To celebrate Trucker Appreciation Week I reached out Team Run Smart member Rick Ash, a Denver area truck driver, to not only thank him for what he does, but also to get his thoughts on the industry.
How did you get started in trucking?
I was downsized from my corporate job and found myself in a position where I needed a paycheck. Prior to being in Corporate America the only other industry I had held a job in was trucking. Because of that, I knew that I would be able to get a job without a problem.
What do you like best about the trucking industry?
I love being my own boss as an owner-operator. It allows me to set my own schedule. I can be out on the road during peak times and back home when things are slower.
Personal growth is important and the trucking industry allows me to continue learning new things that I might not have known before. I also love the challenge of being able to get the best fuel mileage possible.
What is one thing that you feel is holding back most drivers from being successful?
The biggest and most important thing that a lot of young drivers don’t do is to establish a solid business plan. The business consultants at ATBS are great for this because they help you put together a plan that you can follow. It helps to keep you accountable each month.
I feel that anyone can get behind the wheel, but only a select group of people can also effectively run a business. It’s complicated and not always for everyone.
What is the best tip you could give a new driver?
I would tell them to know what they want to get out of being an owner-operator. What kind of work do they want to do? Do they want to pull a flat bed trailer, refrigerator truck, or another type of trailer? How often do they want to be home? How much money do they want to make?
Having a good plan and vision for the future is important. You need to have expectations for yourself and stick with it.
Who is your favorite Team Run Smart author?
I really enjoy Bob Perry’s Health Smart articles. I can learn enough about more technical topics on my own, but the health articles are very useful to me to keep a healthy lifestyle while I am on the road.