They come from every background. We’ve had doctors, lawyers, insurance agents, high-schoolers, retirees—all looking for a new opportunity. For some, it’s the chance to become financially independent and get a fresh start at life. Every story is unique, but they all converge at the Nussbaum Trucking Academy at Heartland Community College!

In today’s exchange, you’ll learn what it takes to earn your CDL and become a Professional Driver. Brendon, Jeff, and Jared give us an overview of CDL school from start to finish: class schedules, behind-the-wheel training, and tips for success. Plus, how the Academy got started, preparation for the driving lifestyle, and some of the interesting students we’ve trained over the years!

Believe us when we say, it’s never too late for an unexpected career.

FROM TODAY’S PODCAST

• Guests:

o Brendon Nussbaum, Director of Culture & Development at Nussbaum

o Jeff King, Lead Instructor at the Nussbaum Trucking Academy

o Jared Fehr, HR Specialist at Nussbaum

• Illinois Secretary of State – CDL information

• Nussbaum Trucking Academy website

• Nussbaum Trucking Academy on Facebook

LET’S CONNECT

• Visit us online at terminalexchange.org

• Follow The Terminal Exchange on social media!

o Facebook

o Instagram

o Twitter

ABOUT NUSSBAUM

Employee-Owned, Purpose Driven | Nussbaum is an industry leader in over-the-road freight transportation. For more information on our award-winning services and top-paying driver careers, visit nussbaum.com or nussbaumjobs.com.

“Hark, the Herald Angels sing….glory to the newborn KING.”

In this special Christmas edition of Terminal Exchange, Nussbaum Chaplain Jim Revelle shares a message entitled “The Rightful King has Landed.” In it, he explores three characteristics of King Jesus in Isaiah chapter 11: How he brings justice to the poor; how his wisdom surpasses all human understanding; and his identity as the shoot of Jesse and root of David.

Though Jesus never campaigned for political office, mustered an army, or sat on an earthly throne—he is the most consequential figure in human history. So, what is his mission? What kind of King is he? Where is his kingdom? Tune in as Jim shares the story.

FROM TODAY’S PODCAST

• Guest: Jim Revelle, Nussbaum Chaplain (Corporate Chaplains of America)

• For further study:

o Isaiah 11

o 1 Timothy 1:12-17

o 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

LET’S CONNECT

• Visit us online at terminalexchange.org

• Follow The Terminal Exchange on social media!

o Facebook

o Instagram

o Twitter

ABOUT NUSSBAUM

Employee-Owned, Purpose Driven | Nussbaum is an industry-leader in over-the-road freight transportation. For more information on our award-winning services and top-paying driver careers, visit nussbaum.com or nussbaumjobs.com.

If you want to get more done, go slower. That’s Jon and Adam’s advice, anyway.

Yes, the maintenance shop is bustling with repairs and PMs. Yes, unexpected issues tend to pop up. But the key to delighting drivers (and actually solving the root problem with their equipment) is to slow down, ask good questions, and listen. And take detailed notes.

Today, we’ll hear from Service Advisor Adam Kilpatrick and Maintenance Coordinator Jon Hohulin. This episode is full of practical wisdom for maintenance departments: how to serve drivers with excellence and integrity, setting up technicians for success, and minimizing equipment downtime. Plus, how drivers themselves can help their shop to accurately diagnose and fix issues, and what you can learn about a fleet simply by looking at their trucks.

Along the way, we’ll enjoy some laughs about a recent lawnmower deal that went bad and Jon’s Friday night faux pas with a radiator. Press play and enjoy!

FROM TODAY’S PODCAST

• Guests:

o Adam Kilpatrick, Service Advisor

o Jon Hohulin, Maintenance Coordinator

LET’S CONNECT

• Visit us online at terminalexchange.org

• Follow The Terminal Exchange on social media!

o Facebook

o Instagram

o Twitter

ABOUT NUSSBAUM

Employee-Owned, Purpose Driven | Nussbaum is an industry-leader in over-the-road freight transportation. For more information on our award-winning services and top-paying driver careers, visit nussbaum.com or nussbaumjobs.com.

Calling all professional drivers and driver-hiring professionals—this episode is for you!

The hiring process is (or at least ought to be) a big decision for both carriers and drivers. The goal is a mutually beneficial relationship built on honesty and clear expectations from the get-go. So why do so many drivers report “bait and switch” tactics? Or being straight up lied to? Why do recruiters report being frequently ghosted or burnt out from difficult phone conversations?

