Follow me through Central Refrigerated training

Thanks for the info on teams, one of my classmates and I are seriously considering teaming after our 200hr training time. Our only concern is home time due to the fact that I live in TX and he is in WA. If we decide to go this rout we'll just alternate home time so stay out longer. I've heard mostly good things about driving teams with Central so we're seriously considering it. Any suggestions or advice on the subject would be greatly appreciated.

Good luck to all you new guys coming into SLC.

 

honestly i would go solo for a bit before going team. doing the math with shows youll make about the same going solo maybe 25 bucks more. and with 2 rookies its going to be hard to get the miles up good and steady. Go with the trainer for your time see how you enjoy being with someone stuck together for a while then go solo for a couple of months. See which you like better.

And try to find someone closer to your homestate going to be hard to get home time working right with the two of you in different states.

 

What kind of truck do they give you when you get out on your own? Is it an old truck, or a fairly new model?

 

I wouldn't worry to much about Central's equipment. Central has some of the best! Most of their trucks are in tip top shape and they like to keep it that way. One thing that you can do that will greatly help your chances of getting a new truck is to dress up during your orientation. During your orientation you will have a one on one interview and it is definitely to your benefit to dress to impress. You don't have to wear a tie but nice jeans, collared shirt, clean boots etc... go a long way. Central is very big on this. They know that how you appear during orientation is a good indication as to how you will represent them while out on the road dealing with their customers. Dress like a shlub and you will be issued a shlub truck. Dress to impress and you just may get the new one. This isn't rumor either. I personally have heard these words straight from the equipment manager! Central has a store at their Salt Lake terminal and like I was telling another new driver it is to your benefit to buy a few nice Central shirts and maybe a jacket. This makes it easy on you when going to a shipper/receiver. Keep your nice shirts on a hanger and before you get out of the truck throw one on. This way you will always look nice when dealing with the customers and you don't have to dig through your laundry bag looking for something half wrinkled and cheesy! If you act professional and really make a good impression to Centrals customers believe it or not they will call your DM and let them know. More than likely requesting you be the one to show up for their loads.

As for the teaming thing, Jolley that is quite a distance apart for teaming up. You could possibly make it work but I can tell you it will be a real pain in the butt! Like the other driver said, maybe go solo for awhile then think about teaming. You will get some teaming experience with your trainer. Not saying don't do it, you never know you guys just may hit it off and do really well. Some drivers prefer teaming just so they aren't alone all the time. Not just for the money. One good thing is its not like you are signing a lease. If you don't like teaming you can go back to solo driving. I'm not the worlds best loaner so I enjoyed teaming but it was little different situation. We lived 10 miles apart and just went on 5-7 day runs. We were running for a floral company like Armellini so it worked out really well. Now teaming with my wife was a whole different story! If you can get your significant other to team with you then that is the best situation overall! Maybe check out the trucker singles!

 

Thanks Chompi, I appreciate the heads up, and I will for sure take your advice. I'm getting excited about starting already, and I can't start until Jan or Feb., but I keep up with the thread and forum so I can learn as much as possible before I get there.

 

but what i did, since i had a invter in my truck, i stoped off too wall-mart and bought a handheld steamer, best 39 bucks i ever spent, i hang my cloths up , pants and all on homemade rack i made for my century freightshaker, then what i did was , when i get too shipper or rec , i would get the steamer out and my spray bottle of water and go thru the shirts and jeans to get rid of any wrinkles and pant leg seam was straight, i even got from anthor driver , that do i worked here, looking so sharp, but this what i learned, if you look good , then they know there goods gonna be okay, i was way too fussy on loaded my trl, he tells me your loaded , go, i say no , i want two big air pillow between the the last two pallets and two more in front em, right behind the doors,that way i know that load going no were

 

you know you wanted them air pillows for you to use as a mattress. hahaha. Always believe your representing your company. how you look is how your making your company look. And that also helps out the image of truckers out there showing that they really are not slobs and low lifes. keep it up.