Trucking for Millennials PDQ America

In this episode of the Trucking for Millennials podcast, we kick things off by reflecting on Memorial Day. We express our gratitude to service members, both past and present, for their sacrifices.
We then dive into some significant freight news, discussing a new bill that aims to fine double brokers $10,000. This legislation seeks to enhance transparency and accountability in the trucking industry by targeting fraudulent practices. We debate whether this bill will effectively deter double brokering or if it will just lead to new loopholes.
Next, we shift gears to the topic of electric trucks, highlighting the recent Advanced Clean Transportation Expo. We discuss Tesla's push for the trucking industry to adopt fully purpose-built electric vehicles and the challenges faced by traditional OEMs in transitioning to electric powertrains. We also touch on Kenworth's new Super Truck 2 concept, which boasts impressive aerodynamic design and efficiency improvements.
The conversation then broadens to the overall complexity of transitioning to greener technologies in the trucking industry. We explore the balance between maintaining diesel engines, which currently dominate the market, and investing in zero-emission technologies. The discussion includes insights from industry leaders on the need for improved infrastructure and collaboration to support this transition.
To provide a deeper perspective, we revisit a debate we hosted last year between Niki Okuk of Cal Start and David Heller of the Truckload Carrier Association. They discuss the practical challenges and potential benefits of transitioning to electric trucks, particularly focusing on charging infrastructure and the feasibility of long-haul electric trucking.
Overall, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the current state and future of electric trucks in the industry, highlighting both the progress being made and the hurdles that still need to be overcome. We invite our listeners to share their thoughts on these developments and stay tuned for more insightful discussions in future episodes.

Hello, Trucking for Millennials listeners! In this week's episode, we've put together a special mashup featuring some of the most engaging and insightful conversations from our recent episodes. Whether you're a first-time listener or a long-time fan, this episode serves as a fantastic sampler of the diverse voices and perspectives we've had the pleasure of hosting.
We kicked off the episode with a discussion on the challenges and dynamics faced by small trucking companies, especially in terms of insurance and regulatory pressures. Our guests shared their experiences and insights on how these factors can disproportionately impact smaller operators in the industry.
We also delved into the topic of driver pay and retention, a critical issue in the trucking industry. Our guests discussed the realistic expectations for driver salaries, considering the current market conditions and the operational challenges faced by carriers. The conversation highlighted the importance of aligning driver pay with mileage and the overall financial health of the company.
Safety in trucking, always a priority, was another key focus. We discussed the impact of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) on driver operations and safety, with insights from veteran drivers who have seen the industry's evolution from paper logs to ELDs. The discussion also touched on the broader implications of technology in trucking, including tracking and monitoring systems.
Lastly, we explored the potential boycott by truckers in response to political and social issues, examining how misinformation can spread and affect the industry. This segment provided a critical look at the influence of media and personal networks in shaping truckers' actions and industry reactions.
As always, we wrapped up with a reminder for our listeners to engage with us through reviews, comments, and suggestions for future guests. Your feedback is invaluable as we continue to explore the issues that matter most in the trucking industry.
Stay tuned for next week's episode, which promises to bring another round of engaging discussions and expert insights. Thanks for joining us, and keep on trucking!

In this episode of the Trucking for Millennials podcast, we dive deep into the critical topics of road safety and compliance, particularly focusing on the upcoming CVSA International Road Check. Our guest, Rob Carpenter from Trucksafe, shares invaluable insights on maintaining safety standards and preparing for inspections.
Key Points Discussed: Accountability and Safety Checks: We discuss the importance of thorough safety checks before assigning drivers to loads, emphasizing the need to avoid risks associated with drug and alcohol violations.
Impact of Legal Cases on Trucking Operations: Rob illustrates how legal outcomes, like the Werner case in Texas, can lead to significant financial consequences for trucking companies, highlighting the importance of compliance and safe operation practices.
Preparation for CVSA International Road Check: The episode covers the specific focus areas for this year's road check, including tractor protection systems and alcohol and controlled substance possession. Rob provides a detailed explanation of the tractor protection valve and its critical role in vehicle safety.
Driver Challenges and Substance Abuse: We touch on the personal and professional challenges faced by truck drivers, such as isolation and financial pressures, which can sometimes lead to substance abuse. Rob shares personal anecdotes to underline the importance of support and understanding within the industry.
Avoiding Inspections and Maintaining Compliance: Tips on how drivers can avoid unnecessary inspections and maintain compliance were shared, stressing the importance of vehicle appearance and behavior on the road.
Cultural Influence on Safety Compliance: Rob emphasizes that safety starts at the top. Companies with a strong culture of safety and clear expectations from leadership see better compliance and safer practices among their drivers.
Conclusion: This episode serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and proactive safety measures in the trucking industry. By understanding the regulations, preparing thoroughly for inspections, and fostering a culture of safety, trucking companies can protect themselves from legal risks and contribute to safer roads for everyone.
Listeners are encouraged to connect with Rob Carpenter on LinkedIn for more insights into trucking safety and compliance. Join us next time for more discussions on the pulse of the trucking industry.

