CRST - Training Adventures In Cedar Rapids

Yes, sir. We did meet at the school. Our conversation just started one day and I don't think its ended yet. He met my wife and I met his - we both received approval from the bosses, though they did seem a little concerned that we talk and act so much alike.

We share many of the same values and beliefs, and since we first discussed teaming up we always seem to have the same ideas and opinions about almost everything.

So, it seems like a really good fit. The down side, of course, is that we are both fairly new to this career and lifestyle. We probably would have benefited most if we had chosen experienced people to team up with.

However, the way we look at it now, it's a very similar situation to someone doing 30 days of training and then going solo - with the exception that (due to varied training experiences) we may be able to teach each other a thing or two.

That's how things stand at the moment. But we're both pragmatists, so we both realize full and well that the truth won't come out until we've spent a few weeks in that truck together. Once we've gone through some of the interesting things that new drivers are fated to go through, and dealt with each other while stressed out, etc. That's when the truth will be apparent if we will make good co-drivers together.

But, we're both optimistic and eager to find out! 😎

Jeremy

Awesome. I actually think you both being new drivers is not necessarily a bad thing. I would imagine it will be easier to wake up your co-driver in the middle of his break if you need assistance as he might be a little more understanding that a experienced one. It is nice to hear that things are going well for you. Best of luck and safe travels.

Chris

I really liked your attitude about ever thing, and your dedication to learning and improving during your down time. I noticed from reading these, a lot of people seem to goof off during this time, rather then using any extra time they have to study or improve on something they don't understand or having trouble with. Like I mentioned in another thread, I really hope you keep updating us whenever possible; as I like reading the progress everyone makes. I'm glad I found these forums, a lot of useful and helpful information, along with friendly members.

Jeremy

Awesome. I actually think you both being new drivers is not necessarily a bad thing. I would imagine it will be easier to wake up your co-driver in the middle of his break if you need assistance as he might be a little more understanding that a experienced one. It is nice to hear that things are going well for you. Best of luck and safe travels.

Chris

Thanks much, Chris! And thank you for the open-ended questions. My diary has been going untouched lately (for good reason) but your questions have allowed me to focus on some (much needed) positive content.

I really liked your attitude about ever thing, and your dedication to learning and improving during your down time. I noticed from reading these, a lot of people seem to goof off during this time, rather then using any extra time they have to study or improve on something they don't understand or having trouble with. Like I mentioned in another thread, I really hope you keep updating us whenever possible; as I like reading the progress everyone makes. I'm glad I found these forums, a lot of useful and helpful information, along with friendly members.

Thank you, Jamie! I haven't seen your other post yet, as this is my first stop today for reading. But the intention of the diary section is for exactly what you described above. So, hopefully we'll be seeing your diary soon! 👍

Thank you, Jamie! I haven't seen your other post yet, as this is my first stop today for reading. But the intention of the diary section is for exactly what you described above. So, hopefully we'll be seeing your diary soon! 👍

Yeah, I'm rather new to the forums but been actively browsing them for a bit now. I plan to start my own diary soon, as I'm leaving for school on either Sunday or Monday. I'm pretty excited about it!

Well, I haven't posted much lately because there hasn't been much to post.

The web is full of sob stories and soap operas, but I hate both, so I posted nothing.

My second trainer has been very safety conscious. He's not conscious or aware of much else, but he is adamant about safety. So, after the first week (when the honeymoon was over) I proceeded to put up with and deal with quite a bit.

My stress level has been very high and my paychecks very low. But things have always been safe, so I STFU and dealt with everything else.

And now my time with CRST is done. After a week of unsatisfactory dialogue with my manager, I gave notice of my resignation today.

My second trainer and I did not get along at all (no secret to my manager) but I thought he at least had more moral standing (and thought the company did, too) than he does. But somehow he was able to create a very interesting (and untenable) post-training situation for me. And against all logic and clear evidence, the company has both embraced and endorsed his efforts.

I'm at a complete loss as to how he still has a job, much less why the company works so hard to overlook the many things that have taken place in lieu of actually addressing those things. Perhaps if you don't investigate it then is doesn't actually exist?

For whatever reason, things are what they are. And what troubles me most is that I dealt with six weeks (supposed to be four) of training for what has amounted to no good reason. Had I known how things would end I would have never put up with the things I have put up with for that amount of time. But hope sometimes leads us to endure what we otherwise could or would not. And I had very much hoped to work for this company for a long while.

Whatever my experience was, it was subjective (so don't project my experience into your future, your experience will most likely be much better) and it is now over.

For the record, CRST has all the same potential to be as great or bad of a company as any other. Honestly, in my opinion, they have the potential to offer more than many other companies that I've learned about. Just because things didn't work out for me doesn't mean anything. My experience seems like it was pretty unique.

