CRST Truck Stop

My wife and I are currently working for CRST. Right now we are on our 28 day training period, I am in CA and she is on our way to TX as we speak... lol So far we love CRST! Orientation was great, they really took care of us. Both of us hve great trainers and we are learning a lot. I have to say, after some of the stories I have heard I was lil worried at first, but I feel like we have made the right decision.

After the training period we get our own truck and we are looking very forward to that. CRST is very safety oriented, and we like that. In addition they have a great lease program, we are not leasing yet, but will in 8 months once we have a lil more experience. Anyone who decides to come here should have a good work ethic. They are a pretty strict company on their policies, but I like that. I am a former Marine so that doesn't bother me at all.

All in all CRST has been a great company and I would recommend them to a husband/wife team. Just be willing to work, safe, and on time! The pay is little low starting, but goes up gradually throughout the first year. They do have some miles! Frieght seems to be picking up big time. I know we have had a ton of miles already, and if you want to run, they will get you the miles!

Good luck!
Joe

 

Hi, I am looking for a trainer out of Fontana, Ca. I am finishing orientation on Thursday and would like to get out. I am a good driver, have had license 6 months. I am patient and relaxed. I am 45, non smoker (will consider light smoking) and a Christian. I am a "semi retired" genl contractor, closed my business and want to long haul for a career change. I have no family or kids, so I dont have to be home any special times...I can turn and burn for as long as you like. Please call me with any questions...Thanx. I have a facebook account, look me up at Evan Yezulinas
209-271-0092

 

windy or wse,solo sounds good ur the boss in that truck,what you say goes! unless the time comes you start argueing with you'reself,and from what I've heard most teams do. good luck. I thought teams was the way to go being new and all,which I think is a safer way to start but I'm heading solo in due time,like my butt were on fire!

 

im wondering about lease/operator. im thinking about doing it teams with my buddy. can we both get put on the lease so we are both responsible for the payments? how does that work? Can we trade the truck in after a couple years? Do we get to pick the truck we want? any info would be great.

 

I agree. CRST Orientation was very good. I also heard some bad things, but after sitting and goin through orientation, listening to what they presented I felt much more comfortable. There were some problems getting and keeping dispatcher and lead driver, but they fixed that right away. I met my lead and hes very cool. We leave out of Fontana Monday. I also met some really great ppl there, made good friendships and found my co-driver. We talk all the time on FB and text. Its true that what you put into it is what youll get out of it....be positive and humble. True the pay isnt much at the begining but hopefully it will get better after the first few months. Ive heard from a few of the ppl I met there, one gal is in a brand new 2011 Volvo with her lead, another has a 2010 FL...Word is they are investing in new trucks while other companies may not be....wise choice in this economy....probly.
Also, they are moving to a brand new and bigger facility next year in Fonatana, also a wise decision.
I just spoke to one of my friends who is with a owner/op as his lead. He said the leases are for 3 years and the truck is free and clear yours. Is this true? Im not sure, but it would make sense if they are trading out 3+ yr old trucks for new ones. He also said they charge somewhere around 12 cents a mile for your maint on a lease. Again, not sure if true, but wanted to share.
Good luck to all and be safe!

 

yes they charge .12 a mile for maintenance. i asked my trainer about that as well. he is a lease/operator.

 

hello J A Russo, I was just reading around this forrum and found your post. My wife is getting ready to go get her CDL, hopefully by end of year. I don't work for CRST but am looking for the best company to drive for as a "Husband & Wife Team". I would like it if you could keep me updated on how you and your wife are doing. You can start your own thread and keep like a diary of how you two are doing. That would be great for me and other like us. I am not a "bullet catcher" like yourself but a grunt if that helps...LOL

"slow is smooth, smooth is fast"

 

Leases...

Those trucks are over three years old. They start out as co trucks then go into the lease program. You will not be able to switch from comp driver to lease at this time.

They only lease to one person. It's up to you to split things if you do it as a team.

 

I just got off the road 4 years ago , do they still do a refresher course and what do they have for solo drivers, dont care for teams , been there done that, and what kind of pay is to be expected thanks o btw i livew about 3 hrs from cedar rapids and was back in 1990 i was with them for a couple years teaming , that when i decide not too team no more, lack of sleep, load muisic,bad trainer yada yada.

 

I talked with them yesterday and the recruiter said a trainer has to have driven through one winter and 6 months.