Advertise on podcast: Trucking for Millennials

Trucking and politics converged in an epic way last week with the news of a rumor of truck drivers boycotting loads headed to New York City.  The Transmitter portion of our show is dedicated to the implications of this story and if it is truly an organized refusual of loads or just a viral video turned opportunity for media to capitalize on the attention.  Then we have a conversation with John A Rogers, a freight broker in Georgia who's been in freight for around 5 years and in sales for much longer.  You'll get to know more about John, how he got into logistics and get his insight on what it takes to win in the freight game. If you're looking to boost your sales and business in 2024, you'll definitely want to check out this conversation! Connect with him on LinkedIn!

In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Lee and Lisa Schmitt. Follow them as the document their loads across the country on their Facebook page, Trucking Across America w/ the Schmitts.  They shared valuable insights into the changing landscape of the trucking industry, particularly in relation to working with brokers and the impact of regulations like the ELD mandate. Lee and Lisa emphasized the importance of understanding the laws and regulations governing the industry and encouraged younger drivers to educate themselves on these aspects. The Schmitts also discussed their experiences in hauling oversized freight, highlighting the unique and challenging nature of their work. They provided details about their truck and trailer setup, including the types of freight they typically transport, such as pipeline equipment, oil rigs, and large steel tubes. Additionally, the conversation touched on upcoming advocacy efforts, potential regulatory changes, and the importance of drivers being actively involved in shaping the future of the industry. Lee and Lisa's dedication to educating and empowering fellow drivers was evident throughout the episode, showcasing their commitment to improving conditions and advocating for the rights of truckers.

In this episode we chat with Jennifer Karpus Romain, the Executive Director at the Transportation Marketing and Sales Association (TMSA). Jennifer shared her journey from journalism to marketing, and how she found her passion in the logistics industry despite not starting there. She highlighted the importance of creativity in industrial sectors and the rewarding experience of helping companies tell their stories. Jennifer also gave us a rundown of what TMSA does, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, and how it serves as a collaborative space for sales and marketing professionals in transportation. She talked about the upcoming Elevate conference in New Orleans, the networking opportunities, and the community give-back initiatives that TMSA is involved in. We discussed the importance of collaboration in marketing and sales, and how TMSA facilitates this by connecting professionals from various sectors within logistics. Jennifer's enthusiasm for her work and the industry was palpable, and she emphasized the value of learning from each other to apply successful strategies across different segments of the industry. Lastly, we touched on some serious issues like fraud in the industry, with stories of staged accidents and bribery schemes that have been affecting trucking companies and their insurers. We also talked about the lighter side of things, like our Super Bowl picks and the fun of seeing DJ Diesel (Shaq) live. Thanks for tuning in, and don't forget to check out The Transmitter on YouTube for more timely discussions. Stay safe out there, and keep on trucking!

Welcome back to another episode of our podcast, where we dive deep into the world of logistics, trucking, and all things freight. Today, we had an insightful conversation with our special guests from the Logistics Lounge, Hunter Woodfin and Robert Petersen, who shared their experiences and offered valuable advice for those navigating the industry. But before we get into that conversation we have our Transmitter segment where we discuss this recent article from Overdrive Online which profiles an under 21 year old driver participating in the FMCSA's pilot program designed to test the waters for under 21's to drive interstate. Global Freight Challenges and Opportunities We kicked off the episode discussing the complexities of global transportation, particularly the situation in the Red Sea and its impact on shipping routes and costs. Hunter explained how geopolitical tensions and rerouted shipping lanes are causing transit times to increase and forcing companies to find new suppliers and manufacturers. He emphasized the importance of staying informed and adaptable in the face of such challenges. The Importance of Relationships in Logistics Both Hunter and Robert highlighted the significance of building strong relationships within the industry. Whether it's with carriers, customers, or even internal team members, nurturing these connections can be crucial when the market takes a turn. They also touched on the advantages of working with smaller companies, where a more personalized approach can lead to better support and growth opportunities. Personal Growth and Industry Insights Robert shared his journey of personal development while working as a truck driver, pursuing further education, and obtaining various certifications. His story is a testament to the power of stepping out of one's comfort zone and the benefits of continuous learning. Hunter, with his background in logistics and intermodal transportation, also stressed the importance of staying current with industry trends and technologies. The Logistics Lounge: A Place to Unwind and Connect Our guests introduced us to their own podcast, the Logistics Lounge, which serves as a virtual meeting place for industry professionals to unwind and talk shop. They described it as a late-night talk show for logistics, where people can come together to discuss freight, life, and everything in between. Check it out here Final Thoughts and Super Bowl Picks As we wrapped up the episode, we couldn't resist discussing some lighter topics, including our favorite ways to enjoy potatoes and our picks for the Super Bowl. Both Hunter and Robert shared their support for the Kansas City Chiefs, and we all agreed that it's fun to watch a phenom like Patrick Mahomes in action. In conclusion, this episode was packed with insights into the logistics industry, from the impact of global events on freight to the importance of relationships and personal growth. We hope our listeners found it as enlightening as we did, and we look forward to bringing more engaging conversations to the table in future episodes.

This episode is the same Trucking for Millennials you now and love with a bit of a different layout. We're going to be doing more freight related news in dedicated segments, so be sure to subscribe to our YouTube so you don't miss an episode!  Then we connect with 5 Star Fan Clay Gerringer, owner of Big Rig Permit Services and TruckerDocs.app. He's got an awesome story about how he's crafted his career in trucking and we talk about how he helps owner operators stay organized with all their documentation through his new app, TruckerDocs!  If you enjoyed this episode please let us know on Youtube or through a 5 star review on Apple!  

