A Very Good Email I Got. Good Questions!

Goodmorning, I got this email from an individual I won't name. This person asks some good questions and I think it would be best if it was shared publicly. This could answer questions for some people without us even knowing it.

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I've been on and off the forums for some time. I was here on TT when Mike was working on the site with Brett. Anyway... I am an ex-aerospace/defense professional(put out to the pasture) from San Jose. Read your experience at Central training and many of your post. I have been considering OTR since my release from work and have finally taken the step and applied at Central. Right now waiting on a birth cert. and Medication doctor release. Hope to start Dec. 2nd. Sent update to recruiter but haven't heard from her. Anyway to the point. What have you heard about teaming with Central? Do you think the Central team drivers are getting "significantly better loads/miles" to offset the lower pay scale? How long does the company expect an individual to stay team once they get on that wagon? I don't want to get on board and be stuck for 6 months in a situation that would be very difficult...at best. (you've heard the stories) Having as much information to make a good decision is what I doing. I've been through The High Road, have read Nevada (my new home state) and Cali's DMV CDL books. (CA's I will be reviewing again) Can you give me any tricks you found that made your training experience a bit easier and what to avoid while I am there. I saw on Google maps (if it is up to date) a Food 4 Less just down the block from the Econolodge, so it looks like food is not a problem. What are some items you wish you would have brought with you to Fontana?

One other thing....maybe necessary as after my years on TT I don't know how the PM system works...??

I have been considering OTR since my release from work and have finally taken the step and applied at Central. Right now waiting on a birth cert. and Medication doctor release. Hope to start Dec. 2nd. Sent update to recruiter but haven't heard from her.

Good job on taking the initiative. But remember that your recruiter is a very busy person. You need to keep in constant contact with them. Make it obvious to her that you are very interested in working for them. These large carriers get hundreds of applications in everyday. Its very easy for some applications to be abandoned, left out in the dust and forgotten. Ensure your application is on her "to-do" list. Do not wait for her to be calling you back. You're better off being the one calling her.

Anyway to the point. What have you heard about teaming with Central?

Nothing special really. Team driving with Central is the same as team driving with almost any other company. You will be kept busy and the truck will hardly rest. There's really nothing glamorous or special about it. I've only met a few team drivers at Central.

Do you think the Central team drivers are getting "significantly better loads/miles" to offset the lower pay scale?

Technically yes. But you have to understand. The truck almost never stops moving. Its definitely not for the average person. You'll be driving and then sleeping on a shaking bed. You make pretty much the same amount as a company driver except for a lot more hassle in my opinion. The miles that I get right now as a solo driver are great so there really is no incentive to team drive. Currently, I drive for X amount of hours then I take 10 hours off which I can do whatever I want. I sleep peacefully on a non-vibrating bed and don't have to deal with anyone else. There are advantages to team driving also, like always having a spotter, but its definitely not for everyone. Only you can decide if team driving is for you.

How long does the company expect an individual to stay team once they get on that wagon? I don't want to get on board and be stuck for 6 months in a situation that would be very difficult...at best. (you've heard the stories) Having as much information to make a good decision is what I doing.

I hope you know, you don't have to team drive. No one will force you - its simply an option. However, if you do decide to team drive then know that you are flexible in who will be your partner. There is no minimum time with an individual. If you can't stand Tom's bad habits after 3 weeks then you can request a new team driver and you'll probably be with a different partner within a week. You never sign a contract stating you must be with the individual for any length of time. You can simply tell them that there's a personality difference and we just cant seem to get along, no shame, no foul - you'll be assigned a different team driver.

I've been through The High Road, have read Nevada (my new home state) and Cali's DMV CDL books. (CA's I will be reviewing again).

To be completely honest. I have a CA license and I have never actually opened the CA CDL Manual to read it. I glanced over it for 8 seconds one time but that was it. I think you're wasting your time with that manual. Everything thats on the CA tests is on the High Road program. I think you're just complicating everything for yourself by studying different books. Just memorize the High Road training program and you'll pass no problem. I never opened my states manual and I passed easily on General, Air Brakes, Combination, Doubles & Triples, Tankers, and Passenger endorsements. I took all of those at the same time and had no trouble thanks to the

I saw on Google maps (if it is up to date) a Food 4 Less just down the block from the Econolodge, so it looks like food is not a problem.

