Prime or Central Refrigerated ??

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by BiggDaddy, Feb 7, 2012.

Which is the lessor of the 2 evils?

Poll closed Feb 15, 2012.
  1. *

    Prime Inc.

    62.5%
  2. *

    Central Refrigerated Services

    50.0%
  1. BiggDaddy

    BiggDaddy Light Load Member

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    14
    Jan 5, 2012
    0
    I know there are a million threads already with Pros and Cons on my final two choices. I have spent the better part of the last year doing the research to make sure I make the right decision, and getting things in line on the homefront. I have been to the truckstops, and all over the internet.
    I have prehires for both Prime and Central Refrigerated. I am suppossed to be at both in 2 weeks. Just looking for some final thoughts before I decide which bus to board.
    The 2 biggest Pros for me for Prime are the Pay, and they run alot in the Northeast (home). I'm only 10 miles form the Pittston Terminal. If I were able to get onto the northeast regional gig out of training (Ugghh, a baby truck , I'm 6'10'', not sure how well that will work out!! :biggrin_25513:) that would be awesome, but would not expect it!!
    But......from what I've heard, they don't get you home until they are ready. And I'm not sure about living with another guy in that small of a space for 4 months of training!


    I would like to get home every 4-5 weeks (at least).
    From what I've heard, Central will not have too much of a problem getting me home every 4-5 weeks. They have decent trucks, but no APU's. They seem to take care of their drivers, as long as you keep your wheels moving.

    Any feedback on the 2 companies would be great......Thanks
     
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  3. Berniemacman

    Berniemacman Bobtail Member

    43
    1
    Feb 7, 2012
    0
    Crfs really takes care of their drivers, if you dont feel safe doing something they wont force you to do it anyways. I had a very nice dispatch gave me excellent miles i would take a week for hometime instead of the typical 4 days that company drivers are supposed and she never punished me for doing that. Dont know much about prime though.
     
  4. BiggDaddy

    BiggDaddy Light Load Member

    88
    14
    Jan 5, 2012
    0

    Thats kinda the overall feedback I have gotten about them. That is why I am really leaning towards them. You said you had a nice dispatch. Are you not there anymore? How long were you there? Did they keep you busy enough to pay the bills?
    Thanks for your input I appreciate it.
     
  5. Lady K

    Lady K Road Train Member

    But I'm prejudice - I work for Central :biggrin_255:
     
  6. BiggDaddy

    BiggDaddy Light Load Member

    88
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    Jan 5, 2012
    0

    I have read alot of your posts, and have read your blog. LOTS of good HONEST info...Thank You for that! From what I've read, they have been good to you (overall).
     
  7. Lady K

    Lady K Road Train Member

    They have - but then I think that most companies are both good and bad - it depends a lot on attitude... yours and theirs. I haven't worked for any other trucking company though, so can't talk about them - only second hand reports... and from those - I'm glad we chose the one we did :yes2557:
     
    BiggDaddy Thanks this.
  8. DirtyBob

    DirtyBob Road Train Member

    1,913
    1,628
    Sep 2, 2010
    Indiana
    0
    One thing I noticed is you don't hear much about Central Refrigerated. That's usually a good thing.
     
  9. windsmith

    windsmith Road Train Member

    7,296
    6,032
    Sep 2, 2011
    NEPA
    0
    I've done a bit of reading in the forums and checked out the programs of both companies. What I found was that if you want more money in your check, and don't mind being out on the road for 5-8 weeks at a time, then Prime is your choice. If you don't mind a smaller paycheck, but want regular hometime with less time on the road, then Central might be one to look at.

    You need to make a checklist of things that are important to YOU - and then research every company that you can find, and see which one offers the best combination to fit YOUR needs. You're not going to get the answer that's right for YOU by asking someone else what THEY think about which company is better.
     
    BiggDaddy Thanks this.
  10. BiggDaddy

    BiggDaddy Light Load Member

    88
    14
    Jan 5, 2012
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    I noticed the same thing. That's something good in this case ( I think).
     
  11. sevenmph

    sevenmph Road Train Member

    2,961
    15,068
    Jan 26, 2007
    Pinellas county Florida
    0
    Prime will push you to lease. Don't.
     
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