What is Heat Exhaustion? 

Heat exhaustion occurs when your body struggles to cool itself down. This can happen quickly in high temperatures, especially if you’re working or moving around outside. Everyone responds to heat differently, but symptoms of heat exhaustion often include:

• Dizziness
• Thirst
• Heavy sweating
• Headache
• Nausea
• Weakness
• Elevated body temperature
• Cold or clammy skin

If you or someone around you begin experiencing these symptoms, take action right away. Move to a shaded or air-conditioned area, remove excess clothing, and rehydrate. If symptoms don’t improve, seek medical attention immediately.

Heat exhaustion can escalate into heat stroke, a serious condition that can cause permanent damage or even death if untreated.

4 Ways to Help You AND Your Truck Beat the Heat 

Staying safe in the summer heat takes planning and preparation. From staying cool to spotting signs of heat exhaustion, here’s what every driver should know to stay safe and comfortable on the road this summer.

 1. Stay Hydrated

Your body needs water to regulate temperature and function properly. The Red Cross recommends around ¾ of a gallon per day for the average adult—but if you’re sweating in the summer sun, you’ll likely need more. Keep water on hand and sip regularly. Avoid caffeine and sugary drinks, which can contribute to dehydration. Sports drinks with electrolytes can help on especially hot days.

2. Find Shade When You Can

Your truck’s cabin can heat up quickly in direct sunlight. Whenever possible, park in shaded areas and use windshield sunshades during breaks or downtime to help keep the interior cooler. This makes a big difference when you get back on the road.

3. Take Breaks to Cool Down

Don’t underestimate the power of a quick break. Spend time in air-conditioned spaces, like rest stops or diners, when possible. Giving your body a chance to recover from the heat helps prevent serious problems later.

4. Know the Signs of Heat Illness

The best defense is early detection. If you start feeling dizzy, nauseous, or unusually weak, don’t push through it. Recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and act immediately: cool off, hydrate, and rest. Call 911 and seek emergency assistance if symptoms persist or worsen.

Prepare for the Unexpected

Create a Summer Emergency Kit to keep in your vehicle during hotter months. Keeping a stock of water, electrolyte drinks, sunscreen, a fan or cooling towel, non-perishable snacks, jumper cables, and basic tools can come in handy. A sunshade for your windshield is also a great addition to your summer kit.

Simple steps can go a long way when it comes to preventing heat-related illness. Whether you’re hauling freight or parked for a break, staying cool and hydrated will help you stay healthy and on the road. This summer, stay smart, stay safe, and beat the heat!

Interested in trucking? Learn more about a career with U.S. Xpress today.

Senior Vice President of Dedicated, Clayton Kibler, shared his excitement: “The new location is perfect for us as we have a large dedicated presence in the Georgia market. This new distribution center can provide top-tier support during surges or spikes in seasonal volumes.” 

What is Dedicated Trucking? 

At U.S. Xpress, we offer both OTR and Dedicated positions for our truck drivers. Dedicated truck drivers haul consistent truckloads from the same customer, on the same route, allowing them to build relationships with store personnel and become familiar with their routes.

The schedule can be more predictable for drivers, which makes these dedicated routes attractive to drivers. Another bonus? Home-every-night opportunities, an increasingly sought-after benefit for today’s truck drivers.  

Adding to Our Dedicated Network 

With deliveries focused on the Atlanta market, this site complements our dense network in Georgia, allowing us to leverage our existing dedicated sites for added flexibility and operational support. Busy season? We can easily scale our services to support dedicated trucking needs in the Southeast region. 

Our team of seasoned drivers and dedicated freight specialists has it covered with advanced technology, modern equipment, and the latest tracking tools. As our network expands, so does our ability to help strengthen our customers’ distribution capabilities.  

Drive Dedicated at U.S. Xpress 

Interested in a career in trucking? We are always looking for qualified, dedicated truck drivers to join our fleet.  

As one of the nation’s largest asset-based truckload carriers, U.S. Xpress has the experience and team to support you on the road. Join the over 2,400 drivers that make up our Dedicated Division and take your career to the next level.  

We Offer: 

• Paid Orientation 

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage 

• Supplemental insurance for accidents, critical illness, or hospital stays 

• Employee Assistance Program 

• Pet Insurance 

• 401(k) Matching 

• Pet and Rider Policies 

• Reliable Routes 

• 24/7 Driver Support 

• Consistent Home Time 

• And more! 

Apply today and get rolling as a Dedicated driver with U.S. Xpress. 

At U.S. Xpress, we know that driving a truck isn’t just a job—it’s a lifestyle that demands focus, resilience, and strength. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to shine a spotlight on something that matters year-round: the mental wellness of truck drivers.

