CRETE - A Year in Review

I think I'm doing the right thing. Things moved and fell into place getting in over there too perfectly...if I weren't meant to be there...I would have had to fight it....sorta' like I've been fighting almost everything here.

It won't be much different than what I did as a Landstar driver. With the exception of having to hunt my own freight, when I was there we did everything via telephone and had to actually think for ourselves as far as routing, fueling and any on-the-spot decisions. It just will be easier here because I won't have to spend oodles of time hunting freight on top of being the full time mechanic...I just have to do all the important stuff involved with getting the load there safe and on time. It all should fall into place rather quick.

 

Now for some good news about Crete. Needed a replacement W-2 for last years taxes (Yes, I have not filed). Called main phone number in Lincoln. Got a human being on 2nd ring. They set me up to receive it via e-mail. Almost always could get human contact with SLC too. Not missing OTR though! Take care and be safe. Best of luck to those moving on. All in all my Crete experience was pleasant w/ some minor bumps.

 

Good luck with your move to polly SSB. I think the problem with all the mega carriers is they teach the fresh out of college phone monkeys to not worry about driver requests and concentrate on getting the freight moved. They believe that drivers are gonna move on no matter what so why worry about how you treat them.

 

They did same thing to me. I took at load from PG in Pennsylvania to Indy delivered on Tuesday. Of course its a d/h but no mt's so was told to go to yard to get one. Told them needed to be back in Texas by Friday as stated in my two week notice. So I get a preplan picking up 150 miles away going to Pennsylvania with a note that said pu and we are working on delivery date and time. I replied noo Friday my last day remember. Was told well that's all we have right now. Then few minutes later Beep.. load pick up 8miles away going to coke in Dallas. So why couldn't I have gotten this load even if I wasn't quitting as 8 miles is closer than 150. I did get a message from someone after I got load that thanked me for my services and good luck. Ha ha

 

Any body got a secret parking spot up by Schodack Landing, NY?

 

When I quit I was parked in the Columbus Yard and was calling up a rental car when my Phoenix terminal manager called me and BEGGED me to bring the truck back to Phoenix. After I relented it still took them a week to get me to Phoenix and then tried to dispatch me on a load to Lincoln. They said they thought I was kidding.

 

I had hinted at my desire to leave many times over the last few years, but couldn't pull the trigger...My terminal manager knew I had the desire to depart, but treated me the same until I called her to give her the good news and bad news...(good news, she wouldn't have to worry about me stirring up trouble in Lincoln, because the bad news-I am really leaving). She was as interested in my next choice of company as I was and was happy that I was improving my earning potential, but was sorry I was leaving because my numbers are a real benefit to the terminal and to the company...since my idle time and OOR miles are always within the limits....

 

I can hear you now, "I should have done this a long time ago." Of you feel like posting that after the change, wait at least 6 months. Just to make sure you don't write those words out of emotion, but because you can truly see the difference.

 

I haven't even stepped foot into the orientation yet, and I can already see some difference...My questions were answered quickly, I was treated like a person...and I haven't even made them one red cent yet.

 

A funny note. On my way to Deland this a.m. to turn in my truck, they offered me a load!!! Jacksonville to N.C. I guess they were checking just to see if I changed my mind. After I ignored it and kept driving...they cancelled it. Looks weird being home and no truck parked in the driveway. My wife's boyfriend will be confused