Lana Oconnell
C.R. England, a refrigerated carrier based in Salt Lake City, offers a paid CDL training program for aspiring truck drivers. The program costs $4,995, including lodging, and requires a 9-month driving commitment to fully pay off the tuition. Students are paid during their training, with Phase 1 offering $10 per hour for driving hours and Phase 2 providing $0.28 per mile. The average weekly pay during these phases is $505 and $580, respectively. After completing the program, rookie drivers can expect to earn between $450 and $600 per week, with an annual salary range of $34,000 to $83,000. While some criticize C.R. England for low pay and poor working conditions, others appreciate the opportunity to earn while learning, with the company's pay scale setting industry trends.
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Phase 1 training pay
C.R. England's training program requires a 9-month driving commitment to fully pay off the tuition, with a heavy emphasis on driving time rather than classroom time. The total cost of the program is $4995. If you complete the contract with C.R. England, you do not have to pay back the tuition. However, if you choose not to complete the contract, you will be responsible for the full tuition fee and training costs.
After Phase 1, student drivers move on to Phase 2 training with a lead driver, which takes approximately 1.5 months. The pay during this phase is $0.28 per mile, split evenly between the two trainee drivers in the truck. This equates to $0.14 per mile for each driver, and the average pay during this phase is $580 per week.
Once drivers have completed their training, C.R. England states that the average yearly pay for a driver with one year of experience is $52,832. The average weekly pay for a trainer is $1,383, which equates to $71,916 per year.
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Phase 2 training pay
C.R. England operates Premier Truck Driving Schools, offering a paid CDL training program. The initial portion of CDL school training lasts 17 days and consists of classroom and range/driving time. After this, you will begin Phase 1 training, which lasts for between 160-180 hours or approximately one month. The pay during this phase is $10 per hour while driving, and your state's minimum wage for on-duty, non-driving work. The average pay during this phase is $501 per week.
After Phase 1, you will move on to Phase 2, which lasts for approximately one and a half months. During this phase, you will be assigned as a second-seat driver and partnered with another driver to drive as a team. The pay during Phase 2 is $0.28 per mile for all paid miles the truck runs, even when you're not driving. This is split evenly between you and your teammate driver, so each of you will receive $0.14 per mile. C.R. England has determined that the average weekly wage during this phase is $578.
Upon completion of Phase 2, you will be upgraded to Phase 2 Lead Driver. In this phase, you will still run in a team structure with a second-seat driver, but you will receive an additional $0.02 per mile on top of the $0.14 per mile as a second-seat driver. The average pay per week during this period is $673.
It is important to note that C.R. England's training program costs $4,995, and while the company does not require reimbursement if you complete the contract, you will be responsible for the full tuition fee if you choose to terminate it early. Additionally, drivers are responsible for covering their meals, permit, license, and administrative fees during the training program.
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Tuition fees
C.R. England's truck driver training school costs $4,995 according to one source, while another source mentions a cost of around $6,000. The tuition fee includes the cost of lodging, but students are responsible for paying for their meals and permit, license, and administrative fees.
The training program can be paid off in 9 months of driving, which is a shorter commitment than other companies that usually require a year-long contract. Students are paid during their training. In Phase 1, students are paid $10 per hour for driving hours and the state minimum wage for on-duty, non-driving work time, with an average pay of $505 per week. In Phase 2, students are paid $0.28 per mile, with an average pay of $580 per week. This is well below the industry average, with rookie drivers usually earning between $0.14 and $0.16 per mile, working out to between $450 and $600 per week.
Once new drivers have completed the program and been hired, they can choose to pay off their tuition fees through weekly payments of about $39 for 48 weeks, although this only adds up to about $1,900. Qualified veterans are entitled to shorter repayment terms.
It is important to note that C.R. England's training program is fast-paced and focuses more on driving time than classroom time. While some students have complained about poor working conditions, crowded trucks, and low pay, others have found the program suitable for their needs.
