CR England Truck Driving School: Company-Sponsored CDL Training

At TruckingTruth, we've done a ton of research for you! We've contacted the company recruiters at CR England and put together a fantastic review of the CR England paid CDL training program.

We'll start you off with our opinion of their paid CDL training program and then we'll take you through all of the key features and important information you'll need to know. Some of what we'll cover:

• Student Hiring Requirements
• Truck Driving School Locations
• Driver Pay During Training
• Advantages Of Working For CR England
• Cost Structure Of CDL Training
• CDL Training Itinerary
• CR England Pay And Benefits
• Vacation Pay And Home Time

CR England's Long Family History

Did you know CR England was founded by Chester Rodney England in 1920 and is now run by the 4th generation of the England family?

Key points of the C.R. England training program include that it only requires a 9-month driving commitment to fully pay off the tuition, and there is a heavy emphasis on driving time, rather than classroom time. They operate and partner with schools across the country, and one important thing to consider is that students will be responsible for paying for all of their meals and permit, license, and administrative fees.

C.R. England, like other large carriers, is well-funded and has a long history of turning out successful drivers from their program. Their tuition is on the higher end for company-sponsored programs, but they require a shorter commitment. Regardless, you'll want to spend at least a year in your first driving job, and C.R. England will suit most people just fine.

CR England was founded in 1920 and is based out of Salt Lake City, UT. They have grown into one of the largest refrigerated carriers in the nation with over 4,500 trucks, 6,500 trailers, and 5,600 drivers. The company operates 24/7/365 throughout the united states and specializes in long-distance freight operations.

In addition, CR England operates its own driving schools. This allows the company to recruit and train those with no CDL or truck driving experience.

CR England Minimum Hiring Requirements

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Those 23 years old and younger need to have a clean driving record.
• Have a satisfactory employment record.
• Complete all portions of the driver application, including:
  • Three years of employment history.
  • Phone numbers with area code for all employment history.

You must have a decent driving record with:

• No more than one preventable accident in the past year, and 3 in the past 5.
• No more than three moving violations in the past three years.
• Pass a mandatory drug screen.
• No DUIs in the last seven years, no more than 2 in lifetime.
• No reckless driving charges or license suspensions.
• Be able to pass a Department of Transportation physical from a doctor at the direction of C.R. England.
• Felonies must be at least 10 years of age of older, taken case-by-case..

• Have results of the physical that meet minimum standards, including:
  • A blood pressure rating of 140/90 or less.
  • An eyesight rating of 20/40 or better.
  • A horizontal field of vision rating of no less than 80 degrees.

CR England Hiring Areas

While there can be fluctuations based on the need for drivers in any particular area, CR England typically hires drivers nationwide in all states except for North Dakota, South Dakota, Florida and Montana.

CR England CDL Training Facilities

CR England Drop Lots And Terminals

Cost Structure Of CR England CDL Training

Your full tuition of $4995 is fully paid with a driving commitment of 9 months (6 months for military veterans).

If you do not fulfill your end of the contract, you will be responsible for the entire amount, plus training costs.

You will need to pay for your permit and license, and any other state-specific fees. Total Up Front Costs: $130 to $180, depending on location.

In addition, students will need funds for basic living expenses while at school.

Will My Meals Be Paid For?

No, students must supply their own meals.

Will My Room Be Paid For?

Yes, the cost of lodging is part of the tuition fee.

Can I pay for my CDL training up front and have no further obligation?

Yes, the total cost of the program is $4995.

Can I pay for my CDL training up front and have no further obligation?

If you complete the contract with C.R. England, you do not have to pay back the tuition. If you choose not to complete the contract, you will be responsible for the full tuition at $4,995 and training costs.

TruckingTruth's Take On The Cost Of Training At CR England

The cost of C.R. England's training program tends to the higher side, but it is completely paid off after 9 months of driving, which is less than the standard year-long contract you'd find at most other companies.

Keep in mind that drivers also need to be prepared to feed themselves until they start drawing paychecks, about 4 weeks. They are also responsible for permit, license, and administrative fees.

