Beyond the Bulldog

Mack Trucks Inc.
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Beyond the Bulldog is a weekly trucking industry podcast presented by Mack Trucks. Each episode features conversations with drivers, fleet leaders, safety experts, and industry insiders about trucking, technology, regulations, and the real stories from America’s highways. Tune in for insights on fleet management, driver life, safety, and the future of transportation.

  1. 3d ago

    Mile Marker 74 - Dennis Valverde on NASCAR Hauling, Race Logistics, and the Mack Pioneer

    Dennis Valverde, lead hauler driver with 23XI Racing, joins Beyond the Bulldog to explain what it takes to move race cars, tools, safety equipment, and team support from the shop to the track. He shares how he found his way from refrigerated freight and owner-operator trucking into NASCAR transportation. Valverde also discusses the culture at 23XI Racing, the many responsibilities hauler drivers handle during a race weekend, and the importance of planning, teamwork, defensive driving, and reliability. He describes driving Mack Anthem and Pioneer trucks, including the comfort and visibility provided by digital mirrors, and explains why the work continues long after the truck reaches the racetrack. Dennis discusses: • How experience in refrigerated freight, owner-operator trucking, and auto racing led him to a career hauling for NASCAR teams • The planning and coordination required to move race cars, backup cars, tools, fuel, safety equipment, and team supplies to each race • Why hauler driving is only part of the job, with drivers also helping at the track, supporting pit stops, and preparing equipment throughout the race weekend • How Mack Anthem and Pioneer trucks support the demands of the job through reliability, comfort, automated transmissions, digital mirrors, and driver-focused technology This episode is a practical look at the people and logistics behind a NASCAR race weekend. Dennis shows that getting a race team to the track takes careful planning, safe driving, hard work, and a dependable truck that can keep the whole operation moving. What’s next? Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

    Mile Marker 74 - Dennis Valverde on NASCAR Hauling, Race Logistics, and the Mack Pioneer

  2. Sep 24

    Mile Marker 73 - Last Alarm Foundation on Honoring First Responders with a Mack Fire Truck

    We sit down with the Last Alarm Foundation in Tucson, Arizona, to talk about their mission, their 1954 Mack L-Series fire truck, and the powerful way they honor fallen first responders. The foundation uses a restored Mack fire apparatus, retrofitted as a ceremonial hearse, to carry first responders to their final resting place at no cost to their families. Sarah Barcelo, Gary Bynum, Daniel Matlick, and Dwaine Jungen share the story behind the organization, from the retired firefighters who first imagined a dedicated funeral truck, to the discovery of the old Mack sitting in a salvage yard, to the years of planning, restoration, fundraising, and craftsmanship that brought it back to life. They also explain why a firefighter’s “last alarm” means so much, and how the truck gives first responders the honor, dignity, and final ride they deserve. Last Alarm Foundation discusses: The mission behind the foundation, including how they serve firefighters and other first responders by transporting them to their final resting place with honor and respect The origin story of the 1954 Mack L-Series fire truck, how it was found in southern Arizona, and why it became the right truck for this special purpose The restoration process, including modernizing the chassis, adding diesel power, an Allison automatic transmission, DOT-certified brakes, custom interior, preserved Mack character, and show-quality craftsmanship The custom casket lift system, designed to safely lower and raise a casket or urn without distracting from the ceremony, while keeping the fallen first responder visible and honored during the procession This episode is a moving look at service, tradition, craftsmanship, and community. The Last Alarm Foundation shows how one restored Mack fire truck became more than a vehicle. It became a symbol of respect, remembrance, and gratitude for those who spent their lives answering the call. What’s next? Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

    Mile Marker 73 - Last Alarm Foundation on Honoring First Responders with a Mack Fire Truck

  3. Sep 17

    Mile Marker 72 – John Lynch on ATA, Trucking Cares, and Industry Advocacy

    We sit down with John Lynch, senior vice president of Federation Relations with the American Trucking Associations and president of the Trucking Cares Foundation, to talk about advocacy, public awareness, charitable impact, and the essential role trucking plays in American life.  John shares how his career path led from transportation work at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics to Capitol Hill, government affairs, ATA’s federation structure, and eventually the Trucking Cares Foundation. He explains how ATA works with state trucking associations across the country to create a unified voice, respond to state and federal issues, support members, and advocate for policies that help the trucking industry move forward. John discusses: How ATA’s federation structure connects state associations, trucking companies, lawmakers, and grassroots advocates to address issues affecting the industry Major industry challenges, including cargo theft, CDL integrity, qualified driver shortages, cabotage enforcement, predatory towing, and the need for coordinated policy action The mission of the Trucking Cares Foundation, including disaster relief, workforce development, fighting human trafficking, public education, highway safety, and community support How trucking can make a difference through rolling awareness campaigns, charitable giving, workforce programs, veteran support, and partnerships with local organizations This episode is a look at the advocacy, coordination, and community work happening behind the scenes to support trucking. John makes it clear that the industry is more than freight and logistics. It is people, service, public safety, economic impact, and a commitment to leaving things better than they were found.   What’s next? Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

