The Oakley Podcast

Oakley Trucking
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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. 1H AGO

    286: Building Better Truck Stops: TravelCenters of America’s Plan to Serve Today’s Driver

    This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett sits down with Louis Ule, Vice President of Sales at TravelCenters of America (TA Petro), to discuss the history and growth of TA since its founding in 1972, its merger with Petro, and the expansion to around 370 locations, including many franchises. They dive into what TA is known for among professional drivers, including large parking lots, amenities, and efforts to keep facilities clean and safe through technology like enhanced lighting, cameras, and live video monitoring. Louis addresses driver feedback on hot topics such as paid parking, showers, and the upcoming overhaul of the TruckSmart app and loyalty program. The conversation also covers TA’s community involvement (Truckers Against Trafficking, St. Christopher Fund, Women in Trucking), its NASCAR partnership, and the changing landscape of professional driving. Key takeaways are that TA is investing heavily in infrastructure, safety, technology, and loyalty improvements, and is actively seeking and acting on driver feedback to improve the on-the-road experience. Key topics in today’s conversation include: Welcome to Today’s Episode with Louis Ule (0:46) Sponsors, Owner-Operator Resources, and Fuel Surcharge Reassurance (3:24) Louis’ Background in Transportation and Family Life (6:20) History Of Travel Centers Of America and Founder Phil Saunders (9:20) What TA Petro Is Known for Among Professional Drivers (12:32) Sit-Down Restaurants, Healthy Options, and Changing Driver Needs (15:10) Safety Upgrades, Security Cameras, and LVT Live Monitoring Systems (18:47) TruckSmart App Overhaul and Upcoming Earnify-Powered Features (20:51) Paid Parking Explained, Free Parking Eligibility, and Loyalty Changes (22:56) Massive Parking Lots, More Fuel Lanes, and Maintenance Challenges (27:20)   Citizen Driver Program and Honoring Professional Drivers (30:47) Community Partnerships With Truckers Against Trafficking and Others (32:45) Future Of Truck Stops, Technology Investments, and Network Growth (33:55) Changing Driver Demographics and Challenges Finding New Drivers (39:21) 2026 Focus On Driver Experience and Invitation for Feedback (44:08) 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.

    48 min

  2. MAR 25

    285: From the Bay to the Highway: Shop Talk with Central Arkansas Truck & Trailer

    This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett sits down with David and Nathan Dunn and lead mechanic Travis Davis from Central Arkansas Truck & Trailer to talk about their partnership with Oakley, how new technology (including AI and the Full Bay customer portal) is changing truck repair, and the realities of running a small diesel shop in a dealership-driven world. They dig into common, preventable breakdowns like neglected air and cabin filters, dirty cooling systems, and inadequate oil change intervals, and explain practical checks drivers can do themselves, such as the “rag test,” draining air tanks, and inspecting for leaks and bearing issues. The conversation also covers realistic oil change intervals for hard-running Oakley equipment, DEF/DPF system maintenance and warning signs, the dangers of “dirty deletes,” and why using genuine diagnostic software matters. Listeners come away with concrete maintenance tips, what tools and supplies every first-time owner-operator should carry, and how using Central Arkansas Truck & Trailer’s new online portal can reduce downtime, improve communication, and build a trusted long-term relationship with a shop that understands their business. Key topics in today’s conversation include: Previewing Today’s Episode with Shannon and Mark (0:37) Introduction, Sponsors, and Central Arkansas Truck & Trailer Partnership (0:12)   Has the Podcast Really Driven More Business to the Shop? (3:25)   Small Business Challenges and How AI Is Used in the Shop (5:54)   Full Bay Software and Real-Time Repair Tracking for Drivers (6:51)   Driver Portal, Website, and How to Request Service Online (9:25)   Common Preventable Breakdowns: Air Filters, Cabin Filters, and AC Issues (13:29)   The “Rag Test” and Keeping Radiators / Charge Air Coolers Clean (15:25)   How Often Should You Change Oil for Hard-Running Oakley Trucks? (17:50)   New Discounted Oil Change Package for Oakley Drivers (21:05)   Simple Checks Drivers Can Do: Hubs, Leaks, Air Tanks, and Rear Ends (23:35)   DEF / DPF System Problems, Early Warning Signs, and “Dirty Deletes” (28:09)   Why Bad Deletes and Bootleg Software Cause Electrical Nightmares (30:21)   Software Updates, Dealer Pressure, and Industry Changes in Repair (32:00)   Late-Night Breakdown Story and Helping Drivers Like Family (37:43)   Tools Every First-Time Owner Operator Should Carry and Closing Thoughts (41:24) 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.

