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

    3D AGO

    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! Get your discount for Truck Parking Club click: here Strong. Steady. 3-Axle Ready. Try it now at 3AxleCoffee.com 🔗https://www.treeringdigital.com/delivered 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

    48 min
  2. 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! Get your discount for Truck Parking Club click: here 🔗https://www.treeringdigital.com/delivered 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

    33 min
  3. Steven Davis (Turn N Burn): The Simple Tool Changing Trailer Landing Gear Forever

    APR 26 ·  BONUS

    Steven Davis (Turn N Burn): The Simple Tool Changing Trailer Landing Gear Forever

    If cranking trailer landing gear by hand feels like “just part of the job,” this episode might change how you see it. We’re talking with Stephen Davis, a 26-year CDL veteran and the creator of Turn N Burn — a landing gear drill adapter built to make drop-and-hook faster, safer, and a whole lot easier on your body. Stephen breaks down the real-world problems drivers deal with every day: worn-out landing gear, bent handles, awkward trailer angles, bad weather, and the constant repetition that adds up when you’re moving five, six, or more trailers in a shift. We get into how the adapter actually works in plain terms, why torque and durability became non-negotiable during development, and what it took to go from a rough idea to something drivers are trusting in the field. Then we zoom out beyond the product. Stephen shares a real blueprint for trucking innovation — from building a proof of concept, finding the right patent attorney, protecting your idea, and pushing through the moments where money, logistics, and doubt all hit at once. We also talk truck shows like MATS, live demos, criticism from skeptics, battery realities, and why he believes true scale comes through fleet and terminal adoption. Plus, he hints at a future university study to document repetitive strain and safety improvements. Key Takeaways 👇   ✅ Hand-cranking landing gear isn’t just inconvenient — it’s a long-term strain on your body  ✅ Repetition adds up fast when you’re moving multiple trailers per shift  ✅ Torque and durability are critical when replacing manual cranking with power  ✅ Innovation in trucking starts with solving real, everyday driver problems  ✅ Protecting your idea (patents, proof of concept) is just as important as building it  ✅ Fleet adoption is the key to scaling practical tools like this  ✅ Tools like Turn And Burn can improve safety, efficiency, and driver longevity If you care about trucking safety, injury prevention, fleet efficiency, and tools that actually respect drivers’ time and bodies — this is one you don’t want to miss. Subscribe, share it with a driver who’s tired of cranking, and drop a review:  Would you switch to a landing gear drill adapter? Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Click here to join the conversation! Get your discount for Truck Parking Club click: here Strong. Steady. 3-Axle Ready. Try it now at 3AxleCoffee.com 🔗https://www.treeringdigital.com/delivered 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

    45 min
  4. Robert Rouse (DAT) on How AI Automates Busywork and Strengthens Relationships

    APR 24

    Robert Rouse (DAT) on How AI Automates Busywork and Strengthens Relationships

    Freight is getting booked faster than ever—but the day-to-day can still feel chaotic. We sat down with Robert Rouse from DAT to get a real-world look at what’s changing in trucking and why the next wave of technology will reward carriers and brokers who balance speed with trust. We break down how load booking has evolved—from phone calls and manual steps to today’s digital freight matching and automation—and why data flow is now the biggest bottleneck. Robert shares what made the Convoy platform stand out, especially how richer load details help vetted carriers make quicker, more confident decisions. From fraud prevention to stricter vetting, we explore how “trusted networks” are reshaping load boards—and why a little friction can actually make the marketplace stronger. Then we get practical. We cut through the AI hype and focus on where it truly helps: eliminating repetitive admin work so teams can spend more time on relationships, service recovery, and solving real problems. We also cover profitability fundamentals—cost per mile, operating cost calculators, and how to properly use DAT rate analytics, including why benchmark ranges should be treated as directional, not exact. We close with a key reality: data management is now a competitive advantage. The better your data is structured, the more powerful your tools—and your decisions—become. If you’re trying to move faster without losing control, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways ✅ Speed alone isn’t enough—trust is becoming the real differentiator  ✅ Digital freight matching has replaced manual booking, but data flow is now the bottleneck  ✅ Richer load details help carriers make faster and safer decisions  ✅ Trusted networks and stricter vetting reduce fraud and strengthen marketplaces  ✅ AI is most valuable when it removes repetitive admin work—not replaces people  ✅ More efficiency means more time for relationships, service recovery, and planning  ✅ Knowing your cost per mile is critical to staying profitable  ✅ Rate analytics are directional tools—use them as a guide, not a guarantee  ✅ Data quality and structure directly impact how effective your tools and AI are  ✅ Carriers and brokers who manage data well will have a long-term edge Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Click here to join the conversation! Get your discount for Truck Parking Club click: here Strong. Steady. 3-Axle Ready. Try it now at 3AxleCoffee.com 🔗https://www.treeringdigital.com/delivered 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

