driving for us express

Kevin, do you have experience? (why don't you have that info on your profile?)

 

yes 13 months

 

hello Everyone,
Totally a new guy here!!! I start school at the end of Feb here in SLC, Ut I'm excited to add Truck driving to my list of careers. Its something I've always wanted to do. I'm in the process of doing a bunch of pre-Hire apps, This was at the suggestion of the driving school. One of the companies I'm looking at is USX I'm glad I stumbled onto this forum it has been very informative...but of course I have a few questions. One thing I'm concerned about is what at orientation are they looking for that could make you not get hired, I'm not worried about any criminal or drug issues or even traffic stuff. So what else should I be concerned with?
Another thing is the team thing, I understand doing it for the training but how do I know whether I'll be subject to being force onto a team, My Home state is Utah and I really want to drive this side of the rockies. I want to be a solo driver, not a team driver.
what is a per diem and why is this a bad thing due to the sliding pay scale. what about a pet policy any drivers have a pet, My dog was actually trained on a truck by a lady who drives and runs an animal shelter so He is used to riding so taking him with me is very important to me.

Thanks guys and as soon as I start school I'll start a topic of my adventure with that Heck, I might start it now with all the research I'm doing lol

 

Most companies will not FORCE you to team, with a couple exceptions like CRST. A good company will not run the training period like team driving, they will have the student drive, and the instructor in the right seat to coach and only run as a solo unit.
Things that can get you disqual are things like high blood pressure, etc.
For driving on west side of the country, try watkin and shepherd, gordon, not sure what usx has to offer for that. I am in process of lookin at my options as well,,I was previously otr, but been outta the truck for a couple years.
Many companies will allow your dog, with a usually non refundable fee, something like $500.
What school are you going to in SLC? I was also trained there.
best of luck, and I have 3 words of advice for you, research, research, and research.

 

There are some areas of the country that USX does require a new driver to team for six months. Florida is one example. Most new drivers do not have to team. Talk to your recruiter about your specific area. One dog is allowed with a $500 fee. They will take the fee out in weekly installments, it does not have to be paid up front. Per diem is optional and it really depends on your personal situation whether it make sense or not. I would talk to my accountant before deciding. You can send a macro from the truck and per diem will start with your next load. To turn it off, however, you need to wait until the end of the quarter.

With a clean criminal and mvr record, all you will need to be worried about is telling the truth, disclose everything and be thorough on your employment history. They have to verify all employment and gaps in employment. Liars get sent home. There is also a physical agility test. No big deal really, you squat down and walk a couple of steps to make sure you can get under a trailer, you climb onto a ladder to show you can get in the truck, you pick up a milk crate of weights (I think it is 85 pounds) and carry it up and down the hall three times while they check your pulse rate and they measure how much you can push and pull with your arms. Very simple and takes about 5 minutes.

Watkins Shepard is also a company you should check out, they do a lot in the West. There are not a lot of companies that allow dogs as a company driver. The other post is not correct about this.

 

Its Funny that both of you guys mentioned W/S company lol They were the 1st app I sent out and had a denial letter emailed back to me in about 2 hrs. I'm looking at swift, a couple of others like FFE, Schneider, Pride, Werner even local stuff I have the connections but those sometimes won't help without OTR time, Gotta pay my dues just like putting my 4 yrs in as an apprentice Electrician many many moons ago lol.
Telling the truth isn't an issue I have nothing to hide. The physical stuff is easy and my BP for my age and size is 125/70...(just did a life insurance exam yesterday) employment gaps lol I haven't been out of work in almost 15 yrs except during a job change and I would take time off just to bum around for a couple of weeks like mini vacations.
I'm going to Roadmaster school in West valley/SLC area.
thanks guys for all the info please keep it coming, I sent off an email to USX and will fill out the app sometime tonight, might as well get the ball rolling....

 

At Watkins Shephard you would not have to worry about being forced to team drive. They probably turned you down because they do not give out pre-hire letters to people who do not yet have their CDL. Once you get that part done try applying again if you wish. They have a very thorough 10 day orientation that you may very well find even more helpful the CDL school. After successfully passing their orientation, drivers are assigned their own truck and usually given their first load to deliver back near their home so they can pick up their gear and personal items. Pay per mile is not quite as high as some others start at, BUT you will likely have much longer runs resulting in bigger checks than most other starter companies.

I've driven for both USX and W/S. USX has much newer equipment and is also a decent company to work for. But communication with your DM is much more difficult at USX, the runs are shorter, if you elect per diem (not offered at W/S) it will cost you .025 cpm.

It sounds like you shouldn't have any problems with USX orientation. Along with the things others have already mentioned the only other reasons I've seen drivers sent home for are: a) being on prescription meds and NOT having a doctor's note clearly stating that they are safe to operate a commercial motor vedhicle, and b) having heartrate or BP reading too high. My last time with USX we had two drivers who consumed a lot of coffee or other caffeine type beverages that they felt affected their HR and BP. Both times that I worked for USX our orientation instructor said we would be routed home after the three day orientation, both times it was a month or more before that actually happened. In fairness though I don't know that everyone has a similar experience with that.

My first time with USX my recruiter promised solo after upgrade but at Tunnel Hill I was told new drivers from Phx would have to team for six months. I've met others at USX with the same experience. There are ample threads here devoted to the per diem issue. Its best to research that yourself and make your own decision. I've done it both ways and personally would NOT recommend it.

 

Hey overdrive, check out Sage tech in north slc. Great school, one on one while driving.

 

I work for FFE I get along just fine.Its not for everyone. I run OTR you make more on LTL but not for me . It all depends. Ive been dirving 21 yrs. you gotta know when to tell them truck you.tactfully. its not great but not bad either. I love them an ready to quit the next min. the way it is.

 

thanks guys I appreciate all the help, Just trying to stay as close to home as possible and make the best decision I can. I looked into the per diem and I will have to talk to my accountant, My wife isn't to thrilled about the whole deal she understands its what I want and undestands that I'll have to pay my dues band will stand behind me 100% which she should. She works for the state of utah so benefits are never gonna be an issue, just home time and pay of course. I won't make any decision on any company till after school and checking with my connections.
I have friends that drive locally also my son works for Barney trucking here locally and they love that kid he's tight with the owners, My wife's friend and co-worker's Father owns DP Curtis trucking who's yard is about a mile from my house, I know the niece of Mason Trucking and have a friend who works there...so I might get lucky but won't count on it plus I'm kind of looking forward to some roadtime if you know what I mean.

Hey Poo, the pic on your signature is that sign on Hwy 108 in the sierras plus are those your bikes
I just got into Cycling last year and love it.