Are There Any Former Teachers/educators Turned Truck Drivers Here?
Topic 20585 | Page 1
I know Erroll was. Hopefully he'll chime in.
You will learn a whole new meaning of detention...
As I recall, one of our moderators was a teacher. And on this website he still is...
(This may seem harsh in print, but it's not, really.) As a school principal, with a few years to go to retirement, are you already thinking of your dream "escape job"? Mine has been to be a sheepherder.
The difference been running a classroom and holding a steering wheel is much like that between herding cattle and rug weaving. I made the move about three years ago. But now I still teach math in my head (mostly fractions).
I reached a frustrating burnout after twelve years wielding the chalk/ whiteboard marker. Took the CDL class and started driving OTR for Swift. I still love teaching, but also still can't see myself back in the classroom.
As for the change from Claude Akins' 1974 Movin' On to modern Auto shift transmissions and electronic logs , it's a whole new world. Basically, the similarities in trucks then and now are they still have round wheels and burn (less) diesel.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Electronic Logs:
Electronic Onboard Recorder
Electronic Logbook
A device which records the amount of time a vehicle has been driven. If the vehicle is not being driven, the operator will manually input whether or not he/she is on duty or not.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
I appreciate the input. Errol, I actually have more than "a few" years until retirement which is why I am considering the career change. Take your frustration and burnout in the classroom and multiply that by 25 (since you like math) and you get the idea of what I face as an administrator. I like driving and enjoy solitude and have always had the desire to go OTR. You seem happy with your decision, yes?
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
Dm:
Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager
The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.
I intimated my answer to your question (driving but teaching math in my head). I love the teaching part, but I don't like the idea of "kids these days".
You can read Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version), add in some claustrophobic reality of living in a walk-in closet but having a chance to see the USA.
That's my 25 (or so) word answer to your original question.
Errol is being a bit difficult on his answer and seeing as I'm his best friend on this forum I think I can help.
Errol is definitely enjoying his time on the road. He got on a dedicated account with Swift which means his income is far more predictable and usually his routes are set. By now, there's few things you can throw at the very old man that he hasn't seen before.
For sure, it was the break he was needing. Being a very disciplinary man, he really doesn't like the way children these days are behaving.
However, if we can go back to the old school, 1950's, way of schooling where the teachers and other authority figures could physically harm/discipline the students he would go back.
Danno B. missed this:
He got on a dedicated account with Swift which means his income is far more predictable and usually his routes are set.
I've been running a shuttle route since October last year. Talk about "predictable"! I drive from Memphis to St. Louis and back nearly every day.
However, if we can go back to the old school, 1950's, way of schooling where the teachers and other authority figures could physically harm/discipline the students he would go back.
Ah, yes, the swat. Saves time, keeps unruly students focused. But education has moved ground that now.
I appreciate the input fellas. I actually do not have a problem with the kids. Now if I could give the adults a few swats, life would be much better! I especially enjoyed the "very old man" comment, by the way.
I am a teacher turned trucker and honestly wonder why I didn't do this sooner. Taught high school chemistry and physics for 14 years. Got my CDL through Prime last summer and have been on the road ever since. I LOVE IT!
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
New Reply:
New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features
Preview:
Why Join Trucking Truth?
- The High Road Training Program
- The High Road Article Series
- The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
- Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted
Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth
Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:
TT On Facebook
I am currently a school principal with a long way to go until retirement and was interested in any feedback from teachers that left education for the trucking industry. I pretty much grew up in a cabover in the 70's and 80's and trucking has always been in my blood, but life just took me a different direction. I would like to hear your experiences and if you are happy with you choice or maybe what would you have done differently. Thanks.