Not Just a TRUCKER, a PROFESSIONAL
pro• fes• sion• al 1. a: of, relating to, or characteristic of a profession b: engaged in one of the learned professions c: characterized by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession 2. exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the workplace 3. following a line of conduct as though it were a profession 4. the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person.

As with most professions, Truck Drivers subscribe to an unwritten code of ethical conduct that does not exist within the pages of any written manual or policy book. To the outside world it is hardly even recognizable. A simple nod or glance exchanged between two “Knights of the Road” acknowledging an understanding of the difficulties and challenges present each day is all the reassurance needed to persevere.

A professional driver has the undaunted task of wearing a multitude of hats and interacts with a never-ending spectrum of challenges ranging from interaction with four wheelers to acting as a customer service liaison and even safety director.

The one prevailing constant is the attitude and values that must be placed above everything else. A professional driver must accept that:
  · “Safety is an Attitude.
  · Must believe that time spent completing a post/pre-trip inspection saves lives and down time.
  · Must be willing to measure each and every load.
  · Must believe that only through proper speed management can you acquire the space to safely maneuver the truck.
  · Must believe that space management is critical to the safe operation of the truck.
  · Must acknowledge that night driving and adverse weather conditions require additional caution, attributes and skills.
  · Must be willing to obey state and federal regulations.
  · Must be willing to accept responsibility.
  · Must be willing to demonstrate and maintain self-control.

Very few, if any of us would tolerate an act of unprofessionalism that placed the life, health and physical ability of a family member in jeopardy. Yet each day ATS is involved in an accident or incident that could have simply been avoided by accepting the responsibility of being a professional driver. I challenge each of you to evaluate your attitudes and values and strive to be recognized as a “Knight of the Road.”

Scott Anderson Joins ATS Team With Focus On Fuel

Scott Anderson recently joined the staff of Anderson Trucking Service as Operations Resource Manager. One of his responsibilities will be the management of the fuel program for Anderson Trucking.

ATS purchases over 400,000 gallons of fuel every week. Fuel is the second largest expense to the company. Because of the amount of dollars involved, fuel is very important to the company, and deserves the close attention that Scott will be paying to it.

According to Scott, “Fuel will now be managed as a comprehensive program. Work is being done to provide accurate data to manage miles per gallon, idling, theft and out of route miles, which can all contribute to the use of fuel.” Other areas that will be focused on are maintenance issues, truck specifications, fuel book improvements and purchasing ability. Scott also intends to spend some time working on the Fuel Optimizer and Routing Program in an effort to make it provide more reliable and sensible information.

While managing all of these areas, Scott intends to keep the needs of the drivers and operations in mind. “A key factor will be managing our fuel network to be cost efficient while satisfying the needs of the drivers and ATS.”