They Left Cypress. They Came Back. Here Is Why.

In Episode 29 of the Cypress Truck Lines Podcast, professional drivers Dean Kreigsman and Simon Barnett share why they left Cypress, what they found at other companies, and what ultimately brought them back.

Dean and Simon left Cypress for different reasons. Dean had been with Cypress for five years before pursuing a lease purchase opportunity and the possibility of earning more as an owner operator. Simon was looking for more home time as he and his wife prepared to start a family. Both opportunities made sense when they first appeared.

What they discovered was that a trucking job can look very different once you get beyond the recruiting pitch. Their experiences gave them a new perspective on everything from pay and benefits to equipment maintenance, home time, safety, and how a company treats its drivers.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

Dean’s experience showed him how different the economics can be when you own the truck. As a company driver, changes in freight rates may not be something you think about every day. As an owner operator, those same changes can directly affect what is left after fuel, maintenance, repairs, and other expenses.

Simon had a different experience. He left for what appeared to be better pay and more time at home, but encountered equipment and safety issues that made him appreciate things he had previously taken for granted at Cypress. In the episode, he recalls dealing with damaged tires, repeated blowouts, and inconsistent pay.

One of the biggest themes of the conversation is that compensation is about more than the number on a paycheck. Benefits, reliable equipment, safety support, home time, consistency, and how a company treats drivers can all matter when you look at the complete picture.

Dean’s advice at the end of the episode is simple: do not make the decision too easily. If something is not working, talk to someone first. And if another opportunity still looks better after you have thought it through, make sure you understand exactly what you are gaining and what you may be leaving behind.

The Cypress Truck Lines Podcast features conversations with professional drivers, trainers, recruiters, operations teams, safety professionals, and others throughout the trucking industry.

Explore more Cypress Truck Lines Podcast episodes for real conversations about truck driving careers, flatbed trucking, home time, safety, driver training, and life on the road.

Whether you are an experienced CDL-A driver, recently earned your CDL, or are just getting started in trucking, Cypress Truck Lines offers several ways to build your career.

Questions? Call 1-800-545-1351 to speak with a recruiter.