CR England - The real story

Hey There...

I just got off e phone with Central... I had been leaving messages for the Recruiter I was assigned, but today after reading your post I just called and called and then went through the side door, called into the recruiting department and after a couple transfers and holding for awhile I spoke to my recruiter and the ball is rolling...
I won't be starting this Monday which I was looking foward to, instead I am only a week back... But, I believe it will be better to start a week or two later with a good company, than now with a risky one.

Plus, I think it will be better to go to school, train and gain experience with a company that I could actually stay with for awhile.

Thanks again, I really do appreciate your sincere and sound advice.

Thanks, Take Care
Bren

 

Just based on my initial observation, you're a lot smarter than 90% of the Yayhoos who get into the trucking industry, and yes, much of the ranting and raving comes from people who would NEVER dream of being personally accountable for anything - it's always someone else's fault.

I'm sure you'll hear horror stories with Central, too - I loved working for a couple of companies in the past, but could still tell a story or two that might curl someone's hair. No company is perfect, by a long shot.

Good move on what you're doing!

 

Hey There...

You know it is unfortunate that this industry attracts so many yahoos because to survive and succeed in this industry you need to be educated, have street smarts, a business sense, good work ethic, ability and grit to see it through or at least minimize the consequences. This really is not an industry for yahoos.

Years ago I was framer/carpenter and I loved it, worked as hard as the boys and go paid the same as the boys. Then my family and friends thought should use my education and all and get into the business/corporate world. Well, I did, and let me tell you that is a dog eat dog world, and as a woman you have to take it for less pay, in a smaller office with a smile on your face and wearing the right clothes.

You know... you are certainly no yahoo.

Thanks, Take Care
Bren

Thanks, Take Care

 

I apologize - I didn't even notice you were a lady..not that it would matter in any of my statements or suggestions.

I will add...though...don't give the guys ONE SINGLE INCH of wiggle room when it comes to professional behavior, flirting, etc. There's a lot of idiots out there with no respect for women in this field, and they act like their job (the woman's) is to entertain the men. Please be careful, and that's my big brother, former military police side talking.

 

Ron, I will agree that there are some men in this profession that show women, in general, a lack of respect. However, this attitude is pervasive in any profession. The problem is that it is usually the vocal missfits that get noticed, and not the majority of hard working family guys, and single men with moral values, who generally keep to themselves and in most cases (myself) will avoid contact with the opposite sex unless nessecary.

My point is that your viewpoint, while correct, is not exclusive to the trucking industry. And from reading Bren's post, I'm sure she knows this all to well.

Best wishes, and good luck, Bren.

 

Absolutely agreed, but we're talking about the trucking industry. I've seen that same attitude in all 4 branches of the military, the construction field, even the hoity-toity multi-million dollar lawfirm I worked for near Philly.

But again, she's talking about the trucking industry, so didn't bring other industries into the conversation.

 

I've bit the bullet & I'm heading for Burns Harbor this weekend to begin the course Monday. I won't have a computer w/ me so first chance I get, 6 weeks from now, I'll post what my experience ends up being. Personally I think it will be great & I'm grateful.

Lurking thru the various truck driving forums I know many of you have had some bad experiences with companies. In this economy everyone has their tale of woe regardless of the industry. Most of the folks that I know, like myself who have had their longstanding careers in the construction & engineering industry, we've bled out also.

Bottom line is if you stick w/ something long enough & accumulate enough debt along the way in the good times, when things start going south, the balls are going to roll funny for you.

Be safe!

 

Same here... but I'll be headed to Mira Loma. I'm a Commercial Pilot for cryin' out loud! Furloughed from the airlines just trying to live a day at a time. I will have my computer with me and will start a CRE training thread when I get the chance.


Safe trucking and Safe Flying!

 

The folks who complain the loudest are the one's who are not taking this career serious. We have been with CRE for almost 3 years. In that time, we have trained A LOT of phase 2 drivers. The one's who succeed are those who are willing to listen to the trainer on ways to run efficiently, plan trips, and stay out of the casinos and lounges. The biggest problem with new drivers is they think they know everything, and when they get out there on their own, they just have to try things their way. This causes them to be late to p/u or drop/del locations. They don't plan their time so they run out of time for the week.

Getting a good DM can make the difference. But just like with any boss in any field, they are going to test you. If you pass, you get the miles, if you fail you don't. If you don't like your DM transfer to another, but remember, they all sit in the same area and they do talk about you. If you have continually dropped your end of the agreement, your name as an undependable driver gets around. The opposite is true too. If you are good, early and a decent person to a DM, they all want you.

The really bad stuff with CRE is stuff you can control. You DO NOT have to use them for maintenance on your vehicle. You can go off the Fuel Cap program and go on rebate - then you can plan your fuel stops based on price, and still receive the CRE price (particularly at Pilots & FJs); you can adjust your driving to make money in miles per gallon when NOT on CAP. You can control your time on and off by being proactive with your DM and staying on top of your requests. If you are on O/O or a Lease Operator, you have complete control of your business. Another thing, get your points up there so you pass various levels of the Awards Program. We have shaved 3 cents off our residual miles rate and it DOES make a difference. They route plan they give you is usually decent, but if you don't like to drive in certain areas, invest your time & some money in a computer & broadband card. Do your own trip/route planning to see if there is a shorter mileage route that won't add too much time to your trip. I reccommend using AAA's site or map quest and play around with the routes. Also, this website is very useful for truck stops and gas prices: www findfuelstops . com .

I do a lot of this planning for our truck and some of our trucker friends, I save everyone money which means they are making more money.

CRE Is NOT the best company out there - but it is a decent place to cut your teeth. The grass is not greener on the other side with other companies, so before you jump ship, do some hard research.

In this business the only way to make money is to be completely independent. Get your broker's license and work it from that angle as well as from the driving angle. IT IS YOUR BUSINESS - START Running it instead of letting someone else do it for you.

 

I don't understand what is going on. I go by the yard and there are students everywhere yet when I inquire about a Phase 2 student I'm told that there are none.
Are they not making it past Phase1, or are they just going right past Phase 2?

Anyway, if any phase 2 students read this and are ready to go, please respond. I'll even cover transportation to get you to my truck.