Central Refrigerated Truck Stop

Ladyk, I killed it twice on parley's in the trainers truck, but did better in the T2000. I still don't like startting on an incline, but it gets better each time. When I have the hardest time shifting is when I am sleepy, it is like my brain arm connection goes away. I guess I am just dumb that way or something. I would suck as a solo though. Thank goodness for my hubby!

 

Central doesn't pay you while you are training to get your CDL. Don't know any company that does. Training pay starts when you get on your trainers truck.

700-900 a week just starting out is a bit unrealistic.

I am supposed be southeast kraft,but I spend more time north of the mason dixon.

I average 2500-3000 miles per week. To get on Kraft you have to wait till there is an opening. Haven't seen an announcement since I got onto the fleet.

I hear lot of people complaining about not getting the miles on Kraft, but I have yet to experience low mileage that wasn't my fault.

 

We pm'd bout that

 

Thanks mxzhead, 1badz28, and celticwolf for your guidance. I thought that pay sounded a little too high for a rookie. Its hard to know when a recruiter is telling you the truth and when they are trying to sucker you in. I should have known when she said she couldn't put that in writing it was probably a load of bull. Since you are a rookie mxzhead, can you tell me what would be a realistic paycheck once you go solo? Or if anyone else could tell me, I would appreciate it. I know I won't get rich but I want to make sure I can pay my bills.

 

I like that drive. It can be tiring, but it's really pretty. And the rest area on the Klamath River is great, up about 786.

 

You aren't going to get paid to go to school. The 2 weeks you're in school there are no paychecks. You'll be on your trainer's truck a 2 weeks before you get paid. If you can't go at least 4 weeks without a paycheck, you may want to save up some money to cover bills before you go to school.

That pay is pretty unrealistic. 2500 miles per week * 28 cents per mile is $700. That's before taxes, schooling, etc. Granted, we get on time delivery, but even if you have 5 deliveries in a week, you'll only see $50 more.

Figure that you'll see between 2000 and 3000 a week. Can you live on that? What about a string of weeks where you only see 2000 mile per week?

I second 1Bad's recommendation of the Kraft fleet, they're the closest thing to regional in that area. Central does have regional, there's a West coast only, and a midwest fleet, but the bulk of us are OTR.

You can be home every 2 weeks if you want. You only have to be out 9 days to request home time. 1 day for 9 out, 2 days for 2 weeks, up to 4 days off for 4 weeks out. They won't always get you home on time, but you can be home that often.

 

I know I wouldn't be paid for the 2 weeks I would be in school but I wish the recruiters would be more forthcoming about how much money you will actually need. They only say bring enough money to cover food costs while in school but now it looks like there are 2 more weeks that you need to plan for as well. I appreciate the info Smadronia. Just trying not to go into this thing with blinders on. If I can't get the truth from recruiters, I'm glad I can at least turn to the folks in here. Thanks.

 

This page, blog, or discussion was why I chose Central. I contacted the recruiter, by going down the list until I got Ryan who actually answered his phone. After a brief discussion and forwarding my info received a start date. There were no real surprises with Central, just a series of experiences. These could have been taken negatively or in stride. I attempted to take it all in stride and make lemonade when handed a lemon. I believe all successful people approach life that way. Best of luck. Seems like you are going in doing your due diligence.

 

If you like that drive, try 84 from Porland across the top or OR. that is real nice.... If you on a Motorcycle or even a car (can take truck but you better pack a lunch) take 70 from Oroville, CA east. This one is BEST on motorcycle....

 

How about US 550 down Ouray to Silverton, CO on a motorcycle! I wouldn't do that one in a big truck though!