    46 min

  3. MAR 18

    284: Trucking’s Turning Point: Cleaning Up the Industry

    This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Shannon Newton (Arkansas Trucking Association) and Mark Colson (Alabama Trucking Association) to unpack the federal and state crackdown on illegal CDL “mills,” non-domiciled CDLs, and English language proficiency enforcement. They explain how federal standards and state enforcement interact, why self-certified CDL training providers are being removed from the system, and how chameleon carriers abuse multiple DOT numbers to dodge safety rules and accountability. The conversation covers the Trucking Resurgence reform plan, the Safer Transport Act, rising enforcement against bad actors, and new state laws in Arkansas and Alabama. Key takeaways: the industry is aggressively moving to protect CDL integrity, remove unsafe carriers, support law enforcement with better tools, and elevate professional drivers and reputable carriers who do things the right way. Don’t miss this important episode!  Key topics in today’s conversation include: Previewing Today’s Episode with Shannon and Mark (0:37) Why the CDL Crackdown Matters and Guest Intros (4:09) Federal Versus State Roles in Trucking Regulation (7:14) Illegal CDL Schools, Non-Domiciled CDLs, and FMCSA Audits (10:18) How This Problem Grew Over Decades and Driver English Rules (13:23) Economic Cycles, Politics, and Why Enforcement Priorities Shift (16:31) Chameleon Carriers and Abusing Multiple DOT Numbers (19:02) Insurance Costs, Nuclear Verdicts, and Impact on Good Carriers (22:13) What Arkansas and Alabama Are Doing at the State Level (25:38) New State Laws, Working With ICE, and Roadside Realities (28:06) English Language Proficiency Enforcement and Out-of-Service Issues (31:11) Public Trust, Illicit Training Programs, and Trial Lawyer Risks (34:20) Role of Shippers, Brokers, and Insurers in Fixing the System (37:12) Raising Driver Pay and Professionalism as Standards Tighten (40:31) Appreciation for Professional Drivers and Positive Industry Image (43:37) 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.

    47 min

  4. MAR 11

    283: Why Three Owner-Operators in ONE Family Chose Oakley Trucking

    Key topics in today’s conversation include: Welcome to Today’s Episode with the Hogans (0:36) Jerald’s Oakley Story and 30 Years in Trucking (3:35) Jerald and Meka’s Long Relationship and Marriage Background (7:27) How Meka Got Talked into Driving and Her Early Trucking Struggles (10:52) Buying Meka’s Truck, Covid Pricing, and the Business Plan for the Family (14:53) Jermari’s Career Search, Welding Job, and Decision to Get His CDL (18:38) Hot Shot Hauling, Learning Ownership, and Laying the Path to Oakley (22:12) Younger Drivers Getting into Trucking (26:25) Safety, Sharing the Road, and What the Public Needs to Know About Trucks (30:02) Relationships with Dispatchers and Oakley’s View of the Hogan Family (33:42) Future Plans, CDL Versus College, and Final Thoughts (37:46) 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.

    42 min

  5. MAR 4

    282: From Hospital Bed to Healthy Trucker: John’s No-BS Story

    This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Oakley owner/operator John Burgess about his remarkable journey through trucking, health crises, and entrepreneurship. John talks about getting into trucking at 18, the ups and downs of being an owner-operator (including expensive breakdowns and a tornado-damaged home), and how a series of life-threatening health scares including blood clots, uncontrolled diabetes, and severe illness, forced him to completely reevaluate his lifestyle. John explains how switching to a carnivore/proper human diet, closely monitoring his blood work, and finding better medical guidance helped him lose about 100 pounds, reverse serious issues, and feel healthier at 62 than in his 40s. He also describes building Lizzy B’s Barbecue Rubs & Seasonings, a low- or no-sugar, keto/diabetic-friendly seasoning line inspired by his love of barbecue. Key takeaways: trucking can be financially and emotionally brutal without savings and support; health cannot be outsourced to doctors alone; diet and disciplined self-care can radically change outcomes; and even after near-death moments, it’s possible to rebuild your body, business, and marriage.  Key topics in today’s conversation include: Welcoming John to Today’s Episode (0:47) John’s Background, Family, and Early Trucking Career (1:36)   Hitting Rock Bottom and Finding Oakley Trucking (9:58)   Becoming an Owner Operator and the Harsh Financial Realities (13:22)   Major Breakdowns, Tornado Damage, and Insurance Struggles (13:39)   Life-Threatening Health Scares and Near-Death Blood Clot Story (18:33)   Discovering Carnivore Diet, Losing 100 Pounds, and Reversing Diabetes (30:49)   Creating Lizzy B’s Seasonings and Building a Side Business (34:25)   John’s Mission to Help Truckers Get Healthy and Improve Their Lives (50:48)   Closing Thoughts On Trucking, Health, and John’s Contact Info (55:57)   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.

