Central Refrigerated Truck Stop

ChipperDawg: "Truck driving has always appealed to me. I am glad I came... I would have always wondered what could have been. But at about 11 o'clock tonight I am headed outta here. It's not that I can't handle it, it's not that it is too tough, it's because at this point it is the best thing for me to do. I cannot risk a $3000 note and not pass and not get a job. (If you do everything right, and in the end do not pass the driving test... you owe 3k, immediately. No cdl... just a certificate of completion) I am not in a position where I can do that. I have just gone thru two bankruptcies. A business bankruptcy and then a personal bankruptcy. I cannot have debt hanging over my head right now. Last thing I need is a ding on the credit when I am trying to rebuild it."

Chipper, For several weeks you have posted many helpful and encouraging words to others on the site. Try and remember the enthusiasm and fire you felt before you came to Central's school. If I may point out what appears to me to be an error in one of your concerns. If you fail to pass the school, you will not owe anything for tuition as you seem to believe now. I recall Tony, the head of the training program, telling us the first day: "No CDL, no tuition." You also probably heard them say that you can quit at any time prior to the end of the third day and not owe them anything. That was told to our class the middle of July, just weeks ago. Perhaps it has changed since then. But you really ought to check with Tony or someone in authority upstairs and be certain before throwing in the white towel. I'm telling you this as someone who five or six weeks ago was in a similar spot. At my age ( the other students in my class called me POPS - even my seven children and fourteen grandchildren don't call me that!! { ), and having recently survived liver cancer and a stroke, I began to doubt my decision and commitment to follow through with what I started. Sure you will become aware of aspects of your present situation that don't shine quite so brightly up close as they did from a distance, but as we journey through life that will be the case with most of the people and situations we encounter. That's OK, it's still a wonderful life. ( Can you hear Louis Armstrong singing some where in the back of your mind? ["...and I say to myself, what a wonderful world."]). My own experience at Central's school was not what I had anticipated. On the first day we were told to stay up till 2:30AM Monday and Tuesday nights and study for the written on Weds. We did that, and beyond, and all those who put in the effort passed the three parts of the written. A curious thing started to happen, we began to develope a bond of friendship and empathy for one another. When we got in the trucks and began driving, the spirit of help and encouragement was more that a little inspiring. We had as our usual driving instructor, the "trainer Ken," remember Techie-Kate's experience with him. The first day we were all a bit taken back, but as we all struggled to learn and improve, all of us - four students and Ken, drew to be good friends and I have nothing but positive memories of that experience. Particularly on our last day driving when we drove up Parley's Canyon and over to Francis, and then stopped at the scenic overlook above the dam at Deer Creek reservoir. We all took pictures of each other and the beautiful view and found ourselves sharing details about each of our lives, some of our hopes, dreams and even our fears. As my daughter might say: "Aah, Daaadd, you guys had a moment!"
The bonds that can be formed by the end of those two weeks can be surprising. My roommate during the first week looked just like Marvin Hagler or Sonny Liston. But what a kind and gentle man he was. When one of the girls in our class couldn't pass the eye exam because she needed glasses but could not afford them, he quietly took up a collection and saw to it that she had the money she needed. During the second week when some of us were being retested on things that were failed the first time around, he was there to gather us around in a circle of encouragement and prayer that he offered. My roommate the second week was also a prince of a fellow who had been a homebuilder in Idaho for twenty plus years and needed to start all over again with a new set of hopes and dreams, and skills, to provide for his family. I would run into him the first week when we were all in the bunkhouse/smelly detention center, at 2:30, 3:00 and later in the early AM hours still studying in the telephone room. And even some of the others that I may at first wondered how they managed to convince their parole officers to let them come to truck driving school ( attempt at sarcasm there ), turned out to be folks with more depth than I could have imagined. At the end I not only didn't mind being called POPS, I actually enjoyed it! And it was with more than a little remorse and regret that they got to continue on to orientation and I did not.
