Heading Out To School For CRST (Dallas, TX)!

Hello everyone.

I just received a phone call from a recruiter: He said everything looks like a green light, and I will be shipped out to: Dallas, Texas for the CRST company-sponsored CDL school. I am so excited, and surprisingly nervous, hahaha. I am supposed to receive a "follow-up" phone call ~15 days prior, to make absolute sure everything green for go, and so I may also put in a polite 2-week notice (although he seemed eager to send me immediately THIS week).

I just felt like sharing. Thanks for everyone on this forum for all their posts. I seriously lurk and read EVERYTHING, and take everything with a grain of salt. But more importantly: I practice with the Android app daily and I occasionally try to use the "practice CDL tests" on this site (unfortunately I haven't gotten too far).

Are there any major words of advice from the professional veterans in regards to going to school? From my understand, I should: Shut up. Keep my opinions to my self. Listen to the instructor (just like in college). Do what the instructor asks, despite how 'stupid' it may sound, or seem to me (as stated many times previously: The companies have perfected these 'techniques' over the years to save money; not waste it. The company does not pay me to think (yet). Anything beyond that I've either forgotten, or have not learned yet.

I am all ears! Thanks again in advance! :)

Hello everyone.

I just received a phone call from a recruiter: He said everything looks like a green light, and I will be shipped out to: Dallas, Texas for the CRST company-sponsored CDL school. I am so excited, and surprisingly nervous, hahaha. I am supposed to receive a "follow-up" phone call ~15 days prior, to make absolute sure everything green for go, and so I may also put in a polite 2-week notice (although he seemed eager to send me immediately THIS week).

I just felt like sharing. Thanks for everyone on this forum for all their posts. I seriously lurk and read EVERYTHING, and take everything with a grain of salt. But more importantly: I practice with the Android app daily and I occasionally try to use the "practice CDL tests" on this site (unfortunately I haven't gotten too far).

Are there any major words of advice from the professional veterans in regards to going to school? From my understand, I should: Shut up. Keep my opinions to my self. Listen to the instructor (just like in college). Do what the instructor asks, despite how 'stupid' it may sound, or seem to me (as stated many times previously: The companies have perfected these 'techniques' over the years to save money; not waste it. The company does not pay me to think (yet). Anything beyond that I've either forgotten, or have not learned yet.

I am all ears! Thanks again in advance! :)

I'm at the crst training program in cedar rapids Iowa right now... You know everything just study that's all you can do pretty much... Bring some extra cash for living expenses....

Hello everyone.

I just received a phone call from a recruiter: He said everything looks like a green light, and I will be shipped out to: Dallas, Texas for the CRST company-sponsored CDL school. I am so excited, and surprisingly nervous, hahaha. I am supposed to receive a "follow-up" phone call ~15 days prior, to make absolute sure everything green for go, and so I may also put in a polite 2-week notice (although he seemed eager to send me immediately THIS week).

I just felt like sharing. Thanks for everyone on this forum for all their posts. I seriously lurk and read EVERYTHING, and take everything with a grain of salt. But more importantly: I practice with the Android app daily and I occasionally try to use the "practice CDL tests" on this site (unfortunately I haven't gotten too far).

Are there any major words of advice from the professional veterans in regards to going to school? From my understand, I should: Shut up. Keep my opinions to my self. Listen to the instructor (just like in college). Do what the instructor asks, despite how 'stupid' it may sound, or seem to me (as stated many times previously: The companies have perfected these 'techniques' over the years to save money; not waste it. The company does not pay me to think (yet). Anything beyond that I've either forgotten, or have not learned yet.

I am all ears! Thanks again in advance! :)

I'm at the crst training program in cedar rapids Iowa right now... You know everything just study that's all you can do pretty much... Bring some extra cash for living expenses....

The recruiter said they'll pay for the bus (Greyhound?) ticket, and lodging (a hotel room).

Anything I should know special in advance that he may have failed to mention, or I may have failed to ask? He said the confirmation call ~2 weeks prior is where I should ask questions.

On that note: Is there any particular set of questions I should have for him? Hahaha.

Best of luck to ya Daniel. I think you have got a leg up on some folks trying to break into this career. From what I've read from one of your previous posts you already know how to live a spartan lifestyle. This is what messes up so many new truck drivers. They don't know how to live a life on the road and they end up spending way too much money on food and living expenses.

