Central Refrigerated Truck Stop

Good post Redflame! My wife and I ran for Central and loved it! Central really does go above and beyond to help out its drivers. I couldn't believe some of the lengths they went through to help us! That was very important to us and is the number one reason I recommend Central to other drivers. They are large enough to keep you busy yet small enough to treat you like a human being! You aren't treated like a number there like you would if you worked for a mega-carrier.

Yes they can and do make mistakes in payroll and it is your responsibility to keep track of it. If you do have a problem they are very quick to correct it. I couldn't imagine working in payroll! Lots of information and paperwork to be handled! Actually if you have a problem in any of the departments do not be afraid to speak up! Central can and will solve your problems. Don't be afraid to ask.

As for your husband I can tell you that it is one of the toughest careers to be in if you have a wife and little ones at home. Props to him! I couldn't do it. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do to provide for your family. You never know maybe you will live in Salt Lake one day and he can drive locally. Either that or maybe when the kids are grown you can get your license and drive too.

 

My kids will never be grown enough for that, lol. I appreciate your response Chompi! I just really felt like there are probably a lot of people looking into this career choice that don't really think about how the company they are considering will treat the family who is "left behind."

I know having the people at Central so friendly and willing to help me has definitely made it much more easy to cope as one of our children is moving into surgery (again). They have been phenomenal, helping me to get all my paperwork in order, so I can worry about her swift recovery rather than what "t" I forgot to cross. As a wife, I must give major kudos to the way they are towards the "non" employee part of the teams. I have been through many challenges in life, but this company has made the climb past this one a little less steep.

It's definitely an added bonus to know that my husband is being treated decently as well while he is coping with challenges of a whole new variety. I couldn't respect or honor him more for the sacrifices he is making so our family can live a quality life.

 

I have checked everywhere in my area.
There is nowhere around here where I can make as much as even my base rate at heartland in this area.
Unless I go OTR. Which I really do not want to go back full OTR again. The 800 per week is my guaranteed pay. Any miles over 1850 per week I get paid 42 cpm. And most weeks I am well over that and still get home.
It is basically a 40k per year guarantee. And whatever I make over that is extra.

 

Despite what some think. Yes you are a number until you make your self stand out. I am glad they go out of there way for you, but it is not common. I have been with then 2 years and have seen a lot of guys get short end of the stick. I am not saying they're bad by any means. I am just saying they are not roses like you may think. I am glad he is doing well and hope things continue that way.

 

Thanks for your thoughts roadrunner and JJ. I know that it is the "honeymoon phase" but believe me I have had to deal with some bad crap from companies along the way where there was never a honeymoon. I am by no way fooled into thinking everything will always be quite this smooth, but at the same time my experience has taught me a lot of practical ways to approach life. I can't say that everyone's situation will be anywhere near what ours has been, but thought I should put it out there that they have done right by us thus far. Believe me I smell the fertilizer that treats the roses as well as the wonderful floral scent. I've had to deal with my fair share of stinky situations and yep, a couple have been a result of someone's screw up. Both at the Central and other places. I am just saying they have worked hard to get rid of the stink so far. We agreed a long time ago that lease wasn't for us in our situation, but thanks for the advice, I'll take any you might have to offer, weigh it in and go from there . JJ, I am very sorry to hear about your mother

 

My boyfriend started with Central on the 22nd of Aug. He did his three days then off with a trainer. My boyfriend already had his CDL but just needed to be "retrained" since he hadnt been in a truck for more then three years. During the three days he was told to not listen to any driver in the yard because what they say will be nothing but lies. I find that somewhat funny because maybe they should of told him to not listen to the recruiter because what they say are nothing but lies. (just our experience)

Before he took this journey (back into OTR) we sat for hours talking about this & Central made it very clear that he would have his home time, but from the sounds of the men in the yard, that doesnt seem to be true. I understand that in order to make any money you need to be on the road, but how can they expect you to be out for three months at a time without going home for a few days?

 

The 3 months is the lease drivers that are struggling. As company you don't need to be out that long. As for listening, take all info with a grain of salt. Some will be good and other will be bad. If you get it in good yes you can lease and go home, but not to often will it work that way. I ran 6 months with a total of 11 days off cause of leasing. Now I own the Trk and work for central. Not sure how its gonna go, but at least I can leave when I want with no major issue of lease breaking.

 

My boyfriend & I talked and we are not going to do their lease program. Just doesnt sound to good (from what other people say), and I agree with what you say about listening to what other people say, some truth and some lies, but very glad that he is talking with other drivers if nothing more then to get their point of view of their experience.

 

Hmmm, that is about 771 miles per day for a 7 day week. My truck doesn't go that fast. You are a lucky guy.