The week of August 24^th has been declared National Truck Driver Appreciation Week.   Considering everything we wear, eat or use is delivered by a truck, it is appropriate to honor the hard working professionals that keep America moving.   While I hope that we show our appreciation every day, we have several special activities planned.

We will fire up the grill for some hamburgers and hot dogs at:

Nashville, TN Tuesday the 26^th

Orlando, FL Wednesday the 27^th

Olive Branch, MS Thursday the 28^th

Jackson, MS Thursday the 28^th

Conley, GA Friday the 29^th

Crossville, TN Saturday the 30^th

As we have done for the past several years, we will be providing full service fueling at the Nashville, TN facility from 8 AM until 4 PM Monday through Friday.  A manager from your support team will fuel the truck, check the oil and even clean the windshield, while you enjoy a cold beverage and snack.   

Drawings for prizes donated by our vendors and customers will be conducted during the week. 

Being the son of a retired driver who raised five kids, there will always be a special place in my heart for the hard working, self-sacrificing professional truck driver.  I truly appreciate everything you have done for me and my family.   

Sincerely,

Ronnie Holland 

Summer is coming to an end and the highways and byways that you travel everyday are filled with minivans, cars and SUV’s full of families headed for vacation destinations all across the U.S.        A few of them are on a familiar route, headed to their favorite annual vacation spot to relax.  The rest seem to have set out on yet another family adventure, equipped with a map or GPS and hoping they have enough DVD’s and snacks to keep everyone quiet and happy on the journey.   Could today be the day that the “Griswold Family Adventurer” swerves into your path?

As a professional driver, you have taken an oath to be a defensive driver.  A defensive driver must anticipate what another driver could do to cause an emergency and always have an escape route.  A defensive driver must protect those people that will not protect themselves or their families, including the “Griswold Family Adventurers”.

You’ve heard it before…  “That car barely missed me” and “I almost ran off the road to avoid being hit” and you know that those “near misses” could have easily become a major accident.  Your defensive driving expertise is put to the test everyday.  Dealing with drivers that cause you to make adjustments to your driving can be frustrating but being on the lookout for errors and mistakes made by other drivers is its own reward.  You’ll be able to avoid an accident, regardless of the actions of the drivers and vehicles around you.

The end of the summer is a favored vacation time for many people.   Be ready to deal with heavy traffic on many highways.  If you are driving near a resort area or in a city with tourist attractions, be alert for other drivers who are unsure of their way and who may change speed or make a last minute turn without warning.  For most, the vacation season is the one time of the year they go beyond the bounds of their normal commute.  They may be tired and not as alert as they should be.  They may be driving fast to reach a distant destination.

Restless children may distract them.  Hanging clothing or other luggage in the car may obstruct their view.   Don’t assume they see you.

Vacationers in RV’s or pulling travel trailers require special attention.  Keep in mind, there is no special license or training required to drive these vehicles.  When you pass these vehicles, give them the widest berth possible.  You will be sharing the truck parking area with these vehicles.  Before you leave, check around your vehicle for children or other pedestrians.

Don’t tell the kids but the end of summer also means the return to school.  Be alert for school zones and the school buses. 

In years past, professional drivers have been considered the “Knights of the Road.”  Today, drivers are all too often the subject of bad press.  The press pools the good with the bad and the professional with the unprofessional.  Most of us would like to be seen as someone that a stranded motorist can turn to in an emergency.   Courtesy should be your constant driving companion.  Our company’s image is enhanced and, in any case, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you have treated people with respect and concern. 

Public Relations:    Have you considered the fact that you are in the public relations business.  When people see our vehicle, you become the company.  If motorists and customers see you as kind, courteous and considerate, they will think highly of our company. 

Keep Your Cool:  There are times when something may upset you.  It is sometimes easier to react in an inappropriate manner than to maintain your professionalism.  When this happens take a couple of deep breaths before you react.  Make an effort to keep your cool.  Do not try to “get back” at the other driver with harassing tactics of your own.  Angry responses create hazardous conditions.   Romans 12:17 tells us to “Never pay back evil for evil to anyone.  Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.”  A courteous response will prove that you are an honorable professional.

By maintaining a helpful, honest, polite and courteous attitude, you will enhance the image of Star Transportation and our industry.  At the same time, by treating others with respect and consideration it will make life easier and your job more enjoyable.  Remember, courtesy is free, use it generously.

    Keep a Smile on Your Face

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