Central Refrigerated Truck Stop II

I have been researching companies on this forum for awhile now and read alot of posts good and bad. Most of the bad do not go into great detail as to why they had problems or even try to put some of the fault where it really belongs.

So far I have come down to 2-3 choices and CR England has alot of ups, the pay is higher than most for one thing, just wondering if you can keep the miles or does it slack off at times? I live in Maryland and was wondering what you think my hometime would be or how often would I get home.

 

Think college dorm on a budget

 

I too have been looking into Central. They make it sound alright.... thinkin about heading to Salt Lake. Anything to be aware of. They said good home time. I am married with two little ones. This is a huge leap. To be honest its very nerve racking.

 

Here is a like to some material that might help.... But remember when you get to class, do it their way...

www.gjmd.us/cdl

 

Honest, if you have small kids and want to see them grow up, this really is not a good job. If you want to make money you will need to stay on the road for long periods of time. I wouldn't count on getting home as much as they say...

 

I would not suggest CR England to anyone. It can be very hard with them to go solo for one thing. They will push you every which way they can to make you team or lease. Solo is very hard to get into unless they have a dedicated in your area that they want you for.
As for miles, they are up everywhere. You may get into a low freight area now and then. But for the most part just about any company should be able to keep you moving.

Communication is the key. Dispatch and planners need to know you are reliable and know your plans. Every load you have to check out before you commit. Know you can do it. And if not let them know that you either cannot or if it is very close let them know that too. If you are going to not be able to make the appt time you should know that before you accept the load. Or if you have any question as to if you can make that delivery on time it has to be expressed. ASAP
Never plan to make up time. It hardly ever works. As soon as you know an issue exists that may cause load to be late you have to let them know.

As a trucking company, Central or any other company's main job is the on time delivery of freight. As a driver it is your sole job to make sure that happens.

 

I was hoping to work for them for a little while and then apply for a more dedicated local route. They told me after 6mos of driving for them, I could apply for a more local dedicated route. Is this not true? Ive really always wanted my CDL but do want to be a part of my kids' life. Any suggestions?

 

Yes they do have dedicated routes... It's still not an easy job... But give them the year and if it's not what you expected you will then have the OTR experience under you and will have more option.

 

the dedicated route still run you all over the country you are just hauling only one companys freight like kraft foods or dole , coors, or wal marts freight. there are so called local freight but those are in salt lake, atlanta, fontana areas and those jobs go to the guys who have been with the company for years. they are not going anywhere and a lot of them own their own trucks so its almost impossable to get on those routes unless someone dies. just remember recruiters will lie and stretch the truth to get you in class and fill a seat thats how they get paid.

 

I just finished my first week on my trainer's truck (whi is awesome btw). The current program is 200 hours driving with a trainer, but after that you go into a "developmental fleet" for 2-4 weeks, depending on how well you take up the business end of trucking. They used to do their program bassed on mileage, but that's over. Good thing, because we are running NorCal Kraft dedicated, and there's no way to run these mountains fast, but the hours are high quality development.

Fergison- you will go AT LEAST 6 weeks without seeing your family. 2.5 at a terminal, 4-5 with a trainer, and then the time it takes to get you routed home. Don't expect home time to work out the way you want every time either. You have to have a very understanding family.