Fuel for Thought

Origin Of Expediting ?

Many expediters congregate in “Auto Alley”. That is to say, they basically run auto parts in a certain region of the country and their main customers are auto manufacturers and their suppliers. It takes a lot of people, whether directly or indirectly, to get cars from conception to the end user.

Recently, I read “ Henry Ford’s Own Story” by Rose Wilder Lane. Originally published February 25, 1917. Nearly 100 years ago. This is great book for anyone interested in one of the pioneers of the modern manufacturing process.

Whether or not you like Ford products, the story of the early years of Henry Ford is quite interesting. From very humble beginnings to one of the most influential men of modern time. Some recurring themes in Ford’s early life were efficiency, determination and perseverance. From his days of repairing clocks and watches, which by the way he originally intended to open a watch factory, his focus was efficiency. He was determined to make his engine and car, and had the perseverance to stay the course.

Excerpt from “Henry Ford’s Own Story” - She [Mrs. Ford] stood and watched, more excited than he, while he started the engine again, nailed a couple of old boards together for a seat and opened wide the shed doors. The rain was falling in torrents and underfoot the light snow had turned to thin slush on the frozen ground. It was very dark.He pushed the machine into the yard and hung a lantern over the dashboard for a headlight. Inside the shed Mrs. Ford, in a voice shaking with excitement, begged him to wait until morning, but he did not listen.The engine and steering gear were protected from the rain and no discomfort could have equaled for him the disappointment of another delay.The time had come when he could prove his theories.

He would not waste one minute of it.The engine was already running. He stepped into the car, sat down, and slowly, carefully, tightened the pulley.

Then, in the first Ford automobile, he rode away from the old shed.

We drive our cars and trucks and take for granted all the time and energy that went into making it a reality. We complain about maintenance issues like replacing headlamp bulbs. Ford’s first “car” had a lantern slung over the “dash” to see in the dark.

Efficient use of our time and effort is what we should strive for daily. As owner operators, expediters, truck drivers or any business for that matter, wasted time and effort is just that...wasted. Failure can be useful if we learn from it, but wasted time is gone forever.

See you down the road,

Greg

It has been my observation that most people get ahead during the time that others waste.

- Henry Ford