See the Nation….and get Paid While Doing it!

Cedar Rapids, Iowa – CRST Van Expedited employee Jennifer Cooper is not only a proud company driver, but she is also currently serving in the U.S. Army Reserves. After serving in Iraq for fourteen months, Jennifer explains she returned home feeling, “Not quite ready to pick up where I had left off.” Jennifer says she realized that she wanted to “see the country whose freedom I am defending.” It was at that moment that Jennifer decided a career in truck driving would be an ideal way for her to see the nation while still earning an income.

Jennifer began driving for CRST Van Expedited in August of 2005 as a student driver. Jennifer learned about CRST after reading the feature article in an issue of “Team Drivers and Women in Trucking.” She states, “I thought CRST would be the perfect way for me to transition into the world of professional driving.” In the seven months that she has been with CRST, Jennifer says she has “enjoyed every minute of it.”

Jennifer states that she has also “been extremely satisfied with CRST as a whole, especially with my dispatcher, Jeff Francis.” As part of her responsibility with the Army, Jennifer must report to her monthly Weekend Drill. Jennifer claims, “My dispatcher, Jeff Francis, is a great guy to work for. He always gets me the miles I want and works with my schedule to get home for my military duty every month.” Jennifer also happily adds, “I have a great truck and haven’t ever had any major problems on the road.”

When she has to go home for her monthly duty, Jennifer loves the personal time she so rarely seems to find between driving and the Army. She says, “I go home to Orlando once a month, usually on a Thursday, do Drill on Saturday and Sunday, and then I get back on the road by Tuesday or Wednesday.” During those few days of free time, Jennifer enjoys video producing and editing, writing, and spending time with family and friends.

One of the greatest privileges Jennifer experiences while on the road is that she does not have to do it alone. She gets to spend quality time with her “husband, co-driver, and best friend, Jarrod Cooper.” Together, Jennifer and Jarrod average about 4500 to 5500 miles per week with CRST. When asked of the opportunities CRST has given them, Jennifer has many that come to mind. Speaking of one particular time, Jennifer fondly recalls, “A couple of months ago, Jarrod and I volunteered to help out with the recruiting department by acting as a military liaison. We spoke to a National Guard unit in Ohio, and showed the soldiers our truck during their drill weekend. It happened to be our drill weekend as well, and we were able to make arrangements with CRST to park our truck and fly home in time for our drill.”

Another favorite memory for Jennifer and Jarrod was an opportunity that came upon them when last year’s devastating hurricanes struck. Jennifer remembers, “During the hurricanes, CRST asked Jarrod and me if we could arrange a vehicle recovery mission to help rescue the company trucks and trailers that were parked at a yard in Houston, Texas. We willingly agreed, and with the aid of a few other fellow CRST drivers, we were able to rescue and relocate the trucks to San Antonio.” Jennifer and Jarrod were both rewarded for their brave and selfless efforts with extra pay for the load.

Throughout her employment with CRST Van Expedited, Jennifer says she has always been treated with the utmost respect as a professional. Jennifer adds, “To me, you must earn this respect and treat your managers as you wish to be treated.”

Jennifer enthusiastically states while speaking about her overall experience with CRST Van Expedited, “I would absolutely recommend CRST to people who are interested in, or may be new to, the world of trucking. Their company sponsored schooling program is perfect for anyone wanting to join the industry. Not only do you get to see some truly amazing places, but you earn a great paycheck doing it.”

Whatever your level of experience, there is a home for you at CRST. We are the nation’s largest team company. We run the longest average length of haul and the most miles per tractor per week in the industry. To become a part of the CRST Van Expedited team, call us at 800-553-2778 or apply online at www. joincrst.com. Also don’t forget to ask about our recent graduate and transitioning military sign-on bonus and orientation pay.

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