Newbie Heading to CRST for CDL A School October 10th

I just received my Greyhound bus confirmation and I'm heading off this Friday to CDL School in Iowa for CRST, class begins Monday October 10th, 2011. I did my homework and was very limited in carriers willing to hire in my area. I've read all of the bad things about CRST as well as the good. I went with CRST simply because I am basically guaranteed a job once I complete CDL school and orientation. Had I went to Roadmaster for school, there was no guarantee that I would be hired by any carrier, yeah I was prehired by 2 major carriers but that isn't enough security in my mind. I can live with the fact that I have to give CRST at least 8 months of work in return for them training me. The pay is low for the first 6 mos but I know that is the way they recuperate their investment in my training. No big deal, on the 7th month of employment it goes to .31 and then after 12 mos to .34 I did my homework, weighed my options and made my decision that I am happy with. I cannot wait to get started!

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I can compare the small sacrifice of 8 months with low pay for 6 months to the 4 year contract I signed with the US Army. At least if I break this little 8 month contract they cannot send me to prison! Thanks for the advice about finding a co-driver, I will have absolutely no problem speaking to my FM. I actually have someone already in mind that is currently working for CRST and lives in same town as me. I just don't know if he will still be there after I complete school and 28 days with my trainer. I feel I have done my homework and I'm ready to go in with an open mind, absorb as much knowledge as I can from every situation. I expect long hours each day and I have confidence in myself and I know I will make it!