A rapidly-growing new fleet promises to upend the trucking industry with a focus on proprietary new technology to increase efficiency coupled with a commitment to putting the needs of their drivers above all else.
The company is called Variant, a high-concept new fleet debuted by U.S. Xpress that promises to disrupt the over-the-road trucking industry.
Variant’s mission to revolutionize the trucking industry as we know it depends on two factors:
- Treating drivers as the essential highly-skilled professionals that they are, and supporting them with all-new branded equipment, 24/7 support, and industry-leading weekly pay with the chance to earn more. Drivers operate brand-new Freightliner Cascadias with an APU in every truck and a state-of-the-art digital dash. Variant drivers average 2,500+ miles per week, take home industry-leading pay and enjoy a 95% home time, on time goal.
- The “Variant Optimizer” — a robust fleet management system powered by machine learning and artificial intelligence meant to maximize the assets of the U.S. Xpress freight network and snuff out inefficiencies, resulting in dramatic increases in fleet productivity. The Variant Optimizer minimizes delay by allowing drivers to receive loads via app. The app also provides detailed navigation information and integrates with Hours of Service rules to help drivers make the most of their time on the road.
Variant says that their rigorous focus on driver satisfaction has resulted in a turnover rate that is only a fifth of the industry average.
In a “manifesto” published on the company’s website, Variant President Cameron Ramsdell writes:
In 2019, we started with that simple idea and a small team. After a few months, we piloted a first-of-its-kind fleet management optimization platform with five drivers. We’ve since grown to nearly 500 drivers, making us one of, if not the fastest-growing carriers in the country. Our driver turnover is one fifth of the industry average because when drivers give us a chance, they feel the difference and see the impact to their lifestyle and wallets. And we’re just getting started.
We do not agree with how things have been working on the asset-side of the business. Enough with the bullshit. We refuse to conform to the de facto standard that’s been set over the past 40 years by incumbents with broken promises and stale operating models.
The company shared the infographic below to give drivers a quick feel for the Variant driving experience.
Check out a quick video introduction to the Variant experience below.
Variant debuted in 2019 as a pilot program powered by U.S. Xpress and has now grown to a fleet of nearly 500 trucks. If you’re tired of working in an industry stuck in the past and ready to join a forward-thinking team of skilled and respected professional drivers, please click here to get started.
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