Central Refrigerated, Werner, or Driver's Solutions

Prime Inc?

 

Driver's Solutions im sorry if you go to them i went there and it was hell for me and a lot of other guys i know the trucks looked like they where 1990 i dont think we found one that was even a 1999 and paying them back should only take 6years for they are useing a 25% compound daly so i went from only haveing to pay 3,500 to now oever 6,000 in less them 4moths

 

Driver Solutions places drivers in schools and matches them with hiring companies, usually USA or PAM. They are the middle man. If you say you went to Driver Solutions - then you must mean C1 Driving School - that's who they always use. I have seen a few good posts and many bad posts regarding C1. I myself am trying to decide between C1 & Central Refrigerated.

I don't like the idea of having more students than you have trucks. I don't know the ratio at Central but the general consensus here is 8-10 students per truck for C1. If I knew how to drive I wouldn't be needing training and I can't learn walking beside the truck. Like I said, I don't know Central's fleet.

As far as cost. If you complete C1 and get hired on through USA or PAM - they take $45/week out of your paycheck for 1 year. If you stay the year - you are free to stay or go. Central takes $25/week out of your paycheck for 1 year.

Also, PAM only pays $300/week while you are with the trainer. Central pays $450/week.

I know some people are going to say choose neither, go to Prime or community college but in the end we all have to make our own decisions. I understand that if I were to go through a community college program that I would probably learn more about driving and not just passing the CDL test. It is my understanding that these training schools do no more than cover the basics to get you your CDLs.

 

I'll be at Prime Jan 5th. They pay $600/week or .12 mile which ever is greater.

 

The only thing I don't really care for with Prime is them pushing a lease on you. Whoever I'm driving for I wan't to be a company driver not an O/O. Their pay & stuff seems great though. I was attracted to PAM at first b/c of the auto shifts but when only a handful of companies in the whole country use autoshifts, then I think it's a safe bet to bite the bullet and learn double clutching a manual.

 

From what i been reading on the Prime forums they don't push a lease on you. U2exit and ironpony are co. drivers. They went through the training and all and are still company drivers. I plan on staying company myself.

 

Ok thanks for that info. I didn't know about that. Changes my outlook on Prime. Are you getting your CDL through them or do you already have yours?

 

I have had class B for 12 years and already have my A permit. I been reading alot about them and Central and almost went to driver solutions in Feb this year but never read anything good about them. And if you stay with Prime for a year you don't owe anything... don't think they make you pay em back unless you quit before your year is up.

 

Yeah I hear ya. With all the Class B experience I'd say you wouldn't have a problem. My biggest thing with any school is learning to shift well enough to pass the state test. I can drive a 5 speed car/truck but I don't have the slightest idea as to how to double clutch and shift 9-10 gears. I think I can manage backing and the rest of it but that shifting really worries me. Especially if I'm not getting the proper training through C1 or Central.

Happy New Years!