Fuel for Thought

Resolutions

As 2016 comes to a close, many people plan their resolutions for 2017.

2016 was most likely met with resolutions and was filled with its own set of challenges. Some of which are still to be decided. There were slow times and good times. There was the introduction of the proposed speed limiter which caused somewhat of a commotion in the trucking industry. Many in this industry, including myself, expected to see more drivers to put forth their comments regarding the speed limiter proposal. While many drivers did submit comments,  percentage wise, not that many did. As new issues arise next year, and they certainly will,  be a part of your industry and voice your concerns.

There was the legal proceedings about the ELD mandate, which is still ongoing. Although it looks like the ELD mandate will stand, many are still opposed to it and trying to find ways around it. Prepare now for the December 2017 ELD mandate, why wait until the deadline?  Wouldn't it be easier to learn the basics of the ELD now rather than have to scramble to comply at the last minute?  

Instead of making resolutions for a new year, I tend to reflect on previous years and look for ways to improve the next year.

Every year has the potential to be a great year, and 2017 is no different.

Look over your past 12 months. Was 2016 a bad year for you ? What can you do to improve your business for next year ?

Was 2016 a good year for you ?

What did you do to make that happen ? Can you keep the upward trend going ?

Where did you fall short last year?

Is 2017 a year to upgrade your equipment?  Sometimes even your old trusted equipment needs to be upgraded to a more efficient model. When repair bills are more than a new truck payment,  maybe it is time to consider the newer models.

If you are making resolutions this year, resolve to eliminate what hasn't worked for you in the past. Just because you have always done it that way, doesn't mean there isn't a better way to do it today.

Even if we end up with speed limited trucks, life and business still move fast.  Make 2017 a banner year by streamlining your business and eliminating waste.

If this is your slow time of the year, use it to make necessary improvements. Get your equipment ready. All those little repairs you may have put off, get them done and be ready to start the new year off right.

We can all have a great 2017 if we plan accordingly and stay focused and keep up with the ever changing landscape that is the trucking industry.

I would like to wish everyone a safe and prosperous year in 2017.

See you down the road,

Greg

Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.

- Abraham Lincoln