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Learn first, then Do!
I have been in the Operator business for over 30 years, and I have met thousands of Operators and Drivers. Many of these meetings have been face-to-face across my desk. Though I acknowledge that there are probably individuals who have met more drivers than I, my sampling is significant enough to warrant appreciation.
Based on all that I have seen, there are too many Operators who “play” at their business. They enter the business without research or mentoring and their continuation in the industry is without adequate guidance. It’s a little like Operators who ONLY learn through experience, rather than seeking advice and perspectives. Gaining an understanding of your craft is critical to success in any venture, trucking or nontrucking. Making a good choice is not a matter of experience as much as it is a matter of proper preparation for success.
I’m of the belief that almost anyone can be a successful Lease/Owner Operator provided they want to learn the correct habits to succeed. There are very few individuals who hold a commercial driver’s license who cannot also be a successful Operator. A successful driver operates a highway tractor for a “boss” who generally makes money on their
Robert D. Scheper
labour. Moving to a Lease/Owner Operator is only changing control of certain choices and managing cash flow. If the successful Operator doesn’t change their behaviour at all, the financial success that was to be transferred to the Operator rather than the other “boss”, disappears. Though there may be individuals who disagree with this basic concept, I stand on this belief because of my experience.
Learning is almost always a matter of setting aside pride rather than a matter of intellectual capacity. Expressing the words “I’m not a numbers guy” in response to learning proper cash flow is a reflection of pride, meaning, “I don’t have to learn”. It’s a very subtle and often overlooked form of pride but it is a matter nonetheless. People who humble themselves to learn will almost always succeed; those who make excuses for not applying themselves is pride or simple laziness. It’s much better to just say the truth… “I don’t want to learn” and then not be an Operator then think you can survive without learning just because you give yourself an “excuse”. That type of behaviour is “playing” at your business, not being successful almost deliberately or deceptively. I find “intellectuals” usually to be the most selfdeceptive.
Many years ago, I was told the story of a successful driver who after two years was called into the payroll office and was asked about a series of un-cashed payroll checks (of nearly six months). The rather “simpleminded” driver had a habit of only cashing payroll checks when he needed it rather than when he got them. Six months of checks over a two-year period means he saved 25% of his earnings, a very impressive amount.
This driver, though very “simple-minded”, was a financial success because of his actions, not his intelligence. Proper money management is a simple concept. More money flowing in than out is a concept too many people do not wish to learn. Too often I’ve seen new operators on one day say, “I’m not a numbers guy” and then the next day roll into the parking lot with a new F150. Obviously, at some point, he thought he knew enough about numbers to buy a new half-ton. He was “too smart” for his money. He would have been far better off living a “simple-minded” life.
Don’t get me wrong, sometimes I’m not perfect at managing my own money. I think too much, deceive myself willingly… but I have a healthy fear of my overconfidence and usually return quickly to a “simple life or simple-minded behaviour”. Most people do it occasionally but living within one’s means is usually living a humble life, forgiving yourself and quickly abandoning hubris.
There has been a lot of talk about MELT lately (Mandatory Entry Level Training).
I would rather see MLLT (Mandatory Lifelong Training) though I admit the mandatory would be hard to enforce on some people... not because they don’t have the brains but because they don’t have humility. I pray that never be an accusation directed at me.
Simply put though, if you don’t understand something you probably shouldn’t do it; you should increase your learning and habits first. You should probably keep asking questions until you DO understand and do it. Learning how to be a good driver is difficult, but, if you can learn that… you will have plenty enough brains to be a successful operator. Remember, it’s not a matter of brains, it’s a matter of humility and appropriate actions. Learn to do the right things and you will be successful.
About the Author:
Robert D. Scheper is a leading Accountant and Consultant exclusively serving the Lease/ Owner operator industry in Canada. His first book in the Making Your Miles Count series “taxes, taxes, taxes” was released in 2007. His second book “Choosing a Trucking company” is the most in-depth analysis of the independent operator industry today. He has a Master degree (MBA) in financial management and has been serving the industry since he and his wife came off the road in 1993. His dedication, commitment and strong opinions can be read and heard in many articles and seminars. You can find him at www.makingyourmilescount. com or 1-877-987-9787.
CHECK OUT THE PODCASTS AT “YOUTUBE. COM/@MAKING YOUR MILES COUNT”
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SAFETY DAWG
Chris Harris
You Just Had a Crash. Now What?
I know that your safety department may have told you things like, “Don’t talk to the media” or perhaps they also said, “Protect the scene”, and likely, “Take pictures, lots of pictures”.
These previous statements are all true. But what do they really mean?
Who you call first is likely company policy. But Call! Everyone that you call will be asking you if you are okay, then they are going to ask about others, the people, and any other vehicles.
Protect the scene means to make the area safe so that you or the vehicles involved in the crash are not struck by another vehicle. Right after you have turned off your truck, this is the very next step after an incident. Now that you have placed your triangles correctly and protected the scene, before you call 911 or your company, survey the scene. You are about to be asked many questions. Some of which are: number of injuries or fatalities, number of vehicles involved and your location. Gather this information and then follow your company policy. It may be different than what I outline here.
Call 911 and report the crash. Call your company and report the crash and if necessary, call your insurance company.
Next “don’t talk to the media”. Now, if you can’t talk to the media, can you talk to anyone? And what can you say? First, you should know your company’s policy on this. Many companies have a policy that you speak only to the investigating officer, and you give them the information needed to complete their documentation. This includes your name, company name and company insurance information.
