Enjoying Life OTR

Ryan Suydam is a successful Freight Broker with over 20 years in the industry.   We asked carriers and drivers for questions then put Ryan in the hot seat.  He  shares his process for gaining new shippers and vetting carriers.    He has a lot of wisdom to share!   If you are a Carrier, Driver, Dispatcher or Broker--there is a lot of helpful information in this episode.  

• Why do brokers call for updates when the load is being tracked?   
• How much do you earn on each load?  
• How do you find new shippers?   
• Who pays the the cost of detention and layover?
• Why do drivers have to pay lumper fees?
• How many loads do you run in a week?   
• What are your expenses?  
• What is the most you have earned on a single load?
• And so much more!

Ryan has been a successful broker for many years, if you have questions for Ryan,  you can share your feedback to the podcast on our Enjoying Life OTR app. It's free.  Leave comments and ask questions.   Ryan can also be contacted at [email protected] and LinkedIn.
 

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Enjoying Life OTR—because LIVING WELL is worth the effort. We’re sparking curiosity, adventure, & resilience while honoring drivers and embracing a healthier trucking life. Discover creative life hacks & practical strategies to make the most of your time on the road. Join the movement!Explore, enjoy the food, snap the pic, and share tips on saving money along the way.

This podcast is for new and veteran drivers looking to stay mentally, physically, and financially strong while embracing the freedom of the road. We bring you real stories, expert advice, & practical tools to help you thrive, not just survive, in the trucking life.

Connect with Us:  Join the Enjoying Life OTR Facebook Group – Share your journey, find trip recommendations, & connect with fellow drivers. Follow our Facebook page – Get the latest podcast episodes, trucking tips, & entertaining content. Visit our website – Explore our journey, see community highlights, and access resources for a healthier, more balanced OTR life.

For questions or to be a guest, email our host, Cindy Tunstall at [email protected]  #HealthierTruckers #EnjoyingLifeOTR #TruckerWellness #OTRLife #WorkLifeBalance

Cindy Tunstall wraps up the year sharing upcoming plans for the new year and a little story about her adventures in the Windy City.   Spoiler alert--you'll hear why I decided it's time to get a trucker's gps!  Yikes!   I have a little PTSD from my Chicago adventure, but still look forward to going back.    
Next year I'm planning to interview a Freight Broker on the show, so if you have questions you would like me to ask-- send me an email:  [email protected].   We are taking some time off, but find us on TikTok or on our free app:  Enjoying Life OTR.   Enjoy the holidays and see ya next year!   

Send us Fan Mail

Enjoying Life OTR—because LIVING WELL is worth the effort. We’re sparking curiosity, adventure, & resilience while honoring drivers and embracing a healthier trucking life. Discover creative life hacks & practical strategies to make the most of your time on the road. Join the movement!Explore, enjoy the food, snap the pic, and share tips on saving money along the way.

This podcast is for new and veteran drivers looking to stay mentally, physically, and financially strong while embracing the freedom of the road. We bring you real stories, expert advice, & practical tools to help you thrive, not just survive, in the trucking life.

Connect with Us:  Join the Enjoying Life OTR Facebook Group – Share your journey, find trip recommendations, & connect with fellow drivers. Follow our Facebook page – Get the latest podcast episodes, trucking tips, & entertaining content. Visit our website – Explore our journey, see community highlights, and access resources for a healthier, more balanced OTR life.

For questions or to be a guest, email our host, Cindy Tunstall at [email protected]  #HealthierTruckers #EnjoyingLifeOTR #TruckerWellness #OTRLife #WorkLifeBalance

Jon Kruger shares his over-sized, flat-bed adventures and some great tips for making life easier over the road.  He even has some wisdom to share if you are interested in becoming an owner operator.   He is a mechanic so he shared some of his experiences fixing the truck road-side--saving money on repairs and trying to make the most of the opportunities out there.   Jon's wife is also a trucker so he has tips for making that work when you're not driving team.    Jon also shares a fantastic opportunity to network with other drivers running over-sized, heavy haul.      His Facebook group is called: Extendable/Stretch Flatbed, RGN, Stepdeck Life.   This will be a place to share ideas with other drivers and even connect with load opportunities.    This episode is packed full with good ideas!
At Enjoying Life OTR we are honoring truckers and sharing their stories.  Share this episode so more drivers will find out about our community.  Join our ENJOYING LIFE OTR Facebook group.  It's a social network designed for truckers.   A place to share your favorite stops or find some new ones.   
Do you know someone who would like to be on the show?   Contact [email protected]   Y'all be safe out there, and by all means--enjoy the journey!

