Central Refrigerated Truck Stop II

I would advise you to leaf back through the last 30 pages or so of this thread. You can go back further, but then your eyes might glaze over. I think in the last 30 pages or so there's a couple links to drivers who started blogs while they went through Central's training. If there isn't, do a few searches, they might turn up.

If you're lookign for specifics, many of us can help you out, but "What do I need to know?" is a pretty big field.

 

i went back and read about the last 15 pages after i posted this. Central seems to be like most starter companies good and bad lol. Didnt know yall were bought out by swift tho. The recruiter I spoke with Omar I believe his name was said I d be going to Memphis for 2 weeks then off to slc for 4 weeks. Then once I finished my OTR training and I finally got back home id need to change my CDL back to my home state. Once you finish training and get assigned a truck how long does it take to get home for the first time? How long is the normal home time? Im not worried about minus that I know ho cramped things are solo in a cargo van so team in a truck I need to pack lite. Is the geographical restrictions you can request like no NYC my carrier has it but Omar didnt mention it and i forgot to ask

 

You can get home right away fro the first load 3-4 days off. hometime is 1 day off per 7 days out for otr. i dont know but i think maybe you can reject NYC.

 

As a company driver you can't really turn down NYC unless it's something like no hours available... But Central doesn't run in the city 'much'... But we have been in Queens and the Bronx, so Central does go there.

 

I have been looking back at Central Ref. again. I like some of the things and then other things not so much. Did I see they have no APU's ?

Also what type of truck and transmissions do they have.

Any reason to choose Central Ref. over Stevens ?

 

no apu, 9 speed or 13 speed transmissions eaton. choose whoever you see better. central is a good starting point. i do wish we had apu. the winter sucks horribly without them so far. i idle but i run low miles. so it makes my % go high as crap

 

Pack winter clothes. Insulated underwear and maybe boots aren't terrible things to have. Even if you're use to the cold, some of the places we go redefine cold!!

 

Stevens was on my short list of companies before I chose Central. And I think I chose wisely. If you check out Steven's board I think you will find that communications is a major issue. Apparently they micro- manage their drivers much more than Central. You have to call in and speak to someone live to have a "talk" before you can do things like bobtail or pick up a meat load. Add that to some excessive wait times to make it through their phone system and you have a mess. And, they apparently do a lot more meat loads than Central as well and since each meat load basically requires at least a 10 hour wait, that can cut into your paycheck pretty quick. But, those were my reasons and Central certainly isn't perfect. Good-luck in your decision.

 

I'm leaving a pretty good job here in Korea because I am tired of working in the cold weather, I don't think I will choose a company with no APU's. I don't mind getting out of the truck for a while but I have had enough cold weather for one lifetime LOL

Thanks for the info !!

 

Yeah seems like so many companies to choose from, wish it was easier.