"If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten."
Tony Robbins - Business Coach

Don't have any changes planned for your trucking operations in 2011? Then I hope you were happy with your 2010 results. However, if you were not happy with last year's performance, then the most effective way you, as leader of your organization, can improve financial performance is through development and implementation of a comprehensive business plan.... Read More

As we enter the holiday season we are reminded of the importance of family, friends and colleagues. With a very challenging year behind us, maybe it's time to make a greater effort to "just be nice."

A famous (anonymous) quote reminds us, "It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice." What would it take to treat everyone you meet with a little extra compassion this month; to wake up on the right side of the bed and greet every day with a smile?... Read More

Without a doubt the roll out of CSA2010 has been a big story this year. The program has redefined how FMCSA will analyze data relating to both carriers and drivers. Probably the most unique aspect of CSA2010 is that it tracks driver specific information, which is then made available to prospective employers.... Read More

Preserving evidence in the event of an accident is crucial to minimizing one's liability exposure. This is Part 8 in a nine part series of related discussions. The full list of the parts to this series appears following this installment.

“Litigation Hold” is a commonly used term of art referring to the duty to preserve evidence when one has knowledge, actual or constructive, that such evidence is likely to be relevant to resulting litigation. The primary question is when such a duty is triggered. Once it is triggered, the issue then becomes the scope and timing of what action one should take, and what evidence one should preserve.... Read More

Preserving evidence in the event of an accident is crucial to minimizing one's liability exposure. This is Part 7 in a nine part series of related discussions. The full list of the parts to this series appears following this installment.

The development of technology has dramatically changed the world in which we live. Not that long ago, email and other electronic forms of communication, and information storage, were a novelty. Now, they are commonplace. In fact, it has been estimated that 95% of all information is now digital, and that more than 3.2 trillion emails are sent annually.... Read More

One of the oldest medical realities is that, “Most things will be better by morning.” Is that really the truth? Well, no it's not; but the intention of the statement is to remind us all that how you look at what you see can affect the outcome. If you go to bed thinking you'll feel better in the morning, chances are you probably will. To me, this is a good example of being able to see beyond your current situation to a broader truth. It's what I like to call perspective.... Read More

We deal with thousands of fleet fuel transactions every day. Some fuel card companies are better than others when it comes to customer service, offering discounts, speed of acceptance and providing information. We see it all the time as we analyze fuel transactions for our clients. I'm sure you're all well aware of the transaction fees associated with using fuel cards. But what about the fees you pay when you use credit cards, instead of cash or a fuel card?... Read More

Identifying Alternative Savings Levers

As we noted earlier, the analysis of a shipper's transportation management practices and service requirements, combined with evaluation of the carrier market, results in the detailed sourcing strategy and identification of alternative savings levers. In practice, these two tasks are performed simultaneously.... Read More

In part one of this post, I gave you "Things" 1 thru 6. Below are "the rest" of the things I've learned since becoming a truck driver. I hope you find them helpful, or at the very least, a fun read.

7. We Are Family

When you become a truck driver, you become part of a family of drivers. Everyone out here knows what you're going through; most likely, they've been exactly where you are now. You have support if you seek it, friends if you want them and someone who always has your back. Although times have changed if you listen to the stories the old timers tell and the talk on the CB is more often than not rated R, but that doesn't mean there still aren't plenty of people out here who will help you out when you need it. And really, it's your duty to do the same. If you see someone with a headlight out or notice that a strap or chain has come loose, do your best to let that driver know. Some people, like me, don't drive with their CB on. If you can catch their eye to get them on the CB (wiggling it in the air like I do, showing them I urgently need to speak with them), believe me when I say they'll appreciate the heads up. I've helped out drivers with trailer doors open, a flat-bedder who had dunnage that was slipping from its securement and even one guy whose interior curtains were flying in the wind outside the passenger side window he rolled them up in. Take care of your family and they'll take care of you.... Read More

Trucking Executives Need to Step Up to Their Responsibilities (as well as their potential)

Regardless of a person's chosen field of occupation, the quality of their life (and business) is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence.

Character

Sometimes it's easier not to do what we know we should; to choose the easier wrong over the harder right. Try to be cognizant of the things you can change, as well as those you cannot. Searching for, finding, and embracing a repeatable process that's successful for your group or operation will provide you a roadmap to success.... Read More