CRST International Review 2026

Pay, Benefits, Home Time & Driver Ratings

Founded 1955Cedar Rapids, IAFleet: 5,500+ trucks

Driver Rating

3/5 — Average

Annual Pay

$48,000 - $80,000

Solo CPM

$0.43 - $0.58 CPM (solo positions limited)

Sign-On Bonus

Training program is primary incentive; experienced drivers up to $5,000

Driver Rating

3/5 — Average

CRST International Overview

CRST International is one of the largest privately held transportation companies in the United States. Founded in 1955 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the company operates over 5,500 trucks across multiple divisions including CRST Expedited (team driving), CRST Dedicated, and CRST Malone (flatbed). CRST is best known for its team driving program and paid CDL training.

CRST's team driving model is central to their Expedited division, which pairs drivers (often a trainer and trainee) for long-haul, time-sensitive freight. This model allows trucks to run nearly 24/7, maximizing miles. CRST's CDL training program brings in thousands of new drivers annually, and most graduates start as team drivers in the Expedited division.

The company has a mixed reputation among drivers. The CDL training program provides a path into trucking for people with no experience, which is a genuine positive. However, the training pay is low, the team driving experience can be difficult, and the service commitment requirements can feel restrictive. CRST works best as a stepping stone — a place to get your CDL and initial experience before moving to a higher-paying carrier.

Pay & Benefits

Solo CPM

$0.43 - $0.58 CPM (solo positions limited)

Team CPM

$0.52 - $0.66 CPM (split)

Annual Earnings

$48,000 - $80,000

Sign-On Bonus

Training program is primary incentive; experienced drivers up to $5,000

Benefits Package

  • Paid CDL training program
  • Medical, dental, vision insurance
  • 401(k) plan
  • Rider and pet policy
  • Team driving bonuses
View full pay breakdown →

Equipment Used

Freightliner CascadiaInternational LT53' dry van trailersFlatbed trailers (CRST Malone)

Home Time Policy

CRST Expedited team drivers are typically out 3-4 weeks at a time, with 3-4 days home between runs. This extended time out is a significant trade-off of team driving. CRST Dedicated and Malone divisions offer better home time with weekly or bi-weekly schedules. Home time is one of the biggest complaints from Expedited team drivers.

Training Program

CRST's CDL training program is one of the largest in the industry. It covers the full cost of CDL training with no upfront payment. After getting your CDL, you are paired with an experienced team driver for an extended training period. Pay during training is approximately $700-$800/week. A service commitment of approximately 10 months is required. If you leave early, you may owe training costs.

Hiring Requirements

Minimum Age

21 years old

Minimum Experience

No experience required (CDL training available)

CDL Required

No (training available)

Clean MVR Required

Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Paid CDL training with no upfront cost for people with zero experience
  • Team driving earns more miles per week than solo OTR driving
  • CRST Malone flatbed division offers a path into flatbed trucking
  • Multiple divisions (expedited, dedicated, flatbed) provide career options
  • Rider and pet policy for both team and solo drivers

Cons

  • Training pay is very low ($700-$800/week during the training/team phase)
  • Team driving with a stranger in a small truck cab is stressful for many new drivers
  • Service commitment (typically 10 months) restricts your ability to leave
  • Equipment quality varies — some trucks are older with fewer amenities

Best For

CRST International is recommended for:

  • People with no experience needing paid CDL training
  • Drivers interested in team driving
  • Those wanting flatbed experience through CRST Malone

Overall Driver Rating

3/5

Based on compiled driver feedback, industry reputation, and compensation analysis. Rating last updated March 2026.

CRST International FAQs

How does CRST's CDL training work?
CRST pays for your CDL training at no upfront cost. You attend CDL school, get your license, and then join the CRST Expedited team driving division. You're paired with an experienced team driver and earn approximately $700-$800/week during the initial team phase. A 10-month service commitment is required. If you leave early, you may owe a prorated portion of the training cost.
Is CRST team driving as bad as people say?
Team driving at CRST — or any carrier — is genuinely difficult for many people. You share a small truck cab 24/7 with someone you may not know. Sleeping while the truck moves takes adjustment. Personality conflicts are common. However, some drivers thrive in team environments and appreciate the higher weekly miles and earnings. Your experience depends heavily on your team partner compatibility.
What is CRST Malone?
CRST Malone is the flatbed division of CRST International. Unlike the Expedited division, Malone primarily operates with solo drivers hauling flatbed freight (steel, lumber, building materials, machinery). Malone positions generally require more experience than the Expedited training program and offer different pay structures and home time schedules.
How much does CRST pay after training?
After completing the training and initial team phase, CRST Expedited team drivers earn $0.52-$0.66 CPM split (per driver). Annual earnings of $48,000-$65,000 are typical for team drivers. Solo positions (which are limited) pay $0.43-$0.58 CPM. Pay increases are available based on experience and performance. CRST Malone flatbed drivers can earn more due to the specialized nature of flatbed work.
Should I use CRST to get my CDL or go to a private school?
If you can afford a private CDL school (typically $3,000-$8,000), it gives you more options because you're not locked into a service commitment with any one carrier. However, if you can't afford CDL school, CRST's paid training is a legitimate path into trucking. The trade-off is the low training pay and 10-month commitment. Many successful drivers got their start at CRST and moved to higher-paying carriers after fulfilling their commitment.

More About CRST International

CRST International Company Profile

Jobs, fleet size, and key info

CRST International Pay Breakdown

Full salary, CPM, and benefits details

CRST International Jobs in Iowa

Openings and hiring info by state

CRST International Jobs in Texas

Openings and hiring info by state

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