Kameel Gaines, Founder, CEO and Director of Recruitment of Rig On Wheels Broker & Recruitment Services.
Trucking is one of the foundations of the American economy, but the trucking industry arguably lacks the same level of professionalism as other industries.
Unfortunately, there is a perception of trucking as a “last resort” career or a low-skill job. But that perception is outdated and harmful to the industry and those who work within it. It’s time for truck drivers to take charge and shift the narrative, establishing trucking as a respected, professional career. If you’re a truck driver, here are the key actions you can take to start this shift and unlock more career opportunities.
1. Understand And Embrace Your ‘Why’
A career in trucking isn’t something you can just “fall into,” nor should it be treated as a “last resort.” It requires physical and mental dedication. Start by reflecting on what led you to this career in the first place. What drives you to get up at 3 a.m. for a 12-hour haul? What keeps you motivated when the road gets tough? Knowing your purpose helps you stay grounded, setting a solid foundation for professionalism.
Is it the freedom of the open road, the pride in delivering essential goods or the stability of a well-paying job? Your “why” should serve as your North Star, guiding you as you make career decisions.
2. Set And Pursue Long-Term Career Goals
To professionalize your trucking career, you should look beyond your current role. Sit down and think about where you’d like to be in five, 10 or even 15 years. For instance, you might dream of owning a fleet, transitioning to a leadership role or building a logistics empire. You might even want to leave the industry altogether. No matter what your dream is, when you have clarity on where you want to go, it’ll be easier for you to take steps to achieve it.
You need more than just ambition to make your dreams a reality. After identifying your future goals, break them into short-term, actionable steps. For example, if you want to be a fleet manager in five years, you can start that journey by learning your current company’s technology and expanding your network by attending industry events. As you pursue your goals, you’ll also work toward becoming a leader in the trucking industry.
3. Invest In Professional Development
Technological advancements and regulations are rapidly transforming the trucking industry. By investing in your professional development, you can keep your skills and knowledge up-to-date and relevant and build a strong professional reputation in the trucking industry.
Embrace continuous learning. For example, if you want to own a trucking business one day, use your free time to learn business management or logistics. Explore online courses or attend local budgeting, tax law and marketing workshops. Consider joining professional organizations, attending training sessions and pursuing certifications. The more skills you acquire, the more valuable you’ll become to your current employer and potential future ones.
4. Adopt High Professional Standards
In any professional field, your reputation is everything, and trucking is no different. You should adopt high professional standards in your day-to-day duties, such as:
• Communication: Return calls, texts and emails quickly. With good communication, you show your employer that you’re easy to reach and dependable and will make a positive impression that builds trust.
• Attendance And Dependability: Show up not only for your shifts but also for optional training and meetings. Your commitment to going above and beyond will make you stand out and can help you secure great new opportunities in the future.
• Work Ethic: Avoid unnecessary job-hopping. Changing jobs can sometimes mean better pay or conditions. But frequent moves could signal to future employers that you aren’t dependable. If you want to switch jobs, think about why you want to leave—and what you hope to gain. Be intentional and strategic about every career move you make.
5. Develop Financial Literacy
Financial literacy is another important area you should focus on. Many drivers overlook the importance of financial literacy. But understanding your finances is a key element of developing and maintaining a professional mindset. When you learn how to budget, save and invest, you can position yourself for long-term success. You don’t need to aspire to become a fleet owner to learn these financial skills; they’re essential no matter where you want to go in life.
You can build financial literacy by researching information online from reputable sources and using financial management tools that cater to self-employed individuals. You should also consider working with a financial advisor who understands the trucking industry. By taking control of your finances, you’ll be better prepared to make decisions that support your career goals.
6. Embrace Technology And Innovation
From route optimization and electronic logging devices (ELDs) to advancements in fleet management software, technology is transforming the trucking industry. Familiarizing yourself with these tools is no longer optional—it’s essential. When you embrace and learn the new technology in the trucking industry, you’ll position yourself as a forward-thinking, adaptable and committed professional ready for the future of trucking.
You should stay on top of industry trends and explore how to incorporate new technologies into your work. As you do so, keep your future goals in mind. For example, if you aspire to manage a fleet one day, learn how to analyze telematics data and use software to improve efficiency.
7. Advocate For Professionalism In The Industry
Leaders in the trucking industry have an important role to play in empowering truck drivers and advocating for professionalism in the industry. However, as an individual driver, you also have a key role in empowering yourself and professionalizing the industry.
In empowering yourself, you’ll also be able to set an example for and positively influence your peers. You can tell them about the importance of professionalism in trucking and give your thoughts on how they can elevate their careers. You and your colleagues can also form a group to pursue professional advancement opportunities together, such as signing up for training sessions and pursuing certifications. Additionally, you can join industry associations to get additional support and resources, network with other people in the trucking industry and share your ideas and perspectives with the trucking community on changing the industry for the better.
Ultimately, Professionalizing Trucking Starts With You
The trucking industry has arguably long been undervalued. But it has immense potential to rise above its current status. Professionalizing the trucking industry starts with individual drivers. When truck drivers commit to professionalism, they enhance their careers—and help redefine what it means to be a truck driver in the United States.
Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Read the full article here
