My take on Central Refrigerated and the training.

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.

 

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 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.

 

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.