Eighteen Wheels and a Microphone

Eighteen Wheels and a Microphone

By Gruff-voiced veteran trucker shares road tales and industry insightsNewsPoliticsDaily News
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Eighteen Wheels and a Microphone episodes

  • Veterans, Voltage & Victory…The Three V's of Modern Trucking @EighteenWheelsandaMicrophone Ep.025
    The provided sources cover various aspects of the trucking industry. One source focuses on the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award, which honors military veterans who have successfully transitioned into the commercial trucking industry. Another source highlights the Southern State Community College Truck Driving Academy, offering a comprehensive training program to equip students with the skills needed to become truck drivers. The final source explores the ongoing debate between hydrogen and electric trucks, analyzing their respective strengths and weaknesses in terms of efficiency, range, infrastructure needs, and operating costs.
    26 min
  • Surviving the Squeeze…How Top Fleets Keep Rolling in Tough Times @EighteenWheelsandaMicrophone Ep.024
    Trucking industry in North America, exploring both positive developments and challenges. It highlights two trucking fleets, C.A.T. Inc. and Kriska Holdings, who have received awards for their driver retention and safety initiatives. The text then transitions to address the challenges faced by the industry, particularly a glut of capacity and low freight rates, leading to increased operating costs and a difficult market for carriers.
    Finally, the text discusses the importance of technology and social media in attracting new talent to the industry and changing perceptions of trucking as a career.
    16 min
  • Crossroads…The Changing Face of American Trucking @EighteenWHeelsandaMicrophonme Ep.023
    One source reports on the ongoing efforts of a task force addressing predatory lease-purchase agreements in the industry, highlighting the negative experiences of truck drivers. Another source examines a law passed in Texas that aims to protect trucking companies from lawsuits by shifting the burden of proof onto plaintiffs, sparking debate over its impact on victims and safety. A third text investigates a New Jersey regulation that aims to reduce diesel pollution by requiring trucking companies to gradually shift to electric vehicles, while encountering opposition from industry players who claim the transition is premature. Finally, one source reports on a trucking company's financial difficulties, highlighting the challenges of navigating a volatile market, while another article celebrates four industry leaders for their contributions to the field.
    15 min
  • Breaking Barriers…Women, Leaders & The New Face of Trucking 2EighteenWheelsandaMicrophone Ep.022
    The provided text focuses on the trucking industry in the United States and Canada. The first article highlights the Women In Trucking Association's annual "Top Companies for Women to Work in Transportation" list, recognizing companies with inclusive corporate cultures and a commitment to employing women in the trucking industry. The second article announces Werner Enterprises' director of safety, Adam Cassidy, as a recipient of Heavy Duty Trucking's Emerging Leaders award, celebrating his achievements in safety initiatives and technological innovation. The third article, by Commercial Motor Vehicle Consulting (CMVC),analyzes the state of the trucking market and predicts an uptick in truck sales and freight rates in the coming years. The fourth article discusses the increased availability of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in Southern California, highlighting Voltera's role in enabling fleet electrification and promoting the transition to zero-emission trucks. Finally, the last article reports on Mark Bylsma becoming the new chairman of the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA), emphasizing his commitment to tackling industry issues like fair competition, driver training reform, and combating the underground economy.
    16 min
  • From Veterans to Automation…The Changing Face of American Trucking
    The sources explore various aspects of the trucking industry in the United States, ranging from driver recruitment and retention strategies to concerns over autonomous vehicle technology and the impact of potential policy changes. One article focuses on Epes Transport System, a company prioritizing veterans in its driver recruitment efforts and highlighting the benefits of their experience. Another article examines the growing trend of private truck fleets and the implications for for-hire trucking companies, arguing for structural changes within the industry to adapt. Finally, the sources also address potential policy shifts in 2025, including regulations on emissions and autonomous vehicles, and how they might impact trucking operations.
    18 min
  • Startups, Borders & Batteries…The Triple Revolution in Trucking@EighteenWheelsandaMicrophone Ep.020
