That’s Delivered Podcast

Trucking Ray

Welcome to “That’s Delivered Podcast” (TDP) your ultimate destination for all things trucking and beyond! Here, we take you behind the wheel and dive deep into the world of trucking, delivering stories, insights, and experiences designed to inspire, educate, and entertain. Our podcast isn’t just about transportation; it’s about reliability, accomplishment, and fulfillment. “That’s Delivered Podcast” reflects the sense of completion that comes with meeting promises and exceeding expectations, whether on the road or in life. Whether you’re a seasoned trucker, a logistics enthusiast, or just curious about the backbone of our economy, this is the place for you. We’ll explore life on the road, uncover how technology is reshaping the industry, and break down the latest regulations impacting drivers and businesses alike. So buckle up, hit the road with us, and join a community that understands the journey is just as important as the destination. From personal stories to industry insights, “That’s Delivered Podcast” brings the best of trucking straight to your ears, promising every mile together will be worth the ride!

  1. Dustin Dickerson of Dickerson Custom Trucks on Building Award-Winning Custom Semis, Smart Business Decisions, and Truck Show Culture

    1d ago

    Dustin Dickerson of Dickerson Custom Trucks on Building Award-Winning Custom Semis, Smart Business Decisions, and Truck Show Culture

    A custom truck is more than chrome, lights, and paint. The best builds are the result of countless decisions, relentless attention to detail, and a commitment to quality that most people never see. In this episode of That's Delivered, Trucking Ray sits down with Dustin Dickerson of Dickerson Custom Trucks to talk about the journey from truck driver and farm kid to one of the most respected custom truck builders in the industry. Dustin shares how he got his start hauling grain and scrap, learned the skills of fabrication and paint work, and eventually built a business that attracts customers from across the country. We discuss the evolution of Dickerson Custom Trucks, the importance of social media in today's trucking industry, and why a one-stop shop approach helps owner-operators save time and get better results. The conversation also explores the financial side of trucking and truck ownership, including choosing the right equipment, managing payments, protecting cash flow, and avoiding common mistakes that can put operators behind before they ever turn a profit. Dustin offers a behind-the-scenes look at truck show culture, the pressure of deadlines, and the friendships that make the trucking community unique. Whether you're planning your first build, dreaming of a show truck, or looking for practical business advice from someone who has built a successful brand in trucking, this episode delivers valuable insights from both sides of the industry. 👇 Key Takeaways ✅ How Dustin Dickerson turned a passion for trucks into a nationally recognized custom truck business ✅ Why the best custom builds start with quality workmanship and attention to detail ✅ Lessons learned from hauling grain, scrap, and working behind the wheel ✅ How social media became a powerful tool for growing a truck customization business ✅ Why owner-operators need to match equipment choices to their business goals ✅ The importance of protecting cash flow and avoiding payment traps ✅ What truck shows are really like behind the scenes ✅ How competition in trucking often turns into lifelong friendships and support networks ✅ Why quality wiring and craftsmanship cannot be rushed ✅ The advantages of working with a one-stop custom truck shop ✅ How Parts for Rigs helps drivers upgrade and maintain their trucks ✅ What it takes to keep raising the bar in a highly competitive industry Subscribe to That's Delivered for more real conversations with the people shaping trucking today, and share this episode with an owner-operator, custom truck enthusiast, or anyone planning their next build. Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Click here to join the conversation! Support the show Need help finding the perfect truck seat? Let us find one for you! Call 269-692-5770, email: sales@seat-specialists.com ,or fill out form and use code TR104U. Get your Trucking Ray merch to show that you roll with Trucking Ray and That’s Delivered Podcast!  click: here

