Central Refrigerated Truck Stop III

Well, I guess a certain few of us are showing our age. I can't agree more with the notebook advice. I kind of know a lot of them in my head now, but where it helped me the most early on was jotting down certain places where I could find a parking place after 10:00 p.m.

 

I greatly appreciate the advice! I know just how important it is to keep a physical notebook. I'm pretty bad about just relying on my iPhone's notepad, but it's just not the same.... and my short stint in the Army taught me that I won't always have my phone either. Honestly, though, I didn't even think to bring a notebook with me to the school. It would be smart to pick one up when I leave Sunday morning.

 

I'll be going POV myself. It's only an 8 hour drive from where I live and I'd imagine having my own transportation would come in handy while I'm there. No candy vans for me!

 

Clyde, I hope you and others are having the same experience I am: Life seems to get even better as we get older. I loved my youth and had a blast, but as far as just feeling happy and satisfied, that just keeps getting even better.

And with all the changes going on right now, I'd like to just throw it out there a very positive career experience with this company-- Simon/ Central / Swift.

*** Here's one person's career at Central: ***

Simon trucks always caught my eye, because their equipment was so cool. Black and white, and always shiny and clean. Hell, I'll admit it, I chose them with no research just because the trucks were so cool.

When they hired me, I felt like I had the world on a string. Jump in a truck and start exploring the country on the company's dime. I was Canada-Qualified, so they sent me up there quite a bit and that was quite an adventure.

Then Central bought us and here came the changes: Qual Comms instead of pay phones, fuel routing instead of choosing your own route, and instructions NOT to call the reciever to ask if you could deliver early instead of self-scheduling. And you know what? It was still a good job. When I'd get frustrated I would say, "I've worked a lot harder for a lot less money."

In the end, I drove over the road as part of my long term career plan, and when that part of it was over I ended up buying my truck from Central. I still use it, although a high top sleeper sometimes looks out of place when harvesting sugar beets!!

 

+1 on the note books. I use multiple note books.

 

It's getting really close to my start date for school. I'm leaving early Sunday morning and I couldn't be any more excited. Anyone have any last minute tips on items that I should bring that aren't completely obvious?

 

As a former trainer of central I'll give you a word of advice.. Pack lite and only take the things you have got to have. The trainers just love it when a new trainee shows up with everything but their car in tow. I always made my students sleep with all their crap that wouldn't fit in their designated storage spaces And if you're a big guy that can suck.