.28@mile and a

truck that I couldn't get repaired, finally sunk in. I'm gone from Werner, and starting with US Express on 02/20. I know, I see the eyes rolling, etc.
I took my truck and split my load in Unsprungfield Ohio yesterday. All involved down there were very decent and actually listened when I answered their questions about why I was leaving, wished me goodluck, and I was gone.
My Driver Manager, Kris Stepperson even offered to buy me a bus ticket home, but I had my wife follow me down there.
I feel I left on good terms, at least from the people I dealt with, Kris even told me if I wanted to come back, he'd do all he could for me. I never had a complaint about the people I dealt with daily, they were always willing to help, and treated me like an adult, and not a steering wheel holder. I would only hope that others would take the same path.

Funny thing, on the way out, we drove past all the brand new, and like new trucks on the lot. My wife asked why I couldn't get one of those. I explained those nice new black T6's were for the walfart and california drivers, and the others were for inexperienced drivers just coming in. She just said, "Why would they give inexperienced drivers nice trucks, and guys like you crap?" I just told her what I'd heard from other drivers, and let it go at that.

On the way back out I70, my wife and I stopped at the USX terminal in Medway, I should have, but didn't talk to any drivers, but I did checkout at least the exterior conditions of the place and the trucks.
At any rate, USX didn't look bad from what I saw. I managed to see a fair number of trucks that were obviously assigned, and at least outwardly, they weren't all bentup, and didn't look abused. Most were salt covered, but this is winter and all. There were Volvo's, Century's, and a couple Pete's, and a T6 or two. Now, I could care less about which one I'd be assigned, I've been in all but the Volvo, and wouldn't mind giving one a try, but if not, I'll be glad to take a Century. In my mind, that's one sweet handling truck.

There is a sliding pay scale that starts at .41# mile for me at between 0-300 miles, then goes to .37@mile for up to 600, .34@mile for 601-900. Since I'll be going NorthEast regional, I don't expect many runs over 600 miles anyway. No forced NYC or Canada either. Now that brings me to the biggest thing that drew me to USX. I was "told", by my recruiter, that if I really wanted to run Canada, which I do, to tell my dispatcher. Not sure, but it may be that I can do what I did at CFI, in other words, take those runs that others can't/won't do. Wouldn't hurt my feelings any.
The NorthEast I've dealt with before, nothing I couldn't put up with if I wanted to.

I need some feedback from other USX drivers regarding inverters. I read somewhere that they were allowed, but it had to be to the companies liking as to what you could have. I've got a 1500 watter that I used at CFI. Is that allowed? Does USX want it installed by an approved shop, or what. It sure would be nice to have a "real" coffee pot and microwave again, saves on truckstop garbage coffee, other than Tim Hortons or MickeyD's, and I could eat out of the truck again.

How are the trucks maintained? Are you better off getting things done out in the nether reaches?

I've poured over the negatives in this forum, so PLEASE, just paint a rosy picture for me. Crap! Even Werner has some real positives about it, other than the low pay.