Central Refrigerated is based out of Salt Lake City, UT and has grown into one of the largest trucking operations within the United States. In addition to the Salt Lake City, UT headquarters, they have terminal locations in Conley, Georgia, Denver, Colorado, and Fontana, California with various drop yards across the country.

They specialize in refrigerated freight with 95% of their cargo involving perishable food items. The fleet consists of more than 1,800 power units and 2,700 refrigeration equipped trailers operating in all 48 continental United States.

A full CDL training facility is also located at the Salt Lake City, UT headquarters. The company provides full truck driver training for those interested in starting a career as a truck driver.

• Must be at least 21 years old
• Must possess and show a signed original Social Security Card
• Must provide three years of employment with phone numbers including area codes and addresses
• Must pass a DOT physical and drug test, provided by Central Refrigerated
• Must pass a wellness test consisting of various lifting techniques, as well an overall health assessment, including blood pressure and heart rate tests
• Must possess a clean driving record with:
  • No DUI's in 5 years
  • No reckless/careless driving convictions in last 3 years
  • No suspensions in last 3 years
  • No more than 3 moving violations in three years from application date
• Must pass hiring and security interviews

This is a map of Central Refrigerated's hiring zone. They do not hire from any of the gray areas.

Note: Illinois is a special case. Illinois residents can not attend their school, but they will hire Illinois residents that have attained their CDL at a private school.

This is a map of Central Refrigerated's school locations. They have schools in:

• Fontana, CA (California students only)
• Salt Lake City, UT (Central Training Center)
• Conley, GA (Georgia students only)

• One of the top industry pay packages with performance bonuses
• Receive medical/dental/vision coverage as well as life insurance
• Drive late model equipment you can be proud of (new or late model Volvos and Freightliners.)
• Paid vacations
• 401K retirement plan
• Paid tolls for company drivers (EZ Pass available)
• Passengers are allowed
• Receive in-cab e-mail
• Compensation for unloading and only 10% of our freight is driver unloaded

We found the qualifications and hiring requirements to be about average. While they do require a relatively clean criminal and driving history, they are willing to look passed minor infractions, especially if an adequate amount of time has passed. Of course, be up front and honest as they will perform a final background check upon your arrival to the training school.

Do I need to get my CDL permit before attending school?

No, a permit is not required before schooling.

Do I need a U.S. Passport?

You will need to obtain one within 90 days of going solo

Which CDL Endorsements Are Required?

No additional endorsements are required, but extra money is paid for HAZMAT loads which require a HAZMAT endorsement

We always recommend you bring any paperwork you believe could be needed. If you think you might need it, take it with you. Forms you should absolutely bring are identification documents such as an original and signed Social Security Card, Birth Certificate, and a valid Drivers License. Any medical forms including prescriptions you are currently taking or documents to help verify past employment are things you should also take with you. When in doubt, bring it!

What is the cost structure of the schooling?

You will pay $22.50 per paycheck (weekly) after going solo until $1,200 is paid in full.

What are all of the up-front costs?

Students only need enough money for licensing fees and living expenses such as food. Everything else is covered including travel, room and board, DOT physical, drug screens, etc. Generally need around \$100 total for licensing fees.

Will my meals be paid for?

Meals are not paid for during CDL training.

Will my room be paid for?

Yes, 100% of housing costs are paid (shared rooms).

Can I pay for my CDL training up front and have no further obligation?

Yes, students may pay $3,000 up front with no contractual obligations.

What are the obligations for paying back the schooling after graduation?

Students must stay for one year for the full amount to be paid ($22.50 deducted from each paycheck until $1,200 is paid). If a student leaves before 1yr, they can prorate the schooling at a $3,000 fee minus what they've already paid.

The cost structure for this CDL program seems to be fairly comparable to many other company sponsored CDL programs. While the schooling isn't free and will still cost $1,200, there is no up-front cost and $1,200 is a very modest tuition cost for full CDL training, especially considering Central Refrigerated does not charge any interest fees and you only start making payments after you are making an income.

Describe the school itinerary a bit

The first two weeks are spent at the training facility approximately 10hr days, 6 days per week (accelerated course). This includes a mix of classroom, pre-trip, local driving, and backing practice. After approximately 2 weeks, the CDL exam is administered.

How long is the training?

CDL schooling lasts approximately 2 weeks but can be extended to 3 weeks for those who need further individual attention.

How much time on the range learning backing skills?

While there is no set amount of time spent on the backing range, students will spend time on various maneuvers depending on their individual strengths and weaknesses.

On the practice range, how many students share one truck and trainer?

No more than 4 students per truck and trainer.

