unloading food supplies...

 Hey everyone!!!  Just wanted to let you know that my first 2 days in this new program have been fantastic.  I'm feeling so much more comfortable with the style and pace of the classwork.  This week is all review for me, as the other students are preparing to take their permit tests this weekend.  One other fellow and I already have ours, so we will probably be entering the vehicle Thursday afternoon.  I'm a little nervous because next week will start some of the tasks that I struggled with back in March, but I am already off to a much better start, so that should help.  Plus, the learning is structured right now in such a way that allows for A LOT of questions...and, believe it or not, I'm not the one asking the most LOL.  That title belongs to an older gentleman who sits behind me and talks about "drivahs" and "lobstahs."  Yup, he's from New England.  We bonded over the Patriots and our loyalty to Tom Brady bahaha.  Hope you all a...

Hi everyone!  Just a quick update to let you know that my financial aid came through this morning, and I am now officially enrolled in the CDL training program at my new school!  Today, I was only able to attend in the afternoon because of when my aid cleared, but I will be back at it tomorrow morning for my first full day.  The school is called the York County School of Technology, and it's in my hometown.  Classes run 7a-5p, Monday-Thursday for 5 weeks, though I can stay longer if I need additional practice, shifting or something like that.  Unlike previously, these trucks have manual transmissions, so I will need to learn to shift.  That's okay, I'd rather learn now and not need the skill, than not learn, need the skill, and have to learn later. I'm excited and nervous, but mostly tired lol.  I got the call that I was cleared to attend around 11:30 this morning, and had to get to school by 1pm, so I've been running around all day!  Anyway, than...

Hey everybody! Just a quick update to share that I'm still making good progress in my preparation.  I've completed my grant application/aptitude testing paperwork, and have moved on to the last/next-to-last phase prior to starting at my new CDL school.  I'm pretty sure I know where I'd like to attend, but I'm going to hold off on sharing too much about it until I'm definitely in.  In any case, it's likely I could start sooner than I had anticipated, which would be amazing!  And, this new program runs longer than the previous, company-sponsored one I tried out, which is even more amazing lol. Prayers appreciated as I round this next bend.  I hope to be giving another update within the next several weeks.  Thanks for your continued love and support!!!  It means the world to me <3 . ~ Amanda d:p

 Hey everyone! 😁 a quick update to let you know that I am still pursuing my CDL, and I need to practice tonight now working with the community organization to qualify for funding for my training. Yay!  A week and a half ago, I was also sold a car (new to me) for a very affordable price, so I now have wheels again. Thank you so much Mindi and Craig Cramer! May God bless you richly! 💖💖💖 Finally, I wanted to take the opportunity to share here what I just posted on my Facebook. Enjoy! 🤗 "In honor of World Autism Awareness Day, I wanted to share something very near and dear to my heart:  5 years ago, I was diagnosed with High Functioning Autism.  At first, I thought my life was over - that every unkind thing anyone had ever said about my personality and mannerisms was true.  It's taken some time, but with the help of God and my loved ones, I'm learning to love myself again.  I'm starting to believe again that the world is a better place because I'm in it. I...

Partway through the simulator, I froze.  There were 6 mirrors to watch, a 17' tractor to account for, a 53' trailer on the back, other cars, traffic signals, a corners of varying degrees of sharpness to account for.  I wasn't sure what I was supposed to be looking for, how much space I was allowed to take up, how to judge when to start turning, or even how hard to turn.  I didn't realize it, but a steering wheel in a CMV has to be turned 2 full revolutions in either direction to get the wheels totally pointing in that direction.  That was explained that morning in the in-cab inspection, but I didn't equate that with the effect it would have when in motion.  See, I learned that info last Wednesday.  Clearly, it now makes sense.  However, by now, my class has already probably driven on the highway and backed into docks.  Not too little, but certainly too late. Now, as I'm airing out my concerns and frustrations, I would like to take a moment to no...

