I wish things were as rosy as you describe them to be. Student training contracts are of absolutely no benefit to the trainee whatsoever. A contract benefits the company only. No company needs to require any contractual obligations to train anyone. The companies that do require a contract do so with the sole intent of making money from a student. Here's how: in CRST's case, they still profit from a student whether or not the student satisfies the terms of the contract by blackballing the student into paying a certain amount before being released from the contract. I know from firsthand experience about CRST because I was a CRST student. And that blackballing happened to me. Every student that is signed on with a training company receives a certain dollar amount from the government regardless of whether or not that student actually goes on to graduate or not. Such a lovely system. My experience with C.R. England went like this: I called a recruiter and asked that my driving history be checked before I attended their school. Two days later, I am told everything is a go ahead. After three days into training, I am told to see my recruiter. Upon arrival, I am told (not by my recruiter) that my driving record wasn't clean yet and that I would have to leave the school. So England knew about my driving record, they just wanted me sign their contract. The other recruiters were covering my recruiter by lying to me stating she had "lost her voice". And that is why there most certainly is something wrong with signing a trucking company training contract.
Of course they did. I learned awhile back that was a red flag. They are desperate for drivers because they suck. every time I see CRST. I think of this lol - Are they really this hungry?
Appreciate the insight. I have pumped the brakes *no pun intended* on the CRST process. After hearing all the input. I am just checked online and will work on at least getting my CDL permit here in CA before i go any further with any company. It's actually an easy process and will have that done in short order. Thanks for the honesty in everyone's responses.
Yup...pretty familiar with those contracts. A bunch of drivers had spelled it out. Though while your post was informative, it wasn't the basis of my thoughts. The point I'm making is strictly "training and gaining." I'm not saying OP necessarily has to go to CRST, he has the choice to go or not. @Chinatown has given him more options so that he doesn't have to make a rash decision. If CRST is the only option and nobody is willing to give him a shot, its in the back pocket. I was merely trying to calm his apprehension down, its enough members on here that will talk about the bottom feeders. Regardless of, he will have to show some form of commitment, and most likely not for the greatest money immediately. If he can get through a year with a company (contract or not), hone his skills, and learn the craft, itll be better for years to come. Going through a little bit of BS makes a driver that can make anywhere work if need be. Hell I made Western Express work for a year lol.....OP, there's an option for you since you're LA if you dont go company sponsored. Many of the west coast guys always seemed happier with Western than the east coast guys.
I agree with @bryan21384 in everything he posted. Keep CRST in your back pocket if needed. Don't rule it out just yet. That company works for some drivers; it's the teaming in the beginning most don't care for. It can be a stepping stone to where you really want to be.
I did not know that you, too, were a Welfare Express survivor. Sorry about being a little harsh. The way CRST treats people still upsets me. That family is a criminal enterprise. Same goes for C.R. England. You should come by the trucking accidents forum. @mjd4277 and @lovesthedrive are also WE survivors.
If you can survive one year at Western Express,you can survive any d*** thing-with your piece of mind (and your rectum) intact!!!LMAO
