CR England Truck Driving School

Looking for the right truck driving school can be a challenge. But, what’s more challenging than no truck driving school in your area? That would make you re-think your career plans.

Fortunately, there is an option for you should that occur. And, it’s not what you may think. Imagine the truck driving school paying for your travel to one of their sites.

CR England truck driving school is a great solution if you are looking for the best. But, they are even better when your options limit you because of the area you live in. Now, there’s no need to put your dreams on hold.

The Company

CR England has been around since 1920. That was the year Chester R. England got his first Model T truck. In the state of Utah, he started his first delivery service.

After weathering economic ups and downs, their success allowed them to expand. By the 1990s, they had their own truck driving school called Premier Truck Driving School. And, they now have freight presence in the United States and Mexico.

The Program: Premier Truck Driving School

CR England has a novel approach to hiring and training new truck drivers. The candidate travels to the training location. And, the company covers travel and hotel costs.

They currently have 5 locations across the United States:

  • Cedar Hill, TX
  • Atlanta, GA
  • Burns Harbor, IN
  • Fontana, CA
  • Salt Lake City, UT

You and your recruiter would choose the location that fits best for you. Be aware, though, that sometimes your first choice is not available. This could be due to school capacity or other school criteria.

CR England (Premier Truck Driving School) offers a program for you to get your CDL in 17 days. During that time, your skill training will take place in actual company trucks – not simulators that are the norm in many truck driving schools.

In addition, you will also receive classroom training to learn everything you need to receive your CDL. But, keep in mind that this CDL training course is only for a Class A commercial driver’s license. Other schools and training programs offer options for other class CDLs.

CDLs: Classification, Requirements, and Testing

If you did not know already, CDLs break up into 3 classifications: A, B, and C. There are different factors that go into this. The 3 main factors considered for CDL classification are:

  • Gross combination weight rating (GCWR)
  • Towed vehicle weight
  • Purpose of commercial motor vehicle (CMV)

In the case of a Class A CDL, you would be driving a CMV that was over 26,001 pounds. The towed vehicle also needs to be over 10,000 pounds. Additionally, aside from tractor trailers you can also operate the following CMVs with correct endorsements:

  • Flatbeds
  • Livestock carriers
  • Tank vehicles
  • Truck and trailer combinations

Endorsements are special additions to your general Class CDL. They also require a separate set of tests. You would need endorsements if you plan on driving CMVs that are:

  • Double/triple trailers
  • Tank vehicles
  • Passenger
  • Contain hazardous materials
  • Combination of hazardous materials and tank vehicle

As you would imagine, this is probably not a scenario you will be looking at if you plan on working with CR England. However, that option is out there for truck drivers in possession of valid CDLs.

Speaking of possession of CDLs, despite the best training in the world you still must meet both state and federal requirements to test for your CDL. The state you live in issues the CDL, but the Department of Transportation oversees everything. So, you must meet both criteria.

Just like getting your regular driver’s license you must show proof of name and residency. The documents accepted for this vary from state to state. But, your recruiter may tell you more about it.

In addition, you may have to undergo a physical medical examination. A medical examination is performed by authorized Department of Transportation (DOT) medical personnel. When you pass the exam, they present you with a certificate for documentation.

Typically, the medical certificate is good for 24 months. But, in special cases, DOT medical personnel may choose to give you a certificate for less than that time. This is usually so they can monitor a chronic condition like high blood pressure.

They will also check your driving record for the past 10 years. This is across all 50 states, and the District of Columbia. Traffic violations of any kind obviously work against you during this process.

When the administrative requirements are taken care of, it’s testing time. Testing normally consists of a knowledge, or written segment and a skills test. Each state devises their own tests while keeping under federal regulations.

Additionally, you may have the option to test for your CDL with your employer. Your potential employer must be authorized to do this. But, this is often the case in paid truck driving training.

The Job

Now that you know a little about what the training entails, and, are more familiar with the process of getting a commercial driver’s license. We will now get to the part where you get a job.

If you are training through Premier for CR England, you already have that covered. CR England guarantees a job for you at the end of training, if you meet their hiring requirements.

There are different career paths you can take as a driver for them. It all depends on the job openings when you finish training and after you get your CDL.

Their dedicated segment of the business will give you a set route to drive, while over-the-road (OTR) drivers spend most of their time driving across the country. However, if you are trying to stay close to home you can choose to be a regional driver instead.

Another career route that keeps you close to home is as an intermodal driver. These drivers work in conjunction with other local companies as their delivery truck. Positions like this are probably more appealing to people with families.

Since intermodal is local, there are set routes and set quitting times. There are also flexible shifts available. But, once again. these job openings depend on what area you live in and the need at the time.

Conclusion

CR truck driving school is less of a training program and more of a career path. If you decide to go with their intensive courses, you will be working for them. This has pros and cons depending on how you look at it.

On the plus side, the process is streamlined and simplified. You will be in a driver’s seat in less time than it takes to train for most new jobs. And, if you wanted to drive these types of trucks, you are all set.

On the other hand, if you were planning on driving a different type of CMV, like a passenger bus, you will have to look elsewhere. This is not the training and job for you.

This, however, is one of the most rigorous training programs available. So, if you wanted to just get out on the road, CR truck driving school would be your best bet. And, you have the assurance that as soon as you start your training you are already hired. How’s that for job stability?