In the beginning they tell you that Central has a three strike rule, you can only fail two of the tests and still continue with Central. I made a mistake on the in-cab air brake test; encroached by about 1 inch into another lane while parallel parking; and had a major fubar during the driving test. I was feeling pretty discouraged after the first two strikes, and then the day before the driving test (Friday), I got a troubling phone call from home regarding my youngest son. I all but decided right then that continuing was not the right thing to do, perhaps if I were home I could effect the situation positively,... or maybe I'd just be in the way. Details aren't important here, but I wrestled greatly with what to do. I figured I already had two strikes, all I had to do was blow one the three tests I would be given the next day and I could be out of there with no CDL, no debt and on a plane home. Morning came, and I was retested on in-cab and passed (how could I not when my Sonny Liston roommate made a special effort to climb in an unused truck with me and patiently go over the ALE test until I had it down ). Next the backing tests. Mike, a very patient and excellent instructor spent over an hour with the dozen or more of us who needed help. How could I not give it my best when so many others were willing to extend their help and support to get us through. Passed the backing. By the time I got to the road test I had firmly resolved to give it my best effort to pass. Earlier in the day I had thought that if i made it to the road test and still felt that my time would be better spent at home, and if i was actually "in danger of passing this thing," then all I had to do was curb a tire during the road test and I'd recieve an automatic fail and third strike. But now I honestly felt different and wanted to successfully complete what I had started. The road test was going alright except for losing a few points for not finding a gear soon enough while downshifting before crossing a railroad track. Then I was told to make a left-turn at an approaching T-intersection. I had the right of way and there was a stop sign for the lane on my left. A car pulled up to that stop sign and was slightly to the left of center, as well as being perhaps a bit too far forward. But I had the right of way and the set-up looked doable (if I was in my car!!) so I initiated the turn. BIG mistake - I completely seemed to forget about the 53 foot trailer following me around the turn. Once I was commited I realized my error in judgement and visually followed my trailer tandems in the driver side mirror. I brought the truck to a stop before flattening the hood of the other car, he backed up and went around and I looked at the examiner half hoping he might let it go, or wondering if I was going to be able to go home after all. As doubtful as i had been earlier in the day about wanting to continue with Central, at that moment I was hoping I might still make it...it was not to be. He told me to pull the truck over to the side and shut it down. He was pleasant as we talked about what had just happened ( or what almost could have happened). Whether I subconsciously made that error on purpose, or just made a genuine big error in judgement, I still don't know for certain. But I do know that it was more difficult than I ever imagined to say goodbye to, and feel that I let down, some folks who I had really grown close too, and who believed in me.
I don't know chipperdawg, whats best for your present situation. Maybe bailing now before forming those bonds would be easier than later. But completing what we have started, come what may, is a good habit to carry throughout ones life. And, more often than not, we may find unexpected friends and blessings along the way, people and things that make the journey worth the time and effort, even if the outcome isn't what we had originally planned on. And unless something has changed in the last month or so, no CDL, no tuition. I know there have been some changes recently at Central but I suspect you still have until at least tomorrow morning to comfirm the tuition question. Hopefully you'll give it some more time and thought and decide to go out there and "kick some biscuits and take some names!"
My apolagies for the long "epistle", it has taken me a long time and i've had to dig a bit deeper that I intended. But you seem like a good fella and should you decide to keep after it, you never know who else is out there that could really use your help at some point in the future. All the very best to you in whichever direction you choose.


