USA Truck - 7 months in

Ok, I have noticed a few other posts on USA Truck, and I'm sure I'll probably rehash some of the same things as the other guys, but I just want to post a progress report on my time so far with the company.
I am now starting my 7th month with USA, 8th if you count my month with the trainer, but 7th month solo. I assume, same as any other company, there have been good weeks, and there have been bad weeks. And a few average weeks. For the most part, I have not had any problems with the company. My dispatcher is a really friendly person, tries to keep me rolling. I have never sat for more than 2 hours waiting on a load unless I'm in Laredo, and the longest I've waited there is 8-9 hours. Over the last 7 months, I have averaged 3100 miles weekly, which is surprising to me. Raises have always been right on time to the day. Have only gotten screwed on detention pay once out of the 2 times I requested it. The service shops at the terminals, for the most part, get me in and out within 4 hours, as long as it isnt Memphis, Vandalia, or Van Buren.
I sort of have mixed feelings about whether or not I will stay with USA after my year contract has expired. They haven't done me wrong so far, but after the first year, the only thing I have to look forward to is the half cent annual raise. They have no bonuses to speak of(that I'm aware of anyways). But I get good miles with them. And I know I can get better pay elsewhere after I get my year's experience in.
I know some of you won't believe me about my mile average, but I do what it takes to deliver the load as early as possible, I NEVER turn down a load, I do everything that's asked of me, be it trailer moves, unloading, anything. I will continue to kiss there ### up to a point as long as it gets me the miles I want. And my dispatcher knows this and does me right. I hear drivers say they'll never unload a trailer, not their job. And then they complain about not getting the miles. The way I look at it, unloading a trailer is getting me off my ### and exercising while I get paid for it.
That's it for now, will post again in 12 months.

 

oops, sorry I misposted when I said 5 cent raise, I meant .5 cent raice, only half a cent

 

as far as regional opps go, i'm not too sure, i know they run regional out of laredo going west, there is midwest and southeast regional, other than those i'm not too sure. not sure on the pay for regional or average miles either, sorry i can;t be more help

 

nahh man, i have no illusions about being my dispatcher's favorite. But they do see I deliver on time or early every load, never been late. But if someone get's into the habit of turning down loads, they also remember that, that's why regardless of the load, i never turn it down.plus i never tell them i'm out of hours, truck needs service, etc. as far as they know, I am always available.