Need advise

You were right in not accepting a hazmat load without the proper endorsement. Do not be upset about this. The company failed you, not the other way around.
I would recommend trying to stick it out as you have a written contract with them.
Ask to have a conference call with the safety department and your dispatcher (or whoever it was trying to compel you to pull a hazmat load). Safety will back you and your dispatcher wont dare try this stunt again. After you get this cleared, request a different dispatcher. The fact is once you burn this dispatcher he will go out of his/her way to get rid of you. When you do get a different dispatcher be sure you explain the "problem" with the last dispatcher and convey your desire to continue working with the company as long as they understand you will not operate "illegally."
Learning to be professional and courteous is necessary in this business. Do not be afraid to speak up and draw attention to flagrant abuse and illegal practices. Just be sure you document as much as you can to bolster your argument. Qualcomm records are great because the messages can be retrieved to see what was actually typed.
If you insist upon using a phone then get a "dispatch buster." This will actually record conversations between you and the dispatcher. Just be aware you should notify the dispatcher you are in fact recording this phone call for your protection. You will be surprised just how fast a dispatcher changes his tune.

 

Sorry to hear about all your problems. Yes, it would have been best to listen before you went there, but that is in the past. Hopefully others will see the importance of taking sound advise from this board. If you bail which would probably be best you will have problems. One they will more than likely ding your DAC and two you have a contract. Three It will be hard for you to find another driving job. I would do a lot of reasearch before you do anything. I don't know what to tell you other than don't make any hasty moves. Think this one out. Good luck and keep us posted!

 

You are welcome. I know sometimes a person is in a hurry to get in the drivers seat, but sometimes quicker takes longer in the long run. We have a 6 month contract if they put you in school, but there is about a 6 month waiting list to get in. Best to have a CDL and come in, Less waiting that way. Good companies like this are the reason there is a wait. You can get in quick at CRST, but look at the outcome. Best of luck to you!

 

I hate to seem harsh to you, but you did ask for advise. You are only 2 months into an 8 month contract for a career that based on your age will last you for 25-30 years. If you cannot make it for 6 more months, you should seriously consider that maybe trucking is not a good career choice for you. I have been driving for 30 years now, and I have to tell you there is a lot of crap out there, but by far the majority of what you will experience will be great. You will be glad that you tuffed it out for the last 6 months of your contract.
You need to know that there is a far more serious threat to your driving career than a simple "credit hit". There is a service you may have heard of called "DAC". Trucking companies belong to this service, and they use it to track the employment records of drivers from across the country. If you leave the company you are with on bad terms, they will put a bad review of you on your DAC report, and it will make it almost impossible to get a job anywhere with a good company. It is far better to tuff out the next 6 months and then switch jobs while you are still employed where you are at.
There are many places to get information on what a DAC report is if you google "driver dac".
Unlike with your credit report, it is almost impossible to have derogatory information removed from your DAC report, and I assure you that when you leave CRST, there will be a DAC entry made in your name.
I have a great job with a reputable company making over $70,000/year with great benefits. You or anyone else can work for my company if you have experience and a clean record. It is worth the crap you are putting up with now for the rewards you will reap later.
Here are the pay/requirements for the company I work for. this is copied from one of their ads. The company is FedEx National LTL, the national division of FedEx, previously Watkins Motor lines. They have terminals all over the country, so wherever you live, you could most likely work here if you chose to.


We Offer:

• $0.5580 CPM (Split)
• $21.60 Hourly
• 5 Day Schedule (2 days home)
• Terminal to terminal (100% drop & hook)

Requirements

• Must be at least 23 years of age and meet DOT requirements
• 1 year verifiable OTR experience in a tractor-trailer within the last 3 years
• Valid Class A CDL with hazmat and doubles endorsements
• Good MVR

Benefits:

• Complete Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription coverage
• Low cost insurance premiums
• Company paid Short-term and Long-term Disability
• Company paid Life Insurance
• 401K with company match
• Flex-spending account for medical and dependent care
• 2 Weeks Paid Vacation (in the first year)
• 9 Paid Holidays
• 6 Personal Days
• Employee Bonus Program
• Company Credit Association
• Tuition Assistance

Anyway, you can see that there is good reason for you to stick it out and complete your contract. I believe single drivers earn either 51 or 53 cents/mi. I can tell you that my company will check your DAC report, as will most others.
There are other companies out there that pay this good, and even better. You just have to look for them.
Good Luck, and Happy Trucking!! hope to see you out there soon. "keystone LazyMan"