Everyone is different in this world and professional drivers are no exception. Some are successful and enjoy their positions; others seem employed just to annoy the others. This issue came to mind after reading an article in one of the transportation trade magazines. The article was about a driver attempting to help another driver put chains on their truck. It got me thinking about drivers I have met through my career, a real mix I might say. We are often told that as an industry we have to stick together but how often does that translate into the field?

I have always been a helper in my driving career. I wouldn’t think twice about stopping to help someone change a tire or help another driver stuck at the side of the road. Not everyone is like that and nowadays many companies don’t want a driver stopping due to insurance reasons. In fact my own file went from a thank you and recommendations to warning letters about stopping in high traffic areas. What I am really talking about however, is your choice to help another driver.

Have you ever been told not to do something because it was making other employees look bad? If any of you are the types to shine your trucks up without being told to, you may be in that mix; I have been told that since I was also a chrome junkie as I like to call myself. Often I have found that the people who have been in a similar situation or the type of person to put in that extra work in their career, seem to be the ones willing to help others. It only takes a split second this time of year to have life change and be stuck at the side of the road. One year ago, it was a deep freeze; similar to what we are going through now and my truck froze up at the side of the road in Indiana. Many drivers passed by, but I thank the one that decided to stop and help.

So if you are a new driver, decide on the type of driver you would like to be. The one who wants to help or hinder? Will you be known as someone that helps others throughout your career or will you pass on by pretending that nothing is happening. Eventually life catches up with everyone and there will be a time when you need the help of others. Remember what goes around comes around. We all need help through life and one day you will need it too.

About the Author

Bruce Outridge has been in the transportation industry for over 30 years and is author of the books Driven to Drive and Running by the Mile. Challenger Motor Freight Inc. is one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies (platinum member) and is looking for quality team members. To learn more about opportunities with Challenger visit their website at www.challenger.com