John Wooden's “Be quick, but don't hurry” is one of my favorite sports quote of all time. When you first read it, it doesn't make sense. It makes you think. Once you do that it makes sense. In the modern
trucking industry it makes perfect sense. Being quick is using your time wisely. Hurrying is dangerous. It is important to recognize the difference and heed the advice.
The trucking world of today is different than the trucking world that I started in. It has evolved. Some would say for the better, some would say for the worse. To me, it is a bit of a trade off. It used to be that we could leave Green Bay late Saturday night or even Sunday morning and deliver Boston, New York, or Philly on Monday morning. We didn't care how long it would take to unload because we were sleeping. We had a fuel stop in Pennsylvania, that would ask “What date would you like on your fuel ticket?” before they wrote it out for
you.
Those days are gone. Even for paper logs, you were starting to have to match times, not just dates. With auto tolling, times are recorded accurately. Fueling is recorded to the minute. Even if you pay cash, they can pin down the time that you fueled if they want to. Ever use a cell phone? At this point you are just better off keeping a legal and accurate log.
Creating a sense of urgency creates efficiency. Be aware that everything has a learning curve. It takes longer the first time you do anything. Learn how to do things quicker. Develop routines. Do your vehicle inspections the same way, every time. You will become quicker at it. I have developed my twice around routine. My first time around, I open the hood and turn on all of the clearance lights. I check the fluid levels. I walk around and check the tires and lights. I look for damage. The second time around I will start the truck, turn off the lights and turn on the flashers. I release the trailer brakes. The second time around is as much about listening as it is about looking. It is an efficient routine.
Developing an efficient routine is about being quick. Skipping your inspections is about hurrying. Being quick is about being profitable. Hurrying isn't. Hurrying can cost you. On the basket ball court, being quick and decisive keeps you ahead of your competition. Hurrying creates turnovers and opportunity for your opposition. On the road, hurrying can cause break downs or worse.