KellyLynn McLaughlin never imagined herself behind the wheel of a semi-truck. But one unexpected ride during a marching band trip opened the door to a brand-new career—one that took her from hazardous materials hauls to advocating for women in trucking on a national level. In this episode of That’s Delivered, KellyLynn shares stories from the road, lessons from late-night deliveries gone wrong, and insights from a life that proves it’s never too late to start something new. Her evolution from new driver to industry leader is an inspiring reminder of the power of saying yes to the unexpected.

Key Takeaways:
✅ KellyLynn got her start in trucking at age 50—after a chance ride in a semi-truck during a band logistics trip
✅ Her first solo delivery went off the rails, but taught her resilience and adaptability
✅ She’s hauled hazardous materials and driven through wild conditions (including gator territory!)
✅ KellyLynn shares what it was like to be on the road during the height of COVID-19
✅ As a member of the FMCSA Women in Trucking Advisory Board, she advocates for safer, more inclusive workplaces
✅ Through the Next Generation Trucking Association, she mentors and opens doors for young people in the industry
✅ She debunks myths about trucking, highlighting the technical skills and business mindset drivers need today
✅ Her message: “Don’t be afraid of the word no—you might get a yes or a maybe”
✅ Her daughter is now a commercial pilot, showing how transportation runs in the family

Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Click here to join the conversation!

Get your discount for Truck Parking Club click: here

Get your Trucking Ray merch to show that you roll with Trucking Ray and That’s Delivered Podcast!  click: here

Support the show

In this episode of That’s Delivered, we sit down with Joshua Bernal, a former community health educator who made the leap into trucking after experiencing burnout and financial limitations in the nonprofit world. Joshua opens up about his decision to enroll at Fox Valley Technical College—home to one of the top CDL programs in the nation—and gives a raw, relatable account of what it’s really like to earn a commercial driver’s license today. From early challenges like his road test failure to hard lessons learned from recruiters, Joshua brings a fresh, transparent perspective to the industry. This episode is packed with useful insights for anyone curious about trucking or navigating their first steps in the field.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:
✅ CDL Training Reality Check: Joshua compares the intensity of CDL school to “drinking through a fire hose,” highlighting how fast-paced and hands-on it really is from day one.

✅ Why He Made the Career Change: Compassion fatigue and low nonprofit wages pushed Joshua to seek a more sustainable and rewarding path.

✅ Choosing the Right School: He credits Fox Valley Technical College for its structure, support, and top-tier instructors.

✅ Facing Failure and Growth: Joshua failed his road test the first time—but used the experience to grow and come back stronger.

✅ Recruiter Red Flags: He calls out misleading recruiter pitches and shares what questions every new driver should be asking.

✅ Choosing the Right Position: A major part of his decision-making was balancing career with family life. He ultimately chose a local yard spotting role with a four-on, four-off schedule that works for him and his marriage.

✅ A Fresh Voice for New Drivers: Joshua represents the voice of the modern, thoughtful driver—someone who entered trucking not just to make money, but to build a life that’s sustainable.

🔊 Tune in now on That’s Delivered and don’t forget to subscribe for more honest conversations about the trucking lifestyle—straight from the people living it.

Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Click here to join the conversation!

Get your discount for Truck Parking Club click: here

Get your Trucking Ray merch to show that you roll with Trucking Ray and That’s Delivered Podcast!  click: here

