U.S. Express Orientation be prepared

Been solo with USX for a month now. Currently I'm looking out of the window of my hotel room. The same window I've been looking out of since Friday. And will be looking out of all day. I broke down on Friday. The auto transmission on my 07 Volvo went "Thunk" and wouldn't shift out of 2nd.
Overall I like the company. My Fleet Manager is a great guy who as much as possible works me and takes my needs into consideration. There are some things that I do not care for. One is that it is a 45 minute (45 long minutes) on hold to speak to Breakdown. The company is so large that no one seems to be able to make a decision. The ball (you), once dropped will lay on the field until you get hold of someone (anyone) willing to pick it up. My Volvo, an 07 with 535K on it runs great usually. But, and it may just be my current situation, the company needs some stream lining. I'm no stranger to bureaucracy, but when your broke down, sitting at a repair shop that closes in 15 minutes, you have no ride, no cabs in the area and breakdown forgot to send an email to the hotel approval group, waiting 45 minutes on hold just doesn't cut it. I like the Driver tech computer system. Once you learn to operate it, it is great. The one downside is the GPS system. It runs 45 to 60 seconds slow. Do you know how many turns you can miss in 45 seconds? I fixed that issue with my own GPS.

There are many things I like about the company. As stated my fleet manager is great. The depots are great. The drivers lounges are top notch. Big screens and sofas. I'm one of those drivers who hates truck stops and yards but it is nice to have a nice place to go when you have to. There is freight with this company and lots of miles. The pay isn't bad for a newbie and they have never messed mine up. The benefits seem reasonable, tho I don't need medical and only take dental and vision. It is a good starter company, and many drivers have opted to stick it out as long timers. As with any of these companies, solo company drivers are on the end of the chain. The bottom of the ladder.

Well that's it. Feel free to PM me if you have questions. Max

 

lol...u r funny man....i worked there way back 8 years ago.....they stranded me in atlanta.....i drove from atlanta to ohio bobtailing it into there yard......threw the yeys to the shop and never looked back....you will...and i mean "you will find out"

 

i have no intention of going to u.s. but maybe someone else might be...i think it was helpful...maybe someone else didnt see the other posts

 

Wow, quite a diverse and spirited opinion base we have here about this company.
Let me give you a recent example of why I like it here so far. Earlier (15th or so) I said I was broke down. Yep 5 days worth. Just prior to breaking down my fleet manager had strung along three pre plans to get me home for the Baptism of a grandchild. He did a great job. I was one run away from getting to within 45 miles. Then the tranny went and I was hosed. Just outside Pittsburgh PA, 500 miles from home. My Fleet manager felt so bad about me getting the bone, he strung two more jobs together and got me home for two days to smooth the feathers. The second job was a one day drive and three to deliver so I parked right in the middle of it for two days. Now maybe it's because I'm so new, or ,maybe it's because after a lifetime in the Marines I don't get to awfully worked up about much, but seems to me I could have done worse. Max

 

Hey maxx I got out the army last Jan. Just finished orientation at Springfield, oh terminal. Going out with a trainer on a dedicated account tractor supply the Monday after Xmas. I started a thread under us xpress.

 

Great! I'll look it up. Your from Philly? I'll send ya a PM. Don't hesitate to ask questions. I have some pointers if your interested on your trainer and T time. Max

 

Of course I will PM you now

 

yet another trainner chimes in. if u do not lie on ur application u will become part of this company. Yes there are things going on durring orientation that seem questionable however, if u make the grade usx is a good place to make some money, and learn.

 

oh keep in mind happy people usually do not post how wonderfull a company is. filter what u read

 

Hope it lasts for you ...

Please keep us updated after you've been in longer then a few months.