Would like to hear from any older women driving cargo vans. My daughters friend is an expediter(van) and he said that would be something for me to get into. I am over 50 and am looking for a business to get into.

Would like to hear from any older women driving cargo vans. My daughters friend is an expediter(van) and he said that would be something for me to get into. I am over 50 and am looking for a business to get into.

I posted a comment on the old expediters online board about women expediters. In my opinion there is NO WAY I would let my babe run around in the country in a expedite truck. I have been in MANY situations on the road that a lady by herself would have been very vulnerable to the thugs that would have made me a few bucks poorer (no they dont work for roberts-he, he!)

Alos the MANY times we had to hand transfer loads. Guess who did the work? uh huh- me. I wish you well, but trucking is better left off to the men.

THE X

Go for it! I've met alot of women driving vans out there, not so many in the bigger units. If you like to travel and get along with yourself, this is the job for you. I drive team with my husband, don't know if I'd want to do it alone.I admire the single women out there, especially since they have to put up with idiotic opinions such as the X's.

Idiotic? Like the saying goes Truth is HATE to those who HATE the TRUTH. I tell it like it is. I've been out on the road far to many years and see that trucking is best done by a man (unless you have a husband/wife team). Does that mean I dislike women? No way - married one! Excuse me, but it seems that equal rights means that I got to do the work while you watch!!! What's up with that?

Telling it like it is, THE XPEDITER

[cj]

I am the female that X previously responded to. Yes, it can be tough for a woman alone. I usually travel with my husband but there are times he is tied up for a few days at home and I go without him. I have personally hand loaded (qty.) 40 boxes @ 40# each all by myself. Yes I felt it later but so would my husband. I have never, ever asked a man to do a job I knew I should do by myself. There has been twice I was concerned for my safety--once I was sleeping at a well lit, 24 hour grocery store, when I awoke to police red lights flashing. I carefully looked out the curtains as I wanted the police to see me but not to startle them. Anyway someone in the grocery store reported some kids hanging around my van as if to vandalize. I was in a good neighborhood which makes me realize no where is completely safe. Another, time a 4 wheeler saw me alone in the front seat driving late at night. I would speed up, he would speed up. I would slow down, he would slow down. He tried to cut me off, I backed off and he would slow down. Couldn't shake him. I got on the CB and explained to the "big boys" my problem and location. Immediately 3 big trucks closed in and saved the day. I also carry a cell phone and won't hesitate to use it. Even with this I enjoy going out. I am very particular about my destination. I won't go to Detroit or Chicago alone. I won't go to Canada alone as I carry pepper spray. I do not frequent the truck stops except to fuel up. I don't give my location over the CB (except for the "stalker" incident)in fact I won't even carry on a conversation on the CB as when a woman talks we all know where that can lead. I have been to Maryland, Texas and Colorado all on my own and I'm from central Illinois. I am rather proud of myself and my husband even brags on me about my abilities. I'm no spring chicken but I'm no "old lady" either. First and foremost--THINK SAFETY FOR YOURSELF--if it doesn't feel right--don't go.

It sounds like you take X-tra care to be extra safe. That's good.
I just wanted to bring up the point that it aint all roses out here. 10-4?

The X

Man, I need a load this week - whatz up?

CJ I have to ask you. Is it because pepper spray is illegal in Canada that you won't come visit? Or is it because you think that Canada is more dangerous than Detroit or Chicago? If that is your reasoning please be aware that our cities are much safer than any in the USA. I suggest that the points you outlined are all sensable precautions that any person, male or female, would be wise to keep in mind.
With reference to the use of the C.B. radio, I agree that a womans voice is like a magnet for every looney-tune nut to come on and show just how far down the gene pool they came from. I monitor the radio for traffic problems,but most of the time I don't get involved in the silly games that go on. It seems that a full blown war can be started in 5 seconds flat, usually over the stupidest things.

In reference to women being able to lift weighty items, I see that alot of the men drivers need to practise pushing themselves away from the kitchen table. In any case, my motto is "where is that lift truck anyways" Jim Bunting...

There's no reason why age should make a difference in this. Common sense is the main factor. I drove big truck 48state and Canada for almost 9 years with no problems. I got burned out and am now doing expedited del. in a pickup with a long bed to hold 2 48" skids and up to 3,400 lbs. with a high camper shell. I have and will drive solo and feel completely safe. Again, using common sense and that inner sixth sense will keep almost anyone out of unwelcome situations. You must be sure of yourself and have a very determined will. I've been out here long enough that I won't put up with much and will state my case very effectively when needed. Just like anything-you won't know if it's for you until you try it for a while.

[cj]

Jim--I won't go into Canada because I would have to declare the pepper spray and I won't travel alone without it. I've only been into Ontario and find it beautiful and everyone is so friendly. I feel safer in Canada than larger US cities. So please take no offense to my comment, eh. PS. Got stuck in the US Customs compound (with my husband) due to some incorrect paperwork. Had to spend the night and the security guard said to stay in the truck because right outside the "federal" compound he said it's not uncommon to have 12 shootings in 12 hours. Couldn't wait to cross the border then. LOL

Obviously from the name you probably guessed that I am NOT a woman, however, I am the owner of an expedite company in Indianapolis, IN. We have three gals that work for us, one in a straight truck, one in a cube truck and one in cargo van, they do a fantastic job for us and I believe they are more than happy with their income. A cargo van owner/operator with us (FreightSpecialists) can realistic make $45,000 to $65,000 annually, and I believe that kind of income is available with most any legitimate expediter. GOOD LUCK and let me know if you decide to go our route.
Danny

My wife and I run as a team,we do carry pepper spray and we dop go into Canada. Just put it in a not obvious location and u will be ok.In 13 years of crossing the borders we have only been searched twice,once in Ontario and once in Vermont.There is a new device being marketed that is a pepper spray pistol,They claim it is legal in Canada?? I have sent for info on it and when I get it I will pass
it along.Avoid the truck stops in the large cities and u will be OK.We frequently park in hospital lots and never have had any problems.

Stephanie and CJ Another item to carry which is 100% legal everywhere is HORNET spray,this stuff is better then pepper spray and can shoot a steam about 20 feet. A friend of mine who has a b unit used it in New York City, One of those dregs of humanity attempted to wash his windows at a stop light and then demanded money.When he refused the guy got ugly,then my friend shot him in the face with the Hornet spray,drove away with the guy writhing on the ground. We carry a can right behind the drivers seat.The label says do not spray in face but u can always say there were hornets coming in.. Good luck

Steph are u by any chance Stephanie Healy from Maynard Mass.If you are remember me Richard,you were my secretary,The reason I think you might be that person is the age is correct and your daughter drove a big truck.If you are I would love to hear from u again.

OK cj, I understand your point now. I also agree that the area around the U.S. Customs lot at Detroit is very scary. Jim Bunting...