Hello to everyone on this board, I am new here but not new to the trucking industry. I have been driving for a small company OTR for 2 years now and have decided to go somewhere else for more money per mile.

I have narrowed down my search to 2 COmpanies. They are
Crete Carrier Lincoln, NE, and Celadon Trucking Indianaplis, IN
Both are in my opinion are excellent companies that I was able to find.
But here is why I can't decide.
Crete's Offer"
1. Start at 38 CPM
2. Home every 14- to 18 days
3. Average 2300 to 3000 miles weekly.
4. Straight Pay (No Per Diem)

Celadon's Offer
1. Start at 32 CPM
2. Home every 17 Days
3. Average 3200 to 3600 miles weekly
4. PAID VACATION every 30,000. WEEK OFF AND $1000
5. Fuel and safely bonus 2CPM
6. PAid Detention after 2 hours at 15$/hr
7. PerDiem PAy.

Based on the facts I would really apreciate any input that would help me make a decision.

Thanks

Well by doing some math and using some fair generalizations I would say Celadon would net you about 8-10K a year more based on the info you gave even without the fuel and safety bonus. (I didn't include them as most the time bonuses are hard to achieve). The other "bonus" is that you get paid vacations time. Makes it easier on the wallet to take time off.

BTW is it just me or is their website down?

On a non-biased opinion the difference would be number 4 for crete and number 7 for celedon.

Anytime a per diem is offered, check with an accountant. If you are able to keep good records great and can use the deduction all the power to you. If you want to retire (hoping that they don't screw social security out of the water) you won't have as much reported with a per diem as you do with a flat pay rate.

Thanks for the input everyone, The PerDiem issue is a second priority to me right now. I know that Crete Carrier is slightly better overall company then Celadon, based on facts such as: Turnover rate, Driver satisfaction. But the only thing that is keeping me from just saying yes to Crete is the $1000 every 30,000 miles witha week off, any driver can get 4 to 5 weeks off a year. That Just puts a huge plus for Celadon. But I am still open for input.

Thanks

if you go with Celadon hope you like Laredo

As A metter of fact I really like freigh comming out of laredo because of the length of haul, Ussually between 1200 and 1700 miles per load. I used to do some freight from there and it's one of those loads that keeps you busy for days. So I am actually looking forward for to laredo.

BTW one other question. What is Crete's average length of haul?
I know Celadon claims 1050 miles is their average.

See the thing is the shorter the haul the harder you have to work. I been with a company that paid 39CPM (LAndAir Transport) But made less money then with a company paying 29CPM. With LAndAir All loads averaged 500 Miles so it was like this. Pick up in the PM wait there and deliver in AM. That was the worst schedule ever. With long runs I set pretty much my own schedule except for the pick- up and the delivery. The time in between I can manage on my own. And use it to my advantage to get more miles. So I really want to know what crete has for an average length of haul.

Thanks

Crete's average length of haul is 766 loaded miles per trip.

One thing also, EVERYTHING is negotiable!

Talk to Crete about the $1000 every 30K. Just because it is not listed doesn't mean it couldn't be negotiated.

If it isn't listed, it's not gonna happen. Now if runs 35000 miles in a quarter, no preventable accidents no preventable cargo claims, you will get $500.

here's a single discussion covering both companies on my short list.

I spoke to one driver for Crete who was very happy with them.

Haven't caught one from Celadon yet.

I really like the idea of the week after 30k miles