I drove for CRST 30 years ago. I had experience when i got hired. So i drove 2-3 years solo, then went trainer. We had a dedicated dispatcher that we talked to 5 days a week, sometimes 3-4 times a day from a pay phone. I had the same dispatcher for 5 years, same senior dispatcher my complete time there. I worked out of the main teminal at Cedar Rapids and lived in Peoria,Il. I did good with them.
They treated me very well. I just didn’t care for being a mentor. If I didn’t have to be forced to do that. I likely would have stayed. I loved it. Except I’ve had so many issues with the shop. The only thing I disagree with is a bad shop is CRST fault. I get that other places may not be good, and good techs are hard to come by. That is 100% on the company to do training, or schooling. However they want to spend as little repairing. That’s a business I understand I have; but it is what it is. Great video man. Stay safe out there!
It worked out alright for me in the end. I don't really want the local stuff because I don't want the overhead of a residence. It saves me a whole lot of money just living in my truck. I use those savings to invest instead.
I started my driving career with CRST and I'm grateful they gave me that opportunity to acquire some very valuable experience. Unfortunately, I only stayed with CRST for six months and then had to look elsewhere because the pay was very minimal. Currently, I'm with reefer company and I'm very happy, but again I'm thankful to CRST for allowing me to get some experience and never looked back.
@@CuzzinMike I never participated in the leasing program but I heard good things about it back when I worked there. Seemed like people were happy with it.
He is totally dead on with everything he's saying I been doing this now for 1yr 2 months now. And I'm heading to crst because i heard nothing but good things plus everyone always say it's the mom and pops trucking companies you would want to go with because of the simple fact they already been in the same position we were in and they know what we are facing out there plus they are alot smaller than most companies. My top things I'm looking for is safety, pay, and lanes after that once that's done all I'll be at home.
@@John_R_Jackson_III I think everyone e know you're responsible for your own safety but I'm just saying that should be on top of everybody's list of course
I worked for CRST in 1999, worked for 7 months and got tired of being jacked around. Our dispatcher screwed us around when he could. We would be out 3 to 4 weeks at a time and was to get 4 1/2 to 5 days off. The most home time we got was 1 1/2 to 2 days every 3 to 4 weeks out.
My co-driver and I agreed that when those wheels stop turning you ain't making money, so we only took home time every couple of months. We sent the request in by Qualcomm and never had any problems or issues with that. Our DM wasn't bad.
They took $1000 extra on my contract and then tried to send a collection agency after me when I left and they wanted more off of me. I fulfilled my end of the obligation, CRST often doesn't which is why they were in court every week losing to the tune of several million a month I was supposed to be 50k total movement miles(anyone driving in the truck counts towards it so even codriver and mentor counted) on my contract, I left with about 80k miles myself and my co driver had the same so I was well over the contract and they still kept taking the money out and wanted more CRST gets sued weekly for breaching the contract and it's all pretty public. They get sued weekly and there's plenty of news you can find on them that ultimately shows they're a pretty bad company. Then they treat drivers poorly, most of us threatened to leave and then they immediately offered 60cpm to people who were getting ready to leave. And with 2 years you should be making $1500-$2000 a week CRST has extremely bad equipment. Everything is torn up and only their trucks are maintained with any regularity, and their dedicated/pegasus trailers are ok but the expedited side never really touches them unless you're a good driver/team I had a couple 2022 Freightliners with them and one of em was brand New because my co driver and I preformed well and we got good miles so they have us good trucks CRST pays horrible on downtime, layover, breakdown etc, you obviously haven't been around and seen the good companies. Because at CRST nomatter how good a driver you are you'll always be a number. They're an office jockey company that doesn't know anything except trying to make money and their planning often leaves you going 200+ miles to pickup empty trailers or fuel routes that are well out of your possible driving range As far as CRST they have the workhound system that they have they do contact you and offer you a means to say anything you feel is wrong You seriously need to look into another company. CRST top teams were lucky to make $1200 a week on an 8,000 mile week(4,000 each driver). Many other places offer a minimum between $1,000-$2,000. I had 31 people in my CDL class, 28 made it through As for the whole contract thing? Every company in the industry knows what CRST does. They try to slander every driver that tries to leave. I had no conduct issues, 3000-4000 miles a week and never was late on a load. They still tried to lie to the next company I went to. Anyone who's been here a while and learned they know these mega carriers are all mostly predatory
I can't comment on your experience. I have to accept it as what you went through. So I'm sorry if your experience with CRST was a bad one. I can only say in my videos what I saw and experienced. I worked for CRST for almost 3 years. I started working with a new company this week. I left CRST on good terms, proper notice and all that, and they have attempted to contact me for rehire. I left due to issues that came up working for the satellite office in Kentucky. The management and communications were not up to my standards or expectations set by CRST Expedited out of the corporate office in Cedar Rapids. This negatively impacted my paycheck and my demeanor so I chose to take another position with a different company. That being said, I still stand by my video comments. My time with CRST wasn't all bad. I did pretty well with them until I ended up in the satellite office. They got me into the trucking game, paid for everything, got me trained and experienced, paid me more than I have ever made in my previous work history, and gave me a fair deal. Hopefully I'm on a path to even more success now but I can't knock CRST.
