I have always said that the best way to perform great at your job is to enjoy it to the fullest. There are a lot of demands put on truck drivers in the current times and sometimes it can be hard to find the joy in a tough day on the highways, but there are ways to do it. The smart drivers have figured this out and many enjoy the job and sights at the same time. How many drivers have you seen with recreational equipment on the back of their trucks? Many drivers carry bicycles, ski equipment, roller blades and many other types of their favourite items to enjoy the destination that they are traveling to. That’s half the battle of enjoying the job.

I remember filling my truck up at the fuel bar early in my career and watching one of my fellow drivers loading his truck up with personal effects from his car. He was putting skis in the truck and roller blades so I asked him if he was going to work or going on vacation? He said was heading out West and had things he wanted to do on his time off out there. To me it seemed like has was going on vacation.

Think about this, to go on a vacation outside of trucking you have to spend money on flights or gas, book hotel rooms, rent items that you may not be able to bring with you, and go back to work and try to make up time off wages. With trucking you get a vehicle to go with, your fuel is paid, you already have your sleeping quarters, you can take your favourite items with you, and you get paid to go there. You’re getting paid to go on vacation. How awesome is that?

As a driver you have it even better, especially if you are from Canada or the Northern United States. We have seasons and one of the most beautiful seasons around is Fall. Don’t get me wrong I love driving down South especially in the Winter when it is cold and snowy up North, but Fall has to be one of my favourite seasons. If your route takes you south of Indiana you possibly may be missing some of the best drives around. If you talk to people that live in the South they gloat about the lack of snow and sitting out on Winter nights, but many say they have never experienced the beauty of the seasons or the colours of Fall. That is something that drivers running north get to take in making their job one of the best in the world.

The Fall colour spectacle begins in mid September to the end of October depending on where you are in North America. The farther North or East you are the earlier the season starts. Some of my favourite areas in Ontario are the Ottawa region, the Parry Sound Region, and the Waterloo area. If you drive to the United States then it may be worth your while to request a load to Massachusetts, New Hampshire, or Maine to experience the beauty of the season.

How do you enjoy Fall other than driving? As mentioned earlier you get paid to drive through some of the most beautiful country around so take advantage of it. Carry a camera, sketchbook, or recreational items like bicycles, roller blades, or a good pair of walking shoes to capture the beauty of the season. Trip plan to give yourself time to get out of the truck and enjoy certain spots where you can park the truck safely and take a walk. Make a plan to share that beauty with your family and friends by making a goal to post one new picture a day on your social media profiles showing off the beauty of your trips.

Trucking has so many benefits that many other jobs don’t have. Think about the person working in a factory with no windows and doesn’t go past the edge of town. Think about what they are missing? So take full advantage of the position you hold. You have a unique benefit to your job that many others don’t have. The best thing is that your “corner office” not only has a window, but some of the best scenery in the world. Enjoy it and Happy Thanksgiving!

About the Author

Bruce Outridge is transportation consultant with over 30 years experience in the industry. He is the host of The Lead Pedal Podcast for drivers ( www.theleadpedalpodcast.com), author of the books Running By The Mile, and Driven to Drive, and is a trainer and consultant for the industry. You can learn more about Bruce and his work at www.bruceoutridge.com