Question On Central Refrigerated

What is everyone's idea on Central Refrigerated as a starting company? I'm planning on going to train with them in June in Fontana. Will they train me adequately or just rip me off?

I'm a 29 year old Iraq veteran who is tired of sitting in a cubicle. I use to drive tanks and now I drive a desk. Been looking for a change and been lurking on these forums for awhile. I really have to say thank you for the learning resources on here. I've spent a little time through the high road studying guide and will be spending more here soon.

Will they train me adequately or just rip me off?

Jeremy, when I see someone coming into this business asking a question like that I wonder what is it that makes you feel that way? These companies need and appreciate their drivers who are productive and professional. Okay, I realize the internet is full of B.S sob stories about getting ripped off by "the man" at the big greedy trucking conglomerates, but there is absolutely no validity in them. They are taking on a life of their own that is being propagated by unwary and unknowing individuals who jumped into this career thinking they had it all figured out. only to find they knew nothing, but are too proud and stubborn to admit their defeat.

I'm going to tell you what I know about Central Refrigerated. I know that one of our moderators in this forum trained there (Daniel B.) I also know that they are now part of the Swift family of trucking companies - one of the largest operations in the country. I know that they have recently gone through some changes due to the change in ownership, and that they have had some pay increases for their new drivers. They did not experience their success by "ripping off" their drivers. They are not the highest paying way to get into this field, but that doesn't make them a rip off either. If you are going to feel that you are being ripped off because some other drivers are making more money than you are then I suggest you look into some of the higher paying Company-Sponsored Training programs before you make a final decision. One of them is paying their drivers 700 bucks a week minimum during the training period. Follow that link and see what you come up with.

I'm not after the money honestly just the lifestyle. I'm concerned because in 2006 I got a reckless driving conviction for doing donuts in a parking lot. The recruiter said it's fine although everywhere I look it says not to trust the recruiters.

I'm pretty much settled for central though because I specifically want the reefer experience.

I apolagize if it sounds negative about the rip-off comment I'm just concerned about putting all my balls in one basket kind of thing.

So will the reckless disqualify me? The website here says 3 years wait, it's been about 9 with no traffic violations since.

Again thank you for the advice!

Nine years ought to be more than sufficient.

There are a lot of Reefer jobs out there. Daniel B. trained at Central because he liked the idea of getting into a truck of his own very quickly. After he did a year over there he switched to pulling a reefer for Prime, and immediately started making something like twice the money. You'll get the lifestyle at either company, but not too many people will complain about twice the pay.

Oh I understand the monetary incentive, I plan on saving most of it. The main reason I want to stick with this is because it's who I told the recruiter I want to work for and I like keeping my word.

I'm planning on learning alot and being diligent in learning. I'm just concerned because of all the horror stories floating around. I'm not like most people in life though I'm a hard worker and know it. The idea of being on the road is very appealing to me. I was never meant to be in a cubicle and it's showing in who I am.

the recruiter said they have a 98 percent graduation rate which doesn't sound right to me. It's a company called TDA in Sacramento, they said one week here in Sacramento then three weeks down south and then plan on being on the road immedietly.

Being a veteran they said it would be paid for once I work for them for a year.

I believe you are all amazing people, don't get me wrong I'm not singing praises or kissing up but I think it's great that thus site is here. It looks like it has taken alot of time and resources that was done out of someone's gracious attitude.

The high road trucking training course is amazing to say the least but the fact that you all spend time fielding questions for people is amazing as well.

So I listened to your advice and have done some research on Prime. They seem like the kind of outfit I want to work for so I'm scheduling to head out for orientation on June 8th.

I'm going to take this time to study for my permit test and to try to get it here in California before I leave. I can't wait, thank you for the advice.

Anyone have any advice for going to the prime headquarters?

Jeremy, are you using the High Road Training Program for your studying? It will get you where you want to be and help you retain the knowledge needed to ace those permit tests.

Jeremy I just finished my training with central refrigerated in Fontana they r Swift they teach you how to pass the California tests then test you, if you pass they send you out with a mentor to really learn how to do it you really going to have to teach yourselfthey teach you the bare minimum really use the high road training programs especially for the logstake the night shift when you do your training for driving and everything will be ok

Yep, I've been going through it. I like how thorough it is. So are most states similar when it comes to these regs?

As far as prime, is it doable? I really want to drive for them now that I've found a few things out. E.g. higher pay, built in apu & inverters.

APU:

Auxiliary Power Unit

On tractor trailers, and APU is a small diesel engine that powers a heat and air conditioning unit while charging the truck's main batteries at the same time. This allows the driver to remain comfortable in the cab and have access to electric power without running the main truck engine.

Having an APU helps save money in fuel costs and saves wear and tear on the main engine, though they tend to be expensive to install and maintain. Therefore only a very small percentage of the trucks on the road today come equipped with an APU.