A kid growing up in 1970s Milwaukee falls in love with trucks the hard way—by hanging around the 76, flipping through Overdrive, and begging to climb into a Peterbilt. That kid was Rob Mariani. Today, he’s the creator of American Trucker, and he joins us for a candid ride from those early memories to a primetime television series, a white-knuckle whiteout on Donner Pass, and an ambitious plan to honor the film that sparked it all: White Line Fever. Rob breaks down how one movie shaped not just his career, but a mission. He shares the years-long grind to get American Trucker made—cold calls, a make-or-break WebEx, a self-funded sizzle reel—and what changed when the network finally said yes. The show’s power came from looking beyond stereotypes, opening doors into America’s logistics backbone: UPS operations, NASA’s overlooked fleet, heavy haul outfits, and the owner-operators still carrying the torch. We also revisit the most intense shoot of his career, embedded with Caltrans during a freeway-closing pileup on Donner Pass. From there, the conversation turns to today’s realities—CDL mills, wage pressure, road culture, and how viral outrage often paints the industry worse than it is—while autonomy and AI loom larger by the day. Rob’s answer? A new documentary that recreates White Line Fever’s legendary Blue Mule stunt with Hollywood veteran Mike Ryan and stunt legend Buddy Joe Hooker. It’s a visceral contrast between real, analog stunt work and CGI, making the case for human skill you can feel when the glass actually shatters. If you care about trucking history, driver training, practical stunts, or simply love diesel and clean chrome, this conversation is your lane. We talk enforcement that works, recruiting the next generation, and how pride returns—one pre-trip, one clean cab, one good pass at a time. Key Takeaways 🟩 A single film (White Line Fever) can spark a lifelong mission in trucking 🟩 American Trucker succeeded by telling stories beyond the driver stereotype 🟩 Persistence matters: cold calls, sizzle reels, and one do-or-die meeting changed everything 🟩 Some of the most important trucking stories live inside fleets few people ever see 🟩 Real-world experience beats viral outrage when it comes to industry perception 🟩 CDL quality, pay pressure, and road culture are real issues—but solvable ones 🟩 Practical, human skill still matters in an era of AI, autonomy, and CGI 🟩 Pride in trucking starts with fundamentals: pre-trips, clean equipment, and professionalism Enjoyed the ride? Follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review to help more people find it. Got thoughts on autonomy, CDL reform, or the Blue Mule revival? Join the conversation. YouTube link to American Trucker YouTube Link for White Line Fever Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Click here to join the conversation! Built for drivers. Powered by grit. Bold, smooth, and crafted for the long haul 3-Axle Coffee keeps America moving, one cup at a time. Whether you’re hitting the road or hitting deadlines, this is the brew that never brakes. Strong. Steady. 3-Axle Ready. Try it now at 3AxleCoffee.com Support the show