Send us Fan Mail

Enjoying Life OTR—because LIVING WELL is worth the effort. We’re sparking curiosity, adventure, & resilience while honoring drivers and embracing a healthier trucking life. Discover creative life hacks & practical strategies to make the most of your time on the road. Join the movement!Explore, enjoy the food, snap the pic, and share tips on saving money along the way.

This podcast is for new and veteran drivers looking to stay mentally, physically, and financially strong while embracing the freedom of the road. We bring you real stories, expert advice, & practical tools to help you thrive, not just survive, in the trucking life.

Connect with Us:  Join the Enjoying Life OTR Facebook Group – Share your journey, find trip recommendations, & connect with fellow drivers. Follow our Facebook page – Get the latest podcast episodes, trucking tips, & entertaining content. Visit our website – Explore our journey, see community highlights, and access resources for a healthier, more balanced OTR life.

For questions or to be a guest, email our host, Cindy Tunstall at [email protected]  #HealthierTruckers #EnjoyingLifeOTR #TruckerWellness #OTRLife #WorkLifeBalance

Larry Cechin shares some dangerous drives over the mountains and even a time when he dozed off while behind the wheel.   Happened many years ago and is an incredible story!   He has been driving a long time, and I enjoyed hearing about the ups and downs in the industry.  It's a tough time for many owner operators, and Larry's  stories were inspiring to keep persevering through the tough times.    You will enjoying hearing stories about trucking in the past as well as hearing about his friends and family that have come along on the journey.  Larry and his friends have  started a charity to help seniors.   Visit their Facebook group "Diesel Drifters Public" to find out how you can get involved.    
Please share the show with other drivers so more people will join our community.    
If you know someone who would like to be on the show, contact [email protected]  We are honoring truckers, and sharing their stories!  We'd love to share your story!   Y'all be safe out there...and by all means, enjoy the journey!

Send us Fan Mail

Enjoying Life OTR—because LIVING WELL is worth the effort. We’re sparking curiosity, adventure, & resilience while honoring drivers and embracing a healthier trucking life. Discover creative life hacks & practical strategies to make the most of your time on the road. Join the movement!Explore, enjoy the food, snap the pic, and share tips on saving money along the way.

This podcast is for new and veteran drivers looking to stay mentally, physically, and financially strong while embracing the freedom of the road. We bring you real stories, expert advice, & practical tools to help you thrive, not just survive, in the trucking life.

Connect with Us:  Join the Enjoying Life OTR Facebook Group – Share your journey, find trip recommendations, & connect with fellow drivers. Follow our Facebook page – Get the latest podcast episodes, trucking tips, & entertaining content. Visit our website – Explore our journey, see community highlights, and access resources for a healthier, more balanced OTR life.

For questions or to be a guest, email our host, Cindy Tunstall at [email protected]  #HealthierTruckers #EnjoyingLifeOTR #TruckerWellness #OTRLife #WorkLifeBalance

Shane Davis had a career in the Railroad, then worked in the Prison system, but found his place behind the wheel as an OTR trucker.   He shares some of his adventures, his hobbies and how he managed to lose 30 pounds while being an OTR trucker.    Shane is from Georgia, and shares why he loves this lifestyle. 
This life isn't for everyone, but some know it's where we are supposed to be.   You can follow his artist journey on instagram @abavusz.   
We are honoring truckers and sharing their stories.   If you would like to be on the show, contact [email protected]   

Send us Fan Mail

Enjoying Life OTR—because LIVING WELL is worth the effort. We’re sparking curiosity, adventure, & resilience while honoring drivers and embracing a healthier trucking life. Discover creative life hacks & practical strategies to make the most of your time on the road. Join the movement!Explore, enjoy the food, snap the pic, and share tips on saving money along the way.

This podcast is for new and veteran drivers looking to stay mentally, physically, and financially strong while embracing the freedom of the road. We bring you real stories, expert advice, & practical tools to help you thrive, not just survive, in the trucking life.

Connect with Us:  Join the Enjoying Life OTR Facebook Group – Share your journey, find trip recommendations, & connect with fellow drivers. Follow our Facebook page – Get the latest podcast episodes, trucking tips, & entertaining content. Visit our website – Explore our journey, see community highlights, and access resources for a healthier, more balanced OTR life.

