ON THE ROAD

TO CRST SUCCESS

Start your career today
We want your new life with CRST, The Transportation Solution, Inc. to have the best possible beginning, which is why we have provided this step-by-step guide. Many of your questions will be answered on this page. For all other questions, your recruiter will be happy to help.

Expectations for a Fresh Start

Training Schedule

Week
ONE

PERMIT
  • Administrative Check-In and Paperwork
  • Drug Screening/DOT Physicals
  • Classroom Time
  • Testing
  • Reviews for 3 Tests
  • Air Brake
  • Combination
  • General Knowledge

Week
TWO

SCHOOL
  • Pre Trip Inspection
  • Road Skills
  • Backing – Includes Straight, Offset and Alley Dock

Week
THREE

SCHOOL
  • Backing – Practice
  • Coupling/Uncoupling
  • Environment & Situation Training
  • DOT Testing

Week
FOUR

ORIENTATION
  • Orientation
  • Hiring Paperwork
  • Contracts
  • Lead Driver Assignment
  • Final Paperwork
  • Issue ID’s
DOWNLOAD & PRINT PDF OF SCHEDULE

What You’ll Need to Bring
Be prepared to bring the following items on your first day of training.

You must have the following important documents with you:
DOWNLOAD & PRINT PDF CHECKLIST
  1. Valid United States driver’s license.
  2. Valid social security card. In order to be valid, the card must be in original and good condition. It cannot be laminated or be a photocopy.
  3. Acceptable immigration documentation if you are not a U.S. citizen.
  4. Any employment documentation required to complete the CRST driver application (i.e. unemployment records, tax forms for self-employment, notarized letters, etc.).
  5. Voided check for transfer to your bank account, for those who want to enroll in direct payroll transfer.
  6. State-certified birth certificate* in good condition (no rips or tears) or a valid passport.
    *If the name on your birth certificate does not match your driver’s license you will need to provide proof of name change via documentation (i.e. marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.).

We suggest you bring the following personal items with you:
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  1. 7 or more days of clothes including jeans, sweats, short- and long-sleeve shirts, coat, and winter clothing if necessary.
  2. Work boots or treaded hiking shoes. Sandals, flip flops, cowboy boots, and smooth-bottom shoes are not allowed!
  3. Work gloves, hat, sunglasses, battery-powered alarm clock & flashlight.
  4. Personal toiletries needed for your time in the truck.
  5. Bedding for the truck including sleeping bag, pillows, blankets, twin size sheets.
  6. Notebook and pen
  7. Motor carrier atlas, truck stop guide, and calculator.
  8. Medications, if you are currently taking any.
  9. Bus or rental car confirmation number.
  10. Money for personal items. This would include laundry, evening and weekend meals, and any other items you need to purchase while in training.
  11. Please do not bring tools!

What to expect and how to prepare:
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  1. DOT physical exam, DOT drug screen, and an agility test will be conducted on the first day of school.
  2. 20% of your time will be spent in a classroom and 80% will be spent driving.
  3. Expect to be busy Monday-Friday and possibly weekends, depending on your training location.
  4. Be attentive and take good notes.
  5. Keep a positive, professional attitude – after all, you’re on your way to a new career with CRST!

A Life-Changing Decision

The decision to join CRST was one of the best I've ever made. My first year really catapulted my driving career and now I mentor the next generation of drivers.

FAQs

Alabama Permit Location

WHERE IS PERMIT TRAINING IN ALABAMA LOCATED?
Classes will be held at the Quality Inn located at 600 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, Phenix City, AL 36869.

WHAT IF I ARRIVE BY BUS?
When you arrive at the Columbus, GA bus station, please call Warrior Cab at 706-304-3385 to take you to the Quality Inn located at 600 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, Phenix City, AL 36869. You will need to mention that you are a CRST student when you get the cab.

HOW MUCH MONEY DO I NEED TO BRING TO SCHOOL?
Bring enough money to cover your evening and weekend meals and personal expenses for the length of your stay (about 4 weeks). Complimentary breakfast and lunch will be provided Monday-Friday. We recommend bringing at least $200-$300. You will need money to cover your permit fee up-front which will be reimbursed as long as you keep your receipt. The licensing fees for Alabama residents are $25 for those taking the test for the first time , $36.50 to issue the permit, and $15 for each retest. The fee for Georgia residents is $45 and $10 for each retest.

HOW DO I GET TO CLASS?
Permit classes are conveniently located in your hotel. Classes are held Monday-Friday and begin at 7:00 a.m.

WHERE DO I EAT DURING PERMIT TRAINING?
Complimentary breakfast and lunch will be provided Monday-Friday, but you are responsible for evening and weekend meals. There are many restaurants and delivery options for your hotel.

DO I GO HOME AFTER PERMIT TRAINING?
No. You will go straight from permit training to your school location. After school, you will be on the road for approximately 4 weeks to train with a lead driver, after which you’ll have a road test and exit interview. You will then be out on the road with a co-driver for an additional 2 weeks.

WHAT KIND OF PAYROLL DEDUCTION SHOULD I EXPECT?
The items listed below are paid for by CRST up-front. Total payroll deductions will not exceed $40 per week.

  • Bus ticket to school
  • DOT Physical/DOT drug and alcohol test – The total cost is $100
  • Lodging – The average cost is $150* per week. *Actual cost may vary.

WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE A QUESTION?
Please contact your recruiter with additional questions.

WHEN CAN I EXPECT TO BE HIRED?
Students will be hired after they have successfully completed training, which typically lasts about 4 weeks.

Iowa School Location

WHERE IS THE CRST TERMINAL LOCATED?
The main building is located at 3930 16th Avenue SW in Cedar Rapids, IA. The training building is located at 3750 16th Avenue SW.

WHAT IF I ARRIVE BY BUS?
Call 1-800-366-8460 upon arriving at the bus station for a direct CRST shuttle.

WHAT IF I ARRIVE BY RENTAL CAR?
Return the car to the Cedar Rapids – Eastern Iowa Regional Airport located at 2121 Arthur Collins Pkwy SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404. Then call the CRST shuttle at 1-800-366-8460.

WHAT DO I DO IF MY LUGGAGE WAS LOST?
If your luggage was lost on the bus, please follow the steps on the Lost Luggage Procedure document.

HOW MUCH MONEY DO I NEED TO BRING TO SCHOOL?
Bring enough money to cover your evening and weekend meals and personal expenses for the length of your stay. Complimentary breakfast and lunch will be provided Monday-Friday. We recommend at least $200-$300.

WHERE DO I EAT DURING SCHOOL?
Complimentary breakfast and lunch will be provided Monday-Friday, but you are responsible for providing yourself with dinner. There are many restaurants and a grocery store within walking distance of your room.

DO I GO HOME AFTER SCHOOL?
No. You will be on the road for approximately 4 weeks to train with a lead driver, after which you’ll have a road test and exit interview. Then you will be out on the road with a co-driver for an additional 2 weeks.

WHAT KIND OF PAYROLL DEDUCTION SHOULD I EXPECT?
The items listed below are paid for by CRST up front. Total payroll deductions will not exceed $40 per week.

  • Bus ticket to school
  • DOT Physical/DOT drug and alcohol test – The total cost is $100
  • Lodging – The average cost is $150* per week. *Actual cost may vary.

CRST 2020 Freightliner Cascadia

Location and Contact Information

Permit Training / Quality Inn
600 Martin Luther King Jr. Par, Phenix City, AL 36869

334-298-1005
North American Driver Training Academy
5020 18th Avenue SW Cedar Rapids, IA

800-366-8460