Run Smart
I probably don”t have to tell anyone that the freight market has been tight. These are the times the Freightliners I have owned in the past and present have really helped me to survive. The last two Freightliners that I have owned ,gave me excellent total cost of ownership. Neither one of them ever experienced much down time and were cost effective to maintain. I always enjoyed class leading fuel mileage .The efficient trucks that Freightliner designed have been a big part of my success as a independent owner operator. The Cascadia that I currently drive, seems to continue the tradition that Freightliner has established with me. Run Smart is more than a slogan when you own a Freightliner ,it is a way of life.
November 13, 2008 at 6:22 pm
So, Mr. Albert. What would you tell someone who’s just entering the industry as a company driver and where do you see the industry in 6 months to 1 year. Thanks!
November 13, 2008 at 7:06 pm
Chris, This is a question that many of us are asking ourselves lately. My hunch is that we will continue to see a thinning of the herd until capacity and demand find an equilibrium. These are the kind of times that you really need to keep your pencil sharp. There will always be a need for carriers that give excellent service at the right price. If I were still a company driver I would do everything in my power to give the best customer service possible. Sooner or later you will get noticed by your carrier. This is not the time to do just enough to get by. As some one once told me ,you can”t keep a good man down. These are words that I try to live by . I hope that we will have hit the bottom within six months from now. All you can really do , is go the extra mile and try to be one of the people who get to benefit when business picks up again . We as an industry have been through time like this before and will go through them again . Use this time wisely to sharpen your (A) game . Well I must go now and get a clean towel to try and polish my crystal ball . Best of luck to you and thanks for the question . Henry
November 17, 2008 at 9:51 am
Henry, really good comments. One of my favorite phrases that seems to fit in this case: Tough times never last but tough people do! You definitely fit the mold of not only a tough guy & survivor, but of someone always looking for an edge to be out in front.
The blog is pretty cool. I can tell you really enjoy writing it and I have enjoyed reading through your posts.
The GPS widget on your front page wan’t working, though (where are they now?). I like to keep up with where you are. The problem is probably my company computer network. It is creeping along pretty slowly today. Anyway, good luck and I will check in again, soon.
November 17, 2008 at 7:06 pm
Kenny, thanks for your comments. You are correct in the fact that I really do enjoy this blog. Currently, I am home trying to drum up more business in this slow economy. Tomorrow, I leave out for Maryland. Again, thanks for checking in…stay in touch. Henry
November 23, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Hey, very good insight and comments you have!
Keep working hard! I hope to see myself in the industry some time!