The Oakley Podcast

Oakley Trucking
  • 4.9 (71)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Oakley Podcast is a trucking industry podcast that educates and empowers owner-operators by providing relevant industry, market, and company news in a digestible audio format.

  1. 7H AGO

    294: From Recruiting Card to First Load: The Oakley Trucking Recruiting & Orientation Process

    This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett talks with recruiter Dustin Eagle and new (and returning) owner-operators Brandon Childress and John Ostransky about Oakley Trucking’s recruiting and orientation process. They cover how referrals and recruiting cards bring in quality owner-operators, why it took John nearly two years to make the move, and why Brandon left Oakley, regretted it, and ultimately came back. The conversation walks through the four-day orientation, hands-on training with experienced drivers, strict but professional standards, and the importance of honesty, follow-through, and staying in touch with recruits. Key takeaways for listeners are that Oakley focuses on long-term relationships, clear expectations, and doing the hard work up front so that starting and succeeding at Oakley is smoother and more rewarding in the long run. Key topics in today’s conversation include: Welcome to Today’s Episode with Brandon and John (0:42) Need for Owner Operators and Recruiting Cards Explained (1:40) Introducing Dustin, Brandon, and John Fresh Out of Orientation (4:10) Why Brandon First Left Oakley and Why He Regrets It (5:32) How John Heard About Oakley Through a Friend (9:15) Staying in Contact During a Two Year Recruiting Process (12:00) Overcoming Pride and Returning After Leaving a Company (15:47) Comparing Oakley’s Recruiting to Other Trucking Companies (18:10) Why Oakley Requires Photos and Detailed Truck Info (20:35) Orientation Check-In, Inspection, and First Day Flow (22:29) Feeling Welcomed and Supported During Orientation (24:34) Is a Four Day Orientation Too Long? Drivers Weigh In (26:52) How Oakley’s Hands-On Trainer Program Works (28:05) Advice for Drivers on the Fence About Coming to Oakley (30:35) Why Oakley Front-Loads the Paperwork and Hard Work (32:20) Final Thoughts and Promoting Good Trucking (34:51) Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    38 min

  2. MAY 20

    293: New vs Used Trucks: When to Trade & When to Hold

    This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett talks sits down with Todd Venable, General Manager at MHC Kenworth in Little Rock, to break down the current truck market, from how COVID, fuel prices, interest rates, and freight rates have impacted new and used truck values to why now may be a better time to trade than a year ago. They cover the Kenworth order board and pent-up demand, owner-operators tied to strong carriers versus independents struggling with freight and fuel, and how being leased to a company like Oakley helps with financing approvals. Todd explains the upcoming 2027 EPA emissions changes, new technology in trucks (safety systems, digital dashes, video mirrors), and the importance of dealer training and communication. They also dive into warranties and extended coverage, modern maintenance intervals, common mistakes when spec’ing a truck (especially PTO capability), the appeal of models like the W900 and T880, and how MHC, as a family-owned dealer group, is investing for the future while supporting Oakley’s owner-operators. Key topics in today’s conversation include: Welcome to Today’s Episode with Todd Venable (0:43) State of the Truck Market, Order Board, and Demand (3:50) New Truck Orders, Fleets vs Owner-Operators, and Pent-Up Demand (5:28) Trading Out of High-Payment Trucks and Used Market Recovery (9:54) Independent Owner-Operators vs Leased-On with a Carrier (11:19) Financing Realities, Credit, Down Payments, and Lender Options (15:20) 2027 EPA Emissions Changes and What They Mean (18:26) Cummins Gas Medium-Duty Engines and Technology Shifts (21:19) Favorite and Most Hated New Safety Tech (Bendix Wingman, Alerts) (24:40) Warranties, Real-World Warranty Wins, and Why They Matter (29:08) Spec’ing a Truck: Common Mistakes and Factory Options (35:09) Making Spec’ing Less Intimidating with Line-By-Line Reviews (38:23) Best-Selling Kenworth Models: W900, T880, and Market Favorites (42:38) Future of MHC Kenworth, Alternative Powertrains, and Investment (46:07) How Oakley Owner-Operators Should Approach MHC and Contacts (51:43) Final Thoughts and Takeaways (52:12) Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    57 min