In this episode of the Trucking for Millennials podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Tremayne Hewitt, a seasoned local owner operator from East Texas, who has been in the trucking industry since he was 17. Tremayne shared his extensive experience and insights into the trucking world, making it a highly informative session for both new and veteran listeners.
Key Points Discussed: Choosing Between Young and Experienced Drivers: Tremayne expressed a preference for hiring younger, less experienced drivers who are eager to learn and motivated by earnings, as opposed to older drivers who might be set in their ways.
Transition from Logging to Flatbed Trucking: Tremayne narrated his transition from logging to flatbed trucking, a change spurred by personal reasons and a desire for a new challenge.
Importance of Compliance and Safety: Tremayne emphasized the critical nature of maintaining compliance with regulations, especially in light of his experiences with accidents and the scrutiny that follows.
Legacy and Personal Touch in Trucking: He shared touching stories about his grandfather, who was a significant influence in his life and career. Tremayne continues to honor his grandfather through custom truck designs and a strong work ethic.
Advice for New Truckers: For those looking to enter the industry, Tremayne advised securing an MC number first and emphasized the importance of understanding insurance costs and other financial commitments before starting.
Operational Challenges: Discussing the daily challenges in trucking, such as load securing and dealing with hours of service restrictions, Tremaine provided practical insights into managing these issues effectively.
Community and Relationships: Tremayne highlighted the importance of building good relationships with brokers and clients to secure consistent freight work, moving beyond dependency on load boards.
Personal Insights: Tremayne also shared his personal routines and preferences, such as starting his driving day with gospel music, which keeps him centered and focused. His approach to trucking is deeply personal and rooted in family values, which resonates with many in our community.
This episode not only gave us a glimpse into the life of a local truck owner-operator but also served as a valuable learning session on navigating the complexities of the trucking industry with grace and resilience. Tremayne's story is a testament to the impact of legacy, the importance of adaptability, and the power of maintaining a positive outlook in the face of industry challenges.

In this insightful episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Kevin Rutherford, a respected voice in the trucking industry and host of Trucking Business & Beyond with a wealth of experience in business training, finance, and health within the trucking sector. Kevin shared his unconventional wisdom on succeeding in the trucking business, emphasizing the importance of adopting a contrarian mindset to avoid common pitfalls that many new entrants face.
Key Takeaways: Contrarian Mindset: Kevin advises looking at what 80-90% of people are doing in the trucking business and doing the opposite. He points out that most new businesses fail because they focus too much on the operational aspects like driving and delivering, rather than the business side of things.
Timing in Business: According to Kevin, the best time to start a business is when you are ready, regardless of the market conditions. He suggests that starting during a market downturn can actually be beneficial, as it forces you to create a robust business plan from the outset.
Building Business Skills: Kevin stresses the importance of acquiring business skills before entering the trucking industry. He believes that not everyone should be a business owner and that proper preparation is crucial.
The Let's Truck Tribe: Kevin also talked about his community, the Let's Truck Tribe, which is built on strong connections and shared values among its members. He highlighted the importance of building a tribe where each member feels valued and connected.
Personal Insights and Stories: Kevin shared personal anecdotes about his journey, including his challenges with public speaking and how he overcame them to host his own radio show. He also recounted the circumstances that led to his departure from Sirius XM, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining integrity and authenticity in his broadcasts.
Music and personal interests also came up during our conversation, revealing Kevin's preference for classic rock over country music, despite our initial banter about country artists.
This episode is not just for those in the trucking industry but for anyone interested in the intricacies of starting and running a successful business. Kevin's approach to education and community building through his platform and his emphasis on learning and personal development are universally applicable.

In this episode, Aaron and Nolan dive into their recent experience at the TIA (Transportation Intermediaries Association) Capital Ideas Conference in sunny Phoenix, Arizona. It PDQ America's their first time attending, and we wanted to share our insights and takeaways from this event, which is a significant gathering for freight brokers like us.
You'll hear us discuss our initial impressions, about the venue, what we learned, the networking that we had and the value of personal and professional development.