I like your approach - be all ears even if it doesn't make a lot of sense to ya. They have a method and a reason for what they are trying to teach you, hopefully it will all come clear at a later point. Even if it doesn't, the main thing is listen up, get past that first initial stuff and move on to being a driver. You'll have plenty of time to figure out the stuff they didn't teach you in your training. Take it slow and easy, don't let yourself feel so pressured that you make stupid mistakes. And the number one rule is: Don't hit anything! Remember that one, it is important.

Hello everyone.

I just received a phone call from a recruiter: He said everything looks like a green light, and I will be shipped out to: Dallas, Texas for the CRST company-sponsored CDL school. I am so excited, and surprisingly nervous, hahaha. I am supposed to receive a "follow-up" phone call ~15 days prior, to make absolute sure everything green for go, and so I may also put in a polite 2-week notice (although he seemed eager to send me immediately THIS week).

I just felt like sharing. Thanks for everyone on this forum for all their posts. I seriously lurk and read EVERYTHING, and take everything with a grain of salt. But more importantly: I practice with the Android app daily and I occasionally try to use the "practice CDL tests" on this site (unfortunately I haven't gotten too far).

Are there any major words of advice from the professional veterans in regards to going to school? From my understand, I should: Shut up. Keep my opinions to my self. Listen to the instructor (just like in college). Do what the instructor asks, despite how 'stupid' it may sound, or seem to me (as stated many times previously: The companies have perfected these 'techniques' over the years to save money; not waste it. The company does not pay me to think (yet). Anything beyond that I've either forgotten, or have not learned yet.

I am all ears! Thanks again in advance! :)

I'm at the crst training program in cedar rapids Iowa right now... You know everything just study that's all you can do pretty much... Bring some extra cash for living expenses....

The recruiter said they'll pay for the bus (Greyhound?) ticket, and lodging (a hotel room).

Anything I should know special in advance that he may have failed to mention, or I may have failed to ask? He said the confirmation call ~2 weeks prior is where I should ask questions.

On that note: Is there any particular set of questions I should have for him? Hahaha.

I'm not sure how they work in Texas but here they pay for everything and give you a small breakfast and descent lunch. .after you get your permit they give you a $40 gift card to help with living expenses.. I'm sure you know to ask about the equipment home time pay... If it's like here make sure you study before you get there I got here on Monday at 230pm then the next day did the physical and drug test and found out we was taking the written test the next day if you passed the first try you go to Nadta for driving school..if you passed the second day you start on Monday at another driving school... I stay in Friday Cuz I passed the first try..

Buckle down pronto and do the TT Training available on this site. You will be soooo glad that you did.

Best of luck to ya Daniel. I think you have got a leg up on some folks trying to break into this career. From what I've read from one of your previous posts you already know how to live a spartan lifestyle. This is what messes up so many new truck drivers. They don't know how to live a life on the road and they end up spending way too much money on food and living expenses.

I like your approach - be all ears even if it doesn't make a lot of sense to ya. They have a method and a reason for what they are trying to teach you, hopefully it will all come clear at a later point. Even if it doesn't, the main thing is listen up, get past that first initial stuff and move on to being a driver. You'll have plenty of time to figure out the stuff they didn't teach you in your training. Take it slow and easy, don't let yourself feel so pressured that you make stupid mistakes. And the number one rule is: Don't hit anything! Remember that one, it is important.

Hahahahhaa! I like that. "Spartan life style." It just ended as of last night (I think I like taking showers now). I've always been pretty conservative when it comes to money. In the past 2 weeks I've spent less than $50 on everything combined (fuel/food/luxuries). Today: I work 12 hours at my job (which more than pays for the $50 spent in the last 2 weeks).

I learned to program computers at an early age. I learned really early on that if you don't understand something, but can mimic it ****il you do, IF you ever do!): That you'll be O.K. for sure. I'm pretty sure I won't feel 'pressured,' but if I start to: I'll definitely remember what you said. :)

On a side note: My U.S. Passport book, and card arrived! I also have my T.W.I.C card in hand as well. I'm only missing a D.O.T. Physical / Drug screening (~$80 "cash only" for the physical), but the trucking company had said they will pay for it. I have my DAC report, and MVR record.

