CRETE - A Year in Review

Glad you recognized me, cause I would not have recognized you. All Crete company trucks look alike you know.

I mtyd on Friday night in Woodland,PA and received a one load offer that picked up in Milton,PA anytime Saturday going to Vonore,TN for anytime Sunday. That gave me just over 2500 miles by Sunday.

I loaded this am in Loudon,TN and I'm currently in Slidell,LA on my way to Houston for a 0600 Wednesday unload. However, my ETA is 1200 tomorrow and I will try to deliver early. If I accomplish that feat I can turn this trip in for the current pay period and will have 3400+ paid miles for this settlement.

 

To assume that this driver is not aware that there are jobs that pay by the hour goes far beyond condescending. I felt, and still do, that it was more like "Look how much I make, don't you wish you were me?" Do I make as much as my friend---definitely, not or I would have written in the first person. I haul produce in the Western 11, made $65,000, or thereabout, last year, running 7 days per week. Like many of the drivers posting to this thread, we're simply OTR driver, it's what we enjoy. Sure, we could work for Sysco, or McClane and earn $90,000-$100,000. Personally, I can't stand that kind of work, so I, like the driver you can't understand, try to do the best I can, in the industry I enjoy most, one that almost exclusively pays by the mile. Unquestionably, OTR pays less than most local jobs. As I said in a previous post; "OTR is a lifestyle, I guess you'd say a Gypsy Lifestyle, but a Lifesyle, nonetheless. Whereas, local driving is a job." Nothing derogatory, but like carpentry, or plumbing, at the end of the day you leave the job on the job. We don't, we live it 24/7. You'll find that if you truly don't understand what drives an OTR driver; well talk TO him---not DOWN to him. That's offensive and counterproductive. Unless your motivation is simply "Look at ME---I make way more than you do!" Lastly, I truly do not be disrespectful, or cause dissension and for that reason I will not respond further on this, feel free to have the last word. This is an awesome thread and the fruit of ET's labor and the last thing I want to do is tarnish it. Good luck, Drive Safe, and Keep the Shiny Side Up.

 

RedBeard:

I used to subscribe to Flying J's WiFi and what a hassle. I now have Verizon's Wireless USB Modem. It's pricey at $65/mo; but, you can get online anywhere there is cell phone coverage. It's absolutely, AWESOME! You can get month-to-month and save some money by getting your USB modem on Craigslist.

 

I really think you misunderstood him. I think he is trying to help. I have read his posts before. He is passionate about any company treating the driver with the respect they deserve. He also hates to see drivers working for free with any company. I agree with him.

As for otr being a lifestyle, I agree to a certain point. But, if the lifestyle doesn't pay the bills, what good is it? There are way too many drivers on here that fall into that catagory. Yet they are trying. I think he is trying to point that out in his own way. I would venture to say that there would be more happy drivers out there if the company just paid them for their all of their on duty time. Yes he has a good job. So do I. I bet there are quite a few drivers that would love to be home every night and make good money as well. Am I wrong?

As for evertrucker, I really enjoy reading what he has to say. The ups and downs together. Even though I am a local driver, it is good to see that some otr drivers are making it and promoting their company like evertrucker does. I wish more drivers could do the same.

 

You don't have to fear being relegated to the world of the ignorant. You already live there.

Truck drivers do have enough problems .No need for other drivers to compound the situation with their arrogance & air of superiority,talking down to those in a different situation.

Wait a minute. You don't know me but you say I'm not a truck driver.

(1) So what If I were not a truck driver? I bet you would think that that would make me inferior to you. I also bet you are one of those who (a) think that anyone with 1 days experience less than you do should not even be in your presence & (b) a driver with less than a class A licsence does not know as much as you do. And since you are convinced that I am not a truck driver ,and you are so interested in helping drivers to not 'limit' themselves, then help me out. The question still stands. What company do you work for?

(2) I drive for Crete Carriers.

(3) Just as it was easy for you to not beleive that I am a truck driver ,it can be just as easy for me to doubt anything you post , but I believe you.
Every single word you post ,I believe.

 

I will be relegated to the world of the ignorant? I guess since you can't respond to the questions I posed you resort to insults.

 

Why do I care? Why do you care about those of us you so condescendingly claimed are "limiting" ourselves? You have a problem stating who you work for,since you have not done so. I drive for Crete. I ask ,Mr. big shot driver, because you seem so interested in helping your fellow drivers & I would like to work for your company. That way I'll make as much as you , so I'll be happy , & you would have helped a fellow truck driver,or a non driver,if it makes you happy to call me so,to expand beyond his boundaries , & you will be happy. We all will be the better for you giving this information.

 

Sincerest apologies ,especially to everrtrucker for contributing to the hijacking of his thread.

I will have 11100 paid miles in 33 days after delivering my load tomorrow morning . I'm not complaining.

Again sorry for contributing in any way to this thread going off on a tangent .

I'm out.

 

Yep, times are tough, but Im doing my part, I am now paying Crete (I got a good deal with them) I'm on the payment plan.
But I sure love my job! To bad you cant take your 80K to your grave.
DRIVE SAFE