Need help making a decision...USA Truck vs US Xpress

I'm approaching the end of my OTR Training with USA Truck and can tell you to not believe everything you hear or read on here.

My trainer has been fantastic and I've learned so much. Also the 4-6 weeks is all about driving hours, not actual days. Once you hit 175 hours of driving, you're sent to Van Buren, AR for your upgrade test.

Also, the company has and is making a significant investment in equipment this year and next. They just purchased 500 International ProStars, all 10 speeds complete with Tripac APUs. I'm training on a ProStar Plus and have to tell you the truck is great. Pulls very well up hills even though its governed at 63.

All the automatics will be gone by the end of this year! They are no longer using the 520K miles as the milestone to take a truck off the road. Their first goal is to get rid of all the International 9400i on the road. Complete junk!

They have also purchased a number of new KWs, Peterbuilts, and Intl Cascadias this year and plan on purchasing more. I'm told there is a good chance I'll end up with a new KW before the year is over.

Yes, the pay is a little lower per mile, but my trainer averages 2600 miles a week. Plus, the raises come quickly. However, I'm not sure where you heard about hometime though.

The current program is one day earned for every 7 days out. You have to be out two weeks at a time minimum and a maximum of 5 weeks. They will also route you to where ever you want to spend your home time. So if you want to spend your 5 days in Florida, but live in Michigan...they'll make it work.

I would also caution you against any company that promises a short training period. There is a great deal of information to learn about trucking and the shortest route is not always the wisest. I'm learning something new everyday still. And with the new CSA regulations, you need to be sure are safe and knowledgeable out there.

 

Yes , I have heard good things about USA. I have helped a few of your drivers out on the road, all seemed well trained. Good luck on your career!

 

I originally researched them both and was considering US Xpress....

 

So Dave what division is that? They have Flat, Reefer, Van, & Curtain Side I aways thought it would be cool to do curtain side, but I think you do some flat as well and I'm just plain too out of shape.

 

Well don't ever count on honesty from a recruiter. Regional dedicated runs don't go to newbies typically.

 

so USA is now backpeddling away from the autos?? good for them! i "cut my teeth there back in early 07, i had mostly a good experience there. i also worked for Arnold Trans (owned by USX) had decent exp there too, but i am a people person and had good comunication skills with my dispatchers, ATTITUDE and PERFORMANCE are what makes it work for you. USA had a tougher time getting me home because i lived in the Fl. panhandle, but they D/H'd me home 550 miles once to make it. there are waay too many variables to say how it will be for you, just pick ONE and DO IT!

 

Man I would jump on that, those jobs are hard to come by in any company.....so you heading out to WI this week end?