It's a Team's Life

Do you feel appreciated?

In trucking we often go above and beyond to solve a problem and if you want to get even more out of us tell us how much you appreciate something that happened. At the very least say Thank You when someone does a little more then was expected. As time goes on at times it seems harder to fine someone who is going above and beyond and only doing the minimum to get by.

Some companies offer loads out only by a computer or by an automated phone call. No more interaction with a dispatcher and then as you can imagine the next step was to figure out how to get drivers to quit refusing loads. When talking to other drivers who receive automated load offers, they talk about how it was so much easier to refuse a load they really did not want when it meant ignoring a message. We also discussed how when their company was desperate and a dispatcher would call and say this is what I have and this is the problem can you please help me out? Now that was a different story a person was involved that needed us... We all said it was very hard to say No to a person.

As my thoughts have meandered on this subject I started thinking of the hollow appreciation or that fleeting second when someone appreciates you and with the next breath forgets whom you are.

Partnership works best when the partners are sharing in the work and sharing in the rewards. Appreciation goes a long way when we feel as equals and both sides are striving for the same goal - do a good job and reap our reward - which is usually monetary in trucking. Personally I know when we have went beyond expectations and whom we went over board for says "Thank You" they have really made my day. If they do not notice and say Thank You I still feel good knowing what we did.

How often have we heard the hollow words "We really appreciate you" and the next minute you are no longer on their computer screen and are forgotten till another favor is needed? The favors are one sided most often as us the givers of the favors. When we need a favor usually meaning we need a load out of someplace that we are we have heard "No Can Do" we have a first in first out policy. Funny how that favor just became a bad taste in our mouth. When this happens to many times when someone starts of the sentence I really could use your help the price I want to work just went up as no longer feel as part of a team. I am feeling used not appreciated.

When the feeling in heartfelt that they appreciate you and what we did will be remembered our ears are wide open to what they are asking. Knowing who really does appreciate what you do and in turn will do their best to do something for you in the future goes a long long ways. When this happens we feel as an equal partner, we both want to make money, we both want the job to go smoothly, and we both want a happy customer. We know what we have to do on our end and the dispatcher knows what they have to do on their end and neither of us wants the other job, we just want a load where the customer is happy and will pickup that phone again to use us.

Appreciation works in all areas of our lives and often a heart felt Thank You works and at other times a hand written Thank You note is called for. Yes when someone goes above and beyond in our book I still send out hand written thank you notes.

Appreciation goes a long ways not only when we are appreciated but when we appreciate others. Recognize when someone goes above and beyond and say Thank You or do something for him or her as it all comes back to you. No feedback often is interpreted as "I do not care or I did not notice" so if it doesn't make me feel good I probably will not do that again. Remember to show your appreciation in words or deeds.

Bob & Linda Caffee
TeamCaffee
Saint Louis MO
Expediters since January 2005
[email protected]

Expediting isn't just trucking, it's a lifestyle;
Expediting isn't just a lifestyle, it's an adventure;
Expediting isn't just an adventure, it's a job;
Expediting isn't just a job, it's a business.