Things I believe I'll need to ask the recruiter (over the phone, and then request an e-mail): - All things that will be PAID for, REIMBURSED for, INTEREST FREE LOANED for All things: The bus ticket(s), the lodging, the food(?), the CDL training course, the CDL test at the DMV , D.O.T. physical, D.O.T. drug test - The weekly pay ($450/week or $450/week average from my understanding) - The weekly miles driven (~2,500mi / Team driven?) - The home time (if at all); How one is 'supposed' to get home as well - My start date (assuming I pass all "tests" on the first try with rainbow colors) - What type of semi-truck I'll be learning with (manual or automatic) - A good e-mail address to send a copy of my MVR / DAC report (DAC is in a paper-form though; So I need to fax it).

Is there anything I'm really missing that should be considered super important?

I have had no phone call from the recruiter today, and it is already 16:08...! Should I call them tomorrow? I still have the 10-digit confirmation number from the e-mail sent.

Today: I was given a phone call from the recruiter (3rd time on the phone; twice this week). He sent the itinerary in an e-mail (he was supposed to have a phone call ago (4 days ago), but forgot).

It basically looks like this (with the personal information gutted out):

We would like to take this opportunity to first thank you for choosing CRST Expedited. We hope this new company and experience will be as exciting for you as it is for us!

There are a few things that you do need to be made aware of as far as things to bring and be prepared for.

Documents to bring

Please make sure to bring the following documents with you:

-Valid Texas Drivers License -Social Security Card -Proof of residency

You will also want to make sure your bring money for food and personal expenses for the three weeks you are here. A continental breakfast is served each morning at the hotel and you will receive a lunch each day at school. Lunch will be provided during the three days of orientation following.

Packing Information: Please make sure to have the following along with you: -7 to 10 changes of clothing -Bedding for your truck (blankets, pillow, twin sheet) -Bath necessities (soap, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, ect.) -Towels & washcloths (shower shoes/flip flops) -Work boots/shoes with good tread on them and work gloves -Canceled/Voided check for Direct Transfer (Optional) -Medications you are prescribed -Glasses/contacts you are prescribed -Last two years of W2 Forms

Greyhound Bus Ticket: Confirmation #: XXXXXXXX

Departure City: AUSTIN TX Departure Time: SUNDAY 3-29-15 @ XXXAM Destination City: Dallas, TX (XXXX) Destination Time: SUNDAY 3-29-15 @ XXXAM

Please arrive to the Greyhound bus station 1 hour early to get your luggage checked in and to get your bus ticket using the confirmation number listed above.

The schedule listed above is the schedule you have to take, please make sure you make it on time to the bus terminal in order to pick up your ticket.

If you are for any reason you are having trouble with getting your Greyhound bus ticket, you will need to call the Greyhound Sales Department at (800) 440-7712.

When you arrive at the Dallas South Greyhound station, you will need to call the XXXX Hotel at XXXX. They will come pick you and bring you back to the hotel so that you can get checked in.

Lodging Information removed

Monday morning

The school will pick up all the students from the hotel at 6:45am sharp. Please be in the lobby at 6:30am.Please make sure you take your driver’s license and social security card with you.

After you complete your 3 weeks of schooling, we will provide you with transportation to orientation. After orientation, you will be assigned a lead driver and you will begin a 28 day training period with a lead driver. Once your training period is complete, your Driver Manager will route you back to a terminal to get you paired up with your co-driver. Expect to be out on the road for an additional 2 weeks with your co-driver before your first home time. Most of your questions can be answered in this information packet:

If you still have any questions or concerns, please call me at XXXX or XXXX

Have a safe trip here.

Thanks, rest removed

I'm pretty excited! I just need to find my previous years W2s and figure out how I'm going to provide "proof of residency"; From what I've been told: You're supposed to show some sort of 'bill' in your name at the address. Well: I don't pay bills. I pay rent (cash). I GET mail (from the bank and such) there, and that's about it.

Other than those two worrisome things: I'm awfully happy too. :)

Vehicle registration showing your address will work, Mail from your bank will also work. Any W-2 or 1099 showing the address. Voter registration card. Insurance bills. You'll need 2 of these items (different). I just went thru this last week at my DMV.