It is common practice at the beginning of a new year to make predictions for the year ahead. There is already talk about the continued availability issues with trucks and parts, continued high used truck prices, rising interest rates, driver and technician shortages, growth of electric vehicles, etc.
Some of these things might end up being true, but the reality is that no one knows for sure what is ahead for our businesses or for the trucking industry in general.
And while it is wise to keep up-to-date on industry developments and to keep a close eye on both general economic conditions and federal and state legislation that might affect your business, it is not wise to run your business by simply reacting to changes.
See also: Putting the shoe on the other foot: NACFE's New Year’s resolutions
The beginning of the year is a good time to review your mission and vision statements to reaffirm your core values and core competencies. Those are the things that will serve you best in the long run as you navigate whatever 2022 throws at you.
It also is a good time to review operational practices across your entire organization to make sure you are operating as efficiently as possible. Where you find inefficiencies, make the necessary changes. Just because you have done something one way for the past 10 years does not mean that is what you must continue to do going forward.
Technology can make you more efficient, but remember it is a tool not a solution. Leverage technology where it makes sense, but don't make investments in technology just for the sake of having new cool tech. If it makes your operation stronger, better, faster, by all means make the investment, but remember not every technology asset is right for every business and—at least in trucking—there is still something to be said for building and fostering relationships with customers. There is a place for the personal touch.
See also: FleetOwner's top 10 technology stories of 2021
While we can’t accurately pinpoint what the new year will bring, we do know there will be both challenges and opportunities. The hallmark of a successful company is one that is agile enough to react quickly to whatever comes its way and can do so without compromising its core values.
Jane Clark focuses on managing the member services operation at NationaLease as vice president of member services. She works to strengthen member relationships, reduce member costs, and improve collaboration within the NationaLease supporting groups.
