Advertise on podcast: Keep Trucking Personal

Your driving record is one of the most valuable things you have as a professional truck driver. It represents your experience, your commitment to safety, and the opportunities available to you throughout your career. In this episode of the Keep Trucking Personal podcast, Tyler Kivi discusses how a single violation can affect your ability to qualify for a new driving position, sometimes for three years or longer, and why protecting your record should always be a priority. Drawing from real conversations with experienced drivers, Tyler shares how violations involving speeding, following too closely, handheld cell phone use, and other preventable decisions can create unexpected roadblocks when pursuing new opportunities. He also explains how hiring standards and insurance requirements influence decisions at Kivi Bros. Trucking, and why even highly qualified drivers can face challenges when something appears on their driving record. Tyler wraps up the conversation with five practical ways drivers can protect their careers, including slowing down, putting the phone away, maintaining safe following distances, understanding what's on their driving record, and thinking about the future when making decisions today. Whether you've been driving for a few years or a few decades, this episode is an important reminder of the value of your experience, the importance of safety, and the opportunities that come from protecting everything you've worked so hard to build.

In trucking, even the best-laid plans can change in an instant. A delayed load, an unexpected breakdown, or a last-minute schedule change can turn a good day into a challenging one. In this episode of the Keep Trucking Personal podcast, Tyler Kivi asks an important question: When things go wrong, are you going to be part of the solution? Drawing from real experiences in the industry, Tyler discusses how professional drivers can navigate challenges, work with their teams, and build a reputation that opens doors to greater opportunities. He shares why your response to a difficult situation matters, how a willingness to help can change the outcome, and why problem-solving is a responsibility shared by everyone at Kivi Bros. Trucking, from drivers and dispatchers to maintenance and leadership. Tyler also breaks down five habits that can help drivers succeed throughout their careers: being prepared, communicating early, taking ownership, protecting your reputation, and never stopping learning. Whether you're just getting started or have decades of experience behind the wheel, this episode offers practical advice for becoming a stronger professional, building trust, and making a positive impact on the people you work with.

Are we trying to be right, or are we trying to get it right? It's a question worth asking, especially in trucking, where communication between drivers, dispatchers, maintenance, and leadership can make all the difference. In this episode of the Keep Trucking Personal podcast, Tyler Kivi talks about the assumptions we make, the frustrations that build when communication breaks down, and how a simple phone call can change everything. Drawing from real experiences at Kivi Bros. Trucking, Tyler shares why communication is everyone's responsibility. From unexpected delays and equipment issues to questions about miles and getting home, keeping the lines of communication open helps drivers and their teams work through challenges together. He also discusses the importance of honesty, following through on commitments, and getting to know the people you work with before problems arise. Building a strong trucking company takes trust, accountability, and people who genuinely want each other to succeed. Tyler challenges everyone, from the driver's seat to the back office, to speak up, listen, ask questions, and take responsibility for finding solutions. Because at the end of the day, we're all working toward the same goal, and the phone works both ways.

Thinking about making the move into flatbed trucking? In this episode of the Keep Trucking Personal podcast, Tyler Kivi talks about the opportunities that come with a career in flatbed and open deck trucking, and why giving yourself time to learn, grow, and settle in can make all the difference. From securing challenging loads to working through tough weather and learning new equipment, flatbed trucking takes hard work, patience, and a willingness to learn. Tyler shares what drivers can expect when making the transition, why experience is built one load at a time, and how focusing on progress can lead to bigger opportunities down the road. At Kivi Bros. Trucking, helping drivers succeed is a team effort. Tyler discusses the importance of communication, asking questions, trusting your team, and giving yourself the chance to build a rewarding career. Whether you're brand new to trucking, considering a move into flatbed, or looking to take the next step in your career, this episode is a reminder to stay focused, keep learning, and settle in for the journey ahead.

Heavy haul is a goal for a lot of drivers, whether they are just getting started in flatbed, already building experience with oversized freight, or ready for the next challenge in their career. In this episode of the Keep Trucking Personal podcast, Tyler Kivi breaks down what the path to heavy haul really looks like at Kivi Bros. Trucking and why getting there is a progression built through experience, consistency, safety, and trust. Tyler talks about the skills and habits that prepare drivers for bigger and more complex loads, from understanding permits and routing to communication, securement, equipment, timing, and attention to detail. Heavy haul brings greater responsibility, and the drivers who succeed are the ones willing to keep learning, ask questions, slow down when something does not feel right, and lean on the team around them. Every load and every new experience becomes another opportunity to build the knowledge and reputation needed for the next step. For drivers who have heavy haul in their sights, Tyler's message is simple: master what you are doing today, keep building your skills, and make your goals known. Talk to your Driver Specialist, connect with experienced drivers, learn from the heavy haul and permitting teams, and look for opportunities to grow. If you are ready to put in the work and take the next step in your driving career, raise your hand.

