Originally Posted by grusco

I've done a ton of reading on this and other forums, books written by truckers, etc. I'm about to make a move to this profession at age 63! I have a history of great success and a few failures. A few weeks ago I started driving a school bus about 25 hrs a week. Testing is not a problem for me. I'm healthy, and not afraid and very aware of the upsides and downsides of driving. That is, as aware as one can be without actually having done it.

I'm considering a private school (Twin Cities area) or going to a company for CDL. During my research Crete starts showing up as a good company. I've considered Prime, Swift, Schneider. At the Crete web site it indicates they look for at least a year of experience but will make exception for new students depending on the school. Since it's Saturday I suspect there's not a recruiter on a phone to give me an answer about which school might they approve. Any information from you Crete folks?

The Crete website list the accepted schools: http://www.cretecarrierjobs.com/student-driver

You should be able to see if there is a school near you. Good luck in your endeavors and I wish you well.

I've begun CDL school in MN. Unfortunately there are no schools in MN listed on Crete's 'approved' list. Two weeks ago I sent an email to Crete recruiting asking about the possibility of an exception. Never got a reply.

I've been accepted out of school by Crete/Shaffer. Will they try to push me to one side or the other, or would I get a choice of dry over reefer? From what I'm reading it sounds like the CCC side is getting a lot more miles than the ST side.

Color of truck doesn't really matter. Just depends what they hadn't available at the time. Guy in my orientation was Crete but got a blue truck.

I'd got Crete if I were u, just my opinion.

Find a company close to where you live to do your first year or so with.

Crete has no terminals near Minnesota. You do want to get home?

Just to update. Crete is a no go for me. Not in hiring area. It's okay. Offer from Roehl (van, flat or reefer) and pending an offer from Maverick (my favorite). 2 weeks from finishing CDL school. Then apparently because of DMV it can take a few weeks to skills test for the license. Target is to start with a company orientation by mid-June.