Beyond the Bulldog

Mack Trucks Inc.

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 78 - Kent Worthington on EPA 27, the MP13, and Truck Performance

    Kent Worthington, Powertrain Sales Development Manager with Mack Trucks, joins Beyond the Bulldog to explain Mack's approach to EPA 27 and what it means for customers. From the MP13 engine to a redesigned aftertreatment system, Kent walks through the engineering choices behind the powertrain and the goals of improving performance, fuel efficiency, durability, and uptime. Kent also explains how changing emissions requirements affect a truck's years-long development process and the choices available to fleets. He discusses the new Keystone and Granite, the role of electrical architecture and remote software updates, and DEF-inducement updates, with a focus on helping customers understand the technology and plan for their operations. Kent discusses: How evolving emissions requirements shape long-term truck development, including the powertrain strategy for the new Keystone and Granite How MP13 engine updates, including a 14-wave divider piston, strengthened components, and improved thermal management, are designed to support efficiency, performance, and durability How Mack's redesigned aftertreatment system combines serviceability with electric heating to address cold starts and low-load operation How DEF-inducement updates, remote software capabilities, and dealer support fit into Mack's approach to customer uptime This episode is a practical look at the engineering and planning behind Mack's EPA 27 approach. Kent connects the technical details to the priorities that matter in daily operation: dependable performance, serviceability, and keeping trucks working over their full life. 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 78 - Kent Worthington on EPA 27, the MP13, and Truck Performance
  2. Oct 22

    Mile Marker 77 - Gary Mahan on Restoring the Mack M100SX and Preserving Trucking History

    Gary Mahan, Founder and President of The Mahan Collection Foundation, joins Beyond the Bulldog, presented by Mack Trucks, to share the story of restoring the Mack M100SX and preserving trucking history. From rescuing a heavy hauler that had been parked for more than 25 years to bringing its original engine and drivetrain back to life, Gary explains the work behind a two-year project that was too large to fit inside his shops. He also looks back on building a quarry and aggregate business, the antique Mack that served as his wedding vehicle, and the relationships that grew into a collection spanning more than a century of trucking. Along the way, he shares how skilled craftspeople, family, and fellow collectors help keep these machines running and their stories alive. Gary discusses: • How the Mahan team rescued and restored the Mack M100, including its original engine, sheet metal, radiator, and drivetrain • Why good people and teamwork were central to growing a quarry business from seven employees to hundreds • How a Mack wedding truck sparked decades of collecting, restoration, and friendships • The foundation's mission to preserve historic trucks, welcome visitors, and teach younger generations how trucking supports everyday life This episode is a look at restoring a remarkable Mack truck and preserving the stories behind trucking's past. Gary Mahan shows that keeping history alive takes skilled people, patient work, family involvement, and a willingness to share these machines with the next generation. And check out The Mahan Collection Instagram Page for tons of great photos of their collection! 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 77 - Gary Mahan on Restoring the Mack M100SX and Preserving Trucking History
  3. Oct 15

    Mile Marker 76 - Scott Cornell on Cargo Theft, Supply Chain Security, and Prevention

    We sit down with Scott Cornell, Executive Vice President with SPG Cargo and Logistics, to talk about cargo theft, supply chain security, and the growing risks facing carriers, brokers, shippers, and drivers. Scott explains why cargo theft is difficult to measure, how organized crime groups target freight, and why the real cost often goes far beyond the value listed on the bill of lading. Scott also discusses how cargo theft has changed since 2020, including the rise of strategic theft, double brokering, email intrusion, identity fraud, and new tactics that can pull legitimate carriers and drivers into a theft without them realizing it. He also explains why straight theft, pilferage, and targeted commodity theft remain major concerns across the industry. Scott discusses: - Why reported cargo theft numbers only show part of the problem, and how losses can include market value, contracts, investigations, insurance, reputation, and replacement costs - How strategic theft differs from straight theft, including double brokering, Trojan drivers, email compromise, fictitious pickups, and other deception-based methods - Why pilferage, high-value tech loads, food and beverage, metals, seafood, autos, and other commodities are being targeted in specific regions and lanes - How carriers, brokers, and shippers can reduce risk by slowing down, verifying contacts, training drivers, using stronger locks and tracking, monitoring carrier identity, and building a response plan before a theft happens This episode is a practical look at one of the trucking industry's most expensive and fast-changing security threats. Scott shows why prevention starts with awareness, good procedures, better verification, and a clear plan for what to do when something does not feel right. 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 76 - Scott Cornell on Cargo Theft, Supply Chain Security, and Prevention
  4. Oct 8

    Mile Marker 75 - Kevin Westmoreland on Family Business, Fleet Growth, and 100% Mack

    Kevin Westmoreland, President of Kevin R. Westmoreland Trucking in Cartersville, Georgia, joins Beyond the Bulldog to talk about building a family trucking business, growing a fleet, and staying 100% Mack. Kevin shares how he started working in trucking at 16, bought his first truck at 20, and learned the business through driving, maintenance, dispatching, and long hours. He explains how the company grew from a single truck into a 25-truck operation serving residential, commercial, landscape, grading, and asphalt customers across North Georgia. He also discusses training new drivers, caring for employees, controlling maintenance, building customer trust, choosing one truck brand, working with a Mack dealer, and preparing for the purchase of his 40th Mack truck. Kevin discusses: - How family, early hands-on experience, and dispatching shaped his approach to trucking and business - How Kevin Westmoreland Trucking grew through hard work, loyal customers, employee development, and a commitment to doing what the company says it will do - Why a 100% Mack fleet simplifies parts, maintenance, driver training, and fleet support, along with the importance of a strong dealer relationship - How Kevin trains drivers who are new to the industry, maintains dump trucks for demanding work, and marks the milestone of purchasing his 40th Mack This episode is a practical look at building a trucking business from the ground up while keeping family, people, customers, and equipment at the center of the operation. Kevin’s story shows how experience, consistency, and pride in the work can turn one truck into a lasting fleet. 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 75 - Kevin Westmoreland on Family Business, Fleet Growth, and 100% Mack
  5. Oct 1

    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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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

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.