Want to drive teams with a friend, what company?

Watkins and Shepard no longer runs a school, only a 3 day orientation for experienced drivers and a 10 for people right out of school.

 

CRST is a team company but I don't know if they have a driving school.

 

CRST will pay for the schooling, however since you don't have much experience you will probably have to go out for 28 days with a trainer, and obviously your friend will too. After that you guys would be free to team together, he will have be obligated for 8 months under contract if CRST pays for school.

 

I have heard of some students being released after 21 days, but I heard they are cutting down on allowing that, can't tell you for sure though.

I am a company driver with CRST...been with them a little over 18 months total. 8 months in 2008 and have been back since February 2011. They are a mega carrier, so take that for what it is, it means some days will be good and other days you will absolutey hate life. It is what it is. You will read horror stories from drivers on this site, but I can tell you this, from my experience the horror has a back story that is often not told. Honestly, I would say a lot of the drivers they take should not be driving a truck and that is why they have the reputation they do. I just got rid of a co-driver who still can't read a map, and would drive off the side of a bridge if the GPS told him to...so remember that is some of the people who are providing feedback on this forum.

I don't pick up late and I don't deliver late, thus I get miles. There are some policies I absolutely despise here...like their city work pay and layover pay...but layover has never been an issue for me because in the 10 months I've been back I have never sat long enough to collect layover. So, its going to be what you make of it. Personally, I could probably find a better job, but I make enough money to support a wife and 3 kids so I don't feel the need to jump ship.

 

I've been seeing commercials on TV for CR England that say they'll train you and a friend or family member and let you run as a team when you're done. I don't know squat about the company or any other details. But it might be worth looking into.


And now a word of caution. There is something about the almost have him convinced part of your post that raises some red flags for me. Driving otr is tough and takes a certain kind of individual which means not everyone is cut out for it. Driving in teams is even worse in that respect. I ran teams doing regional stuff when I first started driving. I'll never run teams again. It just ain't my cup of tea. But the point is, it was my decision to try it and I happy to make the decision. If I had ended up trying it because a friend of mine had convinced me it was going to be just awesome, I'd most likely have one less friend in my life right now. Just something to consider is all.

 

You might want to check out con way truck load they offer schooling and teams also a very good company. You can read alot about the on here.