AWARD WINNER INSIGHT

2022 IMTA PROFESSIONAL TRUCK DRIVER OF THE YEAR Jeffrey Cody, Weinrich Truck Line, Inc.

The professional truck driver is without question the foundation of this great industry. These true professionals not only deliver the products we all depend on, but they also deliver the peace of mind that only a true professional can deliver. We are all the beneficiaries of their professionalism, commitment, and compassion. Additionally, professional truck drivers exemplify what it means to be a selfless hero because they care more about what others need than what they themselves need.

How do you define professionalism and how do you “walk the walk” every day as a professional truck driver?

Being “professional” is showing responsibility for your driving and for your equipment, as well as watching out for and respecting others on the road. I have learned to expect the unexpected, people will drive foolishly, and you must be prepared, and be the professional, to save both them and you from their mistakes.

What is one piece of advice you would give to a trucking company as they are recruiting new drivers?

Be completely honest and upfront about everything, from expectations to rewards. Don’t give drivers the opportunity to say that they were misled.

As an industry, we continue to deal with an escalating driver shortage. Do you believe that simply increasing driver pay is the solution or is there other things that should be done to attract people to our industry?

Increasing pay is only a portion of the answer. It is hard to find anyone who wants to work anymore, and no one wants to live in a truck. In my opinion the days of weeks on end, on the road, are over. There must be a better balance of work life, versus home life, to attract new people to the industry.

What is your most valuable safety tip that you would give to a brand-new truck driver?

In the past I would always say, “you can come off of a hill too slow hundreds of times, but you will only come off too fast once”. However, today I would have to tell a new driver, “Never race your ELD! The few extra minutes you save are not worth the risk.”

What is one driving tip you would like to give to every driver on the road that isn’t a truck driver?

We have to share the road to deliver the goods everyone wants and needs, so we need to respect each other. Please be aware of our size and that we cannot maneuver or stop near as quickly as you do.

As a professional truck driver how do you think we can successfully combat distracted driving?

Get rid of cell phones. While I know that it’s not possible to get rid of cell phones and I hesitate to say anything should be required, motion locks on phones would be a good start.

As states continue to develop solutions to combat the ongoing issues with truck parking, what are some factors they should consider as they try to create additional parking?

Safe locations with adequate lighting and restroom facilities. They need to start thinking outside of the box. I have seen places where there are abandoned shopping malls that would be a good location to convert to truck parking. The truck stop model cannot be the only solution.