Going with CRST, comments please

As a 3 year driver for CRST I will say this. Having a co-driver you can live with is the hardest part. You seem to have that beat. The number one thing you need to know is to stand up for what you want/need/believe in or they will walk all over you. But you can do well. If you have specific questions I will do my best to answer them

 

yeah, what he said !!

 

As fas as the trucks go you are looking at getting either an International 9400i with a 435hp ISX Cumings or a base model Freightliner Columbia with a 515 detroit cut back to 450hp and both will come with a straight 10 speed E/F tranny. All of the old Lightning/Super trannys have been replaced.

How well there maintained changes from day to day and shop to shop. Some of our shops are better over all then others (Cedar Rapids Ia, Oklahoma City being the best) Like anything else, if you see sub-standard repairs, speak up. If its important to you, don't take no for an answer.

As for whats in the trucks, I'm guessing you mean options from the factory. Both types are about like a standard car with the options. I'm going to guess that you have a basic understanding of sleeper type trucks (them having a bunk bed setup, cabnets, exct).
I would say because the person your going to be driving with is someone you will want to sleep next to from time to time then the Freightliner would be best. The lower bunk is wider then the International by about 6 inches. Also it sports a lot more storage room but it looses standing room in the sleeper. It will be hard for both of you to stand at the same time.

Both have separate a/c and heat for the cab and sleeper so everyone is happy that way. The International dose a better cooling job in the sleeper as it has 4 vents where the Freightliner has only 2.

Both have a place for a fridge, TV, CB exct. but none come with them. You need to get them yourself. Any truck stop / Walmart can cover you there. Its nothing you need to order special.

In my opinion the International soaks up the bumps better for the person trying to sleep but the Freightliner is a little quieter. So its a toss up there but you should be able to get used to either one easy enough.

Not sure what else to tell you. Don't expect a new truck. CRST keeps them around up to 550,000 miles so expect the worst and hope for the best. I have a 06' Freightliner that I got new and its sitting at over 420,000 miles now. Its still running strong with no major problems. But I have had trucks with less miles that where full of problems. There is no set way to tell if a truck will be good. Also be prepared to get some cleaning supplies as I have never moved into a used truck and not had to spend a lot of time cleaning it out. I pulled 6 full size trash bags out of one of them. Maintenance says they clean them.. ..don't hold your breath.

Hope this helps

 

Just trying to be honest. I'm looking to move on but thats mainly because I want to be solo so I can focus on being healthier with my life style. I could bash CRST all day long but I could praise them too. The bottom line is they never lied to me. But I had to listen close. Also they did what I wanted. They got me my CDL. If your going to stick with your 'old lady' (your words ) then there is good money to be made running team.

Another thing to consider. The medical insurance looks good. I learned the hard way that the dental is almost worthless when you are doing more then standard work. I had 4 teeth pulled and it was almost $1,500 out of my pocket on a $1,850 bill. Just a heads up if thats important thing to you

 

that's the kind of detailed info that newbies need!! good job T!!!!

 

hey pat, you still going to p.a.m.?

 

yep, i'll be heading out sunday morning!!!!