CRST - Training Adventures In Cedar Rapids

Yes, sir! Let the learning begin!

Congrats Jeremy...ain't it a rush to pass? Talk about the ultimate high....now it's time to get grounded. The real learning begins. We learned just enough to pass.

Congrats!!

Thank you, sir! It's been an interesting adventure so far! Now the real learning begins.

Congrats!!

Well, yesterday was the first day of orientation. Nothing very exciting about signing your name to paperwork for 8-hours straight.

But then again, in between signing documents, there are brief periods throughout the day when certain topics are covered that just let the imagination run wild. Such as any topic that involves the words, "your truck." Just those two little words and the mind races off to some romantic notion of traveling free, sort like a modern cowboy (or cowgirl) just riding across the open country with minimal possessions strapped to your back...

Okay, maybe the thoughts don't always run that deep. But many times throughout the day you will repeatedly ask yourself, "How freakin cool is this?"

Honestly, yesterday was long and boring. The various topics covering company policies, etc., are necessary - but none of us signed up to sit in a classroom and sign papers all day. So, necessary but boring.

I have no idea what is on the agenda for us today, but normally orientation lasts for three days. Somehwere in there they finish the last of the backgroumd checks, etc. And eventually we will find out if we have jobs or not. Throughout this diary, have I mentioned that this whole stay here in Cedar Rapids is one long job interview? We're not guaranteed jobs just for graduating (even though most of us will be hired anyway.)

So, at some point in the next day or so, we will get employee ID numbers, ID cards, and get assigned to a driver manager. After that, we will either pick or get assigned to a Lead Driver for about 28 days of training. The Lead Driver (or trainer) is supposed to go through a checklist of things that the trainee is supposed to do, learn, or practice. After learning/doing those things, and after your DM feels like you've successfully completed a certain amount of miles (usually around 10,000), you are then eligible to be upgraded to co-driver status. That means you are now eligible to pick or be assigned a co-driver and head out with your very own truck!

I have no idea what today will bring, but I know we're all getting closer by the day. Closer to that dream of being one of the coolest people on the planet... Being an American trucker!

Congratulations again Jeremy!

Good luck!

Thanks, again, for evrything G-Town! Things are progressing nicely. Another day or two and I should be ready to hit the road and start some learning.

Congratulations again Jeremy!

Good luck!

Also, MillionMiler introduced me to one of the best managers they have here, and it sounds like that manager is willing to take me on his team as soon as I have an employee ID number.

It's shaping up to be a really great day!

Thanks, again, for evrything G-Town! Things are progressing nicely. Another day or two and I should be ready to hit the road and start some learning.

Congratulations again Jeremy!

Good luck!

Also, MillionMiler introduced me to one of the best managers they have here, and it sounds like that manager is willing to take me on his team as soon as I have an employee ID number.

It's shaping up to be a really great day!

Not just one of the best fleet managers ever, he is the BEST period. 😁 No questions asked.😁

GG and GJ Jeremy! :)

Congratulations

Well, that was quick! Got out of orientation this morning and was told to go pick up a rental car. I'm due in California to meet my Lead Driver in Riverside, California.

Got a company ID and a ComData card just now. Have to grab a shuttle to the airport soon and pick up the rental.

Leave sometime soon, I guess...

Things are happening very fast all of a sudden. Back with more updates soon.

Do they not pay you with direct deposit to your bank? How's the Comdata card work?