Central Refrigerated Truck Stop

I was raised by a truckers wife, so I am familar with the life style and what it requires, all the kids are grown and wont have to deal with a dad on the road. There just does not seem to be any preferred carriers to start out with and Central is close to where I live, but same as anyone else I need to bring in a paycheck.

 

I have another question about Central Ref. and am sure I will have more before I actually commit to them.
Q. Does anyone know about how many company drivers vs Lease Drivers Central Ref. operates with?
Some threads seem to indicate they are a leasing company posing as a trucking company and that they are making more in the leasing game than in freight.

 

Can't answer the numbers question, but I can say that you can remain a company driver at this time. Whether that is Solo or Team is also a choice. That said, if you are a successful driver (using that term very loosely) you will be "encouraged" (OK a real understatement) to become an L/O (Lease Op) through Central's program. Not for me personally and I would not encourage the feint of heart, nor the un-initiated or anyone else for that matter to participate in their L/O program.

 

wow thanks dark, i guess now that you have set me straight i will do something else with my life, another newbie saved form near death, by people that have no idea who he is, you passed didn't you? I think i will be just fine, see you on the asphalt!

 

Central had a goal several years ago to become 50%+ Lease Op. I am pretty sure they achieved that goal. Then I heard they were going for 70% or so, which would hard with all the students they train.
They are still a trucking company. Charging some of the lowest rates in the industry to haul freight, due to the fact that many of there trucks are low cost high gain (to them) lease trucks.
Think about it. They are only paying that lease driver like .90 cpm plus fuel surcharge. So they can haul really cheap freight.
If central had to pay for there equipment they would have to charge more than 1.00 a mile plus FSC.
Another Salt lake company, next door to Central is CR England. They use the same business model, but they are even worse about it than Central. So of the 2 I would go with Central.

 

Bryce.. Then do it man.. Its not about passing.. But you know what.. Man I've only been here a year.. I've seen more flops, abandoned trucks, roll overs, damaged done then you can imagine.. Because for every 20 people there's one trainer who knows how to teach and 19 who just want miles and could care less about you..

I came into central. Because it was the easiest way to get my cdl.. I didn't even plan to stay for training.. Go to slc.. Get cdl then go home and work for a local log hauler.. But they treated me decent and I made okay money.. Then I went mid west and made 600 three times a month for nearly 6 months.. Then crap went down hill.. I leased and now I'm paying the price for my choice..

So if you think its for you.. Do it.. Hit the road.. But be warned.. Even central will tell ya.. At least 50 percent of you that pass won't be here past 3 months.. Nothing against you.. But don't ya see a trend with these starter companies? Your 10k in the bank if u pass cdl training.. After that.. They got 30 more people.. Why should they even care about you?

I'm just trying to save you a lawsuit, possible lean on any and everything you own.. You gotta stay a year.. Without leasing and LEAVE.. Or else every red penny you've paid.. Goes away and your in debt to central for 3k.. Plus goodness knows what else.. So come on over and join us.. Just know you and all new people have been warned.. Don't lease.. Stay your 365 days and leave, leave and leave... Did I mention, don't lease?

 

I'm sorry that you have had troubles, yes i would rather get my cdl and not be a indentured servant, but i don't have that luxury right now. The info on the lease is good to put out there they hammer people pretty hard with it. But like anything else if they want you to do it so bad, you gotta know it's really good for them, and maybe they don't care if it's good for you. i appreciate you looking out for people.

 

well when I go in to tease the o/o dept and get my free meal, i overheard thet there were about 800 lease ops. On their facebook post a few weeks ago they said they are running 1800 trucks with 2700 trl. So, if what I heard is true then it's close to 50/50

 

shutdown today 200 miles away from my 99 at the army base that delivers # 0500. A little further than i'd like. 1/2 of those miles are on US Highways. Hopefully I don't have alot of 30 mph areas. If anything makes me late, it's always the country roads

 

I love them ole US highways! Given a choice of them over interstates I'd choose the US highways. Everywhere I've been lately it's the only way to get there from here.

For the newbies... remember this isn't a career for everyone. When things aren't going right ya got lots of time to think about it. Everyday is a new adventure. The weather, traffic, shippers, receivers, finding a place to park, a place to eat, etc... No matter how much you preplan your day out, something will happen to change it be it minor or major.

You'll learn what you need to get your CDL in school. Your trainer should(?) teach you the rest. But that doesn't always happen.

Anyway, sittin outside of Houston, gettin ready for a beer run to MS then fish to IL to finish out the week. Midnight truckin on them backroads... Woot!