    39 min
  2. Ana Hoaglund on Why Every Truck Driver Needs an End-of-Life Plan

    Jun 12

    Ana Hoaglund on Why Every Truck Driver Needs an End-of-Life Plan

    This week on That's Delivered Podcast, Trucking Ray sits down with Ana Hoaglund from Fairmount Memorial Association and Pacific Northwest Cremation & Funeral to discuss a topic most drivers never want to think about— what happens if a truck driver passes away while away from home. Ana shares the realities families face when tragedy strikes on the road, including the emotional challenges, unexpected costs, transportation logistics, and critical decisions that must be made during an already difficult time. 🔗 Link for Sepio Guard  👇 Key Takeaways ✅ What happens when a truck driver passes away away from home ✅ Who gets notified first and what families can expect ✅ Why funeral homes are often involved before transportation can occur ✅ The hidden costs of transporting remains across state lines ✅ Required paperwork and legal considerations ✅ Common gaps in company policies and benefits ✅ Why life insurance may not provide immediate help ✅ The importance of documenting your final wishes ✅ Pre-need cremation and funeral planning options ✅ How repatriation services simplify the process for families  👇 Ana's Message Most families aren't prepared for the emotional and logistical challenges that follow a death on the road. While nobody wants to think about these situations, having a plan in place can dramatically reduce stress, confusion, and financial hardship for loved ones during one of the most difficult moments of their lives. Ana explains practical steps drivers can take today to ensure their families aren't left navigating complicated decisions alone. 🎙️ Subscribe to That's Delivered Podcast ⭐ Leave a review and share this episode with a driver, spouse, or family member who should hear this important conversation. Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Click here to join the conversation! Support the show Need help finding the perfect truck seat? Let us find one for you! Call 269-692-5770, email: sales@seat-specialists.com ,or fill out form and use code TR104U. Get your Trucking Ray merch to show that you roll with Trucking Ray and That’s Delivered Podcast!  click: here

    34 min
  3. Mark Fiorello on Communication, Leadership & How AI Helps Trucking When People Communicate Well

    Jun 5

    Mark Fiorello on Communication, Leadership & How AI Helps Trucking When People Communicate Well

    This week on That's Delivered Podcast, Trucking Ray sits down with Mark Fiorello, a Marine Corps veteran and trucking professional with 33 years of industry experience and over a million safe miles. Mark shares lessons from the Marines, why communication failures are driving good drivers away, and where AI can actually help trucking operations become more efficient. Key Takeaways: ✅ How Mark got started in trucking ✅ Lessons from the Marine Corps that still apply today ✅ Why communication breakdowns create driver frustration ✅ The biggest mistakes companies make with drivers ✅ Building trust between drivers, dispatch, safety, and management ✅ Common operational bottlenecks fleets still struggle with ✅ What companies can do to improve driver retention ✅ Practical uses for AI in trucking operations ✅ Why AI won't fix broken processes ✅ How fleets can successfully implement new technology Mark's Message: Clear communication isn't complicated. Drivers don't expect perfection—they expect honesty, timely updates, and respect. When companies fail to communicate, trust disappears. When trust disappears, good drivers leave. Mark also explains why AI should be viewed as a tool, not a replacement for people. The companies seeing the biggest benefits are using AI to eliminate repetitive tasks, improve visibility, and give employees more time to focus on relationships and service. Connect with Us: 🌐 www.thatsdelivered.com 🎙️ Subscribe to That's Delivered Podcast ⭐ Leave a review and share this episode with someone in trucking, logistics, or fleet management. Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Click here to join the conversation! Support the show Need help finding the perfect truck seat? Let us find one for you! Call 269-692-5770, email: sales@seat-specialists.com ,or fill out form and use code TR104U. Get your Trucking Ray merch to show that you roll with Trucking Ray and That’s Delivered Podcast!  click: here