Truck drivers understand weight better than most people. You know when a truck is loaded heavy, when something needs adjusted, and when you’re approaching the limits of what your equipment can safely carry. But there’s another kind of weight drivers carry every day that nobody else can see. Worries about miles, fuel prices, freight, family, finances, mistakes, relationships, and what might happen tomorrow can pile up quickly, especially with long hours behind the wheel and plenty of time to think. In this episode of the Keep Trucking Personal podcast, Tyler Kivi talks about the difference between preparing for what’s ahead and carrying the weight of things that haven’t happened yet. He shares why focusing on what you can control today, your effort, attitude, communication, relationships, and the job in front of you, can make a difference both on the road and at home. The challenge this week is simple: go one and today. Learn from yesterday, prepare for tomorrow, and give your best to what’s in front of you right now. You wouldn’t hook your truck to tomorrow’s load before it’s time to haul it. Give yourself the same grace mentally. Do today’s work, love your family, help somebody, and have enough faith to put down the weight that doesn’t belong to today.

Diesel prices are climbing, the freight market is getting tougher, and every inefficiency in trucking gets a lot harder to ignore when costs rise. In this episode of the Keep Trucking Personal Podcast, Tyler Kivi talks about what a challenging market exposes, from fuel mileage and freight mix to customer relationships, maintenance, communication, and service. Tyler also breaks down just how much influence drivers have on the strength of a trucking company. Drivers are often the people standing face to face with the customer, and those interactions can help strengthen a relationship and keep freight coming. At the same time, leadership, operations, maintenance, and safety have to hold themselves to that same standard. Customers don’t owe a carrier freight, and drivers don’t owe a company their careers. Both have to be earned. When the market gets hard, Kivi Bros Trucking isn’t interested in pulling back. The focus is on controlling what can be controlled: effort, service, communication, efficiency, relationships, and attitude. Pressure has a way of showing what a company is made of, and this is the time to double down on the things that built the company in the first place.

Driver Appreciation Week is a chance to recognize the professional drivers who keep freight moving every single day. In this episode of the Keep Trucking Personal Podcast, Tyler Kivi shares a sincere thank you for the early mornings, late nights, time away from home, tough weather, difficult loads, and countless sacrifices drivers make that often go unseen. But appreciation also comes with a challenge. Tyler talks about the idea that the things worth having in life and in your career come with a cost. Better opportunities, more trust, specialized freight, greater earning potential, respect, and growth are built through sacrifice, consistency, learning, and showing up when it matters. And that standard applies to Kivi Bros Trucking, too. If a company wants great drivers, it has to earn their trust, give them reasons to stay, and show through its actions where it is headed. This week, take some time to appreciate how far you’ve already come. Think about the miles, experience, lessons, tough loads, people you’ve helped, and challenges you’ve overcome along the way. Then ask yourself one question: What do you want to earn next? Celebrate Driver Appreciation Week, be proud of what you’ve accomplished, and when Monday comes, get back after it.

Truck drivers spend a lot of time taking care of the truck, the load, the customer, and the people waiting for them back home. But somewhere in that list, it’s easy to forget about taking care of the driver. In this episode of the Keep Trucking Personal Podcast, Tyler Kivi talks about the physical demands of trucking, especially for open deck and heavy haul drivers. From tarping, chaining, and strapping to climbing on and off trailers in every kind of weather, this job takes a toll. Tyler shares some simple reminders for protecting your back and shoulders, staying hydrated, getting more movement into your day, eating a little better, and asking for help when you need it. And taking care of yourself goes beyond the physical side. Tyler also talks about the mental demands of life on the road and why having an outlet and staying connected matter. As Driver Appreciation Week approaches, the challenge is simple: do one thing this week to take better care of yourself. Small decisions add up over a career, and we want every driver healthy, successful, and heading home safely to the people who matter most.

Tyler is back from a packed weekend at the Minnesota State Fair, where Kivi Bros Trucking had one of its 13-axle setups on display hauling a massive 160,000-pound dipper bucket. Between talking with drivers, answering questions from fairgoers, and showing off the incredible work of the Kivi Bros team and fab shop, the weekend was a great reminder of just how much skill, teamwork, and hard work go into what we do every day. With National Truck Driver Appreciation Week coming up September 13-19, Tyler shares some of what Kivi Bros Trucking has planned and, most importantly, takes a moment to thank the professional drivers who keep this company and this country moving. But he also has a challenge for drivers heading into the week: draw a line in the sand. If you've been coasting, putting off the phone call, waiting for the right opportunity, or telling yourself you'll do it tomorrow, this is your chance for a fresh start. Hard work isn't about driving tired, breaking hours of service, or sacrificing everything else in your life. It's about being intentional, prepared, willing to practice, communicating well, and taking action when an opportunity is in front of you. You can't control the freight market, the weather, or every customer you encounter, but you can control the work you're willing to put in. Draw the line, kick the dirt off your boots, and get to work.