    Mile Marker 72 – John Lynch on ATA, Trucking Cares, and Industry Advocacy

  4. Sep 10

    Mile Marker 71 – Tom Menges on His 1986 Mack Superliner and Keeping Classics Alive

    We sit down with Tom Menges, owner of Sweet-Smooth & Sassy, his restored 1986 Mack Superliner show truck, to talk about classic Mack power, truck restoration, and a lifetime spent in the trucking industry. Tom shares how he found the Superliner after it had been sitting in a field for years, brought it home, and worked with his family and trusted craftsmen to bring it back to life while preserving as much of the original truck as possible. From the original paint and polished details to the rebuilt V8, refreshed sleeper interior, frame work, added lights, and the glowing bulldog eyes on the back of the sleeper, Tom explains what makes this truck special. Tom discusses: -The restoration story behind Sweet, Smooth and Sassy, including the interior work, frame repairs, engine rebuild, original paint, pinstriping, and show truck details -Why the Mack Superliner and Mack V8 engines were so respected, especially for heavy hauling, torque, power, and the feeling of driving a true classic -His lifetime in trucking, from starting in dump trucks as a teenager to running Mack trucks, hauling dump trailers, milk tankers, flatbeds, produce, garbage, and more -Why he still believes trucks should be driven, not just displayed, and why preserving classic Mack trucks matters for future generations   This episode is a tribute to Mack history, old-school trucking, and the people who keep these machines alive. Tom’s story shows the pride, work, and personal connection behind a truck that still turns heads and reminds people what a Mack Superliner was built to be.   What’s next? Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

    Mile Marker 71 – Tom Menges on His 1986 Mack Superliner and Keeping Classics Alive

  5. Sep 3

    Mile Marker 70 – Share the Road on Truck Safety, Blind Spots, and Saving Lives

    We sit down with Tina Klein and Allen Boyd, professional truck drivers with the American Trucking Associations’ Share the Road program, to talk about highway safety, accident-free trucking careers, and the life-saving lessons every driver should understand. Tina and Allen share how they each found their way into trucking, what keeps them passionate about the industry, and why they volunteer their time to educate students, lawmakers, judges, and the general public. Through hands-on demonstrations with a Mack Pioneer and Share the Road trailer, they help people understand what professional drivers see, what they cannot see, and how simple decisions around trucks can prevent serious crashes. Tina and Allen discuss: -Why trucking is essential to everyday life, from groceries and consumer goods to construction, infrastructure, and nearly everything people depend on -How Share the Road teaches safety through real-world demonstrations, including blind spots, stopping distance, following distance, passing safely, and giving trucks room to maneuver -The importance of patience, courtesy, turn signals, safe spacing, and avoiding distracted driving when sharing the highway with large trucks -How modern truck safety technology, including collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, blind spot alerts, and digital mirrors, can help professional drivers stay safer on the road This episode is a practical reminder that every vehicle on the road has a person inside it. Tina and Allen show how education, patience, and respect can help drivers make better decisions, protect families, and keep everyone moving safely. What’s next? Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

    Mile Marker 70 – Share the Road on Truck Safety, Blind Spots, and Saving Lives

  6. Aug 27

    Mile Marker 69 – Elizabeth Overmann on Nuclear Verdicts, Trucking Risk, and Legal Defense

    We sit down with Elizabeth Overmann, defense litigation attorney with Ragsdale Liggett in Raleigh, North Carolina, to talk about nuclear verdicts and the growing legal pressure facing the trucking industry. These multi-million-dollar judgments are driving up insurance costs, threatening smaller carriers, and creating ripple effects that reach far beyond the courtroom. Elizabeth explains how her work in transportation defense ranges from rapid response after serious crashes to discovery, litigation, and trial. She also shares how her experience o both the plaintiff and defense sides gives her a clearer view of how these cases are built, why trucking companies are vulnerable, and what carriers can do before an accident ever happens to reduce their exposure. Elizabeth discusses: -Why nuclear verdicts happen, including severe injuries, public fear of large trucks, company blame, non-economic damages, and the role of media attention around massive awards -How plaintiffs’ attorneys may work backward from the driver to the carrier, broker, maintenance provider, cargo owner, or other parties when building a trucking case -Why trucking companies should prepare every claim as if it could go to trial, even when most cases settle for business reasons before reaching a courtroom -Practical risk-reduction steps, including rapid response planning, driver education, documentation, drug and alcohol testing, record retention, hiring practices, training programs, and scene photos after a crash This episode is a practical look at how legal exposure affects trucking companies, drivers, insurers, and everyday consumers. Elizabeth makes it clear that preparation matters, the details matter, and respecting the size, responsibility, and humanity of trucking matters for everyone on the road. What’s next? Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

