Crete for Rookie?

I've done a ton of reading on this and other forums, books written by truckers, etc. I'm about to make a move to this profession at age 63! I have a history of great success and a few failures. A few weeks ago I started driving a school bus about 25 hrs a week. Testing is not a problem for me. I'm healthy, and not afraid and very aware of the upsides and downsides of driving. That is, as aware as one can be without actually having done it.

I'm considering a private school (Twin Cities area) or going to a company for CDL. During my research Crete starts showing up as a good company. I've considered Prime, Swift, Schneider. At the Crete web site it indicates they look for at least a year of experience but will make exception for new students depending on the school. Since it's Saturday I suspect there's not a recruiter on a phone to give me an answer about which school might they approve. Any information from you Crete folks?

 

I've begun CDL school in MN. Unfortunately there are no schools in MN listed on Crete's 'approved' list. Two weeks ago I sent an email to Crete recruiting asking about the possibility of an exception. Never got a reply.

 

Just to update. Crete is a no go for me. Not in hiring area. It's okay. Offer from Roehl (van, flat or reefer) and pending an offer from Maverick (my favorite). 2 weeks from finishing CDL school. Then apparently because of DMV it can take a few weeks to skills test for the license. Target is to start with a company orientation by mid-June.