Transportation Nation

Bennett Family of Companies
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Transportation Nation is brought to you by the Bennett Family of Companies and discusses all things in the transportation and logistics industry.

  1. 5h ago

    Repent, Confess, Be Baptized: The Hood That Opens at Every Truck Show - Driven By Faith with Daniel and Phyllis Snow

    Meet "The Goose" — a 1996 Freightliner Classic XL that's been a 21-year labor of love for Daniel and Phyllis Snow. In this Driven by Faith episode, host Lee Gentry sits down with the Snows to talk about life on the road, faith, family, and the story behind one of the most recognizable rigs on the truck show circuit. In this episode:- How The Goose got its name (hint: it started with a duck story)- The journey from a teal truck to the fully-wrapped mural you see today- Why "In God We Truck" became their mission- 35 trucks shows a year, Bibles given away, and seeds planted along the way- Daniel and Phyllis on 35 years of marriage, blended family, and faith Free Children's Bible Storybook: The first 5 viewers to contact us will receive a free Classic Children's Bible Storybook, compliments of Bennett. Details on screen during the episode. Catch The Goose in person: Stars, Stripes & White Lines — November 6–7 at Echo Park (Atlanta Motor Speedway). Subscribe for more Driven by Faith episodes and stories from Transportation Nation. Timestamps00:16 Welcoming Daniel and Phyllis Snow01:45 Weekly devotions and faith at Bennett02:13 The Goose: a 21-year project02:41 Hitting the road for truck shows03:58 How "The Duck" got its name05:51 One duck, one goose, one idea07:03 Repainting and the first truck show10:06 Designing the trailer wrap with Bennett13:01 The hood mural and open-hood witness16:30 Giving away Bibles and children's storybooks22:08 How to request a free children's Bible25:25 Phyllis's faith journey and Daniel's proposal29:35 Stars, Stripes and White Lines invite

  2. Oct 26

    How a Trucker's Passport Became the Road to Atlanta Motor Speedway

    Stars, Stripes & White Lines is almost here — and this episode breaks down everything happening at Echo Park Speedway (Atlanta Motor Speedway) the weekend of November 6–7. Host Lee Gentry sits down with David Larry and Evan Steger to talk through the National Truck Championship, the road that got 60 handpicked trucks to Atlanta, and why some of these rigs represent $2–3 million builds coming from across the US, Canada, and beyond. In this episode:- How trucks qualify through MATS, Large Cars and Guitars, Woodstock, Smoky Mountain Big Rig Showdown, No Coast Large Cars, and Old Town Rig Down- The five championship classes and prize money breakdown- The Patriotic Truck Class returning this year- Friday's NASCAR-related special reveal at 3:30- Live music from Mark Ware, Creed Fisher, and Tony Justice- Track laps, Jeep showcase, raffle prizes, and the live auction- The push to fund 20,900 wreaths for Wreaths Across America at $17 each Full weekend schedule, sponsor rundown, and ride-along details inside. Register your truck or donate at sswltruckshow.com. Timestamps00:17 Welcome & introducing Evan Steger01:08 Stars, Stripes & White Lines preview02:16 What the truck championship is04:01 Road to the championship: qualifying shows08:30 Inside the Elite Red Carpet classes10:02 Scaling up: 300-truck goal12:50 Prize money and sponsor giveaways15:06 Sponsor rundown17:56 Wreaths Across America mission19:24 Friday schedule & NASCAR reveal tease21:48 Saturday lineup & track laps24:01 Where to register and donate

  3. Oct 19

    A Fire Chief, a Cape, and a Song Written at the Buffet Line, with Mark Ware

    From Nashville heartbreak to a second chance: country artist Mark Ware shares the story behind his comeback — and the loss that shaped it. In this episode of Transportation Nation, Lee Gentry sits down with singer-songwriter Mark Ware — former Georgia fire chief, now a full-time recording artist in his sixth year of a second music career. Mark opens up about:- Losing his 14-year-old daughter and the dark years that followed his first Nashville deal- Meeting his wife Kim and the tragedy that bonded them weeks into dating- Building a band rooted in faith (and why they're always home for Sunday service)- The story behind his new single "Superman" — written at a cruise ship buffet- His new album *This Is Mark Ware*, now past 600,000 streams in two weeks Plus, details on the Stars, Stripes & White Line Truck Show at Atlanta Motor Speedway, November 6–7, benefiting Wreaths Across America — where Mark performs Friday night at 7 PM alongside Creed Fisher.Learn more at sswltruckshow.com. Subscribe for more conversations from the road. Timestamps:00:32 Meet Mark Ware01:35 From fire chief to full-time music02:34 Losing his 14-year-old daughter03:36 Rebuilding faith and finding his sound04:08 Meeting Kim over chicken wings05:39 Tragedy strikes again, six weeks in09:01 Life on the road with a faith-first band11:12 New album "This Is Mark Ware"12:21 The story behind "Superman"13:50 Performance: Superman17:47 Star Spangled Salute Truck Show details21:25 Never give up on your dreams 1514/5000