Support the show

In this powerful episode, Trucking Ray sits down with Amoni Witcher, a dispatcher, entrepreneur, and fierce advocate for women in trucking. Amoni shares her deeply personal journey from working as a CNA to building her own logistics business, Fleetology. Faced with real-life challenges—raising a son with Asperger’s, enduring long hours in healthcare, and surviving a fuel crisis that nearly ended her company—Amoni didn’t just adapt, she rebuilt. As the Membership Chair of the African American Women in Trucking Association (AAWTA), she’s now leading the charge to uplift and educate others, especially women and people of color entering the industry. Whether you’re a dispatcher, a driver, or just exploring logistics, this episode is packed with practical insights, straight talk, and inspiration to keep you moving forward—without sacrificing your freedom.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Freedom through flexibility — Amoni left the rigid hours of healthcare for the autonomy of trucking to better support her family.
✅ Hard lessons build strong foundations — She lost a 15-truck fleet during the fuel crisis, but used that experience to rebuild smarter.
✅ Fleetology is built on value, not dependency — Amoni believes in sharing knowledge freely, not hiding it behind paywalls.
✅ Breaking the “good old boy system” — AAWTA is creating real representation and safe spaces for women in trucking.
✅ Dispatching is misunderstood — It’s more than staring at load boards—it’s problem-solving, negotiation, and logistics mastery.
✅ PowerHub is coming — AAWTA’s new initiative will offer powerful tools and community support for members.
✅ Encouragement over perfection — Amoni urges women to stop overthinking and just take the leap into trucking.
✅ Motherhood and business can coexist — She shares the highs and lows of balancing both with resilience and purpose.

This episode is for anyone craving freedom, purpose, and community in the world of trucking and logistics.

Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Click here to join the conversation!

Get your discount for Truck Parking Club click: here

Get your Trucking Ray merch to show that you roll with Trucking Ray and That’s Delivered Podcast!  click: here

Support the show

In this must-hear episode of That’s Delivered, Ray sits down with Alex Barac, founder of TechShield Solutions, to discuss how cutting-edge technology is transforming safety protocols in warehouses and at loading docks.

From AI-powered forklift zones to smart wheel chocks that prevent early truck departures, TechShield is addressing real-world safety risks in trucking and logistics with practical, data-driven solutions. This episode is essential listening for anyone working in logistics, warehousing, supply chain management, or fleet operations.

Discover how TechShield’s innovative safety systems are protecting lives, improving communication between drivers and warehouse staff, and providing actionable data to streamline operations.

🔗 Learn more: techshieldsolutions.net

Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Click here to join the conversation!

Get your discount for Truck Parking Club click: here

Get your Trucking Ray merch to show that you roll with Trucking Ray and That’s Delivered Podcast!  click: here

Support the show

In this powerful episode of That’s Delivered, Trucking Ray speaks with Ladda Love Hawkins, Vice President of Community Engagement for the African-American Women Trucking Association (AAWTA), about the intersection of insurance, advocacy, and inclusion in the trucking industry.

Ladda shares how a question during COVID shifted her career from traditional insurance to risk management in trucking, and how that moment led to her purpose: building opportunity and support systems for African-American women in transportation.

You’ll hear about:

• How proper risk management can protect carriers before they file DOT paperwork
• The mission and impact of AAWTA in trucking
• How scholarships, youth mentorship, and workforce development are shaping the next generation
• Turning grief into leadership and advocacy
• Why clean safety scores impact insurance rates more than most realize
• How allies of all backgrounds can get involved

Whether you’re a woman in trucking, a fleet owner looking to support DEI, or a solo driver building your business, this episode delivers insight, strategy, and real talk about success in trucking today.

Subscribe to That’s Delivered — your go-to trucking podcast for real conversations that move the industry forward.

Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Click here to join the conversation!

Get your discount for Truck Parking Club click: here

Get your Trucking Ray merch to show that you roll with Trucking Ray and That’s Delivered Podcast!  click: here

Support the show

Two powerhouse women in the trucking insurance world join Trucking Ray for an illuminating conversation about what really happens behind the scenes of keeping America's freight moving safely. Rylie Jorgensen and Elaine Wewers-Star from United Commercial Insurance Agency (UCIA) bring their unique perspectives—one with deep family ties to trucking, the other finding her calling in commercial insurance—to explain how proper coverage creates the foundation for trucking business success.

The conversation peels back the curtain on what makes UCIA different in the crowded insurance marketplace. Unlike agencies that dabble in multiple insurance types, UCIA's laser focus on trucking means deeper knowledge of regulations, requirements, and real-world challenges drivers face. Their educational approach becomes clear as they walk through common misconceptions—like new owner-operators not realizing vehicles must be insured before DOT filings can be completed—and explain how clean inspection histories and safety scores dramatically impact insurance rates.