As Brake Safety Week gets underway Aug. 23-29, Tyler Kivi talks about why a clean inspection starts long before a driver ever sees the scale house. This year, inspectors are putting added focus on the condition of brake drums and rotors, but Tyler challenges drivers to think beyond the blitz itself. At Kivi Bros. Trucking, clean inspection payouts are doubled during enforcement events, rewarding drivers who know their equipment, take pre-trips seriously, and put in the work to operate at a high level. In this episode of the Keep Trucking Personal podcast, Tyler digs into discipline, complacency, accountability, and the hundreds of small decisions that separate great drivers from everyone else. From checking securement one more time to leaving equipment better than you found it, owning mistakes, and looking out for other drivers on the road, discipline becomes the standard you set for yourself. Brake Safety Week may end, but the habits of a professional driver shouldn't. As Tyler puts it, “Discipline isn't doing the right thing because somebody is watching. Discipline is doing the right thing because that's your standard.” Learn more about CVSA's 2026 Brake Safety Week focus area here. View the flyer here.

Kivi Bros. Trucking driver Brandon Fowler knows firsthand how challenging it can be to prioritize your health while living life on the road. After nearly a decade in trucking and experience across FedEx, dry van, reefer, and flatbed, Brandon found himself at more than 300 pounds and struggling with the physical demands of the job. That realization started a health journey that eventually led him to become a certified health coach and create The Highway Health Coach. In this episode of the Keep Trucking Personal podcast, Tyler Kivi talks with Brandon about how he got his start in trucking, what brought him to flatbed, and why improving his own health changed much more than the number on the scale. Brandon shares how he approaches eating on the road, the simple setup he uses to cook in his truck, and some of the strategies that have helped him stay consistent when truck stops and long days make healthier choices harder. They also talk about why Brandon believes drivers need health resources created by people who truly understand the trucking lifestyle. As both a driver and a health coach, he understands the realities of hours behind the wheel, limited food options, unpredictable schedules, and trying to make changes while still getting the job done. For Brandon, the goal is to help drivers find an approach that works for their own journey. As he puts it, the driver is the truck and he is the GPS, helping them navigate the road toward their health goals. Learn more about Brandon Fowler The Highway Health Coach | Certified Health Coach for Truck Drivers | The Highway Health Coach Kivi Bros Trucking Flatbed Truck Driver Website: https://thehighwayhealthcoach.com/ Follow Brandon on social media: FacebookInstagramTikTok

Trucking can be a great career, but that does not mean every load, route, or week is going to be easy. In this episode of the Keep Trucking Personal podcast, Tyler Kivi talks about the hard work that comes with being a professional driver and why some of the most challenging moments on the road can also be the ones that build confidence, experience, and resilience. From changing schedules and difficult loads to weather, equipment issues, permits, and unexpected delays, drivers are constantly asked to adapt. Tyler shares why staying calm, communicating, preparing, asking the right questions, and owning mistakes can make all the difference when the pressure is on. Over time, working through those situations gives drivers something valuable: proof that they can handle difficult things and keep moving forward. Hard work should never mean accepting unsafe conditions, disrespect, or being taken advantage of. It does mean recognizing that a tough day or a tough week does not define your career. For drivers willing to keep learning, preparing, and showing up, those hard days can help build the skills and confidence that set great professional drivers apart.

Becoming a truck driver starts long before your first load, and getting your CDL can feel overwhelming with so many schools, recruiters, training programs, and opinions pointing you in different directions. In this episode of the Keep Trucking Personal podcast, Tyler Kivi breaks down what the process looks like today, including Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), the different ways to pay for CDL school, company-sponsored training, reimbursement programs, and contracts. He explains the advantages and tradeoffs of each option while encouraging future drivers to look beyond the sales pitch and understand exactly what they're committing to before they sign. Tyler also shares why your first trucking job shouldn't be about chasing the highest pay or biggest sign-on bonus. Instead, he explains why building experience, finding strong mentors, staying coachable, and developing good habits behind the wheel will create more opportunities throughout your career. Every experienced driver started somewhere, and this episode offers honest, practical advice to help new drivers build a strong foundation and take their first steps into an industry that has supported families and communities for generations.

What exactly is the SAP (Substance Abuse Professional) program, and what does it mean for CDL drivers? In this episode of the Keep Trucking Personal podcast, Tyler Kivi breaks down the federally required SAP process for drivers who violate DOT drug and alcohol regulations. He explains what can trigger the program, including failed or refused drug and alcohol tests, what happens after a violation is reported to the FMCSA Clearinghouse, and the steps drivers must complete before they can legally return to work. Tyler walks through the entire return-to-duty process, from the initial SAP evaluation and required education or treatment to the return-to-duty test and the follow-up testing plan that can last for years. He also discusses why many carriers are unable to hire SAP drivers, the role insurance companies play in those decisions, and why protecting your CDL is one of the most important responsibilities a professional driver has. The conversation also covers alcohol in the truck, the difference between state laws and federal regulations, how prescription medications can complicate drug testing, and why even a single mistake can have long-term consequences for your career.