CRETE - A Year in Review

bummer, home time is over

 

Hey has anyone had this happen and what did you do? I noticed right behind my passenger steer tire, where that rubber skirting is real thin, it has torn along the seem. I don't think I ran over anything because the body isn't dented.. I'm pretty sure it is just material breakdown. Now that I've noticed it, would Crete want me to immediately call 'accidents', take pictures, and file a report (which will result in bad points and one of those re-education classes)? I was hoping to make it a few more months until my year is up, so I can slide on over to another company. But if they make a big deal of this, I'm screwed.

 

I would ask my-self is this something I could take care of?

Just a thought

 

Don't sweat it. It's a common thing, and I was told when I traded in my last truck it's no big deal (this was at Columbus).

Well....since I've been a way a few days, I've got some catching up to do.....

Captain Zoom....I'm really hoping and praying you land on your feet (but not too hard!). It sounds promising for you. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

I haven't gone back through all the posts, but a few weeks back, someone mentioned that Crete would "change their logs" to "get legal", or words to that affect. I myself had never heard of such a thing at that time. I stand corrected. It did not happen to me, but the opportunity for IT to do so was offered, or shall I say, mentioned as a possibility. In my case, I was going to hit my 14 long before getting out of the receiver. Turned out I found parking three miles away, so it was basically a moot point. But it was mentioned. Therefore, I have been enlightened in this respect.

In speaking to a 25-plus year veteran of the Acklie companies yesterday, he was informed by a friend of his (also a driver for Crete) that their newest trucks are being outfitted with driver cameras. I haven't heard of this yet personally. But it doesn't bode well, IMHO. I won't get into a big debate here about cameras in the cab, only to say that while I myself don't have a huge problem with them as they now operate in most companies, I still believe it's a slippery slope we're on, and not just in trucking terms. I think we're on that slope in all of society in general, and it concerns me greatly, almost to the point of what one might call fear.

Noticed in the Crete drivers news section of their website that we have a reduced number of miles required to attain a raise now....119,000 for dry van on the 21-day fleet. Other fleets have been adjusted as well, so that's a step in the right direction.

My miles continue to be good overall. 2900 last week, about 2400 the week before that (coming back Monday after vacation, so only a five-day week). Truck has been operating properly, which is nice.

Still considering applying at Poly. We're just about settled in the new digs, and our renter is leaving our old house today. Having some things done to it, such as window replacement (half were done in 2011), patch and paint, and a few minor upgrades that we've got to do anyway. Once April gets here, I'll make my final decision as to a change. In my heart of hearts, I really don't want to, only because I'm hoping my OTR years are limited. But I've still got expenses, and the additional time at home would be a definite benefit. And I really don't care for the overall direction this company is going.

I've been around, but just haven't had the temptation to post of late. I hate posting from my phone...too tedious for me. I can type about 60wpm, so the laptop is much easier. I just haven't had the impetus to drag the thing out much lately.

I'm headed to Rogers, AR with a Lowe's load. Gonna break there, and head out again in the morning.

 

I spoke to another Crete driver at a customer in Wisconsin. He said that once to get home, he drove 6 hours (!) over his 70. He called logs and the woman laughed said she "would take care of it" - no points or anything. This stuff is blowing my mind because they fronted to me that everything was severely strict.

I have always been grateful for my CDL because it has always seemed like a rock solid job that will always be there during the ups and down in the economy. Then I heard a report on the radio about those automated Google cars. I guess they have been successfully operating for years now. The person said they already have the technology perfected for trucks too, it just hasn't been implemented yet. They said all driving jobs will probably be automated within 10 years.

 

Ya, she made me mop the floor before giving my cdl back, I won't be showering at the indy terminal anymore

 

Hey 48Packard, Rogers is my home town. Let me know if you need help getting around somewhere there. That Lowes is a good place to take a break. Lots of eating places around there and a Movie Theatre close by. Maybe you've been there before. I used to haul in there on some of my Home Time loads with Crete. Take care out there!

 

Sittin' at Lowes right now. Looks like Ive got everthing I could want or need within a short walking distance. I like this part of the state anyway...on my list of vacation spots after I retire.

 

Oh glad you like it. We've grown a lot in the last ten years. Just a small town that wants to be big some day. Lol
You do have many places right there close by. The Walmart further east into town has lots of room if you need one of them as well. We have store #1. Even if it's not still in it's original location. Anyways, if you need to go there it's like a mile and a half east of you on the Right Hand Side. Like 4 stop lights east from the Lowe's. Anyways, let me know if you need to find something around there.

 

Got a pick up 4 miles from here at 1000 Tuesday, so I'll be here a spell. IHOP for breakfast looks real tempting, but alas....stuffing myself will likely lead to me running off some road, then posting here asking if I can still get a job!

Temp here is in the mid 60s! I haven't experienced this type of warmth in several months, so it's a real pleasure. Gonna do a little walking while the walkin' is good. Thanks for the kind offer, LRW!