    59 min

  6. FEB 25

    281: From $17 to Owner Operator: Bobby Prickett’s Trucking Journey to Oakley

    This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett talks with Oakley Owner/Operator Bobby Prickett about his journey from small-town Arkansas to a successful career in trucking and owning his own truck. They cover his start in the industry, being in Canada on 9/11, why he left and later returned to Oakley, and what he enjoys about end dump work, fishing, and family life. Key takeaways include the importance of watching fuel discounts, securing and maintaining equipment, and treating ownership as three jobs in one: driving, maintenance, and bookkeeping, showing that trucking can be a strong career for those willing to work hard and manage their business.  Key topics in today’s conversation include: Welcoming Bobby Prickett and Chick-fil-A Backstory (4:12)   Bobby’s Family, Hometown, and Life in Batesville/Bradford (8:30)   Starting in Trucking With $17 and Going to School in Tulsa (12:16)   From Company Driver to Owner Operator and Work Ethic (16:16)   Changes in Trucking and Relationships Between Drivers (19:27)   Public Perception of Truck Drivers and Sharing the Road (23:04)   Truck Maintenance Habits and the Importance of Greasing (27:09)   Advice for New Owner Operators and the “Three Jobs in One” Idea (30:13)   Raising Hard-Working Kids and Family Stories (33:01)   Final Thoughts, Invitation to Oakley, and Episode Wrap-Up (35:23)   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.

    37 min

  7. FEB 18

    280: He Should’ve Died in the Crash, But God Had Other Plans

    This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett talks with Oakley Owner-Operator Craig Taylor about his journey from a long, successful career in wealth management to trucking and becoming a first-time owner-operator. Craig shares his past as a high-functioning alcoholic, a devastating 2019 single-vehicle accident that nearly killed him, the long recovery that followed, and the wake-up call of alcoholic pancreatitis that led him to quit drinking cold turkey. He explains how faith, second chances, and personal responsibility shaped his return to trucking, his move to Oakley, and his approach to running his truck like a business, covering fuel strategy, costs, and what it really takes to succeed as an owner-operator. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this episode!  Key topics in today’s conversation include: Welcome to Today’s Episode (0:51)Safety Reminder About DOT Physicals and MVR (2:45)Meeting Craig Taylor and His Oakley Connection (5:57)Craig’s Background, Family, Growing Up In Missouri (7:59)Why Craig Left a Successful Financial Career (11:21)Discovering Trucking and Getting His CDL (17:55)2019 Car Wreck and Life-Threatening Injuries (18:35)Alcoholism, Denial, and Pancreatitis Diagnosis (22:09)Quitting Alcohol Cold Turkey and Liver “Miracle” (24:16)Wrestling With God, Second Chances, and Purpose (29:20)Returning to Trucking and Path to Oakley (31:15)Business Side of Being a First-Time Owner-Operator (37:32)Fuel Strategy, Margins, and Truck Profitability (42:32)Advice For Future Owner Operators and Final Thoughts (44:43)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.

    50 min

  8. FEB 11

    279: Clean Showers, Fresh Food, Safe Lots: Inside Road Ranger’s Driver-First Strategy

    This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett talks with Kirk Waidelich, Chief Commercial Officer at Road Ranger, about how the growing travel stop chain is evolving to better serve truck drivers and auto customers. Drawing on Kirk’s 40-year retail background, they discuss Road Ranger’s expansion, particularly in Texas, and the changes driven by driver feedback, including competitive fuel pricing, cleaner showers, better food, reserved parking, and stronger loyalty perks, along with the company’s commitment to community through St. Jude partnerships. Don’t miss this great conversation!  Key topics in today’s conversation include: Welcome to Today’s Episode and Safety Permit Reminder (0:58)  Kirk Joins the Show and Is Introduced (3:23)Kirk’s 40-Year Retail Background and Career Path (6:22)Road Ranger History and Ownership Changes (8:01)Texas Growth Strategy and Key Corridors (10:04)What Drivers Want: Fuel Price, Safety, Cleanliness (11:32)Showers, Hotel-Like Upgrades, and Food Value (14:25)Auto vs. Truck Customers and Loyalty Benefits (18:35)Auto/Truck Mix and Spend Differences (21:47)New Store Buildout and Land in Texas (22:59)Testing Grab-and-Go Deli to Reduce Friction (25:30)Reserved Parking, Paid Spots, and Using Points (27:35)St. Jude Partnership and Giving Back (30:21)Kirk’s Message to Drivers and Call to Use the App (32:23)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.

    36 min
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4.9
out of 5
70 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
    305
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    The Oakley Podcast

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