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. 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

  2. Aug 17

    Charles Gracey on Choices, Charley Horses, and the Cost of Growing Fast

    Charles Gracey — known in the industry as the "Dr. Phil of Trucking" — sits down with Lee Gentry and Jason Brady to talk about the choices that built (and broke) fleets over the last three years, why the drivers who show up every day deserve more than a headline, and what it really costs to live two lives at once: one at home, one on the road. In this episode:- Why the companies thriving right now stayed in their lane- How Charles went from shop floors and CDL miles to industry voice- The real math behind driver pay vs. the corporate talking points- What every driver at Shell Rotella SuperRigs told Charles when asked one question- Why accessibility beats ROI when it comes to earning driver trust- A look ahead to Stars, Stripes & White Lines at Echo Park, Nov 6–7 Plus a nod to Katlyn and baby Shepherd, and a reminder that none of our jobs exist without the American truck driver. Subscribe for new Transportation Nation episodes every week. Timestamps00:32 Welcoming Charles Gracey01:37 What keeps trucking execs up at night02:33 Traits of companies still winning03:56 How Charles became the "Dr. Phil of Trucking"05:00 Growing up in the shop and old-school mentors07:47 Military discipline shaping his career10:19 Trucking's role in America's 250th birthday13:07 Push to recognize drivers as first responders14:00 The truth about driver pay17:04 What drivers actually want from legislators20:28 Why accessibility to drivers matters23:37 Preview of Stars, Stripes and White Lines26:51 The stories behind the rigs

  3. Aug 10

    Punch Holes, Feed Crews, Keep the Trucks Rolling, with Harold Vice

    What happens in the Strait of Hormuz doesn't stay in the Strait of Hormuz — it shows up at the pump, on the rig floor, and in every load hauled across the oil patch. In this episode of Transportation Nation, Lee Gentry sits down with Harold Weiss, President of American Eagle Transport, to unpack how Middle East tensions ripple through domestic drilling, trucking capacity, and gas prices. What we cover:- Why offshore drilling in the Gulf barely flinches at short-term price swings (hint: leases are planned years out)- How onshore shale plays — Permian, Haynesville, Eagle Ford — respond fast when wildcatters see an opening- The real story behind tight trucking capacity and why relationships beat rock-bottom rates- Rig count trends and what Baker Hughes numbers say about 2026 and 2027- Why "drill, baby, drill" is more about self-sufficiency than shortage- Life as an owner-operator: make hay when you canPlus, Harold shares how American Eagle keeps 250+ field workers fed with fish fries at Port Fourchon and shale-site cookouts.Subscribe for weekly conversations with the people moving America. Timestamps00:52 Why cookouts matter in oil country03:16 How Iran unrest hits Gulf vs shale drilling06:07 Wildcatters chasing short-term price swings07:27 Capacity crunch and honest customer talk10:09 Onshore vs offshore: two different animals14:06 Drill baby drill and the permit reality16:26 Why global uneasiness moves the pump price18:44 Growth spurt: new hires and new territory20:36 Chasing shale plays like a game of chess23:22 Inside the American Eagle equipment mix24:41 Reading the Baker Hughes rig count26:21 Make hay when you can make hay

  4. Jul 27

    Stars, Stripes & White Lines: Inside America's Must-See Truck Show!

