Originally Posted by sledge

I've been with Crete for two years and observed this company decline just in that short time span. Many of the long-timers have either quit or are very unhappy with the direction the company is moving. I have spoken with probably 200 or more Crete drivers and have yet to find 1--not even 1--who speaks well of the company or their working experience with it.

The company President, Tonn Ostergaard, is quoted as commenting: "Drivers are a 'dime-a-dozen.' Just keep hiring new drivers." This policy is increasingly reflected in the attitudes of operations and maintenance personnel. I have experienced a constant rude and disrespectful treatment. I have observed many other drivers being treated with disrespectful, even abusive, behavior.

Crete is moving toward an all-regional driver system. Loads are becoming increasingly shorter. Two months ago, one of the Crete terminal managers told me that Ostergaard's vision is to reduce all loads to 500 miles or less; remove all drivers to regional driver status and at a lower, regional driver pay rate; and manage all drivers at approximately 2000 to 2400 miles per week.

I would not recommend Crete to any driver or would-be driver.

Originally Posted by sledge

I've been with Crete for two years and observed this company decline just in that short time span. Many of the long-timers have either quit or are very unhappy with the direction the company is moving. I have spoken with probably 200 or more Crete drivers and have yet to find 1--not even 1--who speaks well of the company or their working experience with it.

The company President, Tonn Ostergaard, is quoted as commenting: "Drivers are a 'dime-a-dozen.' Just keep hiring new drivers." This policy is increasingly reflected in the attitudes of operations and maintenance personnel. I have experienced a constant rude and disrespectful treatment. I have observed many other drivers being treated with disrespectful, even abusive, behavior.

Crete is moving toward an all-regional driver system. Loads are becoming increasingly shorter. Two months ago, one of the Crete terminal managers told me that Ostergaard's vision is to reduce all loads to 500 miles or less; remove all drivers to regional driver status and at a lower, regional driver pay rate; and manage all drivers at approximately 2000 to 2400 miles per week.

I would not recommend Crete to any driver or would-be driver.

Originally Posted by bailey

WOW, DO YOU READ THE NATIONAL ENQUIRER? CUZ YOU SEEM TO BE INTO GOSSIP AND I KNOW EVERY TERMINAL MANAGER AND I SERIOUSLY DOUBT SOMEONE SAID THAT,,, IF THEY DID THEY ARE TAKING A RISK... THEY ARE NOT OUR "FRIENDS" THEY ARE OUR MGRS..THIS IS OUR PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT, WE GET A PAYCHECK...ECT.. THIS IS ALL WATER COOLER ####.. THEY HAVE PISSED ME OFF TO NO END BUT THE BOTTOM LINE IS,,WITH THERE TRUCK AND MY HARD WORK I HAVE PAID EVERYTHING OFF AND HAVE AN OK SAVINGS SO YA TAKE THE GOOD WITH THE BAD,,AND TOMORROW THERE GONNA IRK ME AND TUES GONNA BE AWESOME..WHATCHA GONNA DO..ITS LIKE A MARRIAGE..ITS A LOVE HATE RELATIONSHIP...LOL

Originally Posted by chicadriver

In Jan 2006, Alvin Wilkerson, a Crete Carrier driver, hit a car killing and incinerating seven children in the same family. Here's the story if you haven't read it: [LINK POSTED BY MEMBER] Only Members Can View This Truck Forum Link.

Drivers get blamed for much but this time it was well-placed. The driver killed not only the children in the car but their grandfather also had a fatal heart attack the next day.

Mr. Wilkerson was fatigued having been awake for 34 hours prior [LINK POSTED BY MEMBER] Only Members Can View This Truck Forum Link. and he had his pet dog in the truck as many driver's are now doing because hometime is seldom and we all want comfort when we're on the road alone.

In the 24 months before the accident Crete drivers were involved in 482 accidents and 20 of those were fatalities. [LINK POSTED BY MEMBER] Only Members Can View This Truck Forum Link.

Mr. Ostergaard has a duty to make his company operate safely; he must try. [LINK POSTED BY MEMBER] Only Members Can View This Truck Forum Link.

Were I Mr. Ostergaard, I would also have immediately taken steps to reduce the length of every driver's load. And if they didn't like it I would say good luck and good bye.

Shortening loads may not eliminate fatigue but if may still help save lives and it will be worth the effort. Mr. Ostergaard has to follow his conscience.

I pray Mr. Wilkerson and Mr. Ostergaard find peace. It's likely both men are deeply affected by the deaths, as any person would be. They are forever changed by one tragic moment in January 2006.

--cj.

Originally Posted by MrMustard

I remember reading this story, and it was my understanding Wilkerson was doing a short run at the time of the accident. Who wouldn't rather have a 1500 mile load that delivers 3 days from now? I know I would. Shorter hauls aren't the solution to fatigue. Not unless they do something to reduce dock times.