Trying To Decide - CRST Or CR Englund???

We are new to truck driving and are having a hard time trying to decide which company to go with. We are working with an independent recruiter who does not work for either company. The pro with CRST is that we will get to bring our dog (who is part of the family) with us after training. The con with CRST is that because we live on the Gulf Coast we will be required to move farther inland. The pros with CR Englund are: they have a great sign on bonus and higher mileage pay, we can stay in the same room while getting our CDL , we can use the same trainer and be in the same truck during training and we will not be required to move. The con is the recruiter said that CR Englund was not a good company to work for now, they have new management and the new management tries to force you into leasing a truck right out of training and that if you don't they will not give you the miles needed to make a living. Basically starving us to quit or firing us and then we will be on the line for the fee for training. Also, some of what I've told was different than what is on your website and want to know how up to date the information is for companies who have their own schools. We would love to hear words of wisdom for those who have been working for both companies.

There's a *LOT* more options than either of those companies. Also, what makes you think you're going to get rich doing this job? As a company driver, a realistic number is in the range of $45,000 per year income. That doesn't count what it costs to actually live out here. I average $75-100 per week in food & expenses on the road. So, that $45k just dropped to $40k. Benefits? Expect to pay in the range of $1,000 per month ($250 per week) for health insurance for yourself and your family. That drops you another $12k per year to $28,000 (before taxes).

So, is it really worth it, being gone for 2-3 weeks at a time? You'll average 1 day at home per 7 days out. But, that 1 day at home is usually calendar day, not a 24hr period, meaning if you get home @ 11pm on Friday, expect to be on the road again @ noon on Sunday.

Just being 100% honest with this. You're not going to get rich (or barely pay the bills). You're not going to see your kids grow up. You're not going to see your wife when she really needs you. If you're not already in this industy, I'd say don't do it.

Did you even read her post? She is talking about her and her husband teaming and working together. So half of what you just said doesn't apply to her.

Mary- There are a few other companies most would pick over the ones you listed. I will answer your questions in a private message.

Yeah, I'd say that you and your husband just need to take a step back and look at more companies before choosing either of those. For example, you and your husband could choose a company like Celadon (no, I am not recruiting or anything lol). Celadon will train both you and your husband in their company sponsored training program . They pay 18cpm to start, for all miles your truck turns. If you pull 17k miles in one month, you get a 3cpm bonus for all those miles in that month. Their commitment is 240k miles and I am personally still unclear on how that requirement is broken down, but I am going to take the time to talk to someone here to get decisive clarity on that topic probably on Tuesday.

There's many companies out there that you can choose from and this site has an awesome section that outlines several major companies including their benefits, whether or not they permit pets, etc. And, if i am not mistaken, Celadon does allow pets but please do not quote me on that.

One of the recruiters here wants to talk to Brett to give him all of the information that he needs for the company sponsored CDL training schools page of this site. We need to make it happen :D

Mary- There are a few other companies most would pick over the ones you listed. I will answer your questions in a private message.

I would love to hear from you, thanks, Mary

There's a *LOT* more options than either of those companies. Also, what makes you think you're going to get rich doing this job? As a company driver, a realistic number is in the range of $45,000 per year income. That doesn't count what it costs to actually live out here. I average $75-100 per week in food & expenses on the road. So, that $45k just dropped to $40k. Benefits? Expect to pay in the range of $1,000 per month ($250 per week) for health insurance for yourself and your family. That drops you another $12k per year to $28,000 (before taxes).

So, is it really worth it, being gone for 2-3 weeks at a time? You'll average 1 day at home per 7 days out. But, that 1 day at home is usually calendar day, not a 24hr period, meaning if you get home @ 11pm on Friday, expect to be on the road again @ noon on Sunday.

Just being 100% honest with this. You're not going to get rich (or barely pay the bills). You're not going to see your kids grow up. You're not going to see your wife when she really needs you. If you're not already in this industy, I'd say don't do it.

All your numbers are extremely wrong. There is very few things correct about this post.