Shaffer Trucking / Crete Carrier Corp.

[TruckinHax0r]

This is one of the companies I'm considering going with that will hire someone out of my area with just over 6 months of experience. The recruiter claimed 40 cpm on practical miles, loaded and empty, detention pay after 2 hrs, layover pay after 24 hrs, and home 1 day for every 6. Home time isn't really a factor when it comes to my decision of where to work. When I have a few years experience I could get a decent local job and be home every night or I could buy a truck and be home when I feel like it I guess. So anyway, they all let you go home sometimes and see your family for a day or two and that's fine.

What I am really looking for is somewhere that has well maintained and good equipment, and who will keep me rolling. The rate there seems acceptable, but not if I'll average <2000 miles per week or something. If I'm going to be away from my family for weeks at a time, I want to keep busy and make some good money. Otherwise there's no point.

So anyway, if there are any drivers for Crete or Shaffer on here, please give some feedback on the things that I've indicated. It would also be nice to know whether they actually listen to you or treat you like an idiot, but I expect that's always a matter of random chance no matter where you go. Some people are *******s, and some are decent and respectful.

TIA,
hax

[Mystikal]

I've had my share of talks with crete drivers and most were happy. it was on my top 3 when after our 3 month hiatus but ended up going with another company.. only because they had better equipment.

[Luzon]

Hax, it would really help a lot if you'd put your location in your profile so it shows up in the upper right corner of each post you make. Or, please put it in each post manually that you ask for advice in. Not every company hires everywhere. Thanks.

"End of public service announcement".

I've heard a lot of good things about Crete. My personal experience when I was looking for a new company a while back wasn't very good though but I ended up going with Con-Way Truckload (the old CFI). Crete wanted to know every period of unemployment for the previous 10 years (nothing new there) but they also needed me to provide proof in the form of signed 3rd party statements, etc. I couldn't do that. I told the recruiter that the only way I could do that was to fabricate stuff. He didn't really blink an eye at that but I just said screw it and went with Con-Way. You may consider Con-Way too. Just like every other company out there, they're not perfect but I think they're way better than average.

[repete]

[I]'ve been with Crete for going on 4 years and would have to think hard to come up with any legit complaints. I am a little biased as I have a good gig and know it! As far as pay goes I believe it would be right around .40 but that's prolly with 1 year exp. Most newbies start about .37 or .38 ( I think) As far keeping you moving, I can't say as I have my own niche and I hear different stories but most say there moving pretty good. Sorry I couldn't help much, good luck cause it can be a good Co. just depends on what you put into it.

There are sticklers for a LEGAL LOG!!!!

[TruckinHax0r]

Luzon:
Thanks for the advice on the profile, I'll take care of that shortly. I live in Cleveland, OH.

Con Way Truckload is actually on my list, but I've had no luck getting through to a recruiter there. I guess I'll try during bankers' hours. I'm just working on getting feedback on a few specific companies so I can choose by process of elimination. I do appreciate your feedback on Con Way though, too. Shaffer/Crete is the only company that has remained on my list of possible companies since I started driving, but there are still others (like Con Way) that might be good if I can just get ahold of someone there. Thanks for your input.

[TruckinHax0r]

[I]'ve been with Crete for going on 4 years and would have to think hard to come up with any legit complaints. I am a little biased as I have a good gig and know it! As far as pay goes I believe it would be right around .40 but that's prolly with 1 year exp. Most newbies start about .37 or .38 ( I think) As far keeping you moving, I can't say as I have my own niche and I hear different stories but most say there moving pretty good. Sorry I couldn't help much, good luck cause it can be a good Co. just depends on what you put into it.

The recruiter said they would start me at 40 cpm with the experience I have (just over 6 months, plus training/school). The pay is the best I have been offered, so it's definitely a good possibility.

There are sticklers for a LEGAL LOG!!!!

Good, so am I. It makes my life easier to just log everything without really thinking about it. Does that mean they won't ask you to go to a customer with 1 hour left in your day? I kinda doubt it, but whatever...

[Fredog]

one thing the recruiter conveniently forgot to mention is that the layover is not paid if it is due to lack of freight.

[TruckinHax0r]

one thing the recruiter conveniently forgot to mention is that the layover is not paid if it is due to lack of freight.

So what is it paid for then? Breakdowns or something?

[Fredog]

yes, break downs

[ALKELE]

Go with Crete, not with Shaffer. Crete has the freight, Shaffer has low miles and lots of restarts. I was with Shaffer for 4 months. Most weeks were about 1400 miles with 1 or 2 restarts a week. Shaffer hauls a lot of candy (Nestle, Mars, Hersey), ice cream, and ice cream flavorings. Equipment wasn't bad and maintenance was ok. I left because I couldn't support my family on 1400 miles a week. I tried switching to Crete, but was told that they only wanted to hire off the street for Crete, not transfer Shaffer drivers to Crete. I talked to a lot of happy Crete drivers and a lot of unhappy Shaffer drivers.