CRETE - A Year in Review

Actually it's the employers in the state that pay, at least that's the way I understand it...each employer has to pay a certain amount per employee for unemployment insurance...and based on the federal government's latest legislation, I think the states get the money from the feds, so that means everyone that pays taxes in the country helps to pay the unemployment insurance claim...not just the state's residents, and I pretty sure that any retraining fee's the unemployed takes advantage of, comes out of the federal coffers as well...I could be wrong...Fortunately I've never been unemployed long enough to need unemployment compensation...knock-on-wood...knock-knock.(hard to believe with my knack for finding trouble---right?)

 

I'm still here, just lurking. I did take two weeks off at Thanksgiving so the wife and I could take a cruise in celebration of our 25th anniversary.

 

Happy New Year, everyone!

I stayed out over the holidays and have had adventures with the weather all last week. Left Portland OR Wednesday after 3 days of non-stop rain, snow, and hail (depressing!). Drove I-84 east along the Columbia River gorge, but had to chain up to get over Cabbage Pass; what a pain! Had another company driver stop along side and ask if he could "borrow" a set of my chains to get over the pass, like I routinely carry extras, don't you know ("Where are the chains you signed for?" No answer). 30 miles of driving on chains at 25 MPH. Came through OK, though. No broken or thrown chains.

Then drove through a major winter storm in Idaho on I-84. 60 miles on packed snow with no plows. Couldn't see the road, so I had to aim between the marker posts on the shoulders.

Then drove into 200 miles of whiteout blowing snow on I-80 in WY, temp -1F, wind chill -22F, crosswind 50 MPH. Roads were dry, but couldn't see anything.

All on the same load. That's enough excitement for me for one week.

Did anyone get stuck in that mess in the Great North East?

 

Probably sold them at the last truck stop and will tell the company they were stolen. classic. Your new name is Winter-in-Motion.

 

I bet that most of the people using these funds have paid much more in taxes during their life to cover their own training check they receive from the state for this program. Its not like its welfare or food stamps!. I think this program is a worthwhile use of public funds!

 

that was a heck of a trip, better you than me. i don't think i would have been up to it. but that's what divide's the true pro's from the wannabe's like me.

 

Just wondering, anyone here every haul any Hill's Pet's loads? I know one guy that fills in for me at times but no one else. I pull into Chester NY at 2100 and am gone before the other two get there. Five nights a week and luvin it

 

Just wondering does Crete/Shaffer have a idle policy?

 

I've read and searched for hours but can't find specific information about Crete orientation. Every discussion I find that starts to discuss it turns into a conversation about training or terminals or something.

I have 1 yr 7 mo otr experience but it's been 6 months since I was last in the truck.

I am going to Crete orientation next Wednesday the 5th in Marietta GA. I think I understand that on day one I will do the drug screen, physical, work fitness test and driving test.

Can anyone tell me about the driving test?I'm guessing a little drive around the local roads for about 15 minutes or so and a back into a slot back at the yard. Any other tests you can tell me about?

I guess the real orientation is on days 2 and 3. Any info would be helpful and thanks in advance.

 

yes when i did mine there, i belive i did phys and paperwork,taking car to airport if u got a rental, i dont remember when i took my driving test.
2 and 3 is written test for hazmat an road condions all that stuff 401k and ins paperwork, logs. i think the driving test at the end of the day on 2 or 3 end of class when ever they have some one that will take you. i jus went up 75 and turned around an went back. no big deal.