Food is definitely not a problem in that area. You have dozens of restaurants and stores within walking distance. You have a .99c store down the street near Del Taco. You have a K-Mart with a Caesars Pizza inside the K-Mart. You have a Food 4 Less as well. The EconoLodge also serves breakfast. I wouldn't recommend it though. Its nothing but pure sugar and a terrible way to start your day.

What are some items you wish you would have brought with you to Fontana?

Well, I started my training in the beginning of last winter. So I wish I had brought better gloves. The ones I had froze my fingers within seconds. I also wish I didn't buy myself Walmart Boots. I bought those cheap Brahmin boots and the bottom ripped on me about 3 weeks later into training. Definately do not go cheap on your gear. This is my regret and a lesson learned. Also, I wish I had saved up more money. The cash goes faster than you think. Definitely buy a good headpiece that can protect your head from the cold and make sure it goes low enough to cover your ears. Ensure you bring a sleeping bag. It keeps you warm and its a lot more convenient than sheets.

One other thing....maybe necessary as after my years on TT I don't know how the PM system works...??

Simply click on a profile name. For example, if you wanted to send me a private message then click on 'Daniel B.'. In the middle of the screen you'll see the words "send Daniel B. a private message?" Click on that link and it will automatically give you a text box. Write what you have to write and click "Send" and it will send it.

TT is the place to be. Good information and helpful participants.(been reading for some time)

Daniel,

I'll be going to training soon too. I just got a pair of "Walmart specials" boots. Was planning on using them during training but I guess I should look into something a bit more durable/comfortable. Thanks for the tip on gloves/hat too. Wouldn't think it would get that cold in the LA area.

Did you mean you wished you had saved more money for the home front bills before you went on the road or had a bit more to get you by during training?

I know trainers are all different, but what was your experience with your trainer when it came to food on the truck/you getting your meals?

Thanks....to everyone on TT

TT is the place to be. Good information and helpful participants.(been reading for some time)

Daniel,

I'll be going to training soon too. I just got a pair of "Walmart specials" boots. Was planning on using them during training but I guess I should look into something a bit more durable/comfortable. Thanks for the tip on gloves/hat too. Wouldn't think it would get that cold in the LA area.

Did you mean you wished you had saved more money for the home front bills before you went on the road or had a bit more to get you by during training?

I know trainers are all different, but what was your experience with your trainer when it came to food on the truck/you getting your meals?

Thanks....to everyone on TT

Ya know, a lot of people say to just get boots at Walmart but you get what you pay for. It's not worth to go cheap if the product will break on you when you need it most. Those Walmart boots are a good value, but I would not recommend them at all. It's not always better to go cheap. A lot of them simply arent comfortable enough and a lot arent insulated so your toes will eventually be freezing. I got my boots from Barebones Workwear. So if you want quality I recommend them. My boots are amazing!

You definitely want to get something warm around your head and ears. A hoodie isn't enough when there's snow blowing relentlessly on your face. It's also very important to keep your head warm.

You wouldn't think too much about the gloves but remember that sometimes what you'll be touching will either be frozen or covered in ice. And you definitely want to pack some ultra-duty gloves if you have to put on chains. I use the yellow deer hide gloves. They are water proof and protect your hands very well.

I meant that I wish I saved more money in my 'trucking fund' before I went to school. I didnt have enough money in my pocket during my schooling and training. The only thing my trainer had was Top Ramen and water. Seriously. And I refuse to eat that disgusting garbage known as Top Ramen. So everyday was basically a fast food day. He paid for my meal about once a weak sometimes twice. But it's unbelievably expensive to eat fast food every single day for a month. We only went to Walmart one time for food. So there was really no choice that I had. When it came to eating he definitely ate like a pig. So combine fast food everyday and not having a whole lot of money, it was definitely a challenge financially. Not saving up money for myself in the months prior to my departure into trucking was a mistake I later regretted.

Hey, thanks for putting that up Daniel!!! That's a ton of awesome info about Central's program. Here's a link to a ton of information on Central Refrigerated's Training Program for those who are interested.