The 3.5 Steps to Success

[Preacher]

While I am by no means a "success" in the transportation field, I believe that there are three (and a half) basic rules to success.

#1 Always be willing to take the road least travelled... that one with the extra mile. That means doing what it takes to make the customer happy (hard, thankless work sometimes), doing it with an attitude of excellence, and being a person of your word.

#2 Count the costs. You must have a business plan that tracks your inflow and your outflow (cash flow). Know what your expenses are and never give in to the temptation to take loads that offer less than what it takes to turn a profit, unless it is absolutely necessary to get you to an area where you can get better loads. Also, you need for your business plan to be flexible in order to make adjustments to an ever changing business environment. Finally, have enough cash reserves (usually 2-3 months or even more) in the event of an emergency. (I know this first hand)

#3 Continually educate yourself. The minute that you think you know everything, you lose! There will always be someone right behind you that has learned how to take a fresh approach to the business and who is more than willing to pass you up. Stay on top of industry trends and learn to be creative.

#3-1/2 KEEP IT FUN! If what you do is no longer fun...STOP! Go do something else that is. LIFE IS TOO SHORT!

Blessings and best of success to all!

[Jimbo]

Very good points. I wish more people would enter the industry with both eyes wide open, instead of listening to the idiots that say things like "see the country" and "be your own boss". While these may be slightly true to a small degree, they are not the reasons someone should become a driver.

[Maverick]

Hi you guys. You know I agree with both of you. Very good points!!

No one should enter any career, especially this one, with the expectations that it's a piece of cake and that there's not much to it. Many that have'nt experienced what it's all about tend to think that it's going on a tour of the country, sit'n in the big chair cruising down the road listen'n to their favorite music while they get paid for it.

While there is alot of good times and satisfaction to be had as a Professional Driver or Owner/Operator it does'nt come without alot of hard work, long hours, attitude adjustments, and a great deal of responsibilty. Only those that are willing to accept that fact will be happy and successful.

BTW "Preacher", you must have an extremely tough definition of success for yourself. I happen to think that you are very successful !!