FMCSA Chief
I have decided to throw my hat into the ring for Anne Ferro's old job. No, I am not going to give up my position as a team run smart pro. The chances of me winning the gig are somewhere closer to none than slim. But hey if the Jamaicans can have a bobsled team why not? The odds are against them winning a medal. The odds are against me. They are my inspiration.
My first impression is that somehow being a driver is a disqualifying event. It shouldn't be. Let me toot my 
horn. I have a pretty good understanding of the industry. Over my 26 + years behind the wheel I have learned a few things. During that time I have been a company driver. I have worked in the LTL business. I have been an owner operator for about 13 years. My business survived through the lean years and thrived during the good years.
I earned 2 college degrees My AA degree is in Liberal Arts. My BA in in Business Administration with an Accounting Concentration. It also includes 15 semester hours in Economics. Running my newspaper business at age 12, taught me organizational skills. Delivering newspapers was not my only job in distribution. While going to college at night, I loaded trucks during the day. So, while
getting my degree as an administrator I learned what it takes to load trucks as quickly and safely as possible.
I understand why we need rules. I also have sat in unexpected traffic while my 14 hours was expiring. I understand that rush hours should be avoided. I understand that we need some flexibility on HOS for safety and production. I understand that more things happen on the road that disrupt schedules than happen in an enclosed warehouse. I understand that most drivers are professional and are trying to do our jobs as safely and professionally as possible under difficult conditions. My understanding should not disqualify me from the position.
I believe in the professional driver. I believe that we attract enough drivers into the industry. I believe that we lose them because of the way that they are treated. I believe that driving a truck requires training. I believe in training standards. I believe that the trucker should be paid for everything that they do. I believe that policy should lead to overall efficiency of the system. I believe that efficiency that professionalism is the most important ingredient for safety. I believe that professional drivers should be treated professionally. My beliefs should not disqualify me from the position.
There it is. You have seen my qualifications. You know my beliefs, vote for me. WAIT! That is not how it works. It is a bureaucratic position? It is chosen by other bureaucrats? Shouldn't we choose someone who understands the industry? Maybe it is time to change that. It is time to put a trucker in job. I doubt that they will. But, as long as the Jamaicans keep trying, so will I. Who knows? Someday an American will win the Boston Marathon too.