Thanks, TennMan! I know this is a whole new ball game, with its own set of rules, responsibilities, and of course, headaches.
Let's see where this new road takes me...

Good Luck! Like any job, trucking has it's ups and downs. If you get good training, you should be okay. I'm considering being a trainer for CRST, maybe I'll see you there

Thanks, LibbynD! Yes, I'm a realist and know life isn't a bed of roses every day! LOL As with anything, if you have the want and desire to do something, you will succeed. I'm a little nervous about the training part (driving...I'm studying the CDL online as we speak), and will be OK, I'm sure...it's the "getting there" part that is nerve wracking! After it's over, I'm sure I'll be "I stressed out over THAT?" Or, maybe not... And maybe we'll run into each other...it's a small world, after all...

I worked for CRST twice. Unless you can get a dedicated run, I'd forget they exist. Dedicated will get you home usually every week. Pay isn't the best, $850 avg. It is probably about the same as a lot of the OTR guys make. I heard the trainers hate it. I felt really bad for those poor noobs taking the road test. They couldn't shift to save their lives. The school they sent these people to didn't teach them a thing. If you want to be a trainer you have your work cut out for you. As far as trainees, what about Schneider? I hear they are probably the best to go with out the gate. Get your year in and go to a good LTL company. I have no experience with Schneider but have heard more positive than negative.

With that being said, I'm sure some people make a good living at CRST but you will never be home. I loved the dedicated account I was on. It was for R&L. I was making $980 a week and home 2.5 days every week. All drop and hook. Then they lost the R&L account because the drivers couldn't make it on time. I said good bye to CRST.

There were many factors as to "why" I went with CRST. I know what I'm getting myself into, believe me. But at times, sacrifices have to be made.
Prime: 1 year waiting list for women.
Swift: they do not hire if you live in NY, MA, CT, ME. Closest is PA.
Roehl: Has a VERY rigorous physical.
Schneider: you have to have your CDL.
I've researched more, but I can't remember all the things I came up with. An 8 month commitment is better than most, and I can always leave at that time and go local, etc, etc. There are PLENTY of driving jobs here, but most want 1 year OTR experience.
I am not worried about home time. There is nothing I really need to come "home" to, no family, etc.
I plan to get my CDL, and let the chips fall as they may. The grass isn't always greener on the other side, but I will find out myself, I am sure.

Hi, Did you hear back from CRST? I'm prolly going to make the leap over to them. Like I said as a lead driver/trainer. I'm working now and am struggling with giving a 2 week notice....