  3. MAY 13

    292: Trick My Truck... Again!: How Chrome Shop Mafia Stays on Top of the Customization World

    This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett talks with Bryan “Bossman” Martin of 4 State Trucks and Chrome Shop Mafia to talk all things custom rigs, chrome, and the state of the trucking industry. Bryan shares highlights from their massive biennial truck show, including 600+ trucks, a packed convoy, and a popular “social media row” of trucking influencers. They dive into current customization trends like LED “watermelon” lights, underglow, bumpers, visors, stacks, fenders, and custom metal fabrication work that solves real storage and usability problems for drivers. The conversation also explores the challenges of attracting younger drivers to trucking, the impact of regulations and congestion, and why both believe the industry is poised to rebound despite current headwinds. Bryan closes by outlining Four State’s growth through authorized dealers, a new podcast, and their powerful new app, while Jeremy connects it all back to Oakley’s own truck show and commitment to supporting owner operators. Key topics in today’s conversation include: Welcome to Today’s Show with Bryan “Bossman” Martin (0:42) Shout Outs to Sponsors and 100k YouTube Subscribers Milestone (1:40) Recap of 4 State Trucks 2025 Truck Show and Atmosphere (5:13) State of Trucking, “Chrome Season,” and Economic Outlook (9:39) Must-Have Chrome: Bumpers, Visors, Stacks, Fenders, and Lighting (11:20) Comfort Upgrades and Why Seats Are a Big Investment (15:49) Challenges With Newer Truck Dash Designs and Interior Chrome (17:47) Smart Storage Solutions for Sleepers, Boxes, and Deck Plates (20:17) Are Young Drivers Getting Into Trucking? Generational Trends (23:53) Shortage of Technicians and Other Trucking-Related Careers (26:43) Why Trucking Is Still a Rewarding, Freedom-Filled Career Path (29:18) 4 State’s Expansion With Authorized Dealers Across North America (30:53) Good Ideas, Bad Ideas, and Learning From Misses (35:26) 4 State Trucks Mobile App Features and Fast Parts Search (37:40) Oakley’s October Truck Show and Highly Customized Rigs (40:25) Final Thoughts and Takeaways (41:56) Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    43 min

  4. MAY 6

    291: How Oakley Keeps Drivers Rolling: Behind the Scenes at Port 33

    This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett takes the Oakley Podcast on the road to the Port 33 terminal in Catoosa, Oklahoma to introduce listeners to dispatchers Bennett Potter and Ray Steuber. They share their backgrounds from Bennett’s path through the Army and graphic design into trucking, to Ray’s move from Wisconsin and prior experience dispatching frack sand, as well as their personal lives, hobbies like pickleball, fishing, and trading cards, and what their weekends look like. The conversation dives into the realities of dispatching at Oakley: managing 40–50 drivers each, constant phone calls, planning loads around hours of service, emphasizing safety at dump sites, and balancing regulations with the human limits of fatigue. They discuss building trust and communication with drivers, why some owner operators leave (often pay expectations and home time), and how Oakley’s higher standards and dependable drivers make the job rewarding. The key takeaway for listeners is a clearer picture of the people and pressures behind the scenes in dispatch, and how much effort goes into keeping drivers safe, productive, and supported. Key topics in today’s conversation include: Welcome to Today’s Episode with Bennett and Ray (0:42)   Why Listeners Want to Meet Oakley Employees (4:15)   Bennett and Ray’s Hobbies and Life Outside of Oakley (8:07) Daily Responsibilities of Oakley Dispatchers and Planning Loads (11:23) Oakley Standards, Quality of Trucks, and Dependable Drivers (13:33) Balancing Legal Hours With Human Fatigue and Real World Limits (16:22) Different Work Preferences for Staying Out vs Going Home Weekends (18:44) High Call Volume, Prioritizing Emergencies, and Juggling Problems (0:21:28)   Future at Oakley, Growth Plans, and Keeping Drivers Busy (23:00) Human Side of Dispatchers and Appreciation for Their Work (23:52) Final Thoughts and Takeaways (25:13) Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    26 min

