USX drivers...how's your day??

The duck walk is not that hard, really. But did have a friend, who was overweight, who i thought wouldnt have any problem, he failed and went home. You read above...3 failed today. They stretch a rope out about 3 feet off the ground and ask you to duck walk underneath it for about 7 or 8 feet, thats all, but you cant fall down, look up etc...Its not really difficult for most people, but when you get really overweight and out of shape it seems that your balance suffers and maybe some other stuff that a doctor or sports person could explain better than i can. just thought i would be upfront with you about it.

As for other things like vision, hearing or bp, just have medications, with perscriptions, maybe even doctors release notes and you will be fine. If you take a medication and dont have a prescription, that is a big nono. Finally, dont do drugs or take your wifes pain meds before coming. , they send a ton home for failing the drug tests all the time. Had to chuckle at one guy, he evidently needed to flush his system of some substance that gets checked for, well he had flushed his system so good, tbat his urine was as clear as water, he flushed a little too much i guess, they sent him home i believe.

 

If you train at USX, do you have to team for a while or do you get to run solo? My wife will be riding with me, so a teaming company is not what we are looking for. Thanks for any help.

 

I am not really as knowledgable as i pretend to be. If you have driven before, and come in as a 1st seat driver, then you simply get your truck after orientation, and then sign up for rider insurance, not much, cant remember exactly, but wasnt too bad, i am sure somebody here knows. Now if you come in as a student, then it seems to be current policy that after your 120 btw training, roughly 3 weeks, then they team you up with another driver, /they choose them for you unless you hook up with somebody yourself. Then after your 8 week probationary period, then your wife woukd be eligible to join you on the truck as long as she doesnt hold a cdl herself. If she has a cdl, then she isnt supposed to be eligible to be a rider on your truck. Of course if she had her cdl, they would then seat you on your own truck as a husband and wife team.

 

How many started orientation today at tunnel hill? Vince, how did
Your training go today?

 

As a second follow up, usx has tons of solo drivers, but that 8 week teaming thing seems to be the norm right now. However USX owns a company called Arnold, almost chose them myself before we decided to run husband wife team, but Arnold has pretty good reputation. Let me offer a thought. What truck does the company run? This actually matters believe it or not. For example USX runs several types, depending on solo or team drivers, dedicated or region of country...as an example. I wanted a volvo, bit usx is phasing them out, great room and storage. Some companies are running smaller peterbilts or those tiny prostars, not cool if your wife is going to ride with you. But things to think about when deciding which company to work for. Size matters

 

Thanks Silverton. Yeah, my wife will just be riding and we are going to try and stay out as much as possible just to put money away. We are debt free, however, we do not have any retirement or savings to speak of. So, staying out on a truck for a year or so just seems like a good way to put some money away. Thanks for your information.

 

I didn't think it was that hard and I'm 6' 3". I just squatted down real low and she said I had plenty of room. Then i just waddled along quickly.

The one guy I saw was short and stout, but not obese or anything. He must have just had bad balance.

There was another driver hanging out that was huge. I have no idea how she managed it, but she must have because she's driving for us.

 

I'm not sure but there was a bunch. Probably around 80.

It turned out my class isn't until tomorrow.

 

Arnold runs those Petes and Prostars too. I ran into a couple at Duncan. He was a driver and she was a rider, along with their huge cat, all stuffed into one of those mid-roof Petes.

 

The wife and I are 44 and have no retirement to think of,,,,man, wish I would have wakened sooner..LOL Anyway, it took me 3 years to get it done but the wife and I drive team for USXpress and we stay out 2 months at a time than 4 days off. We are working our butts off to pay what bills we do have, mainly her mother, and than start a investment plan that God willing, will pay off in 20 years. Alot of things between now and that time but we have a plan. If your wife gets her CDL, you will more than double your income, on average... Wish you the best