Central Refrigerated Truck Stop II

No one else in to class will have any practical experience either (save for maybe a couple taking a refresher) so I wouldn't worry about that. As for not havng driven a standard before, many others in the class will be in the same place on that as well. I wouldn't worry to much about that. Quick learners won't have any trouble, and those who are bit slower will get it eventually. We only had 2 in a class of 30+ who were lost due to not being able to get a grasp on driving. One of those was even the holder of a cdl (although he had no over the road experience) so it really is more about your ability to learn than skills you go in with.

 

I agree with Passion, and will add that you not driving a manual shift car will be an advantage for you.

Most people make the mistake of trying to drive the truck like a manual in a car and that gets them in trouble. You don't have to "unlearn" that part of it.

 

Two out of 30 people ?
Huh I like those odds.
In your group how many people ended up going home?

Was the largest hurdle the written test? or just people lieing on their background stuff?

 

Also, When you get your truck (Company Driver) can you get your own CB radio or do you need to use the one in the truck?

 

Look at it this way: No matter how many start class with you, there will only be 2 or 3 of you still driving a year later. There are many, many factors for that. It's going to all depend upon your motivation and personal situation. If you're not already, it will make you thick-skinned and that's never a bad thing.

 

Your truck will most likely not have a CB already in it. It'll probably be wired, but you'll need your own radio. Just turn it off in any parking lots your 1st 6 months on the road. In fact, it wouldn't kill you to not even have one for awhile. Seriously, it could be a distraction while you're taking those baby steps on your own. But, that's just an opinion.

 

is central really a good company to start your driving career with or should people start elsewhere than come to them?

 

I couldn't answer about coming to Central from another driving job. I can tell you this though, if you have no experience, it's as good as any to start with.

 

I have a cdl but no civilian experience. I have 9 years military experience but no civilian company will accept it. I start CDL School on Monday here locally and then will start looking for a job. I am looking for the best home time & Pay that's all I care about.

Central's recruiter has told me that no matter if I attend a school on my own or their school I will still be required to train with them for 4-6 weeks. Do you know anything about this?

 

It's worth calling a recruiter to talk about it. You're not going to make a ton the first few months, but if you do the right things, you're looking at $50k/yr plus. Stay a yr or two and if it's not a good fit, there are tons of other options.