Bad Habits

I just wanted to say that Companies should be more strict about Driver Appearance and Cleanliness because I truly believe that as Drivers we represent the Company. I can't keep count of how many times I've had to stand 5 feet away from a driver because he smells so bad or looks like I much catch a disease and one other thing I really hate is how people just use their dash as a storage area for trash, food and papers.

I went to a local truck stop and just watched as drivers came in and got fueled up, just trying to get an idea of what trucking's about...Some folks looked professional, others looked like they hadn't showered in a week, but I understand that's the nature of the job, although I PLAN to shower EVERY day, I know it just ain't gonna happen, and there's NO excuse for looking like a bum, wearing dirty t-shirts and jeans. If I can't shower, at LEAST I can have clean clothes...

As for the TRASH, There's NO reason for anyone to have trash in their vehicle, I have a little trash bag that hangs from my steering column in my Camaro, which is incredibly handy. I plan on keeping my truck VERY clean, as I do my home, because in a way, it'll be my second home..

I wear a pocket polo shirt with a COLLAR that I got from Walmart and I have black cargo pants (sort of like what Fedex drivers wear except total black). I got several different colors versions of the shirts. These clothes are light weight. Gives a professional vib.

As for trash disposal in the truck I have two things. For one Casadia's have a hook for hanging trash bags on that is easily reachable from the drivers seat. I empty this one everyday. Then I also have a 13 gallon trash can ,like what sits under most office deck, sitting on the floor near the bunk in which I empty as needed. I despise nasty trucks and nasty people. Trash never touches my floor with a thought of picking it later. Its thrown away right then.

And I never walk around in my truck with my shoes on. I hate a dirty floor. I have a air hose attached to the air line behind my driver seat that I can blow the dirt and mud off my shoes BEFORE I get into the truck.

I can't stand a dirty truck. As for no shower, baby wipes are your friend. I stay clean. As for the floor. I sweep it 2 - 3 times a week. One thing I have got into the habit doing, anytime I use a baby wipe on my body I drop it on the floor when done and use it to wipe the floor up. It keeps me and the floor clean and is less wasteful. Same thing when I use a clorox wipe for cleaning dishes and stuff, it goes to the floor for double duty. It is a battle as a flatbed driver to keep the floor clean but it can be done. The only thing that goes on the dash is my truckstop guide and my atlas. The dash gets armouralled once a week too. If I am ever sitting waiting to load, I clean all the windows inside and out. Everytime I ge to one of our terminals that has a truckwash, my truck gets a bath even if I have to drop a loaded flatbed trailer to do it.

Another good reason to keep your dash (and truck) clean: A while back I read an article about DOT inspections and one of the officers interviewed mentioned that you are far more likely to get hit with a random inspection if your dash is piled high with crap. The thinking is that if you look like a disorganized slob, chances are you don't do pre-trips, either. Just something to think about.