With the high cost of gasoline (still low compared to rates in other countries) there has been a lot written about ways to save fuel. Here are some ways I’ve thought of, read, used, and heard about of late.
#1. Don’t drive (duh). Can you walk or bike to the store? Can you and your neighbor ride together to the grocery? Be creative.
#2 Slow Down - Driving 60 mph instead of 70 mph saves up to 55 cents per gallon (get your need for speed on a skateboard)
#3 Replace Air Filter - Saves up to 35 cents per gallon
#4 Check Tire Pressure - Correct pressure saves up to 11 cents per gallon (I kind of enjoy using a tire gauge)
#5 Use Correct Type of Oil for Oil Changes - Saves 4-7 cents per gallon
#6 Get rid of extra weight in the car (like a tool box, not the dog)
#7 No more jackrabbit stops and starts
#8 Fill your tank in the morning (cooler gas is denser) at the ½ empty spot on your gauge (to minimize air in your tank).
#9. Avoid Idling (it’ll save you gas and some air pollution too)
Think before you jump in the car. Our truckers depend on fuel to make a living. The rest of us could cut back fuel need by driving a bit smarter, a bit slower and only as needed. Perhaps we could even reduce our need for foreign oil – what a concept.
Moving forward,
Jeff Roach
www.justintimefreight.com
True Story
While file browing I came across this blog I wrote awhile back. It was a good reminder to me on what makes a leader.
1. Leaders solve problems others fear.
2. Leaders focus on encouragement and helping others.
2. Leaders acknowledge the potential in others.
3. Leaders often see trends before others because they are always looking for them.
4. Leaders seek out people who will mentor them and then pass on lessons learned.
5. Leaders have clear defined goals and then celebrate milestones with friends, family and co-workers.
6. Leaders form strategic alliances focusing on giving not taking.
7. Leaders listen with compassion.
8. Leaders accept feedback. Then take action to improve.
9. Leaders have a mission and a vision and stay true to that mission.
10. Leaders catch people doing something right.
Joe coaches little league football. This might not seem strange but he does not have a son that plays. Nobody would even know that he does this because he is so humble about it. He does not get paid for coaching and volunteers sometimes 10-15 hours a week to help these boys learn lessons about life and football. Joe looked for a place to help then took action and now has his own football team that will start playing in the fall.
I was taken aback to hear his story because so many people, including me, always ask what's in it for me. It is easy to want to be a Leader; it is hard to really be one. Joe is very busy like all of us but takes time for these 10 and 12-year-old kids because he has a passion to serve these little guys. Think about what you will be remembered for when you’re gone. It is a challenge to raise children, support your family for all of us. Think about spending that much time helping someone else's kids?
Zig always says it best. "You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want".
Way to go Joe.
Moving forward,
Jeff
1. Leaders solve problems others fear.
2. Leaders focus on encouragement and helping others.
2. Leaders acknowledge the potential in others.
3. Leaders often see trends before others because they are always looking for them.
4. Leaders seek out people who will mentor them and then pass on lessons learned.
5. Leaders have clear defined goals and then celebrate milestones with friends, family and co-workers.
6. Leaders form strategic alliances focusing on giving not taking.
7. Leaders listen with compassion.
8. Leaders accept feedback. Then take action to improve.
9. Leaders have a mission and a vision and stay true to that mission.
10. Leaders catch people doing something right.
Joe coaches little league football. This might not seem strange but he does not have a son that plays. Nobody would even know that he does this because he is so humble about it. He does not get paid for coaching and volunteers sometimes 10-15 hours a week to help these boys learn lessons about life and football. Joe looked for a place to help then took action and now has his own football team that will start playing in the fall.
I was taken aback to hear his story because so many people, including me, always ask what's in it for me. It is easy to want to be a Leader; it is hard to really be one. Joe is very busy like all of us but takes time for these 10 and 12-year-old kids because he has a passion to serve these little guys. Think about what you will be remembered for when you’re gone. It is a challenge to raise children, support your family for all of us. Think about spending that much time helping someone else's kids?
Zig always says it best. "You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want".
Way to go Joe.