    The engine of America’s economy isn’t just the freight—it’s the unwavering pride and purpose carried by those behind the wheel. Get ready for the inside scoop on one of trucking’s hottest—and most meaningful—events: Stars, Stripes & White Lines, the national championship show bringing together the industry’s most elite rigs and passionate drivers. In this episode, your co-hosts go behind the scenes at the Mid America Truck Show to unpack what makes Stars, Stripes & White Lines at Echo Park Racetrack (formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway) more than just a truck show. From jaw-dropping custom builds to the camaraderie and patriotic spirit that unites attendees, you’ll hear firsthand stories from builders, judges, and longtime participants about why this event has rapidly become a must-attend in the trucking world. Special guests include custom builder Cody, who reveals the inspiration and creative process behind his one-of-a-kind “Dark Horse” truck; show veteran Speaker E, who shares why this event outshines others across the country; and insiders Speaker B, Speaker F, and Speaker G, who take you through show highlights, new competition classes, and the heartwarming impact of supporting Wreaths Across America. A few moments you won’t want to miss: The wild story behind an epic 90-day truck build challenge and a never-before-seen custom wheel design.Insight into the selection process for the national championship—what it takes for a rig to earn that coveted “golden ticket.”The inspiring reason why so many in the trucking community rally around this show: honoring veterans and raising funds to place wreaths at Andersonville National Cemetery. If you’re curious about what it takes to build a championship show truck, the power of trucking community, or the role of patriotism in the industry—this episode is for you. Subscribe for more conversations like this that drive the spirit of America’s highways! Subscribe now for more powerful conversations, behind-the-scenes stories, and a closer look at the people and innovations fueling America’s highways. CHAPTERS:00:16 Why Stars, Stripes & White Lines Is a Must-Attend Show01:21 Standing on the Track with Elite Truck Builders02:36 Inside the 90-Day “Dark Horse” Truck Build03:07 Custom Innovations to Impress Show Judges04:30 Handcrafted Wheels and Paint: The Dark Horse Story05:51 “Everybody Wants to Win This Show”: The Competitive Spirit06:33 Hitting 103 MPH in a Peterbilt on the Racetrack08:00 Selecting the First Entries for the National Championship09:54 Why This Is “The Greatest American Truck Show”10:17 National Championship for a Good Cause: Wreaths Across America12:18 Why Truckers Love Driving on the Echo Park Racetrack13:00 Variety on Display: Trucks, Jeeps, Motorcycles, Show Cars14:05 How to Qualify for the National Championship & New Classes16:12 Patriotic Truck Displays Return for 202417:10 The Legendary Golf Ball Drop from a Huey Helicopter18:44 “The Trucking Community Gives Back Like Nobody’s Business”19:12 How to Register for SSWL and What’s New This Year20:14 Final Reflections: Trucking as a Calling, Not Just a Job

  5. Jul 20

    Diedrik Hoogstraten on Washington at 22, Before the Statue

    Screenwriter Diedrik Hoogstraten grew up in socialist-era Holland watching American sitcoms and dreaming of a country he'd only seen on TV. Now a naturalized citizen, he co-wrote "Young Washington" — the July 4th release timed to America's 250th anniversary. In this episode, Diedrik joins Lee Gentry to talk about the story behind the film and the man behind the myth. What we cover:- How director Jon Erwin's vision for Wonder Project (with Diedrik's wife Kaitlyn leading the business side) brought the movie to life- Why the film starts when George Washington is 11 and ends at age 22 — decades before 1776- Washington's early failures, including the tactical errors that helped start the French and Indian War- The influence of his mother Mary and the idea that "failure is a tutor sent by God"- Making family-friendly films without sacrificing production value- What's next: a follow-up film titled "1776" and Diedrik's screenplay for "God's Smuggler" Diedrik's perspective as someone who chose America adds a layer you don't often hear in conversations about the Founding Fathers. Catch "Young Washington" in theaters now. Timestamps 00:37 Welcoming Diedrick Hoogstraten01:36 How Wonder Project and the film came together04:03 Becoming American: a Dutchman's patriotism09:02 Inside Young Washington's story14:03 Failure as a tutor: forging character18:27 A film for every American, not left or right21:15 Wonder Project's mission for family entertainment25:16 Lessons for young audiences today28:47 Anti-fragility and America's second chances31:01 What's next: 1776 and God's Smuggler32:40 Why audiences should see Young Washington

  6. Jul 13

    Wreaths Across America from MATS

    Every December, millions of wreaths make their way to veterans' graves across the country. Behind that mission is a network of truckers, sponsors, and volunteers who make it happen. In this episode, Katlyn Foulks and Lee Gentry sit down with guests from Mid-America Truck Show to talk about Wreaths Across America and the trucking industry's role in carrying that mission forward. What we cover:• Courtney George on the 2025 numbers — 3.1 million wreaths, 727 loads, 5,994 locations• Lee Gentry on Bennett's journey from 3,000 wreaths in 2017 to over 20,700 at Andersonville National Cemetery• Van Brown on Bull Snot, the Christmas stockings for truckers, and how Don Queeney pulled him in a decade ago• Brett Hutto of Truck Parking Club on laying wreaths at Arlington for a friend's parents• A firsthand account of the convoy and ceremony at Andersonville• Details on the Stars, Stripes and White Lines Truck Show, November 6–7 at Echo Park Speedway Learn more about Wreaths Across America and how to get involved at wreathsacrossamerica.org. Timestamps00:16 Cold open: why this mission matters00:37 Courtney George on Bennett's role01:21 Bennett's wreath delivery growth since 201702:48 New cross-dock to ease trucker logistics04:15 2025 by the numbers: 3.1 million wreaths04:53 Chasing trucks to honor every sponsor06:09 Van Brown enters: the golf ball drop origin06:45 Bull Snot stockings for wreath haulers08:52 Stars, Stripes and White Lines truck show09:25 Patriot Mobile's Andersonville experience11:41 Brett Hutto on Truck Parking Club's support15:26 Laying wreaths at Arlington for a friend