I am not done with trucking, just done with CRST. I don't know what's next or how I will find it, but I'm already looking around. I can't imagine doing anything else as a job.

I owe this community here at TT more than I can ever repay. I will always remain grateful for that.

This training diary is finished.

Sorry to hear things didnt work out for you. How does the tuition work? From what ive heard here CRST makes it very difficult to land another driving job if you break contract/owe tuition until the contract is complete.

Rob is correct Jeremy. You’ll need to either pay them off or eat crow and try to get back in with them. Thoroughly read your contract before making any move.

I must admit being at a loss on what to say or suggest here. Two trainers and now a manager that you didn’t see eye-to-eye with? Questioning why the trainer has a job? Etc., etc. Not trying to be judgemental, but are you sure it was all them?

Sorry but it makes little sense to me why after investing 6 weeks of road training, you quit. You had to be close to being done. Unless there are other things in-play here that aren’t obvious, makes no sense. Correct me if I am wrong, you were team training so that your direct interaction with your trainer was only a couple of hours in a 22 hour period? What really happened here...?

Really, really sorry it came to this. I hope you give us the whole story...play it back when you are ready and maybe we can help you. If not, do some soul searching and ask yourself some tough questions before continuing. Same thing might happen again...

Experience has taught me over and over again, there are always two sides to every story. Somewhere in the middle is the real truth.

I sincerely wish you the best of luck.

Rob is correct Jeremy. You’ll need to either pay them off or eat crow and try to get back in with them. Thoroughly read your contract before making any move.

I must admit being at a lose on what to say or suggest here. Two trainers and now a manager that you didn’t see eye-to-eye with? Questioning why the trainer has a job? Etc., etc. Not trying to be judge mental, but are you sure it was all them?

Sorry but it makes little sense to me why after investing 6 weeks of road training, you quit. You had to be close to being done. Unless there are other things in-play here that aren’t obvious, makes no sense. Correct me if I am wrong, you were team training so that your direct interaction with your trainer was only a couple of hours in a 22 hour period? What really happened here...?

Really, really sorry it came to this. I hope you give us the whole story...play it back when you are ready and maybe we can help you. If not, do some soul searching and ask yourself some tough questions before continuing. Same thing might happen again...

Experience has taught me over and over again, there are always two sides to every story. Somewhere in the middle is the real truth.

I sincerely wish you the best of luck.

Hey Jeremy. Wow....so sorry to hear this. You're attitude has always seemed so positive throughout this whole process.

But; G-town is absolutely correct...as per usual.... Let us have the whole story, warts and all... As you know; The guys here are fantastic at rooting out issues and giving corrective advice and help. It may not always be what you want to hear, but you can bet your bottom dollar it'll be what it you need to hear! lol

Plus; with all the fantastically committed guys n girls on here...somebody may be able to offer some direct help...even a grumpy old fart like me! 👍You've had us pulling for ya all the way through til now....don't give up on this amazing resource!

Come on guy....tell us "The rest of the story".

Cheers,

Simon

Jeremy, you're obviously feeling really down, and I can't bring myself to pile on you right now. But... brother if there ever was a post that angered me, you just pulled it off.

All I am going to say today is this: You have been in here long enough to have heard us stress how important communication is in not only making a proper start at this career, but also in succeeding at it. Look at what you just said to us right before you dropped the bomb on us about you quitting.

Well, I haven't posted much lately because there hasn't been much to post.

The web is full of sob stories and soap operas, but I hate both, so I posted nothing.

What in the world is that supposed to mean? Here you are (unknown to us) struggling under some epic sort of battle and you absolutely refuse to communicate with the very folks who are right here in your corner doing our best to help you along. You clammed up and wouldn't even give us the chance to help. I'm so aggravated, I'm feeling angry. I'm really disappointed in you. Not so much that you quit CRST, a mistake you will regret soon, but that you shunned our assistance when we were willing and able to give it. If that is how you communicate, it is no wonder you have had such an epic struggle.

How many times have you heard us talk about how difficult it is to get this thing kicked off? I don't know how bad you had it, but I can almost guarantee it was a tempest in a teacup. Good grief man, you were knocking on the door. It was just about to open, and you turned and ran. I had an absolutely terrible trainer - it was the closest thing to unbearable that I have ever been through. He even told me after two weeks that he was impressed with me, because I was one of the few people who didn't break down crying and quit during the first two weeks of training with him. He was proud of how miserable he made people! I stuck it out because it put me on the next level, and it's nothing but a distant memory now. Bad dreams are very temporary, we wake up and they are over.

I'm going to restrain myself for now, I'm wanting to say so much more, but I can't bring myself to do it. I know you are really upset, but you've got to realize that you just made a big mistake.