CRST- The Second Chance

So after the disaster with CR.England I went home to lick my wounds, figure out a course of action. For a week I did nothing but help out around the house, run errands for the wife and took the kids to McDonald's. For me failing at CR.England was the equivalent of being forced to turn around or give up when the summit of Mount Everest is in sight. It brother me big time. The only other time I had seriously failed at something and it really bugged me was when I ran or tried to become something called "President of the United States" I had no idea what a president did, I only knew I would be pretty good at it. An adult informed me a nine year old could not run for president. So one morning I was scrolling through my email when I saw something for CRST. I ignored it and deleted the email. The following day or the day after I came to the trucking truth forum and started to read various postings about CRST. After praying and thinking about it, I decided to make the call. I spoke with a representative who then transfer for me to the person who would become my recruiter. After exchanging names. I told her before we began I need to tell you something that will probably have you tell me crst can't work with me. Alright go ahead. I explained about going to CR.England and being sent home because I failed backing. I ended with Okay well thank you for your time and consideration. So you got sent home because you failed backing?? Yes I said. Did you get any experience of actually driving on the road?, making turns? I gave her a run down on my experience with CR.England. There was silence. Okay I thought here comes another rejection. Sorry she finally said, (my heart dropped) computer is acting up, there was more silence I heard her drop an F bomb followed by pressing F1 doesn't work. I could hear movement and her typing. Okay I don't see why we can't work with you. I was speechless, she was joking. Over the next few minutes we went back and fourth of me explaining my backing issue with CR.England and her telling me it wasn't an issue. Roughly ten minutes later I was scheduled to leave for Cedar Rapids Iowa. Suddenly the dream was alive once more. Flash forward a few weeks. Day#1 I finally made it to the training center in Cedar Rapids. Upon arrival I was giving a sandwich and a bag of chips and a room key. I asked where I should head for starting in processing, the gentleman at the front desk explained classes had started i should wait till the next day Day#2 I got up for breakfast around 5am. (Breakfast is served 4:30am-6:30am Monday thur Friday) lunch is served 11:15 am till about 12:30 pm. I started out trying to figure out where I was supposed to go by going to the wrong class. I was told where to go. I went to the classroom where I thought I was supposed to go, the room was empty. I found someone in an office and explain I had just arrived and was trying to figure out what classroom I should be in. He asked if I had my learner permit?, driver's license D.O.T Medical card? Yes I said. This made him happy. He then pause, and asked you wouldn't by chance have them on you right now would you. I pulled them out and put them on his desk. For a minute he glanced back and fourth between them and me. I got worried something was wrong. He picked them up and smiled "Okay there was something wrong with this guy, slowly back out of the office , don't make any sudden movements" He took the documents and began and started to scan them. He gave them back, you are rare one sir. Pardon me? I said. He explained all week he had been fighting with students over documents, things they needed if they wanted to become truck drivers. Daily he had sent people to get them. I was told to come back at 1pm. I returned about 12:45 pm and went to the classroom he had pointed out. I was hype I was ready to start training, ready to get back behind the wheel "parallel parking" I was coming for you, guns a blazing. We did roll call and next thing I know I am headed back to my dorm room I was scheduled to start training at 8am Monday morning

Joseph, hang in there and Commit yourself to this. It's not an easy ride, and you've already experienced some of the bumps in the road. I'm assuming you realize you will have to be a team driver at CRST, which will just add a few more possible issues into the mix, but if you can hang in there for one full year you will have all kinds of opportunities available. The last thing you want to do is quit CRST before your contractual obligation is met. They don't play when it comes to legal agreements.

I'm not sure if you've seen this article in our archives, but I'm thinking it's one you might relate to. Take the time to read The Emotional Roller Coaster Of Truck Driver Training.

Thanks for the reply Old School I know a lot of people who would benefit from reading the links you provided.