Cover Story

Jerry Tubberville —USA Truck, Inc.

Jerry Tubberville first became a professional driver 17 years ago after earning his pay on oil rigs in Louisiana. “The business went belly up in ’86, and I had to do something for a living,” says Jerry. “My dad was a trucker, so I knew a little bit about the job and thought it would be a good way for me to go. I hooked up with a truck driving school in Louisiana and started running with CCC Express.”

Jerry stuck with the carrier until 1999, when the company was purchased by Van Buren, AR-based USA Truck, Inc. “I know that drivers don’t usually stay at the same place for so long, but it just worked out that way for me. They always treated me right,” he says.

Eager to share his experience with young people entering the industry, Jerry served as a driver trainer during 15 years that spanned much of his time at CCC and USA Truck. “I enjoyed passing on my skills to those who were just getting their start,” explains Jerry. “It always meant a lot to me.”

Jerry certainly must know his business, because he has racked up over one million accident-free miles, he was once
named Company Driver of the Year, and he is currently a proud member of USA Truck’s Top Gun team.

Life became even more fulfilling for Jerry in 2002 when his fiancee, Regina, began joining him on his trips. “She loved the long, coast-to-coast runs that gave her a chance to see the country,” remembers Jerry. The couple married in the fall of that year.

Regina continued to run with Jerry until the end of 2003, when she returned home to Altus, AR in preparation for the birth of their first child. The Tubbervilles’ daughter, Kaylen, was born soon after, and Jerry realized that he would be unhappy spending so much time away from home. “I talked with the folks at USA Truck, and they put me on a regional run that gets me home most weekends,” he says. “That makes all the difference to me. Now I’ll watch her grow up, and I can go to church with her on Sundays!”

Great regional routes are not all that Jerry likes about USA Truck. “The office personnel are just great. Everyone there is very friendly, and most people know me by name, even folks whose names I don’t know,” he says with a laugh. “I also like the fact that they maintain their equipment so well. Right now I’m driving a 2004 Freightliner Columbia, and it is a great truck to drive.”

When he’s not getting the job done for USA Truck, Jerry enjoys relaxing at home with Regina and Kaylen. He has earned his scuba diving certification and looks forward to exploring the beautiful waters of Cozumel, Mexico.

The staff of Over the Road and Pro Trucker magazines would like to wish Jerry continued success with USA Truck, Inc.