After a very lengthy text exchange with Ms. Jessica Thomas (319) 313-2068 over a two week period, I was informed "...the application process is complete. The next step is scheduling a start date..." I informed her I was hoping to begin school the middle of September 2018. She responded, "alright, just let me know".
I sent a text stating I was ready, but heard nothing. After a few more texts, and a phone call to her direct number, I received no response. I contacted CRST and spoke with a separate recruiter. I asked if Ms. Thomas was well? There was the possibility she'd been involved in an accident, or on maternity leave, or any number of other circumstances which would result in her silence. The recruiter, a young man who was genuinely concerned, informed me "there's been a change to your status, and it now shows 'denied'. She's in the office today", he added, so I asked if he could transfer me to Jessicas desk, and he did. However, it was the same as before, no answer, and no return call.
Please keep in mind it had been over a week since Ms. Thomas and I last exchanged texts, and I was completely at a loss as to why I was denied, and the other recruiter could NOT provide me any information because he wasn't my recruiter, so what was I to do?
I ended up calling CRST, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (800) 736-CRST (2778), and spoke with Molly in the HR department. She was pleasant enough, but it soon became quite apparent no notes regarding my displeasure with Ms. Jessica Thomas' lack of professionalism we're being taken, and, after I gave a full account of the manner in which Ms. Thomas handled the situation, she (Molly) didn't ask a single question, except, "is that it?" when I said "yes", she replied, "okay, thanks", then hung up.
If not for still having a job, and for taking my time, I would most certainly have been in trouble. I kept thinking about others who she's done this too, and perhaps those applicants quit their jobs believing they'd be on the road to class in a week or so, then hear nothing from Ms. Thomas. For the young and inexperienced, her silence could mean big trouble, especially when you're told you'll be in class up to four weeks, then with a team member for 28 days, then you'll be provided a truck to take with you as CRST has NO central hub in the Northern Californian region, and you'll be on the road for 28-30 days, then home for 2-4 days. For a kid with not much to their name, or those with a new family, all those messages of hope count for nothing, and may be enough to have someone applying for state assistance.
Needless to say, I'm Incredibly displeased with the way this was handled, and most especially with Ms. Jessica Thomas. one little message would've been enough, but she remained steadfastly silent.
For those wishing to join CRST, go somewhere else, and download the Driver Pulse app. I learned of this later, but it's an app the trucking companies use, and you can track your application status, open jobs, and more with it.
Lastly, study your States CDL handbook! Go take the test beforehand, and be sure you pass the physical exam. And, a friend gave me great advice, "take your HAZMAT exam when you get your CDP (CDL permit). Most schools will tell you to not worry about it, because you can get it later, but if you try going back later, you'll need to take the other tests all over again (more money for the tests), so do all you can at one time. Besides, you'll be able to make a lot more money!" read more