Meet Howard Goldstein: Retired Airman, Avid Traveler and Dedicated CitizenShipper Driver

There’s something extraordinary about meeting individuals who have discovered ways to combine their passion with their profession. Howard Goldstein is a retiree from the Air Force, a zealous traveler and an animal lover. He found the perfect integration of his interests as an animal transporter on CitizenShipper. You can find drivers like Howard — many who are retired veterans — on CitizenShipper’s pet transportation marketplace.

Joining CitizenShipper: The Beginning of a New Adventure

Howard discovered CitizenShipper on Facebook and saw an opportunity to work with animals and travel the country. He began by transporting dogs in his Toyota Corolla and they’re still his most transported animal. Despite initial hurdles, Howard remained undeterred. “Someone took a chance on me, and it worked out,” he said.

A Memorable Shipment Story and Communication Strategy

Everyone has stories to tell and Howard has plenty of tales from his time on the road. He fondly recalls one of his longer transports, an almost 1800-mile delivery of a vehicle with a cat and dog. At the end of the trip, he exceeded the customer’s expectations.

Good communication played a key role in the successful delivery. “I send my introduction, then an estimate. After booking, I exchange personal information, call them for exact details. I text them before, during and after the transport,” Howard explained.

Advice for New Drivers & Preferred Routes

As a seasoned driver, Howard’s advice to newcomers is practical and encouraging. “Bid often and be patient. You will get someone to want you to do their transport.” He prefers transporting in the western states and seeks out specific locations. This is a technique he learned in the coaching calls provided by CitizenShipper.

Essentials for Safe Transports & Handling Unexpected Situations

For Howard, the safety and comfort of pets are the top priority. He keeps them in crates or carriers with soft blankets or towels. Even in the face of unexpected situations, Howard adapts and overcomes. An example? “A dog got out of his harness at a rest stop two hours from delivery. I called the customer who drove to where I was while I watched the loose dog. He went right to the owner when he arrived.”

Providing a Service & Building Customer Relations

One of the most rewarding aspects of Howard’s journey with CitizenShipper has been providing a service and getting paid for it. He believes in the power of positive reviews and encourages the customers to share their feedback. “I tell them about it at delivery and send text reminders afterwards,” he said. He also rings in the importance of transparency, “Always communicate with the customers.”

Final Thoughts & Goals with CitizenShipper

As a dedicated driver, Howard’s aspiration is to be both the most active member in his area and a mentor using his experiences. He wishes to continue his journey, build a solid customer base, and hopes for continued improvements on the CitizenShipper marketplace.

Conclusion

Howard Goldstein’s story serves as an inspiration for many. His dedication to bridging his love of travel and animal companionship through CitizenShipper, and determination to overcome challenges reflect his tenacity and commitment. Drivers like Howard show that with CitizenShipper, their passions can indeed become a rewarding journey.