I Did It...I'm Enrolled In CDL School!

It has been quite a while since I've contributed anything to this forum, though I've been "lurking" since joining Trucking Truth late in 2011.

A quick overview of my background. When I first joined Trucking Truth, I was a pilot with a regional airline that was on its way to being shut down by the parent company. Knowing that I was facing imminent job loss with my regional carrier, I decided to start investigating options beyond flying airplanes since I was reaching a point of burnout and stagnation in my flying career. The trucking industry has always piqued my interest since I have a few family members that are long time drivers and I always thought that if I was not able to fly I'd like to pursue a career as a professional driver. Long story short, I was offered a chance to fly international freight as a Boeing 777 pilot late in 2011, and made the decision to stick with flying. Fast forward to today. I was furloughed (laid off) from the cargo carrier in July and am once again at a crossroads. Do I stick with flying, knowing that for the most part the only jobs available right now are at low-paying regional airlines, or do I venture out and finally give trucking a try? Knowing what is entailed in flying for a regional airline (I did that for 9 years previously) I decided to give professional driving a shot and enrolled in a private CDL program here in North Carolina which I will begin on September 9. I am excited to begin this new journey and see where it takes me!

I do retain recall rights with the cargo carrier for 4 years, so if they recall me I will have the opportunity to go back and continue with my flying career. In the meantime, without a wife and kids to worry about I am free to pursue my other career interest and give professional driving a try and see what I think of it. We'll see what the future holds. I may decide that, after giving it a shot, driving isn't for me and go running back to the ****pit at full speed. Conversely, I might find the independence of the road and the ability to "run my own show" appealing and decide that a driving career is much more fitting. Only time and experience will tell. Right now, all I know is that I am thrilled to start this new chapter and am thankful for Brett and everyone else who has made this website such a valuable resource for those of us contemplating entering this industry.

Time to resume The High Road CDL Course...I am massively behind with less than two weeks to go before class!

Shaun (aka "Freightdog")

The censored word in my original post is another word for "flight deck". Darn computers...

Good job!! Good luck and don't stop studying until its time to get to class!

Freightdog, is the company you worked for one of the major express companies? Just curious since you mentioned flying international with a 777, and the company I work for now is using 777s for international, mostly.

Hey, it's really cool to hear you're ready to get rollin! Sorry to hear you got furloughed and that's why you're getting started in trucking. But I think no matter where you wind up 5 years from now you'll be really glad you gave trucking a shot. The experience is going to leave you with a lifetime of awesome memories even if your career is short. But you might find you love it! Regardless, it's definitely going to be an adventure for ya. I look forward to following along and seeing how it goes.

Freightdog, is the company you worked for one of the major express companies? Just curious since you mentioned flying international with a 777, and the company I work for now is using 777s for international, mostly.

Hi Philip,

I am on furlough from an airline that is under contract to fly 777's for one of the major express companies with a large sort facility at CVG.

Take care...

Freightdog, is the company you worked for one of the major express companies? Just curious since you mentioned flying international with a 777, and the company I work for now is using 777s for international, mostly.

Hi Philip,

I am on furlough from an airline that is under contract to fly 777's for one of the major express companies with a large sort facility at CVG.

Take care...

After looking it up, I realize it's NOT FedEx Express. :P

Well Freightdog....Its about time you crawl outta that aluminium wiener with wings and put the rubber to the road!! Another adventure awaits you !!! Along with rush hour traffic,,,and a few other things I won't remind you of...just so you'll have a few surprises, ya know.

Get back into that cdl study....you will need it ALL.. And keep us informed !!!!!

Well Freightdog....Its about time you crawl outta that aluminium wiener with wings and put the rubber to the road!! Another adventure awaits you !!! Along with rush hour traffic,,,and a few other things I won't remind you of...just so you'll have a few surprises, ya know.

Get back into that cdl study....you will need it ALL.. And keep us informed !!!!!

Thanks, Starcar! I'm looking forward to it all--the good, the bad, the ugly--and all things in between!

Hey, it's really cool to hear you're ready to get rollin! Sorry to hear you got furloughed and that's why you're getting started in trucking. But I think no matter where you wind up 5 years from now you'll be really glad you gave trucking a shot. The experience is going to leave you with a lifetime of awesome memories even if your career is short. But you might find you love it! Regardless, it's definitely going to be an adventure for ya. I look forward to following along and seeing how it goes.

Thanks, Brett! That's what I figure...going to get the most out of it and enjoy the journey, however long it lasts. We'll see what the future holds and how it all shakes out!