Moving forward,
Jeff
Forum Question
I have been in this business long enough to live through the high times and the low times.
Here’s a forum question relating to just that-
Are freight agent broker job opportunities growing or declining? Should I get training or can I jump right in?
No matter the state of the economy reliable, hard working freight brokers who treat their carriers right are in demand. We pay our top carriers net seven. They in return give us priority over the other brokers who don't pay on time.
The key to being a success in this business is your ability to build relationships with both the carrier and the shipper. Give them more than they are expecting and you will always have business.
If the carrier knows what your billing and the shippers know what you’re paying the carrier, then all is well.
Be sure and pay the Fuel Surcharge. Find the surcharge formula calculated and posted direct from the EIA...at www.brooketraining.com
As far as training goes. The military trains every day for their mission. Get a viable mission statement and get some kind of training towards meeting your goals.
"The only thing worse than training your staff and they leave is not training them and they stay". Zig Ziglar
This is not a simple business. If you want to stay out of the cash flow trap and if you plan on making a living get all the expert preparation you can.
Then it gets serious. I believe you never graduate from learning. Every top-notch company in the world spends 20% of their expenses on training.
Gotta go teach my class. Have a great day today...We have 10 very enthusiastic students. All will have personal introductions to the top vendors and top brokers in the industry. They will learn a proven process. The process takes pressure off the broker/agent.
All will have the knowledge and tools to create their own vision and mission for their business.
My mission is to educate and motivate the go givers and the go getters in life....
God Bless,
Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com
Here’s a forum question relating to just that-
Are freight agent broker job opportunities growing or declining? Should I get training or can I jump right in?
No matter the state of the economy reliable, hard working freight brokers who treat their carriers right are in demand. We pay our top carriers net seven. They in return give us priority over the other brokers who don't pay on time.
The key to being a success in this business is your ability to build relationships with both the carrier and the shipper. Give them more than they are expecting and you will always have business.
If the carrier knows what your billing and the shippers know what you’re paying the carrier, then all is well.
Be sure and pay the Fuel Surcharge. Find the surcharge formula calculated and posted direct from the EIA...at www.brooketraining.com
As far as training goes. The military trains every day for their mission. Get a viable mission statement and get some kind of training towards meeting your goals.
"The only thing worse than training your staff and they leave is not training them and they stay". Zig Ziglar
This is not a simple business. If you want to stay out of the cash flow trap and if you plan on making a living get all the expert preparation you can.
Then it gets serious. I believe you never graduate from learning. Every top-notch company in the world spends 20% of their expenses on training.
Gotta go teach my class. Have a great day today...We have 10 very enthusiastic students. All will have personal introductions to the top vendors and top brokers in the industry. They will learn a proven process. The process takes pressure off the broker/agent.
All will have the knowledge and tools to create their own vision and mission for their business.
My mission is to educate and motivate the go givers and the go getters in life....
God Bless,
Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com
Positively Trim
Here’s a great article I edited from Mike Kramer, Staff Writer at sparkpeople. The site is primarily to promote weight loss and healthy living. You will be a more effective business person if you learn to look on positives, trim down and stay healthy. I’m amazed at the boost I feel when my waistband feels a little loose in the morning. When I think I look good, I see a definite difference in my confidence.
If you're eager to be a positive force, there’s no shortage of people that could use some help. In 1994, 10-20% of every U.S. state’s population was considered obese. By 2001, the numbers in 30 states grew to 20% or more. According to the American Medical Association, more than 1 of every 4 adults in Alabama is obese.
Being overweight is an international problem, and it just keeps getting worse. This is bad news, but could be great for you because it gives you the chance to make a real difference. You can use what you’ve learned to make a dent in those trends. All while making an even bigger dent in your waistline.
Here are some simple strategies to follow when you’re looking to build healthy surroundings:
1. Find reasons to get people together
This is a leadership practice that can easily boost your consistency and drive. A simple idea might be to form a group of people around common goals, like a running club. By holding them accountable and motivating them, you’ll get better at doing it for yourself.
2. Create opportunities to trade knowledge
You have a lot to teach others. You also have a lot to learn. Can you set something up where people are learning from each other on a regular basis? What do you like to talk about?
