East Bound and Down…
With spring almost over and fleets entering the summer months we can expect carriers to be busy. I have had conversations with various carriers and when I ask if there is a need for more tankers the answer is always “Yes and send me a driver for each one too!”. Its no secret that tank trailer sales have been affected by the driver shortage as well, companies have the business to grow and remain profitable but stagnant regarding growth due to the driver shortage.
There have been many discussions and ideas shared on how to attract new driving talent to the industry and many efforts have been made. It would be tougher yet in the tank industry due to the complexities of hauling a “live load” which involves slightly more training. Most if not all companies in the tank trailer industry require minimum years of truck driving experience to be able to drive tank due to the products being hauled which are dangerous, flammable and requiring extreme care. I think the time has come for people to understand just how much we (the non-truck driving population) rely on the experience, knowledge, skills and professionalism that today’s drivers exude.
All companies involved in the transport industry are focused greatly on driver retention and keeping the men and women that drive for them happy. Keeping the driving professionals happy isn’t going to attract new professionals to the industry though.
I recently had a conversation with a colleague from a major North American carrier and he had an idea that I thought was quite clever. His idea, why doesn’t Hollywood do a remake of Smokey and the Bandit? Interesting fact, Smokey and the Bandit was the second highest grossing film of the year behind Star Wars in 1977…Star Wars! When it was released sales of CB radios skyrocketed, I’m sure everyone remembers 4-foot-long antennae on cars and more people were considering becoming a “trucker” in those days. Even the radio stations and songwriters reaped the benefits of the movie with songs that played in constant rotation like East Bound and Down & Convoy (on 680 CFTR and 1050 CHUM on your AM dial). And I’m sure we all remember the iconic black Trans Am from the movie in which Pontiac enjoyed an increase in sales of 24,596 additional models of that vehicle compared to the previous year. Not to mention it would be a great tribute and homage paid to one of Hollywood’s most revered actors, the recently deceased Burt Reynolds.
If there is someone with Hollywood connections in the transport industry, it may be time to reach out and suggest a re-make & bring back the allure & interest in an often-overlooked profession. 10-4!
Mike Trianos – Director of Fleet Services & Procurement
Transcourt Tank Leasing
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