CRETE - A Year in Review

The ProStar is very heavy - in fact, they're so heavy that if you get asssigned to one, you won't be hauling bottled water out of Hawkins or Red Boiling Springs... which may or may not be a good thing, depending on your viewpoint.

Whether or not the International is any better or worse than the Freightliners is a matter of opinion. To me it's no better or worse, it's just different. I spent the past 15 years driving Fruitliners, and I know them like the back of my hand - I've logged so many miles in them, I have a feel for them, the way they handle in inclement weather conditions, the way they steer, the way they shift, the routine noises they make, an overall general feel for the truck.

The International is different, and I'm still learning it. When I go into a curve, I don't go as fast, when I'm driving on a wet road I don't go as fast - because I'm not yet attuned to the rhythm of the truck, the subtle signals that it sends me to let me know when I'm driving too close to the edge.

Which I suppose is a good thing - instead of "hotrodding" around in the Freightshaker, I'm more cautious in the International.

When you get to Lincoln, tell them that your feng-shui consultant said you need a red truck, because red is for joy and happiness while blue is for longevity - you don't want to work here forever, you just want to be happy and have balanced chi!

 

I like my Prostar 33071..I hav'nt had any real problems except the weight issue. No bottle water and no more copper loads.. oh and its a definite reload at budweiser. but the nice ride, insulation and no air leaks is worth it. Does anyone know the weight difference between the Prostars and Cascadias?

 

They wouldn't even let me pick up a load at Ft Collins. Turned away every Prostar that showed up.

 

I was wondering how long before that was going to happen.. oh well no loss to me I was tired of having to spend 3-6 hours of my day picking up a pre loaded trailer. with all the Prostars I see out there .. and the older Volvos which I understand are just as heavy, Im sure Budweiser will have to figure something out.

 

Yep, they seem to be hiring.. My app is in process.. I got a lotta respect for Crete, but sure wish it was as easy to get on with a local company as it is with OTR.. Aww well.. I need the experience anyway I guess.. Luck be a truck assignment with a APU tonight..

 

You have to wonder if there isn't something in the works that will allow us to carry more than 80,000 lbs. Like maybe 82,000? Most of the extra weight these trucks have is due to meeting new govt regulations. Some states are allowing trucks with standard APU's to go 800lbs over.

 

Hi guys, A couple owner ops mentioned that DOT allowed them to go over the weight of the APU. Ie if it weighs 500lbs, than that is the amount of grace they get.

KH

 

Well, I ended up with a Kentucky Wildcat blue Prostar. I guess I will have to get me some UK decals to put on to properly represent the best team in college basketball! The truck is really nice. I'm still sitting at Lincoln and will leave out today and see how she rides with a load on the back. There were about 4-5 other guys here getting new trucks and I am the only one to get a blue one. Lick of the draw I guess.

 

evertruckerr, thanks for taking the time to answer my question about the vacation and holiday policies at Crete. Also appreciate the words of discouragement/caution about making a move I might regret " doing something stupid " ( been there done that).

Hope you're out of the northeast by now...and thanks again brother.
Happy trails.

 

I'm a new driver here too. Been here 'bout a month and it's pretty good so far. All I here is good stuff. There are those that whine and snivel, but still come back to being ok. I'm a Shaffer driver but am in an old Crete truck. I like it actually but had to write it up because my fuel gauge wasn't working right. It made it tough to know when to get fuel or worry about running out. I don't need a new truck to keep me happy. Thie old FL has pretty decent power too.
So we'll see ya'll out there on the road.
later
Dug