Central Refrigerated Truck Stop

Hey Jess,How long does it take for them to start paying us when we are with our trainers? 5 weeks sounds along time. The recruiter said we should get paid 450/wk while in training. Even while in training I will be making more than my current job. I'm just trying to prepare my wife for the upcoming expenses. Thanx

 

Miles are not as good as they were anywhere in the fleet. It slows down after christmas too, but right now I've been hearing from many people and office that it's not too good right now.

 

You get a truck. Most of them have Icon/TAS systems, although you get the occasional one that doesn't. NO CB, Fridge, etc.

As to your second post, I would recommend a small 12v cooler. I have an enormous 44 quart cooler, it's a monster. You'll want to wait until you get your own truck to get one, since space will be limited on your trainer's truck. I do NOT recommend the Coleman that's about $100 at most truck stops and Wal Mart. My co-drv and I went through 3 in 5 months, Central's trucks don't have the best voltage regulation, so you'll go through a lot of fuses. The problem is the fuses for Colemans are in the plug, so when they melt, your plug into the 12v melts.

For money: you can eat cheaper while training than on the road. While training, you cna grab shelf stable food, Ramen/rice/mac n cheese etc, and anything that doesn't need a fridge (fruit etc). What stuff your trainer has will affect what you eat on the road. If your trainer has a fridge and/or microwave, you're in good shape. If, you're like me, your trainer might have nothing. In that case, you hope they stop at a WalMart and grab some shelf stable things to nuke (ramen, Healthy Choice makes some pasta/rice dishes that are good), and you can nuke them in truck stops.

They say it costs the average driver $200 a week to live. If you can afford it, great. If not, put aside what you can, price check for lots of cheap shelf stable stuff, because while it gets boring, it'll be cheap. Gallons of water are also good, get a reusable water bottle and just refill as needed. Try not to buy this stuff in truck stops, it's twice as much as a WalMart or Target.

 

Day 1 with trainer is usually Weds/Thurs, which is the beginning of the pay week. you'll have to work til next Weds (day 7/8) to get the $50, which will pay out the following week. So day 14/15 or so is when you will get the first week's pay.

If Central still does things like they used to, you can put in a mac 60/61 for the ability to get advances on your comdata. After day 7/8, you will be owed 1 week of training pay from Central, so you should be able to use your advance to get the money. You only get $107, which in theory is $100 + $7 cash advance fee at most truck stops. If you go to a WalMart, you can use your comdata like an ATM card, and pay no fee.

Anyone know if Central gives you $100 for orientation before you go out with your trainer? They did that when we went, but that was way before they stopped hiring experienced drivers. If they do, that amount (minus taxes) will be on your comdata after you are seated on a truck.

 

Hey 6pak, how long have you been with Central? I've heard you talk Simon, but I didn't know how long you've actually been with the Central/Simon mess.

 

2 weeks training and then orientataion Mon, Tues and Wednesday, a trainer will grab you hopefully before the weekend so thats three weeks and you should get paid the following Wednesday, so 4 weeks!

Nope think they stopped that!

6pak has been with Central almost two years!

Last kid who posts up at times was with Simon!

 

I have another question for anyone, I have called my recruiter a couple of times, and sent e-mails for my questions and still nothing! can I or should I talk to someone else, without making anyone mad? and on the security paper work, where do they get all the info from, I have a few tickets from 20 years ago but don't recall how many and or dates and I don't want to leave anything out (which is the reason I've been trying to get a hold of the recruiter). You folks have been great with all your answers and opinions........again thank you!

 

Keep calling!

 

Been here about 17 months.

 

6pak when you get out Sacramento way let me know