Do you dress for success ?

I imagine...."people of Walmart" as I read some of these....lol

 

Depends on the size of the vehicle, I put thick towels on the doors and slide them down to the end of the door when opening it so the actual door never touches the side of the trailer, I also put blankets on the seats so I don't get any dirt on the seats.

 

Not nearly enough for a guy like me to get out of the car! We used to haul the occasional company car or pickup back and forth between terminals. I'd have to get somebody else to load/unload them!

 

I think the way you dress matters sometimes and other times it doesn't seem to get noticed.

I usually wear khaki or darker cargo pants and a company polo/plain polo (we have to buy the polos ourselves and it's not necessarily company-suggested wear) whenever I pick up or deliver. But on the days I'm just on the road I will wear t-shirts. I've noticed that not dressing like a slob and looking professional matters to the smaller businesses that are more involved in the cargo whether it be the shipper or receiver. Same goes for your attitude and upkeep/appearance of the truck in my opinion. I've noticed though at some of the larger companies I'll pick up from/deliver to that those you interact with don't really take notice either way.

I know if I was a smaller business owner and some slob stinking like old cheese came to haul my freight for my business I would assume he has little self-respect and would likely not have respect for the freight or my business. Right or wrong, it would be assumed.

If for no other reason though have some self-respect and look/act professional.

 

For success, I undress! For work, I wear heavy duty work clothes, as clean and presentable as possible. Co-workers wear T-shirts and shorts; I find that just a little too casual. I want something pragmatic, no skin show, and lot's of pockets for the necessities that make all the tricks of the trade possible. To myself, a daily shave and, at least, a good scrub, are the not so bare minimum. At home, I don't get lucky ...I get successful!

 

I'm just an old bull hauler most of the time. I do always get out of the truck in jeans and button down shirt that have at least been ironed. Regular boots, regular ball cap style hat no matter if I have been there a hundred times. When I hit the chute, I put on my rubber loading boots and change shirts. When I pull up I wash my boots, change my shirt britches if necessary and I'm ready for the road. I realize not every body has a wife to starch and press their britches and a button down shirt tucked in may be a little much. I would rather overkill a little to the good side of professional than under achieve on the slob side. If you have no pride in your personal appearance hard to imagine you have any about much else.

 

We, as owner operators, are business people first and driver second! I dress like I was going to eat at a Applebee's or some place where most people would dress resort casual. I only wear shorts when the temperatures are really high.
You only get 1 chance to make a first impression on those you do business with! A shipper or receiver are both considered business associates and a good first impression can go a long way!

 

"Dress for the part that you wish to play"
Business owner or 3 week roadie; the choice is yours to make. I feel that dress/presentation is paramount to your business image. You dress as a business owner, keep your equipment clean and sharp: your customer may not pay any more than the duct tape junker gets on any given load, but they can see who is making an investment in their respective business and themselves.

 

Mm mm mmmmmmmm.

You and me baby, and a bottle of wine.

 

We'll never get any driving done if we mix in wine, well we might be driving but we wont be adding up the miles !!!