For questions or to be a guest, email our host, Cindy Tunstall at [email protected]  #HealthierTruckers #EnjoyingLifeOTR #TruckerWellness #OTRLife #WorkLifeBalance

#24 Sherrill Hustler totaled her truck and trailer one year ago, and she is still loving the life!  She shares about her  OTR life in a super-sleeper with four pups, over-coming drug addiction and so many wonderful adventures while OTR.  Sherrill is making the most of the opportunity to travel--truly enjoying life OTR!   Her passion for trucking is contagious.   She has so much wisdom to share.   Her story will inspire you to chase your dreams! 
You can connect with Sherrill on the Enjoying Life OTR app--user name: Stella Rose.   Contact [email protected] to ask questions or be on the show.  We are honoring truckers and sharing their stories!   #EnjoyingLifeOTR

Send us Fan Mail

Enjoying Life OTR—because LIVING WELL is worth the effort. We’re sparking curiosity, adventure, & resilience while honoring drivers and embracing a healthier trucking life. Discover creative life hacks & practical strategies to make the most of your time on the road. Join the movement!Explore, enjoy the food, snap the pic, and share tips on saving money along the way.

This podcast is for new and veteran drivers looking to stay mentally, physically, and financially strong while embracing the freedom of the road. We bring you real stories, expert advice, & practical tools to help you thrive, not just survive, in the trucking life.

Connect with Us:  Join the Enjoying Life OTR Facebook Group – Share your journey, find trip recommendations, & connect with fellow drivers. Follow our Facebook page – Get the latest podcast episodes, trucking tips, & entertaining content. Visit our website – Explore our journey, see community highlights, and access resources for a healthier, more balanced OTR life.

For questions or to be a guest, email our host, Cindy Tunstall at [email protected]  #HealthierTruckers #EnjoyingLifeOTR #TruckerWellness #OTRLife #WorkLifeBalance

Todd Kantor shares some of his favorite adventures while OTR.   Visiting the beaches in Florida, the Las Vegas strip and scary adventures on the Mexico border.    He also shares some beautiful and dangerous animal encounters.   He is team driving and making the most of the opportunity to travel.   They have driven all over the nation.  He overcame his fear of failure and is thriving as an OTR driver.    We had a great time, and you're gonna enjoy the show.
If you want to be on the show, email [email protected]   We are honoring truckers and sharing their stories.  We would love to hear your story!
#EnjoyingLifeOTR

Send us Fan Mail

Enjoying Life OTR—because LIVING WELL is worth the effort. We’re sparking curiosity, adventure, & resilience while honoring drivers and embracing a healthier trucking life. Discover creative life hacks & practical strategies to make the most of your time on the road. Join the movement!Explore, enjoy the food, snap the pic, and share tips on saving money along the way.

This podcast is for new and veteran drivers looking to stay mentally, physically, and financially strong while embracing the freedom of the road. We bring you real stories, expert advice, & practical tools to help you thrive, not just survive, in the trucking life.

Connect with Us:  Join the Enjoying Life OTR Facebook Group – Share your journey, find trip recommendations, & connect with fellow drivers. Follow our Facebook page – Get the latest podcast episodes, trucking tips, & entertaining content. Visit our website – Explore our journey, see community highlights, and access resources for a healthier, more balanced OTR life.

For questions or to be a guest, email our host, Cindy Tunstall at [email protected]  #HealthierTruckers #EnjoyingLifeOTR #TruckerWellness #OTRLife #WorkLifeBalance

#22 Abe Johnson is our guest.  He shares how he went from Professional Motocross Racing into Heavy Haul freight.   Crazy loads that seem impossible are his favorite!  We discuss the challenges of the work, and he is open about some of his regrets.    Making the most of the opportunity to travel can be a struggle when you have little ones waiting for you at home.  There are lots of challenges, but he is loving this life!   At the end of the conversation he flips the tables and asks Cindy some questions about her career choices.    If you are interested in learning more about Bar 7, heavy haul out of Idaho, his email is: [email protected]    You can also watch for his pics on our YouTube channel.    Abe also has a TikTok: bigtimen and find him on YouTube:Heavy Hauling Idaho  

Send us Fan Mail

Enjoying Life OTR—because LIVING WELL is worth the effort. We’re sparking curiosity, adventure, & resilience while honoring drivers and embracing a healthier trucking life. Discover creative life hacks & practical strategies to make the most of your time on the road. Join the movement!Explore, enjoy the food, snap the pic, and share tips on saving money along the way.

