Bruce Outridge

How much do you investigate your industry?

Posted on April 8, 2010 by Bruce

As I was sitting in a Power To Drive seminar on Tuesday I got to thinking how many of drivers actually keep informed on what is going on in their industry. Do you read the trades on a regular basis? Being on the road it is hard to attend seminars and such, but that doesn’t mean you work in the industry with a blind eye. I know you talk with other drivers, well we all know where that will get you so watch yourself. For instance did you know CSA was being delayed to next year? Do you know what CSA 2010 is? By keeping abreast of developements in your industry you will make smarter career choices and come out a winner.

Talk to you soon,

Bruce

Spring Special

Posted on April 1, 2010 by Bruce

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Due to the nice weather I have decided to have a spring offer. For any owner-operator that books a consultation with me regarding ATBS Canada Inc, or any supervisor that books a consultation to improve their team within the month of April or May 2010 will receive a free 1 year subscription to “Collar to Collar” Magazine due out this month ($25.00 value). To book your consultation either call by phone to 289-337-2630 or email us at consulting@outridge.ca All initial consultations are free.

Life is more than just cash

Posted on March 30, 2010 by Bruce

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This is so true and most people miss the boat on this one. I agree we all want to make money, but to sacrifice your health, family, or other personal treasures is really crazy. I have spoken to so many drivers in my career that spend all their time running aimlessly up and down road with no thought as to whether they are making money, hurting their family or worse. It’s one thing to pay the rent, it’s another to miss on life. If you are one of those without any planning take some thought as to whether driving that 500 mile load is worth your time. Put a rate on your time and you may find you enjoy life more and know here you’re going in your trucking career.

Safe driving,

Bruce

Make Money Running Legal

Posted on March 26, 2010 by Bruce

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Are you a driver looking to increase your profits in the trucking game? Maybe you are an owner-operator trying to run your truck before it runs you! You need to treat every job, business as if it’s your own. That is the secret! If you are an owner-operator running your own truck or small fleet are you doing it profitably? I have seen so many guys do stuff like throw out a toll receipt in order to match their log book. What a silly way to make a buck. Think about it, you lie on a log book to run a few extra miles to make an extra buck. Then you throw out the toll receipt to match your logbook. Now that you’ve thrown out the toll receipt you can’t claim it on your taxes or books from the accountant. You sweat the whole time you drive the miles because you’re hoping you won’t get caught. You haven’t made any money. That tax receipt depending on your income situation out ways a few miles and you still have to log the miles someway so why not just run legal? Get the tax benefit, the miles, and a clear concience and legal logbook.

Professional drivers work smart not hard!

Bruce

Hauling Furniture

Posted on March 23, 2010 by Bruce

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To add to the post I sent last week on investigating the different industries within the transportation industry lets take a look at the moving industry. Most people shy away from moving companies unless they are young, but someone in good shape may want investigate it more, especially a new driver. You can gain a lot of experience quickly and money can be made if you are professional and have good customer service skills. Usually to run long haul becoming an owner-operator is required to be with the van lines and you will most likely be paid by percentage. If you are interested in team driving there are many duties for a wife or partner to perform so working together may be an option. Your biggest downfall will be the workflow as the winter can be quite slow and summer very busy. My advice is to talk with an agent or the Van Lines directly to see if there is a fit for you.

Until next time,

Bruce