    28 min
  4. Hope Zvara On Rebuilding Driver Health One Percent At A Time

    May 29

    Hope Zvara On Rebuilding Driver Health One Percent At A Time

    Your body takes every mile personally, and trucking has a way of collecting payments in lower back pain, stiff hips, poor sleep, and a mind that never truly powers down. In this episode of That’s Delivered, Trucking Ray sits down with Hope Zvara, CEO of  Mother Trucker Yoga, to talk about what really happens to driver health over time — and why most “perfect” fitness plans fail the moment real life hits. Hope shares how yoga helped her through depression, anxiety, and addiction recovery, then explains how those same mind-body tools can help drivers manage stress, isolation, fatigue, and habit change on the road. The conversation dives into inflammation, circulation, recovery, and why sleep is one of the most overlooked nutrients affecting weight, blood pressure, cortisol, energy, and mood. We also get practical about hydration, food choices, digestive problems drivers rarely talk about, and how small daily habits compound over time. Plus, Hope demonstrates three simple movements drivers can do in under five minutes: pelvic tilts in the driver’s seat, calf pumps outside the truck, and a gentle cobra stretch in the sleeper berth. If you’ve been feeling worn down physically or mentally by the lifestyle, this episode is a reminder that rebuilding your health doesn’t happen overnight — it happens one percent at a time. 👇 Key Takeaways ✅ Small daily habits matter more than extreme fitness plans ✅ Sleep directly impacts stress, weight, blood pressure, and recovery ✅ Sitting for long hours affects circulation, inflammation, and digestion ✅ Simple mobility exercises can reduce stiffness and improve movement fast ✅ Drivers need realistic wellness routines that fit trucking life ✅ Mental health and physical health are deeply connected ✅ Consistency beats perfection when building healthier habits ✅ Fleets see better driver outcomes when wellness programs are practical and achievable Subscribe for more real conversations from the trucking industry, share this episode with a driver who needs it, and leave a review with the one small change you’re committing to this week. Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Click here to join the conversation! Support the show Need help finding the perfect truck seat? Let us find one for you! Call 269-692-5770, email: sales@seat-specialists.com ,or fill out form and use code TR104U. Get your Trucking Ray merch to show that you roll with Trucking Ray and That’s Delivered Podcast!  click: here

    46 min
  5. Freight Fraud, Fake Carriers & Broken Trust: Angela Froning on What Trucking Gets Wrong

    May 21

    Freight Fraud, Fake Carriers & Broken Trust: Angela Froning on What Trucking Gets Wrong

    Freight has always been messy, but the last few years added a whole new level of chaos: freight fraud, double brokering, chameleon carriers, fake insurance, and a growing lack of trust across the industry. On this episode of That’s Delivered, Angela Froning joins Trucking Ray for one of the most honest conversations yet about what’s really happening behind the scenes in trucking and freight brokerage. Having worked the carrier side, dispatch, and brokerage, Angela breaks down the misconceptions that keep relationships broken and why so many people are exhausted from operating in survival mode. One of the biggest myths? Brokers don’t “set the rates.” Angela explains how the freight market, shipper pressure, timing, leverage, and capacity all influence pricing — and why emotional reactions often distract from what actually moves freight successfully. The conversation then shifts into freight fraud prevention, insurance verification, leadership, and relationship building in an industry where one bad load can permanently damage trust. Angela also shares takeaways from MATS Louisville, including the growing collaboration between trucking professionals, FMCSA staff, and DOT representatives working to educate the industry on fraud prevention and operational risk. 👇 Key Takeaways: ✅ Why brokers do NOT control freight rates the way many believe ✅ How freight fraud and double brokering are changing trucking relationships ✅ What “chameleon carriers” are and why they’re difficult to catch ✅ Why a certificate of insurance alone can still leave you exposed ✅ How live insurance verification can prevent massive claims and liability ✅ The leadership habits that protect long-term relationships in logistics ✅ Why trust and transparency matter more than ever in freight ✅ Angela’s biggest takeaways from MATS Louisville and the energy around trucking right now If you got value from this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a driver, dispatcher, carrier, or broker trying to navigate today’s freight market. Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Click here to join the conversation! Support the show Need help finding the perfect truck seat? Let us find one for you! Call 269-692-5770, email: sales@seat-specialists.com ,or fill out form and use code TR104U. Get your Trucking Ray merch to show that you roll with Trucking Ray and That’s Delivered Podcast!  click: here

    52 min
  6. Candy Ripley-Reeve on Why a Properly Fitted Seat Isn’t Just Comfort—It’s Career Longevity

