Central Ref vs Prime Inc CDL training schools

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by CCJR76, Nov 1, 2012.

  1. CCJR76

    CCJR76 Light Load Member

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    Oct 15, 2012
    Jacksonville, FL
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    Any info on which school is better? from exp, company drivers, LO, etc?
     
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  3. DanandSpike

    DanandSpike Bobtail Member

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    Apr 26, 2011
    Castle Rock , Co
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    Stay away from Central Ref !!! The complaints are endless and they will take you for all you have now and long after you get away from them as I have read on RIPOFF.COM . I know many older guy's that have been in the industry for many year's in office capacities and they too will tell you to stay away from them . You will learn very quickly this industry is a dog eat dog field and there are many people that will sell you the pie in the sky and prey on your inexperience and knowledge of the industry and it can cost you BIG financially so BEWARE ! Do your homework , don't sign anything , and ask as many exp folks you can ! There is no easy way anymore these day's to get into this industry without spending a lot of money and making a lot of sacrifices till you get the ever so sought after 1 yr otr experience every trucking company wants . YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY YOUR DUE'S SO BE READY FOR IT ! Personally , if your set on these two companies I would go to Prime but either way get it in your head you must pick who will screw you the least because that is just the way it is . Talk to other's that have been there or look for additional training with someone that will reimburse you for your Truck Driver School Tuition . I don't recommend either but USXPRESS WILL REIMBURSE UP TO $6000 and Schnieider $7000 . Either way you will have to suck it up and be with a crappy carrier for a minimum of 6 mo to a yr . Once you have a yr you can apply anywhere . FYI , DO NOT JOB HOP . STAY AT EACH JOB AT LEAST A YEAR . IT IS NOT LIKE IT USED TO BE . YOU'RE A JOB HOPPER .... YOUR CHOICES WILL BE LESS AS IT IS FROWNED UPON ! Good luck !
     
  4. CondoCruiser

    CondoCruiser The Legend

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    Tennessee
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    When people don't know how to conduct themselves on forums and can't get anyone to listen to their one sided story they go to rippoff.com. I'm just sayin'. :)
     
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  5. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    Prime & Central Refrigerated are both American success stories.
    Reefer training with either company will set you up for a good career & future.
     
  6. Trucker Smith

    Trucker Smith Light Load Member

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    Mar 28, 2012
    Janesville, Wisconsin
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    if you plan to go to school that a company offers make sure its in your state. If its not you will need to redo you cdl test for your state that you live in
     
  7. WRIGHTRACING

    WRIGHTRACING Heavy Load Member

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    Iuka MS/Muscle Shoals AL
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    BS...may be for the state you live in, but that ain't the case anywhere else. If you get a CDL in one state, the state you live in has to honor it. I got mine in AR, then transferred it to AL, then to MS. Never a word said, other than pay us.
     
  8. DocWatson

    DocWatson Road Train Member

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    Jersey shore
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    I'm working towards getting everything ready to train with and work for Central Refrig. I haven't heard too many bad things about them and I'm ready to take the good with the bad regardless. Attitude and ability to adjust rule all. Either way, you're going to have to learn a lot, work a lot and not plan to get paid too much your first year. Seems like it's that way with all the companies. I'm looking forward to working for Central if they will take me.

    As far as transferring your license, I already checked on this locally here in Washington. EVen though I am initially issued a Utah license I simply need to return to WA within 60 days and transfer it over. No retesting or redoing whatsoever. It's just a $60 fee and, bada bing, new WA CDL A license. Check with your local DMV in your state and they will tell you how to change over your CDL once you get it.
     
  9. sazook

    sazook Road Train Member

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    Springfield, MO
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    I'm not sure how Central Ref does it, but Prime puts you in a truck, where you will drive for at least 75 hours with one on one instruction from an instructor that is in the passenger seat the entire time you're driving. I went through their program in 2006, and highly recommend it.
     
  10. 123456

    123456 Road Train Member

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  11. llloXolll

    llloXolll Light Load Member

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    Aug 7, 2011
    Lake Butler, FL
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    I don't know about Prime and won't say anything about them because of that ... But the training program at Central is good. Just have to deal with the long bus ride from Conley to SLC. If you go with Central out of Florida they will bus you to Conley (Atlanta) for 1 week. There you will do all the hiring paperwork and bookwork for the Utah CDL Restricted test. At the end of the week you will get bussed from Conley to SLC.

    I highly suggest bringing some form of battery powered phone charger. Unless Greyhound has upgraded that bus fleet there will be no way to charge any device on the bus, and you'll be on the bus for 3 without delays. Also bring some water pills as the long ride might cuase your feet and legs to swell.

    Once you get to SLC you will more than likely be placed in the Ramada Inn. Decent motel. 2 people to a room. They have a resturant that is fairly priced and comes with alot of food for what you pay. They also have public computers if you dn't bring one. The motel has a bar in it also ... DO NOT GO INSIDE THAT BAR FOR ANY REASON. Not even for change.

    Through the next week you'll get your learning permit and start driving. The driving is decent but could have been better. You will drive an old hwy learning how to up and down shift before getting on the interstate. This will happen for about 2 days. Then they will take you into a commercial area to drive, this helps with up/down shifting for city streets. Towards the end of the week you will be taken out to the mountains and allwoed to drive a few grades, which helped me alot coming out of Florida as well.

    They training could have been better but still wasn't that bad. BTW, just like most companies your lunch will be furnished for you. Only difference is that at Central the lunch is made at the company resturant. You can pick from the choices or get a $5.00 voucher to use for something else if you choose.

    If you didn't do you're training at Central my only suggestion would be to shut your ignorant mouth and continue to listen to Bubba from Middleburg for advise on what to do and when to do it.


    You are incorrect. I live in Florida, got my CDL from Utah at Central and went home to FLorida to renew. No road test, No computer test. Only the $75 fee to renew and get a CLass A CDL.


    Central does 4 students to a truck with 1 instructer. Not the best way to learn but still works. After you test out and pass your test you will be placed with a Trainer for 28 days. Most of the btrainers are decent but you will have a few idiots. The training Dept is big on making sure that the student is treated properly. If you have any issues don't hesitate to call them.
     
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