Being a Professional Truck Driver Part II
Posted by
Jim Pitman on Thu, Aug 25, 2011 @ 04:27 PM
We received some good responses to our last post so I thought I would make a second installment to the “Professional Truck Driver” series.
Not only are we a mobile billboard, but we are also a walking advertisement when we are out of the truck. When we are at the truck stop, the rest area, the movie theater, and especially at our customers it is important to know that we, our company, and the industry are being judged. People look at how we dress, how clean we are, and how we present ourselves – these impressions confirm or deny their opinions of us.
There are many of our colleagues who perpetuate the truck driver stereotype – haven’t showered or shaved for a week, wearing a t-shirt or hat with some foul language on it, and all the while cursing up a storm about something that happened on the road two weeks ago. These are the one’s that stick in our minds and make a bad impression. One of the comments to the last post points this out:
I worked for GTI, its a decent company. The training is great, but lets get real ... this is a job. I think it is a stretch to call drivers professionals. Sit at any lunch counter at any truck stop and tell me the conversation being had is by "professionals".
Posted @ Tuesday, August 09, 2011 6:58 PM by LLB
I disagree and here is why. The truth is, many of the Professional Drivers out there do not hang around truck stops – we fuel, shower, and get out. Like Laurie – we also turn the CB off when the conversation becomes overly negative and cynical. We know that some of the negativity that is out there can easily rub off on us – especially if we are tired and hungry.
Being a Professional Truck Driver while out of the truck usually revolves around a few key points:
- Customers are the reason why we exist. We are the company’s most influential salespeople. Plan ahead and get that laundry, shower, and shave in before we get to them if we can (I know it can be difficult with the tight schedules).
- Bring the courtesy from the road with you when you are out of the truck – open doors for people, speak kindly, and most of all – smile.
- Find something out about the local community you are in today. Read the local paper or ask the locals about their town/city. If people see that we are genuinely interested in them then they may take an interest in us – which will open the door for us to make a positive impression through conversation and an exchange of ideas.
If you see a driver out there who needs a little direction – take some time and share some wisdom.
About the Author:
Jim Pitman started with Gordon Trucking as an over the road truck driver in 1999 and worked as a certified driver trainer from 2000-2005. Later in 2005, Jim moved into operations where he worked in various roles including driver manager, customer service representative and regional planner. Four years later, Jim transferred to the over the road (OTR) department where he continues to work full-time today.
While working in both operations and OTR, Jim has maintained his commercial driver's license and works as a casual driver for the company when needed. Jim’s experience behind the wheel and in the office makes him a great mentor to other GTI associates with less experience in the trucking industry.
Be sure to check out Jim's first post from his professional truck driver series, Being a Professional Truck Driver.