On the Road with Henry Albert

I have the opportunity while out on the road, to speak with many different drivers. Too many good drivers have allowed themselves to become victims of our industry. I would like to express my thoughts on this issue. Many drivers want to blame their problems on large carriers, brokers and oil companies. I do not share these views. My experience has been that my biggest competition comes from other small carriers . I don’t try to compete with the large carriers on their playing field. My position is that I find customers whose products require special handling. I also seek out businesses that “care” about what driver takes the shipment. I consider myself a representative of my customer. Large carriers usually don’t go after these type of companies. Once at an economic meeting, I was asked “how do you compete with mega carriers”? I responded by saying, “the question should be,” how do they compete with me”? This comment peaked the audience to listen with interest. I explained how my expenses were much less than a mega carrier. They incur high costs such as, office space, terminals and employees.  Their trucks and equipment don’t last as long as mine. I get better fuel mileage than most. In general, I have less expenses. I am able to give personal service which allows for higher rates. My customers and I have a good working relationship. I then had to admit that large carriers often get discounts on tires, trucks and fuel. However, I said ” they need those discounts in order to compete with me”.

I would like to say to those who feel they are victims that with proper business planning you can be successful.  We live in a great country which still offers freedom to succeed or fail. It’s really a choice. You must plan, work hard and believe in yourself. 

In the trucking business, there are many venues in which to gain knowledge. We have radio, computers, DVD’s, magazines, seminars and even your local library can be of assistance. All of these can help to make your business more profitable.  Spending time reading and learning will go a long way… 

Victory or Victim… the choice is yours. Until next time. Be safe,

Henry

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 16, 2009 at 2:07 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.