Recently I was playing golf on a beautiful afternoon. Many of us that enjoy golf are happy to be out of the office and enjoying the scenery, sunny skies, and fresh air.In golf, there are two aspects to the game. One side is the actual techniques such as how to hit the ball properly, putting it into the hole or chipping from the fairway. On the other side of the game are the etiquette requirements. Regarding golf etiquette, it is important to learn things like staying quiet when someone is hitting the ball, proper dress on the course, what to call when a ball goes out of range and other parts of the game that are more courtesy than technique. When playing the game not long ago, I noticed another foursome approached all the etiquette requirements poorly, if not disregarding this code of conduct all together, causing issues and possibly safety hazards for the rest of us playing on the course. They almost hit people with the ball as they shot before the course was clear and they played through everyone causing delays across the course.

This experience got me thinking about how much the game related to a driving career. Often we focus on the techniques of driving such as shifting, defensive driving and other important aspects of driving a truck. What we forget much of the time is the etiquette and courtesy that is also a main part of the position. Often using etiquette holds the key to a successful career in transportation. It is not just about being skilled in driving large vehicles. Learning skills like dealing with people, being respectful and considerate of others, increasing your efficiency, and organization from being rounded and familiar with all aspects of the industry are all important aspects of a successful career. Some of these skills can be the difference between moving ahead in your career and staying at the back of the pack.

You can’t play on the PGA Tour without harnessing the important etiquette of golf. In the trucking industry, you will find that you will not get to the top of your career without the proper behaviours: being able to respectfully interact with people and being aware and considerate to the bigger picture of what your transportation services are accomplishing. Improving in areas that you may be having trouble with in with your career will help you to be a well-rounded driver offering you opportunities for the future. Etiquette in trucking may be the key to success in your career.

About the Author

Bruce Outridge has been in the transportation industry for over 30 years and is author of the books Driven to Drive, Running by the Mile, and host of The Lead Pedal Podcast. Challenger Motor Freight Inc. is one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies (platinum member) and is looking for quality team members. To learn more about opportunities with Challenger visit their website at www.challenger.com