TruckingTruth's Notes:

After speaking with one of Central Refrigerated's recruiters for a while there are a few things I'd like to explain.

Overall Impression

First of all, my overall impression of the program is positive. The process was explained thoroughly to me and if I was considering becoming a truck driver today, I would consider Central Refrigerated a good possibility for sure. Again, you must do your own research. I know a little bit about Central Refrigerated's program, but I don't know anything about you. You have to find the program that's right for you.

No Hire Zones

Central Refrigerated has several no-hire zones currently, but they will be changing very soon so check with them before making any plans. Currently, the no-hire zones include:

• Florida
• Northern Michigan
• Northern Wisconsin
• Illinois (some type of state hiring technicality)
• Minnesota
• North Dakota
• South Dakota
• Montana
• Wyoming
• New York State and the Northeast region of the U.S. above New York State
• Southern Texas

They did say that some of this would be changing soon, but they were not able to confirm which parts at this time.

Out Of Pocket Expenses and Up-Front Costs

The only out of pocket expense that you will have with Central Refrigerated is the cost of getting your CDL permit - which varies from state to state but is rarely more than $100, and often times much less. Central Refrigerated will pay for your bus transportation to the school, and pay for your place to stay while you are there. You must cover the cost of your own meals.

Your Obligation After Completing the Schooling

This is one of the simplest plans I have come across at any company yet. You will pay $100 per month for the first 12 months you are employed. If you remain with the company for 12 months, your obligation will be fulfilled. At that point you have paid in $1200 total, plus the minimal licensing fees, for your training. (Thank God for my advanced math skills!)

If you were to leave the company before your 12 month obligation is through (how many times have I said not to ever do this???) , you will be required to pay back $3000 minus whatever you have paid in up to that point. So if you quit after 4 months, you will owe Central Refrigerated $3000 - $400 = $2600 for the schooling. Again, do not leave before your obligation is complete at any company you choose to work for!

How The Schooling Is Structured

You will have about 14 days of training at their facility. It will be a mix of classroom, range, and driving on the road. The amount of time you spend in each area can vary slightly from one student to the next depending upon the areas each student needs the most work in.

At this point you will take your CDL exam and head out on road with a trainer for approximately 4 weeks, depending on how well the student is handling the training. Your trainer will decide when you are ready to be given your own truck.

During this period with your trainer, you will be paid a flat salary of $425 per week for the first two weeks, and $500 per week for the next two weeks. The money for your schooling will not be taken out of this pay. They will begin payroll deduction for the schooling once you get assigned your own truck.

Once you get your own truck, you will be started at $.29 per mile. So far in my research into companies that offer training, that is the highest starting pay I've come across.

Some Final Notes

• Central Refrigerated's plan sounded very simple and straight forward. Many of the companies I talk to practically require an attorney to interpret their rules, regulations, and financial structure for the schooling. My phone conversation with Central Refrigerated's recruiter was my shortest one yet!
  


• They would prefer that you wait until you arrive before getting your CDL permit. Some companies would rather you get it at home, Central Refrigerated would rather you wait until arriving at their facility.
  


• At the moment, they do not have any opportunities for new drivers to run in a regional fleet. All drivers run over-the-road and will be out for two to three weeks at a time.
  


• You must be 21 years old and without any felonies on your record to apply.
  

Conclusion

Overall, I feel this is a very good program to consider. Their pricing and payback program is quite competitive, and the pay you will receive after graduation is the best of any company I have come across so far. Their average length of haul is also one of the longest in the industry. Please do your research and consider all of the companies out there, but I do feel this company has a nice program to offer.

Now you can return to the index page and view more companies with free truck driving schools