It wasn't too long ago that fuel prices were lingering between $3.80 and $4.40 per gallon. At that point many companies took an aggressive stance on fuel conservation. However, for most it was just a flavor of the month. Many companies jumped on the U.S. EPA "SmartWay" bandwagon, which is designed to improve fuel efficiencies and reduced the environmental impact. That is all well and good but unfortunately, if a company doesn't have an aggressive fuel conservation program in place, being "SmartWay" certified should be considered consistent with permitting the tail to wag the dog. Or maybe Ready, Shoot, Aim is a more apt metaphor.... Read More

That's what 37 year old Laura Leath will tell you, despite some challenges she has had to overcome. Laura recently completed her tractor-trailer training and earned her CDL at West Georgia Technical College in LaGrange, Georgia. She had a full time job offer from Fastenal Company before she'd completed the course.... Read More

Since our last discussion in November, countless cultures across the world gathered with family and friends to celebrate various holidays, festivals and traditions. As a nation, our pride rests within our ability to practice these pillars of freedom, perseverance and faith, and recognizing the importance of spending time in reflection.... Read More

It seems every year the transportation industry faces new perils during the winter months and this year is no different. Currently the weather forecasters are predicting a frigid winter with less than normal snow fall. Among the challenges above and beyond the weather, fuel prices are inching higher again and most states and many municipalities have mandated idling restrictions. Here are a few simple tips to help maintain your equipment and fuel tanks.... Read More

As we enter the holiday season we are reminded of the importance of family, friends and colleagues. With a very challenging year behind us, maybe it's time to make a greater effort to "just be nice."

A famous (anonymous) quote reminds us, "It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice." What would it take to treat everyone you meet with a little extra compassion this month; to wake up on the right side of the bed and greet every day with a smile?... Read More

Today's corporate environment has changed considerably since the seventies, and will evolve even further as we move out of the recent economic challenges into a period of growth. Anyone who suffered from a job loss will probably tell you that the most important part of any career movement can be attributed to one thing… relationships.... Read More

Part Two - Lessons 7 through 12

Lesson 7

“Keep looking below surface appearances. Don't shrink from doing so (just) because you might not like what you find.”

“If it ain't broke, don't fix it,” is the slogan of the complacent, the arrogant or the scared. It's an excuse for inaction, a call to non-arms. It's a mind-set that assumes (or hopes) that today's realities will continue tomorrow in a tidy, linear and predictable fashion. Pure fantasy. In this sort of culture, you won't find people who pro-actively take steps to solve problems as they emerge. Here's a little tip: don't invest in these companies.... Read More