What truly sets this discussion apart is the practical advice about emerging industry challenges. From cargo theft prevention to broker verification services like Freight Validate, the guests offer actionable strategies for risk management. They explain why cutting corners on coverage can be catastrophic: "If it's going to save you a couple thousand a year versus losing your whole business, what's the weighing factor there?" As they discuss regulatory changes including states increasing liability requirements to $1.5 million, listeners gain valuable insight into staying ahead of compliance needs.

Beyond insurance talk, there's a refreshing authenticity as these women discuss building credibility in a traditionally male-dominated field. Rather than focusing on gender, they emphasize knowledge, reliability, and genuine care for clients' success. As Elaine notes, her perspective on truckers completely flipped from annoyance to admiration once she understood the essential role they play in our economy. Whether you're a seasoned fleet owner or considering your first authority, this episode delivers practical wisdom and a reminder that with the right support team, you're never alone on the highway to success.

Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Click here to join the conversation!

Get your discount for Truck Parking Club click: here

Get your Trucking Ray merch to show that you roll with Trucking Ray and That’s Delivered Podcast!  click: here

Support the show

The freight market was showing signs of recovery—until new tariffs changed the game. In this episode of That’s Delivered, Trucking Ray sits down with Dean Croke of DAT Freight & Analytics to break down how international trade policy is disrupting freight lanes, reducing volume, and lowering rates.

As part of one of the top trucking podcasts focused on industry strategy, this conversation explores how tariffs, port slowdowns, and shifting trade routes are forcing carriers to rethink how they run their businesses.

You'll learn:

• How tariffs are affecting freight rates and availability
• Why China’s volume drop at LA ports is hitting U.S. drivers
• What freight types (hazmat, LTL, temp-controlled) are still in demand
• Why fuel-saving strategies like slowing down matter more than ever
• How to calculate and use your operating costs to survive downturns
• What’s happening at the southern U.S.-Mexico border and how to prepare

Whether you're an owner-operator, dispatcher, or new authority holder, this episode delivers real-world trucking business strategies to help you adapt and thrive.

Subscribe to That’s Delivered — the trucking podcast that keeps you informed, inspired, and in control.

#DeanCroke #FreightRecession #TruckingPodcast #TariffsAndTrade #SpecializedFreight #TruckDriverBusiness #TruckingRay #ThatsDelivered

Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Click here to join the conversation!

Get your discount for Truck Parking Club click: here

Get your Trucking Ray merch to show that you roll with Trucking Ray and That’s Delivered Podcast!  click: here

Support the show

The labor movement stands at a pivotal crossroads amid economic shifts, technological advances, and evolving political landscapes, reshaping the very nature of work for millions of Americans. In this thought-provoking conversation with Scott Wilkie— a passionate business agent for Teamsters Local 638—key developments in union advocacy are explored. Scott delves into the successes of recent unionization votes at Pack Edge, college bus services, and North Dakota businesses while also revealing unexpected initiatives such as discussions with Minneapolis Mayor Fry to lure film production back to Minnesota. The dialogue further unpacks the looming threat of automation in the trucking industry and highlights the union's dynamic efforts in fostering inclusivity and member-driven initiatives to safeguard the future of American labor.

Key Takeaways:

• ✅ Union Successes: Highlights include successful unionization votes at Pack Edge, college bus services, and North Dakota businesses.
• ✅ Economic and Political Impact: Workers increasingly seek stability and collective bargaining power amid economic uncertainty.
• ✅ Innovative Strategies: Unions are exploring creative solutions, such as tax incentives to attract film production to boost local economies and union jobs.
• ✅ Automation Concerns: An in-depth look at how driverless vehicles in trucking could harm workers’ livelihoods and local communities.
• ✅ Inclusive Union Efforts: Ongoing initiatives targeting Indigenous, LGBTQ+, and future generations underscore the union’s commitment to inclusive, member-driven progress.

Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Click here to join the conversation!

