What does it take to go from a nervous rookie to one of the top drivers at Cypress Truck Lines?
In Episode 37 of the Cypress Truck Lines Podcast, driver Ariyel Vanterpool joins his former trainer Michael Shealey and mentor Chris Standifer to reflect on his journey from Cypress CDL School to building a successful career in flatbed trucking.
Nearly three years later, Ariyel is running approximately 140,000 miles a year, consistently reaching the upper levels of Cypress’s driver rankings, and driving a brand-new Freightliner. His story shows what can happen when quality training meets hard work, mentorship, and a willingness to keep learning.
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From CDL Training to a Successful Trucking Career
Ariyel’s journey began at Cypress CDL School, where he developed the foundation he needed for professional flatbed trucking. From there, he continued learning alongside driver trainer Michael Shealey before finding additional guidance from veteran Cypress driver Chris Standifer.
The experience was not without challenges. Ariyel admits he was nervous when he first started, made mistakes, and had plenty of questions. Rather than pretending he knew everything, he took a different approach: put his pride aside, ask questions, listen, and apply what experienced drivers taught him.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
- How Cypress CDL School helped Ariyel build his foundation in flatbed trucking
- What driver trainer Michael Shealey taught him about planning, safety, and life on the road
- How veteran driver Chris Standifer became an important mentor
- Why asking questions and putting pride aside are essential for new CDL drivers
- The memorable story of Ariyel returning with his truck's bumper on the catwalk
- How Ariyel progressed from a nervous rookie to a driver regularly ranking among Cypress's top performers
- Why experienced drivers play an important role in developing the next generation
- What Ariyel, Michael, and Chris think of one another when they exchange report cards on the podcast
Their conversation highlights the value of learning from experienced drivers and putting that knowledge to work throughout your trucking career.
Why Mentorship Matters for New CDL Drivers
One of the biggest lessons from Episode 37 is that CDL training does not end when a driver earns their license or starts running independently.
Michael helped Ariyel understand the fundamentals of professional driving, from planning ahead to managing his hours and paying attention to safety. Chris continued that education by sharing real-world experience and answering questions as Ariyel developed his skills.
The episode also includes a memorable training mistake involving a ditch and a missing front bumper. Instead of hiding what happened, Ariyel owned the mistake, talked it through with his trainer, and learned from the experience.
Ariyel credits both men for helping him become the driver he is today. His advice to newer drivers is simple: find experienced people willing to share their knowledge, ask questions, and put that information to work.
For anyone considering a career in trucking, this episode offers a look at how Cypress CDL School
, driver training, and continued mentorship can contribute to long-term professional development.
More Stories From Cypress Truck Lines
The Cypress Truck Lines Podcast features conversations with new and experienced drivers, trainers, recruiters, safety professionals, and the people who keep Cypress moving every day.
Explore more Cypress Truck Lines Podcast episodes for conversations about CDL training, flatbed trucking, driver safety, career development, and life on the road.
Interested in Driving for Cypress?
Every professional truck driver starts somewhere. Whether you’re ready to earn your CDL, recently graduated, or already have experience behind the wheel, Cypress Truck Lines offers several paths to help you build your career.
Questions? Call 1-800-545-1351 to speak with a recruiter.