Today on Overdrive Radio, after a year’s worth of talks featuring Overdrive‘s Truckers of the Month, all of whom remain in the running for the top 2024 Trucker of the Year honor, the first of two final talks features a bevy of contenders. Call this and the podcast coming up next week the “Exit Interviews” series, if you will, as judges wrap up their work to determine a set of three finalists we’ll announce later this month, then a winner in the new year.
I’ll say, though: For me, the perseverance and excellence to drive profit in a time like the present shown by every single owner we wrote about in the program this year make all truly deserving of any accolade that comes their way. In my mind, the margins between every contender are absolutely razor-thin, given unique strengths that all bring to their respective operations.
Today on the podcast, you’re going to hear answers to two fairly simple questions. Namely:
- How has 2024 gone for the business? And,
- I asked each owner to look back over their history and experience in the trucking business for lessons learned that could serve as their best piece of advice for peers, and particularly for those newer to the business or thinking about going into business.
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Speaking to her owner-op peers, she advised, “If something’s not working out, don’t be afraid to change lanes.”
Minnesota-headquartered Gary Schloo noted that while interest-rates have gone up, they’re not especially high considering his long history. Yet for an owner-op looking to invest in the business with a truck purchase, saving for a big down payment and building a good relationship with a local bank are likely to save on interest, he said. Then: “Find a good company, with stable freight, and different kinds of freight” to build the most effective partnership long-term, in his view.
Independent flatbedder Rene Holguin emphasized taking control of your business, getting as much mechanical knowledge as possible to save on repairs and gain confidence in the equipment.
And “be the boss,” he added, as an owner. “Things start going south when you wait for somebody to give you direction,” he said. Use your instincts and knowledge through self-education to “jump up on the horse and go,”
Independent Alan Kitzhaber, hauling in the distribution network of shipper Menard’s, likewise made business education his central point of emphasis, particularly for those who’ve never before been in business for themselves. Yet his 4-million-mile 1995 Kenworth T600’s longevity has hinged on particular preventive practices when it comes to maintenance. Like all of the owners, he places huge emphasis on regular check-ups and careful attention with an effective preventive maintenance schedule.
“I get my truck in on a regular basis, at least once a month, to have it gone over,” he said, at his longtime preferred shop partner in his area. They “grease the driveline and steering column,” and he has “an automatic greaser that takes care of the rest,” among plenty more he shares in what follows in the podcast. Listen on for more all from these four in the Trucker of the Year field:
Three 2024 Trucker of the Year finalists will be named in December. All have a chance to win a custom replica model of the truck of their choice plus a brand-new seat from 2024 Trucker of the Year sponsor Bostrom Seating. To get in the running for next year’s program, get over to OverdriveOnline.com/toptrucker to start that process. Deadlines mentioned at the nomination page have passed for the 2024 award, but note that entries or nominations of deserving owners are still sought and will be considered for the 2025 program.