Please notice, I did not say to make a statement as to what happened. Drivers at the scene of the crash are most often very upset. This is an event that either has never happened to you or happens so infrequently to you that you forget the last collision. Therefore, this is a reminder that you don’t have to give a statement, and for many companies, it is against policy to give a statement.
The company knows that you are upset. They also know that you want to tell your side of the story, especially if you believe the crash was not your fault. But many companies tell you not to say a word. They believe that it is better to let the officer investigate the crash and have the evidence speak for itself. Whatever you say may be used in the courts by the prosecuting attorney and perhaps used against you. It is very necessary to know your company policy and what you should do after a crash. You may speak to your insurance company’s investigator. They are on your side working for you and your company.
Lastly, take pictures. Yes, do take pictures, but pictures of what?
Pictures of the location. For example, if the accident occurs at an intersection, take pictures from the direction that you were travelling. Take several from different distances. Then do the same from the opposite direction.
Then take pictures from the direction that the other vehicle(s) were travelling. Again, from several distances. And then again from the opposite direction.
Make sure that you include in your photos, if possible, items that will likely still be at the accident scene years from now, such as a building, or tree. Also, include any obstructions to your vision or to the other vehicle operator’s vision.
There may be a large bush blocking someone’s vision.
So yes, take pictures and lots of them. Include the damage to the vehicles and take a picture of all four sides of a vehicle. Take pictures of the licence plates of the vehicles involved and even undamaged units. And speaking of undamaged units, you may consider taking pictures of them as well on all four sides. This shows that they truly did not have any damage.
There you have it… what to do at the scene of the crash. Protect the scene, don’t speak to the media, and take pictures.
As soon as you are released from the scene, you should legally park your truck and start making your notes if you have not already done so. Every truck should have an accident package in it. Use this to jog your memory and make good notes. You don’t know what may happen in two years. You may be sued, and you will be glad that you made great notes.
Chris Harris
Top Dawg, Safety Dawg Inc. 905-973-7056
chris@safetydawg.com @safety_dawg (twitter)
WOMEN IN TRUCKING
Ellen Voie
Using Technology to Promote Gender Diversity in the Trucking Industry
The trucking industry has traditionally been male-dominated, with women making up a small percentage of truck drivers and other industry professionals. However, technology is helping to break down barriers and create new opportunities for women in the trucking industry.
Safety Technology
Safety Technology is one of the most significant areas of innovation in the trucking industry. Advanced safety features such as collision avoidance systems, lane departure warnings, and adaptive cruise control are becoming increasingly common in modern trucks. These features are designed to help prevent accidents and make the roads safer for everyone.
The American Transportation Safety Institute found that male commercial drivers are twenty percent more likely to be involved in a crash than their female counterparts. This is true for every statistically significant area including intersections, night driving and around curves. Women are more risk-averse, and safety is a high priority for female truck drivers.
GPS Tracking
GPS tracking is another technology that is transforming the trucking industry. GPS technology allows trucking companies to track the location of their trucks in real time, providing accurate information about the delivery status and estimated arrival time. This information is invaluable for fleet management and can help to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
For women, GPS tracking can be particularly helpful in improving safety. GPS technology allows trucking companies to monitor the location of their drivers, making it easier to locate them in case of an emergency. It also enables drivers to navigate unfamiliar routes with confidence, reducing the risk of getting lost or stranded.
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)
Electronic logging devices (ELDs) are now mandatory for all truck drivers. These devices are designed to record driving hours and ensure compliance with federal regulations. They also provide a wealth of data about driver behaviour such as speeding and hard braking, which can be used to improve safety and efficiency.
For women, ELDs can be beneficial in several ways. First, they provide a transparent record of driving hours, which can help to ensure fair pay and prevent overwork. Second, ELDs can help to prevent fatigue-related accidents by monitoring driver behaviour and alerting drivers when they need to take a break.
Online Training Programs
Online training programs are becoming increasingly popular in the trucking industry. These programs provide drivers with access to training and certification courses from anywhere with an internet connection. Online training programs can be especially helpful for women who may have other responsibilities or commitments that make attending inperson training difficult.
Online training programs can also help to reduce the gender gap in the trucking industry by providing women with access to the same training and certification opportunities as men. This can help to level the playing field and create new opportunities for women in the industry.
Trucking Apps
There are now many trucking apps available that are designed to make life on the road easier for truck drivers. These apps can help with everything from finding rest stops and parking to managing routes and expenses. They can also provide valuable information about weather, traffic, and road conditions, making it easier for drivers to plan their journeys.
For women, trucking apps can be particularly beneficial in improving safety and comfort on the road. For example, some apps offer real-time alerts about potential hazards, such as severe weather or road closures. Other apps provide information about the availability of women-only restrooms and other amenities that can help to make life on the road more comfortable. We embrace the way technology is transforming the trucking industry in many ways, making it safer, more efficient, and more accessible for women. Advanced safety features, GPS tracking, electronic logging devices, online training programs and trucking apps are just a few of the technologies that are helping to break down barriers and create new opportunities for women in the industry.
This was written using technology with the assistance of the AI platform ChatGPT.
Ellen Voie Founder
of Women in Trucking, Inc. ellen@womenintrucking.org www.womenintrucking.org
Mission: Women In Trucking was established to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the trucking industry.
