Prime Or CRST Training Programs

Hello all,

New to the forum here. I was wondering which company would be the better option to go with for their cdl program. I am 31 and live in Branson, MO just down the road from Prime's headquarters, not sure where the closest CRST terminal is. I graduated an accredited truck academy in 2005, got my Class A CDL, drove for Star Transportation out of Nashville for 9 months, and then left the industry, as well as let the CDL go in 2009, quite foolishly.

Here I set now, a month away from being dead broke, and am scrambling to find employment. Clean MVR for the past decade, no felonies, dui/dwi, and a college degree that was a waste of time and money.

I know Prime's contract is a year, and I think CRST is 8 months. I really want to get in the oil industry if possible, and have put in about 50+ applications in the past few days all over the country, and overseas. To be honest, I am wondering which one can get me earning a paycheck the quickest. Just wondering if any of you fine folks had any inside knowledge on which may be the best way to go.

One thing to consider when comparing Prime vs CRST - do you wanna team or not? CRST is team driving - Prime is not team, except for when you're with a trainer. Prime also pays very well for student drivers, including that time during training.

One thing to consider when comparing Prime vs CRST - do you wanna team or not? CRST is team driving - Prime is not team, except for when you're with a trainer. Prime also pays very well for student drivers, including that time during training.

Very True. I team drove for 6 of the 9 months when I was with star, but couldn't stand the guy. I made a lot more team driving though compared to when I went solo. Plus it was a dedicated run , which I liked better. At least I knew the miles would be there every week, instead of hammering the dispatchers for a load.

Well, based on your first post, and your response, I'd recommend Prime. They pay very well for students during training - comparatively speaking.

Well, based on your first post, and your response, I'd recommend Prime. They pay very well for students during training - comparatively speaking.

Thanks for the reply. I filled out the application, and called to speak with a recruiter. I could tell she was reading from a script. Their website says one thing, and she was scattered, and not the friendliest, but that's how people are around here. Quite strange.

I would say Prime will put in training very fast. Call and speak to Lane Williams in recruiting and he will take care of you.

I would say Prime will put in training very fast. Call and speak to Lane Williams in recruiting and he will take care of you.

Sure will, I appreciate your help! I think after everything I have researched I'm going to go with Prime. Talked to Trailiner also. They didn't sound like a bad company running some dedicated teams, but I can't find any definitive information on them, so I think Prime should be okay. Maybe I can go flatbed instead of reefer. I'll take either one though, can't complain until I get some more experience on the resume.