Being a CDL truck driver comes with challenges, like long hours, time away from loved ones, and unpredictable schedules. That’s why we’re committed to helping drivers feel their best, both physically and mentally.

Here are five easy, road-ready tips for truck drivers to support your mental wellness:

1. Build Simple Daily Routines

Life on the road can feel unpredictable, but even small routines help bring structure and peace of mind. Try starting and ending your day with simple, repeatable steps like stretching, calling home, or journaling. Post-shift rituals, like walking a loop around your truck, can help clear your head and mark the day’s end.

2. Practice Mindfulness on the Go

Mindfulness is a powerful tool for truck driver safety and stress relief. Just five minutes of deep breathing or quiet reflection can ease anxiety and increase focus. Explore apps like Calm or Headspace for easy, guided meditation.

3. Fuel Up the Right Way

A balanced diet isn’t just good for your body, it’s great for your mind, too. Studies show that the mental health benefits of exercise and healthy eating go hand in hand. Try packing fresh snacks like fruit, veggies, or nuts. Eating better on the road can improve your mood and energy behind the wheel.

4. Move More, Feel Better

You don’t need a gym to get moving. At rest stops or truck stops, stretch or take a brisk walk around your truck. Just a few minutes of activity can lift your spirits and help manage stress levels. Remember: small steps lead to big gains.

5. Reach Out—You’re Not Alone

Whether you’re a seasoned truck driver or new to the industry, mental wellness matters. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t tough it out alone. Reach out to friends, family, or a professional. At U.S. Xpress, we offer mental health resources through ComPsych—free for employees and their families—because asking for help should be easy.

Mental Health Matters at U.S. Xpress

At U.S. Xpress, we support our drivers with benefits that go beyond pay, like access to wellness resources and tools.

Explore our latest CDL truck driver opportunities today and join a team that truly has your back. 

Private fleet management can be costly and complex—from driver shortages and maintenance to compliance headaches. That’s why more companies are turning to transportation outsourcing as a smarter, more efficient way to move freight. U.S. Xpress offers a smarter way to maximize your operations while minimizing risk: private fleet conversion.

What Is Private Fleet Conversion?

Private Fleet conversion allows you to outsource some of the most challenging parts of running your business and focus on what matters most: growth.

Managing your own private fleet of trucks means you’re in charge of everything. Purchasing and maintaining trucks, recruiting truck drivers, keeping up with DOT regulations, handling insurance, and maintaining on-time deliveries are just a few of the ongoing tasks of running a trucking operation on your own.

Benefits of Outsourcing

Managing your own fleet is no easy task and can take up time better spent on other aspects of your business. By partnering with a top transportation company, like U.S. Xpress, and outsourcing your fleet needs, you get benefits to your business like:

• Cost Efficiency and Predictability

Fleet ownership comes with hidden and not-so-hidden costs. U.S. Xpress’s dedicated fleet solutions offer consistent, predictable transportation costs that make forecasting and planning simple. Let us handle things like recruiting qualified, safe CDL drivers and planning optimized routes with peace of mind, knowing we’ve got it covered.

• Scalable, Right-Sized Capacity

Need to increase your trucking capacity for seasonal spikes or new markets? Fleet outsourcing allows you to scale and stay agile without adding trucks or truck drivers to your payroll. Adjust capacity as you need, on your terms, with private fleet conversion.

• Improved Freight Visibility and Insights

With U.S. Xpress dedicated fleet solutions, you gain full visibility into your freight movement. Our team provides route optimization and detailed performance data so you can make smarter, faster decisions backed by real-time insights.

• Driver Recruitment and Safety

The driver shortage is real. So is the risk of regulatory noncompliance. We handle hiring and training of qualified truck drivers who meet strict safety standards and operate as an extension of your brand. We recruit drivers who prioritize both safety and the customers they serve each day.

• Nationwide Network, Proven Expertise

As one of the top trucking companies in the country, U.S. Xpress has the network, expertise, and team to support your growing business. With decades of industry experience and best-in-class services, like private fleet management, we are here to help you. Gain improved reliability and reach more customers with our proven, dedicated fleet solutions.

A Smarter Path Forward with U.S. Xpress

By moving to a dedicated fleet solution with U.S. Xpress, you gain efficiency, cost savings, and strategic focus—without sacrificing control. We partner with you to deliver top-quality results that benefit your business and allow you to focus on what you do best.

If you’re considering private fleet conversion or looking for ways to improve overall efficiency in your operation, U.S. Xpress is here to help.

Ready to explore the benefits of private fleet conversion? Contact us today to learn how we help businesses like yours meet the demands of today, while growing for the future.

