The Oakley Podcast

Oakley Trucking
  • 4.9 (71)
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The Oakley Podcast is a trucking industry podcast that educates and empowers owner-operators by providing relevant industry, market, and company news in a digestible audio format.

  1. Aug 12

    305: How Oakley’s Tanks Keep Plants Running: A Deep Dive Into the Pneumatic Division

    This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett sits down with pneumatic operations managers Austin Allen and Bradley Simpson to break down Oakley’s pneumatic division, including straight “dirt” tanks and vacuum pneumatics. They explain how pneumatic tanks work, why customers choose them for dry bulk products going into silos and plants, and how vacuum trailers can both load and unload material, especially plastics from rail cars. The conversation covers day-to-day operational challenges, the critical role of communication with dispatch and customers, and the intense focus on trailer cleanliness to avoid costly contamination issues. They also walk through how new drivers are trained, common rookie mistakes, what makes a top-tier pneumatic owner-operator, and why experience, patience, and professionalism at customer facilities are essential. Finally, they highlight strong freight demand, growth opportunities, new equipment coming in, and the higher pay and expectations that come with being part of Oakley’s pneumatic and vacuum pneumatic operations. Key topics in today’s conversation include: Company Updates, Iowa 80 Feature on CBS News (1:30) Introducing Bradley Simpson and Austin Allen and Their Backgrounds (4:30) What a Pneumatic Tank Is and How It Works (6:19) Why Customers Choose Pneumatic Trailers and Unloading Into Silos (9:17) Daily Operational Challenges and Serving 24/7 Plants (12:11) Changes in Customer Communication and EDI Freight Tenders (13:44) Difference Between Straight Tanks and Vacuum Pneumatic Tanks (15:35) Common Cleaning Practices, Drying Trailers, and Avoiding Contamination (18:19) Key Driver Qualities: Intimidation, Training, and What Makes a Good Operator (20:17) Why Communication With Dispatch Matters More Than Drivers Think (27:15) Customer Service Expectations and Representing Oakley at Facilities (29:44) Future of the Pneumatic Division, Growth, and New Trailers (32:22) Requirements to Move Into Pneumatics and Then Vacuum Pneumatics (35:48) Recruiting Challenges, Elite Owner Operators, and Final Advice (37:39) Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  2. Aug 5

    304: Owner-Operator Secrets: What Dispatchers REALLY Want You to Know

    This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett sits down with young dispatchers Kyle Williams and Alden Hazelwood to talk about their paths to Oakley Trucking, starting in the shop, and how that hands-on experience now shapes the way they dispatch. They discuss key topics like the 2290 heavy road use tax reminder, the dangers of road rage and speeding, and why communication between drivers, dispatch, and customers is critical. Kyle and Alden explain their day-to-day responsibilities, how they plan loads, manage problems like breakdowns, and track settlements to ensure owner-operators get good miles and pay. They also highlight the importance of relationships, understanding geography and different dry bulk divisions (hoppers, pneumatics, end dumps), and seeing things from both the customer and driver perspective. The main takeaway for listeners is that successful trucking at Oakley depends on safety, clear communication, mutual trust, and a shared commitment between dispatch and owner-operators to pull in the same direction. Key topics in today’s conversation include: Reminder About 2290 Heavy Road Use Tax Deadline (1:10) Discussion on Road Rage, Speeding, and Driver Professionalism (2:17) How Alden Found Oakley and His Previous Fiber Optic Job (7:27) How Kyle Pivoted From Physical Therapy to Dispatch at Oakley (8:51) How Shop Experience Helps Them Now in Dispatch (12:14) Learning Geography and Load Planning Challenges (14:03) Daily Responsibilities and Morning Problems in Dispatch (16:49) Importance of Communication vs Confrontation With Drivers (19:42) Bringing Drivers in for Face to Face Meetings About Issues (22:17) Young Dispatchers Working With Veteran Owner-Operators (24:05) Learning Drivers’ Hobbies and Building Relationships (27:36) Differences Between Pneumatics, Hoppers, and End Dumps (28:39) What Dispatchers Want From Drivers to Make Jobs Easier (31:12) How Dispatchers Protect Driver Earnings and Check Settlements (32:37) Reviewing Miles, Deductions, and Detention on Settlements (34:09) Final Thoughts and Takeaways (35:11) Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  3. Jul 29

