New CDL A Holder Confused And Needs Advice

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by HereInTexas, Oct 7, 2025.

  1. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    I'm glad you are recovering and able to work. I hope you find a great job.
     
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  3. HereInTexas

    HereInTexas Bobtail Member

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    I applied there and anywhere else you all have recommended that had positions hiring in Houston. CRST just messaged me my application was approved and they'll call me soon.
     
    Chinatown Thanks this.
  4. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Probably the gap in employment that's the issue with the other companies.
    Hit the road with CRST and try to stay at least a year which will show you're reliable and not a job hopper.
    Best wishes and keep us posted!
     
  5. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    I see CRST trucks every day running through Las Vegas and they all look clean and well maintained.
     
  6. HereInTexas

    HereInTexas Bobtail Member

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    Why CRST over Schneider? ChatGPT says Schneider is better for a few reasons, CRST is almost exclusively team while Schneider has more divisions for solo, regional, dedicated etc.. CRST has a smaller network of terminals affecting maintenance and down time. The reviews seem similar to Schneider with complaints mainly being about management and low pay. CRST has 2.9 stars on Indeed and Schneider has 3.4.
     
  7. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    I guess I misunderstood you; I thought you were set on CRST because you can make more running teams and the training time is longer.
    Schneider training time averages ; see post #69.
    I don't know how long CRST training period is.
    Terminal networks don't mean much; you'll hardly ever be at any of them, if ever.
     
    Last edited: Oct 8, 2025
  8. HereInTexas

    HereInTexas Bobtail Member

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    I'm pretty open to anything I just assumed because you recommended CRST that it was a better place to work for by a landslide. The recruiter I'm talking to said its a month of paid training. 2-3 week runs and 2-3 days home. I'm only more partial to Schneider because my orientation date to fly to Indianapolis for training is October 13, which is coming up very soon. If its only 11 days my recruiter lied their ### off I was told 4-6 weeks.
     
    Chinatown Thanks this.
  9. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Maybe the training period has changed with Schneider. Ask again to be sure.
     
  10. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Here's from the website updated in 2025.
    In this case, the training looks just fine.
    `
    Inexperienced truck driver orientation schedule and pay
    The length of orientation for inexperienced drivers depends on what kind of freight you’ll be hauling and can vary depending on your needs, but here is what you can generally expect from training:

    • Van Truckload – Three weeks.
    • Intermodal – Three to four weeks, depending on ramp training requirements.
    • Tanker – Four weeks.
    • Dedicated – Three to four weeks, depending on account-specific requirements.
    All drivers are paid to attend and complete orientation. The amount varies by the type of driving position you choose, but you’ll be paid every Friday. Talk to a recruiter (800-44-PRIDE or live chat) for more specifics.
     
  11. viper822004

    viper822004 Medium Load Member

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    Texas
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    If you have a CDL school certificate, look into Fedex Ground contractors. Fedex Ground has huge hubs in Houston and are always looking for both OTR Teams and Solo local drivers. Great way to start your career and get paid close to top dollar.
     
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