Let’s Build a Dedicated Fleet Solution Together.

That’s when he was introduced to the Department of Defense SkillBridge Program: a military transition assistance program, helping service members gain real-world experience in the civilian workforce before transitioning to a civilian job.

What is the SkillBridge Military Transition Program?

The DOD SkillBridge military transition program offers active-duty service members hands-on career training during their final 180 days of service. It’s designed to ease the transition from military to civilian life by providing:

• Real-world, civilian work experience
• SkillBridge job opportunities that align with your skills and interests
• Paid job training
• Networking opportunities for transitioning service members
• Clarity on “what’s next” after your service
• Higher earning potential from the start
• Career development opportunities with top companies that participate in the SkillBridge program

SkillBridge Program Opportunities with U.S. Xpress

Christina Gindi leads the team at U.S. Xpress that oversees military transition programs like SkillBridge. She works closely with transitioning service members to understand their benefits, career goals, and background to connect them with the right opportunities within the company, kind of like a matchmaker would.

Christina and her team receive more than a dozen SkillBridge program inquiries each month from transitioning service members, figuring out their next steps after service. Her goal is to support candidates through their military transition and give them someone to go to when, inevitably, questions come up. “Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask questions,” Christina advises. “Get the information you need to make the best choice for yourself and your family.”

Christina’s team finds that transitioning military members bring discipline, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to go above and beyond for the job. They ask smart questions, stay curious, and are committed to doing things the right way. Traits like these make transitioning military members standout contributors business-wide.

What Transitioning Service Members Bring to the Workforce

SkillBridge graduate Nathaniel Creech gained valuable interpersonal, organizational, and computer skills, during his time in the Navy. Those skills helped him get into a full-time position after graduation, doing something he loves. “U.S. Xpress was one of the first companies to respond to my resume,” Creech said. “The process was so effortless on my end, thanks to the constant communication from Christina. My questions were answered quickly, and she stayed engaged with me, all the way up to my first day. That kind of support made it clear that U.S. Xpress was the right fit for me.”

Creech joined the team in Dallas and was immediately welcomed. Though he had never stepped inside a commercial motor vehicle before, he quickly learned how to perform inspections, understand the importance of tandem positioning, and even experienced firsthand the dangers of distracted driving—via a driving simulator, of course.

“Not many service members can say they feel this grounded just two months before separation,” he shared. “I’ve found a new sense of belonging and purpose here. I already feel like I have a home outside of the Navy.”

He has brought tremendous value to the Dallas Orientation team and credits his military service with teaching him the skills needed to succeed in civilian life. He loves sharing his experience with SkillBridge and encourages other active-duty service members to take advantage of the opportunity. “If you have family or friends getting ready for military transition, I highly recommend looking into the SkillBridge Program with U.S. Xpress. It’s a unique and extremely valuable experience you won’t get anywhere else,” said Creech.

Nathaniel Creech officially separates from the Navy in late June but is already making a meaningful impact at U.S. Xpress. For him, and many others, SkillBridge is more than just a transition. It’s a launchpad.

To learn more about SkillBridge benefits and the best jobs for transitioning service members at U.S. Xpress, contact us today.

For nearly 31 years, Tammy Roszell has been a dedicated part of U.S. Xpress, playing a vital role in supporting drivers throughout their careers. Over the years, she’s seen many people come and go, but her favorite part of the job is helping drivers succeed through training.

Tammy began her journey at U.S. Xpress as a Training Coordinator, where she quickly discovered her passion for advocating for drivers and ensuring they had the support they needed. Now, in her current role as Professional Driver Onboarding Program (PDOP) Advisor, she works closely with our driver trainers, recruiting experienced drivers to join our training program and pass on their knowledge to the next generation.

Drivers trust Tammy because they know she always has their best interests at heart. She’s their go-to person for managing personality differences and resolving conflicts on the road. “Sometimes hard conversations need to happen. I try to limit conflict by fostering a culture of respect and empathy. We have a lot of different personalities here, and my job is to help manage them well. It all starts with respect,” said Roszell.

Since the program’s relaunch in April 2023, Tammy has played a significant role in its expansion. Currently, there are 365 Driver Trainers at U.S. Xpress, and she has her sights set on growing that number to 400 by the end of the year. The Professional Driver Onboarding Program is a crucial part of both U.S. Xpress and the trucking industry as a whole. Trainers pass along their hard-earned knowledge, helping new drivers develop the skills they need to be successful on the road—a responsibility that is no small task.

“Many times, I’m talking to someone who is finally achieving their lifelong dream of becoming a driver. It’s pretty amazing to be part of that journey,” Tammy shared. She makes it a priority to ensure new drivers feel supported from day one. Her goal is to provide U.S. Xpress drivers with a solid foundation as they begin their careers.

