Exploring Truck Driving Careers: An Industry Overview
In 2025, truck driving remains a vital and respected profession, playing a key role in the movement of goods across North America. Two giants, Costco Wholesale and US Xpress, offer engaging and unique experiences for professional drivers.
This article provides an objective overview of truck driving jobs and compares positions at Costco and US Xpress—providing you with a wealth of industry information to help you evaluate your options in the logistics industry.
🚚 What Does a Truck Driver Do?
Truck drivers are the backbone of supply chains. Their responsibilities typically include:
Safely operating heavy-duty vehicles (Class A/B CDL), including pre-trip inspections and log maintenance.
Transporting goods across regional, national, or dedicated routes.
Loading and unloading cargo, ensuring secure transport.
Maintaining compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.
Interacting professionally with dispatchers, warehouse staff, and customers.
Keeping records of driving hours, cargo logs, inspections, and deliveries.
Performance is measured by safety record, on-time delivery, compliance, customer feedback, and efficient route management.
1.💵 Base salary and income: Costco VS U.S. Xpress
| Employer | Hourly Pay | Weekly Pay | Annual Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Costco | $28 – $32 | $1,120 – $1,280 | $58,240 – $66,560 |
| U.S. Xpress | $30 – $33 | $1,300 – $1,414 | $67,600 – $73,528 |
2. 🏥 Benefits & Work-Life Balance：Costco VS U.S. Xpress
🔹Costco
Health coverage: Medical, dental, vision with cost-effective employee premiums.
401(k) + match: Generous retirement contribution.
Paid time off: Includes vacation and paid holidays.
Other perks: Employee discounts at Costco stores, life insurance, disability coverage.
Schedule: Typically dedicated, home-daily routes—better for work-life balance.
🔹U.S. Xpress
Health plan: Standard carrier benefits (medical, dental, vision).
Retirement: 401(k) available.
PTO: Varies by tenure and route type.
Other benefits: Safety bonuses, ride-along rider programs.
Schedule: Mix of regional and long-haul; some routes may include extended time away.
3. 🚦 Career Growth & Company Culture
Costco: Strong driver retention due to positive culture, benefits, and predictable schedules. Reddit drivers report stable environments and pay growth over ~2 years .
U.S. Xpress: Known for encouraging CDL apprenticeships and driving specializations. Competitive setups for safety awards, newer brand.
📝 Qualification Requirements
Costco Truck Driver – Basic Requirements:
Valid CDL-A (Commercial Driver’s License – Class A)
At least 2 years of commercial driving experience
Clean driving record with no major violations
U.S. Xpress Truck Driver – Basic Requirements:
Valid CDL-A license
3 months to 1 year of commercial driving experience (varies by route)
No recent major driving violations (DUI, reckless driving, etc.)
Must pass DOT physical and drug screening
✅ Summary: Which Trucking Job Suits You?
Choose Costco if you prefer livable benefits packages, routine schedules with daily home time, and fixed-route driving that rewards tenure. Pay peaks at ~$32/hr after proven reliability.
Choose U.S. Xpress if you're seeking higher earning potential on OTR/regional lanes, more varied routes, and don’t mind being on the road for stretches, while still earning above-average pay.