Crete Carrier to Increase for Crete & Shaffer Drivers May 1, 2018

At Crete Carrier we believe drivers deserve more, and that includes pay. We’re happy to announce a pay increase for all national over the road drivers at Crete Carrier and Shaffer Trucking. Beginning May 1, 2018 national dry van and refrigerated OTR drivers will start at $.49 to $.55 per practical mile, depending on days out and experience. Many drivers on regional and dedicated fleets will also receive raises. This is the second driver pay raise in 2018.

“Our drivers are our most valuable resource and they’ve earned this pay increase by providing outstanding customer service while making safety a top priority,” said Tonn Ostergard, chairman and CEO of Crete Carrier Corporation. “We’re always pleased when we can invest in their success by raising pay.”

This latest driver pay increase continues a trend at Crete Carrier Corporation. The National Transportation Institute has recognized Crete Carrier, Shaffer Trucking and Hunt Transportation as Top Pay Certified Carriers for over 10 years. The designation includes the driver benefits package, which Crete Carrier President Tim Aschoff says is another strength of the company.

“We offer industry leading benefits. According to the National Transportation Institute, our average health insurance premium is 25 percent lower than other large trucking companies with a deductible that’s 35 percent less than competitors,” said Aschoff. “Our retirement plan includes a company matched 401(k) and profit sharing program.”

Crete and Shaffer drivers also receive guaranteed detention pay and can take advantage of a no-cost rider program and pet policy.

Ostergard says the high demand for trucking services across the country provides a challenge to Crete Carrier Corporation to meet that demand.

“We have customers who want us to do more for them and we’d like to do that. This pay raise is a reward for our current drivers, but it’s also an incentive to new drivers,” said Ostergard. “Better pay is attractive, but we know through experience that once drivers learn about the stability, honesty and transparency of a family-owned company they want to stay. That’s why we continue to have one of the best driver retention rates in the industry.”