Central Refrigerated Truck Stop II

Keep in mind as a new driver central takes out $240 total at $40 per week for what is like a security deposit, $100 at $10 for your lock kit you must have, and $40 for load locks that you need. Plus you tuition on top of that. Don't forget if you choose there insurance you can add a good chunk there also. So it adds up to not much money in the first month or two. Surprises the recruiter forgets to mention.

 

Tip 1 for making miles. Communicate to dispatch

Tip 2. Always check a plan before accepting it. If you cannot do it do not accept it. It will make you look bad. And service failures are not an option. On time delivery is all a company can offer it's clients.

Tip 3. Keep the darn left door closed.

Tip 4. Plan every run in advance. Know the delivery and pickup windows. And make sure that you already have your next plan in place before you deliver a load. This can occur if you follow tip 5.

Tip 5. Refer to Tip 1.

 

Chrome has some good tips! Being proactive for yourself is key! As soon as you except that load you let them know asap when you can get it there. Once you give them that info, have them working on rescheduling for early delivery or dropping somewhere, soon as that is figured out plan your next load.

You really have to hustle out there and you really have to stay out to make money. Like the other poster said, a breakdown or crappy week or if you get sick etc... can really set you back!

Chrome or 1badaz may confer with me in that the drivers that stay out are the ones that are favored by the DM's and usually get the better mileage and good loads. The drivers that want to be home all the time don't go far and usually end up delivering and picking up the other drivers loads. When a dispatcher has to plan your time home it is such a pain in the butt for them. Its not just sending you straight to the house. They have to coordinate a whole series of loads and rearrange trucks to make it happen, making their day crappy. You don't want to make their day crappy!

Socal, Central is an excellent company and like I said they go above and beyond to help their drivers succeed, but they do not drive the truck and they do not keep your family company! You can make money but you gotta pay your dues, learn the trade, and put your time in out there. I also highly recommend you search deep down and ask yourself if you are doing it for the money or if it is something you actually want to do!

Most truckers love it and hate it! It is an adventurous lifestyle! It also is a very hard lifestyle! Living in a truck is no easy feat! Not only that but you are also working 24/7 for a few months at a time. There is no escape from a bad day!

 

I have been thinking about it for a long time. My family supports me and knows I will be great at it. I am ready to put it work to move on to the next step. I will be able to skype and make things work. I appreciate all the input, good and bad! I like to hear how it is!

 

just donot fall the lease they are gonna make it sound sooooo good but beleive me it is not. do your self a favor drive company for 1 year before you even entertain the idea of leasing. you need to learn the business first and jumping into a too good to be true your gonna be independently wealthy lease before you actually learn the ins and outs of the business will destroy you and your family. you can not learn everything you need to know about this business in 90 days and expect to be sucessful as an lease op. you will learn quite a lot that first year and deciding if you really want to be in this biz is one of them. if you make it a year and decide man this isnt for me and you have signed a 3 yr lease you can always turn the truck in but you will be hounded by lawyers and debt collectors for the remander of the lease which will surely ruin your credit. you can thank me now or thank me later and i hope you thank me later.

 

oh by the way did i mention not to do the lease?

 

then is it ok if i use the right door when i feel like screwing around and spending all my time at the truck stop?

 

hahaha! Got it! I promise not to do the lease within a year. I appreciate the advice and looking out for me. Being green, I do not know what is bad yet.

 

In case no one mentions it.............DO NOT DO THE LEASE!!!!

 

Just a little point, don't lease even after a year. The money you can be making after a year as company will be better than what you will make lease. There are a few dedicated fleets that pay good for a company driver. Look into those instead of lease.