Central Transport

Has anyone here heard, or know anything about Central Transport? I think they are based in Michigan, but i'm not sure. They're the ones with the (ugly) yellow trucks. LOL. They have a terminal very close to me so I applied for a local job there. They sent me for a physical and drug test and it looks like they are going to call me this week. HOWEVER, I have been reading a lot of negative stuff about them. I've never seen so much negative stuff about one company. I'm looking to this forum because I know I'll get the truth about them here.

I'm not trying to patronize anyone here. The fact is, this site is appropriately named. All the other sites seem to be filled with hate and exaggerations. But even there you will usually find some positive stuff. Not the case with Central Transport. Its all bad.

I need help to make a decision.

Thanks Mike

Hey Mike. I don't know too much about Central Transport personally but we do have a ton of information on the company:

Central Transport Review

Thanks for the feedback Brett ,

I was hoping to hear from anyone who has worked for them. As i'm sure your aware, most info on the net (outside of this site) is usually unnecessarily negative. However, I have seen this company on the road for years and have to say that the equipment is not the prettiest. I'm not new to old equipment, but it has to be safe. The terminal near me advertised that they got new tractors, so I thought I would apply since their so close. But tractors are only part of your equipment and I've been reading that they don't take care of their trailers, forklifts, as well as other equipment, even the scanners used to check the freight. I read that if the scanner breaks, you don't get paid for that time since the scanner has to show activity or it will log you off (Its an hourly paid job). Anyway, they sent me for a physical, and it's looks like they might call me this week. I think that what I am just going to have to do is have a frank conversation with the TM about these concerns. I figure if he doesn't like my asking about it, (negative stuff is all over the internet, even some you tube videos) then maybe there is some truth to these rumors. I can't see that good trucking company would be upset about a driver that's concerned about safety.

Thanks again. (And thanks for this site, you do a great job with it)

Mike

Hi Mike,

Somehow I overlooked this thread. I know Central Transport, they're an LTL company and they've got a terminal close to me. I've also heard the rumors that they are the bottom barrel of the LTL companies. I can't speak about that since I've never worked for them. I work for Old Dominion as a linehaul driver.

What I can say is that usually when there is one LTL company nearby, there will be more. I'm not dissuading you from picking Central, I'm just trying to possibly present more options to you. Have you checked around for other LTLs? You might have Old Dominion, UPSF, ABF, Fed Ex Freight, Estes, YRC, or other LTLs near your home - you probably do. You can also put in other applications .. the more the merrier.

Based on what you wrote, sounds like you applied for a P&D gig. Are you familiar with the LTL sector of trucking? You basically have P&D and linehaul. I have a thread about LTL, specifically about my linehaul job, but I do talk about P&D and linehaul in general, as well as what it's like to be local. Not much is said on this forum about LTL since it's mostly geared towards new truck drivers, and new truck drivers usually go the route of truckload / OTR , usually because that's the only opportunity available. Which brings me back to what I said earlier. LTL opportunities are more so based on location than experience. Sometimes the location dictates how much experience is preferred. If you had a successful interview with Central, you probably have other opportunities on the table.

Here's my thread: LTL Trucking: My Linehaul Job

Best of luck. I'm here if you have any questions about LTL.

Thanks for the info, Rhythm, you might just have helped me make the decision to pull the trigger on my thoughts of getting out of this business for good. You see, I'm collecting a pension from a union job that closed down, but its not enough to maintain my currant lifestyle, not to mention I also need medical benefits. I had a union job for 21 years, doing pick ups and deliveries, with a big truck, but not within a cross-dock operation. From what I understand, there is a lot more pressure on you in a traditional P&D job. I'm at a point in my life where I want to start winding a bit until i can retire completely. I'm not looking to get rich at this point. I would just like a fair paying job, maybe even a low paying job with reasonable hours during the day, and some reasonable medical benefits. You can't believe how hard it is to accomplish that in the trucking industry these days. I'm even thinking of driving a school bus, but that would mean cutting back in life style in order to make ends meet. But hay, a simpler life might be just what I need.

Thanks

I would just like a fair paying job, maybe even a low paying job with reasonable hours during the day, and some reasonable medical benefits. You can't believe how hard it is to accomplish that in the trucking industry these days.

I can believe it! Man, these companies price their freight in a range where they have to keep those wheels turning to cover costs. It would be awesome to put in like an 8 hour day and go home or go watch John Wayne movies the rest of the night but everyone wants you to run 60 hours a week.

True, true, Brett, I challenge anyone to name one industry where there is such a huge demand for good workers, yet even with a clean driving record, no convictions, and good credit, you have to put up with more drama than in any other profession.