    May 15

    Candy Ripley-Reeve on Why a Properly Fitted Seat Isn’t Just Comfort—It’s Career Longevity

    If your back tightens up every time the road gets rough, your truck seat might be doing more damage than you realize. In this episode of That’s Delivered, your boy Trucking Ray sits down with Candy Ripley-Reeve from Seat Specialists to break down the real connection between seat comfort and driver health—covering fatigue, posture, circulation, and long-term spine impact. Candy gets into what it actually means to fit a seat to the driver—not just swap one out—and why that difference shows up in how you feel at the end of a 10–14 hour day. From body type and hip width to suspension systems and seat height, we cover the details that most drivers overlook until it’s too late. We also talk about the biggest mistake drivers make when upgrading—going cheap instead of going right—and how to spot when your current setup is working against you. Plus, we dig into smart upgrade options, customization, and how Seat Specialists helps drivers stay comfortable and rolling without unnecessary downtime. If you care about your body, your longevity, and making your truck actually work for you, this one’s a must-listen. Key Takeaways 👇   ✅ A properly fitted seat can reduce fatigue, improve posture, and protect long-term spine health  ✅ Body type, hip width, and seat style (mid-back vs tall-back) all impact comfort and support  ✅ Suspension systems play a major role in how road vibration affects your body  ✅ The biggest mistake drivers make is choosing price over proper support  ✅ Clear signs your seat isn’t working include constant soreness, poor posture, and increased fatigue  ✅ Smart upgrades like shocks, cushions, and adapters can improve your current setup without a full replacement  ✅ Fast shipping and in-stock inventory help minimize downtime when upgrading  ✅ Custom options like materials, stitching, and embroidery let you tailor comfort and style  ✅ Additional cab upgrades (mattresses, wheel covers, floor mats) can improve overall driving experience  ✅ Affiliate opportunities allow drivers and creators to share discounts and earn referral benefits Hit play, subscribe, and share this with a driver who’s feeling it in their back—you might help them stay on the road longer. Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Click here to join the conversation! Support the show Need help finding the perfect truck seat? Let us find one for you! Call 269-692-5770, email: sales@seat-specialists.com ,or fill out form and use code TR104U. Get your Trucking Ray merch to show that you roll with Trucking Ray and That’s Delivered Podcast!  click: here

    31 min
  7. AI Doesn’t Replace People—It Fails Without Them | Evan J. Schwartz on What Actually Works

    May 7

    AI Doesn’t Replace People—It Fails Without Them | Evan J. Schwartz on What Actually Works

    AI is everywhere in trucking right now—but most operations are stuck between hype and hesitation. In this episode of That’s Delivered, Trucking Ray sits down with Evan J. Schwartz, Chief Innovation Officer at AMCS Group, to break down what actually works when you bring AI into real-world logistics—where margins are tight, uptime is critical, and mistakes don’t stay on paper… they hit the street. This conversation goes beyond buzzwords. We connect AI to real operations—fleet optimization, predictive maintenance, route planning, and the day-to-day reality of drivers and dispatch teams. Evan explains why most “AI hallucinations” aren’t random—they come from unclear instructions, missing context, and poor data. The real game-changer? Not just better models—but better communication, better inputs, and someone accountable for making AI work inside your business. We also get real about change management. Leading with “cut headcount” is one of the fastest ways to kill adoption. Instead, the smartest companies are using AI to remove repetitive admin work—freeing up people to focus on relationships, service, and decision-making where it actually matters. Drawing from years of ERP and digital transformation experience, Evan lays out a practical roadmap: avoid hidden spreadsheets, define outcomes that pay for the project, pace the rollout, and never outsource your thinking to a vendor. If you’re serious about using AI to strengthen your operation—not replace it—this episode is a must-listen. 👇 Key Takeaways  ✅ AI fails when tasks are vague—clear instructions and context are everything  ✅ “AI hallucinations” are often a data and communication problem, not a model problem  ✅ The most important role isn’t the tool—it’s the AI steward guiding it ✅ Leading with job cuts will destroy trust and slow adoption ✅ Start with automating low-value admin work, not high-stakes decisions ✅ Define a few outcomes that pay for the project before scaling ✅ Hidden spreadsheets and undocumented processes will break your AI rollout ✅ Pace the change—teams need time to absorb new systems ✅ AI should enhance human judgment, not replace it ✅ The companies that win will balance speed, data, and trust Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Click here to join the conversation! Support the show Need help finding the perfect truck seat? Let us find one for you! Call 269-692-5770, email: sales@seat-specialists.com ,or fill out form and use code TR104U. Get your Trucking Ray merch to show that you roll with Trucking Ray and That’s Delivered Podcast!  click: here

