Follow me through Central refrigeration training 2.

Glad to read your posts Diner Man. Keep them coming.

 

Diner Man,
So appreciate the thread Sir. Being a bit long in the tooth (54) I was very interested in your take at your age. You seem to have taken to it very well. Very informative and helpful. I'm leaving out on Thanksgiving day to Conley, Ga and then on to SLC. I hope to meet you one of these days and once again, thanks for all the info as you have soothed a few of my concerns. I can't wait to get started and I will update as I can. Thanks again Diner Man, PSUMoose and everyone else that have contributed to this thread. See ya on the road !!

 

Well, I'm finally able to get an internet connection and 'time' to post again. My 'official' training is now over - I upgraded 11/13 in Fontana, CA instead of West Valley City (Salt Lake). Upgrading there was fine. I'm not out on my own - I've been assigned a 2013 Volvo that had only 22,000 miles on it...so basically, new. My first load was from Ontario, CA to Layton, UT but I guess a mixup in home time. I think part of the mixup came as I'm a Utah guy but upgraded in CA as they initially assigned me a CA DM...until I mentioned if my first load will take me back home to UT...they changed my DM to a UT one. However, my DM said I should be home for the Thanksgiving Holiday...but then I found out that he couldn't approve that so has me out on the road...even though I thought that home time was given to those completing the 4 week otr training. I don't mind too much though - my second load (that I'm currently on) took me from Heyburn, ID to Cedar Falls, IA and then I'm already preset for my 3rd load from IA to Oklahoma City, OK. Thanksgiving for me will be on the road but Christmas we've already set for home time.

In a previous post I mentioned that for me, I really didn't find too many challenges...let me bring up a challenge that I just didn't think about earlier. Navigation...not so much out on the open road, but more so, in cities in traffic trying to find out what exit to take, what street to turn on...things can get pretty hairy if you don't take things slow and especially if you've not been in the area before...and especially at night. My suggestion...take it slow and easy. And if you miss a turn/exit, don't sweat it...better to take the extra time and make the extra turns to get back to where you need to be rather than to make a quick adjustment and end up getting into a wreck.

So as my training is officially over (though in reality, I will continue to learn while out on the road), I'll continue to watch this thread and would love to be of help to whomever asks...and hope to meet some of you as time goes on. Oh...final cost on food for the 4 weeks...$130. Now, I'm not a huge eater and don't get too picky on what I have. All I'm saying is that I got by with that amount - some may spend less...some may spend more. I just talked with my wife on the phone and we are going to budget $50/week for me for food. I think I can get by with less, but that gives me the option to go in and have a sit-down meal every now and then.

Oh...also...XM/Sirus radio - it is worth it!!

Anyway, till next time......

 

Good to hear from you again Diner Man. Man I can't wait to get out there. Glad to hear that all went well for you. Stay safe out there keep us posteed on how the miles go as well as the winter driving. Thanks for all you did on the post.

 

Diner Man, I have a question on the navigation soes Central route you to your stop and far fuel ? Or can you pick your own route ? Hope all is well with you and I hopr to see you out there after the first of the year.

 

As a company driver you must run the route and fuel stops listed on the Qualcomm. As a lease Opp you may choose how you want to get there as well as where you fuel. Central picks fuel stops that benefit them and there routing generally is the shortest.

 

As 6pak stated, and the routing really isn't bad at all...at least that's my opinion in my short time out. During training, my trainer had a Rand GPS...I like the GPS for some of the features that it has (such as finding nearby truck stops and such), and it helps at times...but it also can be a pain sometimes by taking odd routing and taking you through downtown interstates vs belt routes.

 

Just a quick update...not really training wise, but just an update. OTR life isn't bad though it is what you make it. I've been keeping busy enough as I've tried to keep moving. Sometimes that doesn't work out so well, but I try. I can tell you this though, the training and the tips from everyone helps...so does being patient. Again, attitude is key. Have fun.

 

Thanks diner man, patients seems to be something that everyone suggest. I am currently waiting in SLC to finish orientation tomorrow and wait to be contacted by my trainer. After 2 weeks, I still feel I made to best choice for this new career. Every trainer is friendly and Jeff the classroom instructor is excellent in teaching you everything you need to know in an advanced class to obtain your CLD.

 

Congrats Mike44 - agreed on the trainers/instructors at West Valley. Though I'm still a newbie...I'm satisfied having chosen Central as well. Hope to meet up with you sometime!