CRST looking for info

my experiance was almost 10 years ago...apparently they have changed...I went to school, signed a one year contract, did the deal and left. I made crap money...like 340$ a week #.18cpm but had a dang near new truck, no problem with my DM or other drivers. It was a learning experiance...thats it...do your time and move on.

 

I leave for ceder Rapids tomorrow to start on Monday Oct 5th so Hope I can come back and give you some good comments

 

Let me know how it goes. I will be there the 26th of Oct.

 

I can give you some details.

First CRST is a training company and admit they are during orientation. They hire loads of people weekly. They pay like every other company, they load your pay to Comdata card or direct deposit thru comdata card by phone (Tues and Thur is payday).

Miles, well i can tell you some people are actually moving but i can tell you more then half of people don't move the way they want to. I personally tell you if you got a year experience you can do better else where. From what i've heard if your at .40cents/mi your miles will degrees a bit but not sure if that is totally true.

Freight, they got some freight but they have so many drivers taking part of the pie.

Training, O/O trainers are in it for the money and don't fully train you they way you think they should (some actually train). For the company trainers i would have to say they probably do train better compared to o/o's.

Solo/team, CRST is a team company like most. But some(rare) do solo if you have the experience.

Leased truck, % by load, now heres what ive heard from people. If you lease with CRST they will run you ok/good for about a year or two then when your about to finish paying it off it will get a bit slow for you, loads will be there but it don't pay as good. Some O/O do well with CRST but those guys have been with CRST for few years.

Directions, most of the time they are good and once in a long while you will get the wrong address because the ship/drop moved and never updated.

Trucks/maint/trailers, they do a OK job with maintenance the truck runs but if you get a 2006 truck with 450k+ miles be aware.

Good luck and drive safe.

 

Out of that list I would say Roehl. No doubt in my mind. If I had my Hazmat right now I would probibly be going with them till the economy turns.

 

Thank you, bordomzero, for your detailed post. I suspect CRST is very similar to other training companies. An instructor at C1 told my class that they were all pretty much the same. One might offer something a little different to attract drivers, so you just need to find what works for you individually. I am attracted to the 20/10 program Crst offers.

 

Bordomzero, can you tell me anything about the road test in Oklahoma City? I had a rough time with backing in cdl school, but did manage to do well enough to pass the state test on my 3rd attempt. I am hoping the refresher course in Cedar Rapids will adequately prepare me to pass the road test at CRST. Also, do they have a company physical agility test?

 

i have worked there for the last 9 months your experince is up to you if you can get along and learn to deal withe b.s then you will make it but the moment your late or you piss off your dispatcher then you will not run miles but if you can maintain those two items you will do good

i run 5400 to 6000 a week have a good co-driver and you will do good

 

Thanks for the info. It is nice to finally get some comments from current CRST drivers. Although I appreciate everyone's input.