Question:
Have been talking to CSRT about new driver training. Have read the posts about CRST and have not seen alot of negative. Recruiter said I would be training @ Weatherford College in Mineral Wells TX. (apparently near Fort Worth) Can anyone tell me anything about this school? And... does anyone have any opinions about weather the Vo-techs and Community colleges might be better to train at than other types of schools. Thanks in advance for your response. t.g.

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There are good schools/programs, and there are bad ones. It is as simple as that.
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Quite often tech schools have better training and alot lower costs than just CDL schools. Check the ones out in your state or neighboring states it might be worth it.

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Think real hard before you go with Crst., and don't let them shove that contract in your face and say we need it signed right now! I seen them do this with a group of five people. They wouldn't even let them look it over, or take it home for a night. They have a nickname also! Crash And Roll Stunt Team. Supposedly they had something like 37 rollovers in 2002. Think you can sleep in the sleeper with a lead driver at the wheel who only has three months experience? I seen guys who were so broke there, they were eating scraps from other drivers in Fontana. Been there, didn't like what I saw, and got out.

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Forgot something. Crst pays $2400 to the CDL school, but if you bow out, you pay back $3700! If you got the cash, pay your own way through, then you can work for who you want that ecepts recent grads.

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Thanks for the replies so far. Still looking for input on this particular School.
Im'm pretty well aware of the pro's and cons of contract and teem driving. Have no option but to contract. The field I work in now doesn't pay enough to pay for school. I have no money but no bills either. (speaking of pros and cons) I have no idea what the personal circumstances or mental state of the guy eating scraps in Fontana but I strongly doubt if it was totally because he or she worked for any particular carrier. I am however planning to bite the bullet on the contract thing unless I can find another way to pay for school. I am however on the fence with the team driving aspect of CSRT. not sure I'm too interested in smellin someone elses butt for weeks at a time even if I am wiping them for a living now. (litterally) I don't have stars in my eyes or foolishly think that driving is glamorous ,too old for that and have know too many drivers. Bottom line is ,some like it some don't. If I can wipe butts for 18 months Im sure that I can handle a year of contract driving. Guess it's all perspective. If anyone knws anything about this school I'd appreciate some opinions. Thanks for the other opinions and insights.

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I know several CSRT drivers that went to that school and they all seemed to like it. They said it was cheaper and classes were smaller. They had more one on one time with instructors then at a CDL school. This is just hearsay as I have never been to the school but I haven't heard any complaints about it.
I think you get a better training at the Vo-techs and Community colleges then you do at the other schools. It seems that most of the other schools are all about putting a$$es in the seats and making the money. They rush you through and you don't learn all you should to be a safe driver. If I have the choice I would go to the Vo-techs. you're in the wrong lane!

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Good to hear something positive about the school. Think Im going to go with CSRT and bite the bullet team driving for a year (the biggest downside so far) Trying to convince myself that teeming won't be that bad for a year. By the looks of things I can become a trainer aftera few months. (How scarey is that?? ) Have to say that this forum has been a great sounding board. Hope to be in school in a few weeks. t.g.

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I definitely think that a vocational school is the way to go. As a New Mexico resident I only paid $330.00 for school in Albuquerque, so look into schools in your area. I got reimbursed by my company once hired and also got a tax credit for it, so I actually made $330 to fo to school.
Team driving is TOUGH but it is nice when you are first starting out. I got hired by Interstate Dist. Co.(they don't train anymore) to drive solo. When I got to orientation I met another guy from Albuquerque and we decided to team. We lasted 7 months. The money was great, and we got a new truck right away BUT living in the truck with another grown man is hard. He was a safe driver and I never had a problem sleeping behind him, it is the little things that will wear on you. Shifting habits, eating habits, hygeine, just to name a few. I went solo after 7 mos and enjoyed the hell out of it, even got me a Pete.
I am not telling you not to team because you are definitely better off as a newbie, what I would be leary off is signing a contract that says you HAVE to team for a year. Two heads are better than one when you first get out there but two heads quickly changes in to one too many as soon as you both start figuring out how you like to run.Save up, look into other schools and pay for it on your own.
I won't even sign a contract for my cell phone.

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OK NEWBIE........I went to crst's school in cedar rapids 10 years ago this june. It was a great school. I have nothing to regert about crst.. I did my year and left. I had several co-drivers in my year there,some I had for longer time than others....If you get someone you dont like just ask to be switched...its no big deal...You could do alot worse than crst, thats for sure..Do your year,keep your nose clean,and than you can write your own ticket and work where you want...good luck

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cricket, that was Very well said.