Driven Women
Well, duh!
Every time I turn around I’m hearing that trucking companies need to figure out how to hold on to their drivers instead of turning them over. Well, duh! This has been the problem since I took my first load in 1989.
The grass isn’t greener at any terminal. It’s a matter of who I like the best [dispatcher], if I like the equipment, if the pay is decent, and if I get to go home when I need to and when I want to. Money is important, but there are things that are more important, like havin’ a life outside this truck.
I kissed a lot of toads before I found my prince. I also had to learn to be more flexible and helpful, which ain’t always easy for me. I think I finally found a good company that I’ll be stickin’ with for a while.
Joanne B., Baby Doll
Alabama
Baby Doll, I’m relieved that toad kissing has never been required in any job interview I’ve been a part of.
Research on the issue of driver turnover has been conducted ad nauseum, but research alone does not bring about change—decision-makers and change agents (those who embrace change) do.
The questions drivers should ask themselves are, “How can I improve the trucking industry,” and “What can I do to make a difference?” We can’t leave it up to the companies to decide what’s best for us, and we also can’t expect them to fix things without help. If your company doesn’t care, won’t listen or doesn’t want your help, take Baby Doll’s advice and pucker up. The next toad you kiss may be the one.
Safe travels,
GG
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You can e-mail Golden Girl at
goldengirl@otrprotrucker.com or mail your letter to Over the Road Magazine, P.O. Box 549, Roswell, GA 30077-0549.
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