How much time is spent in the classroom?

Approximately 40hrs, possibly more depending on the student.

Our overall impression is that this is a very fast paced CDL training program. Depending on you as an individual, this could be either a good thing or something that should persuade you from the program. If you learn well in a fast paced environment and are interested in making money as quickly as possible, this is a great option. But if you're someone who generally learns well at a slower pace, this program may not be for you.

Is the training period based on number of days, number of driving hours, number of miles, or some combination?

All students must drive with a company trainer for a minimum of 35 days and 19,000 miles (combined miles between student and trainer).

How much will I be making when I'm on the road with a trainer?

Training pay is $450 per week the first two weeks and $500 for each remaining week.

Do they run your trainer and you as a "team" operations or like a solo truck?

Students and trainers initially drive as a solo dispatched truck. When the trainer decides the student is safe enough to drive alone, the truck is then dispatched as a team operation.

Is there more than one student per trainer and truck?

No, company training is one-on-one instruction.

Do you have a "No sleeping in the top bunk while the truck is rolling" policy?

While the truck is in motion, no student or trainer may sleep on the top bunk.

What is your policy for handling disputes between trainer and student?

Any disputes are handled on a case-by-case basis.

Can you get a non-smoking trainer?

Yes, a smoking or non-smoking trainer may be requested.

What are the company's minimum qualifications to be a trainer?

You need a minimum of 6 months safe driving experience to be a trainer

How much will I be making once I'm running solo in my own truck?

First year average is $35,000 to $40,000.

When will I receive pay increases?

Upon going solo, drivers start at $.28cpm. At 6 months drivers receive a 1 cpm increase, another 1 cpm increase a year after that and ½ cent increases each year thereafter. Various bonuses are also offered (see below).

Do You Pay Bonuses?

Idle Time: Drivers are allowed to have a 30% idle time. Anything under 20% drivers receive a 1cpm bonus. 20 to 25% idle the driver receives 1/2cpm bonus. Over 25% no bonus. Idling over 30% is allowed with certain exceptions (extreme weather conditions, etc).

Productivity bonus: 1cpm if a driver has more than 10,500 miles for the month.

Safety Bonus: $75 per quarter when training requirements are met (one in-terminal course and 2 online courses)

What health insurance and benefits do you have?

Discounted health, dental, vision, and life insurance is available.

Health Insurance

Medical/Dental/Vision is available to all full-time employees of Central Refrigerated Service, Inc. and their eligible dependents beginning 90 days after the start of company training (CDL schooling does not count toward the 90 day wait period).

After five (5) years of continuous, full-time employment, the Company pays 1/4 of the health insurance premiums. After ten (10) years of continuous, full-time employment, the Company pays 1/2 of the health insurance premiums.

What is the vacation time policy?

Drivers earn 7 days off after 1 year and 14 days off after 5 years. Pay is based on their average weekly pay from the previous year.

Do you offer 401k?

Yes, you may elect to begin making salary reduction contributions to the plan after you have completed 90 days of service with Central Refrigerated.

See the full list of details for each benefit:

You can view Central Refrigerated's website for details about employee benefits.

Overall, the pay and benefits are about average and comparable to most other trucking companies in the refrigerated sector. Vacation time, bonus incentives, and cost of benefits are also right on par with the industry average.

Can a new driver run regional or dedicated right after school?

There is normally a 6 month to 1 year waiting period before regional or dedicated opportunities become available. These opportunities are offered on a first come, first served basis.

Will there be any NYC? How soon would a new solo driver be expected to go there?

There will be no forced NYC loads.

Are you forced dispatch? Is the driver given any options for different loads?

To ensure maximum profitability and mileage, company drivers are forced dispatched except for NYC or HazMat loads. Lease drivers are not forced dispatched.

How often can I expect to be home? For how long at a time?

Drivers earn 1 day off for every 7 days out. Minimum of 2 weeks out, maximum of 4 days home. Some dedicated and regional positions have weekly home time.

What percentage of freight is drop and hook?

70% drop and hook, 90% no touch freight.

The waiting period for dedicated or regional opportunities to become available are normal for companies that offer such opportunities. Many other trucking companies that offer CDL training do not offer any dedicated or regional positions at all.

Forced dispatch, while not preferred, is very common amongst OTR trucking positions. Home time is slightly better than average as most OTR positions require a minimum of 3 weeks out before home time can be taken. With Central Refrigerated, the minimum is only 2 weeks. The drop and hook percentage is slightly higher than most refrigerated carriers and no-touch freight is slightly lower than many companies of its size, but close to average.

Do you allow pets?

