Keep Trucking Personal

Keep Trucking Personal

Welcome to Keep Trucking Personal, where we invite you to explore the heart and soul of our family-driven organization: Kivi Bros. Trucking.Through engaging storytelling, insightful market updates, and vibrant energy, our podcast reflects our culture, values, and achievements..Whether you’re a team member or industry enthusiast, join us to build connections, foster growth, and inspire excellence. Discover why we’re more than just a company - we’re a community, a catalyst for positive change, and a home for those aspiring to be part of something extraordinary.The pre-trip is complete and engines ready, we're set to hit the road on the Keep Trucking Personal podcast. Let's go!

  1. MAY 5

    Episode 112: DOT Blitz Week: How to Pass Inspections & Get Paid with Safety Manager Tyler Johnson

    This week on Keep Trucking Personal, host Tyler Kivi is joined by Safety Manager Tyler Johnson to break down everything drivers need to know heading into the 2026 CVSA International Roadcheck (DOT Blitz Week), taking place May 12–14. During this 72-hour period, inspectors across North America will conduct increased Level I inspections with a focus on ELD compliance, hours-of-service, and cargo securement - making preparation more important than ever. Tyler and TJ walk through what drivers should be paying attention to now, emphasizing that most violations come down to simple, avoidable issues like tires, lights, paperwork, and organization. They highlight the importance of building consistent habits, especially mid-trip inspections, to catch issues before they become violations. From how your truck looks when you pull into a scale to how accurately your logs are maintained, the details matter... and they directly impact your CSA score, inspection frequency, and ultimately your earning potential. They also share practical advice on what to do if you disagree with an inspection, including documenting everything and communicating quickly, as well as how safety teams proactively review logs to help drivers stay compliant. With insights on cargo securement, digital permit books, and the risks of misusing personal conveyance, this episode serves as both a reminder and a roadmap for success during Blitz Week and beyond.

    16 min
  2. APR 21

    Episode 110: Stand Firm and Act Like a Trucker Part 3 - The Standard That Builds the Industry

    In Part 3 of this series on the Keep Trucking Personal, Tyler Kivi focuses on what it means to act like a trucker and why that standard matters across the entire industry. This episode centers on mindset, ownership, and how drivers carry themselves on and off the road. Tyler shares that trucking is tied closely to reputation. The way a driver shows up at a customer location, maintains equipment, and interacts with others reflects on the individual, the company, and the industry as a whole. Building on the earlier parts of the series, he reinforces the importance of standing firm with an ownership mentality and doing the job right with attention to detail. He then brings those ideas together through professionalism and personal responsibility. He discusses current industry conditions, including rising fuel costs, strong demand, and the presence of chameleon carriers, while encouraging drivers to stay grounded in integrity and pride in their work. Throughout the episode, Tyler highlights how everyday habits shape outcomes. Clean equipment, organized gear, strong communication, and respect for others all contribute to trust and long-term success. He also emphasizes that behavior away from the truck still matters, since drivers represent something larger wherever they go. The message is clear. Trucking depends on individuals who take ownership, carry themselves with professionalism, and understand the impact of their actions on the road and beyond. The 60 Minutes episode Tyler references in this episode can be found here. If you missed Part One or Part Two of this series, check them out here:  Episode 108: Stand Firm and Act Like a Trucker Part 1 - Stand Firm: No Excuses, Just OwnershipEpisode 109: Stand Firm and Act Like a Trucker Part 2 - Do the Job Right

    11 min
  3. APR 7

    Episode 108: Stand Firm and Act Like a Trucker Part 1 - Stand Firm: No Excuses, Just Ownership

    In this episode of the Keep Trucking Personal podcast, Tyler Kivi kicks off a new three-part series, Stand Firm and Act Like a Trucker, and sets the tone right away. This one is not soft, polished, or for everyone. With fuel prices climbing and the market heating up, Tyler challenges drivers to rise to the moment and prepare to capitalize on what is ahead. He starts with a practical reminder that every decision matters right now, from managing speed to reducing idle time, because small choices add up quickly when costs are high. But beyond the operational side, this episode goes deeper into mindset, specifically the difference between making excuses and taking ownership. Tyler reflects on the legacy of his grandfather and father, using their work ethic as a benchmark for what trucking was built on: reliability, accountability, and pride in the job. He calls out a shift in the industry, where standards have slipped and excuses have become more common, and challenges listeners to ask themselves where they might be doing the same. Through real examples like being late, load issues, and miscommunication, he makes it clear that ownership is what gives drivers control, while blame keeps them stuck. He also highlights how leaving hours unused each week means leaving opportunity on the table, especially in a market that is picking up speed. At its core, this episode is about becoming someone others can count on. Tyler emphasizes that pressure does not build character, it reveals it, and as the industry gets busier, expectations will rise along with it. Drivers who have been preparing, paying attention to details, and holding themselves to a higher standard will be the ones who benefit most. The message is simple but direct: no excuses, no shortcuts, just ownership and the decision to stand firm.

    18 min
5
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Welcome to Keep Trucking Personal, where we invite you to explore the heart and soul of our family-driven organization: Kivi Bros. Trucking.Through engaging storytelling, insightful market updates, and vibrant energy, our podcast reflects our culture, values, and achievements..Whether you’re a team member or industry enthusiast, join us to build connections, foster growth, and inspire excellence. Discover why we’re more than just a company - we’re a community, a catalyst for positive change, and a home for those aspiring to be part of something extraordinary.The pre-trip is complete and engines ready, we're set to hit the road on the Keep Trucking Personal podcast. Let's go!

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