I worked there onder contract did my 10 months they called me 1 year later said I owed them money and to pay up, I thought that was funny tell I went to buy a car and crst put it on my credit crst has the lowest pay they are actually out to screw you
@@davesmith2150 sorry that was your experience with CRST. I don't try to take any sort of counter point when it comes to people's experiences, all I can do is state my own experiences. CRST is a mega carrier and has a huge turnover rate, figures I have heard was 96%, so I'm positive there are a number of people who have had bad experiences with them. I am just putting out there the "flip side of the coin" because I had a positive experience. I'm taking a bit of heat for my position because it's not what some people want to hear but I stated what my experience was truthfully and I have to stand by what I said even if some people don't like it. I met a handful of drivers who had been with CRST for years and decades, so I wasn't the only one that stayed with them.
@@ccrider327591 if your happy that's all that counts, im happy at smaller companies they fly you in 2hr orientation then get a load via text massage, deliver and take I pic of the bols and send to office with top pay run whereever and fuel wherever no teams new trucks pick up the phone on the fist ring i ran with a company like that then I bought the truck from them company and made 398k last year. Eurotrans out of elk Grove village IL. Now just saying you don't know how bad you have it
@@davesmith2150 10-4. Like I stated, I don't work there anymore. Just started with a different company a couple of weeks ago. And for the typical OTR company driver just doing van the going rate is about 60cpm. From what I've seen they claim 2500 miles or more a week. So that's what most drivers are looking at for OTR like what I'm doing.
They are trash.i got hired and new to otr.i was lied to by recruiter,he said i would have a trainer.i sure didnt , i got fired on my third week for damaging trailer door at loading dock.that happend my first week.i got a warning .two weeks later they send me to a terminal and fired me for that. ive been unemployed for over a month . No one will hire me because im lacking experience.they threw me under the bus.thanks crst.your just a number there.
@@hereford89 I value and respect your comments about your experience. Your experience differs from mine and many others. There are a couple of things I would like to comment about from your post. The trucking industry is understandably desperately short on "trainers". Not many people are willing to risk their CDL or their lives in the hands of a rookie driver. The fact that you have a CDL means you passed a "road test". The fact that you got hired means you passed a second "road test". Which indicates that you should have been able to perform the basic driver functions, and no trainer should be needed. And you agreed to go on the road without one. (No idea where your co-driver was during all of this) So the responsibility of the accident is solely yours. And yes, in big companies it can take a minute for them to decide how much of a risk or insurance liability you are. Your experience level and if you can be hired isn't a CRST problem, that's a you problem. Let me debunk this "fantasy land", you are just a number at any job. Even if you work for actual family. You are hired to do a job. You will be let go if you fail, or in some cases promoted. Lol. The trucking industry is flooded with new people waiting for their chance to fail or quit, 96% of new drivers dont last a year. So in this instance it sounds like CRST gave you a shot, you screwed up, now you are blaming them for not giving you a trainer to prevent your mistake and for not providing you with experience so you can get another job. Why would they keep a known insurance risk when they literally have hundreds of applicants waiting for their chance? I guess I just don't agree that they are "trash" for making a sound business decision.
CRST is almost all team driving. There are some solo positions but they are not common. I left in December 2022, but doubtful it's changed that much. Absolutely a question for a recruiter if you are considering working there. But that's company driver. I noticed you said lease driver and I can't answer that accurately because I never did lease.
@@ccrider327591 thank you for your response. It’s good to ask someone who has actually worked there bc as we know recruiters often tell the half truth to get you in the door.
Yeah, I was at that company and I went through the school. I tried to stick it out as much as I could. But it felt like I wasn't getting enough sleep or rest and I did not want to be a risk although I did kind of feel like I was at that time. I didn't hit anything. I didn't destroy the equipment. But the one time that I get comfortable with. That might be the last time and having somebody in the truck with me doing that. I did not want that on my Conscience But but like you can put up with team driving go for it. I recommend it that company did not do me wrong. Any wrong doing? I appreciate that with this company. I just wish they had solo routes. That would be more to my liking. But the time I did have there, it was good. People were great. The staff was great in city Rapids Iowa. I just felt. That I was going to be a problem or a risk and trust me. It took everything out of me to do what I did. And it wanted to be with the company that actually took a lot out of me to do that and it wasn't just. Oh I feel unsafe, I'm gonna leave . It is not that simple It did take a lot out of me and if they see this, hope They understand that it definitely was a hard decision, not an easy one.
It's OK. Trucking has it's hard parts for sure. Trying to sleep in a moving/bouncing truck is something that a lot of people have a real hard time getting used to. Not everyone does. It was a problem for me, I never felt "rested" until our 34 hour reset came around.
@ccrider327591 But all in all, it was a good experience But the other thing that I had an issue with was trying to fight with them to go home for a very vital reason. To go back to get my hard copy. And then go back out. And start driving, you know? It wasn't much money in the beginning. But they help me out as best they could and that I can't fault them for anything other than the requirement for working in the company team driving That is the only thing that I had. And yeah, those roads definitely were not made for anybody. Sleeping in the bunk of a truck while Somebody is driving while you're sleeping is a bit strange. I guess that I'm used to the bed not moving. I guess I follow that category.. And it was fun looking for trailers too. I don't know what it is now if they got a handle on the trailer situation. By now. I guess you can say that for the 2 months. I learned a lot during that time. Oh, yeah, make sure you have a bunch of Seals with you For those glad hand because some people don't like changing them for whatever reason don't know. But again, who knows if I get rehired? I'm sticking with it. And my backing. I kind of lost a routine to it so I kind of lost a feel for it a bit. But my backing isn't that great? It's what I'm saying. But now I do have a focal point and I want to capitalize on this. When I do get a chance to come back. I have a direction now that I didn't have before and it seemed to work. Bumping the Doc . And I need the capitalize on it before I lose it. Now, I'm hoping it's going to be dedicated routes. That is closer to Jersey. I doesn't have to be at Jersey, but close enough is good for me. See what happens in the next couple weeks knows.
