Crete Carrier Corporation Review 2026

Pay, Benefits, Home Time & Driver Ratings

Founded 1966Lincoln, NEFleet: 6,000+ trucks

Driver Rating

3.6/5 — Good

Annual Pay

$55,000 - $85,000

Solo CPM

$0.46 - $0.62 CPM

Sign-On Bonus

Up to $5,000 (experience-dependent)

Driver Rating

3.6/5 — Good

Crete Carrier Corporation Overview

Crete Carrier Corporation is one of the largest privately held truckload carriers in the United States, operating through three distinct divisions: Crete Carrier (dry van), Shaffer Trucking (temperature-controlled), and Hunt Transportation (flatbed). Founded in 1966 in Lincoln, Nebraska, the company operates over 6,000 trucks and employs approximately 6,500 drivers.

Note: Crete Carrier was acquired by Heartland Express in 2022. While the company continues to operate under its own brand, there have been integration changes. Some former Crete drivers report changes to dispatch practices, route assignments, and corporate policies under Heartland's ownership. The information here reflects Crete's current operations under Heartland Express.

Historically, Crete Carrier has been well-regarded for driver-friendly policies, modern equipment (particularly their fleet of Kenworths and Peterbilts), and consistent freight. The three-division structure gave drivers the ability to specialize in dry van, reefer, or flatbed without leaving the company. The Heartland acquisition has created uncertainty, but the underlying operations remain largely intact.

Pay & Benefits

Solo CPM

$0.46 - $0.62 CPM

Team CPM

$0.56 - $0.70 CPM (split)

Annual Earnings

$55,000 - $85,000

Sign-On Bonus

Up to $5,000 (experience-dependent)

Benefits Package

  • Health, dental, vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off
  • Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks
  • Driver referral bonuses
View full pay breakdown →

Equipment Used

Kenworth T680Peterbilt 579Freightliner Cascadia (increasing under Heartland)53' dry van trailersRefrigerated trailers (Shaffer)Flatbed trailers (Hunt)

Home Time Policy

Crete Carrier OTR drivers get home every 2-3 weeks. Regional and dedicated positions offer weekly home time. Shaffer (reefer) and Hunt (flatbed) divisions have their own home time structures that vary by lane and assignment. Home time policies may be changing under Heartland Express ownership.

Training Program

Crete Carrier accepts recent CDL graduates and provides a training period with an experienced driver. The company does not operate its own CDL school but works with approved training institutions. New graduates typically start in the dry van (Crete) division before potentially transferring to Shaffer or Hunt.

Hiring Requirements

Minimum Age

21 years old

Minimum Experience

Recent graduates accepted with CDL-A

CDL Required

Yes — CDL-A

Clean MVR Required

Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Three divisions (dry van, reefer, flatbed) provide specialization options under one corporate umbrella
  • Fleet includes Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks — preferred by many drivers over Freightliner
  • Accepts recent CDL graduates, making it accessible to new drivers
  • Strong freight network with consistent miles and minimal deadhead
  • Driver referral bonuses help build your network of fellow drivers

Cons

  • Heartland Express acquisition has created operational changes and some driver dissatisfaction
  • Integration with Heartland may further change pay, routes, and corporate policies
  • OTR positions can mean 2-3 weeks out for new drivers
  • Uncertainty about long-term brand continuity under Heartland ownership

Best For

Crete Carrier Corporation is recommended for:

  • Drivers who prefer Kenworth or Peterbilt trucks
  • New CDL graduates wanting dry van, reefer, or flatbed options
  • Those seeking a large truckload carrier with multiple specializations

Overall Driver Rating

3.6/5

Based on compiled driver feedback, industry reputation, and compensation analysis. Rating last updated March 2026.

Crete Carrier Corporation FAQs

Is Crete Carrier now owned by Heartland Express?
Yes, Heartland Express acquired Crete Carrier Corporation in 2022. Crete Carrier, Shaffer Trucking, and Hunt Transportation continue to operate under their existing brands, but corporate oversight is now under Heartland Express. Some operational changes have been implemented, and further integration may occur over time. Current and prospective drivers should ask about any recent policy changes during the application process.
What is the difference between Crete, Shaffer, and Hunt?
These are three divisions under the Crete Carrier Corporation umbrella. Crete Carrier hauls dry van freight. Shaffer Trucking specializes in temperature-controlled (reefer) freight. Hunt Transportation handles flatbed loads. Each division has its own routes, pay structures, and operational requirements. Drivers can potentially transfer between divisions after gaining experience.
Does Crete Carrier use Kenworth trucks?
Yes, Crete Carrier has historically operated a fleet heavy on Kenworth T680s and Peterbilt 579s, which are preferred by many drivers over Freightliner Cascadias. However, under Heartland Express ownership (which standardizes on Freightliner), the fleet mix may shift over time. Ask about current truck assignments during the hiring process.
Does Crete Carrier hire new drivers?
Yes, Crete Carrier accepts recent CDL graduates. New drivers typically start in the dry van (Crete) division and can later transfer to Shaffer (reefer) or Hunt (flatbed) after gaining experience. The company provides a training period with an experienced mentor before assigning a solo truck.
How has the Heartland acquisition affected Crete drivers?
Driver experiences have been mixed since the acquisition. Some drivers report positive changes like access to Heartland's freight network. Others report negative changes including altered dispatch practices, route assignments, and a shift toward Heartland's operational culture. The integration is ongoing, and the full impact may not be clear for several more months. Talk to current drivers at your preferred terminal for the most up-to-date picture.

More About Crete Carrier Corporation

Crete Carrier Corporation Company Profile

Jobs, fleet size, and key info

Crete Carrier Corporation Pay Breakdown

Full salary, CPM, and benefits details

Crete Carrier Corporation Jobs in Nebraska

Openings and hiring info by state

Crete Carrier Corporation Jobs in Texas

Openings and hiring info by state

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