CDL Training ( CR England)

I have gotten a CDL permit in preparation for training in Salt Lake City, Utah with CR England. If I choose to enter the program, I must sign a one-year contract at 12 cents per mile. I am hoping some experienced truckers can answer the following concerns:

Do companies tend to honor the regulations for working hours? Is it likely I will drive no more than 11 hours per day and work no more than 14 per day with a mandatory 30 minute break and 10 hours of rest?

Is it likely I will truly receive 34 hours off for every 70 hours I work?

If I am not able to go home during my time off, what do I do? Hang out in the vicinity of my last assignment? Take public transport if I want to go some place?

How many times does the average truck driver stop to eat meals?

I fear that since CR England will train me for free, I will need to pay the debt by adhering to inflexible, dictatorial, unreasonable Company expectations. I fear they will make me drive longer than regulations permit and give me fewer breaks and less down time than allowed by federal law.

I am in a situation, financially, that I can just walk away, even while under contract, if I believe I am mistreated. I am fearless of the consequences. However, I will save myself time and hassle if I get the truth up front. I am too old at 41 to be playing games. I need the truth about quality of life up front and am hoping somebody here will give it to me.

a one-year contract at 12 cents per mile

This may be CRE's way to get their tuition money back. Instead of the driver making payments for tuition, you just work for a discounted pay rate to pay it off.

Do companies tend to honor the regulations for working hours?

The time you work is regulated by federal law. It is not up to the company.

Is it likely I will truly receive 34 hours off for every 70 hours I work?

34 hours for 70 hours is not a ratio. 34 hours is a way to reset the time limits, both daily and weekly that you need to work with. This is called the Hours Of Service regulations. In fact, there may be situations where you do not take a 34 hour break for many days.

If I am not able to go home during my time off, what do I do?

There is the term of Home Time which means the company will dispatch you in a way where are your able to take your several days off at home. But that is not limited to home, you may take your time off almost wherever you choose, within reason.

How many times does the average truck driver stop to eat meals?

Your meal times are worked out in your breaks. Not to worry, you won't go hungry unless you want to.

inflexible, dictatorial, unreasonable Company expectations.

Really now! If it was a big mean company, nobody would work for them!

Here's some reading material for you:

Brett's Book
Truck Driver's Career Guide
Truck Driving Schools
Trucking Companies

Get started now on studying for your CDL: High Road Training Program

Thanks, Errol. You have allayed some of my concerns. I suppose reading all the negative reviews about the Company leaves me a bit apprehensive and pallid. It is important to note, though, that one can find negative reviews about most any company. Sometimes, people ignore their own shortcomings and impute responsibility for their own faults to others. I will maintain an open mind and am happy to be among more optimistic brethren.

Yes, when you are awash in negativity, you may just start to believe it. But then again, that's not really the case, after all!

If every company was as bad as the reviews say they are, well, no one would work for them, and they would be out of business!

I too am with CRE, are you sure that it was a one year contract? Mine was for 9 months and this info is current as of a month ago. Also, your cents per mile is for the total miles driven on the truck not your miles alone. You will be with a co-driver/trainer. You will also get an increase each month.

Hi Lynette. Yes, it is a year contract. I confirmed with the person I spoke with. Everybody takes a Greyhound bus, it seems, to these facilities. The recruiter said they will get me a ticket. I said no way. I am driving. My wife can come with a friend or her sister to pick the car up after the training is over and I am on the road or the driver trainer can bring me back to the training center. I am not going to be at their mercy. I believe there is a possibility this will be a good experience but, like the people from Missouri, I say "show me." I do not want to b stuck in Utah with no autonomy whatsoever.

Good idea to take the car if you have someone to get it. Don't be shocked if you find LOTS of new best friends though. LOL.

I'll take people for a ride as long as I don't get taken for one. ;-)