  5. APR 29

    290: The Human Side of Dispatch: Caring for Oakley Drivers

    This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett takes the Oakley Podcast on the road to Oakley’s Port 33 terminal in Catoosa, Oklahoma, to introduce dispatcher team members Ethan Homberger and Jeremiah Sheneman. They share their backgrounds, Ethan from box trucks and a side hustle flipping jet skis, Jeremiah from hot shot trucking and a 40,000‑acre farm, and talk about transitioning into dispatch at Oakley. The conversation covers building trust with owner-operators, balancing the needs of customers, drivers, and Bruce Oakley, the realities of over-the-road work versus home-time expectations, and why some drivers succeed while others struggle. Key takeaways for listeners are the importance of communication and realistic expectations, how much dispatchers genuinely care about solving drivers’ problems, and why Ethan and Jeremiah see Oakley as a family-oriented, high-opportunity place for committed owner-operators. Don’t miss this look at trucking from the dispatcher perspective! Key topics in today’s conversation include: Welcome to Today’s Episode from Port 33 (0:42) Talking Through the Importance of Port 33 (3:24) Ethan Introduces Himself and Jet Ski Flipping Side Hustle (4:38) Jeremiah’s Background in Hot Shots and 40,000-Acre Farm (8:41) Starting in Dispatch and Learning to Solve Driver Problems (10:20) Building Trust With Owner Operators and Early Challenges (12:21) Meetings, Oakley Standard, and Need For More Hopper Drivers (15:15) Why Some Drivers Succeed or Struggle Based on Work Habits (16:30) Balancing Home Time, Customer Needs, and Expectations (18:01) Recruiting Mindset at Port 33 and Selling the Oakley Way (20:21) The Human Side of Dispatch, and Closing Remarks (22:23) Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    25 min

  6. APR 22

    289: Forty Years on the Road: Why Getting Your CDL Is Still One of the Best Careers in America

    This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett sits down with long-time Oakley owner-operator Tim Drake to talk about his life in trucking, from growing up in a trucking family and starting with a chauffeur’s license before CDLs, to running his own 379 Peterbilt with over 1.6 million miles. Tim shares how he transitioned from flatbed to Oakley, why he stuck with pneumatic tanks, and how careful maintenance and money management helped him pay off his truck and weather tough times. He opens up about the sacrifices of being away from family, the importance of saving for breakdowns and retirement, and the changes he’s seen in the industry, including regulations, technology, and distracted driving. Along the way, Tim talks about his passion for motocross at 57, the value of a CDL as a lifelong career option, and offers practical advice to younger drivers on working hard, living within their means, and taking care of their health and safety on the road. Key topics in today’s conversation include: We’ve Hit 100,000 YouTube Subscribers (0:25) Tim’s Background, Arkansas Roots, and Early Trucking Start (5:50) Growing Up in a Trucking Family and Riding with Mom and Dad (6:49) Getting Back into Competitive Motocross at 57 (8:19) Is Trucking a Hard Life? Sacrifices, Rewards, and Family Time (10:19) Why Tim Left Flatbedding and Chose Oakley Mileage Pay (13:27) Switching from End Dump to Pneumatic Tank Work (15:18) Advice to 27-Year-Old Tim on Saving, Hard Times, and Retirement (18:23) Mental Side of Trucking, Living in a Truck, and Staying Active (19:53) How Trucking Has Changed from “Back in the Day” (22:24) Adapting to New Rules, Regulations, and E-Logs (25:49) Why Tim Likes Pulling a Pneumatic Tank and the “Art” of Unloading (30:30) Distracted Driving, Cell Phones, and How to Really Fix the Problem (34:47) Why a CDL Is Still a Great Career Tool Anywhere You Live (39:04) Final Reflections on Trucking, Money, and Being Blessed by the Career (39:59) Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    44 min