I can't answer this. I have never worked flatbed and I'm not an owner operator. I've been told they have a decent lease purchase program but I don't have any facts or information about it. I was just a company driver doing dry van OTR.
Hi sir can you tell me what their road test consists of, I’m a new driver and I’m thinking about going to CRST they said I would go through a road test since I been driving for three months now. I told them I feel I still need help.
It was pretty standard, most companies do this or so I am told. You will drive around with someone in the truck with you. You drive where they tell you to go. Remember to make wide turns, check your mirrors frequently, and use your signals. Shouldn't be an issue. They might request you park it, which is usually an alley dock. Just take it slow and easy, they aren't judging you if you take a pull up or two or three. As long as you show you can do it safely. I did a road test with CRST straight out of the cdl school, with almost zero road experience. Also did one in January at my new company. Betting that the only help you need is time, practice, and experience. Hopefully you can get an experienced co-driver who will help you gain confidence in your skills.
@@flowergurl0575 it's certainly possible for them to ask you to do a Pre-Trip Inspection. It's something you should be doing daily so you are expected to know it. But the two road tests that I have done outside of school didn't ask me to do a Pre-Trip. I have to admit that I'm a little concerned though, you said that you have been driving for 3 months? You are certainly going to expected to be able to turn, park, and back into a dock. You should probably consider staying where you are and get the practice, experience, and confidence in your skills before venturing out. I can assure you that there are customers that have terrible conditions for trucks and you will be required to successfully navigate these situations to make your pickups and deliveries. There are times when drivers with decades of experience will be struggling with the conditions, so you absolutely need to be qualified with at least a basic proficiency in turning, backing, and parking at a dock door by yourself (without anyone to help guide you).
@@ccrider327591 hi Expat I had deleted my last message thinking I sound like dumb rookie, I mean I am a rookie, but TH-cam didn’t show me you had replied so that’s why I thought that. 🤦🏻♀️ Anyhow, I know how to do a pre trip inspection the way the company where I’m at showed me yet I have a feeling it’s not thorough. The reason why I say that is because we are team drivers and the men take over a lot of the work, which leaves me unable to gain practice to grow my skills. That was my reason for wanting to go to a mega carrier instead. Because I hear they teach us newbies more thoroughly.
@@flowergurl0575 once you have your CDL and you are on the road with your trainer, that's pretty much the end of any training. From that point forward you are gaining practice and experience by doing. If you are looking to get on the road with a trainer again, that would be something outside my realm of knowledge. That would have to be a conversation between you and the hiring company. The Pre-Trip you were taught is probably sufficient, you are just looking for signs of damage or wear that could be a problem for your trip. The road test is to ensure you can drive the truck safely. They want to see you handle a normal driving situation, make safe turns, check your mirrors, and park. If you feel unprepared for a basic skills test then I would recommend staying in your current position until you are ready. You may have to assert yourself to get practice time behind the wheel. If this doesn't work for you then I would say to talk to the hiring company about going on the road with a trainer. Nobody wants to see you fail and nobody wants an unsafe driving scenario. There are drivers that get hired with a new CDL and no experience, so I don't really see a problem.
@@ccrider327591 okay then yes my pre trips are checking everything is in good working condition, so I should be good. Definitely I will call a few companies before leaving this small one. Thank you for your response Expat I appreciate it.
I worked for CRST for one year after completing training I wanted to stay on longer but couldn't. The reason why is there are multiple solo drivers in the division I drove for I tried being solo for that same division myself as I had issues sleeping with the truck being constantly on the move. I tried bringing it up to safety, and my driver manager but was told if I don't get a codriver after 16 days i would be shutdown... The reason why is the customer the division was specifically designed for would only accept team drivers even though our runs weren't that long and our due dates pick up and drop off were always 4 days apart and early by up to one and a half to two days with me at the wheel by myself for what little time I was afforded.
so basically if I can simplify I left because CRST is a bunch of kiss asses for their customers but its almost unbearable for them to help drivers I forgot to also add their was an entire month there where we were assigned late loads and asked why they were late. I alongside my codriver at the time switched divisions for a week within my first working month. we were under the impression that this division was already established (they seemed to be but weren't) they jacked us around that entire week changing plans three times a day was supposed to train us on these reefers but didn't and the person whom told us that we can call them anytime with questions after that week would not speak to us and was angry at us for THEIR FUCKUP... DON'T LET ANYONE LIE TO YOU AND SAY THEY ARE A GOOD COMPANY THEY ARE NOT THEY ARE ONLY LOOKING FOR WARM BODIES TO FILL FUCKING SEATS AND BUNKS AND DEAL WITH THE HEAP OF BULLSHIT THEY CAN PUT YOU THROUGH. The company we were hauling for in that division called that same person about a reefer failure it was not dropping and holding temperature at fucking all it had been less than three hours and they deemed the load ruined. The manager of the company we were tasked with hauling for and the supervisor of our temp division spoke over the phone I can still hear those words from the supervisor "I thought we discussed it that was a driver error". Okay simplicity went out the window in favor of venting a still seething rage with that company.