Items To Bring To CR England

• Birth Certificate with raised state seal (Unless you live in Indiana)
• $50 to $180 CDL Permit and administrative fees (depending on location)
• Voided check if you want your paycheck direct deposited
• Your current drivers license
• Social Security Card (not laminated)
• Toiletries
• Pillow
• Padlock
• Sun Glasses
• Alarm Clock
• Flashlight, pens/pencils, notepad
• Bedding (twin sheet and blanket or sleeping bag)
• Enough money for food and necessities until your first paycheck (Approx. 30 days)
• 2 government forms dated within last 60 days verifying current address
• Enough Clothes for at least one week (remember: training is outdoors so dress accordingly)

Preparation For CR England

Do I need to get my CDL permit before attending school?

If you are attending a school outside of your home state, you will need to get your permit first. In-state students are not required to have their permit before attending.

Do I need a US Passport?

Not required, but can be used for identification purposes in place of birth certificate.

Which CDL endorsements are required or encouraged?

None are required.

CR England CDL Training Itinerary

Schooling lasts from 15 to 20 days depending on which location you attend. During this time, you’ll study and pass the CDL written exam at which point training will become a mixture of classroom and on-truck training.

The First Week

Generally during the first week, you will meet your instructor and learn about safety procedures, mechanical operations, and log requirements to truck driving. There may be homework every day throughout the duration of the course.

After The First Week

• Turn the tractor-trailer.
• Vehicle inspections.
• Drive in city and highway traffic.
• Back up the tractor-trailer.
• Couple and uncouple the tractor to the trailer.
• Handle railroad crossings and intersections.

How long is the training overall?

CDL training school averages 17 days. This is followed by a 180 hours company paid training program and 1 1/2 month Phase 2 training period.

How much time on the range backing up?

There is no set amount of time, basically as much as you'd like to get. Range time is from Friday 1330-2100, Saturday and Sunday 0600-1700 depending on the student load. C.R. England has 8 backing lanes working during these times and 4 lanes after hours.

During the practice range phase, how many students share one truck?

Depends on class size, 1-6 students, can be more if practicing after hours.

How much time in classroom?

Only about an hour per day will be spent in the classroom. The rest of the time will be spent out with the instructors.

TruckingTruth’s View On CR England Training Itinerary

The CDL program is a fast paced course so it’s better suited to those who learn well in a short amount of time. As compared to most other company sponsored programs, there is a heavy emphasis on actual driving and range practice, rather than classroom time.

On The Road Training Itinerary With CR England

Is the training period based on number of days, number of driving hours, number of miles, or some combination?

Phase 1 Training you will be required to complete 180 hours behind the wheel driving, which takes approximately one month. From there you will begin Phase 2 training with a Lead driver which takes approximately 1.5 months. When you begin Phase 2 training, you can request home time.

How much will I be making when I’m on the road with a trainer?

Phase 1 is paid $10 per hour for driving hours, and your states minimum wage for on duty not-driving work time. The average pay in Phase 1 training is $505 per week.. Phase 2 training is $0.28 per mile split for all paid miles the truck runs even when you’re not driving. The average pay in Phase 2 training is $580/wk.

On The Road Training Policies at CR England

Do they run your trainer and you as a "team" operation or like a solo truck?

The first couple of loads are generally run at a solo speed or slow team speed, after that they run team freight if needed.

Is there more than one student per trainer and truck?

Not usually, but can be if necessary.

Do you have a "No sleeping in the top bunk while the truck is rolling" policy?

Yes, while the truck is in motion students must sleep in the bottom bunk.

What is your policy for handling disputes between trainer and student?

Any trainer / trainee disputes are handled through the trainees assigned dispatcher on a case-by-case basis.

Can you get a non-smoking trainer?

Yes. Trainees are placed based on smoking preference and gender.

What are the company’s minimum qualifications to be a trainer?

6 months with the company, no chargeable accidents in past 60 days, no higher than log level 2. Must get driver manager approval.

TruckingTruth’s View Of CR England On The Road Training

The company paid training program appears to be very comparable to other companies of its size, as is the pay scale for trainees.

Spending about 1 month with a company trainer is a decent amount of time, especially since that’s followed by a 45-day period teamed up with a lead driver.

