CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:USX) ("U.S. Xpress" or the "Company"), a leading, national trucking company, today announced the launch of “Full Ride,” a college scholarship program for drivers and their families that is the first of its kind in the trucking industry.
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The U.S. Xpress Full Ride scholarship program provides U.S. Xpress drivers the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited school, Ashford University, at no cost in one of dozens of disciplines ranging from business and logistics to accounting or behavioral science. And, in a first for the trucking industry, children of U.S. Xpress truck drivers may earn their bachelor’s or master’s degrees from Ashford University as well, at no cost and courtesy of the company. Each driver may have a total of two family members enrolled in school at one time (either two dependents or the driver and one dependent). Dependents must be aged 17 to 26. The benefit will also be available to drivers working for Total Transportation of Mississippi, LLC, a subsidiary of U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Inc.
“U.S. Xpress is proud and excited to launch the Full Ride program and become the first national trucking company to offer drivers and their families the opportunity earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the field of their choice,” said CEO Eric Fuller. “In addition to helping our company recruit and retain more drivers, this program offers our drivers and their families the life-changing opportunity to attend college at a time when it is becoming increasingly expensive and unattainable to many.
“Also, we believe the Full Ride program will attract people to our industry who may have not previously thought about driving a truck,” Fuller continued. “If your goal is to get an education without racking up debt, we can offer you a means to accomplish that goal. If you want a degree but are not interested in sitting in a classroom all day, we offer you the opportunity to see the country while completing your studies.”
Unlike traditional tuition reimbursement programs, the students participating in the U.S. Xpress Full Ride program do not have to front the money for college and then later seek reimbursement. The “Full Ride” program pays all costs directly to the university, including tuition, books and course materials, removing any financial barrier for U.S. Xpress drivers and their families.
Dr. Craig Swenson, Ashford University's President and CEO, said, “We are proud to partner with U.S. Xpress to offer Ashford's academic programs to the company’s roughly 7,000 drivers and their families. The university's online model, flexible class format, and relevant degree programs fit well with the unique needs and schedules of transportation professionals. We look forward to welcoming U.S. Xpress’ drivers and their dependents into the Ashford community.”
Experienced professional truck drivers are eligible to participate as soon as they begin work with U.S. Xpress, and student drivers are eligible to start taking classes as soon as they have completed their behind-the-wheel training and are promoted to “first seat” driver. There is no obligation for drivers to remain with U.S. Xpress after they have earned their degrees.
"Driving a truck has been a pathway to a better lifestyle for millions of Americans, and we're pleased to see that one of our members is taking that a step further,” said Chris Spear, President and CEO of the American Trucking Associations. “Providing a college tuition benefit is an excellent way to attract new drivers into our industry, as well as afford U.S. Xpress’ current drivers and their children an opportunity to further their education. We applaud U.S. Xpress for announcing this exciting new benefit."
About U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Inc.
Founded in 1985, U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Inc. is the nation's fifth largest asset‐based truckload carrier by revenue, providing services primarily throughout the United States. We offer customers a broad portfolio of services using our own truckload fleet and third‐party carriers through our non‐asset‐based truck brokerage network. Our modern fleet of tractors is backed up by a team of committed professionals whose focus lies squarely on meeting the needs of our customers and our drivers.
