From Training to the Highway: What It’s Like to Join C.R. England
Starting a new career as a professional truck driver is an exciting journey, and at C.R. England, we make sure you’re prepared for the road ahead. We’re committed to helping new drivers succeed by providing industry-leading training, hands-on experience, and a clear path to a rewarding career behind the wheel.
Whether you’re brand new to trucking or making a career change, our comprehensive training program equips you with the skills, confidence, and real-world experience needed to hit the highway safely and successfully. From earning your CDL to driving with a professional mentor and eventually taking the wheel solo, this blog will walk you through what it’s like to start your journey with C.R. England.
STEP ONE:
Enrolling in C.R. England’s Premier Training Course
The first step in becoming a professional truck driver with C.R. England is enrolling in our Premier Driving School, designed to help you earn your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and build a strong foundation for your trucking career.
What to Expect:
- Multiple Training Locations – With training centers across the country, we make it convenient to get started no matter where you live.
- Experienced Instructors – Our trainers are seasoned professionals who provide personalized instruction to help you master everything from vehicle inspections to safe driving techniques.
- Fast-Track Learning – Our CDL training program is designed to get you on the road quickly, with most students completing the program in just a few weeks.
Once enrolled, you’ll begin learning both in the classroom and behind the wheel, preparing you for your CDL exam and the exciting journey ahead. Ready to take the first step? Let’s move on to what training looks like in action!
STEP TWO:
Classroom & Behind-the-Wheel Training
Once enrolled in C.R. England’s Premier Driving School, trainees dive into a comprehensive training program that combines classroom instruction with hands-on driving experience. This phase is designed to build a strong foundation in safety, compliance, and driving techniques, ensuring new drivers are fully prepared for the road ahead.
Before hitting the road, mentees spend time in the classroom learning the fundamentals of trucking, including:
- Safety & Compliance: Understanding DOT regulations, hours of service, and safe driving practices.
- Trip Planning & Navigation – How to read maps, plan routes, and manage fuel efficiency.
- Vehicle Inspections – Learning how to conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure the truck is in top condition.
- Defensive Driving Techniques – Preparing for real-world driving situations, from highway merging to adverse weather conditions.
After completing the classroom portion, trainees move to hands-on training in a real truck. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, they develop key driving skills. Throughout the training, instructors provide one-on-one coaching to help students prepare for their CDL skills test. By the end of this phase, trainees will have the knowledge and experience needed to pass their CDL exam and take the next step toward becoming a professional driver.
With a CDL in hand, it’s time to move on to on-the-road training with a professional mentor — the next critical step in launching a successful trucking career!
STEP THREE:
Hitting the Road As a C.R. England Driver
After completing training, it’s time to hit the road! This is when all the skills you’ve learned in the classroom and on the road come together, and you officially take the wheel on your own.
As you gain experience and confidence on the road, it’s time to start thinking about your long-term future in the trucking industry. C.R. England offers a variety of career paths, competitive benefits, and opportunities for growth to help you build a stable and rewarding career.
Opportunities for Growth
At C.R. England, your career doesn’t stop at solo driving. There are several ways to advance and increase your earning potential:
- Become a Mentor – Help mentor new drivers by sharing your knowledge and experience while earning additional income.
- Explore Specialized Freight – Gain experience in dedicated or refrigerated freight, which can offer more consistency and higher pay.
- Move into Leadership Roles – Experienced drivers can transition into fleet management, operations, or safety roles within the company.
Benefits of a Career with C.R. England
- Job Stability – With over 100 years in the industry, C.R. England provides long-term career security.
- Competitive Pay & Benefits – Drivers receive strong compensation, health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
- Family-Oriented Culture – As a family-owned company, C.R. England prioritizes work-life balance and a supportive work environment.
Your Journey Starts Here!
Starting a career with C.R. England is more than just getting behind the wheel — it’s about joining a team that values growth, support, and opportunity. From training and beyond, every mile you drive brings new experiences and chances to advance your career.
Whether you’re looking for job stability, career advancement, or the freedom of the open road, C.R. England is here to support you every step of the way. With a strong training program, dedicated support network, and clear paths for growth, your future as a professional driver starts here.
Are you ready to take the first step? Apply today and start your journey with C.R. England!