Back in 1995, Paul Thacker was just getting out of the armed forces and was looking for a new career direction. He decided to become a company driver for USA Truck. That was 17 years ago. In the time since then, Thacker has moved through the ranks from being a company driver, to being a USA Truck trainer, through a lease purchase, and finally to become an independent contractor. From all these vantage points, he says he’s formed quite an opinion of this Arkansas-based company.

“The day I made that last truck payment was the day I really felt like I was in business for myself."

Paul Thacker — USA Truck Independent Contractor

“I purchased my first tractor through USA Truck because they were a good company that I could trust with making a big step like that,” Thacker explains. “I was one of the first ones to sign up when they started offering a Lease Purchase program. I paid it off in 34 months and now I’ve got the title tucked away safely at home. Feels nice to not have any payments anymore.”

“The day I made that last truck payment was the day I really felt like I was in business for myself. Being an independent contractor, I knew that now I could take my truck to any company. I had always been happy with USA Truck, but I wondered if they would put more priority on their company trucks and leave me alone to live off the scraps,” Thacker explains. “Well, I shouldn’t have worried, because it hasn’t been that way at all. You’re never left to struggle alone. They make sure I get as many miles as I can legally drive. They work to get you the loads you want in the places you want to go. And if I want to take time off, or just slow down a little, I just tell them.”

Thacker says that his wife’s recent surgery is an example of just that. “I had planned to be home for 3 days to help take care of her, but ended up staying home for 10 days. That was no problem with them,” he laughs. “They were more concerned with my wife and how she was doing.”

“All in all, USA Truck is really good at helping you keep your costs down and they act like they care,” he concludes. “It’s a good atmosphere to work in.”

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