Get your discount for Truck Parking Club click: here

Get your Trucking Ray merch to show that you roll with Trucking Ray and That’s Delivered Podcast!  click: here

Support the show

When regulations threaten the safety, pay, or independence of the 3.5 million truck drivers moving America’s freight, organizations like OOIDA step in to defend the profession. In this episode, Trucking Ray sits down with Lewie Pugh, Executive Vice President of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, to unpack the biggest issues impacting truckers right now. From freight fraud and identity theft to controversial speed limiter mandates and the lack of safe parking, Lewie brings decades of real-world driving experience and legislative insight to the table. His story from military truck driver to flatbed hauler to policy advocate offers an inspiring look at how lived experience can shape real change. This episode isn’t just informative it’s a call to action for every driver who wants a voice in shaping the future of trucking.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Lewie Pugh’s background includes nearly 30 years behind the wheel, giving him deep insight into the needs and realities of truckers today.

✅ OOIDA (Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association) represents truckers in Washington, fighting for fair and practical regulations.

✅ Freight fraud is on the rise, with scammers targeting brokers, carriers, and shippers—Pugh’s advice: stick with who you know and trust your gut.

✅ Speed limiter mandates could create dangerous speed gaps on the highway OOIDA is actively working to stop this proposal.

✅ Truck parking remains a critical issue, and OOIDA continues to advocate for more safe, accessible spaces across the country.

✅ They are pushing for overtime pay for drivers, recognizing the long hours and under-compensation many face.

✅ Autonomous vehicle legislation is another area where OOIDA ensures drivers' rights and livelihoods aren’t overlooked in the tech transition.

✅ Pugh urges truckers to take action and speak up: “The only experts is you, the trucker.”

✅ You can join OOIDA for just $45/year and add your voice to a powerful grassroots movement.

Get involved now at: https://www.fightingfortruckers.com
And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast to keep the conversation moving!

Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Click here to join the conversation!

Get your discount for Truck Parking Club click: here

Get your Trucking Ray merch to show that you roll with Trucking Ray and That’s Delivered Podcast!  click: here

Support the show

One of the biggest pain points for truckers across America is finding safe, affordable, and reliable parking. In this episode, Trucking Ray speaks with Sheetal Panchal, founder of Stackkly.com, a tech-driven solution that’s reshaping the way truck parking is managed. With 17 years of software engineering experience and a strong background in real estate, Sheetal took a bold step by creating a platform that connects truckers with property owners who have unused land—essentially building an “Airbnb for truck parking and storage.” Starting in Dallas-Fort Worth, Stackkly.com has now grown to over 300 locations across the U.S., offering flexible, secure, and tech-enabled solutions for drivers. In this insightful conversation, Sheetal shares the struggles of building trust with property owners, the importance of starting small and scaling smart, and why listening to customer feedback has been key to Stackkly’s success. Whether you're a trucker, a property owner, or someone with a big idea, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable lessons.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Stackkly.com is a digital marketplace that connects truckers with available parking and storage spaces—like an “Airbnb for truckers.”

✅ Founded by Sheetal Panchal, who brings 17 years of software experience and a background in real estate investing.

✅ The platform grew from a local idea in Dallas-Fort Worth to over 300 locations nationwide, meeting a real and urgent need.

✅ Property owners were hesitant at first, but Stackkly removed barriers by offering fee waivers, flexible payments, and managing onboarding.

✅ Truckers benefit from locked-in rates, discounts for long-term parking or multiple vehicles, and 24/7 customer support for peace of mind.

✅ Sheetal’s advice to entrepreneurs: Don’t wait for perfect—start with a minimum viable product, gather feedback, and improve as you grow.

✅ Stackkly.com is expanding into small warehouse and office space rentals, answering real requests from logistics companies needing temporary setups.

✅ This episode offers valuable insights for truckers, property owners, and entrepreneurs alike—proving that real-world problems can be solved through smart tech and persistence.

Interested in being a guest on the podcast? Click here to join the conversation!

Get your discount for Truck Parking Club click: here

Get your Trucking Ray merch to show that you roll with Trucking Ray and That’s Delivered Podcast!  click: here

Support the show