Central Refrigerated Truck Stop

Thanks nomadtrucker for sharing about the favor. I kind of had that feeling about Central when I did my research and it was one of the reasons I chose them. They see to at least try to help you as a driver. I'm sure there are other times that it dosen't go that way but every company has good and bad with it. So I am packing things up today to see what I have and how much it is. Trying to pack as light as I can because from what I have seen some of the sleepers are not all that big. Was wondering about food also. I was hoping that I could take along with me some can goods like ravioli and sorts that I don't have to cook just eat out of the can. I won't have much money for the first week or two untill I get my paycheck. Will only have about $150 for the road to start with.

Another thing I am looking into is this. I own a 3 bedroom mobile home that is all payed off. Was thinking about keeping one of the bedrooms for my own and puting a deadbolt on it. Then renting out the rest of the house so the rent would cover the space rent and utillities. Was wondering if anyone has done this before and does it work being a "landlord" while you are on the road. I don't really want to sell the house but I don't want to leave it empty for a whole month either.

 

I would keep the house and if necessary let the bills get a little behind. Since it is paid for all you have is utility's? Right?
They may cut them off, so that in a month you will have to cut them back on. But that is better than having a stranger live in your house. And if you do as you say, someone will be breaking into your section within days. I am sure of that.
It is not like it is a vacation rental. It is a home. And human nature wants to know what is behind that door.

 

As for the food, when you get to the terminal you can get to Walmart for food. Saves taking it on the bus. The landlord side, I rented a house and had been for a year before I started driving. It was ok but not easy when I had to kick them out. Lots of stress on my wife.

 

"someone will be breaking into your section within days. I am sure of that". And a 3 bedroom house sitting locked up and no one around will not get broken into

 

Central helps whom they want when they want. The flight really messed with my head. It feels better today then it did yesterday, but they cost me about 4 1/2 days of healing. I am confident I will go to the doctor on Tuesday and be released, but this so did not have to happen. I felt yesterday like I did on Tuesday morning, but so far this morning it is like Monday night. I am thankful right now it is just a headache and not the other issues that had me so concerned. While central has helped others and allowed people to remain on a truck when injured, for whatever reason they chose to enforce their rules with us. I will use this time to recover and catch up on book work and budgeting. As a warning, always have a way home and an exit plan. If something happens you do not want to be left literally on the side of the road at Central's discretion. I had mentioned before we had started real savings and have been doing what we need to ensure we can get a new to us truck. While they have angered us and don't know with whom they are messing this time. Especially anyone who plans on going owner op, chromedome has said before it is not a good idea to live check to check, and this situation is exactly why. I would urge those who think Central will take care of you as long as you do your job, instead remember you are a tool. If you, as a tool, cannot perform at the same level they need/want you to perform, you will end up getting left at the side of the road. Please, for everyone's own sake, have enough to make it home, and always have an exit plan just in case.

 

Good advice , just sad that over the years seeing so MANY do not follow it.

Sorry to hear of your injury , suffered similar about 9 years ago.

 

not worried about it i look out after number one and adding small amounts of reefer will not change the color of the fuel enough to be detected if you are ever sticked. i dont drive for them anymore but i did it for a year and a half and was never cought plus i know several others who still do it and nothing has ever been said to them either.

 

Sure sorry to hear about your injury. I have cracked my head on the doors in the truck, but, nothing like you did. You are right about CRS helping the chosen ones. Last time I was in WVC the was a young man taking his upgrade road test...with ONE arm!!! His left arm was deformed at the elbow. Color me crazy,but, I cannot believe he will do 1/2 the job you can even with a cracked noggin. I refuse to even try to figure out the criteria CRS has for drivers much less their policies. Hope you mend quickly and return to kick butt!

 

My wife owns a house in Buffalo, NY and has been renting it for the past 5 years with no real problems. the renter doesn't take care of it as well as she did, but it isn't falling down.

Someone suggested getting food at walmart when you get there. I also agree with this one. I usually go to dollar stores when I am buying food for the truck. You can get the $2.50 can of Ravioli at the dollar stores for a buck. energy drinks, coffee, eggs, also much cheaper.

 

Sorry to hear about your injury and wish you a speedy recovery. A concussion is a VERY serious brain injury that should not be taken lightly. The medical community is just starting to understand how serious this type of brain injury is and the debilitating effects of it.

It is my guess that Central didn't want you on the truck for fear that you may get dizzy while driving or perhaps see something too late, not at all, or see something that is not there and get into an accident. I would probably feel the same as you if I were in your position, but as an outsider I think they were trying to do it for your benefit, not to punish you for something. If it was a cast or handicap that would be a different situation, a head injury is something totally different. If you didn't think it important I seriously doubt you would have reported it to them in the first place.

This is just my opinion from my understanding of what you have described and my personal experience with concussion. I mean no slight to you or your experience. I wish you well and hope you are in the drivers seat soon.