Feedback: Moving On
FEEDBACK
Moving On
was taught 11 years ago to drive a truck (which was my dream as a child). My husband drove since the early ’70s and when I met him he took time off from the road. Our adventure began in 1999 out of Idaho. I was allowed with my permit to drive while he sat in the front seat. I was scared to death but excited as well. I finally felt comfortable enough to get my CDL (after a year, not 12 weeks), and we started doing the team thing. We spent 6 years as a team and in November 2005 my father had a massive stroke and passed away. Not more than 3 months later my husband suffered a massive heart attack while we were loading for a trade show in New York. This load would have taken us to Las Vegas, which is where his family is. On the way to the
I
hospital my husband was talking and laughing when all of a sudden he died instantly with no notice.
We just pulled up to the hospital, which was only 5 minutes away. I had to sell our home, truck (which I got screwed on by a fellow driver) and our personal vehicle. I then set out looking for company driving jobs. I was never aware of how empty it would be without him. I had my mom come with me on trips so I wasn’t alone. My first year and a half I don’t even remember. It was like a dream. I worked for several companies before I decided to go back to being an owner-operator. At that point I was ready to move forward. I have been an O/O for the last 2.5 years again and love it. I live in Florida and run to Cali and then back home for a few days. I managed on my own to run and operate this truck pulling a flatbed trailer. I believe I have conquered the tough times and will always be ready for the next adventure. There are so many women drivers out here and really we should stick together and realize we can do it, too. I hope this can be an inspiration to all the truckers who lost loved ones out here and to all the women who are just starting out — and to women who have been out here awhile.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A CROSS-BORDER TRUCKING PROGRAM BY OCTOBER? Via Facebook: I want them to tell me how the little companies are even gonna stay in business when we have to compete with Mexico. — Bryan H. I had thought Obama campaigned against funding it. — Frank P. There is already backlash with the CSA 2010 standards that are being implemented. The new Federal emissions DEF tank program is being criticized by Navistar who claims it doesn’t work. And with all that the Federal government is going to tackle a monster like cross-border trucking? — Michael S. Via Twitter: There was concern about the safety of trucks from Mexico. I think today’s concern is driver safety of Americans going to Mexico. — @JonRHansen I think it’s B.S. The Mexican companies don’t want to be here, and we don’t want to go there. So why is the government pushing it? — @OhioChknHauler Another bad idea from our “fearless leaders.” Where do they have their heads? — @MOBeeBuzz
10 TRUCKERS NEWS SEPTEMBER 2010