08/31/2026
A few weeks ago, our VP of Marketing & Communications Katharine M. rode along with our professional driver Armando M. to get a firsthand account of a day in the life.
Here are 5 takeaways she learned:
1. The early bird gets the worm.
Our day started at 4 a.m. on the yard, picking up an empty container to return to Port Houston before heading to the other side of the Port to get a loaded container. We beat the sun, morning rush hour traffic, and unanticipated delays, simply by waking up extra early to be extra prepared.
2. There's no substitute and no shortcuts for experience.
Driving and baseball - Armando's favorite pastime - both require patience, perspective, and precision. Pay attention and take your time, and you'll always pick the fastest moving line, you'll never overshoot your container pick-up location or have to wait for the crane, and backing into a warehouse can be smoothly executed in one maneuver.
3. Take pride in your work and take care of your equipment, and it will take care of you.
I told Armando I wanted to take photos, and he insisted the truck be clean. Because we started early, we had time to go through the truck wash on the way to the Port. Armando's truck is spotless, inside and out. When you're detail-oriented and organized like Armando, you earn a reputation for a high level of safety, efficiency, and performance.
4. We're in this together.
Armando and I chatted about a range of topics, from the global economy, culture, and baseball to company operations, client relations, and Port activities. The common thread: When you take the time to understand everyone's perspective, you realize that we're all connected, and we all have to work together to make it work.
5. Pay it forward.
While on the road, several drivers called asking Armando for advice. Armando is one of our driver trainers, but he also serves as a natural leader and mentor who our drivers know they can call for guidance on how to read documents, how to diagnose and troubleshoot equipment, the business of trucking, and more.
