Trucking for Millennials PDQ America

Welcome back to another episode of the Truckin' for Millennials podcast! In this episode, we dive back into the concept of Hot Trucker Summer and explore how truck drivers can maintain their health and fitness while on the road. We revisit our relationships with returning guests Michael Lombard and Mark Manera, as well as welcome first time guest Brandon Rothrock of B-Lean Fitness to the show to cover even more trucking health tips.

In this episode of the Trucking for Millennials Podcast, we dive deep into the world of truck driving education with our special guest, D'Wayne Shaw, Executive Dean of Professional and Career Education at Kilgore College. We kick off the conversation by discussing the importance of choosing the right place to get your CDL and the credentials to look for in a truck driving school. D'Wayne emphasizes the significance of FMCSA-certified curriculums and the quality of equipment used in training.
We then explore the exciting new development at Kilgore College: the Transportation Institute. D'Wayne shares the journey of establishing this institute, highlighting the community effort and collaboration with Kilgore Economic Development. The institute boasts a custom-built driving skills facility, complete with a classroom, warehouse for logistics training, and a simulated loading dock. This state-of-the-art facility aims to provide top-notch training for aspiring truck drivers.
D'Wayne also touches on the challenges and investments involved in setting up a truck driving program, from acquiring and maintaining trucks to ensuring a safe and effective learning environment. He explains the process of becoming a third-party testing site, which allows Kilgore College to test their students on-site, significantly reducing the wait time for testing.
We discuss the demographics of the students enrolling in the CDL program, noting that most are older individuals making a career change rather than recent high school graduates. D'Wayne mentions the importance of maturity and experience in handling the responsibilities of truck driving.
Towards the end of the episode, we touch on the potential for future courses focused on entrepreneurship and business management for those looking to become owner-operators. D'Wayne expresses interest in expanding the curriculum to include these aspects, recognizing the importance of business acumen in the trucking industry.
Overall, this episode provides a comprehensive look at the efforts and innovations at Kilgore College to enhance truck driving education and support the logistics industry. We invite our listeners to join us for the ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 14th and to consider Kilgore College for their CDL training needs.

In this episode of the Trucking for Millennials podcast, we're coming at you from the Texas Trucking Show at the NRG Center in Houston. The event has been a fantastic opportunity to connect with a diverse range of people in the trucking industry, from open deck carriers to industry friends and new acquaintances.
We kick off the episode by discussing the vibrant atmosphere of the show and the numerous connections we've made. We then dive into a series of interviews with various industry professionals:
Willie Nelson from CDL Life: Willie talks about CDL Life's mission to connect drivers, fleet owners, and owner-operators through their news platform and app. He highlights the importance of community and safety in the trucking industry, especially for women drivers.
Rob Carpenter: Rob shares his unique experience of driving a truck to the show and emphasizes the importance of good equipment and driver retention.
Justin Lu from Truckpedia: Justin introduces Truckpedia, a TMS that connects trucking companies directly with shippers. He offers valuable advice on how carriers can effectively communicate with shippers and build lasting relationships.
Courtney George from Wreaths Across America: Courtney explains the mission of Wreaths Across America to honor veterans by delivering wreaths across the country. She emphasizes the importance of respect and community service in the trucking industry.
Dave Olson from Riggie's Truck Parking: Dave discusses the premium services offered at Riggie's Truck Parking locations and the strategic placement of their lots to maximize driver efficiency and safety.
Harold Cutler and Jorge Mendoza from Truth in Trucking Podcast: Harold and George talk about their podcast and their expertise in trucking insurance and FMCSA compliance. They highlight the importance of maintaining good safety scores and compliance to keep insurance rates manageable.
Throughout the episode, we explore themes of community, safety, respect, and the importance of building strong relationships within the trucking industry. The Texas Trucking Show has provided a rich backdrop for these conversations, and we look forward to continuing to make new friends in freight.

