Why Run From CRST??

Hi there everyone. So I’ve been doing research for over a month or so now about two companies that I would consider working for. CR England & CRST. I want a decent company just to help me start as a professional truck driver. I know they both pay for your training and CDL as long as you work for “x” months with them. I definitely have no problem with that at all. I’ve decided with CRST but everyone I came across is telling me to run like h*** from that company but I don’t hear good things about CRE either. Does anyone know why this is? It would help a lot. I’m waiting on my recruiter to give me my ticket confirmation for the bus to take me to Riverside, CA school for next Monday and I want to know what I don’t already know. Thank you.

I'm not a fan of rookie drivers starting their career as team drivers. It just throws so many more complications into an already difficult career start. It's difficult finding a good responsible and productive partner, especially since you're both likely to be as green as the grass.

You do realize that you'll be a team driver at CRST, right? I like to see rookie drivers get their own solo truck and be able to take their time while learning how to operate as a successful driver without all the extra problems and issues that arise when teaming with a stranger.

Some folks want to start as a team driver because they believe they can make more money. Others think "two heads are better than one." Personally, I think both of those things are big misconceptions when it comes to starting this career.

If you need a company who will pay for your training, you certainly have more options than the two you've mentioned.

Take a look in here...

Paid CDL Training Programs

Unfortunately many people don't realize all their options because they may only see one or two companies advertising where they live. Use the list that Old School gave you. Also, look through these,

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road CDL Training Program
• CDL Practice Tests

You will have a better chance of making it out here if you know what you're getting into. You should also look at our CDL Training diaries section. Here you will find first hand accounts of training with different companies. You see the difficulties we all have with training. Good luck. Choose wisely.

I got my cdl with CRST, listen to Old School. Trying to sleep while the other person who just got their cdl is driving is pretty scary all around. I'll bet your bed doesn't hit pot holes or take exits to fast. And at first it's not a big deal cause your still excited. But after a few weeks your exhausted, this is when it gets dangerous.

Another reason to shy away from racing straight to driving teams is simply you dont know if you'll be able to sleep in a moving truck. You'll find out in a helluva hurry once you're out with a trainer. I discovered in my first week on my trainer's truck I could never run team because I simply cannot sleep while the truck is bouncing and jostling down the highway. Every little bump and crease and pebble on the road would snap me wide awake. I think I might have gotten a total of 40 hours of sleep in that 5 weeks.

So yeah, I'd advise against committing to an all-team outfit until you're certain you can do it.

Cruz J-

You also don't know if you are going to get a productive team mate or a lazy one. Rookie drivers should not go with team until they figure out the rest of the trucking on their own. Listen to Old School and the rest of the experienced drivers out there. You're green, you need to get the experience by doing as a solo driver not as team. At least until you can get your sea legs. But remember you're an adult, you can make your own decisions, but think real hard before you leap!