    Mile Marker 69 – Elizabeth Overmann on Nuclear Verdicts, Trucking Risk, and Legal Defense

  7. Aug 20

    Mile Marker 68 – Jeremy Whatley on Chrome Shop Mafia, Custom Truck Parts, and GBATS

    We sit down with Jeremy Whatley, social influence manager with 4 State Trucks, home of the Chrome Shop Mafia, to talk about custom truck parts, social media, trucker culture, and the community behind one of the most recognizable names in chrome. Jeremy shares how 4 State Trucks grew from an International parts business into a major aftermarket truck parts supplier, how Chrome Shop Mafia became a national name through Trick My Truck, and how the company continues to evolve as the industry shifts from long hood show trucks to aerodynamic, fuel-efficient equipment. He also explains how influencers, honest product feedback, and real customer relationships help Four State Trucks stay connected to the people who use their parts every day. Jeremy discusses: -How 4 State Trucks uses social media influencers, customer stories, honest reviews, and real product feedback to build trust and improve the parts they sell -The history of Chrome Shop Mafia, the impact of Trick My Truck, and why the brand still feels like a family for truckers who take pride in their equipment -How the custom parts business is changing, from chrome exhaust kits and classic accessories to hoods, tanks, bumpers, lighting, stainless accents, and aero-friendly bolt-on upgrades -What makes Guilty by Association Truck Show special, including trucker appreciation, the Joplin convoy, Special Olympics fundraising, and the feeling of giving drivers the spotlight for a week This episode is a look at the people, parts, and pride behind custom trucking culture. Jeremy shows that while the industry keeps changing, the heart of it is still the same: take care of customers, take pride in your truck, and look out for each other on the road. What’s next? Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

    Mile Marker 68 – Jeremy Whatley on Chrome Shop Mafia, Custom Truck Parts, and GBATS

  8. Aug 13

    Mile Marker 67 – Harish Kapur on Truck Insurance, Premiums, and Protecting Your Business

    We sit down with Harish Kapur, president and co-owner of Across America Insurance, to talk about one of the biggest pressure points facing truckers and fleets today: rising insurance costs. From owner operators to larger carriers, insurance premiums continue to climb, but Harish explains why the conversation should not start and end with price. It should start with coverage, claims support, and the right broker relationship. Harish shares his path into the insurance industry, how Across America Insurance was built, and why his team focuses on working with agencies that care about customers, not just production. He breaks down the role of an MGA, why claims handling matters, and how truckers can better protect themselves before something goes wrong. Harish discusses: -Why trucking insurance premiums keep rising, including claims costs, legal pressure, nuclear verdicts, and the challenges insurance companies face when defending trucking claims -Why truckers should build a professional relationship with an insurance broker who explains coverage, exclusions, driver requirements, cargo limitations, and physical damage terms clearly -How dash cams, scene photos, license plate photos, police reports, and early communication with the insurance company can help protect a trucker after a crash -The risks around cargo theft, including unattended trailers, unsecured yards, high-value loads, GPS tracking, and knowing whether cargo and physical damage policies actually cover the situation This episode is a practical guide to understanding trucking insurance beyond the monthly premium. Harish makes it clear that the cheapest policy is not always the safest choice, and that asking the right questions before a claim can make all the difference when your truck, cargo, business, and livelihood are on the line. What’s next? Tune in weekly for new episodes! Visit the Mack Shop to use your discount code: https://mackshop.com/ Book a virtual truck tour! https://www.macktrucks.com/live-tour/

    Mile Marker 67 – Harish Kapur on Truck Insurance, Premiums, and Protecting Your Business
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About

Beyond the Bulldog is a weekly trucking industry podcast presented by Mack Trucks. Each episode features conversations with drivers, fleet leaders, safety experts, and industry insiders about trucking, technology, regulations, and the real stories from America’s highways. Tune in for insights on fleet management, driver life, safety, and the future of transportation.

Information

  • Creator
    Mack Trucks Inc.
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    74
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Beyond the Bulldog