    303: Why This Driver Gave Up Cadillac Benefits to Become an Owner Operator

    This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett talks with Oakley owner-operator Eddie Wormsbacher about his path from working in his dad’s kids’ furniture business in Michigan to hauling 160,000 lb heavy loads and eventually becoming a dry bulk owner operator at Oakley Trucking. Eddie shares how the collapse of the family business pushed him into trucking in 2010, his early struggles as a company driver, and the scary leap into owning his own truck, including the financial risk, maintenance realities, and insurance challenges. He opens up about balancing life on the road with a 30-year marriage, three kids, and a new grandchild, as well as how his background in customer service shapes the way he treats shippers, receivers, and Oakley’s reputation. Throughout the conversation, Eddie and Jeremy highlight key takeaways about discipline with money, the importance of safety and dealing with distracted drivers, Oakley’s high expectations and support, and why real success as an owner operator comes down to mindset, responsibility, and family priorities.  Key topics in today’s conversation include: Calendar Photo Contest Details and Examples of Past Photos (0:41) Eddie’s Dad’s Kids Furniture Business and Warehouse Role (4:08) Transition from Delivery Business to Trucking Career in 2010 (7:51) How Eddie Met His Wife and Strained Relationship with Dad (10:19) Starting Trucking: Company Driver Years and Michigan Heavy Haul (12:26) Hitting a Pay Ceiling and Considering Owner Operator Leap (16:07) Coming to Oakley Trucking and Staying in Dry Bulk (18:36) PTO Programming Ordeal on Automatic Truck and Transition to Pneumatic (24:40) Daily Challenges: Distracted Drivers, Time Management, and Maintenance (27:27) Pros and Cons of Working at Oakley and High Expectations (30:59) Big Repair Streak, Borrowing From Home, and Using Miles To Recover (34:44) Loving vs Needing Trucking and Why He Won’t Put a Driver in His Truck (37:50) Final Reflections on Trucking, Family, and Owner Operator Reality (40:03) Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  4. Jul 22

    302: The Truth About Hopper Freight: Can You REALLY Make Money?

    This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett sits down with Hopper Division Operations Managers Bryan Hill and Russell Vallance to break down how Oakley’s Hopper Division works, who it’s right for, and why it’s growing. They explain Oakley’s three dry bulk divisions (hoppers, end dumps, pneumatics), how hopper freight is consistent with many repeat customers (roofing granules, pet food, etc.), and why hoppers are often the simplest way for an owner-operator to get started, with no need for a wet kit or blower and relatively light trailers. They discuss pros such as steady freight, regular lanes, the ability to get many drivers home most weekends, and strong customer relationships, as well as cons including cleaning out trailers and competition from smaller hopper carriers. The conversation highlights how dispatchers are motivated to keep drivers generating revenue, the importance of effective communication regarding load times and breakdowns, the role of technology and e-logs in day-to-day operations, and specific growth needs in regions such as Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and the Carolinas. Overall, the key takeaway is that Oakley’s hopper division offers a strong niche with solid earning potential and consistency for committed owner-operators who value service and communication. Key topics in today’s conversation include: Welcome to Today’s Episode on the Hopper Division (0:43) Introducing Bryan Hill and Russell Vallance and Their Backgrounds (4:54) Roles of Hopper Operations Managers and Board Structures (7:20) Pros of Hopper Division From an Operations Perspective (10:16) Cons for Drivers Like Cleaning Out Hoppers and Weather Challenges (13:02) Pay Structure, Weight Incentives, and Importance of Light Trucks (15:25) How Dispatchers Stay Motivated and Focused on Driver Earnings (18:57) Biggest Daily Challenges With Delivery Times and Communication (21:34) Lessons Learned Moving From Dispatcher to Operations Manager (23:49) Why Hopper Division Could Grow Much Larger and Why It Hasn’t Yet (28:04) Home Weekend Opportunities in Midwest and East Coast Regions (30:34) Key Messages to Current Owner Operators About Communication (33:49) Final Thoughts and Takeaways (42:34) Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  5. Jul 15

