National Truck Driver Appreciation Week
Driver Appreciation Week is taking place September 8 -14 this year and OTR wants to say THANK YOU to all the hard-working drivers that work for our clients. Although there is only one week dedicated to this cause, we feel this sentiment all year. We appreciate the drivers that keep our goods moving and our roads safe, daily. We spoke with a few of our fantastic drivers about their experiences and learned a few things about the life of a professional driver.
1. How did you get started in the trucking industry?
We learned that everyone’s backgrounds are different and a lot of drivers get started working for a friend, or branching out from a previous career that they were unhappy with. Many of our carriers run family businesses and enjoy working with the people they love.
“My Company consist of three drivers; Alvin (my husband), Jahsheen (my son) and myself. My Son started the company and purchased the truck for my husband to drive and myself to dispatch. My husband has been driving all his “adult life”. He drove for MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) in New York, then Greyhound and then decided to branch out with his own truck. My son on the other hand had NO desire to drive until a year ago. So he has been driving now for 2 years. I have been driving for a little under a year.”
Shadra Sampson
2. What do you love about your job?
It was a common theme that owner-operators love the ability to make their own schedule and control their own income. Seeing the country and meeting new people is a bonus!
“I love the freedom to move around and do what I want, when I want and on my own schedule. Nobody on my back. It’s my responsibility to get the job done.”
Curtis James
“I’ve always been super-comfy behind the wheel of anything with a motor in it so I really like the idea of making a living by driving. Also, getting to see so much of the country is an added bonus.”
James Nesmith Jr
3. What are some of the challenges you’ve overcome?
Many of the challenges our clients have overcome have been financial. Whether it is finding affordable insurance, truck maintenance, or finding loads, OTR Capital strives to do what we can to help our clients through any struggle. We want build strong, lasting relationships with all of our clients so they feel supported by the team they work with!
“There were not many challenges but the two biggest were finding loads initially and getting affordable insurance. We went through several load boards before we found one that was adequate. Luckily when we started, the driving record of our drivers were good so by the second year our insurance went down substantially.”
Elbridge James
4. What’s some of the best advice you’ve received?
All drivers will run into problems from time-to-time but it is our job to help you make it through any tough situation that might arise. When talking to our clients, the best advice they’ve received is related to smart growth and building a successful business. Working with the right factoring company can contribute to that growth in many ways.
“The best advice we have received was to use OTR Capital LLC as our factoring company. We could not be happier with our representatives there and we consider them a part of our family.”
Darrell Muller
We love what we do and we love our clients. We want to always show that we are here to help with whatever problem you have. We dedicate this week to all the drivers out there that help keep America running. Happy National Truck Driver’s Week!