Pigskin Pointers

It’s September. Time for all things gridiron, especially here in Tuscaloosa, Ala., where the Crimson Tide reigns.

My humble contribution to the game ended after playing tight end with the Lake Park Lancers in Illinois. The lessons I learned live on, though, and some of them apply to our industry. Here are three.

“Most football players are temperamental. That’s 90 percent temper and 10 percent mental.”
– Doug Plank, ex-Chicago Bears defensive back.

Some owner-operators take offense easily and act rashly. Yes, there’s a time for anger, a time to jump to another carrier. But most successful leased owner-operators learn to work with a good carrier and stay put. If you’re constantly searching for greener grass, take a hard look at your role in recurring problems.

“Speed is not your fastest, but your slowest man. No back can run faster than his interference.” – Jock Sutherland, former Pittsburgh Steelers coach.

Just because you’re willing to run long and hard doesn’t mean you can grunt your way to success. You depend upon a lot of people to make your operation work – dispatcher, accountant, technicians, among others. If anyone on your team slows you down, get him up to speed or find a replacement.

“Football players, like prostitutes, are in the business of ruining their bodies for the pleasure of strangers.” – Merle Kessler, writer and performer.

The long-haul lifestyle often brings poor diet, little exercise, sleep deprivation, isolation and undeserved disrespect. Some truckers rise above these challenges. Some don’t. If you’re ruining your body or mind for money, seek those who can help you to turn that around.

Any job done well can, like a sport, be enjoyable. Stay on top of your game and savor your season as long as it lasts.
Brad Holthaus

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