Crete Carrier Corporation vs Werner Enterprises
Both Nebraska-based carriers with strong reputations. Crete Carrier is privately held with three divisions (dry van, reefer via Shaffer, flatbed via Hunt). Werner is publicly traded focusing on dry van and dedicated.
Crete Carrier Corporation
- Pay
- $55,000 - $85,000
- Fleet
- 6,000+ trucks
- Rating
- 4/5
Werner Enterprises
- Pay
- $52,000 - $80,000
- Fleet
- 8,000+ trucks
- Rating
- 3.8/5
Head-to-Head Comparison
Pay
Crete Carrier Corporation
Crete pays $55K-$85K with competitive mileage rates and referral bonuses.
Werner Enterprises
Werner pays $52K-$80K with mileage pay and safety bonuses.
Home Time
Crete Carrier Corporation
Crete offers regional and dedicated options with weekly home time; OTR is 2-3 weeks.
Werner Enterprises
Werner dedicated and regional offer weekly; OTR is 2-3 weeks.
Benefits
Crete Carrier Corporation
Crete offers health, 401(k) match, PTO, late-model Kenworths and Peterbilts.
Werner Enterprises
Werner provides health, 401(k) match, tuition reimbursement, rider/pet policy.
Training/Support
Crete Carrier Corporation
Crete accepts recent CDL graduates across all three divisions.
Werner Enterprises
Werner accepts CDL graduates with structured mentoring.
Equipment/Technology
Crete Carrier Corporation
Crete runs late-model Kenworths and Peterbilts -- among the best equipment for a mega carrier.
Werner Enterprises
Werner maintains a modern fleet averaging 2-3 years old.
Where they actually differ
The scores above are our reading. This part is just the two carriers' profiles side by side — divisions, what they ask of a new hire, where they run, and which benefits only one of them lists.
Crete Carrier Corporation
- Founded
- 1966
- Fleet
- 6,000+ trucks
- Drivers
- 6,500+
- Divisions
- OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Refrigerated, Flatbed
- Experience wanted
- Recent graduates accepted (CDL-A required)
- Strongest states
- Nebraska, Texas and Pennsylvania
Crete Carrier Corporation is one of the largest privately held truckload carriers in the U.S., operating through its Crete Carrier, Shaffer Trucking (temperature-controlled), and Hunt Transportation (flatbed) divisions. Based in Lincoln, NE, Crete is known for driver-friendly policies, modern equipment, and consistent freight that keeps drivers moving.
Only Crete Carrier Corporation is strong in: Pennsylvania — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by Crete Carrier Corporation and not by Werner Enterprises
- • Late-model Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks
- • Driver referral bonuses
Werner Enterprises
- Founded
- 1956
- Fleet
- 8,000+ trucks
- Drivers
- 10,000+
- Divisions
- OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Intermodal
- Experience wanted
- Recent graduates accepted (with CDL training)
- Strongest states
- Nebraska, Texas and Ohio
One of the largest truckload carriers in North America with a strong driver training program. Werner operates dedicated, OTR, and regional fleets across all 48 contiguous states, Canada, and Mexico. Known for their professional development programs and modern fleet.
Only Werner Enterprises is strong in: Ohio — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by Werner Enterprises and not by Crete Carrier Corporation
- • Rider and pet policy
- • Tuition reimbursement
Our Verdict
Very close. Crete edges ahead on equipment (Kenworths and Peterbilts vs Werner's Freightliners) and division variety (dry van, reefer, flatbed). Werner offers tuition reimbursement that Crete doesn't. Both are solid Nebraska-based carriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has better trucks?
Crete runs Kenworths and Peterbilts, which many drivers prefer over Werner's Freightliners. This is a meaningful quality-of-life difference.
Can I switch divisions at Crete?
Yes. Crete Carrier (dry van), Shaffer (reefer), and Hunt (flatbed) allow transfers between divisions.
Which is more driver-friendly?
Both have good reputations. Crete's private ownership means decisions aren't driven by shareholder pressure.