Life by the Mile

Joyce Siqueira is VP of Operations at FreightWorks but does much more than sit behind a desk. She interacts on the company's behalf with industry leaders like McLeod, speaks in settings like their annual conference, and searches for ways to achieve apply cutting-edge technology applications to the FreightWorks team.

Helping truck drivers succeed is our goal and in this podcast, Joyce makes clear (again) that at our company every decision is focused on building a driver-centered culture. Listen and learn!

Laura Burgess is a load planner at FreightWorks and as daily professional support for our drivers knows the challenges of balancing the shifting needs of customers, the company, and most vitally the men and women who keep freight moving across our beautiful America.

Having an eager heart to listen, problem-solving when required, and ultimately honoring commitments made to customers is her professional path, a daily assignment for her often complex responsibilities. There’s nothing “simple” about freight companies keeping America moving. But there are unshakable values like those expressed at FreightWorks, ensuring every load is lifted and a promise kept!

FreightWorks driver Dennis Barton doesn’t mince words, cut corners nor offer prepared comments when asked questions like, “What’s really happening out there on America’s highways?” He served our country in the military and now is a “supply chain warrior” helping move vital goods and show up with a needed delivery each time, on time, and with the power of a trucking professional getting another job done. We are blessed by those who sacrifice in order for each of us to live the lives we’re accustomed to but often forget those who make it happen. Real. Unblemished. Unvarnished. It’s a conversation you won’t want to miss including a provocative discussion about cameras in cabs! Some drivers wonder about forward-facing cameras and Dennis makes a great case for why every driver should see these technologies as a friend!

Firefighter TJ Aagesen is a seasoned professional in dealing with crises of every sort from his station in Downer’s Grove Illinois just west of Chicago. His resume shows just a few of his capabilities as a Firefighter/Paramedic/Fire Investigator CFI. Everything from accidents to arson investigations has been part of his long days which is why it’s special he gives his commendation to America’s truck drivers in this very special podcast. He retells how vital commercial drivers often become in supporting first responders and makes clear in a Midwest America voice how deeply indebted we all are to those who keep the freight moving and America rolling!

On this episode of Life By The Mile, we shine the spotlight on one of the people who help our truck drivers get up to speed and get ready to roll out.

Anne Kidd has the title of HR Secretary at FreightWorks but does so much more to help cultivate and sustain the family-friendly environment drivers love. At the front desk for the company she sees new drivers as they arrive with keen attention to detail insuring necessary paperwork is in order, verifications and validations occur and every onboarding driver knows exactly what’s expected of them and specific commitments the company has made.

The heart of a company is often found with those you selflessly serve. Anne has that gift, passion, and motivation, as well as a calm, reassuring voice who is willing to talk and listen to the needs of truck drivers in the company. Listen to her perspectives shared with an unmistakable Irish accent!

Seasoned driver Shawn O’Malley has seen many roads near and far in his 30+ years as a professional driver. His early days included serving as a Marine police officer serving our country. In this episode, he speaks about what it means to be a “road warrior”, how professional driving has changed so much through the years, practical tips on being a safe driver, and insights derived from his colorful life. It’s an interesting open-hearted conversation you won’t want to miss. The FreightWorks family is broad, diverse, and growing. If you’re a driver looking for a new home check us out!

FreightWorks recruiter Issac Guerrero gives an insightful behind-the-scenes look at the recruiting efforts for the company while also discussing what's happening in the marketplace, what professional drivers are looking for, and how we work to meet their needs. As the mainstream media discusses driver shortages and supply chain issues this episode offers a practical guide for how a potential driver comes on board and the important steps along the way.

Life By The Mile podcast host Butch Maltby shares seven things he’s learned about FreightWorks in the almost year since the launch of our podcast. The “FreightWorks 1” studio is just off the beautifully appointed driver's lounge and relaying on hundreds of conversations our Director of Communications opens his heart to what he believes makes this blessed company unique and why drivers looking to make a change in companies may want to “kick the tires and look under the hood” of this family driven company.

Accidents happen — what must drivers do to avoid them?

FreightWorks’ Director of Safety Andy Kidd is back to share his experiences and what made ensuring safety in the transportation and logistics industry his profession.

In his 51 years of road safety experience, Kidd believes you could never be too comfortable, no matter how long you’ve been driving.

Expressing how statistics and tests have given light to how drivers tend to be complacent, he is advocating that if you want to make it and grow as a professional in this industry, learning to drive safely and taking precautions must be your priority.

Check out part two of our driver safety talk with Andy Kidd on Life By The Mile - delivered by FreightWorks.

What inspired Andy Kidd to be part of the FreightWorks family?

From Northern Ireland, Andy Kidd has been ensuring that FreightWorks promotes safe and effective operations since 2012.

In this episode, we will learn how Kidd went from being surrounded by his personal faith to making music around the world; sharing how his life experiences correlate to trucking and logistics and the central truth that safety isn’t “avoiding accidents” but ensuring one understands the consequences for every choice they make.

This is the first entry of a two-episode talk with FreightWorks Director of Safety, Andy Kidd.

A key part of the interview is the central truth that safety isn't “avoiding accidents” but ensuring one understands the consequences of every choice one makes.

Kidd believes that faith is a journey you go through in life -- discerning what is important and how your values change. Do you agree with him? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below.

This is a Life By The Mile Episode, delivered by FreightWorks.