U.S. Xpress Enterprises today announced the launch of “Full Ride,” a college scholarship program for drivers and their families. The company says it is the first of its kind in the trucking industry.
The program provides U.S. Xpress drivers the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree from Ashford University at no cost in one of many disciplines offered by the online university. In addition, children of U.S. Xpress drivers may earn their bachelor’s or master’s degrees from Ashford University as well, also at no cost.
“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 to 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.
Unlike most other tuition reimbursement programs, students in the Full Ride program do not have to front the money for college and then later seek reimbursement, according to a statement from the company. 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.
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.
