Question:
Any thoughts on these companies for a newbie?

Answer:
Werner - While as a newbie in training, you will do paper logs to get the hang of it. Then you have paperless logs(on the computer). Quite new equipment. Said to have lots of drop and hook.
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US Xpress - auto shift transmissions use the clutch pedal when going from or to a dead stop. The rest of the time the tranny shifts without you. Nice if you can't get the hang of double shifting but bad if you want to change jobs.
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I would suggest that you also look into www.Roehl.Net, www.Millistransfer.com and www.Schneider.com Altogether 5 very good choices.

Answer:
Computorized Logs?
or
Auto-Shift?
I'd say to ask yourself Which is more of a "Priority" to you?Having computorized logs? or Having an Auto-Shift?
Those are about the Only differences in the 2 carriers that I know of.(1 has Auto-Shift & the other has Paperless logs.)
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I suppose if someone held a gun to my head & I just HAD to choose 1, I would go with U.S.Express.

Answer:
Originally posted by choclit snda:
Computorized Logs?
_or_
Auto-Shift?
I'd say to ask yourself Which is more of a "Priority" to you?_Having computorized logs? or Having an Auto-Shift?_
Those are about the Only differences in the 2 carriers that I know of._(1 has Auto-Shift & the other has Paperless logs.)_
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I suppose if someone held a gun to my head & I just HAD to choose 1, I would go with _U.S.Express._
Don't go USxpress. You might forget how to actually drive a normal 9,10,13,15 or 18 speed transmission truck (and yes USXpress said to me "some drivers do loose their skill for the normal manual trannsmission") and I wouldn't be surprised if many companies wouldn't hire you because of the fact you only drove a auto truck. Paperless logs aren't any big thing, just teaches you to run legal.
Hey, if life throws you a curve ball, try and take a swing at it. Who knows what might happen

Answer:
I TOTALLY Agree.
That's why I personally would NOT recommend Either one.
***This is Only MY Opinion.***

Answer:
US Express-------> A big red shiny package with a pretty bow filled with crap. just my 2 cents. If I was a terrorist , they would be my number 1 target. Especially the Colton, ca terminal. When I drove 4 them they got me good. Real good. All i can say it felt real good being bent over without any vasoline. But opinions differ.

Answer:
Heres a good Us express story since I feel writing.
Us xpress had me layover for 2-3 days in Ohio. I finally woke up on the 3rd day and marched into the dispatch office. There were like 10 drivers and 3 dispatchers inside. I said " Hey is anyone going to California? I'll trade a tv or fridge for a ride back." They say no " why whats wrong?" . I said " SCREW THIS I'M GOING BACK TO SWIFT". I swear i wish i had a camera. Everybodys face just had that look like I must be joking. It was great. world war 3 broke out. half the drivers were with me and the other drivers were against me. A huge argument broke out.
As a matter of fact I ask the US Express trainers how the hell can you morally take people out on the road knowing there not gonna be able to get a job after driving the auto's ?. In my opinion thats wrong to do to someone and I would'nt want any part of that. Anyways its just a great little story . From the 2 months I worked there, I have alot of great storys about Useless Xpress

Answer:
USX has been straight with me so far, and I've been with them for 2 1/2 months. I don't know what happened with Nofx that it went so wrong for him in just 2 months, but I can tell you they have their rules and policies clearly laid out and if you stick to them, you should be fine. I also don't know how long ago Nofx worked for them(?) that may enter into the equation as well.
There's nothing wrong with the autoshifts, they're actually very cool. And Nofx was obviously hired by someone else, so until I actually hear a carrier say they won't hire anyone who's driven an autoshift...
Oink! Oink! Oink! Grunt! Grunt!
Answer:
You can't bobtail around town for grocerys. Forced dispatch sucks. Was this your first job out of truck driving school? The autos are cool, but not if your brand new driver. Anyways Im glad you like Us xpress.
Im gonna pass along a brownie award for you!!!! Oink Oink Oink

Answer:
with Usxpress. not usexpress....for the record.
I think it depends on your dispatcher completely on choices to run.
So I think I gonna stay put with them awhile. I told myself that I was only going be with them for a year. But things starting working out for the best for me with this company.
Dont go to werner-been down that road about 4 yrs back...and all you are sitting pretty in a nice pete! especially on weekends.
USX can really give you runs as long you willing to work.

Answer:
Thanks, Nofx! Yes, my first "official" driving job, but that's immaterial to my being able to drive a standard transmission. I grew up in a trucking family, so it's never been an issue with me, and I don't know that it would be that big of a problem for someone to get back into the swing of, should they have to drive one later. Except, of course, for someone who NEVER drove a standard, and only went to the USX school - I can see your point there. But there is more to driving than shifting gears. On the other hand, there are a lot of companies starting to spec autoshift transmissions, so it's going to be a lesser problem with each year.
You can't bobtail around town for grocerys. Forced dispatch sucks.
And you quit over that?! Gee-whiz, if that's the worst thing... but you knew all this before you went to work for them, right? That's all covered in orientation. Why didn't you back out then, and save a job-hop from your DAC?
I've never had a problem stopping at a Walmart, or wherever, if I need to restock the cooler. Yes, they are "officially" forced-dispatch, but I have been able to turn loads down. Again, I have been treated very respectfully.
And, like 'runner said, the miles ARE there...
Oink! Oink! Oink! Grunt! Grunt!
[This message was edited by Fatty Turnbuckle on November 01, 2003 at 19:59.]
Answer:
do you think usxpress would hire you if you have been terminated from a job in the past?

Answer:
Well sure Lori .I think you would fit right in.

Answer:
Ya I had probably had a bad dispatcher. About the whole bobtailing thing, call me crazy but its nice having a little freedom.

Answer:
About the whole bobtailing thing, call me crazy but its nice having a little freedom.
Yes, but you knew that before you started. You're right, it does sound crazy.