That's something I struggled with myself, trying to sleep well in a bouncing semi truck was difficult for me. One of the main reasons why I wanted to go solo instead.
@@ccrider327591 yeah they lied to me multiple times saying that they don't have any solo positions then told me they would have career path call me within 72 hrs of which that didn't happen either.
CRST is horrible in comparison to other companies. It's for guys like this and other hard cases, and even in those cases, most guys don't make it as he mentioned. They definitely have their place... I haven't been there in 7 years, and I get checks regularly from lawsuits I didn't even know were filed. I was loyal too for a while, but this guy will likely see.
I appreciate your comments. You may be correct in comparison to other companies, I don't know, they are the only company I have worked for so far. I did end up leaving CRST after being assigned to the regional office out of Kentucky. That unit is not run very well at all. It was a massive let down compared to Expedited. I am with GP Transco now, I literally just finished my orientation. I'm being assigned a brand new 2023. It will be getting prepped for the road this weekend and I should get my first load on Monday. (I mean brand new, 72 miles on it lol) I will be doing more videos soon to talk about the changes. Thank you.
Might be the school you went to. I didn't go to the one in Cedar Rapids, I got sent to CWW out in Colorado. The school there gave a small cash allowance for food weekly.
I want to Fulfill the contract. I think there is an opportunity for me. Coming back, see what happens.. And not anyone I spoke to about this company have I said anything Bad But that team driving for those that don't know. Do your research and see if it's the right fit for you.. Before you go to this company. To make it easier for them to have a good candidate. That's going to perform and fulfill the requirements. I'm home, I'm hoping that I'm able to set the record straight this time. And apparently I think I think don't quote me on this. That there is an opening for a solo driving dedicated route. I don't know how much of that is true. And they have a dedicated route. Going close to me which I am in Jersey. Which would be great. Great, even if it's Team, it would be good. And since I've been coast to coast on the expedite division. But a dedicated route that means there's more stops more backing. Which I really wanted to focus on. I'm hopeful that will give me a chance for rehire But I do obey the number one rule. And not breaking that number one rule For any reason My confidence in backing is not that great. But I Can back in a truck stop go figure.
Good luck! I hope everything works out for you. When I was in Dedicated I went through Jersey every day on the Turnpike. About the contract, it's different if things just didn't work out versus people purposely abusing the company to get "a free CDL". Some of the people were going to school already knowing they were going to quit the company and go somewhere else even before showing up on day 1. That's completely different than your situation. And don't worry, backing and parking always takes time and practice. Everyone goes through this.
Well besides you emotionally attachment to CRST etc yeah it must be nice I would go work with them but I don’t wanna have a automatic restriction I want to be able to drive a stick if I have to
@@erazco6568 I went through CRST but not at the Cedar Rapids school. That school was full when I applied so they sent me to a school in Colorado. Oh and as far as emotionally attached to CRST....I left CRST in December. I started with GP Transco in January. Not all that attached hahaha. I just know that I did ok there and it's not even close to being as "terrible" as people say out here.
Just as much chance of being ripped off and abused by small companies. Pick your poison. I have gone to a smaller company now and they have a good reputation so we'll see how it goes.
@@gehadkhafagy6655 I went with GP Transco. I started in January. It's been okay. The trucking industry is feeling the recession right now so many of us drivers are not getting all the miles we want. I always keep some money set back in case there's a problem so I think I can get by until things get better.
@@onenightstan3635 my experience with CRST running solo is only a tiny portion of their 4000 plus fleet and isn't managed very well at all. The 20 months I drove teams in Expedited was managed decently. But when I went solo it became a circus and my paychecks suffered. I can only recommend them for teams and initial training, anything other than that was a failure from what I saw.
I did leave. However, it wasn't because of Expedited, it was the Kentucky Regional office that pretty much forced me out. I'm giving CRST the credit they deserve. I'm not unhappy with the company as a whole at all. People want to seriously bash CRST and I am disagreeing with that.
![[TH]FFWS SEA 2024 Fall - Knockout Stage Day 5](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/N2tl9xkQyyU/mqdefault.jpg)
I drove for CRST 30 years ago. I had experience when i got hired. So i drove 2-3 years solo, then went trainer. We had a dedicated dispatcher that we talked to 5 days a week, sometimes 3-4 times a day from a pay phone. I had the same dispatcher for 5 years, same senior dispatcher my complete time there. I worked out of the main teminal at Cedar Rapids and lived in Peoria,Il. I did good with them.
They treated me very well. I just didn’t care for being a mentor. If I didn’t have to be forced to do that. I likely would have stayed. I loved it. Except I’ve had so many issues with the shop. The only thing I disagree with is a bad shop is CRST fault. I get that other places may not be good, and good techs are hard to come by. That is 100% on the company to do training, or schooling. However they want to spend as little repairing. That’s a business I understand I have; but it is what it is. Great video man. Stay safe out there!
Get your own license then drive local. OTR is a horrible lifestyle especially driving teams. Don’t do it
It worked out alright for me in the end. I don't really want the local stuff because I don't want the overhead of a residence. It saves me a whole lot of money just living in my truck. I use those savings to invest instead.
Come on guys you have to start somewhere. It doesn't happen overnight.
All OTR drivers should be paid well.Doing OTR is NOT an easy job period.
