CRST Van Expedited, Inc. - Cedar Rapids, Ia.?

Im starting my CRST training on feb 2 any advice ?

Thanks!

 

I have been reading everything on the thread here, I think I may have the right plan. I am starting my training in cedar rapids on 3/16/09. I am taking $1000 with me to survive on. I have also purchased what think is everything I'll need while on the road. I am still employed and will be right up till I get on the bus to cedar rapids. I am going to be sending everything home that I make untill the grand I take runs out. I have seen posts that once out on my own after the 28 day training that I should invest in a inverter, micro and mini frig, any ideas on those? I am taking a laptop with me, is there internet access at truck stops? do trucks come with tvs or due I need to get one? I am taking my x-box with me also during down times and when not sleeping or driving. anything else I should consider taking with me, I already have a cell phone.

 

The trucks don't come with TV's . Don't buy the overpriced DC models at truckstops . Just get a regular AC model and use an inverter . As far as inverters go check with the carrier on what their policy is . Just about all major truckstops have WiFi but charge for it usually around $4.99 a day . They have cheaper yearly or monthly plans but you have to decide whether you will be at these truckstops enough to get your money's worth . Many drivers prefer $60 a month aircards . If you get a fridge , get a real fridge , not one of those DC powered coolers that don't last long .

 

What is an Aircard? I am trying to weigh out all my options.

 

Aircard is for computers and accessing internet.

 

Ok as for the 28 days w a trainer take as little as possible. Think of it as going to your nieghbors house for a month. They will limit your space to store things and as far as when not driving or sleeping that is called layover don't expect alot on a training truck. at home. this is not a vacation it a job. Take work related and nothing else. As for time in Iowa yea 1k may be enough. Don't loan money, my advice wouldve been get ur permit before going and transfer it but too late for that.

 

Look somewhere other than CRST (see reply blog for KoolKid I wrote) Schneider told me to call them back when my dog dies when I asked to bring my dog, even though never had any problems with former company (downsized due to economy) & was willing to pay deposit, this dog is 12 yrs. now, sleeps alot.

 

Are you going to there school (Kirkwood College) to learn how to drive? if so they give a 20% discount card for harddes, the school has a fridge and microwave you can use too. Inverters that plug into cig lighter are fine. The company charges 250.00 to install hard wired inverters but that 250.00 get's you lifetime transfers if you change trucks. get caught with one you did yourself and your fired. as far as mini fridge look into the coleman 12 volt cooler fridge keep temp 40 degrees lower than surrounding temp anything else will drain your batterys to quick. small microwave is good but will require a hard wired inverter.As far as tv goes 19in is about as big as you get in the cabinet. if your busing to CR leave all that junk at home and pick it up after your 28 days. Or if you can drive your own car there. (less money you have to pay back they did tell you you have to repay the bus ticket didnt they) If you drive your own car you will have more freedom as to places to eats with out walking a couple miles near the CR terminal is pizza hut, pondarosa buffet steak, KFC, roadranger gas station mini mart and wall greens, there a grocery store up the street with a excellent meat market as the student housing has 2 gas grills for you to use.plus you could take all the toys with you and then when you get with a trainer you can see what he has and what he will allow you to bring. My trainer (Company Driver) had TV Microwave, coffe pot, coleman cooler/fridge CB and GPS (gps made finding shippers and consignee easy to find in the dark) we always stayed at truck stops durning down times and when I was driving i got to use my reward cards to build points and get free showers my buddy from school got a owner Op for a trainer they had cb and XM satilite radio stoped at nearest place when out of hours ie on ramps walmart lowes and he was not allowed to use his reward cards when fueling only got 4 showers in 28 days

 

dont go there a joke and youll starve

 

Pittbuell how long did you work for CRST