The company then conducted a top-to-bottom renovation to the service center, which houses a full service dining facility, showers and shopping areas for the company’s more than 300 drivers. The office portion of the facility has been remodeled as well.
The investment in both the purchase and the renovations demonstrates the company’s commitment to stay and grow in the Springfield, Clark County area, said Co-founder and Co-chairman Pat Quinn, who attended the combination open house and truck-driver appreciation luncheon.
The company chose the Springfield location for two reasons: the city’s proximity to I-70 and I-75 and the desire to stay close to its current employees, officials said.
“I feel that people are your most important asset,” Quinn said. “You are only as good as the people you hire.”
U.S. Xpress is now seeking 25 diesel mechanics to staff a second shift, he said. Springfield Economic Development Administrator Tom Franzen, who joined Mayor Warren Copeland, City Manager Jim Bodenmiller and other city and business leaders at the event, said the company’s decision to locate in the city re-affirms Springfield’s standing as an ideal hub for both transportation and distribution companies.
The company, as part of its tax incentive package, committed to 60 - 70 full-time employees (not truck drivers), Franzen said. It has exceeded that requirement. The additional 25 mechanics will put the company at about 100.
Quinn said the company is going to be working with Clark State Community College on workforce development. Franzen said WorkPlus center will also help to connect qualified applicant with the company.
U.S. Xpress driver Willie Jackson, of Euclid, said he has enjoyed the updated facilities, especially the individual televisions in the lounge. “My daughter rode with me before school started” he said “She really liked it here”
U.S. Xpress is the third largest privately-held transportation company in the U.S. It runs 8,000 trucks and 22,000 trailers out of 14 major hubs and numerous drop-off stations throughout the United States. Cincinnati-based Kroger and Proctor and Gamble are among its larger, local clients.
For more information about the company or job openings visit usxpress.com.
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