Advantages Of Working For CR England

• Free CDL school with 9 month commitment.
• No tuition fee deposits, approval without having great credit or co-signer.
• Accelerated courses - earn your CDL in an average of 17 days
• Guaranteed job upon graduation
• Been in business for more than 90 years
• New and well maintained equipment
• Steady recession resistant freight
• Average length of haul is one of the highest in the industry
• Family owned and operated for 4 generations
• Financially secure
• Ongoing education
• Competitive training pay

CR England Company Driver Pay

What will be my starting pay after training?

Starting pay varies by route, state, and solo or team. Generally it varies from $.24/team split to $.35 cpm solo.

Average driver pay for 1 year experience is $986/wk, trainer average is $1,377. Top 10% pay is $1,449/week ($75,348/year). Pay results will vary depending on many factors, including tenure-based pay rates, your fleet, how hard you work, and how much you drive.

Once you obtain your CDL you can begin earning trainer pay in as little as 6 months of driving.

When will I receive pay increases?

It depends on the lane and how much you are willing to drive.

Do you offer a fuel bonus?

No, C.R. England does not currently offer a fuel bonus program to company drivers.

CR England Company Driver Benefits

What benefits are offered?

Full discounted life, health, dental, and vision coverage is offered. 401k with company match.

What is the average cost of benefits?

$21.06 to $101.94 per week depending on chosen plan.

How long until you qualify for benefits?

Benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment.

What about vacation time?

Vacation time varies by state, but generally:

• After one year, you will receive one week paid vacation.
• After two years, you will receive two weeks paid vacation.
• After ten years, you will receive three weeks paid vacation.
• After fifteen years, you will receive four weeks paid vacation.

TruckingTruth's View On CR England Company Driver Pay

While the starting pay at CR England is slightly below the industry average, after one year of employment, driver pay is about average for the industry.

C.R. England also emphasizes it's higher trainer pay, available after 6 months of safe driving. We would usually recommend waiting at least a year before getting into becoming a trainer. At 6 months experience you are still, basically, a rookie.

Pets & Travelers Policy

Do you allow pets?

Pets are not allowed on company equipment.

What is the company’s rider policy?

Must have at least 30 days accident-free driving, passenger must be at least 8 years of age, driver must obtain accident insurance for passenger through the safety dept. Driver and passenger must sign release prior to commencement of the trip. One passenger at a time.

CR England Dispatching Policies

Can a new driver run regional or dedicated right after school?

6 months experience needed. After about 3 months experience it is possible to be taken to a dedicated or regional lane sooner if they live in an area where there is a need.

Find regional and dedicated positions in your area here.

Will there be any NYC? How soon would a new solo driver be expected to go there?

Not typically. Most NYC runs are local positions run by drivers with significant experience.

Are you forced dispatch? Is the driver given any options for different loads?

Drivers are expected to run the given load if they can legally do so. No options for a different load unless the driver has home time and we switch some loads around.

How often can I expect to be home? For how long at a time?

Depends on type of run and lane. OTR is generally 3-4 days every 3-4 weeks, Regional and dedicated home times are lane specific, and range from daily, weekly and every 2-3 weeks

What percentage of freight is drop and hook?

About 65% of the freight is drop and hook.

CR England Company Driver Opportunities

Do you have a leasing program, and will I be persuaded or incentivized to lease?

No, C.R. England does not offer leasing.

What divisions do you have? (local, dedicated, regional, tanker, flatbed, reefer)

CR England is a refrigerated carrier only. While a limited number of local, regional, and dedicated positions are available, the majority of drivers operate in the OTR division. Drivers for regional and dedicated positions are chosen based upon experience, service, performance, and safety records.

TruckingTruth's View On CR England Company Driver Opportunities

Even though the regional and dedicated freight at CR England is growing, new drivers should expect to remain in the OTR division for at least one year. Even at that point, most regional and dedicated drivers are hand chosen. Those positions normally do not come with any additional home time or pay increases.

One aspect to consider is that C.R. England will generally try to avoid sending inexperienced drivers into New York City.

What kind of trucks do you have?

C.R. England has a varied fleet, using a mix of Freightliner, Kenworth, Peterbilt, international, Western Star, and Mack trucks.

Trailers are newer model Utility and Great Dane’s equipped with refrigeration units.

Do you run electronic logs?

Yes, 100% of the fleet is on electronic logs.

What are your trucks governed at?

Company drivers are restricted to 62.5 mph.

Do you have APU units?

No APU's.