What to expect?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by sdpetheram, Oct 25, 2015.

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  1. Oct 25, 2015 #1
    sdpetheram

    sdpetheram Light Load Member

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    First off I'm going to the CRST company sponsored training in the middle of november. Yeah, I've read all the terrible things but I'm gonna have to start somewhere anyways. I like that the training is a total of 3 weeks compared to the avg 4-6.

    I'm just curious from an OTR standpoint, what should I be prepared for? I've wanted to be behind the wheel of an 18 wheeler since I first got my license and saw what they did for our country. Trucking is this countries backbone. I'm looking for information on living on the road for 3 out of 4 weeks a month. What's it really like out there?

    Thanks for any information folks and stay safe out there!
     
    sdpetheram, Oct 25, 2015
    sdpetheram, Oct 25, 2015
    #1
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  3. Oct 25, 2015 #2
    blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

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    Well - where to start.

    There's lots of information on here from others experiences, that would be a good start.

    Hand in hand with that statement, you need to be learning everything you can right now, especially with winter fast approaching.

    Your 'trainer' may be some young buck that's been driving for 6 months himself, so use your common sense. Believe me, I 've seen more than my share of CRST drivers out here, and I can't say the level of training impressed me.

    Get a CB. Study the rules. Stay informed. Turn your phone off. Remain alert. Get rest. Dress tidy. Take a shower. Pre trip your truck. Ask questions. Be patient. Don't drive like other 4 wheelers. Read signs - all of them. Be careful.

    Good luck.
     
    blairandgretchen, Oct 25, 2015
    blairandgretchen, Oct 25, 2015
    #2
    jammer910Z, G13Tomcat and sdpetheram Thank this.
  4. Oct 25, 2015 #3
    blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

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    blairandgretchen, Oct 25, 2015
    blairandgretchen, Oct 25, 2015
    #3
    Longarm, lots of character and sdpetheram Thank this.
  5. Oct 25, 2015 #4
    sdpetheram

    sdpetheram Light Load Member

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    Yeah, 6500 if you quit before contract is up.

    That's also pay for the first 6 months to offset the cost of lodging and food, physical, drug screen, licensing fees and schooling itself provided during training, I read after that first 6 months the pay goes to a normal starting rate around that 30 cpm you speak of.
     
    sdpetheram, Oct 25, 2015
    sdpetheram, Oct 25, 2015
    #4
  7. Oct 25, 2015 #5
    HorseShoe

    HorseShoe Road Train Member

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    I don't know what state you reside in, but some states do not honor those extortion contracts (no legal weight in court and on credit report). They are used as scare tactics to keep employees working. They can trash your DAC, but thats a different story.
     
    HorseShoe, Oct 25, 2015
    HorseShoe, Oct 25, 2015
    #5
    lots of character and sdpetheram Thank this.
  8. Oct 25, 2015 #6
    sdpetheram

    sdpetheram Light Load Member

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    DAC is disputable though, no? That's good info honestly, thanks HorseShoe
     
    sdpetheram, Oct 25, 2015
    sdpetheram, Oct 25, 2015
    #6
  9. Oct 25, 2015 #7
    HorseShoe

    HorseShoe Road Train Member

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    It is disputable. I don't have one and never done it, but several threads here about them
     
    HorseShoe, Oct 25, 2015
    HorseShoe, Oct 25, 2015
    #7
    sdpetheram Thanks this.
  10. Oct 25, 2015 #8
    77smartin

    77smartin Road Train Member

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    Did you look into other companies to start with? Why CRST?
     
    77smartin, Oct 25, 2015
    77smartin, Oct 25, 2015
    #8
    sdpetheram Thanks this.
  11. Oct 25, 2015 #9
    sdpetheram

    sdpetheram Light Load Member

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    The main reason as to why is the location of Cedar Rapids, and yeah I looked into some others but never heard back.
     
    sdpetheram, Oct 25, 2015
    sdpetheram, Oct 25, 2015
    #9
  12. Oct 25, 2015 #10
    G.Anthony

    G.Anthony Road Train Member

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    DO NOT SPEND your money buying all sorts of supplies now............!!!

    you will have plenty of time, "window shopping" at the various name brand truck stops for prices on some items, they each sell.

    some truck stops "can be" cheaper than others, or have sales weekly or monthly.

    since we are heading into winter, DO BUY some thermal under wear. something thin so that it does not make you look like you gained 500 pounds when you put them on, then your clothing.

    DO BUY insulated work boots. i'd suggest buying at least 2 pair, as you NEED one pair to be dry as if it is not, you can get problems later on, by constantly wearing damp boots.

    that's about all i have for now.
     
    G.Anthony, Oct 25, 2015
    G.Anthony, Oct 25, 2015
    #10
    Sneakerfix, G13Tomcat and lots of character Thank this.
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