We’ve come the end of another year and I think most of us are happy to see this one go. The year 2020 is like a bad episode of Survivor and we shall see who gets kicked-off the island. The promises of a vaccine give us hope but with Covid numbers going up things may get worse before they get better, either way we have a way to go yet before the pandemic is over. What does that mean for the truck driver in 2021? Is this the job to get into for the future? Is this a career that will keep you safe? What lies ahead for 2021?
From a truck driver standpoint 2021 could be a great year for the industry. Oh there will be many changes but a driver with the right attitude and willingness to learn can propel their career. Attitude will be a determining factor for the new year. Electronic Logging Devices are set to come in next year and technology is changing all the time. Keeping yourself educated and up to date with technology and changes in the industry will keep you as a top selection for carriers in the industry. Carriers are looking for strong team members and like many other businesses they may have changed the way they do business and need people that can adapt.
The pandemic opened the eyes of many public about how their products got on the shelf and lifted the image of the professional driver for most of 2020. Although it seemed to be short lived in some areas hopefully we can keep it going for the long term. Many carriers have been raising wages for drivers and some let drivers go that were not performing in 2020. When business fluctuates professional drivers will be the ones standing at the end of the day. Having a mindset of safety especially around Covid-19 will be paramount for your own safety as well as the safety of the team so a safety mindset is required. Road safety will always be at the forefront for drivers so keeping your driving record clean will take you a long way.
The most important thing that you as a driver should do for 2021 is decide what type of driver do you want to be and where do you want to take your career? Companies are shuffling people around right now and finding new ways to do old jobs? Opportunities are opening up in many areas and some positions are being created out of changes due to the pandemic. Having goals of where you might want to go for the future in your career and keeping an eye to the openings at your company may give you a chance for a new career path.
Whatever you decide to do keeping yourself safe and educated is a great way to start a new year. I would like to take this time to wish you a happy and safe Holiday Season and all the best for the new year. May 2021 be a safe and prosperous one.
