Advertise on podcast: HDT Talks Trucking

FMCSA enforcement is ramping up. After a turbulent 2025 in regulations, what's next for trucking fleets? Transportation attorney and Truck Safe Consulting president Brandon Wiseman joins HDT Talks Trucking to break down the biggest regulatory and enforcement shifts shaping trucking as we head into 2026. We cover why English Language Proficiency violations are once again placing drivers out of service, where the non-domiciled CDL crackdown stands after a court stay, and how FMCSA plans to tighten oversight of ELD providers and driver training programs. Wiseman also explains what carriers should be doing now to reduce compliance risk — and why these issues create real crash and liability exposure, not just regulatory headaches.

AI gets plenty of hype at tech shows like CES—but what does it actually look like in a real trucking maintenance operation? In this HDT Talks Trucking Short Take, HDT Editor and Associate Publisher Deborah Lockridge talks with Brent Hickman, who oversees maintenance and equipment for Pilot’s fleet, about how artificial intelligence is being used today to support truck maintenance, diagnostics, and operations. Hickman explains how Pilot is moving beyond buzzwords and putting AI to work in practical ways that help maintenance teams go on the offensive instead of reacting to breakdowns. Topics include: How Pilot is using AI in maintenance today Where AI is delivering real value (and where it isn’t) Using data and diagnostics to stay ahead of failures Learn more: Why AI Could Be the Cure for Trucking’s Tech Fatigue:https://www.truckinginfo.com/10248858/why-ai-could-be-the-cure-for-truckings-tech-fatigue

From -40°F repairs to social media trolls, Lisa Kelly talks about the return of Ice Road Truckers, living with a camera in her cab, handling criticism, and her real-life trucking successes and challenges in this interview with Heavy Duty Trucking's Deborah Lockridge. Sponsored by: CAT Scale’s WeighMyTruck app — save time and skip the line. Kelly joins HDT Talks Trucking for an honest conversation about the real world of ice road hauling and what it's like behind the scenes of the show. She talks about: What’s real and what’s dramatized on Ice Road TruckersDriving in 40-below conditions with no heatChaining up in brutal weatherOwner-operator realities: repairs, budgeting, and breakdownsWorking with a camera crew in the cabHow she handles fame, boundaries, and misconceptionsWhy she still loves trucking — and what she wants next#LisaKelly #IceRoadTruckers #HDTtalksTrucking #TruckDriver #OwnerOperator #WinterDriving #TruckingLife #IceRoads #TruckingIndustry #SemiTruck #WomenInTrucking #CDLDriver #RealTrucking #HeavyDutyTrucking 🤝 Follow and connect with HDT on social media! X ➡ https://x.com/HDTrucking Facebook ➡   / heavydutytrucking   LinkedIn ➡   / heavy-duty-trucking-magazine   📰 Subscribe to our e-newsletters! https://www.truckinginfo.com/newslett...

There's a problem with truck telematics today: Too much data and not enough action. Jack Roberts talks to Brent Ellis, vice president of business systems & processes, Decker Truck Line, about how to get a handle on truck telematics and make them work for your fleet.    Sponsored by: CAT Scale’s WeighMyTruck app — save time and skip the line.   Learn More: How Brent Ellis is Automating Operations at Decker Truck LinesMeet HDT's 2025 Fleet InnovatorsIs AI the Cure for Trucking's Technology Fatigue? What You'll Learn in This Podcast: From manual processes to automation in brokerage opsThe “technology crisis” in trucking todayGenerational divide, ELD mandate & resistance to techAutomation, scalability & the danger of tribal knowledgeHow to know you have a technology problem in your fleetToo many portals: 14+ platforms and constant context-switchingMaking the TMS the single source of truthDashboards, KPIs & avoiding paralysis by analysisWho owns data, and how many analysts do you really need?Getting value from telematics instead of drowning in dataBreaking old habits & forcing better workflows through trainingVendor “full integration” claims vs. realityWhy technology should be a Top-3 priority for fleets 

Graig Morin started out as a fleet driver in his hometown of Biddeford, Maine. But he knew he wanted to found his own fleet one day. He knew he'd need help to accomplish his goal. Luckily, he knew just where to find it. Sponsored by: CAT Scale’s WeighMyTruck app — save time and skip the line. Learn More: Small Carrier Success Stories: Brown Dog Trucking Small Carrier Success Stories: Silchuk Transport Small Carrier Success Stories: Huff & Puff Trucking Small Carrier Success Stories: Hellbent Xpress  What You'll Learn in This Episode Why it's important to study the industry locally and nationally before founding a fleet.Where to turn to get trustworthy help with the startup process.Knowing when it's time to grow your fleetDeciding whether to lease or own trucksHow to work through small fleet growing painsWhy a Safety Culture mattersWhy you should refuse to be a "cheap" carrierHow to compete with large fleetsFinding your niche and refusing to do everything

Explore the trends in transportation management systems used by trucking fleets, as we talk to Tucker Freight Lines about its journey in implementing new TMS technologies, and get some insight from its technology partner. Sponsored by: CAT Scale’s WeighMyTruck app — save time and skip the line. Key Takeaways: Cloud technology is a key enabler for modern TMS.AI is increasingly integrated into TMS solutions. Integration of maintenance and TMS improves efficiency. Change management is crucial for technology adoption. Testing is essential before going live with new TMS systems.Partnership with reliable vendors is vital for success.Defining success early helps in TMS implementation. Dig Deeper into Artificial Intelligence Inside the AI Revolution in Logistics: Insights from Trimble’s Roundtable Tips for Successful AI Adoption for Trucking Companies Subscribe to our newsletter & magazine: https://www.truckinginfo.com/page/subscribe

Understanding and applying Total Cost of Ownership to your truck or fleet is critical for maximizing profits and productivity. Brian Antonellis, senior vice president of fleet operations at Fleet Advantage explains what TCO does and how you can put it to work for your fleet today.

