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CRST sends their drivers through 1 of 30 separate CDL schools. These schools are not owned by CRST and are privately run schools, so each program will differ in how the training is completed. The schools are screened by CRST and are designed to provide students with proper training to obtain a Class-A Commercial Driver's License from the state where the school is located. You can expect the following to occur at any of the 30 CDL schools CRST contracts to:
CDL training will last from 2 to 4 weeks depending on the school you attend. That will be followed by a 4 day orientation session at a CRST terminal and a minimum of 28 days and 14,000 miles with a company trainer.
This will depend on your exact CDL school, but 80% of your training will be done outside of a classroom. All state minimum requirements will be met.
Depending on your school the number of students per truck will vary, but generally there are no more than 4 students per truck.
About 20% of the time will be spent in a CDL classroom. All state minimum requirements for classroom time will be met.
It's tough to give specifics about the CDL training through CRST as they use many different private CDL training companies. However, each program that CRST uses has been researched and is known to provide good training, otherwise CRST wouldn't use them. Basically, CRST does your research into finding a great CDL school for you and will hire you as soon as you complete your schooling and receive a valid CDL.
Required training time will be based upon number of days as well as number of miles driven with a trainer. The minimum number of days required is 28, while the minimum number of combined miles (you and your trainer) is 14,000. Generally, trainees go with a trainer for 2 to 3 weeks then take a few days of home time before completing company training.
While driving with a trainer, students split 22cpm for every mile the truck is driven. Meaning, the student will receive 12cpm and so will the trainer. For example:
- Drive 4,000 miles per week and earn $440
- Drive 5,000 miles per week and earn $550
- Drive 6,000 miles per week and earn $660
Initially, the truck is dispatched as a solo operation. But within 4 to 7 days the truck will be operated as a team truck.
No, only one trainee to each training truck.
Yes, all drivers must utilize the bottom bunk while the truck is in motion.
All disputes are handled on a case-by-case basis. Trainees can contact dispatch 24hrs per day 365 days per year in the event of an emergency situation. As a worse case scenario, a new trainer will be provided.
Yes, all trainees can specify their smoking preference.
All trainers must be approved by both the Operations and Safety Departments. In general, trainers must have a minimum of 6 months to 1yr of OTR experience. This must include four months of winter driving in the last 12 months, to include driving OTR between the months of November and March. Once trainers are approved, they must attend a Lead Driver Class to learn teaching techniques.
The duration of training and pay during training is about on par with the industry average. You should be in training for approximately one month which is a good amount of time to learn not only how to drive, but how the company operates and how company procedures are handled.
The below pay is based upon split mileage pay for all miles driven (you receive half and the driver you team with receives half for all miles driven).
During the first year you will receive a minimum of 3 pay increases. After that, expect a pay raise every 6 months to 2 years depending on your experience.
Currently there is no fuel bonus plan in place.
Medical Insurance is available to drivers on the first day of employment through a Medical Bridge policy. You are eligible for the CRST group plan (Blue Shield PPO) the first of the month following 6 months of employment. 401k, vacation time, life, vision, and dental plans are also available.
After 13 months, CRST will contribute 50% to the driver's 401k up to a maximum of 6% of the driver's pay contributed to the plan.
Example: A driver earning $40,000 per year contributes 6% of his salary or $2,400. CRST will then contribute another $1,200. CRST pays its contribution weekly. Employer contributions are fully vested after six years.
Drivers can receive health coverage beginning on the first day of employment. 401k is available after 90 days and all other benefits will kick in after 6 months to 1 year.
