Cover Story

Walter Spieshoffer
USA Truck, Inc.

Every industry has its heroes. These individuals personify ambition, determination and character. They believe that dedication and commitment are the keystones for a successful career. They are the best of the best and inspire future generations to achieve greatness. Walter Spieshoffer is one of these heroes. 
Walter, a company driver with USA Truck, earned the respect of his fellow truck drivers the old fashioned way, one mile at a time. He has been employed by USA Truck for the past 20 years and has logged over four million miles during his 31 years in the industry (the equivalent of circling the earth’s equator more than 160 times). It is his passion for the job that has made Walter one of the best and most knowledgeable drivers in the industry. Walter shares this passion with future generations through his role as a Driver Trainer. “It’s a reward in and of itself,” Walter acknowledges. “It’s not just that you get to help other people, but it actually makes you a better driver.”
     Aside from his involvement as a trainer, Walter also actively participates within the USA Truck organization. He sits on the Driver Advisory Board, The Road Team (safety committee) and the 401(k) Committee. These opportunities have allowed Walter to experience the industry beyond sitting in the driver’s seat. “When you work for someone, I believe you should take interest in the company,” Walter says. “My involvement has helped me learn from a different perspective, but also helped me grow a lot personally.”
     Walter credits USA Truck’s friendly and open atmosphere for his growth. It is easy for a company to say they have an open-door policy, but Walter says it is entirely true in this case. “I make it a point when I’m at home to go visit everyone I can, to shoot the breeze or talk about issues that concern us all,” Walter says. “You can stay on a personal level with your fleet manager, all the way up to the President of the Company.”
     Combine Walter’s enthusiasm with USA Truck’s opportunities for professional and personal growth and you get success—ongoing success. “I’m comfortable with this Company,” Walter states. “I’m comfortable with the way they do business and the way they treat their personnel.”
     The staff of Over the Road and Pro Trucker magazines would like to wish Walter continued success with USA Truck. If you would like to learn more about the opportunities at USA Truck, call 866-483-3404, visit their Web site at www.usatruck.jobs or see their ad on page 31 of this issue.