    47 min
  8. How Laconic Tech Uses AI Agents to Automate Load Boards and Back-Office Work with Ken McLoud

    May 1

    How Laconic Tech Uses AI Agents to Automate Load Boards and Back-Office Work with Ken McLoud

    You can feel the pressure in trucking right now—tight margins, constant market shifts, and more work piling onto the same people. So instead of chasing hype, we sat down with Ken McLoud from Laconic Tech for a real conversation about what AI actually looks like in logistics today. Ken is an engineer turned founder building AI tools for “dirt under your fingernails” businesses—freight brokerages, carriers, manufacturing, and heavy equipment—and he brings a practical, no-BS approach to automation. We start with a real-world use case that just makes sense: an AI agent that monitors load boards, factors in truck availability and fuel costs, applies your definition of a “good load,” and places bids fast enough to actually win. From there, we expand into a simple but powerful mindset shift—stop asking “Where can we use AI?” and start asking “What’s the bottleneck?” Once you identify the constraint, you map the workflow, build it into an SOP, and automate the repetitive pieces—keeping your people focused on what matters most: relationships, problem-solving, and service. We also get real about the downsides. AI between you and your customer can hurt trust if used wrong. And it’s not free—API costs stack up quickly when systems run nonstop. Ken breaks down how to stay flexible, avoid vendor lock-in, and build smarter by mixing models like Lego blocks—using cheaper tools where possible and stronger ones where needed. If you’re serious about applying AI in trucking, freight brokerage, and operations without getting lost in the buzzwords, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways👇 ✅ Start with the bottleneck, not the technology—solve real constraints first  ✅ AI agents can monitor load boards, evaluate data, and place competitive bids in real time  ✅ Turn workflows into SOPs before automating—clarity comes before efficiency  ✅ Keep humans focused on relationships, exceptions, and service recovery  ✅ Be careful putting AI between you and customers—it can hurt trust if overused  ✅ AI isn’t cheap—token-based pricing can add up fast if not managed  ✅ Avoid vendor lock-in by treating AI models like Lego blocks—mix and match tools  ✅ Use lower-cost models as filters before escalating to more powerful (and expensive) ones Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Click here to join the conversation! Support the show Need help finding the perfect truck seat? Let us find one for you! Call 269-692-5770, email: sales@seat-specialists.com ,or fill out form and use code TR104U. Get your Trucking Ray merch to show that you roll with Trucking Ray and That’s Delivered Podcast!  click: here

    32 min
5
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Welcome to “That’s Delivered Podcast” (TDP) your ultimate destination for all things trucking and beyond! Here, we take you behind the wheel and dive deep into the world of trucking, delivering stories, insights, and experiences designed to inspire, educate, and entertain. Our podcast isn’t just about transportation; it’s about reliability, accomplishment, and fulfillment. “That’s Delivered Podcast” reflects the sense of completion that comes with meeting promises and exceeding expectations, whether on the road or in life. Whether you’re a seasoned trucker, a logistics enthusiast, or just curious about the backbone of our economy, this is the place for you. We’ll explore life on the road, uncover how technology is reshaping the industry, and break down the latest regulations impacting drivers and businesses alike. So buckle up, hit the road with us, and join a community that understands the journey is just as important as the destination. From personal stories to industry insights, “That’s Delivered Podcast” brings the best of trucking straight to your ears, promising every mile together will be worth the ride!