    J.B. Hunt Transport Inc., a major trucking company, has partnered with UP.Labs to create the Logistics Venture Lab (LVL), a program designed to launch startups that address challenges within the freight and logistics industry. The goal is to develop six startups over the next three years, focusing on areas such as brokerage, dedicated, intermodal, and truckload. Meanwhile, the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) is hosting an event called Bridging Border Barriers to discuss cross-border issues facing the truckload industry, with a focus on benchmarking, freight market strategies, and regulatory updates. Lastly, the electric truck transition is facing a potential delay in states like New Jersey, as concerns regarding the availability of electric trucks and charging stations grow. Despite these challenges, the industry continues to invest in electric truck infrastructure and technology, with companies like Voltera building large charging depots and BYD manufacturing electric trucks. Trailer Dynamics is also exploring battery-swapping technology as an alternative to traditional charging. Daimler Trucks has launched the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600, a battery-electric long-haul truck with a range of 500 kilometers, demonstrating the potential of electric trucks in the long-haul trucking industry.
    34 min
  • Big Rigs, Big Changes.Where Silicon Valley Meets the Open Road @EighteenWheelsandaMicrophone Ep.019
    The articles discuss various aspects of the trucking industry, including the American Trucking Associations' Management Conference & Exhibition (MCE), where new trucks were unveiled, industry leaders shared insights, and awards were presented. Other articles focus on the increasing importance of the industry in transporting goods and providing essential services during emergencies, the rise of autonomous trucks and their potential to enhance safety and efficiency, and the growing adoption of electric trucks, such as Tesla's Semi.
    23 min
  • Trucking's Turbulence…Border Bans, Tariff Tremors, and Cannabis Conundrums @EighteenWheelsandaMicrophone Ep.018
    The sources provide an overview of the trucking industry, focusing on key issues like the impact of tariffs, the state of the freight market, and the legal implications of marijuana use for truck drivers. The first article discusses a proposed ban on commercial trucks at the Bridge of the Americas in El Paso, Texas, highlighting the potential consequences for the trade community and local residents. The second article delves into the state of the freight market, suggesting a potential uptick in demand driven by potential tariffs if Donald Trump wins the upcoming election. The third article examines the financial performance of Marten Transport, a truckload carrier, noting a decline in key operating metrics. The fourth article explores the legal ramifications of a former truck driver's dismissal for failing a marijuana test despite not using marijuana, raising questions about the applicability of RICO law in such cases. The final article focuses on the opening of a new bulk trans loading park in New Orleans, designed to enhance the efficiency of moving goods between trucks and trains.
    13 min
  • Trucking's Crossroads… Green Mandates, Industry Image, and the Driver Debate @EighteenWheelsandaMicrophone Ep.017
    The texts discuss challenges facing the trucking industry, including concerns about environmental regulations and a perceived driver shortage. The first text highlights the trucking industry's call for an extended timeline for New York's 2025 zero-emission requirements for trucks, arguing that the current timeline is unattainable and will disrupt the supply chain. The second text describes the American Trucking Associations' (ATA) recognition of three organizations for their efforts to improve the industry's image. The final text focuses on ATA President Chris Spear's speech, where he criticizes the Biden administration's policies and outlines the industry's priorities. Spear expresses concerns about the administration's environmental regulations and emphasizes the importance of trucking to the U.S. economy. He also addresses issues related to labor, strikes, lawsuits, and marijuana legalization.
    14 min
  • Trucking's Horizons…Networking Summits, Earnings Insights, Green Ports, and Tech-Driven Safety @EighteenWheelsandaMicrophone Ep.016
    The first source reports on the Broker-Carrier Summit, an industry event that provides networking and education opportunities for brokers and carriers. The event features innovative initiatives like professional speed dating and a robust roster of expert speakers. The second source discusses J.B. Hunt's third-quarter earnings report, highlighting the company's performance across various segments, including intermodal, brokerage, dedicated, and final mile. The third source focuses on the efforts of the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to improve their sustainability and become leaders in zero-emission operations. The fourth source details Netradyne's driver-first safety solution, Driver•i, which captures both safe and risky driving behaviors to provide fleet managers with a holistic view of driver performance. The final source highlights Tenstreet's Content Library, a comprehensive driver training platform that provides access to over 270 courses covering various topics like compliance, defensive driving and safety.
    15 min

About Eighteen Wheels and a Microphone

From the publisher's feed

Your daily pit stop for all things trucking. Join host Viorel, a veteran trucker with 12 years of experience, as we navigate the latest news, trends, and stories from America's highways.