Team starting out with US Xpress

Thanks for the info I'm going to fill out the application tonight

 

I wonder what the maximum BMI is so a sleep study isn't required. I'm 6'1" 250 pounds but my neck is 21" around. I know when I was going to join the Navy 20 years ago, they said the thicker my neck size, the lower the BMI rating. I have seen some BIG drivers out there and I wonder what's going to happen to them when they go for their next DOT physical. I've read that those with a BMI over 40 have like a 90% chance of developing sleep apnea.

Craig & Anne, does your truck have cameras on both sides or just the blind side? Also, did you have to buy your own CB or did USX provide it? Have you found there's a limit to what you can operate with the power inverter? i.e. Can you run your TV, DVD player, laptops, fridge all at the same time?

My wife and I talk about you two quite often...all positive of course! This thread always makes us excited about starting CDL school soon and hopefully getting onboard with USX.

There was another comment on this thread about getting an automatic with USX. From what I understand, and I may have been misinformed by recruiting, if you ask for an auto, it's yours.

Good luck and stay safe out there guys!

 

the camera is only on the blind side

the cb you have to buy (stock only no high power) they will install.

invertor 1750w max (if you can find one) they have to install.

we have a 1500w and it runs a 23in flat screen, 4.1 qf. fridge, dvd player, laptop (running gps), a netbook (running a log program), this laptop, cell & air card charger, printer/scanner, psp charger and microwave. the only thing we do is unplug the fridge when we use the mircowave. a 1500 will run all of it at the same time but it the fridge STARTS when the mirco is running it's to much for the invertor (cooked the cooling fans in the first one) so we just unplug the fridge when we use the mirco and when we'er done cooking we plug it back in, same for the coffiemaker, forman grill or the express 101, the slowcooker is ok

btw an express 101 is GREAT for cooking in the truck
http://www.target.com/GT-Express-101-Countertop-Grill/dp/B001GKGY6W
http://maryannsgtxpressrecipes.blogspot.com/

also usx will start getting auto's back in sometime next year (2013's..?)

 

Cool thread and blog! How are the two of you doing as far as weight gain? That is the biggest problem in this industry when it comes to health. I run regional open deck so I'm able to get exercise on the road and at home I also don't eat in truckstops much but keeping the weight off can be a struggle at times.

Keep posting, I'm enjoying the stories.

 

Thanks flood! So most of the 2012's are manual transmissions? I know a lot of drivers prefer manuals over autos. My dad drove OTR for 30 years and didn't drive an auto until his last year of driving. He always said he'd NEVER drive an auto-shift rig. After 2 weeks, he said he'd NEVER go back to driving a manual.

When would a manual transmission be superior? I think Craig mentioned in snow. But if you use the engine brake as much as possible and keep the engine pulling, shouldn't that compensate when driving an auto? I noticed the Cascadias have the engine brake control right on the steering wheel. Also, when you're driving down a steep grade in an auto-shift, can't you manually downshift to the proper gear? Do you drive an auto or manual Flood?

Thanks for all the info on the inverter. I've looked online for 1750 watters but can't find any. We'll just go with a 1500. Does anyone suggest a certain model?

You mentioned you have an air card for internet service. This question is for everyone that uses them. Do they provide pretty good service while the truck is moving? I've heard Verizon has the broadest network coverage. Which do you use and how do you like it? Are the speeds pretty decent?

Thanks Craig for your info too! I hope you and Anne start getting more miles again soon. It seems like you've spent more time down with truck repairs than actually moving freight. That's gotta be frustrating!

 

My wife and I are going to sell our house before we start trucking. Our vehicles are paid off and we'll keep them either at one of the terminals or maybe park one at my parent's house and one at my wife's (Candy) parent's house. We're basically going to have no bills so the only expense we'll have to worry about is food.