My take on Central Refrigerated and the training.

he would push me to keep going when i was tired and his windshield wipers were broken and you have to press the button non stop for them to work so im trying to do that while on the freeway in indiana and its nighttime with traffic. and he wouldnt let me shower or anything and he just wanted the miles. didnt care about the student. and the truck stops are just dirty. the people are dirty wether they want to be or not. ITs a non hygenic lifestyle and i jsut dont want that. I value a shower and brushing my teeth at least once a day lol. and if i dont go back i owe 3,000

 

Gotcha, well i went through "swift academy" and drove for them for a short time, but that was back in 07, and i had the option of doing the 4 weeks here in my home town here in Seattle, or go to Salt Lake City for two weeks...my choice.

 

I hear the SLC training facility is a pretty hardcore place. ive been to the main headquarters there and its a impressive place i must say. ive never seen more trucks in my life.

 

You might find a job driving local, but with not experience, how long will you keep it before you either get annoyed and quit, or have an accident?

Your time with a trainer is not a good indication of whether trucking driving is for you any more than your time learning to drive a truck was. When you're with your trainer, you're still in school. You might be piloting the truck, but you're learning a lot. Once you're in your own truck, you'll still be learning, but it's different, because it's your personal space.

 

LOL! Remember that personal hygiene is a personal choice. When you are on your own you have the choice to take a shower every day and to brush your teeth as many times as you wish throughout the day. I wouldn't say its a non hygienic lifestyle as much as its a choice of each individual as to the level of hygiene they choose. I know many OTR drivers that shower every day without fail. Its important to them so they make the time for it. Don't let your experience with a bad trainer taint your decision to drive OTR. I had a horribe trainer when I first got my CDL and ended my employment with that company because of it. It didn't affect how I view the industry or job as a whole. Just that individual.

 

I still like the industry but that guy put a really bad taste in my mouth and i needed sometime at home to clear my head. I really wish i could find work at home but i doubt that will happen

 

I understand where you are coming from. It was quite a culture shock for me when I was OTR with a trainer. The time away from home as well as the change in lifestyle. Don't think it will be impossible to find local work. Will it be harder with the limited experience you have? Sure it will, but not impossible. I drive a fuel tanker and bring home between 1300 and 1500 a week. I'm home every night sleeping in my own bed and home on my days off. You know how much driving experience I had when I landed this job? 3 weeks OTR experience. That's it. The jobs are out there for the taking. Right place at the right time does help and was a big reason I got this job but it is possible with very little experience.

 

how were you able to get that job with so little driving experience?

 

It was honestly a case of being in the right place at the right time. I saw that they were looking for drivers and I put in an application. This company usually doesn't hire without two years experience but made an exception to hire me. If you search hard you will find a job locally with the little experience you have. It may take a while but look in the papers, online, and talk to other local drivers about leads that they may have.

 

I will def. do that.there are a few companies that i would love to drive for around here. ive emailed one already so i hope to hear back from them on monday