Crete

I drive for Crete for almost 14 years now, I show 15 minutes for a PTI,
15 minutes for fuel, 30 minutes for a drop and hook, or delivery even if it takes 5 hours, I've never checked my DAC report as Crete is the only driving job I have ever had, my experience with the national dispatch is they are in a hurry to get off the phone if you call them, my miles are down, I think everybodys are, but I'm averaging 2670 miles per week this year, and I get home when I tell them I want to be there.

 

Just wanted drivers to know that all of this is coming down from Crete. The required 1/2 hr for PTI, Fueling, loading/unloading, etc. The newest thing is a form to sign that is that you agree to run 10,800 miles per month. How is this possible if the miles aren't there? I just received the decision from unemployment on Crete terminating me. They said, "insufficient reason to terminate", in my letter. Like I said, I know numerous drivers who have worked for them in the past and others who still work for them that are outraged with things coming down from Crete. It all started with the pet decision to not allow them. If it is working for you then I am really happy for you but just be aware of everything and be prepared.

Drive safe,
Rabbit Tracks

 

The original posting is hard to consider factual due to the fact that this individual has only worked for Crete a whole 8 months and has now been terminated. Yes, sometimes dispatchers can be a little moody at times but I think that is with any position you run into but then again, I have talked to a few drivers who seemed to be a little shy on their mood stabilizing medication. For the most part, most everyone you talk with or at least I have talked with at Crete/Shaffer has been very professional and polite, and I have been with this company for over 4 years now. Yes, I have had my share of ups and downs as well as some disputes but who hasn’t with any job you work for?

As far as getting your truck worked on: this is something that needs to be worked into your schedule and planned out while either waiting for your next load or while under a load. Most terminals you can call ahead and ask them what the wait is to have your scheduled services done. It is not dispatch’s responsibility to keep your truck in good working order, it’s the driver’s and I’m sure this is with any company. Crete/Shaffer gives you a 3,000 mile plus or minus odometer reading to get your truck into the shop so in other words, if your scheduled maintenance is for 10,000 miles, than you should have plenty of time to get your truck into a terminal within your planed trips, if not than there’s something wrong with your planning.

Yes, there are some shops that could use some extra hours in the classroom but you have to work with what you got and if you’re having issues with some shops than it is only in your best interest to once again, plan around your trips accordingly. I’m not sure how you can complain about not having enough miles while at the same time complain about not having enough time to get your truck into the shop to have something done on it… seems to be a little contradictory.

Getting home can be tough depending on where you live and this is something that also needs to be planned ahead of time. I live in Florida and getting home when I want to is tricky at times and it’s not because dispatch has it in for you, freight in Florida is hard to come by going in and coming out of that state. A simple reminder to dispatch a couple of weeks before and then again, a couple of days in advance will get you home either close to, or before your scheduled time off. You have to remember that truck driving isn’t like a normal job out here… freight is the primary reason we drive and the availability of freight dictates how or when we get where we need to go and if you are having a hard time scheduling your truck for service than it is only fair to assume that it must be just as tricky scheduling your time off. Forced dispatch by Crete/Shaffer c’mon, be serious.

As far as the pet issue: consider that you own an apartment complex and you allow pets on the lease. Than after several years of having to put up with tenants not practicing any responsibility for their pets while their dogs or cats urinate all over the walls and damage your property you finally have to crack down on the rules and no longer allow pets on your lease. Now all of the sudden some disgruntle pet owner wants to move into your building but because you no longer allow this, you are now the bad guy instead of all the tenants who failed to comply with the rules… sound familiar?

Eight months later you are now on unemployment because you were not happy with the way things were going in your new job. Things are bad out here and there’s more than enough blame to go around for it between government and poor management. Right now, and especially as a truck driver, it is best to bight the bullet and roll with the punches until hopefully our new administration can pull things back into shape, and that’s not going to happen tomorrow. Attitude right now and especially within the next few years is going to mean everything to your short term and long term future.

Best of luck to you on your new quest and remember, the answer isn’t “it’s everyone else’s fault”.

 

Half hour for pti/fueling and some form to sign regarding miles... still haven't heard anything about that

 

I can start with Roehl next week or go with Crete the end of August? The only difference that means something to me is Roehl is forcing new drivers on per diem pay where as Crete does not even offer it. I am not to fond of it but can live with it.

Comments pro and con are appreciated....

 

Well they are both good companies to work for... I'm looking to go to Crete once I finish college if I can't find a job since I already hold a CDL. If you can afford to wait then wait but if you can't I'll take the job with Roehl. Another reason I would go ahead and the job with Roehl what if Crete calls you an says things are to slow right now an it's going to take longer than expected to get you to train.. I think Crete will always be around in the trucking industry even in the worst times...Take the job with Roehl and just wait for things to get better then go to Crete...

 

Bear with me, as I point out several things.

First, I'm not a fan of per diem at all. Unless you're in your 20's just starting out, or your 60's and drawing Social Security. I am however, on per diem now. I don't like it...but that's the way it is.

For the short term, it's not a problem. And it may actually help you over the first year hump (tight money). You can always easily change jobs when things really start rolling again, especially if you have 6 months to a year experience.

As far as Crete goes, you're looking at a potential disaster. Due only to the time line you are facing. Once you hit 90 days of no work, after graduation. You''l be required to take a refresher course. At your own cost.

So if Crete falls through, you'll be left with slightly more than 30 days to find a job. And who knows what the job market will look like in 2 months.

Just some things for you to consider........

 

what is per diem pay. Thanks

 

Say for example a company "pays" you .31 a mile.

The per diem would be .11 a mile. You're check would reflect .20 a mile for tax purposes.

So...a 1000 mile trip would show a taxable income of $200. PLUS an additional $110 dollars of none taxable income.

The IRS allows you $48-$52 a day as a tax write off while on the road. You lose this write off, if your company uses per diem.

If you're paying child support....it can help reduce it.

You're net to debt ratio takes a hit too. Something to consider if you are in the market for a a sizable loan....say a house?

 

Thanks, I think I understand what per diem pay is . It might be ok but I think I would like to just pay the taxs and git a refund that away you would not take a chance and mybe pay. Thanks