Honest CRST experience

Discussion in 'CRST' started by John Dewart, Jan 2, 2016.

  1. jgarciajr40

    jgarciajr40 Medium Load Member

    603
    813
    Jun 18, 2016
    0
    John, I don't mean to sound rude. What was your realistic weekly pay when first starting at CRST?

    I'm interested in the program, but worried ill be getting paid $250 weekly...
    I understand in the short term I won't be making what i make as a bodyman, but I dont want to starve.... or kill my savings account.
     
    Last edited: Jun 18, 2016
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    68,036
    142,298
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    Where is your location?
     
  4. jgarciajr40

    jgarciajr40 Medium Load Member

    603
    813
    Jun 18, 2016
    0
    Fort Myers Florida, but I could also change my residency to Brownsville Texas possibly.

    I originally wanted to join Prime Inc, but they don't hire in either location for non-owner operators. My main concern is just making 400-500 within a week as I don't have any liabilities other than my car and insurance.

    I'll have my Permit Monday hopefully I just need to study the air brake test. If I had access to a tractor trailer I'd prefer to just get my CDL on my own.
     
  5. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    68,036
    142,298
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    Even if you get your cdl on your own, you still need formal training unless you have connections with a trucking company somewhere.
    Check the Comcar website for schooling and a job. They're based in Florida.
     
  6. John Dewart

    John Dewart Medium Load Member

    389
    232
    Jan 2, 2016
    Hartford, CT
    0
    The first month is definitely the worst. I went up there with a decent amount of money. Once your on a truck with a lead driver, you'll definitely make 250 a week. There's students that make 600 a week too. It's really all on about how hard you work, and how hard your trainer works. From the training truck to basically the 6 month mark your looking at 350-750$, depending on the work you get. Nows a good time to start because they're freight picks up until about January, and then it drops to near nothing in February. At that point you should be getting the higher rate, which will let you survive with the less miles in the late winter
     
    Lonesome Thanks this.
  7. John Dewart

    John Dewart Medium Load Member

    389
    232
    Jan 2, 2016
    Hartford, CT
    0
    At 10.5 months I took home 37,600$
     
    Lonesome and Chinatown Thank this.
  8. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    68,036
    142,298
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    @jgarciajr40
     
  9. bamamac

    bamamac Medium Load Member

    671
    282
    Nov 4, 2010
    Alabaster,Alabama
    0
    So you netted about 850.00 per week. At what rate were you paid, and how did the dude you teamed with do?
     
    John Dewart Thanks this.
  10. jgarciajr40

    jgarciajr40 Medium Load Member

    603
    813
    Jun 18, 2016
    0
    Oh, thanks for the feedback. Not to sound arrogant, but I have enough saving I think to survive for a few months even if I had to supplement my income slightly. I was reading the CRST PDF, and after about 6 months it's not that bad too be honest. Thanks.

    I was going to attend CRST with my permit to speed up the schooling process; as I understand you're fronted everything and pay it back in 40-50 increments

    @Chinatown
    Thanks for the resources, I did do an app with conway. I'll have to see if they accept people with permits, but who can obtain their CDL within their 3 week probationary training period. I think I could learn the fundamentals of a tractor trainer fairly quickly.

    I'm gonna review all my options.
     
    John Dewart Thanks this.
  11. jgarciajr40

    jgarciajr40 Medium Load Member

    603
    813
    Jun 18, 2016
    0
    The reason I like the CRST option even though I hear so much negative feedback; Is the fact I don't need to pay for training, and even though my pay would be crap initially I'd be gaining experience, educations, and a decent salary after 6 month mark all at the same time.

    I appreciate all the knowledge guys. Thanks.
    My CRST application was accepted, but I won't be making any decisions until I "put all my ducks in a row".
     
    Last edited: Jun 18, 2016
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.