CRST

First, thank you all for the information on companies who deal with automatics. Now, I have a company CRST who will train me again on 10 speed transmission to get the restriction removed. I love the idea of having a choice, but I know NOTHING about this company. Anyone??

That part I am understanding, at least 10 months. I am wondering since I am just starting, and I have this restriction, would it be worth it to go ahead, get the restriction removed through them, get 10 months experience and then be able to pick another company once I am more experienced?

I'm sure there are other Companies that will do the same thing, let you go Solo, unless you want to team, and pay a bit better. I would make lots of phone calls. Good luck!

Here is the TT review on CRST: CRST review

Type CRST in the upper left hand corner of this webpage and press enter. The search will return any archived thread related to CRST.

If you have a CDL already, you may want to talk to Schneider - they have been advertising refresher CDL classes on Sirius Radio in the last few months. They might also be able to help with manual transmission training for people with automatic transmission CDL restrictions. If they can't, they are a very large company, and might know another company that can help you.

Personally, I can't even think about working as a team for a living. The box is simply too damn small for two people. Getting through training was one of the mentally-hardest things I've ever done.

Take a look at this list of companies that have training programs:

Paid CDL Training Programs

CRST is one of the many companies in that group. Have a look through that list and read through the reviews on each one.

So you already have your CDL but you need to get trained in a standard transmission and retake the CDL exam to get the restriction lifted, correct? I just want to make sure we understand your situation.

I've been driving for CRST for about a year. Their training is first-rate. Here are the parts I wished I knew before coming on board:

1. Team driving is different. CRST has one of the longest average lengths of haul in the industry. Their trucks stop for diesel and D.O.T. 30's and that's about it. You will be trusting your life to a stranger though. One co-driver of mine wrecked the truck, totaled the trailer and got fired. Fortunately, I was not injured.

2. CRST doesn't have many terminals. If you live within driving distance of Cedar Rapids, IA; Oklahoma City, OK; Riverside, CA or Carlisle, PA it will be much easier for you to get home. I live in Washington so I spend days at a time parked at Riverside watching other drivers go home to see their families during their 34 hour resets, truck servicing, etc.

3. They don't track their trailers. You will spend hours driving from lot to lot looking for empty trailers that aren't there. I've spent entire driving 11 hour shifts looking for trailers, unpaid.

That said - I'm still driving for them. If you have any specific questions I'd be glad to answer them.

3. They don't track their trailers. You will spend hours driving from lot to lot looking for empty trailers that aren't there. I've spent entire driving 11 hour shifts looking for trailers, unpaid.

To be clear, that applies to most companies. My entire career I always kept a notebook with a list of customer locations that I knew might have empty trailers available when I needed one. Many, many times I would drive past a row of bobtails waiting for dispatch to find them an empty and I'd head down the road to a customer, grab one, and be on my way to pickup the next load.

One co-driver of mine wrecked the truck, totaled the trailer and got fired. Fortunately, I was not injured.

WHOA! Thank God you were ok!

Thanks to all of you for the replies and yes Brett Aquila, you had it right, I have a Class A CDL with an E restriction, which is automatic only. But I am finding more and more companies willing to help thanks to all of you.

Thanks to all of you for the replies and yes Brett Aquila, you had it right, I have a Class A CDL with an E restriction, which is automatic only. But I am finding more and more companies willing to help thanks to all of you.

Excellent. Make some phone calls, talk around, and see what kind of offers you get. Let us know how things progress. We're always happy to give any insights we can along the way.