    43 min
  5. Dean Croke (DAT) on Volatile Freight, Fewer Trucks, and Understanding Today’s Trucking Cycle

    APR 17

    Dean Croke (DAT) on Volatile Freight, Fewer Trucks, and Understanding Today’s Trucking Cycle

    Freight rates can jump 20 to 40 cents a mile in just a couple of weeks—and still have nothing to do with “more freight.” That’s the puzzle we break down with DAT’s Dean Croke, who brings a mix of data, economics, and real-world trucking experience to explain why the market feels so unpredictable right now. We start with the big picture: a freight market near the bottom of its cycle, soft demand, and capacity slowly exiting—helping create a floor under dry van and reefer rates. Dean breaks down spot vs. contract rates and how weather tightens capacity by slowing the network, not adding freight. If you’ve chased hot lanes but still had a weak week, this connects volatility to real miles and revenue. Then we go regional and seasonal—produce season in the South and Florida, reefer swings around holidays, and how enforcement and paperwork risks affect where drivers run. We also cover flatbed strength from construction and AI data centers, plus what to watch as produce shifts to California and ports rebound. On policy, we hit tariffs, bonded warehouses, and how “wait and see” behavior moves the market. We wrap with practical insight: using ISM PMI and new orders as leading indicators, how Roadcheck Week (ELD focus) can tighten capacity fast, and a simple rule that works—start your day at the same time, every time. If you want to better understand the market and stay ahead, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways 👇 ✅ Rate spikes don’t always mean more freight—capacity shifts drive volatility  ✅ The market is near the bottom of the cycle, with capacity exits creating a rate floor  ✅ Spot rates move fast, but contract rates lag—understanding both is key  ✅ Weather impacts rates by slowing the network, not increasing demand  ✅ Produce season and regional shifts can quickly change lane profitability  ✅ Enforcement and paperwork risk influence where drivers choose to run  ✅ Flatbed demand is supported by construction and AI data center growth  ✅ Tariffs and policy uncertainty impact freight through shipper behavior, not just rules  ✅ ISM PMI and new orders are strong leading indicators for freight trends  ✅ Roadcheck Week (ELD focus) can tighten capacity almost overnight  ✅ Consistency wins—starting your day at the same time improves performance and results Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Click here to join the conversation! Get your discount for Truck Parking Club click: here Strong. Steady. 3-Axle Ready. Try it now at 3AxleCoffee.com 🔗https://www.treeringdigital.com/delivered 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

    51 min
  6. Trust Over Rates: Christian Greiner (DAT) on Why the Cheapest Load Can Cost You More

    APR 10

    Trust Over Rates: Christian Greiner (DAT) on Why the Cheapest Load Can Cost You More

    Freight can swing from strong to brutal in a matter of days—but the biggest risks to carriers aren’t always listed on the rate confirmation. We sit down with Christian Greiner from DAT to break down what’s really changing in trucking today: stricter enforcement of long-standing rules, a spot market slowly returning toward pre-COVID capacity, and the reality that one bad decision can quickly derail an owner-operator’s cash flow. We get into the real-world impact of freight fraud and double brokering—how broker impersonation works, why scammers thrive on urgency, and what drivers can do to protect themselves before they ever roll. Christian shares a simple but powerful habit: trust, but verify. Using official FMCSA data to confirm who you’re working with can be the difference between getting paid and getting burned. From there, we zoom out into safety and fairness across the industry. The lowest rate isn’t always a win—especially when it’s tied to ELD manipulation, CDL mills, or “chameleon carriers” that reset under new MC numbers while legitimate carriers carry the long-term cost. We also talk technology and trust—from the hype around automation and the Tesla Semi to the real role of AI as a tool that supports, not replaces, operators. Christian breaks down how DAT balances speed and trust in a two-sided network, why verification matters even when it slows things down, and how tools, acquisitions like Convoy, and factoring are shaping faster booking and more reliable cash flow. If you’re trying to stay profitable, protected, and ahead of the curve in today’s freight market, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways 👇 ✅ Freight markets are stabilizing, but pressure on carriers is still very real  ✅ Stricter enforcement means small mistakes can have bigger consequences  ✅ Freight fraud and double brokering are growing—urgency is how scammers win  ✅ “Trust but verify” using FMCSA data can prevent costly non-payment  ✅ The cheapest load isn’t always worth it—especially when tied to unsafe practices  ✅ “Chameleon carriers” create unfair competition by resetting under new MC numbers  ✅ AI should support operations, not replace relationships and decision-making  ✅ Verification may slow things down, but it protects trust and long-term business  ✅ New tools, factoring, and acquisitions are helping speed up booking and stabilize cash flow Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Click here to join the conversation! Get your discount for Truck Parking Club click: here Strong. Steady. 3-Axle Ready. Try it now at 3AxleCoffee.com 🔗https://www.treeringdigital.com/delivered 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