I started my driving career with CRST and I'm grateful they gave me that opportunity to acquire some very valuable experience. Unfortunately, I only stayed with CRST for six months and then had to look elsewhere because the pay was very minimal. Currently, I'm with reefer company and I'm very happy, but again I'm thankful to CRST for allowing me to get some experience and never looked back.
A lot of drivers started out with CRST. I heard they closed their school so I don't know if they are still a starter company or not.
This video actually made me feel better about companies…. But I start at CRST next week. So excited!
How is going man I’m starting on the 30th
@@liboriojuarez5566 I never started was waiting on the recruiter
You won't be for long.
CRST needs more LOYAL DRIVERS
How is the leasing program? Is it worth giving a shot?
@@CuzzinMike I never participated in the leasing program but I heard good things about it back when I worked there. Seemed like people were happy with it.
He is totally dead on with everything he's saying I been doing this now for 1yr 2 months now. And I'm heading to crst because i heard nothing but good things plus everyone always say it's the mom and pops trucking companies you would want to go with because of the simple fact they already been in the same position we were in and they know what we are facing out there plus they are alot smaller than most companies. My top things I'm looking for is safety, pay, and lanes after that once that's done all I'll be at home.
You are in charge of your own safety lol a company can’t offer that lol
@@John_R_Jackson_III I think everyone e know you're responsible for your own safety but I'm just saying that should be on top of everybody's list of course
Good luck 🍀 Love to know how you make out
I worked for CRST in 1999, worked for 7 months and got tired of being jacked around. Our dispatcher screwed us around when he could. We would be out 3 to 4 weeks at a time and was to get 4 1/2 to 5 days off. The most home time we got was 1 1/2 to 2 days every 3 to 4 weeks out.
My co-driver and I agreed that when those wheels stop turning you ain't making money, so we only took home time every couple of months. We sent the request in by Qualcomm and never had any problems or issues with that. Our DM wasn't bad.
Sad
They took $1000 extra on my contract and then tried to send a collection agency after me when I left and they wanted more off of me. I fulfilled my end of the obligation, CRST often doesn't which is why they were in court every week losing to the tune of several million a month
I was supposed to be 50k total movement miles(anyone driving in the truck counts towards it so even codriver and mentor counted) on my contract, I left with about 80k miles myself and my co driver had the same so I was well over the contract and they still kept taking the money out and wanted more
CRST gets sued weekly for breaching the contract and it's all pretty public. They get sued weekly and there's plenty of news you can find on them that ultimately shows they're a pretty bad company. Then they treat drivers poorly, most of us threatened to leave and then they immediately offered 60cpm to people who were getting ready to leave.
And with 2 years you should be making $1500-$2000 a week
CRST has extremely bad equipment. Everything is torn up and only their trucks are maintained with any regularity, and their dedicated/pegasus trailers are ok but the expedited side never really touches them unless you're a good driver/team
I had a couple 2022 Freightliners with them and one of em was brand New because my co driver and I preformed well and we got good miles so they have us good trucks
CRST pays horrible on downtime, layover, breakdown etc, you obviously haven't been around and seen the good companies. Because at CRST nomatter how good a driver you are you'll always be a number. They're an office jockey company that doesn't know anything except trying to make money and their planning often leaves you going 200+ miles to pickup empty trailers or fuel routes that are well out of your possible driving range
As far as CRST they have the workhound system that they have they do contact you and offer you a means to say anything you feel is wrong
You seriously need to look into another company. CRST top teams were lucky to make $1200 a week on an 8,000 mile week(4,000 each driver). Many other places offer a minimum between $1,000-$2,000. I had 31 people in my CDL class, 28 made it through
As for the whole contract thing? Every company in the industry knows what CRST does. They try to slander every driver that tries to leave. I had no conduct issues, 3000-4000 miles a week and never was late on a load. They still tried to lie to the next company I went to. Anyone who's been here a while and learned they know these mega carriers are all mostly predatory
I can't comment on your experience. I have to accept it as what you went through. So I'm sorry if your experience with CRST was a bad one. I can only say in my videos what I saw and experienced. I worked for CRST for almost 3 years. I started working with a new company this week. I left CRST on good terms, proper notice and all that, and they have attempted to contact me for rehire. I left due to issues that came up working for the satellite office in Kentucky. The management and communications were not up to my standards or expectations set by CRST Expedited out of the corporate office in Cedar Rapids. This negatively impacted my paycheck and my demeanor so I chose to take another position with a different company. That being said, I still stand by my video comments. My time with CRST wasn't all bad. I did pretty well with them until I ended up in the satellite office. They got me into the trucking game, paid for everything, got me trained and experienced, paid me more than I have ever made in my previous work history, and gave me a fair deal. Hopefully I'm on a path to even more success now but I can't knock CRST.
I worked there onder contract did my 10 months they called me 1 year later said I owed them money and to pay up, I thought that was funny tell I went to buy a car and crst put it on my credit crst has the lowest pay they are actually out to screw you
@@davesmith2150 sorry that was your experience with CRST. I don't try to take any sort of counter point when it comes to people's experiences, all I can do is state my own experiences. CRST is a mega carrier and has a huge turnover rate, figures I have heard was 96%, so I'm positive there are a number of people who have had bad experiences with them. I am just putting out there the "flip side of the coin" because I had a positive experience. I'm taking a bit of heat for my position because it's not what some people want to hear but I stated what my experience was truthfully and I have to stand by what I said even if some people don't like it. I met a handful of drivers who had been with CRST for years and decades, so I wasn't the only one that stayed with them.
