Why aren't truckers in the driver's seat?

So your saying everyone should be a business owner? Every trucker should be self-employed? Hmmmm

 

The truth comes out! See I told you was a lucky man, lol.

 

As I posted on the eve of my 35th wedding anniversary back in September.


35 years ago tonight, I was single.

The next day changed everything.

 

For a lot of drivers, just breathing is rocket science, and you think they should all have their own business?!

 

The real boss.

 

Now thats not very "nice".
Funny as heck but still not "nice".

 

yes, i think free, grown men who vote and pay taxes and raise families should take charge of their future and income

 

Okay, then your saying all truckers are grown men, who vote,pay taxes and raise their families. Can I come live in your world? It sounds like a very "nice' place.

 

First let me say that there is NO driver shortage. We do have turnover, but much of that is drivers moving from one carrier to another. There are those who leave the industry, but most of the turnover is from those leaving one company to go with another.

Second, we don't need a union. This is an industry where we are mostly compensated by our efforts. Those who work hard are usually rewarded for their efforts.

Third, lets put most of the blame where it really belongs, on the driver. Many drivers will change companies on a whim. They see another company offering a penny more per mile and they are out the door. If you want to become a higher earner, then you need to enhance your value as a driver. Make up your mind that you will stick with your company rather than be one of those who move from one carrier to another. No one gets their way 100% of the time. Trucking is no different.

Forth, too many drivers steal from their carrier. That can keep wages down and prevent you from getting the raises you feel that you deserve. If you see a driver selling fuel or selling things off his truck, report him to his carrier. Don't buy what he is selling. It isn't his to sell.

I would like to think that most drivers are honest, hardworking individuals who do their best. But, it doesn't take many bad drivers to reflect on all of us as an industry. Just look at all the urine bottles and trash that are left in parking lots.

Try treating your fellow drivers and others with whom you come in contact with respect. If you want to be respected, then you need to respect others. Show common courtesies. If you don't like the way that you are treated, then look at how you treat others at your company, especially your dispatcher.

Demonstrate to your company that you care about your equipment and job. Keep you truck clean and change out a light when it goes out. You not only save you company money, but it will also put more money in your own pocket with the time you save. Everyone want higher pay. It is only human nature. Ask yourself what you are doing to add value to yourself. I know that there are some crappy companies around, but keep in mind that all companies are made up of people. Companies are only as good as the people that they employ. Do you present a good image to shippers and others? Are you putting forth extra effort to help keep the customers happy? I recall speaking with some who feel that they should be paid a higher wage before they will put fort much effort. That isn't the way the world works. You put forth the extra effort and the money will come. Carriers don't want to pay an above average wage to a driver who will only stick around for a few months. It costs a lot of money to recruit drivers, It is much less costly to keep those drivers who are already on the payroll.

If you have never owned trucks you have no idea what it costs to run a company. Those nice shiny new trucks cost a lot of money. Then there is insurance for you and the truck. You should remember that your carrier also pays 1/2 of you social security taxes. And don't forget all those other benefits. These are also part of your compensation. Show some loyalty to your company. Work to become a team player. Most likely only look out for themselves and unless they receive something for themselves then they are not interested. Try helping your fellow drivers out once in a while. Someone will do the same to you. How many have gotten out of their truck and helped another driver back in a hole on a dark night or helped them slide their tandems? Rather than flying around a driver who is trying to park, try waiting until he is parked before moving your truck. Small courtesies don't cost you anything and they can mean so much to another driver. If you want things to change, start with they guy in the mirror.

 

I agree with gman.

The only shortage of drivers is a shortage of good ones.

I believe I'm compensated well for the amount of work I put in. I make more and do less than my old job, even as a tarp thrower.

I've gotten 4 raises since i started driving last year.




Ethan