In today’s exchange, Dayton chats with Joe Anderson, Recruiting Director, and Caleb Gee, Sr. Driver Hiring Manager at Nussbaum. Drawing from their experience, real-life examples, and comedic humor, Joe and Caleb explain both perspectives and what we can do about it. For those hiring, it’s about over-the-top honesty, setting expectations, and really getting to know your candidate. For drivers, it’s about doing your research, watching for red flags, and interviewing the company as much as they interview you! Along the way, they also share practical advice for recruiter-driver communication, as well as some hearty laughs reflecting on “interesting” conversations over the years.

Ultimately, the goal is that both parties act with integrity to reach a hiring decision that’s truly best for everyone. Speaking of which—you’ll also learn about Truck Drivers Best, Joe and Caleb’s new organization dedicated to helping drivers find the trucking company that’s best for them. Press play and enjoy!

FROM TODAY’S PODCAST

• Guests: Joseph Anderson, Director of Recruiting at Nussbaum & Caleb Gee, Senior Driver Hiring Manager at Nussbaum
• Truck Drivers Best Website
• Truck Drivers Best Facebook
• Truck Drivers Best YouTube

LET’S CONNECT

• Visit us online at terminalexchange.org

• Follow The Terminal Exchange on social media!

o Facebook

o Instagram

o Twitter

ABOUT NUSSBAUM

Employee-Owned, Purpose Driven | Nussbaum is an industry leader in over-the-road freight transportation. For more information on our award-winning services and top-paying driver careers, visit nussbaum.com or nussbaumjobs.com.

It’s the question on every carrier’s mind: “How do we stay profitable in such a challenging market?”

In today’s exchange, Dayton chats with Zack Hildebrand, one of our Business Analytics Managers. Zack explores the science of pricing freight, including three guiding principles for balanced, competitive pricing that serves both customer and carrier. Because ultimately, true profitability comes from consistent customer relationships built on service quality and mutual trust. He also shares Nussbaum’s “three-legged stool” approach to ensuring all stakeholders get a voice in the pricing decision.

In addition, learn how our Analytics team supports Nussbaum’s profitability through breakeven analysis, dedicated freight analysis, and monitoring market trends and forecasts. How do we know what type of market we’re in? What do tender rejections really tell us? What economic signals should we watch? These questions and answers are key to competitive pricing and staying financially sound.

Press play and enjoy!

FROM TODAY’S PODCAST

• Guests: Zack Hildebrand, Business Analytics Manager

• Learn more about Freightwaves

LET’S CONNECT

• Visit us online at terminalexchange.org

• Follow The Terminal Exchange on social media!

o Facebook

o Instagram

o Twitter

ABOUT NUSSBAUM

Employee-Owned, Purpose Driven | Nussbaum is an industry-leader in over-the-road freight transportation. For more information on our award-winning services and top-paying driver careers, visit nussbaum.com or nussbaumjobs.com.

What were you doing at 19 years old? For Carter Fehr and Jordan Kersten, the answer is “working full-time as an OTR driver.” But wait—don’t you have to be 21 for that? Yes—unless you’re part of the FMCSA Safe Driver Apprenticeship Program (SDAP, for short).

With SDAP, under-21 drivers can cross state lines and drive over the road. In the past, our industry would lose high school graduates to other skilled trades, but if successful, this program could open trucking as a career path for young people!

So, why did these guys choose trucking at such a young age? What was the training like? Are there any restrictions on what they can or can’t do? How did they adjust to the trucking lifestyle? Carter and Jordan have the answers in today’s exchange, along with a fresh perspective on the career of a professional driver. Press play and enjoy!

FROM TODAY’S PODCAST

• Guests: Carter Fehr & Jordan Kersten, Professional Drivers

• FMCA Program Overview

• Podcast: Carriers in the SDAP Program – Next Generation in Trucking Association. Joe Anderson, Director of Recruiting at Nussbaum, joins Tim Chrulski of Garner Trucking to discuss both carriers’ success in the SDAP program.

LET’S CONNECT

• Visit us online at terminalexchange.org

• Follow The Terminal Exchange on social media!

o Facebook

o Instagram

o Twitter

ABOUT NUSSBAUM

Employee-Owned, Purpose Driven | Nussbaum is an industry-leader in over-the-road freight transportation. For more information on our award-winning services and top-paying driver careers, visit nussbaum.com or nussbaumjobs.com.

“How many kids want to go to work with their parents?” Well, according to Peg Balducci and Michaela Mogged, it’s actually a tremendous blessing. From early morning commutes to walks around the pond, working together at Nussbaum is a cherished opportunity to bond as mother and daughter.

Known for their servant hearts and calming phone presence, Peg and Michaela enjoy helping our drivers navigate day-to-day challenges. HR/Safety conversations aren’t always fun, but they’ve found that a little compassion goes a long way. At home, they’re busy managing households and being intentional in motherhood and grandparenting. The work never ends for a mom, but staying organized, practicing patience, and taking some quiet time keeps the ship headed in the right direction.