This podcast is for new and veteran drivers looking to stay mentally, physically, and financially strong while embracing the freedom of the road. We bring you real stories, expert advice, & practical tools to help you thrive, not just survive, in the trucking life.

Connect with Us:  Join the Enjoying Life OTR Facebook Group – Share your journey, find trip recommendations, & connect with fellow drivers. Follow our Facebook page – Get the latest podcast episodes, trucking tips, & entertaining content. Visit our website – Explore our journey, see community highlights, and access resources for a healthier, more balanced OTR life.

For questions or to be a guest, email our host, Cindy Tunstall at [email protected]  #HealthierTruckers #EnjoyingLifeOTR #TruckerWellness #OTRLife #WorkLifeBalance

Part two of my conversation with Dan Barnett.   Dan talks about trucking in the past, present and future.  We even touch on autonomous trucking and how it will affect OTR drivers.    If you missed last week's episode, be sure to check it out.  Dan experienced a hit and run incident by another trucker while in Chicago.  Don't miss that show.  Dan has a lot of wisdom to share, and this was a great show.    
We are honoring truckers and sharing their stories.  If you want to be on the show, contact: [email protected].  Y'all take care out there, and by all means, enjoy the journey!
#EnjoyingLifeOTR

Send us Fan Mail

Enjoying Life OTR—because LIVING WELL is worth the effort. We’re sparking curiosity, adventure, & resilience while honoring drivers and embracing a healthier trucking life. Discover creative life hacks & practical strategies to make the most of your time on the road. Join the movement!Explore, enjoy the food, snap the pic, and share tips on saving money along the way.

This podcast is for new and veteran drivers looking to stay mentally, physically, and financially strong while embracing the freedom of the road. We bring you real stories, expert advice, & practical tools to help you thrive, not just survive, in the trucking life.

Connect with Us:  Join the Enjoying Life OTR Facebook Group – Share your journey, find trip recommendations, & connect with fellow drivers. Follow our Facebook page – Get the latest podcast episodes, trucking tips, & entertaining content. Visit our website – Explore our journey, see community highlights, and access resources for a healthier, more balanced OTR life.

For questions or to be a guest, email our host, Cindy Tunstall at [email protected]  #HealthierTruckers #EnjoyingLifeOTR #TruckerWellness #OTRLife #WorkLifeBalance

Josh and Clarrissa Bowlin have over-come homelessness and are now thriving with success in trucking!     They have worked hard, and have big plans!  We discussed some of the challenges of living together 24/7, and they share some wisdom for making it work!   They are giving back by creating a cook-book so drivers can easily enjoy some home-cooked food while OTR.   What a great idea!   They are sharing some of their favorite recipes and inviting you to share some of yours.   
Josh and Clarrissa Bowlin are on the ENJOYING LIFE OTR app.  User name: KarmasLongHaulAppetites, also on Facebook, TikTok, or you can email: [email protected] to share some of your favorite recipes.   So great to connect with others who understand the challenges of life OTR.
If you would like to be on the show?   Contact: [email protected]  We are honoring truckers and sharing their stories.    See our driver's pics on our YouTube channel.    

#EnjoyingLifeOTR

Send us Fan Mail

Enjoying Life OTR—because LIVING WELL is worth the effort. We’re sparking curiosity, adventure, & resilience while honoring drivers and embracing a healthier trucking life. Discover creative life hacks & practical strategies to make the most of your time on the road. Join the movement!Explore, enjoy the food, snap the pic, and share tips on saving money along the way.

This podcast is for new and veteran drivers looking to stay mentally, physically, and financially strong while embracing the freedom of the road. We bring you real stories, expert advice, & practical tools to help you thrive, not just survive, in the trucking life.

Connect with Us:  Join the Enjoying Life OTR Facebook Group – Share your journey, find trip recommendations, & connect with fellow drivers. Follow our Facebook page – Get the latest podcast episodes, trucking tips, & entertaining content. Visit our website – Explore our journey, see community highlights, and access resources for a healthier, more balanced OTR life.

For questions or to be a guest, email our host, Cindy Tunstall at [email protected]  #HealthierTruckers #EnjoyingLifeOTR #TruckerWellness #OTRLife #WorkLifeBalance