  7. Jul 1

    Freedom 250: The Race Past the Monuments

    America turns 250 — and the celebration is already underway. In this episode of Transportation Nation, we break down Freedom 250, the year-long nationwide commemoration leading up to July 4th, 2026. Here's what we cover:• What Freedom 250 is and how the White House Task Force 250 came together• A message from Keith Crocker, CEO of Freedom 250• The American Stories Exhibition at the National Archives, featuring a rare 1823 stone engraving of the Declaration of Independence• The Freedom Truck Tour — 6 mobile museums traveling the country in partnership with PragerU• Major events: the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, July 4th celebrations in D.C., and the Freedom 250 Grand Prix (with infrastructure built out by Bennett)• The America Praise Initiative and the call to pray 10 minutes a week with 10 people• Special messages from Marcy Taylor, Kent Morrison, and partners across the Bennett Family of Companies thanking America's truck drivers Be a patriot. Celebrate. Participate.Learn more and add your voice at freedom250.org. Timestamps00:28 What Freedom 250 is01:32 Keith Crocker's vision03:44 White House Task Force origins06:43 Three eras being honored08:08 American Stories Exhibition09:36 Freedom Truck mobile museums11:02 Great American State Fair & July 4th12:26 Grand Prix in DC (Bennett's role)14:31 America Praise Initiative17:32 How to participate18:17 Voices from Bennett & partners23:23 A message to all Americans

  8. Jun 15

    Green Family Legacy: Building the Museum of the Bible & Blending Faith, Family, and Business

    Discover how faith, vision, and generosity transformed a family legacy into one of Washington D.C.’s most groundbreaking museums—dedicated entirely to the history and impact of the Bible. In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Steve and Jackie Green, founders of the Museum of the Bible and leaders behind Hobby Lobby’s incredible growth. Steve, President of Hobby Lobby, and Jackie, philanthropist and founder of Women of Legacy, open up about the beliefs and experiences that shaped their marriage, family, and professional journey. Together, they share how their passion for biblical history led them to create a 430,000-square-foot cultural destination just blocks from the U.S. Capitol—a private, family-funded museum attracting millions from around the world. Tune in for moving moments, including personal stories about faith passed down through six generations, and the extraordinary challenges and divine surprises they encountered building a museum in the heart of D.C. Hear how their commitment to closing stores on Sundays, intentional giving, and making faith the cornerstone of family and business sparked ripple effects far beyond their own lives. Key highlights include:- The unexpected beginnings and miracles behind acquiring thousands of rare biblical artifacts, told with warmth and humor- How a simple act at a family dinner table led to heightened generosity and bold public declarations of faith in the business- Powerful stories of lives changed by visiting the museum, plus a behind-the-scenes look at current exhibits like the Dead Sea Scrolls and groundbreaking archaeological discoveries If you’re inspired by stories of legacy, leadership, and impact—or curious about how faith can influence every facet of life—this episode is for you. Subscribe for more conversations with visionary leaders changing the world, one act of faith at a time. CHAPTERS:00:00 The Bible’s Power in a Hurting World03:49 Jackie’s Childhood Faith Awakening05:49 Prioritizing Family as First Ministry08:31 Advice for Those Lacking a Faith Foundation10:32 “God Equips the Called”: Overcoming Doubt12:31 Why Hobby Lobby Closes on Sundays14:42 Giving Back: The Start of Generosity at Hobby Lobby16:50 The Accidental Founding of Museum of the Bible20:10 Including Kids in the Museum’s Vision23:53 Unexpected Resistance: Scholars vs. the Bible Museum25:38 The Prayed-Over Land: A Miraculous Backstory27:48 Stories of Transformation at the Museum30:02 Confronting Skepticism: Is the Bible True?33:37 Why the Bible Still Matters Today36:04 The Bible’s Uplift in Troubled Times39:00 Advice to the Next Generation: Love, Family, Vision

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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
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Transportation Nation
  • Show Website
    Transportation Nation

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