In today’s exchange, Peg and Michaela reflect on their careers at Nussbaum, balancing the demands of work and motherhood, and the traits they admire in one another. (Plus, a few embarrassing stories—like how Michaela is turning into her mother, and Peg’s recent escapades on the ski slopes). Press play and enjoy this heartwarming conversation!

FROM TODAY’S PODCAST

• Guests:

o Peg Balducci, Senior HR Advisor

o Michaela Mogged, Claims & Safety Advisor

LET’S CONNECT

Visit us online at terminalexchange.org

Follow The Terminal Exchange on social media!

• Facebook

• Instagram

• Twitter

ABOUT NUSSBAUM

Employee-Owned, Purpose Driven | Nussbaum is an industry leader in over-the-road freight transportation. For more information on our award-winning services and top-paying driver careers, visit nussbaum.com or nussbaumjobs.com.

By day, he’s clearing brush and herding cattle under the hot sun. By night, he’s busy dispatching for Nussbaum—900 miles from our terminal in the little town of Bedias, Texas. (Or, “God’s country” as Oscar affectionally refers to it). Life couldn’t be better.

Granted, Texas is dry, full of ornery shrubs, and insects that want to kill you. But Oscar loves being near his sister and working the local ranches. He’s also quite fond of the warm weather and cowboy culture! In today’s exchange, Oscar shares about getting into transportation, working after-hours at Nussbaum, and life in the best state in America. Plus, a sweet story of proposing to his fiancé at the “I Love You So Much” mural in Austin. Press play and enjoy!

FROM TODAY’S PODCAST

• Guests: Oscar Flores, After-Hours Coordinator

• I Love You So Much Mural – Austin, TX

LET’S CONNECT

Visit us online at terminalexchange.org

Follow The Terminal Exchange on social media!

• Facebook

• Instagram

• Twitter

ABOUT NUSSBAUM

Employee-Owned, Purpose Driven | Nussbaum is an industry-leader in over-the-road freight transportation. For more information on our award-winning services and top-paying driver careers, visit nussbaum.com or nussbaumjobs.com.

Motorists looking for a rest stop. Hippie vans. A bejeweled hymn singer. Phone calls. Phone scams. Travelers looking for museums.

It’s all in a day’s work for Heather and Tianne, our faithful and fearless front desk ladies. As Tianne says, “you just never know what you’ll see in a day.”

Some days, they just laugh – I mean, how could these people not notice all the Nussbaum signs??? Other times, they get a disgruntled caller with an axe to grind. But more often than not, it’s a positive caller praising our drivers or sharing a story of how our trailer graphics impacted them.

Whatever the situation, these ladies are the warm and welcoming face of Nussbaum, always greeting visitors with a smile and demonstrating our culture from the moment you step through the door. Today, they’re “stepping through” the studio doors to share the Tall Tales, Memorable Moments, and Hilarious Happenings from the front desk. Press play and enjoy!

FROM TODAY’S PODCAST

• Guests: Heather Swords & Tianne Overmyer

LET’S CONNECT

Visit us online at terminalexchange.org

Follow The Terminal Exchange on social media!

• Facebook

• Instagram

• Twitter

ABOUT NUSSBAUM

Employee-Owned, Purpose Driven | Nussbaum is an industry-leader in over-the-road freight transportation. For more information on our award-winning services and top-paying driver careers, visit nussbaum.com or nussbaumjobs.com.

For over a century, The Baby Fold has shepherded vulnerable children in Bloomington-Normal and beyond. What began as a home for orphans in the early 1900s (during the years of “Orphan Trains”) now serves families across central Illinois through academic, in-home, and post-adoption services.

In today’s exchange, Dayton chats with two of the organization’s senior leaders – Clete Winkelmann, President & CEO, and Sam Guillory, Vice-President of Development & Public Relations. They answer questions like “how did The Baby Fold begin?” “How is TBF currently serving our communities?” “Why do strong families matter?” and “How do we build healthy, resilient families?”

With over 200 staff, dedicated volunteers, and deep roots in Bloomington-Normal, The Baby Fold is on a mission to build positive futures while reflecting Christian principles. Press play for an inspiring episode!

FROM TODAY’S PODCAST

• Guests: Clete Winkelmann & Sam Guillory

• The Baby Fold Website

• Ways to Give

• Volunteer Needs

LET’S CONNECT

Visit us online at terminalexchange.org

Follow The Terminal Exchange on social media!

• Facebook

• Instagram

• Twitter

ABOUT NUSSBAUM

Employee-Owned, Purpose Driven | Nussbaum is an industry-leader in over-the-road freight transportation. For more information on our award-winning services and top-paying driver careers, visit nussbaum.com or nussbaumjobs.com.