@@ccrider327591 if your happy that's all that counts, im happy at smaller companies they fly you in 2hr orientation then get a load via text massage, deliver and take I pic of the bols and send to office with top pay run whereever and fuel wherever no teams new trucks pick up the phone on the fist ring i ran with a company like that then I bought the truck from them company and made 398k last year. Eurotrans out of elk Grove village IL. Now just saying you don't know how bad you have it
@@davesmith2150 10-4. Like I stated, I don't work there anymore. Just started with a different company a couple of weeks ago. And for the typical OTR company driver just doing van the going rate is about 60cpm. From what I've seen they claim 2500 miles or more a week. So that's what most drivers are looking at for OTR like what I'm doing.
They are trash.i got hired and new to otr.i was lied to by recruiter,he said i would have a trainer.i sure didnt , i got fired on my third week for damaging trailer door at loading dock.that happend my first week.i got a warning .two weeks later they send me to a terminal and fired me for that. ive been unemployed for over a month . No one will hire me because im lacking experience.they threw me under the bus.thanks crst.your just a number there.
@@hereford89 I value and respect your comments about your experience. Your experience differs from mine and many others. There are a couple of things I would like to comment about from your post. The trucking industry is understandably desperately short on "trainers". Not many people are willing to risk their CDL or their lives in the hands of a rookie driver. The fact that you have a CDL means you passed a "road test". The fact that you got hired means you passed a second "road test". Which indicates that you should have been able to perform the basic driver functions, and no trainer should be needed. And you agreed to go on the road without one. (No idea where your co-driver was during all of this) So the responsibility of the accident is solely yours. And yes, in big companies it can take a minute for them to decide how much of a risk or insurance liability you are. Your experience level and if you can be hired isn't a CRST problem, that's a you problem. Let me debunk this "fantasy land", you are just a number at any job. Even if you work for actual family. You are hired to do a job. You will be let go if you fail, or in some cases promoted. Lol. The trucking industry is flooded with new people waiting for their chance to fail or quit, 96% of new drivers dont last a year. So in this instance it sounds like CRST gave you a shot, you screwed up, now you are blaming them for not giving you a trainer to prevent your mistake and for not providing you with experience so you can get another job. Why would they keep a known insurance risk when they literally have hundreds of applicants waiting for their chance? I guess I just don't agree that they are "trash" for making a sound business decision.
I’m a Walmart driver, I see CRST drivers at our DC a lot if you can get that account that’s where it’s at.
So at CRST you can only be team? Can you not be a solo lease driver? Do they force you to do team? Thank you
CRST is almost all team driving. There are some solo positions but they are not common. I left in December 2022, but doubtful it's changed that much. Absolutely a question for a recruiter if you are considering working there. But that's company driver. I noticed you said lease driver and I can't answer that accurately because I never did lease.
@@ccrider327591 thank you for your response. It’s good to ask someone who has actually worked there bc as we know recruiters often tell the half truth to get you in the door.
crash and roll stunt team
Yeah, I was at that company and I went through the school. I tried to stick it out as much as I could. But it felt like I wasn't getting enough sleep or rest and I did not want to be a risk although I did kind of feel like I was at that time. I didn't hit anything. I didn't destroy the equipment.
But the one time that I get comfortable with. That might be the last time and having somebody in the truck with me doing that. I did not want that on my Conscience But but like you can put up with team driving go for it. I recommend it that company did not do me wrong. Any wrong doing? I appreciate that with this company. I just wish they had solo routes. That would be more to my liking. But the time I did have there, it was good. People were great. The staff was great in city Rapids Iowa.
I just felt. That I was going to be a problem or a risk and trust me. It took everything out of me to do what I did. And it wanted to be with the company that actually took a lot out of me to do that and it wasn't just. Oh I feel unsafe, I'm gonna leave . It is not that simple It did take a lot out of me and if they see this, hope They understand that it definitely was a hard decision, not an easy one.
It's OK. Trucking has it's hard parts for sure. Trying to sleep in a moving/bouncing truck is something that a lot of people have a real hard time getting used to. Not everyone does. It was a problem for me, I never felt "rested" until our 34 hour reset came around.
@ccrider327591 But all in all, it was a good experience But the other thing that I had an issue with was trying to fight with them to go home for a very vital reason. To go back to get my hard copy.
And then go back out.
And start driving, you know?
It wasn't much money in the beginning. But they help me out as best they could and that I can't fault them for anything other than the requirement for working in the company team driving That is the only thing that I had. And yeah, those roads definitely were not made for anybody. Sleeping in the bunk of a truck while Somebody is driving while you're sleeping is a bit strange. I guess that I'm used to the bed not moving. I guess I follow that category.. And it was fun looking for trailers too. I don't know what it is now if they got a handle on the trailer situation. By now. I guess you can say that for the 2 months. I learned a lot during that time. Oh, yeah, make sure you have a bunch of Seals with you For those glad hand because some people don't like changing them for whatever reason don't know. But again, who knows if I get rehired? I'm sticking with it. And my backing. I kind of lost a routine to it so I kind of lost a feel for it a bit. But my backing isn't that great? It's what I'm saying. But now I do have a focal point and I want to capitalize on this. When I do get a chance to come back. I have a direction now that I didn't have before and it seemed to work.
