SAFETY & MAINTENANCE Safety Insights
How quickly we adapt to change determines our success. Tim Frazier Vice President of Safety & Compliance
‘Trucking companies, employees, and especially our drivers, have faced the challenge of change as much if not more so than any industry.’
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ooking back over the first half of 2020, I can truly say that we haven’t seen anything like it for generations. While our country and our industry have faced many challenges in the past, I can’t recall a time in our history where we were shut down, confined to our homes, or placed under strict public restrictions. As we’ve seen businesses, towns, cities, and schools all but stopped functioning, one industry that has kept functioning and faced the challenge is trucking. Trucking companies, employees, and especially our drivers, have faced the challenge of change as much if not more so than any industry. As 2020 kicked off, I don’t recall anyone having “Pandemic Preparedness” on their to-do list. As the year started to unravel, our industry met the challenge head-on as we always do. Trucking companies adapted to the challenges to keep the freight moving, especially food on our tables. Other than toilet paper (I still can’t figure this one out) and paper towels, we haven’t gone without any necessities of life. Thanks especially to our drivers who made the deliveries facing many of the obstacles on the road. One thing is clearer today than ever before, trucking is essential. Without trucks not only do we run out of toilet paper, but store shelves would be empty, gasoline supply would stop, medical supplies deliveries wouldn’t arrive, etc., etc., etc., all in just a few days. As I’ve stated in a previous article, the trucking industry is one of the most everchanging professions there is. As we work through these days of change and challenge, it’s obvious those companies and individuals that are adaptable to change will continue to be successful. Due to the craziness, we’ve all worked with and through this year so far, many of our companies and employees are better prepared to face challenges in the days ahead. As never before many have plans in place today to address catastrophes. It’s been said before, being complacent will allow the slip-ups to happen. If nothing else, 2020 has taught us to be prepared for change and to always be proactive in our thinking. In the days ahead we will likely face issues that could cause us to change many of the ways of doing business. Many of those we can prepare for. When we’re hit with the unexpected challenge how well we react and adapt will determine the winners. Take care and safety always. A LABAMA T RUCKER • 3 RD Q UARTER 2020