In this insightful episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Charles Gracey, a seasoned recruiter in the trucking industry and the president and founder of Hot Seat Services. Charles, also known as the "tatted recruiter," shared his candid thoughts on the alleged driver shortage, the realities of driver recruitment, and the challenges of placing millennials behind the wheel. Key Points Discussed: Driver Shortage Myth: Charles firmly believes that the narrative of a driver shortage is a "dumpster fire" that needs to be left behind. He argues that there is no shortage of drivers, but rather an issue with carriers being overly selective due to being near capacity. Recruitment Realities: The conversation delved into the intricacies of driver recruitment, highlighting the unrealistic expectations from both carriers and drivers. Charles emphasized the importance of aligning expectations with reality and the need for drivers to ask the right questions before joining a company. Insurance and Regulation Impact: Charles pointed out that insurance companies significantly influence hiring decisions, often more than in the past. This has led to an overabundance of regulations that affect small carriers disproportionately. Pay and Benefits: A significant portion of the discussion focused on what constitutes fair pay for drivers. Charles noted that pay should be relative to the cost of living in different areas and that carriers need to consider offering more than just a good salary to retain drivers. Millennial Drivers: The episode also touched on the challenges of recruiting younger drivers. Charles advised millennials to have a clear plan and set expectations for their trucking career. He also urged carriers to create clear pathways for career advancement to attract and retain younger talent. Quality of Life: Charles and the hosts discussed the importance of quality of life for drivers, including home time, technology for communication, and other benefits that go beyond pay. Advice for Drivers and Carriers: Charles encouraged drivers to communicate openly with potential employers and for carriers to be transparent about the job and its requirements. He also suggested that carriers develop structured programs to guide drivers through their career progression. Conclusion: The episode concluded with a robust discussion on the need for the trucking industry to adapt to the changing workforce and to address the core issues of driver retention and recruitment. Charles Gracey's expertise provided valuable insights into making trucking an attractive career choice for the next generation while debunking the myth of a driver shortage.

In this episode we discuss all things safety, compliance, and winter preparation with Rob Carpenter of TruckSafe. In this episode, we welcomed back Rob, a fan favorite and safety expert, to help us kick off the year with a focus on safety in the trucking industry. Rob, who has a rich background in trucking, from driving to owning a company and now consulting with TruckSafe alongside lawyers Brandon Wiseman and Jared Childress, shared his insights on the importance of safety and compliance for truckers of all sizes, from owner-operators to large fleets. Key Takeaways: Safety as a Priority: Health and safety are the top values in trucking. Without a focus on safety, truckers risk their businesses and lives. Defensible Processes: Rob emphasized the importance of having defensible processes and programs in place to protect against litigation and ensure safety beyond mere compliance. Practical Compliance: Compliance isn't just about following rules; it's about understanding the 'why' behind them and preparing for potential legal defense. Winter Driving Tips: With the winter season upon us, Rob provided valuable tips for truckers, including carrying essentials like battery packs, blankets, and windshield wiper fluid, and ensuring proper vehicle maintenance. Continuous Improvement: Rob suggested using resources like the FMCSA's safety planner to check for compliance and exposure points, and highlighted the importance of continuous license monitoring. Culture of Safety: Companies must articulate their safety expectations clearly through handbooks, orientations, and continuous communication to foster a culture of safety. Driver Persona Changes: Rob noted that the driver persona has evolved over the years, and the industry must adapt to these changes, including how drivers are initially taught to drive. Personal Conveyance: The misuse of personal conveyance is a common issue, and companies need to define clear policies to prevent abuse. Weather Awareness: Both drivers and dispatchers should be vigilant about weather conditions to avoid unnecessary risks and communicate potential delays to customers. Conclusion: Safety in trucking is multifaceted, involving compliance, company culture, driver behavior, and proactive measures. Rob's expertise provided our listeners with a comprehensive understanding of how to approach trucking safety in the new year, regardless of the size of their operation. We look forward to having Rob back on the show to continue discussing safety and compliance in the trucking industry.  

In this episode we catch up with Blythe Brumleve of the Everything Is Logistics to discuss what she's been up to since our last chat and how trucking businesses and logistics professionals can kick off their marketing the right way in 2024! We also discuss establishing trust, each social platform, reviews, and much more! 

HAPPY NEW YEAR! This episode features motivational messages from past guests Michael Lombard, Brent Orsuga, Brandon Johnson, and Chris Jolly! Enjoy!     

Merry Christmas! A simple message of Christmas thanks to our carriers and listeners.  +, a shout out to Jelly Roll for his delivery of a truckload full of toys and a special trucking inspired Christmas poem! 

In this episode Aaron and Michael discuss the supply chain of Christmas Trees, 365 parking spots coming to Wyoming, and Vivek Ramaswamy's upcoming truck policy announcement planned for December 21st.  Then they get to know Jared Flinn, co-founder of BulkLoads.com, an online platform that connects shippers and carriers in the bulk freight industry. With over 21 years of experience in transportation and logistics, Jared is a not only a "40 Under 40" according to Springfield Business Journal, he's a "Top 100 Most Influential People in the Trucking Industry" by FreightWaves.  Jared also started Smart Freight Funding, a factoring business and Bulk Insurance Group to help streamline and modernize these services in the industry.  If that wasn't enough, he's also an author of a children's book series that can be found on Amazon, Semi Sam.  Subscribe to his podcast/YouTube here, and be sure to check out BulkLoads.com! 

In this episode, we sit down with Jason Rabine of Max Freightlines and discuss his rise in the industry, holiday plans, and what it really means to be a broker / agent. Watch the video of this episode on our YouTube!