Central Refrigerated Truck Stop II

I dont think I could bring myself to ask for help backing, but rolling in to a packed truck stop (designed for 48's, none the less) after a full 14, I have had a driver hop out and spot for me a couple times. After the second re-set-up I think its just good manners, especially if its your bumper im aiming for.

For the most part though, people dont want to be bothered, so when in doubt, GOAL. I came 10 inches from my first preventable last night backing in to a tight spot, but all it took to prevent it was hopping out and taking a look at where my DOT bar was. Take it slow and safe when backing, because preventables are, after all, preventable.

 

I'm sure you will find most drivers willing to give you a hand. Some drivers will see your having a hard time and be out there without having to be asked.

My first solo pick up was a blind back. I never even practiced blind side. After a couple tries, two drivers got out to help. I would have never made that back without their help.

I've never turned down helping out another driver and have had the favor return as well.

Good luck. Be safe.

 

thanks yea i really dont want to ask but if it comes down to it im going to all we practice in the school im at is offset parallel and straight back suck we never went on to blind side but w/e it is was it is just going to get out there and get er done

 

I'd say we're more like estranged cousins. We'll brag, boast, and complain to ya every time we see ya. And sometimes we're helpful when you least expect it!

 

You'll get the real backing practice when your on your trainers truck. Don't let them short change you on backing. Nothing sets up as perfect as the school backing. When the cones change to real trucks it can get intimidating. Just take your time, goal, and forget about everyone else. Don't forget to turn off the cb when you hit the truck stop.

 

Hay pete I have never had anyone ask me to move to the back of the lot. I have had someone turn off my reefer, but that has only happened once. You will see a lot of guys park head in due to an inability to back in, or to avoid refer noise.
As far as a brotherhood if you ask to any old timers they will say no. I have both been helped and helped people backing in to a tight spot. Something I always tell my students is, "There is a reason that spot is still open" sometimes it is because the occupant just left, but a lot of the time it is just a hard spot to get into.
A funny story- Last night I was helping my student back into one of 3 open spots. It was dark and I had my saftey vest on (I know I'm a dork, but it helps drivers get the clue that the driver does not know what they are doing). But right after I got my student in I had another guy honk and wave me over, I helped him in, then another driver pulled up and asked if I could spot for him, I think they thought I worked there or something.

As far as me offering help I will allow someone 2 pull-ups or a honk from my horn (Hay your about to hit me) then I get out and help. I have never had any one tell me to get lost. I have also never had anyone knock on my door and ask. When i was very new, if there was a guy sitting in the driver seat of a truck I was backing in next to I would ask if they could honk for me and most said ok, one said he needed a new trailer and he would be happy to have Central buy him a new one.

 

hey psu how do you like central honestly? do they treat you like a human ? is the GA terminal good or alright lol how do you like on the road what can i expect i know its not all sunshine and rainbows but is it enjoying most of the time? how was your first solo run was where you white knuckling it thanks ive got tons of questions and you guys are helping me tremendously really do appreciate it.

BE SAFE OUT THERE !

 

Hey just wanted to pop in and say great info on this forum. I have been browsing it for a couple weeks and have learned alot. I'm going to be starting training with Central on Sept. 3rd. Sounds like i chose a good company to start with.

 

In VA of last November I was convicted all for the cop saying in court my eyes were watery and I had a slurred speech pattern. I wasn't drunk at all but, never the less. I was 6 feet from my door etc of my apartment but, Girl friend at the time her friend called the 50 on me saying I stole her car or some crap. Its a long story but, long story short after my appearance in court I was convicted for a class 4 Intoxication in public with no option to get it off my record. Its on my record for 10 years. The judge said he wasn't going to charge me with the Possession of Alcohol class 1 yet I turned around last night to double check and he did....... Luckily I can still get my CDL etc with no problem. But Those to Misdemeanors remain on my record until I am 30. Then again, its a petty misdemeanor and my step dad has said no trucking company would care for some thing so worthless at looking at.

I guess it all depends on the misdemeanor this guy has though. Shrug, I don't really know. Just don't piss cops off in Virginia because cops have nothing better to do except find a false reason to pull you over for traffic violations.

P.S.

On another note to all you "DRIVERS" out there. The 220 South Route off 81 near Roanoke and Salem is usually loaded with state troopers in that area. If you take route 220 then watch your arse until you hit the Franklin County and Rocky Mt line and its all pedal to the metal. Then again, I-81 in general is crawling with troopers. :/

 

Pete- I like Central. It is a good company if you can go with the flow. There are a lot of drivers out there who do not pay attention and then get po'ed because they cant idle 24hrs a day, or they can only 62, or they do not get paid from drop to home. As with any job they have rules and regs that seem stupid, but you should decide if you can live with it before you start, I think you are getting this background so you should be good.
Out on the road, once you get your own truck it's awsome (for me at least) it kinda stinks that you get to drive by lots of cool stuff, but don't get to stop (either no parking or no time) and it's hard to be out if yiu have kids, I have 3 all under 5 and I hate leaving them, but you do what you got to do.
I have worked in many jobs and the worst day on the truck is still better than the best day in the cubicle.
That is the industry. Central is a great place to start, and some have made a career out of it, just make informed decisions and you will be fine.

The GA terminal is nice (imo) but I have been blasted on other threads for saying that. It's not the ritz but is is a free bed and shower, tv room and decent snacks in the vending machines. There is a great wing place down the street too. I have never had any work done there so I can not talk about that. Parking can be limited, and some say its hard to fuel. My main complaint is that they need to take the old signs down. The first time I pulled in there I sat in the fuel lane for 10min waiting to get inspected, then another driver pulled up and told me they do not inspect there, but there is a sign giving very detailed instructions on the inspection process (very confusing).
I think that was all, I can only see 2 lines of text at a time on my phone and don't remember what I typed. Hope that helps, keep the questions coming