Transitioning from a rookie driver to an experienced professional in the trucking industry is a journey filled with learning and growth. As you gain more miles under your belt and become skilled in navigating different routes and handling various loads, the role of owner-operator may start to emerge. Owning your truck not only represents a significant milestone in a truck driver’s career but, also offers a sense of freedom and independence on the road.
Imagine the life-changing benefits of being your boss, making strategic decisions, and reaping the rewards of your hard work. Over time, our team at Marvin Keller has witnessed firsthand the transformation of many drivers from rookies to experienced drivers to now thriving owner-operators. Obtaining the skills, experience, and commitment will help ensure your success in this career path.
Taking the leap from being a company driver to becoming an entrepreneur is a challenging but highly rewarding experience. If you’re prepared to take on the challenge and enjoy the freedom of owning your own business, keep in mind that the journey ahead is full of endless opportunities just waiting for you.
NOTICE: Going forward, your logs will automatically transition from Yard Move status to Driving status when the vehicle speed is greater than 20 mph. Please contact your Driver Manager if you have any questions.
In a busy world, it’s often difficult to do the right thing. Every day we have opportunities to make bad decisions for immediate personal gain or convenience, whether it’s telling that little white lie to get out of trouble or slacking on the job and letting someone else deal with the problem later. It all comes down to integrity, our moral and ethical standards for ourselves.
When people have strong personal integrity, it blends into their professional careers. The good habits and behaviors help to build a good reputation for the companies they work for. Those with integrity are gracious and helpful, and they are respectful of others and their time. They are trustworthy and hard-working, realizing that everything they do impacts the company’s, and their own, reputations. Drivers who demonstrate integrity do thorough inspections and arrive on time and ready to work. They make sure their equipment is clean and in good working order and they are able to deal with conflicts that arise while remaining positive.
People lacking in integrity are often unreliable, showing inconsistency in their work habits. They frequently lack accountability, blaming others for failures and not accepting consequences. They lie and take shortcuts for personal gain without regard to the impact it will make on the companies they work for. They may leave trailers dirty, or tires or other equipment in bad condition for the next driver to deal with. They fly off the handle when issues occur and have a bad attitude or are unwilling to help. They frequently neglect to make timely pickups and deliveries or make excuses for their performance.
Integrity is a value at Marvin Keller. Follow through on your promises, admit when you’ve made a mistake, and be honest with people. Humbleness is the key, and you will be rewarded with miles of goodness.
Marvin Keller partners with several reliable maintenance vendors that help us out daily – one being Palmer Trucks in Effingham, IL. The partnership between Marvin Keller and Palmer Trucks began in 2021 when we acquired our first Kenworth Trucks.
From the start, Palmers has consistently provided excellent and timely service. They deliver parts to the MK Shop first thing in the morning and promptly respond to any inquiries. Whenever one of our Kenworth trucks needs a repair, they always do their best to get us in & out quickly.
Recently, we showed our appreciation to Palmer Trucks by treating them to lunch. This led to a productive discussion about the great service they provide. Marvin Keller values strong relationships like this and recognizes the importance of collaboration with reliable vendors like Palmer Trucks.
According to recent data released by the Women in Trucking Association, the number of female drivers in the trucking industry is climbing. An average of 12.1% of overall professional drivers who hold commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) and drive heavy-duty trucks are female.
24% of Marvin Keller’s fleet consists of female drivers, which is above average for most carriers!
By creating a more inclusive environment and promoting opportunities for everyone, we can continue to break down barriers and inspire more women to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated fields like trucking. This shift not only benefits individuals by providing more diverse job opportunities but also contributes to a more dynamic and inclusive industry as a whole. #SupportWomeninTrucking
At our operations meeting every Friday, each of our driver managers takes a moment to acknowledge one of their drivers for their outstanding performance. We want to give a special thank you to the following drivers for their exceptional work, which serves as a great example of what it means to be an MK Driver.
Aaron Williams – Rescued a trailer from a towing yard that was very muddy and crowded. Thank you for being patient and having a good attitude.
Jessica and Terry Branham – Took the time to get a trailer that was stuck in the mud out. Thank you for being so willing to help out.
Merk Coleman – Had some great weeks of being our relay driver out of Cordele, GA. Thank you for being flexible as we figure this new position out.
Kerri Doss –Repaired a temp sensor on her truck that saved us time and money from an over-the-road service call. Thank you for being someone we can rely on.
Rick Merrill – Ran 3100 miles in a week which takes a lot of diligence. Thanks for going over and above.
Johnathon Neumann and Jeremiah Brubaker helped a fellow driver who was struggling with his fifth wheel. Thanks for being great team members.
Deb Coleman – helped a new driver move trailers around so that she could get to her load.
James Watson – Restacked and reworked pallets that had shifted and saved us the expense of paying someone to do it. We appreciate it!
Franks Rich, Charity Battley, Gifford, Libby, and Kamenn Gittinger have all worked extra days in the past few weeks to help us make on-time deliveries. We appreciate the extra work from all of you!
We have sent all Drivers a link to this survey to determine what we can improve and the effectiveness and performance of our Driver Training, Operations, and Driver Management Team. We care about your thoughts and opinions and really want your detailed feedback. Our simple goal is improvement.
Fill out as many questions as you can. View the form by clicking on the link below. Once your survey is complete, your driver manager schedules a time to talk about your response.
From the CNBC website, Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun said the company acknowledges “our mistake,” after a door plug on a 737 Max 9 blew out in the middle of an Alaska Airlines flight, creating a gaping hole in the fuselage and prompting a grounding of that aircraft type by federal regulations. [fortunately, no one was ejected from the aircraft]
“When I got that picture [of the Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9], all I could think about — I didn’t know what happened to whoever was supposed to be in the seat next to that hole in the airplane,” Calhoun told Boeing staff during an all-hands meeting Tuesday, according to remarks shared by Boeing. “I’ve got kids, I’ve got grandkids and so do you. This stuff matters. Every detail matters.” [the panel was not properly secured and the pilots failed to diagnose the problem despite several cabin pressure warnings on previous flights]. This is an example of the consequences of poor safety and inspection habits.
A cynical person might conclude that a Boeing 737 is not a valid comparison to the dangers of a loaded semi-truck traveling at highway speeds in a congested area. I disagree. The potential for loss of life involving a semi is much higher and is proven by highway fatalities. In 2022 nearly 47,000 people died in the United States, and about 10% of these crashes involve Trucks. For Truck Drivers, it is critical to understand the potential for loss of life, injury, and property damage, take the necessary precautions, and develop the right safety attitude. This begins with genuine and routine inspections.
Importance of Routines in Trucking
Safe driving is essential for arriving at your destination without incident. Unfortunately, many factors can make your daily driving experience stressful and unpredictable. The good news is that by implementing a consistent daily routine, you can maintain a sense of confidence, calm, and control.
One of the most important elements of your routine should be trip inspections. This involves performing a complete and genuine (1) pre-trip inspection at the start of the day, a (2) walk-around inspection every time the vehicle is parked, and a (3) post-trip inspection at the end of the day. By following this regimen, you can maintain your equipment and prevent roadside breakdowns and crashes.
Another crucial aspect of your routine should be trip planning. This involves checking your route, paperwork, weather, and any potential hazards. By planning ahead of time, you can avoid unexpected delays and detours, which can help you stay on schedule and avoid unnecessary stress.
Having routines is crucial, but it’s equally important to avoid rushing through them. Cutting corners during your pre-trips and trip planning can lead to many issues such as late deliveries, breakdowns, and severe accidents. Stop taking shortcuts, follow your same routine.