I suspect you may recall the context of and who said the following:

"When we persist in doing something, it becomes easier, not because the nature of the task becomes any easier, but because our ability to accomplish that task becomes greater."

 

Thank you for those encouraging words! Haha, yessir, I can determine between red/green. I do understand what you're saying as far as some of those stories go. I know much of it has to do with unpreparedness, too much pride, or maybe just not having the ability to perform what's needed. Yup, my recruiter was Sarah. Very nice young lady. One other question for you.. When filling out the application on site, is there any section there on it that requires any sort of medical history? Not that there's anything wrong there, but it's still useful info to me

 

Thank you for taking the time to share with us your experience Poobah. I'm sorry to hear that you didn't make it to orientation, but your kind and thoughtful post will no doubt be helpful to many others.

ChipperDawg must make the decision that's best for him, taking into consideration all that's going on in his life. Your empathetic input may provide valuable information for him to consider.

I wish the best for you and your family.

 

Hey everybody i'm making my what once evrey 4 or 5 month check in. Been real busy the last month or so havent been able to post. Yes i have had a ton of quircky smart arse comments too lol.

But anyhoo glad to see ya back Widow. Hope everything works out for yall too jess.
6pak you are right there is alot of new faces on here wow its hard to keep up on my phine e-mail.

Ok enough useless rambling no i dont work for central but I would like to wish good luck to all the guys and gals in and goin to school.

Oh and JJ i have seen you a few times lately out in cali and you wont never answer me I think you a raceist against other companies lol j/k {i know you keep students on}
Oh well guess i'll be lurking like normal. But I do have one parting question. How often do you get to Colorado with CRS lol sorry I have been holding that in for awile now. Ttyl

 

what doo they do on your physical?....

 

Most of your questions have been answered one at a time, but I will organize it for everyone to see.

Note: The answers in Bold Print reflect my PERSONAL experience with Central.

Question 1: How long after I begin my solo career can a passenger be permitted to ride along? IE: 60/90 day probation period, etc.
A1: None. A passenger can ride as soon as driver picks up solo truck
TRUE
Q2: Are there any requirements for passengers? IE: age, insurance, etc.
A2: The passenger must be 18 (which, last I checked, my wife meets). A driver must fill out a form and submit to HR for insurance on passenger. Fee is $11/mo.
This may have changed, but when I was a company driver, the age was 12 or older. Might not matter for you, but it would affect guys like 1bad who have kids.

Q3: How long can a passenger ride for consecutively? (Since we'll essentially be living on the truck, I can't have a "3 weeks at a time" rule).
A3: None. The passenger can ride with the driver indefinitely.
TRUE: But you have to call every time you leave off your hometime to let them know if she is still with you.
Q4: How many miles does each truck average?
A4: Right now they are averaging between 2500-3200 miles/week.
I just averaged out my log book and my average was 2400 miles per week. -- This includes the full year, including down time and home time.
Q5: Can a driver drive the truck while on personal time? (Seeing as we'll be living in the truck, we'll be taking our "home time" in whatever large city or even small city is in the vacinity. I wanted to know if a driver can use his truck to drive around town bobtailing or if s/he had to depend on taxis, etc.)
A5: Unknown. The recruiter didn't know the answer. I am hoping some of you can chime in here.
Things have changed here due to the fact that we have electronic logs. If you move your truck, you will reset your driving time. Its probably not worth the hassle.
Q6: As a company driver, who pays for gas, maintenance, repairs, tolls, lumper fees, etc?
In theory, the company pays for everything. I carried my personal credit card and used it places where a comcheck was not recognized. I was always reimbursed.
A6: The company pays for everything. (I asked again, to make sure. "Including gas?" His response was yes. Is that true?)
I would not put gas in your diesel powered truck or reefer.
Q7: When does health insurance kick in and is it free? Does a driver need personal insurance on him/herself or the passenger?
A7: Insurance kicks in after 90 days and for a family is $80/wk. No personal driver or passenger insurance is necessary.

Q8: Are personal touches allowed to company owned vehicles? (Personal touches being defined as fridges, microwaves, etc.)
A8: Yes. They are allowed.
There used to be a restriction on how big an inverter you could run, but I remember it was fairly generous.
If any of you could chime in as to the true or falseness of the above Q&A I would REALLY appreciate it.

I hope this helps. If there is any conflicting info, please remember that I was a company driver, and a Lease Operator may have a different experience.

 

Hey Redneck, Good to hear from ya!! JJ hardly ever has the CB on, so he isn't ignorin ya because he is a Snob LOL, But when ya drive for Central its not a good idea to have the CB on

Colorado HMMMMMMMM Three times a week and 4 times on Sundays

 

You know the trash talk dont start when the central truck comes in to view?? lol
Only 4 times on sunday I thought it was 5 or 6.

Got a question for you to Jess did yall ever get a price on a fridge from peterbilt what are they running? Seems like the last one I heard of in a KW was around $700 plus install

 

Yeah around $450.00- $500 direct plug-in

 

Not sure with central company policy but a typical physical is weight, height, blood pressure, ears , vision, reflexes{ tap your knee with a hammer}, and the great hernia check. Plus I guess they have a wellness test but that is crs policy not DOT. hope that helps you a little bit