CRST Or Raider Express?

Hi Everyone, Lurker turning public. I'm an older ex-wireless guy who can't find a job in tech anymore due to getting old and whatever, so have been looking at alternatives. I'm a flight instructor as well- though we all know what Covid19 has done to aviation, so on to Trucking!!

Here's the connumdrum: Was looking to start with Raider Express 8/3. Everything I've read says they are a good place to get wet in this industry and are treated well. Alternatively, I have CRST telling me they can get me started next week in their training program.

If possible, can I get some real world advice to make an informed decision? I threw this together (by no means complete, or possibly even accurate): CRST Pro Free training, but with contract Expected ~50k annual year 1 Med/Dental 401k with 3% match >1year Food allowance (training)

Raider Pro Free training, but with contract Expected ~50k annual year 1 Med/Dental 401k with 3% match >1year Food allowance (training)

CRST Con Faster truck Contract Team 1st year Poor training accommodation

Raider Con Slow truck No contract No team Single room at La Quinta No food allowance (training)

What I don't know is what happens day to day AFTER training...

Thanks to everyone in advance! I truly appreciate all input.

I’m not sure about raider but think Crst is a team running organization. I’m sure they are a good company but do you want to run teams? Don’t worry too much about orientation accommodations. That is a very small Part of the process.

All I can refer you about is CRST.....My contract will be finished in 1 week woohoo! BUT I plan to stick around.

Training, depends which terminal/state........ I went thru their Riverside, Calif 1 since that's where I live.

1) trucks are governed 65-67 mph ......2017-2020 model freightliners

2) Dorm room is 3 per room @ $150 per week (our terminal was very clean), Due to Covid is 2 to a room now spaced by center full bed / 20 feet lol they pay for the drug test and physical up front and dmv permit fee's..... All of which is Payroll deducted @ $40 for 2 or 3 months not sure I forget ??, wasn't very long

3) Breakfast served before the bus comes to take students to an off-site school (ASD of Fontana)

4) Lunch is served at the training facility....Sandwiches n chips lol drinks on you....Dinner is also on you. There is a cafe hat cooks hot food n meals and couple vending machines. and sell sundries etc best buy those at wal mart lol

5) laundry on site, 5 washers/5 dryers $1.00 per load

6) Heard they now have students out with a trainer 60 days not 28 as before, not too sure if they have started that yet or not

Classes last 3 weeks.....day 1 videos, practice testing....Day 2 is pee test n physical @ ASD, once you have permit, will be in yard practicing inspections and parking maneuvers.....Consisting of straight backs, offsets, parallel parking.

Shuttle Bus picks up students at 6:01 on the dot !, returns students to the CRST terminal after 2:30-3 pm (approx)

CRST does shuttle students to the local Wal-Mart, nightly , Monday thru Saturdays, NO Sundays (2-3 times, as well as bus or airport pick ups)

Before this Covid BS, the terminals arcade room, movie room, quiet room,and 3 pool tables , arcade games, and big screen tv's on in cafeteria area were in use

Class is pretty quick out of almost 15 days, 4 are spent at terminal for orientation.....3 days the last week, So basicly, I had my CDL in 10 real days, returned from the DMV with the paper copy, and that very day, was in rental car headed out to meet my trainer.....

Hi, In speaking with the recruiter, the location was Colorado- I forgot where specifically. When it comes to picking a company, I realize there are a bunch of factors playing into what is good/bad company as well as individual preference. My preference is to run solo though I do think in the beginning my complete lack of experience would definitely benefit from the Team environment.

I tend towards Raider if for no other reason, than lack of contract. I guess I am just shy of contracts ever since the Army! :)

CRST school in Colorado will be at Careers World Wide, in Keenesburg. Both CRST and Steven's Transport utilize this private school, and it was mainly military vets attending when I was there.

If you use your GI Bill benefits to attend, you will not be under a contract at CRST because you are paying for the school.

This is how I started OTR. I only stayed at CRST for four months because the team driving model was not for me.

CRST school in Colorado will be at Careers World Wide, in Keenesburg. Both CRST and Steven's Transport utilize this private school, and it was mainly military vets attending when I was there.

If you use your GI Bill benefits to attend, you will not be under a contract at CRST because you are paying for the school.

This is how I started OTR. I only stayed at CRST for four months because the team driving model was not for me.

Hey all, I think I'm definitely leaning towards Raider. I used the GI Bill a long time ago- getting a degree in economics that I never used!

Thanks!