In this episode of the Trucking for Millennials Podcast, we dive deep into the challenges and strategies for small trucking companies and freight brokerages with our guest, Tyson Lawrence, CEO of Diablo Freight Ventures. Tyson shares his extensive experience in the logistics industry, spanning over 20 years, and offers invaluable advice for those navigating the complexities of freight management and transportation.
We kick off the conversation by addressing the current struggles of small trucking companies, especially those heavily reliant on brokered freight. Tyson emphasizes the importance of not being afraid to take a step back to reassess and realign business strategies. He shares his personal journey, including the lessons learned from his first business that went bankrupt due to over-reliance on a single large customer.
Tyson also highlights the significance of finding a niche in the logistics industry. He explains how his second business found success by focusing on small to medium-sized businesses and acting as a coach and consultant to help them scale their logistics operations. This approach not only built strong relationships but also established his company as a trusted partner.
Throughout the episode, Tyson underscores the importance of hiring the right personalities for a freight brokerage. He shares insights on the attributes that make a successful team member, such as resilience, coachability, and a willingness to learn. Tyson's experience at C.H. Robinson taught him the value of building a team with like-minded individuals who can adapt to the challenges of the logistics industry.
Tyson's story serves as an inspiration for entrepreneurs in the logistics sector. His journey from a W-2 employee to a successful business owner demonstrates the power of perseverance, adaptability, and strategic thinking. Whether you're a small trucking company looking to diversify your customer base or a freight brokerage aiming to carve out a niche, Tyson's insights provide a roadmap for sustainable growth and success in the logistics industry.
Tune in to learn more about Tyson's new venture, Diablo Freight Ventures, and how he's leveraging his experience to provide innovative and customized solutions for freight management and transportation. Happy 4th of July to all our listeners, and drive safely out there!

In this episode of the Trucking for Millennials podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Ken Adamo, the Chief of Analytics at DAT Solutions. Ken brought a wealth of knowledge and insights into the world of freight analytics, sharing his expertise on how data can drive better decision-making in the logistics industry.
We kicked off the conversation by discussing the challenges of absorbing and utilizing analytic information in the freight industry. Ken emphasized the importance of mastering the basics of pricing freight and understanding market conditions before diving into more advanced analytics. He shared practical advice for small brokers on how to effectively use DAT's tools to price freight accurately and make informed decisions.
Ken also provided a fascinating history of DAT, which started as a dial-a-truck load finder service in 1978 at a truck stop in Portland, Oregon. He highlighted the evolution of freight analytics over the years and the importance of historical data in understanding market trends.
We delved into the impact of election years on freight rates, with Ken explaining how political uncertainty can affect investment and, consequently, the freight market. He also touched on the cyclical nature of the freight industry, describing the typical four-year cycles of expansion and contraction and where we currently stand in that cycle.
One of the key takeaways from our discussion was the importance of contract freight for brokers. Ken explained that while securing contract freight can ensure long-term success, it also requires careful planning and accurate forecasting to avoid potential pitfalls.
Ken's passion for logistics and freight was evident throughout the conversation. He shared his journey from working in deregulated energy to falling in love with the complexities of the freight industry at FedEx. His enthusiasm for data and analytics was contagious, and he provided valuable insights into how brokers and carriers can leverage data to improve their operations.
Overall, this episode was packed with actionable advice and deep insights into the world of freight analytics. Whether you're a small broker looking to improve your pricing strategies or a carrier navigating the complexities of the market, Ken's expertise offers valuable guidance to help you succeed in the ever-evolving logistics landscape.

In this special episode of the Trucking for Millennials podcast, we dive into the vibrant atmosphere of the Transportation Marketing and Sales Association event in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Our first guest, Jim Kenny, a seasoned expert in non-asset-based sales, shares invaluable insights into the vital behaviors of sales professionals. Jim breaks down the sales process into six essential blocks: pre-call planning, sales call opening, needs assessment, solution development, closing, and follow-up. He emphasizes the importance of differentiation, discovery, and asking needs-based questions to build meaningful connections with customers and carriers. Jim also highlights the challenges of post-COVID sales environments and the necessity of specific, targeted communication to increase engagement and response rates.
In the second half of the episode, we shift gears to a heartwarming conversation with Christian, Joe, and Rachael from Mohawk Global, a family-owned 3PL company. They share their unique experiences working in a family business and the core values that drive their organization: care, enrich, and deliver. The discussion delves into their compassionate leadership style, the no-layoff policy, and the various initiatives they have in place to support their employees and communities. From a charitable fund to community gardens, Mohawk Global exemplifies how leading with love and transparency can create a thriving, supportive work environment.
This episode is packed with practical advice for sales professionals and inspiring stories of how values-driven leadership can make a significant impact in the logistics industry. Whether you're looking to refine your sales techniques or seeking inspiration for building a strong company culture, this episode has something for everyone.