Just a few questions..

CRE's bread and butter is the I80 corridor ...

 

I delivered to the Sterling, IL Walmart DC and all I saw were brand new Freightliner Cascadias. Some were L/O, most were company drivers. I was amazed to not see any older trucks on the lot. People talk much crap about CRE, but they obviously are making money.

 

Obviously making money ? Do not be so sure about that. I have seen MANY carriers buy new equipment, then be bankrupt shortly there-after. Credit is easy to get, but paying for a bunch of new trucks ain't .There are only so many dollars in trucking, an if they have big, shiny rides, they may not have any money left to pay the drivers a decent wage. Looks may be deceiving.

 

If you wanted Southeast, should have gone with KLLM or Total, both out of Mississippi.

 

Yep ... KLLM is hauling dead chickens.

 

1.
Most people drive Cascadias, mostly newer too. On my account we run almost all peterbuilt and kenworth, with a few cascadias, centuries, stirlings, business class m2s and prostars.

I drive a 2012 KW T660. With a ten speed. Most cascadias have an 8 speed (well they call it a nine, but top gear is eight)

2.
When I was otr during training, I got on a first name basis with the people at the pilot in Laredo, TX. Apparently lots of food is import and exported from there, also xray film.

Depends on the fleet you are in. My (dedicated) fleet is about 80% NC, VA, and MD. With the remaining 20 being SC, NJ, DE, KY, PA, and NY very rarely.

3. Inspect your trailer well, every breakdown I have had or seen at CRE was the result of a trailer....or a Prostar with regen issues, but chances of getting a prostar are fairly low.