CRST - From Bus Ticket Email To Fully Employed(Hopefully)

Hey everyone,

Figured I'd start this now. It will be a bit slow to start, because I'm going to be updating it as things happen which means starting with right now with receiving my transportation email and will hopefully be ending it once I'm done with my 3 weeks out with a Driver Mentor.

So, I just got a text from my recruiter with my bus confirmation number, time I'll be leaving, and all of the needed information to get out to the school smoothly. I'll be leaving Friday morning at 7:55am, oof that's early(good thing I've been preparing my sleep schedule). It's interesting, I've been excited, but it's actually happening now so the excitement level is increasing along side the nervousness.

I've still got a lot to get done around here, as I will not be coming back to this apartment ever again. I've already got a scheduled time to go see the climate controlled storage unit I reserved for my electronics(there's quite a few) and to store what little else I want to keep on Wednesday. I've got my truck stop guide and road atlas being delivered today, and a new sleeping bag coming tomorrow. Still have to get laundry bag, toiletries bag, get medication in order(Nothing major, mainly BP medication(tends to run a LITTLE high) and allergy medication), and get new sheets. As I'm typing this out I've been on the phone with family and friends letting them know I'm leaving so soon and getting things coordinated for storage of my car and the like.

It's interesting, that I felt I needed to study so I've been going through High Road but this was the first time I've been informed on the specifics of the sections of the CDL Manual TO study. I feel like I'm already ahead of the curve due to having been studying for the past few weeks now.

This is the first sign that it's ACTUALLY happening, and my life is changing. I'm so excited to start this new adventure and experience something COMPLETELY new.

As I said, I'll be keeping this thread updated as things happen and will HOPEFULLY continue it until I'm officially out of training.

Stay safe and here's to the new chapter,

Optical

That's great to hear, I'll definitely be following along. Theres nothing wrong with CRST, we have a few members here that have been happy there I just want to make sure you're aware they're a team only company. Some drivers love it, some hate it.

Which location are you going to for school?

That's great to hear, I'll definitely be following along. Theres nothing wrong with CRST, we have a few members here that have been happy there I just want to make sure you're aware they're a team only company. Some drivers love it, some hate it.

Which location are you going to for school?

Yeah, I am aware they are primarily team driving. Which, in my situation currently, I have to take what I can take and if it's not something I TRULY enjoy, it's something I'll have to tough out until I can move onto to solo OTR or something else. Though, honestly, I feel like I'd be ok with team driving, mainly because I'll have someone to talk to and not TRULY alone the whole time. Also be able to bounce questions off of if they arise.

I'll be heading to the Colorado training facility in Keenesburg.

Keenesburg....Careers World Wide....Been there, done that five years ago.

Take plenty of warm clothes, then pack some more. You'll be outside on the backing pad about six hours daily, six days per week, and the wind always will be blowing. The other half of each day will be with your teammates, driving all the roads between there and Denver. I think four or five of us shared a truck during the road training.

There is one grocery store in town, and the prices ain't cheap. The instructors were awesome when I was there.

Keenesburg....Careers World Wide....Been there, done that five years ago.

Take plenty of warm clothes, then pack some more. You'll be outside on the backing pad about six hours daily, six days per week, and the wind always will be blowing. The other half of each day will be with your teammates, driving all the roads between there and Denver. I think four or five of us shared a truck during the road training.

There is one grocery store in town, and the prices ain't cheap. The instructors were awesome when I was there.

I'll keep the warm clothing in mind. I'm coming from central Ohio, so cold weather is not uncommon to me, as well as being born in California, I'm a bit warm blooded and being a large person helps as well lol.

Wondering, about the groceries....I'm coming in on Saturday, about how far away if the closest Wal-Mart style grocery store? Was thinking of maybe hopping an Uber into Denver to get some things.

Glad to hear about the instructors. I'm always kind of nervous when going into training for a new industry, that the trainers will not be as patient as I hope they will be. I've always been good with retaining information and the like, but I've come across some trainers in the past that seem to be a little snappy if you happen to miss out on something.

An Uber to Denver and back would be at least $150, maybe more. The only thing close to Keenesburg is the surrounding scrub prarie.

An Uber to Denver and back would be at least $150, maybe more. The only thing close to Keenesburg is the surrounding scrub prarie.

Welp...scratch that idea. lol

One of the stores in Keenesburg (when I was there) was a second-hand, consignment shop that has lots of clothing. Great prices on things. I got my heavy duty winter Carhartt used coat in there for about 60% off. It's been riding with me ever since.

Today is the last full day before I leave for Colorado. Woke up at about 7:30am, got some stuff packed up, still some left to go. Luckily an old friend of mine offered his basement in his condo to store some stuff for me, so I don't have to pay for the storage unit which is SUPER helpful. All of my stuff is here, except my new sheets, which are being delivered today. Just need to finish packing, get some food for the bus ride, which I'm probably going to get a sub or 2 from somewhere and keep them in the fridge, then toss them into some throw-away tupperware to eat along the way so I don't spend too much money at the stops, if there is even places to eat along the way.

Still super nervous about my blood pressure though. The blood pressure machine at my local pharmacy has been shutdown/turned off for the protection of the pandemic, and my grandmother had one here at the house, but the cuff is too small. I've tried to use it on my forearm, but the readings keep coming out WAY too high(I've seen it show 220/110 at one point), so I'm going to hope my blood pressure is fine and that these massive numbers are due to cuff placement.

The machines at the stores are far from accurate in most cases. Cuff size definitely plays a role in it showing much higher as well. Did you read the Blood pressure guidelines here on Trucking Truth? For a 2 year card it has to be 140/90 or lower. As long as you're able to get it under 159/99 you'll be given a 1 year card. Due to being on BP meds you're going to get a 1 year card even if it you're on the lower end. If it's not within their guidelines you'll be sent home to get it under control and then you're welcome to reapply. R-E-L-A-X. Getting worried about your BP is only going to raise it. You got this