3. Focus on pushing others and you’ll end up challenging yourself
Chris started an exercise streak. Every day on his office door, he posted the number of days in a row he had done some exercise, no matter how small. He eventually posted ‘100’ then ‘200’ on his door. One day, a woman across the hall followed his example and posted a '1' on her door, starting her own streak.
4. Use positive peer pressure
Just live as an example. This motivates others while keeping your own standards of conduct high. Several of us went to the local pizza joint for lunch. After our order arrived, a woman in our group started dabbing the extra grease off the top of her pizza with a napkin. She did it without fanfair or announcement. It was just a habit of hers. But then the man to her left started doing it too. Then the guy across from him. And on down the line until the whole table was dabbing away. We saw her doing something smart and healthy, and instinctively knew that we should do the same.
I think I'll make my next meeting at the walking track rather than the coffee shop.
Moving forward,
Jeff Roach
If you're eager to be a positive force, there’s no shortage of people that could use some help. In 1994, 10-20% of every U.S. state’s population was considered obese. By 2001, the numbers in 30 states grew to 20% or more. According to the American Medical Association, more than 1 of every 4 adults in Alabama is obese.
Being overweight is an international problem, and it just keeps getting worse. This is bad news, but could be great for you because it gives you the chance to make a real difference. You can use what you’ve learned to make a dent in those trends. All while making an even bigger dent in your waistline.
Here are some simple strategies to follow when you’re looking to build healthy surroundings:
1. Find reasons to get people together
This is a leadership practice that can easily boost your consistency and drive. A simple idea might be to form a group of people around common goals, like a running club. By holding them accountable and motivating them, you’ll get better at doing it for yourself.
2. Create opportunities to trade knowledge
You have a lot to teach others. You also have a lot to learn. Can you set something up where people are learning from each other on a regular basis? What do you like to talk about?
3. Focus on pushing others and you’ll end up challenging yourself
Chris started an exercise streak. Every day on his office door, he posted the number of days in a row he had done some exercise, no matter how small. He eventually posted ‘100’ then ‘200’ on his door. One day, a woman across the hall followed his example and posted a '1' on her door, starting her own streak.
4. Use positive peer pressure
Just live as an example. This motivates others while keeping your own standards of conduct high. Several of us went to the local pizza joint for lunch. After our order arrived, a woman in our group started dabbing the extra grease off the top of her pizza with a napkin. She did it without fanfair or announcement. It was just a habit of hers. But then the man to her left started doing it too. Then the guy across from him. And on down the line until the whole table was dabbing away. We saw her doing something smart and healthy, and instinctively knew that we should do the same.
I think I'll make my next meeting at the walking track rather than the coffee shop.
Moving forward,
Jeff Roach
True Riches
Excerpt from The American Dream from an Indian Heart by Krish Dhanam
If you are an immigrant like me, you have a better chance at self-appreciation if you understand that your accent may be a given and that the dream is yours for the taking. In most of my waking moments, I realize I am poor. I might have a car, a house and the ability to pack my belongings and my dreams to take a trip. But I am still poor until I realize that the greatest wealth is defined not by how much you have, but by what you are. For eight to ten hours a day you practice a skill to make a living. However, for the balance of the day you need to muster up the will to make a life. When skill and will come together you will have unleashed on the world for the very first time a twenty four hour champion...
Are you reacting to someone's perception of what you can or cannot be, or are you looking at yourself and saying, "All I want is the opportunity to thrive in freedom"?
Krish is a guest speaker at Brooke Transportation Training. He has a unique position from which to help me appreciate the American dream. He brings humor and great insight into our course.
Moving forward,
Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com
If you are an immigrant like me, you have a better chance at self-appreciation if you understand that your accent may be a given and that the dream is yours for the taking. In most of my waking moments, I realize I am poor. I might have a car, a house and the ability to pack my belongings and my dreams to take a trip. But I am still poor until I realize that the greatest wealth is defined not by how much you have, but by what you are. For eight to ten hours a day you practice a skill to make a living. However, for the balance of the day you need to muster up the will to make a life. When skill and will come together you will have unleashed on the world for the very first time a twenty four hour champion...
