More and more women are entering the cutthroat world of trucking
More and more women are entering the cutthroat world of trucking, many of whom are making a serious name for themselves, such as Andra Rush. However, many of the stereotypes remain the same and that means it can be a challenge, but not impossible. The reason we mentioned Andra Rush is proof of this.
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While she may not have achieved her initial four-year plan to get started, be successful and retire (she was 23 when she had this hope), she has created a $400 million business that employs hundreds of people – mostly Native Americans – and survived a recession in an industry that is hugely reliant on a bull market.
The stereotypes we mentioned were things she had to overcome. Most people believed the business was either her dad’s or her husband’s. As such, she has made it her battle to help other women make their mark in this business, and some of that wisdom we are about to share with you below. Remember, nothing impossible and history is there to be changed:
Getting Started Is All It Takes
When Rush kicked started her trucking company she had a beat-up van, a couple of used trucks and a boatload of confidence, and that is something you can run with too. So long as you are smart with your money, you can get your hands on all the equipment you need. Trucks to rent from Flex Fleet, temporary loading bays, used GPS software, cheap apps to help manage the backend of your business, and load boards to get your first clients. Yes, there is the need for capital, but if you are smart with it, you won’t see it get tied up inexpensive equipment. That can wait.
Forget The Driving Part
Most driver’s started off by getting a paper route when they were kids and that is what helps them manage the delivery side of things. But running a trucking company is so much more than picking up and delivering and getting from A to B as quickly and fuel-efficiently as possible. There is marketing yourself, tracking your orders, managing your inventory, repairs and maintenance, organization and balancing the books, all of which requires multitasking as the main proponent of success.
Make Service Your Priority
This has to be the thing you think about at all times. Your customers need to be the butt of all your decisions, all day every day. You need to gain their trust. You need to think about them and how you can make their lives easier or their businesses run smoother, you will be attracting their business. Period. As a knock-on effect, you then need to consider the people that are serving your customers and that is your drivers. Teach them sales skills, how to be good conversationalists, etiquette and, above all else, know the more you look after them the more that will rub off on your customers. A smile is so powerful in this industry.
Get Dirty When You Have To
This is a business that demands it from time to time, especially when you are building your business. Know that, respect that and embrace it.
