Central Refrigerated Truck Stop II

Hey Nottoway - I noticed you are from VA - not that I spent much time there, but I was born in VA (Warrenton) and then also lived in Manassas for a bit. I see you are more SE VA though...that's ok - I'm actually more Hawaiian as my Mom was Hawaiian.

Anyway, I can't give you any other advice on your options other than I'm feeling comfortable with my decision to go with Central. I know I've got to start somewhere and that wherever I choose to start, it's up to me to make it a good experience. I can't say that Central is the best or the worst, but I can say that I feel good about my decision...it also helps to know that there are many people throughout this thread that will help me along my way...right??

Good Luck in whatever you decide.

 

Nottoway I agree with chompi completely that higher cpm comes at a cost somewhere. It may be equipment, or heven forbid skimping on payroll clerks who dont get you your money in an orderly fashion. You need to look at the total package (yes there is more than cpm) central offers safety bonuses, ontime bonuses, not to mention your week of vacation pay, 401k match and the value of their portion of your health preiums.Also like he said yes some places will offer to pay you 40+cpm and will, but they are not running the miles. For example I was called by a recruter at another company and offered 50cpm as a co driver, when I asked about the average miles per week she proudly told me 1600-200. Now that is far less than I ran as a solo driver.

Frost did you get on Farmland dedicated? I know they are looking for drivers and offering about 36cpm.

Dinerman welcome to Central- where are you going to school? I too would suggest having your wife get her cdl. Even if she does not want to drive, much, having those hours will make your life easier on the road. Want to stop and go to the amish market? No cdl means no I'll run out of my 14hr clock we gotta go and leads to a grumpy wife. Yes cdl means sure youll just have to kick it in the last 2-3hrs or as some people do (I am not reccomending) sure honney I just drive on your clock (again illegal and I do not reccomend it) and that leads to a happy wife. And we all know happy wife = happy life

 

Diner man another opption (if you stay company) central has local drivers in the slc area. Put some time in otr and keep your eye on the qualcomm as they post the openings there. That could get you a nice local job without having to switch companies.

 

PSUMoose - thanks for your input...and agreed on both points. For now, the choice is hers to not get her CDL at this point...but I think she will sooner rather than later. I agree that if we run team together, we'll have more flexibility with our time (not to be wasteful, but just running smart) and hey...we'd be together as Lady K pointed out. In due time...in the end, I'll think she'll get her CDL...and then maybe I can be here trainer - hah.

As for local or dedicated route - that is something that I will look into...once I have the needed experience. However, I still think it would be nice to run team and maybe be able to see some other family - sis-in-law in San Diego, parents in Oly, WA, bro in Indiana, parents-in-law in York, PA, friends in St. Louis...you know what I mean. Again, time will tell. I do plan on sticking with Central through 'at least' my first full year, and staying a co driver only...don't think I want to go lease anytime soon - why worry about having to make the additional decisions that a l/o has to go through...I'd rather just stay co and do a good job without all the additional headache.

 

Farmland dedicated is basically a salary job. You will rarely run over ther 2300 mile guarantee. That's why they're having to beg for drivers for it

 

Yeah DinerMan, I'm just on the east side of I-95, and just north of the NC/VA state line .... about an hour due west of Hampton Roads. The big flatbed companies don't hire east of I-95 in VA...not much outbound freight is the reason I'm sure. (But man are the 'containers' rolling outta the ports.)

I see you're now in Utah...thus the interest in Central I assume. I understand they haul a lot of beer, and there's several coors/miller breweries close by here along with Budweiser in Williamsburg.

This will be a second career for me after about 35 years in the family business. Had worked up to president and 50% owner and the company reached a high of 30 employees. We lost what had become our major and foundational account (70% of our revenue) when the paper mill closed. Decided I'd had enough and left the business to another family member.

Anyway, I'm getting close to selecting the carrier to work for. Got 7 preHires to choose from, thought that was enough choice. My perspective has always been from the employers view, and I think that will be an asset when it comes to dealing with people now that I will be the employee. Especially with my business background that includes sales in a highly competitive world and valuing a customer and knowing the importance of customer service.

This forum has been wonderful and I am very grateful for those who are willing to share their experiences, wisdom and advice.

Good luck to all !

 

Thanks Moose! Yeah, and those NE bonuses might look good, but I don't really want to constantly run in that circle. That's what attracts me to Central and separates them from the eastern regional carriers.

Thanks again for the input!!!

 

Hey Dinerman, pass this along to your wife..... Our first year team driving for Central my wife and I did over $180,000. The second year as lease ops we did over $240,000! Had she sat at home by herself for months on end while I was gone we would have been taking in about $28,000-$32,000 and missed the adventure of a lifetime together!

Anyone can drive a big truck... Just takes a little confidence and practice. Common sense is a big plus! Benefits of being a husband/wife team is that you are always there for one another. During the extreme weather or difficult situations I would take over. After a few months she really became a very good driver and I had to fight with her to let me drive the hard stuff!

Though we made extremely good money, the memories and adventures we had were far more valuable and will last a lot longer.

Give it some thought and you are more than welcome to "pm" me if you have any questions.

 

Good info to have Chompi...I will pass this along to her. Personally, I would love to have her along with me - it would almost seem to be the best of both worlds...don't have to worry about home time because the one you care about is already with you, don't have to worry about the daily cubicle grind, and many many other pros though I know there are some cons as well as there is with any choice.

Anyway, I will 'encourage' her and will get with you if I do have any questions. - Thanks.

 

Just a heads up in case she doesn't go with you. Bank on 4 weeks at first. The more you try to go home, the more difficult your dm's job becomes. From what I've heard and seen this translates to less miles... Some will let you stay out longer but others like to keep it at four. Good luck!