Central Refrigerated Truck Stop II

Hey All,

Well, I am super bummed. I just got off the phone with Omar in recruiting and he informed me that Central just updated its policy on DUI's. They have increased it from 5 years to 7 years. He said they were having too many accidents. I have done so much research over the course of the last 6 months as I have been waiting for my 5 year DUI period to arrive. (Which for me is June of 2013) and now Central decides to change its policy when I am 3 months away. I can't believe it! In any case, I have to decide who to go with now. I'm a Californian and so I think my options are limited to Swift or CRST. CRST will take me next month since they go by "Occurence date" as opposed to conviction date, but I'm worried about going with them. I guess Swift is ok, but maybe I should just bite the bullet with CRST and get through the 8 months and move on to a better company. If I go with Swift then I will have to be there for a year. I know Central is a year as well, but based on what I have learned about Central, I wouldn't mind the year with them as much as Swift. In any case, I am thinking about biting the bullet with CRST. It's 8 months and then I can move on. What do you guys think? For those that know, is CRST so bad that I would be making a huge mistake or is it bearable? I don't have many bills to cover other than my cell phone and food. I just need to get working though.

Any thoughts are welcomed!

Thanks!

 

you want to stay with whoever you choose for at least 1 year regardless, as your options with 8 months experience wont be much better than fresh outta school. once you pass the magic 1 year mark a lot more opens up to you. Given those choices I'd go with swift looong before crst. I can imagine being forced to team with a newbie stranger; I imagine I wouldn't sleep at all.

 

I've heard a LOT of bad things about CRST, not so much on SWIFT as a company. Their training might not be all that, seems like a large number of them cant park. People are always going to gripe about the starter companies but we all gotta get our experience somewhere. I heard way more bad things about Central than good, but I think the training alone makes the first year worth it. Good luck and be careful.

 

I can do anything when I'm mad, lol. I had other things happen that I won't get into but they were as bad or worse than the rest. Once I set my mind to it I can do anything and I've been through with being a slave to smokes for a while now. So, I just quit buying them. First two weeks were rough, lots of sunflower seeds. But then I realized I didn't need them and I've been good for two months.

 

well congrats trying to quit myself ive tried about 20 times but im actually ready i smoke about 5 a day now and use the electronic cigarettes there not a substitute but they work for me

 

I'm headed to central refs training school for a CDL next month. I'm tired of working jobs that i hate with people that I hate even more. Good to hear someone's doing well with central.

 

Punky-
SWIFT = Sure Wish I'd Finished Training
But they do have a lot of options to choose from I see them pulling vans, flat bed, and some heavy haul stuff. They have the same equipment as us (newer 3yr leases) I think CRST runs older trucks, but if you want to own a truck I have heard CRST has a decent lease purchase program (I have heard but not researched)

Also there is the mandatory teaming at CRST. Not sure about your pref on teaming.
Hope that helps

 

Well, Looks Like I will be heading to Conley to start School...I have my CDL but its been a awhile since I have been on the road....I'm sure its like riding a bike.....CR is the only place I saw so many positives reviews. I know most reviews are BS...Because most dont know what they are getting into when they sign on the dotted line. I looking forward to getting back on the road...My only hang up is having to be with a smoker..I know they say I dont have to worry about it...But you never know...
Matt

 

By the way after reading this entire thread...What happen to Big Rigg?????
[h=1][/h]

 

Thanks...Ice Train...I cant respond to your PM yet....newbeee...lol