I would like give some newbies my experience with C.R.E. I applied, talked to recruiter, was accepted and bused to burns harbor school in May of 2007. 40 people started around 17 finished with A CDL. All that did not complete were because of drug test/background check/Failed CDL test (3 Times).
Things I did not like about School/hotel.
1. Recruiter said meals were covered.
2. Greyhound ride was awful.
3. Backing yard was a dust pit. (not the case anymore)
4. My driving instructor was a drill sergeant.
5. I was taught just enough to pass CDL test. no more/no less.
6. There were no restaurants or stores close to hotel.
Things I liked about the school/hotel.
1. When all was said and done I was sitting in the hotel with a valid CDL and waiting for my phase 1 trainer. And that what this was all about anyway, right?