Most people judge you by your appearance the first time they meet you.Many people would say others shouldn't judge you on your appearance and I would have to agree completely. However, when a person first comes in contact with you, the image you project is how they base their initial opinion of you. As a business owner, I consider it very important to make a great "first impression." If your first impression isn't a good one, you may not get a second chance.
I often hear drivers describe themselves as "old school." In some ways, I consider myself to fit the "old school" tag line as well. For me, I'm referring back to the 1940's. During this time period, truck drivers wore a uniform which consisted of a button down shirt, tie, Eisenhower jacket, neatly pressed pants and a hard bill cap. I learned this by visiting a local truck museum in North Carolina.Years ago, drivers were respected and looked upon as professionals. Many of them had salaries just short of doctors and lawyers.
In 1996, when I became an independent owner operator, I knew having a nice uniform would be an asset to my business.After visiting the museum in 2001 and looking at pictures of how these drivers were dressed, I made the decision to up my game. At the time, I took a chance and decided to wear a tie while operating as a flatbed driver. Over the years, the customer reaction has been nothing short of “amazing”. How many customers see “flatbed” drivers wearing a uniform which includes a tie? I can tell you, not many. Office personnel would come out on the shipping yard to talk with me. One customer actually came outside his office to take pictures of me. He explained that he never saw a driver dressed as nice. Word of my dress and professional attitude seem to make its way back to my shipper every time. I have been offered countless cups of coffee inside plush offices. Throughout the years, providing excellent service along with a professional appearance has created many new opportunities . I have gained a respect in an industry that often times looks down upon a “truck driver”. This proves to me that a little effort can change ones perception of who we are.
Driver reactions to my uniform vary in opinion. Some drivers think it’s “great” while others seem to find much” humor” in my appearance. To those who laugh, I explain my reason for wearing a tie. After they have time to think, some pause and admit there ‘s probably benefits to such attire. I ’ve had great discussions with other fellow drivers regarding my uniform. On many occasions, drivers assumed I was a manager of the carrier. They thought I was responsible for firing a driver and was there to pick up the company truck. Other times, I have been dubbed upper management. The most funny event I remember, was when one day I went to a shipper to pick up my load. When I came from out behind my trailer, many of their workers started running into the open fields. These illegal workers thought I was ”Immigration Services”. On another day, a driver mistook me for a DOT officer. He kept apologizing for his illegally parked truck. Many times I’ll have drivers come to me with questions or answers thinking that I am a manager of the plant or facility. These situations have brought me many laughs throughout the years.
The public reaction to my uniform has been very positive. Upon stopping at a rest area or convenience store, I get asked “are you a truck driver”? Many reply that I don’t look like a driver. I always use those opportunities to enlighten the public about the good drivers out on the road.
In closing, dressing like a professional doesn't make me any better than anyone else. What is important is the opinion of my customer. My image has gone along way to open many doors. Remember: dress for the position you want and how you wish to be treated... not for the position you have and how you are treated.
Henry