This year, Team Run Smart passed the 20,000-member mark! The woman to get us to that mark was Robyn Taylor, a team driver for Landstar with her husband, Bill. We talked to Robyn about what trucking means for her!
How did you get started in trucking?
I was a computer system administrator for 15 years when I met my now husband, Bill. He said he wanted to drive long distance in his truck and I said, “Wait! I want to go with you!” I got my license in 1999, and we have been driving together ever since. Now, the view outside of my office window changes daily!
What do you like about the truck industry?
Getting to meet the nice people along the way. In fact, we just sent two letters of thanks to the folks we pick up and drop off on our dedicated run. At both ends the people are so wonderful and accommodating and it makes the trip so relaxing knowing that they will be happy to see you and a pleasure to deal with. The money ain’t bad either!
What are your top tips for business success?
#1: Find a carrier you like and who appreciates you.
#2: It’s all about the fuel mileage. We are up to 7.5 MPG in our 2007 Western Star. It’s not the most aerodynamic truck but it fits our needs. We drive slow, 58 MPH, to get the best fuel efficiency.
Who is your favorite Team Run Smart author and why?
Bill McClusky of ATBS is our favorite TRS author, and we love to bounce ideas off of him before we make engine changes. If we have scheduled maintenance appointment due, we will let Bill know and he will suggest other things to do while we are at that appointment. We run ideas past him twice a month! He is just a really good sounding board.
Would you recommend Team Run Smart to other truck drivers?
Oh absolutely! I would say to get on the Team Run Smart website and read all about it! There is a lot of information out there, and so many places to get it. I like good, accurate, impartial data and Team Run Smart has all of this. I tell other drivers to read everything they can about the industry. It’s good to learn something new every day.