  7. APR 15

    288: Oakley’s Trucking Success at Port 33: Growing from 40 to 150 Trucks

    This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett takes the Oakley Podcast on the road to Oakley’s Port 33 terminal in Catoosa, Oklahoma, to spotlight terminal manager Justin Jolly and operations manager Kyle Haney. They share the origin story of the Oklahoma terminal, from working out of an RV on a dusty gravel lot to running about 150 trucks today, while explaining how the port’s barge, grain, fertilizer, and local industrial freight created a powerful home‑time‑friendly operation. Kyle walks through day‑to‑day dispatch realities (breakdowns, tires, planning, and tight coordination with North Little Rock and Reserve), and both men stress relationship‑based dispatch, face‑to‑face communication with drivers, and proactive communication with customers. Key takeaways: Oakley’s growth in Oklahoma has been steady and intentional, built on dependable service, clean and professional owner‑operators, integrated barge‑truck logistics, and a strong culture of transparency and trust with both drivers and customers. Don’t miss this episode!  Key topics in today’s conversation include: Introduction To Oakley Podcast and On-The-Road Setup At Port 33 (0:12) Why Jeremy Is At Port 33 and Goal To Highlight Oklahoma Team (3:29) Justin’s Background, Family, and Move To Catoosa Terminal (6:13) Kyle’s Journey From Little Rock To New Mexico and Then Oklahoma (9:22) Truck Count, Mix Of End Dumps and Hoppers, and Room To Grow (12:43) How Port 33 Freight Works With Grain, Fertilizer, and Local Hauls (15:58) Building Relationships With Drivers and Importance Of Face-To-Face Visits (19:25) Morning Dispatch Routine, Breakdowns, and Common Truck Issues (22:12) What Customers Expect From Oakley and On-Time Performance Standards (25:15) Reputation, Professional Owner-Operators, and Winning New Customers (28:50) Growth History Of Port 33 Terminal and Vision For Future Expansion (32:10) Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    36 min

  8. APR 8

    287: From the Road to the Bank: How ATBS Helps Truckers Take Control of Their Finances

    This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett sits down with Todd Amen, president of ATBS, to break down the 2026 trucking market, how recent tax law changes (including the Big, Beautiful Bill Act) impact owner operators, and what truck drivers should be doing right now in tax season. They cover extensions, quarterly estimated taxes, the power of the qualified business income deduction, and how per diem really works in simple, practical terms. Todd explains common, often-missed deductions specific to truckers, how the ATBS app helps track income, expenses, and per diem, and why maintenance reserves and smart money management separate profitable owner operators from those who struggle. The episode closes with guidance for drivers who are behind on taxes, free tools available from ATBS, and how Oakley owner operators compare financially to the broader industry. Key topics in today’s conversation include: Welcome to Today’s Episode with ATBS (0:42)   Episode Overview, Guests, Sponsors, and Bulk Loads Video Series (3:16)   Introducing Todd Amen and Current Trucking Market Outlook for 2026 (6:51)   Tax Season Strategy, Extensions, and Paying Quarterly Estimated Taxes (10:01)   Impact of Big Beautiful Bill Act on Truckers’ Taxes and Deductions (13:15)   Per Diem Rules for Truck Drivers and How to Track Days on the Road (17:03)   ATBS Mobile App Features for Capturing Receipts and Managing P and L (20:02)   What Separates Profitable Owner Operators from Those Who Struggle (23:19)   Maintenance Costs, Reserve Accounts, and Equipment Breakdowns (26:11)   Handling Back Taxes, Unfiled Returns, and Working with the IRS (29:30)   Free Owner Operator Tools on ATBS Website and Deduction Lists (32:19)   How Oakley Owner Operators Compare on Net Income and Performance (35:49)   Owner Operator Model as Win-Win for Carriers and Drivers (0:37:42) Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    38 min
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4.9
out of 5
71 Ratings

About

The Oakley Podcast is a trucking industry podcast that educates and empowers owner-operators by providing relevant industry, market, and company news in a digestible audio format.

Information

  • Creator
    Oakley Trucking
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    313
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    The Oakley Podcast

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