Crete Carrier News

Ed Garrett Retires

Ed Garrett's driving career began long ago, at the age of 14, hauling livestock and grain for his father. After high school, Ed joined the military. Once they discovered that Ed had experience driving a truck, they immediately put Ed into a truck and he drove for the military for four years.

In 1962, after leaving the military, Ed began working as an over-the-road truck driver for Kraft Foods. He worked for Kraft until 1974. Ed joined on with Crete Carrier in 1989. At that time, Ed was driving in the Knoxville, Tennessee area and had met drivers working for Crete Carrier. He had heard many great things about the company and decided to apply. He began as a contractor and transferred over to run as a company driver in 2000.

Like most veteran drivers, Ed hasn't stayed in the industry because of the money. It's the little things Ed encounters along his journeys that have kept him on the road: scenery, meeting new people, helping customers and helping other drivers. Most of all, Ed enjoys the friendships he has established with other veteran drivers. Also, like other drivers, Ed admits that the Hours of Service laws are his least favorite aspect of the job.

Earlier this year, Ed decided it was time to retire from driving over-the-road. He celebrated his 70th birthday in July. Since he is still in good health and has no debt, he though it would be the perfect point in his life to spend more time on those things he enjoys doing when he is not on the road. With the economy down, he felt like it was the best time to hang up his keys. Ed said he will miss his over-the-road friends the most due to his decisions, but will have more time to spend with those that have already retired.

Ed hopes to spend a couple of days per week at the Lincoln terminal, performing road tests and other various tasks to stay busy. He also plans to polish equipment for others. He has a couple of trips planned for the future as he has children in different states across the country.

Ed's only girl, and baby of the family, lives in Cincinnati, Ohio and is expecting her 3rd child in February. Ed plans to make a trip to see her and the newborn. He also has three boys, one in Las Vegas, one in Des Moines, Iowa and one in Sweetwater, Tennessee. He hopes to get to Las Vegas soon to see his youngest boy. Ed has nine grandkids, ages 1 - 25 and 4 great grandkids.

Throughout Ed's career with Crete Carrier, he has tallied millions of safe miles. Ed was also a past competitor in the National Truck Driving Championships. When speaking with Ed about drivers that are new to the industry, he said his best advice is "Always look ahead, stay alert and don't speed". He would like to see more drivers put down the video games and get some exercise. Also, he said that drivers need to find a hobby they can enjoy while not driving, so they can keep their minds off of "home".

Congratulations to Ed for all of his loyal years with Crete Carrier. We wish him the best of luck on his road ahead.