Crete Carrier Corp.

I've been checking into Crete myself and here is what I've learned (from their websites and talking with two different individuals in recruiting).

Crete is actually three companies within one: Crete (dry vans), Shaffer (reefers), and Hunt (flatbed). They all basically fall under the umbrella of a corporation. Only Crete and Shaffer accept recent CDL graduates. You must have one year OTR before Hunt will even look at you. They run flatbed, glass and special freight.

As far as the "approved schools" list goes...I was told they (Crete/Shaffer) hire graduates exclusively from those schools. Those are the only schools they send recruiters to. They (Crete/Shaffer) would consider a graduate from a school NOT on the list provided the applicant was in an approved hiring area and was willing to spend additional time 'training' (he stated approx. 4 months). The typical training time is 8 weeks (at $500 per week which is pretty good for training time, many companies are in the low to mid 400s).

So, if Crete (or Shaffer) is THE company you really want to drive for, it makes sense to attend one of their 'approved schools' to ensure you get due consideration.

I was also told switching up companies (Crete/Shaffer/Hunt) was fairly easy to do if you had the experience and wanted to haul something different (i.e., reefers to flatbed).

They run flatbed, glass and special freight.

My apologies, I had some of my notes mixed up. As far as I know Hunt does NOT transport glass. That was Maverick.

I've been checking into Crete myself and here is what I've learned (from their websites and talking with two different individuals in recruiting).

Crete is actually three companies within one: Crete (dry vans), Shaffer (reefers), and Hunt (flatbed). They all basically fall under the umbrella of a corporation. Only Crete and Shaffer accept recent CDL graduates. You must have one year OTR before Hunt will even look at you. They run flatbed, glass and special freight.

As far as the "approved schools" list goes...I was told they (Crete/Shaffer) hire graduates exclusively from those schools. Those are the only schools they send recruiters to. They (Crete/Shaffer) would consider a graduate from a school NOT on the list provided the applicant was in an approved hiring area and was willing to spend additional time 'training' (he stated approx. 4 months). The typical training time is 8 weeks (at $500 per week which is pretty good for training time, many companies are in the low to mid 400s).

So, if Crete (or Shaffer) is THE company you really want to drive for, it makes sense to attend one of their 'approved schools' to ensure you get due consideration.

I was also told switching up companies (Crete/Shaffer/Hunt) was fairly easy to do if you had the experience and wanted to haul something different (i.e., reefers to flatbed).

That's good info right there... much appreciate the "share".

Good luck in your "search".

God bless and be safe.

OTR Training

Hey guys and gals! Training has been going well. My trainer is great, which is usually everyone's main concern. After stopping in South Carolina the other night, we woke up and delivered our load in York, PA. We picked up another load in York that delivered to North Carolina. It was a heavy load that I got experience sliding the tandems. It was also good to get to feel how a full load handles. We made it to Virginia and spent the night. It started snowing that night and into the morning. I have gotten experience with snow,rain, and night driving. We woke up the next morning and delivered the load in NC. My trainer is from NC and had to stop by his house to renew his hazmat. I am in a hotel while he does this. We are basically taking a reset. It has been a nice break after those first couple of days trying to get settled in to the trucking routine. I have been a tourist and walking around the town checking things out. The process has been fun and exciting so far. I have no complaints or regrets. I think I am going to enjoy it!

OTR Training

My trainer also stated that I was above average and shifted very well for a student. I owe my experience to my teacher and 8 weeks at college.

GA Rookie, that's a great update! We're glad to hear things are going well for you. It sounds like you've gotten into a really nice situation with your trainer, and that will help you break into the solo mode with a much smoother transition. Keep up the great job, and keep gaining experience from that learning curve your in, it's gonna be a tremendous help to you when you get assigned your own truck.

Indeed it does sound like things are off to a great start! Having a trainer you get along with is huge so I'm especially glad to hear that.

Keep enjoying yourself out there and learn all you can. And ask a lot of questions because when you've done something for a long time you can take certain information for granted - as if everyone just automatically knows that. So sometimes a trainer will forget to teach you how to do something or just neglect it altogether because he thought you already knew it. So asking questions will certainly help ensure that you learn all you can during your time out there.

Congrats on your new job GA Rookie and I'm glad that it is all going well for you. I can't wait to read more of your updates.

GA_Rookie... do you know if Crete accepts ONLY the schools listed within their website, or are they open to accept other schools not listed within their website?

Here is a list of Approved Schools for those of you who are interested. I do not think they will accept anywhere else. You are more than welcome to call a recruiter to verify. The number is 1-800-998-2221. I agree with skyflyer69. The schools on this list should be cheaper and have a better quality of learning. I chose the tech college route and would not have it any other way!

I was in the same boat. My school was NOT on their list. They told me I needed a minimum of 9 months OTR , before they would consider me.

Dave

OTR Training

Hey TruckingTruth! I know it has been a while, but I am still alive. I have been hard at work training and learning. I have to take advantage of it while I can. I made it to the halfway point, so that is an accomplishment! I am 4 weeks in, and have 4 weeks to go. I will be heading home in a couple of days for my hometime. We had a load going by my house earlier in training, so I was fortunate to get to spend the night there. I got lucky! My trainer and I typically like to get an early start on the day, so we can finish early in the day. It makes everything easier. We usually have a mix of live loads and drop/hook. We have had some long days but for the most part everything has ran smoothly. Being in the truck with the trainer is an experience in many different ways! I know there is plenty of things for me to forget to tell you all. If you have any specific questions, then please feel free to ask! Goodluck to you all!