Bumping the Doc . And I need the capitalize on it before I lose it. Now, I'm hoping it's going to be dedicated routes. That is closer to Jersey. I doesn't have to be at Jersey, but close enough is good for me. See what happens in the next couple weeks knows.
I heard 1 week before crst is pay good on flatbed driver to owner operator like 2.50 cpm on average ? Is that correct
I can't answer this. I have never worked flatbed and I'm not an owner operator.
I've been told they have a decent lease purchase program but I don't have any facts or information about it. I was just a company driver doing dry van OTR.
Hi sir can you tell me what their road test consists of, I’m a new driver and I’m thinking about going to CRST they said I would go through a road test since I been driving for three months now. I told them I feel I still need help.
It was pretty standard, most companies do this or so I am told. You will drive around with someone in the truck with you. You drive where they tell you to go. Remember to make wide turns, check your mirrors frequently, and use your signals. Shouldn't be an issue. They might request you park it, which is usually an alley dock. Just take it slow and easy, they aren't judging you if you take a pull up or two or three. As long as you show you can do it safely. I did a road test with CRST straight out of the cdl school, with almost zero road experience. Also did one in January at my new company. Betting that the only help you need is time, practice, and experience. Hopefully you can get an experienced co-driver who will help you gain confidence in your skills.
@@flowergurl0575 it's certainly possible for them to ask you to do a Pre-Trip Inspection. It's something you should be doing daily so you are expected to know it. But the two road tests that I have done outside of school didn't ask me to do a Pre-Trip.
I have to admit that I'm a little concerned though, you said that you have been driving for 3 months? You are certainly going to expected to be able to turn, park, and back into a dock. You should probably consider staying where you are and get the practice, experience, and confidence in your skills before venturing out. I can assure you that there are customers that have terrible conditions for trucks and you will be required to successfully navigate these situations to make your pickups and deliveries. There are times when drivers with decades of experience will be struggling with the conditions, so you absolutely need to be qualified with at least a basic proficiency in turning, backing, and parking at a dock door by yourself (without anyone to help guide you).
@@ccrider327591 hi Expat I had deleted my last message thinking I sound like dumb rookie, I mean I am a rookie, but TH-cam didn’t show me you had replied so that’s why I thought that. 🤦🏻♀️
Anyhow, I know how to do a pre trip inspection the way the company where I’m at showed me yet I have a feeling it’s not thorough. The reason why I say that is because we are team drivers and the men take over a lot of the work, which leaves me unable to gain practice to grow my skills. That was my reason for wanting to go to a mega carrier instead. Because I hear they teach us newbies more thoroughly.
@@flowergurl0575 once you have your CDL and you are on the road with your trainer, that's pretty much the end of any training. From that point forward you are gaining practice and experience by doing. If you are looking to get on the road with a trainer again, that would be something outside my realm of knowledge. That would have to be a conversation between you and the hiring company. The Pre-Trip you were taught is probably sufficient, you are just looking for signs of damage or wear that could be a problem for your trip. The road test is to ensure you can drive the truck safely. They want to see you handle a normal driving situation, make safe turns, check your mirrors, and park. If you feel unprepared for a basic skills test then I would recommend staying in your current position until you are ready. You may have to assert yourself to get practice time behind the wheel. If this doesn't work for you then I would say to talk to the hiring company about going on the road with a trainer. Nobody wants to see you fail and nobody wants an unsafe driving scenario. There are drivers that get hired with a new CDL and no experience, so I don't really see a problem.
@@ccrider327591 okay then yes my pre trips are checking everything is in good working condition, so I should be good. Definitely I will call a few companies before leaving this small one. Thank you for your response Expat I appreciate it.
I worked for CRST for one year after completing training I wanted to stay on longer but couldn't. The reason why is there are multiple solo drivers in the division I drove for I tried being solo for that same division myself as I had issues sleeping with the truck being constantly on the move. I tried bringing it up to safety, and my driver manager but was told if I don't get a codriver after 16 days i would be shutdown... The reason why is the customer the division was specifically designed for would only accept team drivers even though our runs weren't that long and our due dates pick up and drop off were always 4 days apart and early by up to one and a half to two days with me at the wheel by myself for what little time I was afforded.
so basically if I can simplify I left because CRST is a bunch of kiss asses for their customers but its almost unbearable for them to help drivers I forgot to also add their was an entire month there where we were assigned late loads and asked why they were late. I alongside my codriver at the time switched divisions for a week within my first working month. we were under the impression that this division was already established (they seemed to be but weren't) they jacked us around that entire week changing plans three times a day was supposed to train us on these reefers but didn't and the person whom told us that we can call them anytime with questions after that week would not speak to us and was angry at us for THEIR FUCKUP... DON'T LET ANYONE LIE TO YOU AND SAY THEY ARE A GOOD COMPANY THEY ARE NOT THEY ARE ONLY LOOKING FOR WARM BODIES TO FILL FUCKING SEATS AND BUNKS AND DEAL WITH THE HEAP OF BULLSHIT THEY CAN PUT YOU THROUGH. The company we were hauling for in that division called that same person about a reefer failure it was not dropping and holding temperature at fucking all it had been less than three hours and they deemed the load ruined. The manager of the company we were tasked with hauling for and the supervisor of our temp division spoke over the phone I can still hear those words from the supervisor "I thought we discussed it that was a driver error". Okay simplicity went out the window in favor of venting a still seething rage with that company.
That's something I struggled with myself, trying to sleep well in a bouncing semi truck was difficult for me. One of the main reasons why I wanted to go solo instead.
