Profile For Jeremy C.

Well, I haven't posted much lately because there hasn't been much to post.

The web is full of sob stories and soap operas, but I hate both, so I posted nothing.

My second trainer has been very safety conscious. He's not conscious or aware of much else, but he is adamant about safety. So, after the first week (when the honeymoon was over) I proceeded to put up with and deal with quite a bit.

My stress level has been very high and my paychecks very low. But things have always been safe, so I STFU and dealt with everything else.

And now my time with CRST is done. After a week of unsatisfactory dialogue with my manager, I gave notice of my resignation today.

My second trainer and I did not get along at all (no secret to my manager) but I thought he at least had more moral standing (and thought the company did, too) than he does. But somehow he was able to create a very interesting (and untenable) post-training situation for me. And against all logic and clear evidence, the company has both embraced and endorsed his efforts.

I'm at a complete loss as to how he still has a job, much less why the company works so hard to overlook the many things that have taken place in lieu of actually addressing those things. Perhaps if you don't investigate it then is doesn't actually exist?

For whatever reason, things are what they are. And what troubles me most is that I dealt with six weeks (supposed to be four) of training for what has amounted to no good reason. Had I known how things would end I would have never put up with the things I have put up with for that amount of time. But hope sometimes leads us to endure what we otherwise could or would not. And I had very much hoped to work for this company for a long while.

Whatever my experience was, it was subjective (so don't project my experience into your future, your experience will most likely be much better) and it is now over.

For the record, CRST has all the same potential to be as great or bad of a company as any other. Honestly, in my opinion, they have the potential to offer more than many other companies that I've learned about. Just because things didn't work out for me doesn't mean anything. My experience seems like it was pretty unique.

I am not done with trucking, just done with CRST. I don't know what's next or how I will find it, but I'm already looking around. I can't imagine doing anything else as a job.

I owe this community here at TT more than I can ever repay. I will always remain grateful for that.

This training diary is finished.

I use a Dometic personal size portable freezer for my perishable food storage needs. I managed to snag mine on sale about 18? Months ago and absolutely love it. They're not cheap, but worth every penny. I can run this on fridge mode OR freezer mode (not both at same time). Mine runs on 12 volt, uses very little power, and is very very quiet. If I'm opting for lots of fresh fruits and salads, sliced deli meats and cheeses, fridge mode is great. When I am stocking shrimp, fish, various meats, frozen veggies, I set it to freezer mode. It will freeze completely thawed items solid in about 45 mins. Yes, I could keep ice cream if I wanted. They run between $550-600 but are built to withstand the vibration and abuse of travel. Mine is the personal size (18 liter capacity) and one of dometics smaller units. It weighs 26 lbs empty lol. .I have an Aroma 3 in 1 cooker (steamer/Crock-Pot/pressure cooker), a small household electric contact grill, a microwave, and a portable propane grill i keep in my side box. I can cook virtually anything in my truck.

Hmmmm.... New ideas for my ever-growing wish list. 😀

This is as close as I can get it.

Holy cow! Talk about tipping the scales!

Yes, sir, that's cutting it pretty close. One decent cup of coffee and you're going over the limit. 😆

That's pretty awesome news, Jamie! Very nice choice on your company to train with. Look forward to seeing some updates here. 😀

My visits may be intermittent because I just finished training and I'm about to get set loose with my buddy/co-driver, so I'm going to have my hands a little full being that we're basically out on our own now.

But even if I dont leave comments, I try to keep up with stuff when I can. Also, make sure to update regularly, as you never know who else is just lurking and reading posts without even introducing themselves - so you never know just how many people you might be helping just by sharing! 👍

Safe travels to Little Rock and best of luck while getting started!!!

Jeremy

Awesome. I actually think you both being new drivers is not necessarily a bad thing. I would imagine it will be easier to wake up your co-driver in the middle of his break if you need assistance as he might be a little more understanding that a experienced one. It is nice to hear that things are going well for you. Best of luck and safe travels.

Chris

Thanks much, Chris! And thank you for the open-ended questions. My diary has been going untouched lately (for good reason) but your questions have allowed me to focus on some (much needed) positive content.

I really liked your attitude about ever thing, and your dedication to learning and improving during your down time. I noticed from reading these, a lot of people seem to goof off during this time, rather then using any extra time they have to study or improve on something they don't understand or having trouble with. Like I mentioned in another thread, I really hope you keep updating us whenever possible; as I like reading the progress everyone makes. I'm glad I found these forums, a lot of useful and helpful information, along with friendly members.

