Best company to work for? Going to have all endorsements but no experience.

I'm in Omaha. I too went to a Community college to get my CDL a few decades ago. I was fortunate to get into food service without any experience. I have given the circumstances you've described some thought. I've told more than a few new drivers around here (Omaha), if they can go OTR, to look at Crete Carriers out of Lincoln Ne. As a newbie, they have a pretty good training program, you'll make some money and be treated as a human being. They have a large number of drivers who have been with them a long time. I would rate them as an average to above average company to work for.
Two things to be aware of. They have different divisions, the Schaefer side is refrigerated and I would advise against that side because there are more hassles with it and some places you deliver to treat drivers poorly. A couple pennies a mile ain't worth it. The other thing is they are big on C-PAP. If you fall over a certain line for obesity they insist on a sleep apnea test and most likely mandate a C-PAP. I wouldn't want to go down that road. Good Luck!!!

 

I don't know exactly what the CPAP requirements are. So if I'm wrong I'm sure someone will correct me.
If you are found to have sleep apnea, Crete will force you to use a CPAP machine for 8 continuous hours during your 10 hour break. It has to be worn by you and connected to a monitor that shows Crete that you are actually using it. Don't like breathing through a mask? Can't sleep with the mask on? Too bad. It's now part of your medical record and you will forever be treated as such.

 

There is some newer type CPAP thing that isn't nearly as cumbersome and monsterous, but insurance won't necessarily pay for it.

 

Inspire® therapy | End the CPAP struggle | Sleep apnea solution
Inspire therapy is designed for people who have tried and struggled with CPAP. Inspire therapy is covered by most major insurance providers, Medicare, and the VA.
Outpatient Procedure · Sleep Apnea Treatment · Mask-free · FDA Approved
~
My nephew got this one and says he never felt better in his life and it's an outpatient procedure.
The VA will pay for it and some insurance companies will pay for it.

 

From what I've heard over the years many drivers before CPAP think wearing one will be like trying to sleep with a scared racoon strapped to their face, impossible. But once their sleep apnea is treated by the CPAP they have never felt better.

 

I'm not 100% sure, but i was thinking it used to be 4 hours a day. Maybe it has changed, not sure.

 

Correct -- 4 hrs per day, or more.

-- L

 

I thought Crete Carriers wants one year experience?