  4. Oct 12

    $700 Million Gone: Why Thieves Now Pick the Load, with David Mudd, Josh Masker

    Cargo theft hit $700M+ in 2025 — and the scammers are only getting smarter. In this episode of Transportation Nation, host Lee Gentry sits down with David Mudd (VP of Logistics) and Josh Masker (Director of Risk Management) at Bennett to break down what's really happening in the freight industry right now. What we cover:- Why theft events are down but dollar values are up 50–60%- The most-targeted loads: copper, electronics, food & beverage, shingles — even bath bombs- How fraudsters use identity spoofing, double brokering, and purchased authorities- A real case where a load was brokered 7 times before being stolen- How AI is making fake certificates of insurance harder to spot- The Montgomery v. Caribe Supreme Court ruling and what negligent carrier selection now means for brokers- Why smaller carriers are getting priced out by rising insurance and $6.50/gal diesel- Practical steps Bennett takes to vet carriers, verify COIs, and track loads end-to-end Whether you're a broker, carrier, shipper, or agent, this one's worth your time. Timestamps00:28 Welcome and episode intro01:16 Theft volume down, dollar value up02:12 Insurance fallout and policy restrictions06:33 How identity-theft scams actually work07:30 Double brokering and buying old authorities09:02 The 7-layer bath bomb heist13:38 What thieves target: food, metals, electronics15:50 Practical takeaways for brokers20:11 Montgomery v. Caribe and broker liability24:19 Why Bennett's vetting held up27:25 Small carriers getting priced out28:51 Final thoughts from David and Josh

  5. Oct 6

    Pastors, Huts, and Ghost Loads: Inside the Agent Scam Pipeline

    Fake agents are infiltrating freight networks every single day — and Ellen Mayo has the receipts. In this episode of Transportation Nation, host Lee Gentry sits down with Ellen Mayo of Bennett to break down how scam rings operating out of Pakistan, Eastern Europe, and beyond are stealing identities, posting ghost loads, and holding real freight hostage for Bitcoin ransoms. What you'll hear:- How Ellen uncovered "Scott," a scammer who stole an Oregon pastor's identity (and nearly got hired)- The $1.2M cell phone load held hostage out of Texas- Red flags every agent recruiter should know: VPN mismatches, no video calls, suspicious books of business, and vague answers about past employers- Why "laptop farms" and overseas call centers are targeting U.S. freight- Bennett's vetting checklist and why slowing down protects your whole network Ellen's core message to recruiters: don't be desperate. One bad agent can cost you months. If you're a legitimate agent looking for a home — or a recruiter who wants to compare notes and keep bad actors out of the industry — reach out to Ellen on LinkedIn or through BennettIG.com. Timestamps00:28 Meet Ellen Mayo02:43 The rise of fake agents03:27 Scott: a stolen identity case06:16 Confirming the real Scott08:35 Pakistan hostage load10:14 Scammer networks in the US13:13 Red flags to watch for16:36 Verifying with checklists and video20:36 Laptop farms explained23:11 Why Bennett: no foreign agents27:45 Closing advice: don't be desperate