    301: Truck Broke Down? How Oakley Keeps You Rolling (Rental Trucks Explained)

    This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett explains why Oakley Trucking began buying and renting trucks to its owner operators as a solution to long downtime caused by modern emissions-related breakdowns. He walks through the evolution from pairing drivers to using MHC Leasing and ultimately building Oakley’s own small fleet of rental Kenworths, primarily for owner operators whose trucks are down or no longer worth repairing. Jeremy shares feedback from drivers like Rico and Brandon, who highlight reduced maintenance headaches, better cash flow, and tax advantages, while clarifying that renters are still treated as 1099s and are responsible for certain costs like flats or damage. He also touches on current fuel discounts, the importance of sending complete safety paperwork, and previews upcoming episodes like having your own authority versus leasing to a company, and more. Key topics in today’s conversation include: Fuel Discounts and Safety Paperwork (0:33) How Emissions Problems Led to Long Truck Downtime (4:16) Oakley Buys Its Own Kenworth Rental Trucks (8:19) Why Some Drivers Choose Long-Term Rental over Buying a Truck (11:59) Limited Fleet, Who Qualifies, and Trailer Types Available (15:27) Rental Responsibilities, No Pets or Smoking, and What Oakley Covers (16:40) Final Thoughts and Preview of Upcoming Episodes (20:27) Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  6. Jul 8

    300: The Oakley Podcast Origin Story: Recruiting, Real Talk, and the Journey from Episode 1 to 300

    This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett sits down with producer Anna Belle Burrow and longtime Oakley team member Corey Huey to look back on how the show started, evolved, and grew into a 100,000-subscriber podcast. They walk through the early days of CDs, basic video shoots, and audio-only recordings launched during COVID as a way to communicate with owner-operators, and how partnering with Heard Media helped them learn podcasting and distribution. The conversation covers the studio’s transformation, favorite and most surprising episodes (including Luigi, Major General Bob Walters, JanTran, and episodes with Oakley leadership and drivers), as well as how driver stories, authenticity, and listener feedback have turned the podcast into a powerful tool for recruiting, retention, and brand-building. They close by reflecting on lessons learned about the trucking industry, the importance of celebrating truck drivers, and their excitement for the show’s future growth and content. Key topics in today’s conversation include: Welcome to Episode 300 of the Oakley Podcast (0:48) Anna Belle’s Background, Family, and Hobbies (5:05) Corey’s Role at Oakley and Life Outside Work (6:17) Discovering What a Podcast Is and COVID Communication Needs (10:44) Finding Heard Media, Getting Set Up, and First Gear Purchases (12:24) Early Episode Topics and Twice-a-Week COVID Updates (15:22) Transition to Video and When the Show “Turned the Corner” (16:14) Jeremy’s Comparison of Episode 1 vs. Episode 300 (18:38) Lighting, Cameras, Set Changes, and Brick Wall Backdrop (22:48) Growth of the Show and Role of Owner Operators (25:05) Using the Podcast as a Recruiting and Retention Tool (30:39) Funniest and Most Unfortunate Recording Moments (32:03) Listener Feedback That Keeps the Team Motivated (35:29) Lessons Learned About Trucking and Driver Stereotypes (38:24) Importance of Content Planning and Staying Current (42:58) Future Vision for the Show and New Types of Content (45:18) Hitting 100,000 Subscribers and How To Support the Channel (47:08) Final Reflections, Gratitude, and Closeout (49:01) Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  7. Jul 1

