Five Years On This Account

Yesterday marked my fifth anniversary on the SAPA account at Knight. It's now called Hydro (pronounced HeeeDrow) - I've been calling it SAPA for so long, I can't get accustomed to the new name.

I've run 700,000 miles on this account so far. My dispatcher sent me an email yesterday thanking me profusely, telling me I'm the glue that holds this whole thing together - I'm quite sure he's exaggerating, but I'll take the compliment. He even sent me a hundred dollars cash (via pay-pal) from his own pocket as a gesture of thanks for the working relationship I've established with him.

He also told me that I'm the first driver to stay with him for 5 years. He's been doing this for 22 years! I was very shocked by that statistic. That shows you how extremely transient drivers are. They hop around all the time, chasing some elusive magical pay package that never seems to materialize. After a couple more years I'll have run a million miles just on this account. I'll get a $5,000 bonus for that, and get to pick my own new truck in whatever color I want. The guys who went chasing after an extra penny here or there will never get those perks. Nor are they realizing the type of income I am by sticking it out and mastering this account.

Friends we teach it all the time. If you want to do well at this, work hard at establishing yourself somewhere. Learn to be an asset who understands the operations end of your company, and learn how to work well with your dispatcher. You don't have to work with a lot of people in this business, but your dispatcher is your best friend, your greatest connection, and a benefactor who will always reward those who help him/her succeed at their tasks.

I hadn't even considered posting this, but Bob Cat Bob's conversation, started earlier today on Surviving His Sophomore Season made me realize I should share this. It may help someone understand the principles we teach in here.

Hang in there boys and girls. "Life's a dance you learn as you go," but to do the dance well you've got to master the moves.

Congratulations on 5 years on the Hee Haw account, and on 5 years with Knight.

You're the main reason I drive there, too.

Congratulations Old School. You are the textbook definition and benchmark for what it takes to succeed in this business.

Congrats OS. You are an inspiration to many of us.

Congratulations Old School. I've learned a lot from your attitude and it has benefited me in a way that I can't explain. Not just in trucking, but at my previous job as well. My supervisor gave me a hug on my last day and told me the door is always open.

Now on to the important question

What kind of truck and what color?

Congratulations, Old School! As you described, 5 years with the same account (not to speak of the same company) means you're a Methuselah driver for sure!

Congratulations Old School!

Great job Old School! You are truly an inspiration to both new, and experienced drivers alike.

Congratulations Old School.

I've learned a lot from your attitude and it has benefited me in a way that I can't explain. Not just in trucking, but at my previous job as well.

Banks, that's a very high compliment. I am humbled by it. Thanks, sincerely!

Now on to the important question

What kind of truck and what color?

I honestly have no idea. I love the tight steering radius of the Volvos. I'm in the Northeast a lot, and I'm used to making tight maneuvers with my Volvo. Recently I looked inside some new KW T680's sitting at one of our terminals and I really liked the way the interior was laid out.

First things first. I'll focus on serving my customers right now and get that first million mile benchmark behind me. Then when they give me the thumbs up I'll start making a decision on a truck.