    1 hr
  7. St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund On How A Relief Fund Keeps Injured Truck Drivers Afloat with Diane Hutsell

    APR 3

    St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund On How A Relief Fund Keeps Injured Truck Drivers Afloat with Diane Hutsell

    One bad day—that’s all it takes. An injury or illness can pull a driver off the road overnight, turning a steady paycheck into a stack of overdue bills. In this episode, Trucking Ray sits down with Diane Hutsell from the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund to talk about what really happens when life hits hard in trucking—and who’s there to help pick up the pieces. We break down how the fund supports drivers and their families during financial crises, what expenses they cover (and why payments go directly to landlords and service providers), and how their updated application process is making it easier to get help faster. Diane also shares powerful, real-life stories—from drivers pushing themselves too soon after major health scares to families quietly struggling until they finally hear the words, “we’ve got you.” But this isn’t just about reacting to crisis—it’s about preventing it. We dive into their growing health and wellness programs, including Rigs Without Cigs, diabetes prevention support, vaccine vouchers, and expanded resources for women in trucking—like cervical cancer screenings, at-home testing kits, and free telehealth follow-ups. We also talk about building awareness in the industry, their presence at the Mid-America Trucking Show, and why so many drivers still don’t know help like this exists—until it’s almost too late. If you’re a driver in need or want to support a trusted cause in trucking, visit truckersfund.org. Don’t forget to subscribe to That’s Delivered, share this episode with someone in the industry, and leave a review—because the more people who know, the more lives we can impact. Key Takeaways: 👇 ✅ One health emergency can instantly derail a driver’s financial stability ✅ The St. Christopher Fund helps cover essential living expenses—not luxuries ✅ Payments go directly to providers to ensure fast, reliable support ✅ The application process is now simpler and more accessible online ✅ Many drivers delay asking for help until it’s almost too late ✅ Prevention matters: free programs target smoking cessation, diabetes, and overall wellness ✅ Women-specific health resources are expanding, including at-home cancer screenings ✅ Awareness is still a major gap—many drivers don’t know help exists ✅ Community events like MATS play a big role in outreach and support Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Click here to join the conversation! Get your discount for Truck Parking Club click: here 🔗https://www.treeringdigital.com/delivered 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

    33 min
  8. UPS Buyout Controversy & Shop Floor Realities: Teamsters Local 638 Update with Scott Wilkie

    MAR 16

    UPS Buyout Controversy & Shop Floor Realities: Teamsters Local 638 Update with Scott Wilkie

    A lot can shift between contracts—and workers feel those changes first on the shop floor. In this grounded conversation, we sit down with Scott Wilkie, President of Teamsters Local 638 in Minnesota, for a real-time look at what union members and organizers are facing today: growing interest in organizing, economic pressures, layoffs, and sudden public scrutiny that can challenge union solidarity overnight. We cover the frontline experience of union organizing, including: ✅ What workers should realistically expect when first reaching out about organizing ✅ Why rapid, clear communication and solid education are make-or-break ✅ How leadership transitions keep a local stable and member-focused during tough times Scott shares insights from taking a visible public stand during high-tension community moments while continuing to serve a diverse range of industries and members every day. We then zoom out to bigger-picture challenges in trucking and transportation, with special focus on: ✅ The UPS driver buyout controversy: why selective offers create serious fairness concerns, how cherry-picking who gets bought out impacts morale and equity, and the real risk of shrinking the bargaining unit ahead of the 2028 UPS contract negotiations ✅ The rise of automation and self-driving vehicles—and what “progress” really means for middle-class CDL jobs, local tax bases, and long-term economic stability Finally, we connect the dots on gig economy threats, worker misclassification at companies like Roadie, FedEx, and Amazon, and a powerful real-world story of how one person's actions can ignite meaningful community support and momentum. Key Takeaways: 👇 ✅ Shop-floor conditions signal contract changes early—economic stress and layoffs are driving renewed organizing interest right now. ✅ Fast, transparent education and communication build trust and momentum when workers first explore unionizing. ✅ Strong leadership during transitions and public controversies keeps focus on protecting all members across industries. ✅ Selective UPS buyouts raise major fairness issues, threaten unit strength, and could weaken leverage heading into 2028 contract talks. ✅ Automation and autonomous trucks threaten good CDL jobs, local revenues, and economic stability—unions must prepare now. ✅ Gig work misclassification (Roadie, FedEx, Amazon) erodes standards—community solidarity can spark real change from the ground up. Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Click here to join the conversation! Get your discount for Truck Parking Club click: here Strong. Steady. 3-Axle Ready. Try it now at 3AxleCoffee.com 🔗https://www.treeringdigital.com/delivered 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

    1h 13m
5
out of 5
17 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!