You may be asking yourself what is the twenty percent club of a fleet? You may not know this but the club exists in every fleet in existence. It doesn't matter whether the fleet is a thousand trucks, hundred trucks, or twenty trucks you will find the ratio constant across all companies. This top twenty percent of the fleet consists of the hardest working drivers. These drivers are paid for their hard work in areas like better trucks, better runs, and more career opportunities. This small driver community of every fleet normally takes great care of the their equipment.
Companies will invest more in these drivers and more often drivers in the top twenty percent move onto careers outside of the driver's seat. If you would like to know where you fit in your fleet take a poll. You can ask your manager or just take a look at the drivers in your fleet. Which ones are getting more work or better runs? Which have the nicer or cleanest trucks? Which seem to have a good routine for their daily work schedules? Which seem to be called for special assignments? Which are the drivers constantly winning company awards. Those drivers are in the top twenty percent!

What do you have to do to be part of that twenty percent? There are many things you can do and much of it is about being professional in what you do. Here are four steps you can take today to start moving into the top twenty percent. The first step is to commit to being in the top part of the fleet. Make a commitment to be the best you can be at your job. Be on time, maintain your equipment, and be a team player in getting the work done. Education is the second part of staying on top. You have to keep yourself educated either by learning new techniques through your company or self educating yourself through books, podcasts, and other technological means. Work Ethic is the next step to increasing your net worth with a carrier. Take some extra work when offered, help out fellow drivers if required, and become a team player that the company can depend on. The last area is Complacency. The trick to a long and profitable career is to avoid complacency by keeping yourself interested in your career and job. Always be on the lookout for new opportunities, and volunteer for special assignments. Work on those four areas, mixed with time and you will find you will arrive in the top part of the fleet.

To be part of the "Twenty Percent Club" you can start today even if you are only in a training school. Start by being the best you can be at your job or training. Follow the steps listed above to keep growing and finding opportunities. It will make your career rewarding, profitable, and long term. Remember commitment, education, work ethic, and complacency. The four steps to the "Twenty Percent Club". Will you be in the top twenty percent?

By Bruce Outridge