Prime, Swift, Or CRST
Topic 23826 | Page 1
First why only those? I was trained by and drive for CFI. They are head quartered in Joplin, MO. We have terminals in Laredo, Wilmer and Dallas, TX. Also, West Memphis, AR, and Taylor, MI. As far as your size, that won't matter. Can you push a broom, climb 3 steps into the truck, open a door, and turn a crank? If so, you can do this job. Most of my day is spent sitting on my butt. Hope that helps. Have you seen these?
- Truck Driver's Career Guide
- Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
- High Road CDL Training Program
- CDL Practice Tests
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Thanks for the info. I have been researching lots of companies but I’m feeling overwhelmed with so much information. Also wondering about solo vs team driving.
I am considering a trucking career. I have been accepted to start with a large carrier in Jan. I am trying to decide between Prime, Swift, or CRST. Also I’m concerned if I can physically do the job. I’m 5 ft , 135 lbs and have no upper body strength. I need honest advice! Thanks! Cindy in Texas
Welcome to the forum Cynthia.
Please invest some time reading the links Big Scott replied with. It’s very important to develop a realistic knowledge base with reasonable expectations. The first two links will accomplish that. The High Road Training program will effectively prepare you to pass the CLP exams. Highly recommended!
A bit more information about your choices;
Swift and Prime have similarities; differences in how they train, and optionally a driver can run “team”.
CRST on the other hand is 100% “teaming”. It’s not an option.
Make sure you understand the distinction; you’ll be sharing a truck 24x7 with another person in a space the size of an average walk-in closet. When your teammate is driving, you’ll be sleeping and visa-versus.
A quick note on Swift, I was trained by them and continue driving for them almost 6 years later running Walmart Dedicated Grocery in the NorthEast region. No complaints, no regrets and no plans to seek employment elsewhere.
Good luck!
CLP:
Commercial Learner's Permit
Before getting their CDL, commercial drivers will receive their commercial learner's permit (CLP) upon passing the written portion of the CDL exam. They will not have to retake the written exam to get their CDL.
You said in Texas. If tour using the High Road Training and tour in Texas you wiil have a section thatsnot covered on the CLP its section 14 you will need to study that in addition to the stuff covered in the High Road Training
CLP:
Commercial Learner's Permit
Before getting their CDL, commercial drivers will receive their commercial learner's permit (CLP) upon passing the written portion of the CDL exam. They will not have to retake the written exam to get their CDL.
The major choices you have as an inexperienced driver are:
To team or not to team
What type of freight do I want to haul? (Dry van, reefer , flatbed, etc)
Does the company hire in my area of domicile.
Do they have their own CDL school?
Do they allow pets or riders? (if that's important to you) And that's pretty much it, in a nutshell.
Can they get me home when I require? Be it every weekend, every few weeks, or every few months.
It's really not that complicated. Don't get all caught up on little details. When you're ready to make that leap into trucking, just apply to companies and see what offers you get, then make your choice.
Best of luck and welcome to Trucking Truth.
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Dry Van:
A trailer or truck that that requires no special attention, such as refrigeration, that hauls regular palletted, boxed, or floor-loaded freight. The most common type of trailer in trucking.Reefer:
A refrigerated trailer.
Thank you . I have been accepted at Swift and have been pleased with the recruiters and feel good about the company. Sometimes I overthink too much but I have peace about them and a good “gut” feeling that this is the choice for me. I should just buckle down and study!!!
Welcome to the forum Cynthia.
Please invest some time reading the links Big Scott replied with. It’s very important to develop a realistic knowledge base with reasonable expectations. The first two links will accomplish that. The High Road Training program will effectively prepare you to pass the CLP exams. Highly recommended!
A bit more information about your choices;
Swift and Prime have similarities; differences in how they train, and optionally a driver can run “team”.
CRST on the other hand is 100% “teaming”. It’s not an option.
Make sure you understand the distinction; you’ll be sharing a truck 24x7 with another person in a space the size of an average walk-in closet. When your teammate is driving, you’ll be sleeping and visa-versus.
A quick note on Swift, I was trained by them and continue driving for them almost 6 years later running Walmart Dedicated Grocery in the NorthEast region. No complaints, no regrets and no plans to seek employment elsewhere.
Good luck!
CLP:
Commercial Learner's Permit
Before getting their CDL, commercial drivers will receive their commercial learner's permit (CLP) upon passing the written portion of the CDL exam. They will not have to retake the written exam to get their CDL.
There is a female driver at CFI who's brand new truck is in the shop getting her seat moved forward. She's 5' 1".
Thanks !
There is a female driver at CFI who's brand new truck is in the shop getting her seat moved forward. She's 5' 1".
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I am considering a trucking career. I have been accepted to start with a large carrier in Jan. I am trying to decide between Prime, Swift, or CRST. Also I’m concerned if I can physically do the job. I’m 5 ft , 135 lbs and have no upper body strength. I need honest advice! Thanks! Cindy in Texas