Heartland Express vs Crete Carrier Corporation
Heartland's short-haul model vs Crete's multi-division operation. Heartland for home time. Crete for truck quality and division variety.
Heartland Express
- Pay
- $55,000 - $80,000
- Fleet
- 5,000+ trucks
- Rating
- 3.6/5
Crete Carrier Corporation
- Pay
- $55,000 - $85,000
- Fleet
- 6,000+ trucks
- Rating
- 4/5
Head-to-Head Comparison
Pay
Heartland Express
Heartland pays $55K-$80K on shorter routes.
Crete Carrier Corporation
Crete pays $55K-$85K across divisions.
Home Time
Heartland Express
Short-haul model, home weekly or more.
Crete Carrier Corporation
Regional and dedicated weekly; OTR 2-3 weeks.
Benefits
Heartland Express
Health, 401(k), paid orientation.
Crete Carrier Corporation
Health, 401(k), PTO, KW/Pete trucks.
Training/Support
Heartland Express
Prefers 1 year experience.
Crete Carrier Corporation
Accepts CDL graduates across divisions.
Equipment/Technology
Heartland Express
Late-model Freightliners.
Crete Carrier Corporation
Kenworths and Peterbilts -- driver favorite.
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.
Heartland Express
- Founded
- 1978
- Fleet
- 5,000+ trucks
- Drivers
- 5,000+
- Divisions
- OTR, Regional, Dedicated
- Experience wanted
- 1 year CDL-A preferred (some recent graduate programs)
- Strongest states
- Iowa, Texas and Georgia
Heartland Express is a major irregular-route truckload carrier focused on short-to-medium haul lanes. Known for getting drivers home more frequently than typical OTR carriers, Heartland operates primarily in the eastern two-thirds of the U.S.
Only Heartland Express is strong in: Iowa and Georgia — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by Heartland Express and not by Crete Carrier Corporation
- • Medical, dental, and vision
- • Paid orientation
- • Late-model Freightliner equipment
- • Weekly home time options
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: Nebraska and Pennsylvania — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by Crete Carrier Corporation and not by Heartland Express
- • Health, dental, and vision insurance
- • Paid time off
- • Late-model Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks
- • Driver referral bonuses
Our Verdict
Heartland for maximum home time. Crete for better trucks and division options (reefer via Shaffer, flatbed via Hunt). Crete is also more new-driver friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is easier to get into?
Crete accepts CDL graduates. Heartland prefers 1 year.
Which has better trucks?
Crete's Kenworths and Peterbilts are preferred by most drivers.
Which has reefer?
Crete via Shaffer Trucking. Heartland is dry van only.