Central Refrigerated Truck Stop II

Anyone heard anything good or bad about the kraft hourly? Talked to Chris and he said I could go hourly even though I'm in ohio. And he didn't have it posted for ohio. 15.50 an hr. 60-65 hrs per week. No OT. Home Friday evening. Out Monday morning. I've heard good thinks about kraft OTR. But haven't heard anything about kraft hourly. He said it's all Midwest. So nothing's new to me. I imagine my dm won't be happy since I just went back to MW 2 weeks ago. I hate to seem like a "fleet jumper" but 900-1000/ week and home every weekend sounds good.

 

I'd jump all over that. Two days off and your pretty much doing the exact same thing your currently doing. Probably the best thing to being "local" without being local. Plus the time out on the road would fly by in my opinion with weekends off to bookend it. You should check it out some more! Unless your enjoying your gig now.

unloader

 

I just got home from my first time out solo. I love this job I just need to find a way to spend less on the road. I want a lil fridge so someone tell the new guy a good inverter that the company will let me put on the truck.

 

You know I haven't really decided yet. I may try to secure a loan with a lower interest rate just to have the option of not feeling locked into a job for a year. However, I don't intend to leave CR for a year, at the very least, so it may be a good option for me. This, of course, all depends on if I make enough to pay the bills at home. And none of financials will matter if don't pass their tests and get my CDL. I really hope I don't end up as the 'example guy' who gets sent home right away because he forgot cross a t or dot an i.

Why not get a 40qt 12v Cooler? They sell them at Walmart for $88. I intend to buy one as soon as get my truck. And I'm waiting on this purchase because I was told it wouldn't be the good idea to haul it around through schooling/training.

 

dfaf, please don't take this personally. Your post just reminded me of hundreds of similar posts. Don't buy into the "I don't want to be locked in for a year" philosophy. I understand why some say that after the fact because there are some companies I wouldn't want to be locked into for a week. Central is a great company to get your feet on the ground and even beyond. You wouldn't do yourself any favors leaving before a year anyway. That first year will go by faster than you can imagine. When I started, my goal was to only stay that first year. Now, I'm going on two. It may not be the best program for every situation, but for a guy (or gal) who wants to get a CDL for $1500 with no down payment, it's hard to beat and if you prove you can do the job, there's more opportunities and plenty of miles here.

 

LOL... So true... Hubby and I are coming up to our three year anniversary - with Central that is

 

Thank you for your input. I've got thicker skin than most, so no offense taken. I did state that, like you, I fully intend to stay with CR at least a year. However, I'm a realist, and I've learned that life has a way of getting in way of even the most well laid plans. I want to do what's best for my family and being away from them for so long might not be for us. I'm not even sure I have what it takes to be an OTR trucker, but do intend to give my best shot. So if I find I can't stay with CR, I'd like to find the best way to exit gracefully. in order to do this I started reading up on what it's like to be OTR trucker over month before settling on CR. I decided on CR based on the positive posts I've read about this company. I have read plenty of the negative posts as well and I have come to the conclusion that a lot the people who complained had expectations that didn't match their experience with CR. Some these people had issues with DM's or other CR staff, some just didn't have what it takes to live on road, and some people needed more than CR was willing to give them at the time. Whatever their reason, doesn't matter to me, and may not be relevant in my experience with CR. Just as with all of life, my experience with is going to be unique to me. Sorry if I came off as a bit negative, I can assure you I'm trying my best to avoid having any expectations what so ever.

Currently, I am preparing myself for success with this company. I've been studying and taking CDL practice tests. I've written lists and made purchases of items I'll need on the road. I've made plans with my wife to budget our money in preparation for the cost of food while at school and with a trainer. Come February, I'll have my mortgage paid off, I believe this will be the largest factor in helping me succeed my first year. I still have a lot questions that I would like answered before I even set in foot on that bus. To be clear, I'm in no way taking this career change lightly. I'm an all or nothing type personality, a little bit stubborn, but flexible enough to handle change. I appreciate and welcome all the feedback I've received from everyone on the forums, negative or positive, I'm drawing my own conclusions from both. I've recently found out that a family friend works for CR, giving him a call soon, so it will be nice to hear his perspective on things.

 

ya i contacted chris too. he said the same thing. but im basically doing that now but with the home daily part. but kraft is in IL a lot so i can prob be home daily. if you do it let me know how it is. and how long your in IL. i dont think though ill leave my place still. just curious about it.

 

wow. ya i got off my trainers truck too. it was bad i had a death in the family. NO ONE answered my calls. nor my emails. luckily my trainer was a good guy and let me find a hertz to rent a car and fly back home. but see i had the best DM while i was training. Rodger from kraft. so he sent my trainer straight back to me after 1 week and i was out rolling. sorry to hear about that man. it sucks. call central and see what they say.

 

Hey, that's good to know! Rodger is actually the DM I have right now. I've actually been playing phone tag with him all day, but good to know he's a good DM. ^.^ I'm still hoping to get back out there, and get through the training, then hopefully on the Pasco local gig.