Starting out for rookies

...looking to be hired by crst in this coming january, paid cdl school, then apply for 20/10 plan. know there is 8 month committment, lots of driving, but good otr experience. looking to be trucking in retirement. have checked, this seems the best so far...am i being naive?

 

go to there website and see what they offer, read the good and bad threads about them here,weigh your options pro's and con's then decide. goodluck.

 

Good advice eastcoast!!

Just remember buddy bill read good AND bad threads...

 

I just received my Greyhound bus confirmation and I'm heading off this Friday to CDL School in Iowa for CRST, class begins Monday October 10th, 2011. I did my homework and was very limited in carriers willing to hire in my area. I've read all of the bad things about CRST as well as the good. I went with CRST simply because I am basically guaranteed a job once I complete CDL school and orientation. Had I went to Roadmaster for school, there was no guarantee that I would be hired by any carrier, yeah I was prehired by 2 major carriers but that isn't enough security in my mind. I can live with the fact that I have to give CRST at least 8 months of work in return for them training me. The pay is low for the first 6 mos but I know that is the way they recuperate their investment in my training. No big deal, on the 7th month of employment it goes to .31 and then after 12 mos to .34 I did my homework, weighed my options and made my decision that I am happy with. I cannot wait to get started!

 

goodluck gemilz! isn't crst a team company only? no solo drivers? i think it is.

 

we will be looking foward to all your future posts,,,

 

Thanks and yes it is team only. I will look into getting a solo gig with another company upon completing my 8 mos with CRST, I will more than likely stay with them for at least 12 mos though, considering a lot of companies require at least 1 year experience. Who knows, if I get enough miles doing team along with a good partner, I may decide to stick with it. Ain't nothin 2 it, but 2 do it!

 

Hey everyone, I've been reading through this forum and I'm not really finding any basic information to get started in this industry. When I say "basic information" I mean "talk to me like I'm a toddler". I seriously know NOTHING about the industry and would be starting from day one.
Here's the story...I've been in aviation for 6 years until I was recently furloughed. I'll get back into it when I finish school, but until then I'd like a career change and I've always wanted to drive trucks.
I'm female, 31, single mom, the whole minority scenario. I'd love to chat with some female drivers to obtain advice and just listen to your stories. Of course, all advice regardless of sex is appreciated too. Thanks for reading.

 

Welcome Approach

Try threads such as Open Road guys- it's lock/docked in this section. It talks from the beginning going from wanting to leave his current job thru school, training etc. Bad news is Open Road Guys just kind of up and left so we never knew what happened after he started.

You also may want to go to the welcome wagon to introduce yourself and the ladies room to find the women drivers ( few I can think of are Inun and 1nonly)

Good luck!

 

Quick update took physical and drug test Monday received the CDL manual studied that Mon night until Wed morning then went to DMV at 8 am Wed morn and passed the gen knowledge, airbrake and combination tests on first try . Now have my CDL permit in hand along with two days off to catch up on some much needed sleep. There were nearly 40 students the first day and for various reasons there now only 25 and only 5 of us have passed all 3 tests so far. Monday we go to the community college for the driving instruction.

I would like to thank everyone who haa ever contributed to this site because it has helped me tremendously. I cannot believe the amount of people that have came here unprepared. Everyone saying their recruiter lied are the same people that do not study and are not taking this seriously. Fortunately for me I noticed a Lead Driver in the smoking area one night and had a 2 hr conversation with him. He was here only to pick up a new truck and was to get a load early Wed morning. When I came back from the Dmv to my surprise he was still here so I went and said hello, he asked how I did and I told him so he immediately said come on let's get u started on pre trip inspection so we went over to his truck and he went through the entire truck pointing out every component ! What a great guy he was he didn't have to that but he did it goes to show that there are good people in this company as well as the whole industry. Unfortunately for me he is about to be finished with his current trainee and will be getting another one before I get my license.

I am here to learn and feel I am progressing very well and doing the things I need to do to accomplish my goal.