I have a small ethics problem!

[KenOVM]

Operations quite often asks me to coach newbies as to where and when to stay and our customers calling habits. I have in the past been called by these people ( newbies) seeking my advice on how to make a go of this profession( many don't have a clue). So I've given them some help and advice cuz I am such a nice guy!
PROBLEM is as we have only about 20-25 vans I feel I am taking money out of my pocket by sharing this info that Judy and I learned by way of school of hard knocks!
Question....Do you, my fellow owners and drivers feel I should give the advice or not?
I am posting this here for the benefit of any newbies that might be interested in the answers.

[Twmaster]

Honestly I think we all have a moral obliggation to help newbies to some degree. However, giving away the store does not fall into that category IMHO.

Help them get the basics man. the rest is there for them to learn. Just like you, I and others here have learned.

To you newbies, don't feel too bummed out if you get what seem like cold, short or evasive answers. Afterall like Ken pointed out you are potentially taking food off OUR plates. Nothing personal.

[KenOVM]

If I may add here, as an owner operator I have somewhat a responsbility to the carrier as well. A business can't grow by staying the same if these vans leave as sales increase and we can't service the accounts then this too is a quandry.

[csparklesc]

Ken, Once a nice guy, always a nice guy. :D Having read your posts over time I don't think you could be a bad guy if you tried. We also have been asked to help other drivers who have been BRAND NEW in this crazy business. I tell them the same thing I tell everyone " If it wasn't for a couple who helped us when we first started , we wouldn't be where we are today." We were the classic NEWBIES. :doh: NO CLUE!!! :noclue: I give them my cell phone # and tell them whenever they need us, day or night, to just call. Don't worry if you think we're sleeping or not. Remember when you first got into this?? Wouldn't you have LOVED to have someone help you thru the rough parts? Just think of it this way-When you get one of those NOT SO ATTRACTIVE load offers maybe that NEWBIE will think it's great stuff and you'll get a better offer in just a minute or two. Good kharma Ken- What goes around comes around.

[bugscuffle]

ken, i have been taught and firmly believe that every good deed returns to you tenfold. i'm sure this will work in this instance. who knows, someday these "newbies" will be FOs and give you the best loads of your career just because you are a nice guy.

[Mare]

ken, i have been taught and firmly believe that every good deed returns to you tenfold. i'm sure this will work in this instance. who knows, someday these "newbies" will be FOs and give you the best loads of your career just because you are a nice guy.

Now that's GOOD STUFF right there, I don't care who ya are!! :bye: :bye:

[Lonleyboy515]

Giving a green horn alittle knowledge of the business is always a good thing to do.Making them feel like part of the team &pointing them in the rite direction.But when the carrier asks you to do it & you are not a company employee, you should be compensated for your time.Thats the way i see it,your time is valuable.

If one of my contractors shows a new person the ropes,i would not expect him to do it for nothing.I have ocasionally reached in to my pocket & given them $50.00 just to show i appreciated what they did.

[Loose_Cannon47]

Ken, I'm not even a "newbie" yet, but I have been a trainer most of my adult life...would I expect you to give me all the secrets you've learned?.. absolutely not!!! (see my signature below)...but helping someone smooth out some of the rough spots would certainly help, and would not entail giving away the farm, so to speak...when the time comes, I'll ask for answers to questions that I have...and appreciate all the advice that I receive...good or bad...seems that most folks here are willing to share some of what they have learned, either from others, or via the school of hard knocks...it's what separates us from the uncivilized world...

Loose

[KenOVM]

Well Thanks for all the replies so quickly sheeesh I leave for a small local and bingo!!
Yes, if karma is what it is then so be it! In the past when I've given tips on when to leave or stay or calling patterns, trends it seems a good trip comes our way and good things happen! Man some people come into this business very unprepared. I think out recruiter tells them nothing! No supplies cooler blankets maps nothing! Do we have a check-off list of recommended supplys? I feel for some of them. But others I try to advise them and all I get is " I know" sheesh I hate that, 2 months later they're gone, wasn't making any money too many dead miles! serves them right for not listening.

[Loose_Cannon47]

Ken, I think a checkoff list is a great idea...some stuff is pretty obvious, but I'm sure there are many things that one might not be aware of...kind of like a first time camper...sometimes the simplest advice is what's needed most...I'm sure all you professionals can put your heads together and come up with some general information that is applicable, and helpful, to all us newbies and future newbies...you'll never get an "I know" from me, unless I truely do know...

Loose

[hooa]

Think of it this way, Ken. For every driver you help, there is a safer more knowledgeable driver on the road. That helps all of us. As far as loads are concerned, I personally, don't believe there is any shortage of freight. Just a shortage of qualified drivers who won't haul cheap freight. The more drivers we can get out there that know what they are doing AND know what it's worth, the better of we'll all be.