Experiences with the Tie

Several years ago while at home we went shopping for ties and nice slacks for both of us.  That first day of leaving the house dressed up was both exhilarating and at the same time frightening.  What would other drivers think of us?  What would shippers and receivers think of us?
 
The first time Bob got fuel he was a little nervous and as he was filling, unbelievably another owner operator from our same company pulled in next to us.  He came over to shake Bob's hand and say it is great to see someone who really goes the extra mile.  Well that was sure a boost in our confidence. 


 
Over the years that little tie has gained us a lot of respect at customers.  Bob is remembered easily when he walks in the door and is often treated as a very important customer.  The tie gets noticed first, next Bob follows up with paperwork in good order, knowledge on how to load the freight and secure it, followed up by a Thank You for your business. 
 
We have had customers take the time to call in about our performance and also send letters stating how much they appreciate us and that they wish more drivers would dress nicer.  We have many funny stories as Henry does on how we are treated by customers, how we have cleared docks as they thought we were inspectors, or how hard it is to convince some customers we really are truck drivers.  These happenings always lead to some interesting conversations. 


 
Henry's recent blog reminded me of the latest event and while funny it was also a little uncomfortable.   We were picking up at a White Glove customer that has a very lax dress policy which somewhat surprises us.  The man that was loading us was dressed for hot weather and going to the park.  Before he loaded us he started asking Bob about his tie and manner of dress.  Bob explained that he dressed as a successful businessman as it made him feel good and that customers seemed to appreciate a well-dressed truck driver.  At this point another man approached the truck, as he would be our escort.  Don the truck escort came walking over and stuck out his hand to the loader and said " Hi! Bob I am here to escort your truck." The loader looked at Don and turned to Bob and said this is Bob the driver of the truck.  Dan apologized and stammered out an " I just assumed... " and his voice trailed off.  The loaded looked down at himself and said, "I might need to rethink what I wear to work."


 
It was sad to us that the assumption was made that the guy that looked like he might be going to the park for a day playing Frisbee looked like the truck driver.