Central Refrigerated Truck Stop II

Good afternoon CelticWolf, I start with Central on the 19th of November. Been out of trucking a while, and used to run a reefer unit in the 90's. I hate starting over. How is the training and do you have to stay for the whole 5 weeks. The training pay is low but hoping to make more after going solo. How much can I expect to earn. Been talking to Madison, she was telling me the new guys are lock in at 2550 for 6 months is that true or will they give you more if you can handle it. Thanks

 

I am getting ready to re-enter the trucking industry after a 20 year hiatus. I've looked over a lot of companies and CRS is on the short list along with Millis Transport and even Stevens Transport (I know its a more troubled company, but I like their lease on paper). I obviously want to maximize income, but I also really want a route to truck ownership which CRS doesn't really seem to offer a good route other than to do it all on my own. If I could trust their numbers and a Lease Trainer really could make 74K a year, this would be possible, but who can ever trust published numbers like that. I like people and am already a good teacher/trainer at heart. I've always done it in one capacity or another. So, I wouldn't just be a mercenary trainer...I think I could be good at it. I'd welcome any input. Thanks.

 

Well, I've done it now, lol! L/O time... In spite of all the warnings, I am going for it. The options I had were turn in my truck and wait a week for a company truck or sign on and get outthe door tomorrow. Kind of shady, but I cannot sit still. So, here we go on the high wire. Will either succeed or fail like everyone before me. If I make it I will try to help anyone struggling with it. If I crash an burn I'll let y'all know why. Should prolly change my tag line to "Drinking the kool-aid!" when I get home.

 

i cant belittle a man for being honest hope it works for you. and if it doesn't work out please let everyone know why and dont be one of those who fail and just disapear never to be heard from again. and if it does work keep posting so others will know how about to go and be successful with the lease. like i said good luck but the odds are against you in todays economy.

 

Not to be a naysayer, but anyone considering leasing a truck from a company really should read this.

http://www.truthabouttrucking.com/trucking.company.lease.purchase.programs/index.html

On the bright side, the cold , hard facts don't say there's a 100% chance you'll fail, just a 87% chance.

 

Are you thinking of training?? We lease and the number one thing I can suggest... Well a few things... Only have in the Central maintenance account enough to cover tires and two to three weeks of static costs (lease and insurance payment stuff)... In your own bank account put aside as much as possible for the eventual breakdown/down time, because it WILL happen! If you don't have that cushion you will be in a serious world of hurt!! The climb back out of that hole takes months!! I'm speaking from experience there...

 

months to climb out. that's not what i wanted to hear.

 

Lady K could you share your experience with CRS. I am supposed to start on the 19th. What can I actually expect to make in training and then how consistant are the miles i.e. take home pay. One more thing I was talking with Roehl and there training is booked until Dec but CRS starts every Monday. Is that because of drivers quiting over low miles, low pay, 30 drivers a month turn over is what I read somewhere. You cam Pm me if you want to, just a family man trying to make a educated decision. Thanks

 

I'm not throwing a fit yet, but I'm tempted. They want me to sign on and take off, supposedly. There are no rooms here if I don't. There are also no company trucks which is aggravating because I feel I'm being forced into the lease. I have home time next week which means no pay for two weeks. I've ran over 38,000 miles in my first four months and they are also telling me an APU is a "luxury" item that I would have to get on my own. We onlusual it four months out of the year (LIKE NOW!). Oh, I had a preventable my 4th day out so even though I've been in some type of training or management position my entire adult life, I can't train until next year. Cool thing is a rental car would be about $250 and I can have my ### in front of my fireplace by Sunday night if this goes bad... *le sigh

 

*only use it... The made up looking word up there.