Hi All! Newbie here...going to Central Refridge orientation Monday

Hello everyone, recent new member and just getting around to Welcome Wagon...have researched the trucking industry & co`s here on TTR for months prior...lots of helpful info here and appreciate others for their helpful info!

Myself...53yrs old & coming out of construction for over 15yrs as a paint contractor for various reasons... I obtained my CDL(w/ doubles & tankers endors`) at a local school last June but since most schools just teach you to pass dmv cdl test and no 1 on 1 driving skills..... I still have not been lucky enough to secure any local employment cause most company`s(insurance) want 1-2yrs exp so have not yet gained much road experience(I did train for free with a couple of local produce co`s running reefers for a few weeks but things didnt work out due to language barrier),
I`ve made a decision to sign up with Central Refridgerated/Swift as I have been considered by Central for awhile & all local options are exhausted...plus most other large co`s require a refresher course & I just dont have an extra 800.00 for that certificate, I`ve read the good and bad and can only hope to have a good experience with mentor & Central/Swift but only time will tell,

sacrificing & leaving wife and 2 teen boys at home to gain some behind the wheel exp plus knowledge of trucking industry. I`m all packed & will be getting on bus tmrw morning & attending orientation this coming Monday down in Fontana, Ca. and if all goes well I should be out with a mentor Wed of next week.
I will try to post my exp`s of my training over the next coming weeks for any other newbies that may be in a similar position or going with same Co....please feel free to ask any questions.

Again many thanks to all other members for their very useful information!
RG

 

Thanks Chinatown...have a feeling I`m gonna need all the best wishes I can get!
I talked to a recruiter from Northern a few mos back but guy said that since I lived too far away from terminal and since trucks were not allowed to be taken home...he said it wouldnt work,
not too sure who KKW is but I think its a little late to cancel w Central at this point

 

That`s my hopeful goal Ct...get some mos under my belt and then try again to find something closer to family and home...had a possibility of getting on with small local dirt co running belly dumps but work flow for owner is still slow and I cant afford to wait it out anymore...
will keep KKW in mind....Thanks! :smt023

 

Made it thru 1st day of orientation down here in fontana, took physical drug test and road test,
Other part of day was paperwork, a few videos and alot of waiting...had some confusion with hotels and shuttles last nite due to recent co transition but still moving foward onto 2nd day...will probably move these updates of mine to newbie section...
Best wishes to all!