At-a-Glance Comparison
| Feature | CRST | CR England |
|---|---|---|
| Headquarters | Cedar Rapids, IA | Salt Lake City, UT |
| Fleet Size | ~4,500 trucks | ~4,200 trucks |
| Training Length | 4-6 weeks total | 2-4 weeks classroom + 7-8 weeks OTR |
| Contract Commitment | 10 months | 8-12 months |
| Training Model | Team driving (forced teaming) | Solo or team options |
| Home Time | Limited (team OTR) | Every 2-3 weeks |
| Contract Breach Cost | $6,500 approx | $6,000-7,000 |
Training Program Overview
Both companies offer "free" CDL training in exchange for a commitment to drive for them. Here's what that looks like.
CRST Training Program
- Phase 1: 2-3 weeks classroom (Iowa or Phoenix)
- Phase 2: 4 weeks training on the road with trainer
- You MUST team drive after graduation
- Paired with another new driver initially
- Transition to solo possible after contract ends
CR England Training Program
- Phase 1: 2-4 weeks at training academy (Utah or Indiana)
- Phase 2: 7-8 weeks with experienced trainer
- Solo driving option available after training
- Regional and OTR positions offered
- Refresher program if you struggle
🎓 Program Verdict
CR England offers more flexibility with solo driving options. CRST forces team driving which doubles your income potential but means sharing a truck 24/7 with a stranger.
The Team Driving Question
This is the biggest difference between these two programs.
CRST Team Driving
- Mandatory team driving for new drivers
- You'll share sleeping space with a partner
- Truck runs 24/7 (one drives, one sleeps)
- Can make more money (more miles)
- Not for everyone - personality conflicts common
CR England Options
- Solo driving available (recommended)
- Team driving optional (higher pay)
- More control over your schedule
- Better for introverts/private people
- Lower initial pay but more comfortable
👥 Team Driving Verdict
If you're uncomfortable sharing a truck cab 24/7 with a stranger, CR England is the obvious choice. If you're social and want maximum earnings early on, CRST's team model works.
Pay & Earnings Comparison
What you'll actually take home depends heavily on the driving model.
CRST Earnings
- Team pay: $0.30-0.38/mile split
- Average team earns $800-1,200/week each
- More miles = more money (truck runs 24/7)
- Weekly pay, direct deposit
- Sign-on bonuses vary
CR England Earnings
- Solo: $0.36-0.42/mile starting
- Average solo: $700-1,000/week
- Team: $0.55-0.65/mile split
- Performance bonuses available
- Safety bonuses quarterly
💰 Pay Verdict
CRST teams can out-earn CR England solos due to more miles, but CR England teams actually pay more per mile. Your preference for solo vs team matters more than the company here.
Contract Terms & What Happens If You Leave
This is where company-sponsored training gets serious. Read carefully.
CRST Contract
- 10-month commitment required
- Leave early = owe ~$6,500
- Deducted from final paycheck if you quit
- Some drivers report difficulty leaving
- Contract terms vary - read yours carefully
CR England Contract
- 8-12 month commitment (varies)
- Leave early = owe $6,000-7,000
- Pro-rated - less owed the longer you stay
- Can transfer between divisions
- More structured contract terms
📋 Contract Verdict
Both have similar contract obligations. CR England's pro-rating is fairer - the longer you stay, the less you'd owe if you leave. Make sure you read every word before signing.
⚠️ Important Warnings
Things both companies's recruiters might not emphasize:
- Training is not truly "free" - it's pre-paid with your future wages
- If you fail the CDL test multiple times, you may still owe money
- Team driving conflicts are real - choose your partner carefully
- Home time is limited, especially in your first months
- Base pay is lower than established drivers - this improves with time
What Real Drivers Say
Aggregated from r/Truckers and driver forums
Common CRST Feedback
"If you can handle team driving, CRST will get you your CDL and running miles fast. Made more than my friends at other carriers first year."
"Forced teaming is brutal. Got paired with someone I couldn't stand for months. The money wasn't worth my sanity."
Common CR England Feedback
"Went solo after training and had my own truck. Pay wasn't great starting out but increased every 3 months."
"Sit time is real. Waited 3-4 days for loads sometimes. Dispatchers vary wildly in quality."
The Final Verdict
Choose CRST If...
- You're comfortable sharing a truck with a stranger
- You want to maximize earnings in year one
- You're social and adaptable
- You can handle 24/7 on the road
- You're okay with limited home time
Choose CR England If...
- You prefer driving solo
- Privacy and personal space matter to you
- You want more predictable home time
- You prefer more structure in training
- You want the option to switch divisions later
Overall Verdict: CR England (For Most Drivers)
For most new drivers, CR England's solo driving option makes it the safer choice. CRST works well for the right personality, but forced team driving isn't for everyone. If money is your only concern and you're adaptable, CRST can work.
💡 Consider Other Options
Both are large mega-carriers with mixed reputations. Consider also looking at Swift, Werner, or Schneider which offer similar programs with different terms. Or, if you can afford it, a private CDL school gives you maximum freedom.
Want to Explore All Your Options?
Compare all CDL schools and company training programs in your area.