Central Refrigerated Truck Stop II

Pretty sure wherever you get your feet wet again is gonna come with a lot of pros and cons. I've seen people happy and miserable in just about every company. It's probably gonna be what you make of it in the long run. I came real close to financial disaster by starting this with no money saved up to cover my arse the first couple of months. Just did a few days with a DM that "pushes" which you will probably get eventually when whoever you're working with realizes you're a go getter. Since Monday I've Been from SC to TX, deadheaded to OK, ran to NY, and I'm preset to deadhead to upstate NY, then run east to IL. That's a lot of miles when you're on recap already. I've only got three or four hours to play around with and given washouts between loads, there's really no screwing around anymore.
I say a few runs because I just took a regional gig and we're gonna see how that works out. Runs will be very short but I'd rather do 20 loads a week for more money than 3,000 miles @ .28. Crossing my fingers I made the right call.
has anybody on here ran regional for Central? I'll be primarily in the Midwest now...

 

Hey Nottoway, ya Central isn't the highest paying. Most companies either pay a little more by the mile and have crappy equipment or a little less pay per mile and have nice equipment. Central has really nice equipment. Then there are the companies that boast an exorbitant amount per mile. While it is probably true you most likely aren't running very many miles which is why they pay more.

I personally recommend Central because I have driven for them and know exactly what goes on there. One number reason I do recommend them is because on many occasions they really went above and beyond to help us. That was very important to us. They don't just treat you like a number. The are large enough to keep you busy yet small enough to treat you like a human being! All around the are a very well rounded company. Like any other though they have their ups and downs and happy drivers and disgruntled drivers.

I have also heard good things about EPES but personally have never driven for them. Make a list of your wants and needs and maybe try to narrow or choose according to your list. Like I said I can vouch for Central but there are also many, many other companies out there.

As far as the training goes, no matter what company you go with if you feel you are not being trained properly or just don't get along with your trainer then speak up and call dispatch or safety. Under any circumstances do you ever do anything illegal or operate illegally no matter what your trainer says! Call safety immediately if this happens! Try to document as much as possible. Also make sure you aren't just filling in as a team driver either. If you are running over 4500-5000 miles a week you are driving more as team driver than a trainee.

 

Great information. How long ago was your training and how did it go? What should a first year newbie be expected to make with Central? (My recruiter is Jeremy.)

THANKS!

 

Thanks so much Chompi. I really appreciate you experienced drivers bothering to respond to us greenhorns! I will be carefully mulling over your words of wisdom.

I actually have old friends who own a small regional trucking business close by and could undoubtedly work for them at some point. They have 16 company trucks and a couple of o/o's signed on. Pulling vans and flats. I just want to get out, get trained, learn the business and see some country. If that happens to be with a national company that gives me a good place to stay in the process, that's fine too.

Thanks again to everyone!

 

Hi all...have been researching and reading posts for about the last month...have finally decided to go with Central. I'm a newbie to the industry...will be my third career. Tired of the cubicle game (though the pay is good...at times) and even went out on my own and opened my own Diner (hence the user name...). The Diner didn't last too long though because of a lack of operating capital - another story for another day. My Dad used to be a trucker back in the olden days (late 50's - drove for Allied Van Lines) but ended up working in the CIA...again, another story for another day. My trek into the industry is plain and simple - career change...though I'm not going in blind. As with ANYTHING in life, I know this career will be what I make of it. I've been successful in both my other careers - all gained through time and hard work - I view this as no different. No kids left at home, my wife will join me at times on the road and may even get her CDL and team together, we'll see on that.

Anyway, just wanted to introduce myself - I'll be starting Oct. 1. I know I don't know everything and am eager to learn from those with experience. I do pick up on things quickly and tend to learn the ropes and in's/out's of things quickly. I'm a hands-on type of person...never afraid to get my hands dirty in the work. I'm used to working long hours...which again, I don't view this as any different.

I look forward to keeping in touch with many of you and even meeting a few of you though I understand that there are always things to do and places to be. - Thanks.

 

Welcome Dinerman!

I highly recommend you get your wife her CDL asap! You guys could have the potential to do really well! My wife and I teamed for Central and surely didn't regret it!

Good luck on our endeavor...

 

Dinerman... I agree w/Chompi but then I'm a wife (not his) that is out here with her husband driving. I can't picture us being separated for the length of time we have stayed away from home, and if you go home all the time, you don't make the money. Welcome to Central

 

The $30-35k average they quote seems to be close to the mark. Some make mid to low 20's and some make more... Depends on the driver, the DM they have, and a little bit of luck. I came through training back in May. My trainer is pretty cool. I still call him from time to time on the road if I can't get a straight answer from anyone else. He's been trucking over 40 years so it was very cool to work with someone who still pushes hard and still likes where he's at and what he's doing after that long in the industry.
As far as the pay goes, don't take the average like I did and divide by 52, thinking you're gonna make that straight out of training. There are living adjustments you'll need to make (food, laundry, and initial expenses on the road). I think it would be more accurate to think in terms of an accelerated career. You sart at minimum wage an move up as you learn and as your driver manager learns what you can handle. If you're not moving up you need to figure out why and fast. Take your time and put in at least six months (most say a year and I can see why) before you start thinking of signing for the shiny new truck and all the "extra" money you think Lease/Operators make. I'm happy with my decision to come here and definitely feel at home in my truck now. Staying a company driver for my first year and then seeing where life takes me. Good luck to ya!

 

Thanks guys for the feedback...it's very helpful. While I'm still at my final three, (Central, Roehl and EPES), it's Central's opportunity for this ole eastern boy to see some of the west that is drawing me to Central.

Thanks again!

 

Thanks to both Chompi and Lady K - I've seen both of your posts throughout this thread as well as JJ's original so your comments are much appreciated...and I'm in agreement. I just need to convince my wife of that as well - she's thinking there is no way she'd be able to drive a rig...I think she can - time will tell. I've already prepped her though that I won't be home every 2 weeks - more like 3-4 weeks. However, I'm hoping that if I'm able to pass through SLC given that the yard is in WVC, I only live a short 35-40 mile drive straight down the freeway so I may be able to sneak in a quick HI every now and then...maybe.

Anyway, THANKS again for your input...and your welcome!!