FedEx, the global parcel delivery service has reason to be proud. One of their employees, a man by the name of Don Logan, was named Grand Champion at the National Truck Driving Championships that takes place annually in Minneapolis. Logan has won more than six times in his home state of Kansas and showed the world just why he’s such a fantastic driver.
Winning the title wasn’t easy. Logan had to do an intense driving competencies test, a written exam and had to demonstrate his ability to inspect his vehicle. Ultimately he beat out the competition of 400 other highly proficient drivers to win the title and inspire others in the industry.
What Logan’s experience shows is that it is possible to progress in the trucking industry, make a name for yourself, and go right to the top, just like in any other line of work.
So with that in mind, here are some smart ideas to make your trucking career a success.
Get Friendly With Your Dispatcher
KC Petermann is season School Director and has experience in lorry driving. His advice is to always treat your dispatchers well. After all, the better the relationship you have with your dispatcher, the more loads you’ll get, the more miles you’ll drive and the more dollars you’ll earn. He says that his father taught him some important advice when dealing with dispatchers – a teaspoon of sugar will get you farther in life than a whole gallon of vinegar.
Never Refuse A Load
According to Steve Loftus, it’s a really bad idea to refuse a load. Refusing a load damages your personal brand and makes it seem as if you don’t have a good work ethic. It’s a much better idea, Loftus says, to double down when the going gets tough, and do everything you can to show the company you work for that you care and that you’re willing to help. The more 3,000-mile deliveries you take on, the more you’ll get noticed.
Protect Yourself From Legal Danger
According to US Legal Services CDL Defender web page, commercial drivers are exposed to a bunch of legal risks on the job. These include fines, suspension and even the revocation of their license. As a result, it’s a good idea to make sure that you have an active insurance policy that covers the cost of legal protection, should you need it. Make sure that any plan you choose covers 100 percent of your attorney fees. You don’t want your career to come to an end before it’s really begun.
Explore Your Company
Every haulage company has different specialisms and different opportunities. Often the best way to move up in the world of trucking is to investigate options within your own company. According to Loftus, some companies offer drivers the opportunity to learn new skills or change divisions, though he warns that the grass might not always be greener on the other side.
Gaining Over The Road (OTR) Is Key To Fast Track Your Career
In the trucking industry, the faster you build up OTR, the more your wages will rise. Major carriers are always looking for drivers with miles under their belt and offering them big bucks.
Are any of our American friends reading this and considering a career in trucking? Let us know your thoughts below.
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