  6. Sep 28

    ENCORE: Women in the Driver’s Seat, with Alicia Echols

    Step into the driver’s seat of change with this empowering episode of “Transportation Nation”—where women aren’t just along for the ride, they’re leading the way! This week, we  revisit one of our favorite conversations where, hosts Lee Gentry and Caitlyn Folks sit down with Alicia Echols, Director of Safety and Compliance for Bennett Heavy and Specialized, and driving force behind the Women in the Driver’s Seat program. Together, they unpack how Bennett’s commitment to diversity and advocacy is creating a more inclusive, supportive, and safe environment for women across the trucking industry. You’ll hear firsthand what inspired the Women in the Driver’s Seat initiative, discover how Alicia and her team are breaking down barriers—from fighting for something as fundamental as safe restroom access to tackling the nationwide truck parking shortage—and learn how this dedicated community of over 430 female drivers supports each other on and off the road. Key highlights include: The powerful story behind advocating for the Trucker Bathroom Access Act and why basic dignity issues matter for everyone on the road.A look inside the mentor-mentee program, and how Bennett’s women are using their experience to uplift the next generation of drivers.An inspiring discussion about safety—why it’s a top priority and how trust, community, and legislative action all play a role in supporting women behind the wheel.Whether you’re a seasoned driver, considering a career in trucking, or simply want an insider’s view on how women are transforming an essential industry, this episode offers practical insights, heartfelt stories, and a call to action for allies and advocates alike. Ready to be inspired by women who are moving America forward? Hit subscribe and never miss a conversation that puts drivers—and especially women—in the seat of progress. CHAPTERS: 00:00 430 Female Drivers: Building a Supportive Community01:58 Walking the Halls of Congress for Women in Trucking03:17 The Trucker Bathroom Access Act: Dignity and Health04:46 Truck Parking Crisis and Women's Safety07:27 Breaking Barriers: Making Trucking Safer for Women11:02 Launching Women in the Driver’s Seat Advisory Board13:12 430 Female Drivers: Everyone Shares Their Story14:00 Mentor Program & Health Initiatives for Women Drivers16:00 National Recognition: Women in Trucking Award Nominations18:10 Women in Trucking at the Louisville MATS Show20:22 Driven By Faith: The Role of Spirituality in Trucking22:05 Invitation: Why Bennett Is “Home” for Female Drivers23:54 Celebrating Women Drivers of Excellence24:40 Final Reflections: Advocacy and Women’s Impact in Trucking

  7. Sep 22

    52 Years on the Flatbed: Mrs. Taylor's Thank You to Drivers

    In this Driver Appreciation Week episode, Lee Gentry sits down with Mrs. Taylor, who is marking more than 52 years with Bennett, for a candid conversation about what life on the road actually costs — and what it gives back. They talk fuel prices, the parking shortage (and the specific safety stakes for women drivers), the pull on families left at home, and why the public rarely connects the shelves they shop to the people who stocked them. Mrs. Taylor makes the case that driving is a real career — equal pay for women, husband-and-wife teams, family traditions passed down through Bennett's divisions — and worries aloud about the veterans aging out without enough younger drivers stepping in. It closes where it should: with thanks, a prayer, and a reminder that appreciation isn't a week. Timestamps00:29 Welcoming Mrs. Taylor01:11 What Driver Appreciation Week means01:49 Life on the road: fuel, distraction, patience02:40 The parking problem and women drivers04:06 What the public doesn't see behind the shelves05:47 Drivers don't get the respect they deserve06:30 Bennett's specialized cargo and skilled drivers09:11 Attracting the next generation of drivers10:13 Equal pay and husband-wife driving teams12:12 Mrs. Taylor's 52 years and message to drivers14:33 Safety first and honoring million-mile drivers15:24 Aging drivers and the coming retirement wave16:06 Closing prayer for drivers

  8. Aug 25

    Driver's Seat to C-Suite: Jennifer Hedrick on Building a Welcome Mat

    Only about 9–10% of CDL drivers are women. Jennifer Hedrick, former President & CEO of Women In Trucking, joins Lee Gentry and Katlyn Foulks to talk about what's actually moving that number — and what isn't. In this episode:- Jennifer's path from association leadership to leading WIT- What the latest WIT Index reveals about women in driver, leadership, safety, and dispatch roles- Why culture, properly fitting gear, and zero-tolerance policies matter more than slogans- How mentorship through the Connect program supports both mentors and mentees- The WIT on the Road regional events and the Engage online community- A preview of the Accelerate Conference & Expo — October 25–28 in Dallas- Practical advice for women considering trucking, and for carriers who want to recruit them Bennett is proud to support Women In Trucking and the Women in the Driver's Seat program, championed by Marcia Taylor and led by Alicia Echols. Learn more: womenintrucking.org Subscribe to Transportation Nation for more conversations shaping the road ahead. Timestamps00:37 Meet Jennifer Hedrick02:20 Inside the Women In Trucking mission04:00 Engage platform & WIT on the Road05:39 What the WIT Index reveals08:31 Bennett's Women in the Driver's Seat10:15 Culture, fit, and safety that retain women13:12 Building internal women's programs15:39 Mentorship through the Connect program18:32 Accelerate Conference preview20:41 Whitney trailer and reaching the next generation22:52 Advice for women entering trucking23:48 Rewriting job descriptions to remove bias

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About

Transportation Nation is brought to you by the Bennett Family of Companies and discusses all things in the transportation and logistics industry.

Information

  • Creator
    Bennett Family of Companies
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Transportation Nation
  • Show Website
    Transportation Nation

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