Originally Posted by JChors  I've hit a snag with Crete, specifically their starting pay. They initially said they would hire me on with the Western Division at 39-40c/mi. Two weeks later, I ask about the pay rate again, and was told because I've worked for "several companies in the last 5 yrs", my starting pay would be 37c/mi (the 1-2yr driver rate).
I don't work for Crete but I do have opinions. First of all, they will not guarantee anything to you. You call 5 people and you will get 5 different answers. They, like 90% of the other OTR companies, can make up anything they want. Website testimonials mean nothing. In fact, website info means nothing either. They can change anything they want to whenever they want to. They use this to attract drivers and then lower pay and benefits. Nobody can stop them. Except the drivers. Don't worry, thats not going to happen.
I've been driving OTR for the last 12yrs, with only two employers (May and Interstate; I was hired on by Marten but did orientation only) in the last 7yrs. I was self-employed for a couple of months in 2005, but that business never took off. I also took leave for 4 months in 2007 to do a motorcycle trip to Alaska and get some r+r.
That should not make a difference in the real world.
I got final approval today with these stipulations: I must go out with a trainer for two weeks because the majority of my driving these last 4 yrs was with an auto-shift tranny (about 90%), even though i'm confident I could shift their 10spd, and i've run every tranny from 8-15 speeds the previous 8yrs. That also means $600/wk while training. The starting mileage rate has dropped again to 35c/mi, they say because i'm Western Division. I must also get notorized statements from non-relatives for any time I wasn't working or self-employed, and re-endorsed for Hazmat, which I'm in the process of doing.
That just sounds like another way to make just a little more money off of their drivers hard work.
No problem. I was a little perplexed at the training requirement, as I know with 10 minutes behind the wheel, the shifting rust will come off (shifting is like typing; once you learn it you don't forget). But if that's what it takes to win their confidence, I'll oblige. However, does the starting pay sound a little low based on my years of experience? The difference between what they stated in the beginning (39-40c) to what they're offering now is at least $4800/yr in lost pay, based on 120K miles/yr.
I couldn't begin to tell you if the starting pay seems a little low. Do they compensate you for all on duty time or just what you drive? If it is just driving? If it is just driving, you are already being shorted since I am sure they do not pay by the hub. Now if you get compensated for all other on duty time, maybe it is OK.
I've been completely up front with Crete from the beginning about my driving experience, employers and any time I've taken away from the road. Based on that info, and knowing from the beginning that I was to be assigned to the Western Division (national fleet was not offered), they should have no reason to drop my pay rate twice. I'm a reasonable guy and I don't want to risk losing the opportunity for work, because I know it's hard to come by. Do you Creatans think I have any recourse, or is everyone dealt the same low hand in the beginning with them? |
06.16.2009
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