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Working conditions
C.R. England's training program costs $4,995 and requires a 9-month driving commitment to fully pay off the tuition. Students are responsible for their meals and permit, license, and administrative fees. The program has a heavy emphasis on driving time, with only about an hour per day spent in the classroom. The CDL program is fast-paced, with 180 hours of driving in Phase 1, followed by Phase 2 training with a lead driver. Phase 1 pays $10 per hour for driving hours and minimum wage for non-driving work, while Phase 2 pays $0.28 per mile. While some students have completed the training and fulfilled their employment terms, others have cited poor working conditions, crowded trucks, and low pay as reasons for leaving.
The company has a reputation for poor business practices, false promises, and lousy home time. C.R. England drivers also reportedly don't get much respect on the road due to their lack of experience. Student experiences with the program vary, with some stating they had sufficient driving time, while others claim theirs was often less than 10 hours per week. Instructors' experience levels also vary, with some having less than six months of driving experience and little industry knowledge, while others are well-regarded by their students.
Once drivers have completed the program and been hired, they can expect a salary ranging from approximately $34,000 per year for Owner Operator Drivers to $83,000 per year for Safety Trainers. Hourly pay ranges from $11 per hour for Truck Drivers to $28 per hour for Diesel Technicians. However, it's important to note that most employees report not receiving overtime pay or pay raises during their time with the company. Additionally, paid vacation days and paid time off do not seem to be offered as part of the benefits package.
Overall, while C.R. England offers a paid training program that can lead to employment, there are mixed reviews about the working conditions, pay, and treatment of students and employees. It is essential to carefully consider all aspects of the program before making a decision.
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Overtime pay
C.R. England's truck driver training program offers a mix of classroom and on-the-road instruction, with a heavy emphasis on driving time. While the company does not explicitly mention overtime pay for student drivers, we can examine its training phases and compensation structure to understand the potential earnings for those requiring additional hours to complete their training.
Phase 1 Training of the program involves 180 hours of behind-the-wheel driving and pays $10 per hour for driving hours. For any on-duty, non-driving work, trainees are paid their state's minimum wage. The average pay during this phase is $505 per week. The duration of this phase is approximately one month, after which trainees move on to Phase 2.
In Phase 2, student drivers are compensated based on a mileage rate. While the rate is well below the industry average, C.R. England justifies this by offering other benefits. The company is exempt from the F.M.C.S.A. rule that mandates a qualified CDL holder accompany a trainee in the passenger seat. Additionally, C.R. England trucks are equipped with Pre-Pass transponders, which allow drivers to bypass tolls and, in some states, scales, resulting in cost and time savings. The average pay during Phase 2 is $580 per week.
It is important to note that C.R. England has received some criticism for its low pay and poor working conditions. According to a survey by Indeed, 85% of respondents indicated that the company does not offer overtime pay. However, the company's training program is shorter than those of most other companies, requiring only a 9-month driving commitment to fully pay off the tuition.
While C.R. England may not explicitly offer overtime pay, the flexible and fast-paced nature of their training program allows student drivers to complete their training and begin earning as full-fledged drivers more quickly than at other companies. This accelerated timeline may be a factor in the overall compensation structure for trainees.
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Frequently asked questions
During Phase 1 training, student drivers are paid $10 per hour for driving hours and the state's minimum wage for on-duty, non-driving work time. The average pay during this phase is $505 per week. In Phase 2, students are paid $0.28 per mile, with an average weekly pay of $580.
The total cost of the training program is $4,995. If you complete the contract with C.R. England, you do not have to pay back the tuition. However, if you choose to leave before completing the contract, you will be responsible for the full tuition and training costs.
Yes, students are responsible for covering their own meals, as well as permit, license, and administrative fees. It's important to budget for these additional costs during the training program.
The average salary for C.R. England truck drivers can vary depending on various factors. According to Indeed, the average annual salary ranges from approximately $34,000 for Owner Operator Drivers to $83,000 for Safety Trainers. However, it's important to note that some reviews suggest that the pay may not be competitive compared to other carriers.
While specific benefits for student drivers during their training are not mentioned, C.R. England trucks are equipped with Pre-Pass transponders, which allow drivers to bypass tolls and, in some states, scales. This can save drivers time and money on toll reimbursement processes.
