Looking for feedback on Crete Carrier and Climate Express

I am an o/o under Crete authority, and I started as a company driver, yes.

While I was a company driver, up until January this year, I very rarely had issues staying productive.

Crete has it's issues. They do not put APU's on trucks, they use opti-idle instead. They have issues with effective use of technology as well. They are still struggling with Peoplenet, though it is getting better.

CPM wages at Crete /Shaffer have been competitive with other companies for a very long time, if you compare business model to business model. They have dry, reefer, and flat divisions, no LTL.

There are yards in several parts of the country, some drop yards, some terminals.

It might sound a bit macabre, but we see several notices per month about 25+ year anniversaries and drivers passing away. Crete has strong retention of older drivers, and there's a reason for that.

That said, do your homework. Don't trust me. Crete has a substantial footprint in the market. If you see a Crete / Shaffer / Hunt truck in a truck stop, give them a shout out and see if they have time to give you info. If you like what they tell you and you apply, make that driver happy and give the recruiter the driver's name and employee code, and they will get a bonus if you are hired and stay with the company a while.

 

Karen is super cool man. Everybody is cool just like her. Who else is on your short list?

 

Just my 2 cents. Crete is mega. Duh. They aren't going to go out of business soon. But I've talked to a few Crete drivers when looking into them myself. They have to be very submissive to all the policies and crete treats you like a seat warmer. But they pay well and have the miles. It is an option.

 

I have over 24 years in the industry, worked van, reefer, tanker, and flatbed. I started at Crete last month since I have "empty nest", kids are grown.

I did my research, talked with every Crete driver I could, mostly positive feedback. So far, I've seen mostly positive outcomes, miles are there, and operations is working with me.

Equipment wise, trucks and trailers work as expected. I haven't experienced any of the complaints others have mentioned. In the first month, you know if the company is jerking your chain.

As for the bad? Driver's opinions will vary based on their past job experience, comparing apple to orange, you know the drill.

Crete pays well, and expects well mannered professionals. As a trainer for seven years at another mega carrier back in 2000, the quality and caliber of drivers coming into this industry is disappointing. I firmly believe those negative opinions are steering-wheel holders, and not seasoned professionals.

Good luck!

 

I drove for the Shaffer side of Crete for about 3 years, but had to leave last year because my dad had a stroke and I took a local gig.

But, I have nothing bad to say about them. You're a truck number/driver code since DM's oversee a lot of drives, but you're still treated like a human when you talk to them. I was planning to go back, but a previous employer has been dragging their feet sending my verification to Crete. Anyhow, I was a runner, so I consistently hit 3200-3500 miles a week. As long as I communicated and stayed on time, they kept me rolling. If it was in their control, I rarely sat. I would highly recommend them.

As I said, I tried to get back to Shaffer, but sent an app to Climate a few days ago. Next day Karen called and said I was approved. I was confused since it doesn't usually happen that fast lol, but whatever, I accept! From what Karen told me, everything sounds good and more of a family atmosphere since it's a smaller operation. I leave Sunday for Monday orientation. I opted to get a rental car since a plane and bus took as long or longer, and I'd like to stop at a couple places on my way out.

I'm glad to see at least a couple people with experience with Climate.