As a former driver, Randy Cornell knows how essential one’s equipment and pre-trip planning can be for your overall health and safety, as well as saving time and money on the road.

I sat down with Randy who answered our questions regarding specking, planning and why he chose this line of work.

Katlin: So you started out as a driver? How did you end up in maintenance?
Randy: I was in Safety and when the VP-Maintenance left in January 2010, I was asked if I would move to Maintenance. I had some previous experience in Maintenance from a two-year stint I had in Maintenance back in 1997-1999.

Katlin: What is the most critical pre-trip planning ritual that you emphasize to drivers?
Randy: 1. A good pre-trip inspection should include cleaning all the lights, mirrors and windows. There’s nothing worse than an unsafe truck due to the lack of a good inspection, a truck you can’t see out of because of dirty windows and mirrors, or a truck no one else can see due to dirty lights. 2. Know where you’re headed. Plan your route and where you will stop. Not planning will lead to too many unnecessary and unplanned stops.

Katlin: What is one way pre-trip planning can help drivers save time and money?
Randy: A good pre-trip inspection will help limit your chances of unplanned breakdowns is one way. Also, if you plan your trip, and set goals for yourself as to when and where you will stop, it will prevent unnecessary stops. It’s kind of like grocery shopping. If you make a list before you go, you’ll focus on that list and you have less chance of buying things you don’t really need and wasting money. Planning your trip is the same. If you plan when and where you will stop, you tend to be more focused on achieving those goals that will help you to manage your time better. And when driving a truck, time is money.

Katlin: What's the best advice you've ever received about pre-planning a trip?
Randy: A lack of planning creates a waste of time. Planning is important in any position whether you’re a driver or in the office. If you don’t plan your day, your day will plan you.

Katlin: This month we are asking drivers what helps them sleep while on the road. Do you have any tips?
Randy: Eat to live, don’t live to eat. When I was on the road and over-ate, I was miserable and could not get to sleep. Don’t eat for 3 hours before you go to bed. Here’s another reason to plan your trip. Plan your trip and your stops, so you eat at least 3 hours before going to bed. You’ll sleep much better.