@@ccrider327591 yeah they lied to me multiple times saying that they don't have any solo positions then told me they would have career path call me within 72 hrs of which that didn't happen either.
CRST is horrible in comparison to other companies. It's for guys like this and other hard cases, and even in those cases, most guys don't make it as he mentioned. They definitely have their place... I haven't been there in 7 years, and I get checks regularly from lawsuits I didn't even know were filed.
I was loyal too for a while, but this guy will likely see.
I appreciate your comments. You may be correct in comparison to other companies, I don't know, they are the only company I have worked for so far. I did end up leaving CRST after being assigned to the regional office out of Kentucky. That unit is not run very well at all. It was a massive let down compared to Expedited. I am with GP Transco now, I literally just finished my orientation. I'm being assigned a brand new 2023. It will be getting prepped for the road this weekend and I should get my first load on Monday. (I mean brand new, 72 miles on it lol) I will be doing more videos soon to talk about the changes. Thank you.
@@ccrider327591 congratulations brother... I've heard nothing but great things about them. Safe travels
2017 we never got money for food as students lol I’m jealous
Didn't in 2021 either
Might be the school you went to. I didn't go to the one in Cedar Rapids, I got sent to CWW out in Colorado. The school there gave a small cash allowance for food weekly.
@@ccrider327591 yeah I went to their cedar rapids location, CRST recently shut down it's schools
I went to them i didn't get money for lunch i had to work as the van driver or have my family help me out.
All mega carriers are all the same even small companies all play the same game
That's why it's called "the industry standard"
Howdy 🤠 Oowwll
Maybe bc they don't hold up their part of the deal.
They did when I was there.
I want to Fulfill the contract. I think there is an opportunity for me. Coming back, see what happens.. And not anyone I spoke to about this company have I said anything Bad But that team driving for those that don't know. Do your research and see if it's the right fit for you.. Before you go to this company.
To make it easier for them to have a good candidate. That's going to perform and fulfill the requirements. I'm home, I'm hoping that I'm able to set the record straight this time. And apparently I think I think don't quote me on this. That there is an opening for a solo driving dedicated route. I don't know how much of that is true. And they have a dedicated route. Going close to me which I am in Jersey.
Which would be great.
Great, even if it's Team, it would be good.
And since I've been coast to coast on the expedite division. But a dedicated route that means there's more stops more backing. Which I really wanted to focus on. I'm hopeful that will give me a chance for rehire But I do obey the number one rule. And not breaking that number one rule For any reason My confidence in backing is not that great. But I Can back in a truck stop go figure.
Good luck! I hope everything works out for you. When I was in Dedicated I went through Jersey every day on the Turnpike.
About the contract, it's different if things just didn't work out versus people purposely abusing the company to get "a free CDL". Some of the people were going to school already knowing they were going to quit the company and go somewhere else even before showing up on day 1. That's completely different than your situation. And don't worry, backing and parking always takes time and practice. Everyone goes through this.
@@ccrider327591 I appreciate that thank you for your Input.
Well besides you emotionally attachment to CRST etc yeah it must be nice I would go work with them but I don’t wanna have a automatic restriction I want to be able to drive a stick if I have to
I have no restrictions on my cdl.
@@ccrider327591 did you get hired on with a CDL or get your through them
@@erazco6568 I went through CRST but not at the Cedar Rapids school. That school was full when I applied so they sent me to a school in Colorado.
Oh and as far as emotionally attached to CRST....I left CRST in December. I started with GP Transco in January. Not all that attached hahaha. I just know that I did ok there and it's not even close to being as "terrible" as people say out here.
Large corporate carriers are ideal for those that have developed a particular taste for feces. Bon Appétit!
Just as much chance of being ripped off and abused by small companies. Pick your poison. I have gone to a smaller company now and they have a good reputation so we'll see how it goes.
@@ccrider327591 which company you go for now ? And how’s your experience so far??
@@gehadkhafagy6655 I went with GP Transco. I started in January. It's been okay. The trucking industry is feeling the recession right now so many of us drivers are not getting all the miles we want. I always keep some money set back in case there's a problem so I think I can get by until things get better.
Is crst only team driving?
Mostly team driving, yes.
We have solo accounts too. I'm on a solo Simi regional account out of Chicago
@@onenightstan3635 my experience with CRST running solo is only a tiny portion of their 4000 plus fleet and isn't managed very well at all. The 20 months I drove teams in Expedited was managed decently. But when I went solo it became a circus and my paychecks suffered. I can only recommend them for teams and initial training, anything other than that was a failure from what I saw.
I saw the entire country with crst in 6 months 😳
Very cool. I have been in 45 of the 48 states so far, haven't made it up to all the northeast states yet. Maine, NH, RI.
@ccrider327591 I got a post card at loves ❤️ in every state but Maine...I got loads there with cast but they always canceled
Look crst is horrible they are the ones that can't keep there side of the deal man why people leaving period😂
Sorry but that wasn't my experience, nor was it what I saw when I worked there.
Stop beating us up
What about the student loan forgiveness movement? Where is the integrity in that?
Stop it ..
Stop what?
If you dont like crst leave.
I did leave. However, it wasn't because of Expedited, it was the Kentucky Regional office that pretty much forced me out. I'm giving CRST the credit they deserve. I'm not unhappy with the company as a whole at all. People want to seriously bash CRST and I am disagreeing with that.