Are you reacting to someone's perception of what you can or cannot be, or are you looking at yourself and saying, "All I want is the opportunity to thrive in freedom"?
Krish is a guest speaker at Brooke Transportation Training. He has a unique position from which to help me appreciate the American dream. He brings humor and great insight into our course.
Moving forward,
Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com
Try, Try Again
Need a little encouragement after a discouragement? Read one man's life story as found on an inspirational website.
•Born in poverty, he had to face defeat throughout his life. He lost eight elections, twice failed in business, suffered nervous breakdown and was bedridden for six months. He could have quit many times, but he didn’t quit and became one of the greatest presidents in America.
•His family was forced out of their home AND He had to work to support them
•His mother died
•Failed in business
•Ran for State legislature –lost
•Also lost his job-wanted to go to law school but couldn’t get in.
•Borrowed some money from a friend to begin a business and by the end of the year
•He was bankrupt. He spent the next 17 years of his life paying off this debt.
•Ran for state legislature again—won
•Was engaged to be married, sweetheart died and his heart was broken
•Had a total nervous breakdown and was in bed for six months
•Sought to become speaker of the state legislature – defeated.
•Sought to become elector – defeated
•Ran for Congress –lost
•Ran for Congress again – this time he won-went to Washington and did a good job
•Ran for re-election to Congress-lost
•Sought the job of land officer in his home state-rejected
•Ran for Senate of the United States-lost
•Sought the Vice Presidential nomination at his party’s national convention – got less than 100 votes
•Ran for U.S. Senate again- again he lost *
•Elected President of the United States.
The part was worn and slippery. My foot slipped from under me, knocking the other out of the way, but I recovered and said to myself," It’s a slip and not a fall". Abraham Lincoln –After losing a senate race-1858
One who never fails, but learns, succeeds finally.
We all know we need to persevere but the world screams at us - you too can get rich quick. You learn a lot more, grow a lot more and build great character by getting rich slow. Take your time today to building toward success as you define it.
Moving Forward,
Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com
•Born in poverty, he had to face defeat throughout his life. He lost eight elections, twice failed in business, suffered nervous breakdown and was bedridden for six months. He could have quit many times, but he didn’t quit and became one of the greatest presidents in America.
•His family was forced out of their home AND He had to work to support them
•His mother died
•Failed in business
•Ran for State legislature –lost
•Also lost his job-wanted to go to law school but couldn’t get in.
•Borrowed some money from a friend to begin a business and by the end of the year
•He was bankrupt. He spent the next 17 years of his life paying off this debt.
•Ran for state legislature again—won
•Was engaged to be married, sweetheart died and his heart was broken
•Had a total nervous breakdown and was in bed for six months
•Sought to become speaker of the state legislature – defeated.
•Sought to become elector – defeated
•Ran for Congress –lost
•Ran for Congress again – this time he won-went to Washington and did a good job
•Ran for re-election to Congress-lost
•Sought the job of land officer in his home state-rejected
•Ran for Senate of the United States-lost
•Sought the Vice Presidential nomination at his party’s national convention – got less than 100 votes
•Ran for U.S. Senate again- again he lost *
•Elected President of the United States.
The part was worn and slippery. My foot slipped from under me, knocking the other out of the way, but I recovered and said to myself," It’s a slip and not a fall". Abraham Lincoln –After losing a senate race-1858
One who never fails, but learns, succeeds finally.
We all know we need to persevere but the world screams at us - you too can get rich quick. You learn a lot more, grow a lot more and build great character by getting rich slow. Take your time today to building toward success as you define it.
Moving Forward,
Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com
Excellent Support
One of the links on Brooketraining.com is entrepreneur.com. If you haven’t taken the time to browse their site do it now. I find it very inspirational to read about others success. Entrepreneur offers lists of books that can help in just about any area of business you need. They have a CD of business forms for less than the price of a holiday ham. You will find advice and resources to build your business. I clicked over there just now to get some more words for this blog and didn’t get back for an hour because I started reading some of their intriguing articles. I’ll cut this one short so you’ll have time to click over and find something useful for your business.
Moving forward,
Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com
Moving forward,
Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com
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