Autonomous trucks are already working in real fleet operations today. But what do those operations look like? And how does deploying and operating autonomous trucks actually work on the fleet side of the equation? We asked Nils Jaeger, president of Volvo Autonomous Solutions, to walk us through the state of self-driving truck operations today.

Deborah Lockridge talks with Matt Schrap, newly minted chief commercial officer at Forum Mobility and former CEO of the Harbor Trucking Association. We dig into the regulatory tug-of-war between California and the feds, true TCO drivers for electric trucks in drayage fleets, Tesla Semi expectations, port appointment bottlenecks, and practical incentives to drive fleet electrification. Sponsored by: CAT Scale’s WeighMyTruck app — save time and skip the line. https://catscale.com/our-guarantee/ 🤝 Follow and connect with HDT on social media! X ➡ https://x.com/HDTrucking Facebook ➡   / heavydutytrucking   LinkedIn ➡   / heavy-duty-trucking-magazine   📰 Subscribe to our newsletter & magazine: https://www.truckinginfo.com/page/sub...

4Gen Logistics has one of the largest zero-emission drayage fleets in Southern California — with 64 battery-electric trucks and 15 hydrogen fuel-cell trucks. But getting there hasn’t been easy.In this episode of HDT Talks Trucking, Editor Deborah Lockridge sits down with Brad Bayne, VP of Strategic Initiatives at 4Gen Logistics and a 2023 HDT Truck Fleet Innovator, to discuss the lessons learned on the road to becoming a 100% zero-emissions fleet by 2025.👉 Don’t miss Part 1 of the interview, where Lockridge and Bayne talk about the impact of the current regulatory shift on emissions.#Trucking #drayage #sustainability #electrictruck #california

In this episode of HDT Talks Trucking, Deborah Lockridge catches up with 2023 HDT Truck Fleet Innovator Brad Bayne of 4Gen Logistics for a progress report on zero-emission trucks during this time of deregulation. ▶️ Topics include: The current makeup of 4Gen’s zero-emission fleetThe fallout from Nikola’s bankruptcyCustomer expectations vs. cost realitiesCalifornia’s regulatory resolve and future strategy 👉 Don’t miss Part 2, where Lockridge and Bayne dive into the operational lessons learned from running electric trucks daily in 4Gen's port drayage operations. 🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS 4 Gen's Brad Bayne Full Steam Ahead on Electric Trucks New EPA Proposal Could Erase GHG Emissions Standards for Trucks 📰 Subscribe to our newsletter & magazine:

At Polaris Transportation Group, sustainability isn’t just about emissions — it’s about people, culture, technology, and giving back. Brenda Brajkovich from Polaris chats with HDT’s Deborah Lockridge about how the company is building a stronger, more inclusive workplace while staying ahead in cross-border trucking and logistics.

AI adoption in the trucking industry is skyrocketing — and leaders, executives, and managers of heavy-duty trucking fleets are taking notice.  In this HDT Leadership Insights podcast, HDT Editor and Associate Publisher Deborah Lockridge sits down with Tim Haynes, VP of Digital and Customer Data at Penske Transportation Solutions, to discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming fleet operations.   This episode of HDT Leadership Insights is produced in partnership with, and sponsored by, Penske.  Haynes shares highlights from Penske's recent survey on fleet AI adoption, insights into the latest enhancements of its Catalyst AI platform, and what fleets should know about implementing AI responsibly.    From route optimization to predictive maintenance and Penske’s innovative Fantasy Fleet tool, this episode explores the real-world impact of AI in transportation, and addresses concerns like data quality, AI “hallucinations,” and human oversight. What You'll Learn: Why fleets are exploring AIEnsuring data quality and avoiding AI “hallucinations”Human + AI: The hybrid model at PenskeWhat’s new in Catalyst AIAI is already in your life — what it means for fleets now 📰 Sign up for the HDT newsletter!   

From pet policies and panic buttons to sign language and management diversity, trucking fleets are finding new ways to support a changing professional truck driver population. Join host Deborah Lockridge and guest Mark Murrell of the Best Fleets to Drive For program as they unpack what successful fleets are doing right to retain a more diverse driver workforce -- and how you can apply it to your operation. 🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS CarriersEdge Announces 2025 Best Fleets to Drive For How Can Trucking Fleets Keep the Best Drivers? ATRI's New Strategies to Attract Women Drivers 📰 Subscribe to Heavy Duty Trucking magazine: https://www.truckinginfo.com/subscribe

Tammie Dean has an advantage when recruiting and mentoring women drivers at Lily Transportation: She’s experienced life on the road as a female driver.  On this episode of HDT Talks Trucking, HDT's Deborah Lockridge talks to Tammie about an initiative she started to help recruit and support women drivers, called Lily Ladies. Learn More About Attracting and Retaining Women Truck Drivers Lily Ladies Steer Women Truck Drivers to Success Q&A: NTI's Leah Shaver on What's Keeping Women Out of Trucking (Or watch the video interview with Leah Shaver)ATRI's New Strategies to Attract Women Drivers