    299: Behind the Terminals: Safety, ‘Miss Ruby,’ and the Regulators You Never See

    This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett sits down with Bruce Oakley safety leaders Lee Huff and Phil Butler to explore the often unseen world of terminal safety and compliance. They discuss Lee and Phil’s backgrounds, their responsibilities across multiple terminals, and how they work with regulatory agencies like OSHA, the EPA, the Coast Guard, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Safe Feed/Safe Food certifiers. Key topics include upgrading safety data sheet systems, vessel plans and Coast Guard inspections, required safety drills, fall protection (OSHA’s top-cited violation), CPR and fire extinguisher training, mobile equipment training, AI-enhanced camera and security systems, and rigorous feed-grade product traceability. A major takeaway is that safety is everyone’s responsibility: employees must use proper PPE, ask questions when unsure, look out for each other, and engage in daily safety talks so that when something does go wrong, they’re prepared to respond. Key topics in today’s conversation include: Introducing ‘Miss Ruby’, Managers Meeting, and Terminal Safety Focus (1:32)   Lee Huff Background, Family, and Move into Oakley Safety Role (3:28) Phil Butler Background, Terminals He Oversees, and Family Story (5:39) Overview of Regulatory Agencies: OSHA, EPA, Coast Guard, and Corps (9:50) Surprise Coast Guard Inspections and What Inspectors Look for (12:20) Getting Employee Buy‑In on Safety and Understanding the “Why” (14:12) Current Projects: SDS Rollout, CPR Instruction, Fire and Equipment Training (19:21) New Technology: Fall Protection Systems and AI‑Enabled Camera Security (22:30) Sharing Best Practices Among Terminals, Especially Fall Protection (24:52) Safe Feed Safe Food Certification, Traceability, and Contamination Control (29:03) PPE, Asking Questions, and Looking Out for Each Other (32:11) Final Thoughts and Takeaways (36:56) Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  8. Jun 24

    298: Team Drivers, Big Miles: How The Hoppers Turned Trucking Into Freedom

    This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett sits with Michael and Leslie Hopper, a husband-and-wife team at Oakley Trucking, to share their late-career transition into trucking and eventual success as owner-operators. They walk through Michael’s move from multi-unit management and daycare operations and Leslie’s 31-year restaurant career into trucking in their late 40s, starting with carriers like Werner, Tyson, U.S. Xpress, and FedEx Custom Critical before buying their own trucks and ultimately landing at Oakley. The Hoppers explain how teaming works day vs. night, how they became a top revenue truck pulling an end dump, why they’re now moving to pneumatics for longer miles and higher pay, and how trucking allowed them to buy a home, build retirement, and support a large blended family. Their key message: it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, owner-operator trucking can be a powerful path to financial freedom, and companies like Oakley can make the leap from company driver to business owner much more achievable. Key topics in today’s conversation include: Welcoming the Hoppers to the Show (0:42) Leslie’s Restaurant Career and First Talk of Trucking (6:09) Michael’s Corporate and Daycare Management Background (9:17) How They Met, First Date, and Long-Distance Relationship (13:18) Convincing Leslie to Change Careers and Go to Truck School (16:44) Training Together at U.S. Xpress and Becoming a Team (18:23) Why Teaming Works for Them, Day vs Night Driving, and Resets (23:44) Taking the Leap to Owner Operator and Early Panic With No Loads (26:35) Running FedEx Custom Critical and Department of Defense Freight (29:59) Leaving FedEx, Short Hazmat Stop, and Choosing Oakley (33:17) Deadheading, Emergency Loads, and Being a Top Revenue Truck (36:27) Leslie’s Social Media, Oakley Community, and Dump Video Followers (41:01) Buying Their House on Five Acres And Building Late-Life Retirement (44:02) Moving From End Dump to Pneumatic and Chasing Higher Rates (47:32) Why It’s Not Too Late to Start Trucking at 50 and Thrive (52:39) Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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4.9
out of 5
71 Ratings

About

The Oakley Podcast is a trucking industry podcast that educates and empowers owner-operators by providing relevant industry, market, and company news in a digestible audio format.

Information

  • Creator
    Oakley Trucking
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    324
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    The Oakley Podcast

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