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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.
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.
It doesn't matter where their company terminals or schools are located. As long as you're within their hiring zone you're ok.
This is a map of Central Refrigerated's school locations. They have schools in:
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.
No, a permit is not required before schooling.
You will need to obtain one within 90 days of going solo
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!
You will pay $22.50 per paycheck (weekly) after going solo until $1,200 is paid in full.
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.
Meals are not paid for during CDL training.
Yes, 100% of housing costs are paid (shared rooms).
Yes, students may pay $3,000 up front with no contractual obligations.
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.
