Central Refrigeration Service, Inc. - West Valley, Ut.

I'm glad I found this thread. My husband is currently in SLC, UT and just finished the school. He started orientation today, went to DMV this morning and got his license.
They started out with a class of 13, but I think it dwindled down to 6 in the first 3 days. ( 2 guys had problems that weren't on their applications, 2 guys failed the piss test, 1 guy had too high blood pressure, 1 guy didn't pass the vision exam, and 1 guy didn't pass the permit test and didn't want to retake it).
He's been talking to the truck drivers and was a little worried about working for Central. He said he's heard of 3 different accidents involving student drivers out with trainers just in the 2 weeks he's been there. At least 2 of them totaled the trucks. He also met one trainee that got dropped back off at the SLC terminal for a new trainer. The trainer he was with hadn't showered in the entire week+ that they'd been out.
It's good to know that not everyone has had bad experiences with them and that they at least pay on time and fairly well. (I was researching Arrow trucking this morning ) I'll definately tell him to stay away from the lease program (he was thinking of doing it after 3 months because then they pay off the rest of your school debt) that definately sounds like a PITA.
So, thanks everyone for their advice and experiences with Central. It's really helped.

 

My husband was told the $280 was for if the needed a "cash advance" while on the road.

 

i have also heard good things about them. do they have a refresher course?.. how long is it? i haven't been in the seat since 2005. my total experience level is low , only about 8 months

 

well thanks to everyone who posted in this thread,and everyone on this forum for that matter, you all answered alot of questions for me and pointed me in the right direction for a better paying job and a better all around company...THANK YOU!!!!!!


I was accepted today, for Central Refrigerateds school and will leave May 14th or May 21st, depending on how long it takes me to get my affairs in order!!!!!!

If CRS Is just half as great as you all say it is,then I am alot better off then going with Werner swift CRE etc...Like UI was planning on doing before i found this forum, thank GOD!!!!!!

I have money that I put aside for school and I was gonna go to school here in town and that school helped me get pre hired to Werner, CR England,FFE, Schneider and I am sure they could have got me on with ole SWIFTY as well, but with the help of everyone here at "the truckers report" I didn't get stuck in a crappy job with a crappy company that I would have had a hard time sticking with for a year...Now my year should be a piece of cake compared to what it could have been like...

So thanks to all and I hope to be a contributing member of this forum soon, and hope to be here for a long time to come...

Keep the rubber side down and stay safe and I will be in the trenches with all of you soon...YEAH

 

Sorry it took so long to update you guys on how school is going but it is very fast paced and there is a lot of studying, plus it has been difficult to get onto the one computer they have in the dorm. Well so far the process has not given much time for thinking.
The first half of day one was physical wellness test and a lot of paperwork, then second half was spent watching some videos, learning about logs, and asking questions about what we are getting into.
Day two was studying for the written test, more videos on things like winter driving and jackknifes, rollovers etc. and a quiz on general, combo, and air.
Day three we studied some more for the written, watched some more videos and another quiz.
Day four come in study a bit more take quiz and go to DMV. We have 8 in the class and all passed but one who only failed the combo and retested next day and passed. The people at the DMV said the sucess rate for crs students is very high.
And today, Friday, we began pre trips and straight line backing. I must of backed the rig up and pulled it up at least 15 times. While it was a bit monotinous it was also very good practice.
Tomorrow we do some more straight line then some offset backing and possibly start learning alley dock backing. I try to talk to as many people coming in from the yard as possible and have overwhelmingly heard good things. Only a couple of guys have not been happy and it appears that they are the ones who try to be picky about their loads. As far as I can tell this was definitly the right choice for a company to start with. Everybody here has been very friendly and very willing to talk about how they feel about the company as well as their experiences.
On a bit of a seperate note, lvjeffro, make sure you don't bring too much stuff. The rooms here are only about 8x10 and no closets. Bring a couple of towels and something to sleep on in or under and a pillow. Also bring a light jacket and a heavy jacket. Beginning of this week was in the high 80's was in high 50's with wind and rain today. You might also get a copy of the utah dmv book and study chapters 2,3,5,6 and 7(sounds right might not have to do 7) it will help you a lot. I think thats it. If I remember anything else I will let you know.
Hope this helps and hopefully I will be able to update a bit quicker this time.

Keep the rubber side down and keep on truckin!!

 

My husband just got approved to start on May 14th at Central's school in Medina, ny..has anyone been to that school. He though about driving there as it is only 1 1/2 hours away and coming home on Sundays but someone told him they train seven days a week..if anyone has gone there and can reply that would be great..thanks..

 

As long as you don't have to deal with the Fontana yard and crew, you'll be doing better at Central. I don't know what happened, but I think alot of FM quit and this is causing alot of problems at the other areas.

 

Yes they have a refresher, it is about a week long