Author: Caitlin Heiden, Communications Manager
For nearly 31 years, Tammy Roszell has been a dedicated part of U.S. Xpress, playing a vital role in supporting drivers throughout their careers. Over the years, she’s seen many people come and go, but her favorite part of the job is helping drivers succeed through training.
Tammy began her journey at U.S. Xpress as a Training Coordinator, where she quickly discovered her passion for advocating for drivers and ensuring they had the support they needed. Now, in her current role as Professional Driver Onboarding Program (PDOP) Advisor, she works closely with our driver trainers, recruiting experienced drivers to join our training program and pass on their knowledge to the next generation.
Drivers trust Tammy because they know she always has their best interests at heart. She’s their go-to person for managing personality differences and resolving conflicts on the road. “Sometimes hard conversations need to happen. I try to limit conflict by fostering a culture of respect and empathy. We have a lot of different personalities here, and my job is to help manage them well. It all starts with respect,” said Roszell.
Since the program’s relaunch in April 2023, Tammy has played a significant role in its expansion. Currently, there are 365 Driver Trainers at U.S. Xpress, and she has her sights set on growing that number to 400 by the end of the year. The Professional Driver Onboarding Program is a crucial part of both U.S. Xpress and the trucking industry as a whole. Trainers pass along their hard-earned knowledge, helping new drivers develop the skills they need to be successful on the road—a responsibility that is no small task.
“Many times, I’m talking to someone who is finally achieving their lifelong dream of becoming a driver. It’s pretty amazing to be part of that journey,” Tammy shared. She makes it a priority to ensure new drivers feel supported from day one. Her goal is to provide U.S. Xpress drivers with a solid foundation as they begin their careers.
The impact of our driver training program is undeniable. In 2023 alone, 1,800 drivers completed the Professional Driver Onboarding Program (PDOP) thanks to the dedication of our trainers. Many of these drivers choose to stay with U.S. Xpress and eventually become trainers themselves. Our program consistently produces high-quality drivers whose commitment to safety, service, and professionalism makes them highly sought after in the industry.
Becoming a driver trainer is a way to really leave a mark for many of our trainers. There is pride in the program, and the willingness of our trainers to take this on is what sets them apart. They essentially invite a stranger into their “home on the road” for weeks at a time, guiding them through the early days of their driving career. It requires patience, strong communication skills, and the ability to teach effectively. Leading with empathy and understanding creates a supportive culture that not only helps students succeed but also keeps experienced drivers with U.S. Xpress.
Today, Tammy works out of our Tunnel Hill, GA facility, where she’s focused on recruiting the next generation of trainers. She enjoys talking with drivers about life on the road, mentoring new training recruiters, and finding the best trainers to shape the future of U.S. Xpress. More than anything, she loves the challenge each day brings and the opportunity to help build the strongest team of drivers on the road.
