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CRST Swift Prime

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CRST Company-Sponsored CDL Training Program

Get Your CDL Training At CRST Driver Academy

• Items To Bring To CRST Training

  What important items will I need with me?

  • Valid United Sates Driver's License (If your license has a vision restriction you must bring your glasses and prescription sunglasses (if you have them)
  • Valid Social Security Card (Must be original, can't be worn or illegible)
  • Acceptable immigration documentation, if you are not a US citizen.
  • Any employment documentation required to complete the CRST driver application (3 personal references, and your recruiter might ask you for unemployment records, tax forms for self-employment, notarized letters, etc.)
  • Voided Check for transfer to your bank account
  • Original copy of Birth Certificate
  • For females, any marriage and divorce certificatel

• Other Items To Bring To CRST Training

  • 7 days of clothes (jeans, sweats, short and long sleeve shirts, coat, winter clothing if necessary)
  • Work Boots/Treaded Hiking shoes. NO cowboy boots, NO smooth-bottom shoes!
  • Hat, sunglasses, and work gloves
  • Battery Powered Alarm Clock
  • Flashlight
  • Toiletries (towels, wash cloths, toothbrush, tooth paste, shaving materials, soap, deodorant, etc.)
  • Bedding for the Truck (sleeping bag or pillows blankets (twin size sheets)
  • Do not bring tools!
  • Notebook, pen, etc
  • Motor Carrier Atlas, Truck Stop Guide and Calculator (CRST Expedited does offer this Atlas Package for $28 and is mandatory to have- it can be deducted from your payroll at $7.00 a week for 4 weeks)
  • Medication if you are currently taking any
  • Bus Confirmation Number (if taking the Greyhound)

• Important Aspects Of CDL Training

  

• Preparing For CRST Training

  

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

  While this depends on which of the 30 schools you attend, most CDL schools in the CRST network will assist you in obtaining your CDL permit.

  Do I need a US Passport?

  Yes. All drivers need a passport for travel into Canada.

  Which CDL endorsements are required or encouraged?

  A HazMat endorsement is required (CRST pays all HazMat certification fees). While not required, CRST also operates double-trailers for some dedicated and regional positions so a doubles/triples endorsement is a good idea.

• TruckingTruth's Insights On Preparing For CRST CDL Training

  

  Since both a passport and a HazMat certification are required, we recommend you begin this process early. Before heading to your CDL school, begin the paperwork process to obtain your passport and while studying for your CDL permit tests, expect to take the exams for the HazMat endorsement.

  Since CRST does run double/triple operations, it's also a great idea to take the double/triple certification as well to become eligible for future opportunities. We also recommend everyone takes and passes the tanker exams since most people can pass that endorsement through all of their studying on the other endorsement categories.

• Links To More Information Related To CRST

  

• What Is The Cost Structure Of CRST CDL Training?

  If you need to obtain your Class-A CDL but lack the funds to do so, CRST offers a company sponsored program and no credit checks are required. CRST will pay for the schooling up front and in return, you'll sign a contract stating you'll stay employed with them for a minimum of 8 months. Students who participate in this program will start at a lower pay scale for the first 6 months as follows:

  • Month 1 (training pay): No difference in pay
  • Months 2 - 3: Reduction of 4cpm
  • Month 4: Reduction of 3cpm
  • Months 5 - 6: Reduction of 7cpm
  • Months 7 - 12: Normal driver payscale

• Cost Structure Of CRST CDL Training

  

  Once a driver has been collecting a paycheck for 6 weeks, CRST will begin to payroll deduct the cost of transportation to the CDL school unless you provided your own transportation. The DOT Physical / DOT drug and alcohol tests will also be payroll deducted (total cost of both is $100).

  Finally, if you required lodging at the CDL school, these costs will also be payroll deducted (generally lodging costs $150 per week). Payroll deductions will never exceed $40 per week for all of these items combined.

• Cost Structure Of CRST Training

  What are all of the up-front costs?

  • CRST processing fee: $50
  • Permit and Licensing Fees: Generally around $100
  • Money for food and basic living expenses.

  Will my meals be paid for?

  No, students will need to supply their own food. During the 4 day company orientation, lunch and dinner is provided.

  Will my room be paid for?

  Initially, all lodging fees are covered. After 6 weeks of employment with CRST, they will payroll deduct the lodging costs. Generally lodging is about $150 per week.

• Paying For CDL Training Up Front

  

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

  Yes. You may make a prepayment amount of $2,500. This must be paid prior to starting school by way of money order or credit card. In return, you do not have to sign any contract and you will start driving at a higher rate of pay than a contract student.

  Under this plan, you do not have to pay the CRST processing fee of $50, for transportation to school, the physical or drug test, or for lodging. You will only need to pay for any CDL permit or licensing fees.

• Obligations For Paying Tuition For CRST CDL Training

  What are the obligations for paying back the schooling after graduation?

  Simply stay employed for 8 months and your obligation will be fulfilled. Contract students will start out at a lower pay scale, but at 6 months their pay will be the equivalent of a "non contract" driver. The reduced pay is as follows:

  • Month 1 (training pay): No difference in pay
  • Months 2 - 3: Reduction of 4cpm
  • Month 4: Reduction of 3cpm
  • Months 5 - 6: Reduction of 7cpm
  • Months 7 - 12: Normal driver payscale

• TruckingTruth's View On CRST Company-Sponsored Training

  

  While some people may not have the option, this is one program that we highly recommend paying for up front if possible. Reason being, you'll save quite a bit of money by paying up front. Not only are the basic expenses covered such as your licensing and permit fees, but CRST will also cover the cost of transportation and lodging expenses, plus start you out at a higher pay rate.

  Over the long term, it's not going to matter much either way as you're probably going to be driving for many years making $35,000-$50,000 per year. Also the contractual agreement is only 8 months long, the shortest we've seen so far (most companies are 12 months+). But if you have the money up front to cover the tuition cost of $2,500, it's highly recommended.