Follow me through Central Refrigerated training

Its been a while since you've posted here. Lots of good info from your experience. I was just wondering if they have been keeping you busy since you've been solo?

 

I got my class A thru central today. I went to the fontana location and paid zero out of pocket. I did already have my permit (you pay $66 to the dmv if you don't already have it before you get to the school).

The first week you're in class for your permit and log book (i had my permit, three guys had their class a but we all had to sit thru it anyways). grandpa is a good instructor and everyone received their permit their first try except for one (he got his the 2nd try)

the 2nd week is yard, we trained on volvos and they were pretty new and in good condition. i liked all the instructors there (juan, bob, charlene, kelly, ramon, and alex), they shoot the breeze, crack jokes, but know how to instruct.

our class lost 2 days of training due to the holiday so pretty much i only was able to practice the alley dock and parallel parking twice (literally) before testing but passed w/out a hitch. we only had 2 days to drive a truck period! everyone in our class passed the road course on our first try.

the instructors here are state certified so you do NOT go to the dmv for your tests (except permit) and the tests are all done on different days. air brakes/pretrip one day, skills the next and road course last.

i definitely recommend this school for anyone (i think it's worth the 3k for those who don't want to work for central)

 

i would also like to add we only lost one guy thru the whole process, our class started out with 11. something about his background which he did not properly disclose.

as everyone states, do NOT lie in your background, if in doubt tell them. this guy went thru 7 days before he got kicked out and know he has to pay central money back for some of his training.

they do a VERY thorough background, i passed military clearances and law enforcement background checks before and central's seemed on par (they will verify all employers, talk and even text your references).

 

lastly as stated this is a very very fast paced course, if you are an idiot or a slow learner (you know who you are) do NOT take this course. if you don't have common sense the instructors will chew your ### out and your classmates will probably talk smack. i'm not sure if our class size was big (10) but i didn't feel this much sense of camaraderie since i was in the military. we all got along with each other very well except for the guy who slept with the bearded lady (that's all i'll say about that one)

 

Does any one know if they do training in Salt Lake City? If so how hard is it to get on with them? Thanks.

 

just need to know does teams make 100 to 150 more a piece than a solo or is that together my hubby and i was thinking of going there as a team

 

I just wanted to thank you for posting this, its been a tremendous help!
I've applied for Central, i'm just waiting back for them to give me a date to start.
The one thing i was really worried about was the actual driving portion for the CDL testing, i was worried that if i didnt get it the first time i'd be sent home and not get to test again. Thanks to your posts, i know exactly what to expect--the company will work with me in order to help me to succeed. I'm not so worried anymore, i feel more confident that i'll be able to get my CDL. I've always been a fast learner, but your posts have eased the nagging questions in the back of my mind, so thanks again

 

LMAO because that would be me. Full on. Last thing you want s starting in the hole.

That said. I have been reading this thread all the way through for two days now and this is one of the if not THE best thread I've seen. There is a profound amount of negative information here. So this is great.

I am researching Prime, FFE and Central (was CR England but not getting good info on them). This thread has me leaning Central. I can go local to Conley, GA and head out to SLC and then hit the road w/ trainer.

Now, I filled out apps for Prime, CREngland and FFE but not Central yet. I am concerned because I haven't heard from any of them except response emails saying app is received.

I have a good driving record, no criminal except 1993 youth revolt mistake(misdemeanor). But I have been unemployed twice since late 2008. First a lay off, and currently unemployed by leaving a company for personal reasons. I've laid this out so is it possible that they are not interested because of employment history. This would be devastating because I REALLY want to do OTR.

RIGG: This post ROCKS!