The impact of our driver training program is undeniable. In 2023 alone, 1,800 drivers completed the Professional Driver Onboarding Program (PDOP) thanks to the dedication of our trainers. Many of these drivers choose to stay with U.S. Xpress and eventually become trainers themselves. Our program consistently produces high-quality drivers whose commitment to safety, service, and professionalism makes them highly sought after in the industry.

Becoming a driver trainer is a way to really leave a mark for many of our trainers. There is pride in the program, and the willingness of our trainers to take this on is what sets them apart. They essentially invite a stranger into their “home on the road” for weeks at a time, guiding them through the early days of their driving career. It requires patience, strong communication skills, and the ability to teach effectively. Leading with empathy and understanding creates a supportive culture that not only helps students succeed but also keeps experienced drivers with U.S. Xpress.

Today, Tammy works out of our Tunnel Hill, GA facility, where she’s focused on recruiting the next generation of trainers. She enjoys talking with drivers about life on the road, mentoring new training recruiters, and finding the best trainers to shape the future of U.S. Xpress. More than anything, she loves the challenge each day brings and the opportunity to help build the strongest team of drivers on the road.

The transition from military to civilian life can be daunting. For many veterans, the path to a fulfilling career post-service requires a bit of guidance and preparation. The SkillBridge Internship Program offers an invaluable opportunity for military members to make this transition smoothly, all while retaining their income and benefits. Through hands-on experience and mentorship, the program provides a unique bridge from military life to a successful civilian career.

Matthew Mata, a Marine Corps veteran, is currently participating in the SkillBridge program at U.S. Xpress. We asked him to share a little bit about how the SkillBridge program has helped him prepare for life outside the military.

What is the SkillBridge Program?

For those unfamiliar with the SkillBridge Program, Matthew explains it simply: “It’s an opportunity for any Marine to begin transitioning through on-the-job training and coursework while maintaining your current income.”

Essentially, SkillBridge connects service members with civilian companies, allowing them to work in internships that align with their career interests. The best part? Service members continue to receive their military pay and benefits throughout the internship, making it easier to focus on gaining valuable skills for the future.

What kind of work is Matthew doing at U.S. Xpress?

As a Supervisor II on our Dedicated team, Matthew’s responsibilities include tracking the performance of truck drivers, ensuring their safety on the road, and helping mentor new employees. He is deeply involved in the operational side of logistics, managing tasks such as:

• Tracking and managing load plans assigned to tractors
• Monitoring driver behavior through LYTX (a telematics and safety system)
• Coaching drivers on safety and performance
• Verifying freight delivery to the correct facilities
• Preparing new drivers for success by helping them understand the safety protocols and other key operational procedures

“There are plenty of similarities to our daily workflow,” he says. “Mentoring new drivers and counseling employees on their practices mirrors the leadership and coaching skills I developed in the Marine Corps.”

How has the transition to civilian life been?

One of the most significant benefits of the SkillBridge program is its ability to ease the transition to civilian life. Matthew notes that U.S. Xpress has been flexible in allowing him to handle personal matters, such as Veteran Affairs appointments and other transition-related tasks, while still advancing his career.

“The flexibility at U.S. Xpress has allowed me to manage my personal affairs without missing a beat at work,” he explains. “Weekly meetings with the Director of Operations allow me to communicate directly about any concerns or challenges I’m facing, which has been incredibly helpful in navigating my transition.”

The balance between professional development and personal transition is key in making the adjustment smoother, and the mentorship and support at U.S. Xpress have been instrumental in this process.

Would Matthew recommend the SkillBridge Program?

 “Definitely! I already have,” he says. “I’m still on the lookout for fellow Marines on social media who are looking for a challenging new career. The SkillBridge program offers a real opportunity to start a civilian career while still getting the support and benefits of military service.”

For veterans looking to enter the workforce, SkillBridge provides a crucial stepping stone, and Matthew encourages anyone considering it to take the leap.

SkillBridge is just one of the many offerings at U.S. Xpress to support our veterans. Contact Nina Gindi (cgindi@usxpress.com) for more information about our SkillBridge Program. Visit the U.S. Xpress website to learn more about our corporate or driver veteran programs. 

More about Katie Dyson, Senior Brand Manager

Katie is a dynamic communicator dedicated to meeting people where they’re at. With a diverse background in corporate communications, marketing, and graphic design, her career spans a range of industries, including automotive manufacturing, paperboard packaging, insurance, and trucking. Outside of her professional work, Katie enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, playing sports, and traveling.

Connect with Katie on LinkedIn.