It's a Team's Life

Stand Up

STAND UP

When running your business, do you let your personal opinions guide your decisions as to where you go or what you haul? Do you set aside what you believe in for added revenue to your business? This blog is not written to judge anyone. It is meant to open up discussion as we recently had this conversation in how we operate our business.

Years ago, our state had a referendum on a ballot that asked residents to vote for adding a rail system between two of the state’s largest cities. This referendum was advertised as being federally funded to get the train tracks built. At first glance it seemed like a great economic boom for both cities. However, there were many unanswered questions. The biggest question was “Who would pay to operate and maintain the system once built?” Down the road this looked like tax increases would be in the state resident’s future. The referendum failed. It seemed that people walked away from FREE MONEY. Had they really?

This week, dock workers have gone on strike. They are standing up for what they believe in. They want higher wages and job security. Technology is taking some of their jobs away. While the businesses that run these docks are looking for ways to save money, the dock workers see that their jobs are being cut because of that savings. Everyone is walking a tightrope so that both sides can benefit. Time will tell what economic effect this strike will have on all of us.

Other news stories talk about businesses or workers that refuse to do things that go against their belief systems. The baker that will not make a wedding cake. The doctor or nurse that will not perform certain procedures. Sometimes they are even taken to court for their beliefs.

As truck drivers, we also have decisions to make with regard to our personal beliefs. Do we ignore those beliefs in order to make a living? Should we keep our personal beliefs out of our business altogether?  Do we run our business like we live our lives? Everyone will answer these questions differently. In the end, we all have to do what makes our business the most profitable while being able to live within the guidelines of our own belief system.

Here’s wishing you millions of safe, profitable and CONSCIOUS FREE miles.

Kelly Plumb