No pets are allowed on any Central Refrigerated trucks including lease and owner operators due to customer restrictions and policies.

What is the company’s rider policy?

One passenger at least 10 years old is allowed to ride on the truck. Drivers must notify the company for approval and pay a \$125 fee (yearly) for insurance purposes.

You can see the details of Central Refrigerated's rider policy on their website.

While common at one time, most trucking companies are no longer offering a pet policy. Not only do pets tend to damage equipment, but many shippers and receivers do not allow pets on their property. So it’s not surprising that Central Refrigerated does not allow pets. The company rider program is about average. Most companies have a minimum age of 12 years old while Central Refrigerated has a minimum age of 10 years old. The insurance fee is not uncommon.

Do you have a leasing program, and will I be persuaded or incentivized to lease?

A leasing program exists and drivers are encouraged to lease as they generally make 15 to 30% more than company drivers, have a better safety record, and run more miles than company drivers. Drivers who go through the training program must be a company driver for a minimum of 90 days and have a clear driving and service record in order to lease. Two and three year leases available.

What divisions do you have? (local, dedicated, regional, tanker, flatbed, reefer)

This is a refrigerated only trucking company. OTR is the largest division with some dedicated and regional freight. Very few local opportunities.

To date, TruckingTruth has not seen one leasing program that is worth the investment, risk, or stress. The company driver pay is sufficient and we strongly recommend staying away from any lease operator program at any company. While Central Refrigerated only operates refrigerated trailers, they do have a good amount of regional and dedicated opportunities.

What kind of trucks do you have?

The company has a large mix of many different late model trucks, including Volvo, Kenworth, and Freightliner. However, most company driver trucks are Freightliner models. You can go to their website to see a complete list of Central Refrigerated's truck features.

Do you run electronic logs?

Yes, all trucks are currently outfitted with Electronic On-Board Computers.

What are your trucks governed at?

Company trucks are restricted to 62mph and lease trucks are operated at 65mph.

Do you have APU units?

Lease trucks only at this time. All trucks are equipped with auxiliary heaters and drivers can have a 30% idle time using an auto start/stop feature equipped on the truck.

TruckingTruth's View On Central Refrigerated's Equipment

As with most trucking companies of this size, equipment is mostly well maintained and in good operating condition. Truck speeds are about average and nearly all trucking companies are switching to electronic logs. Central Refrigerated does have a lack APU’s (Auxiliary Power Units - used to heat, cool, and provide electricity without idling), but they allow a generous 30% idle rate which is more than adequate in most circumstances. Trucks are also outfitted with bunk heaters and opti-idle systems which automatically start and stop the engine to maintain temperature and keep the batteries charged.

CDL Tuition $1200

After graduation from the CDL training program, drivers will pay for the CDL training over the course of a 52 week period (approximately). There will be a deduction of $22.50 per week until a total of $1,200 has been paid. At that point, the driver will have no further obligations.

If a driver leaves before the $1,200 amount is paid in full, the individual will owe $3,000 for the CDL training program minus what has already been paid through payroll deduction. It is very important to dedicate a full year to this company in order to take advantage of the financial savings through their CDL program.

Truck Security Deposit $280

Once a driver is issued a truck, there is a $280 deposit which is payroll deducted at $40 per week for 7 weeks. This deposit is for any recovery fees endured by Central Refrigerated in case the truck is abandoned (never abandon a truck, it's a career killer!). The deposit may also be used if the truck is returned with damage. However, when the truck is returned to Central Refrigerated and isn't damaged, the full amount of the deposit is returned to the driver.

Security Locks $100

Drivers must purchase company approved security locks which includes a heavy duty padlock and a kingpin lock. The cost for the lock kit is $100.00 which is payroll deducted at $10 per week for 10 weeks. At that time, the locks are fully paid for and the driver owns the locks. If you ever decide to leave Central Refrigerated, they will repurchase the locks at market value, or you may keep them.

Two Load Locks $40

Drivers are required to purchase a minimum of 2 load locks (load securing bars) at a one time cost of $40.00. This cost is payroll deducted from one single paycheck. Load locks become the property of the driver, but may be resold back to Central Refrigerated.

During CDL training, there are no costs other than permit fees (about $100) and basic living expenses. Upon graduating from the CDL training program, you will be considered an employee receiving a weekly paycheck. At that time, payroll deductions will take place.

Paychecks 19 - 52 (approximate):

$22.50 deducted for CDL schooling repayment

TOTAL DEDUCTIONS: $22.50 (per paycheck)

Paychecks 52+:

All obligations have been completed and no further payroll deductions will take place.

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