Listen Up Folks- I think we all agree, the general public's opinion of the American Truck Driver is better now, than it was just 3 or 4 years ago. The new interest in custom trucks, an abundance of clean cool machines rollin' down the highways in the good Ol' USA, and the efforts of drivers and 'pro trucking' organizations nationwide has all helped our cause. But, as the trucking economy gets tougher and profit margins continue to decrease, it becomes more and more obvious that a unified and organized movement or demonstration is gonna be needed to draw attention to the fuel prices and hardships that are crippling our great trucking industry. It has never been more important that we all put forth extra efforts to 'show' the nation that we are sensible, hard working, respectable, All-American, logical and pioneering people. The following is definitely 'straight talk', take it or leave it-this is what we gotta do!

•Driving Practices: Be overly courteous - no tailgating - don't follow too close, move over when possible to let folks on at the on ramp, control your potential road rage (we'll never figure these nutty 4 wheelers out! Until we do, let's show them more courtesy and patience than they show us.)

Limit cell phone usage and texting from the driver's seat-drive safely.

•Speech Habits: Keep it clean in public, don't cuss, rant and rave in front of customers, young-uns, or womenfolk. We know there is a time to blow your top and really speak your mind-pick your time, exercise control –think BEFORE you speak. It's tough-I deal with it all the time.

•Keep It Clean: Set an example, any time you take action-ask yourself "is this what I would want my kids to do? Or see me do?"

No 'pee bottles' thrown out on parking lots (I really don't understand anyone who does this)-granted if you gotta use a bottle-that's fine, just don't expect others to pick it up off the ground and carry it to a trashcan. Nothing shouts 'we've got no class' to the public more than this.

Take your general trash to a trashcan, not out the window. Dispose of it properly.

No rank bumper stickers or signage.

•Dress for the job: Nothing crazy here, just use common sense. Show folks you are proud of what you do and that they can put trust in you because you are a professional. No sweatpants, pajamas, flip-flops, or gym shorts when you are dealing with customers, or interacting with folks at the dealership, truck stop or wherever your job may take you. There is definitely a time to 'get comfortable', make sure it's the right time when you do.

•Make sound logical business choices: Say no to cheap freight, keep your rig as clean as reasonably possible, at $4.00 + per gallon: run smart, minimize your idle time, watch your speed, and stay on top of your preventative maintenance program. Plot your miles-travel the shortest feasible route, minimize deadhead miles - stay loaded when you can.

 Here is 'BossMan's' rendition of a story about a made-up situation that may put it in perspective.

Think of it this way:

Picture yourself walking across the tarmac and climbing aboard a 747 jumbo jet:

As you walk across the strip, you step over 2 or 3 urine bottles, all kinds of soda cans, fast food bags, and empty oil jugs. As you get closer to the plane you notice it hasn't been washed in ages-all the windows are smeared with fingerprints and grime, the whole lower section of the plane is covered with road film and dirt, and someone has used their finger to write 'wash me' down the side of the ol' bird. You climb the stairs to meet the captain-

He hasn't shaved in 4 days, is wearing a tank top and dirty jeans with his hat turned around backwards. As you shake his hand you notice the dark circles under his eyes like he is very tired and weary. He mumbles an apology for the flight being 30 minutes late for takeoff as he walks toward the cockpit and curses as he slams the door to the cabin.

In a second or two, the engine starts and the plane is immediately rolling as he gasses on the engine full throttle, he passes two other planes that were waiting in line for approval to takeoff-gouges hard on the throttle and gets her in the air as quick as possible-the cockpit door accidentally swings open and you see the good ol’ captain sending a text message on his cell phone as he sips on his Big Gulp…well, I think you get the picture… as Truckers-Let’s try to do it right. Be respectable-Be professional-Use the common sense the Good Lord gave us.

Hey, ' ’m not telling you anything all of us don't already know, and it’s not exactly a problem 'only' in trucking-this deterioration of professionalism is evident in many occupations and different 'walks of life'-nationwide. If we all do our part-it is a  'piece-o-cake'! Very soon we may have to rally the troops to let our voice be heard-and when we do... we've got to put our best foot forward to be taken seriously. I'm not sure what needs to happen on 'our' part to make a statement to the oil industry, the public and the government to get our point across-but something does, and it's got to be organized, well planned, broadcast throughout the trucking community coast-to-coast, and a set of 'demands' established. Our first thought is to 'strike,' is that the best means?

I'm thinking along the lines of a more strategic series of protests/demonstrations that may work better - you?

If they aren't gonna regulate fuel prices, then how about a tax rebate for each gallon of diesel we purchase?!  A SUBSTANTIAL Rebate. Hey, if you got a better plan, let's hear it! I am on your side!

Without ya'll- I am workin' at Burger King before long! (LOL)

 Hang in there!

  Bryan Martin

BossMan

Chrome Shop Mafia