The complete pre-trip inspection includes a check of around 215 components in, under, and around the tractor and trailer, and takes between 20-30 minutes (assuming you are familiar with the process).  Entering training, I could probably name about 15 or 20 of these components.  6 students (instead of the normal 3) were squished around 1 engine compartment while the instructors quickly pointed out 20 or 30 components and then moved on to the next section.  I could barely see what they were pointed at, and had no idea of the purpose of most of what they showed me.  I asked about a few common components, and they thought I was joking.  I was not. I tried to explain that if I've never seen the component, don't know what it's called, don't know what it does, or how to tell if it's damaged, it's going to be  really  difficult to remember it.  Their take on it was that if they pointed at it and told me what to say (there is specific verbiage to be use ...

Hi everybody! Whew!  This is going to be a very  long recap, so I've decided to split it into 3 posts.  What a whirlwind week this has been!  Lots of traveling, learning, adjusting, and humbling experiences.  I'll start off with the biggest, and most humbling experience of them all: I'm back home in PA. First off, yes, I'm okay!  I didn't leave due to an injury or other emergency.  Essentially, what happened is that the training was too fast-paced for me. I'm used to not only being at the head of my class, but being ahead  of it, as well.  This was as big of a surprise to me as it perhaps is to many of you reading this right now.  After a few days in the program, the supervisor of the program and I sat down to discuss my progress and take an honest look as to where I was.  We mutually agreed that at the pace I was learning, I would not be able to take the exponential leaps between days to keep up with the new information being throw...

Hey everyone!  Quick update: my official class schedule is 6:30 am - 4:30 pm Central Standard Time Monday through Friday, and 12-4:30 pm on Saturdays.  I have a ton of homework and things to memorize, and I'm figuring I'm going to have to be in bed before 9 pm, just to have enough time to wake up, be coherent, eat something so I don't pass out, and still make it to school on time.   So, I definitely will only have time to update my blog once/week max, and I might not have any time to reply to people individually at all.  Thanks in advance for your understanding.  I appreciate you all and your support and prayers so much!!! <3  ~ Amanda q:p

It seems that my videos are too large to upload Blogger! Since I already have them uploaded to my OneDrive account, I'm going to try and share them directly from that platform.  The order of videos is Intro, Tour, Conclusion.  Please let me know if for some reason, the link to the video folder doesn't work.  Thanks and enjoy!!! ~ Amanda q:p Room Tour Videos

Hey everyone!  I had wanted to upload a video of my room tour, but it's taking quite a while to load lol - maybe tomorrow!  Today, I spent time napping, eating, and napping lol.  My body most definitely needed the rest!  I was able to get my grocery delivery from Walmart without any trouble, and am very happily installed in a single room (yay!!!).  Have a great night, everyone <3 .

Quick note: I have made it Appleton safely, and was able to get into the hotel early!!! Thank you to everyone who prayed, encouraged, and supported me aLONG the way haha. Settling in now, and hopefully going to sleep soon. So grateful to see a bed lol 😁🤗💖! ~ Amanda

Hello hello! Just a quick note to say that I've made it safely onto the bus, and am awaiting my departure from Harrisburg!!! Special shout out to my friend, Karah, for getting me here in one piece, and helping me lug around my bags, even though Amtrak locked the doors, and shut off the lights just as we walked up 😆😆😆. Okay. I am exhausted!!! Goodnight ❤! PS - Just in case I feared I might be bored on the way there, a fellow passenger is kindly gracing the ENTIRE bus with his colorful phone conversation with his friend. Apparently, he is planning to buy an old Acura from his friend, and will transfer his Mustang insurance over to the Acura when he gets the chance. Thank you, kind sir, for choosing to drive legally. 🙄😂

 Hi everyone! Just an introductory post to welcome you to my new blog :).  Once again, a special thank you to all who donated money to my trip/training period.  I couldn't have done this without you.  My heart is so full <3 !  Since I'm going to be very busy training to become an OTR (over the road/long haul) trucker in the next few months, I thought it might be nice to set up a blog so that I can keep everyone updated all at once.  So, here are some details about my new career to get you started: I'm leaving this Friday night (3/5) from Harrisburg, and will be traveling by Greyhound bus to Appleton, WI for training.  Just a hop, skip, and a 37-HOUR TRIP, and I'll be there in 2 shakes of a lamb's tail.  However, someone else has graciously offered to cover the cost of the trip for me, so the schedule suits me just fine.  It's hard to be disappointed in "free" lol.  I will arrive on Sunday morning.  Classes will start on Monday, 3...