Thank you, Jamie! I haven't seen your other post yet, as this is my first stop today for reading. But the intention of the diary section is for exactly what you described above. So, hopefully we'll be seeing your diary soon! 👍

I definitely need to give this a closer look. I find after about 8 hours or so that I'm getting sore in spots that were never bothered before. Like my tailbone, of all places!?!?

Gimme about 8 hours and I start squirming and shifting around trying to get comfy or at least take some pressure off, but haven't found a remedy yet.

Maybe if I change the way I'm sitting to begin with I can prevent some of these annoyances.

Yes, sir. We did meet at the school. Our conversation just started one day and I don't think its ended yet. He met my wife and I met his - we both received approval from the bosses, though they did seem a little concerned that we talk and act so much alike.

We share many of the same values and beliefs, and since we first discussed teaming up we always seem to have the same ideas and opinions about almost everything.

So, it seems like a really good fit. The down side, of course, is that we are both fairly new to this career and lifestyle. We probably would have benefited most if we had chosen experienced people to team up with.

However, the way we look at it now, it's a very similar situation to someone doing 30 days of training and then going solo - with the exception that (due to varied training experiences) we may be able to teach each other a thing or two.

That's how things stand at the moment. But we're both pragmatists, so we both realize full and well that the truth won't come out until we've spent a few weeks in that truck together. Once we've gone through some of the interesting things that new drivers are fated to go through, and dealt with each other while stressed out, etc. That's when the truth will be apparent if we will make good co-drivers together.

But, we're both optimistic and eager to find out! 😎

Does anyone know of a good company near Chico, CA. I'm looking for a company that can pay for my cdl training

Greetings, Matthew, and welcome to the forum! 😀

I would suggest starting a new post (with this question) out in the General Discussion area. That way your question will be seen by more people than just those who read this single topic.

There are plenty of great options to get your CDL paid for (I went that route myself) but I won't answer the question here because it covers a different topic than what's posted here in this thread.

Start a new topic in the Genetal Discussion area and all kinds of help and info will be posted there for ya! 👍

Time for some research, brother...

• Trucking Company Reviews
• Trucker's Career Guide: Choosing Your First Truck Driving Job
• Article Category: Finding The Right Truck Driving Job
• Forum Topics Tagged "Choosing A Trucking Company"
• Truck Driving Jobs

Well, when I look back and wonder where it all went wrong, I guess it will be these words...

I am going to start a topic on here that will summarize my experience at CRST trucking school in Cedar Rapids, IA. This way if a new driver wants to consider them for their initial training or in my case, retraining, then they can have a first hand account of what to expect. NOW it is FINALLY time to start paying yall back for the help yall have given me. I just hope my CRST diary will do that for yall.

Of course, I'm joking! Those words helped get me to CRST. And then your diary helped me prepare for it. And finally, your kindness and your advice helped me get through the end - and hooked up with the best DM in the industry!

Though I tried diligently to follow in your footsteps, my diary has went cold during training because... Well, my experiences should not be documented there right now beyond what they are because I don't want my subjective experienced between two "interesting" trainers to reflect on the company as a whole. Notably because, other than my training experience, the company has treated me (a nobody, who has yet to do anything of value for them) has treated me totally like a rock star!

You're one of the most humble, kind, generous, and professional drivers I have ever met from our company. And I hope to be able to emulate that after my one-year mark has come and gone.

Your story is an inspirational one and proof that anyone can bounce back from anything. Never did you say, "Poor me" or "Somebody do it for me!" Instead, you pursued a way out of that hole you stumbled into, you fought and clawed to climb out of it. And then when you were on your feet again, your first instinct was to become a trainer so you could start giving back to others what was given to you.

TOTALLY FREAKIN AWESOME!!!

I don't think I have the stones to be a trainer because, well, let's face it... That's just some dangerous $#!+ and I just don't have it.
Many blessings of the gods and Valhalla for you, Susan, Rainy, and others with the gifts of courage and patience to be trainers. I've been around too many new students lately to even consider that!

You're an inspiration, brother!

May your days be long,
and your paychecks be much,
and if your fortune is questioned,
tell 'em it's thanks to the CRST gold rush!

Safe travels, brother!
-
Cattle die,
kinsmen die,
the self dies,
but the renown for the one who gets good fame dies never.
Hávamál, 77