Can anyone tell me about them? I've heard they're tied in with Swift among other things.
I need the good the bad and the ugly truth.

 

Not unless Swift bought Central Freight. (They're owned by Central Freight according to one of their drivers I talked with.)
Central Refrigerated is based in Salt Lake City. They have company drivers as well as lease operators. their lease is considerably cheaper than C. R. England's so it isn't QUITE as hard to make your payments. Don't have any useful particulars, such as pay rates. available bonuses, and insurance costs. You would have to talk to one of their drivers or recruiters to get that. You might try going to one of the big truckstops nearest your home and talk with some of their guys.

 

Why do people bother with refrigerated units? At least Flat Beds pay extra for the hassle.

 

Reefers generally pay a few extra cpm, depending on carrier. I agree, from what I've seen from the mega cariers, its not worth the hassle. I could be wrong though.

 

Didn't they used to be the old "Dick Simon" with the skunk on the trailer??

 

I believe Prime and Simon ("sweet simon!") merged.

I could be wrong.

 

Don't know either way, but something in the cobwebs tells me that when Dick Simon got nailed for embezzlement, and went away to do his penance, his daughter resurrected the assets that were left and started Central Refrigerated.

Shoot, I could be more wrong than you.... maybe someone like yoopr knows the straight skinny on them :? 8)

 

Simon himself took the paid for assets of "Sweet Simon" and started Central. Filed Bankruptcy on the leased equipment, and purchased equipment that was still under mortgage, on his fuel and parts bills, as well as on judgments from several fatality accidents.

Amoco (BP), Freightliner, Utility Trailer, and Carrier Transicold, all grouped up, went into bankruptcy court, and were able to force the sale of Central Refrigerated. Now...Simon's daughter (one of) is married to son of Jerry M..and Swift bought Central. Since then..the Moynes ..Swift Shareholder break-up occured..and I didn't keep track of what happened to central.

I was unlucky enough to buy 2 of Simon's Century tractors....put over $18,000 into each to get them road-worthy..then 2 weeks after they were out and working regularly..one of the @#!&%$#@! burnt to the ground...that is really the only reason I paid attention to what was happening to Simon & Central. Also...Sift is why Central started buying KW's for pulling them Reefers.

 

Central Reefer and Central Freight are owned by Jerry Moyes who used to own Swift. He started Swift from the ground up before the company went public. He is still the majority stock holder for Swift.

The board of directors for Swift just announced that they have agreed to be bought by Moyes and turn the company private again. So Moyes will own both Centrals and Swift. Good or bad? Who knows.

 

I think so.