My take on Central Refrigerated and the training.

I have decided to go with Swift. Seems like a good company to start out from and they pay you back for the schooling.

 

Very well said. I don't think some of these guys realize what OTR is actually about.

 

well i leave dec.26 for swift in columbus and i cant wait i am so ready for this !!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I'm going into the final day of training at Central, my main problem is that I have never used a clutch before and my learning style is not a good fit for an accelerated 2 week program. I would have been better off with a 3 week program. However, their instructors are excellent, I've passed everything but the road test in the first shot and I may actually pass the road test tomorrow on the first try.

My recruiter told me that if you get your CDL elsewhere, at the moment Central requires 3 months OTR before they will hire you. They want folks who are either quick studies and can pass the 2 week course, or who have already worked out many of their problems on someone else's equipment.

 

just stay calm its easy to do when you worrie about doing bad you will so dont even think about it and it will fall right in place for ya good luck to ya!!!!!

 

I passed. Because of the holiday we won't get the CDL until Tuesday. Right now I'm flying high. I've been told by everyone I know that this is one thing I would never master because of a lack of coordination on my part. This was the hardest thing I've ever done because of the deadline, and it feels great having accomplished it. Only two of us had no clutch experience, and the other person washed out before today.

 

I am going to start there on the 27th of Feb. 1212 for a refresher course. This is going to be my third company sponsered school (CR England in 2007 & CRST in 2010).

From my experience with the other two, which had differences but were basicly simular; the primary goal, is not to teach you any more than you need to past the tests. It is also very common to be given the answers to every possible DMV test. So, it you have an OK memory, your going to past the test.

The biggest two reasons that most have problems or drop out are: 1. They have something in their past that they are trying to hide. 2. They do not have the documentation to prove their prior 3 year employment history. First if you have something in your past, they are going to find it, nomatter how smart you think you are. Second, make sure you have more documentation then you think you need to prove at least 3 years of your employment history. If you have check stubs, bring them, if you are receiving unemployment, bring the proof. If you were unemployed but not receiving benefits, bring a signed afadavid from at least two people that can verify your activities during that period and make sure those individuals are prepared to recieve a phone call to verify their statement.

Regarding the CDL written test; I would recommend that you go ahead and get your permit prior to attending the school. Trust me, it's going to save you a lot of time and stress. Moreover, it will bring out any potential DMV related problems that you may not be aware of but need to take care of prior to getting your CDL.

Beyond the written portion of your CDL, the pre-trip and the correct proformance of the air-break procedure (Applied pressure, Cut In, Cut Out, Low Air Warning Device & Parking Break) tests are the most challanging and time comsumming skills you will learn. Therefore, most schools place the heavist importance in this area. It's a lot of stuff to remember, and I would say that most studients fail this test on the first attempt. To get your CDL after you pass the written, you are allowed 3 combined fails on the three (Pre-Trip, Skills, Road Test) and believe you me, you want to save all 3 for the road test. So, go over and over the pre-trip before attending class, so you got it automatic. And there are a lot of tools on the internet to help you do that.

The Skills, straight line backing, right turn, ally dock, etc. are truly not that difficult and most if not all school will have specific pattern and visable markers throughout the yard to guide you. For alley-dock example, you pull up to a orange cone, stop, turn wheel all the way to the right til the middle of your truck lines up to a trash can, stop, turn wheel all the way to the left till you line up another cone in the middle of your truck, stop, straighten the wheel and pull forward til another trash can lines up on your right sholder, stop, turn wheel all the way right and back till you see a mark (line or specific reflector) on your trainer in your right mirror, stop, turn your wheel all the way to the left and back up, when your tracktor and trailer are lined up straighten out the wheel, then back till your in the space. True every procedure and course are different, but that the one they used at CRST in the winter of 2010.

This procedure only works on that course alone and is designed to let you get a feel of how the truck moves and the differences to normal vehicle and small trailer backing. What you truly want to do, is to practice without any referrence marks at all and with different types of set up procedures, picking the one that is most comfortable to you. The most important things are not to panic or feel embaresed to stop the tractor and "Get Out And Look" as many times as you want during practice. Some will laugh or shake their hands because you are taking too much time, but they are not driving your truck, and don't care if you pass or fail. Do yourself a favor and ignore those people.

Going to truck driving school is not all fun and games even though it's kinda exciting at the beginning. It's fast paced and presure intensive and some times, most times, you are treated with less respect then you deserve. You may be one of the smartest people in the room, but you may be treated the same as a person that knows nothing about nothing. The trick in school and orientation is to forget about your pride and need for respect and just follow the rules & procedures, even if they don't make sence or change from instructor to instructor. Don't stand out or make waves, it will all be over and behind you soon enough.

One more thing I want to say for smokers like me. Don't get into the habbit of giving out your cigerettes to other studients, no matter what they say or promise. The more you do, the more endless others will be comming to you with sad stories and promises. Most of which, will not return the favor, even when they have the ability to do so. You would be surprised how many of them have their own ciggs. but still bum from others. The same goes for money, don't loan anything you can't afford to give away, because odds are strong that you will not see a dime back, and worse yet, you will develop a reputation as a sucker whom many will take advantate. You just have to be strong, and say no. True, some people will dislike you, but your not there to support habbits or fullfill the needs of others.

Good Luck