A kid growing up in 1970s Milwaukee falls in love with trucks the hard way—by hanging around the 76, flipping through Overdrive, and begging to climb into a Peterbilt. That kid was Rob Mariani. Today, he’s the creator of American Trucker, and he joins us for a candid ride from those early memories to a primetime television series, a white-knuckle whiteout on Donner Pass, and an ambitious plan to honor the film that sparked it all: White Line Fever.

Rob breaks down how one movie shaped not just his career, but a mission. He shares the years-long grind to get American Trucker made—cold calls, a make-or-break WebEx, a self-funded sizzle reel—and what changed when the network finally said yes. The show’s power came from looking beyond stereotypes, opening doors into America’s logistics backbone: UPS operations, NASA’s overlooked fleet, heavy haul outfits, and the owner-operators still carrying the torch.

We also revisit the most intense shoot of his career, embedded with Caltrans during a freeway-closing pileup on Donner Pass. From there, the conversation turns to today’s realities—CDL mills, wage pressure, road culture, and how viral outrage often paints the industry worse than it is—while autonomy and AI loom larger by the day.

Rob’s answer? A new documentary that recreates White Line Fever’s legendary Blue Mule stunt with Hollywood veteran Mike Ryan and stunt legend Buddy Joe Hooker. It’s a visceral contrast between real, analog stunt work and CGI, making the case for human skill you can feel when the glass actually shatters.

If you care about trucking history, driver training, practical stunts, or simply love diesel and clean chrome, this conversation is your lane. We talk enforcement that works, recruiting the next generation, and how pride returns—one pre-trip, one clean cab, one good pass at a time.

Key Takeaways

🟩 A single film (White Line Fever) can spark a lifelong mission in trucking
🟩 American Trucker succeeded by telling stories beyond the driver stereotype
🟩 Persistence matters: cold calls, sizzle reels, and one do-or-die meeting changed everything
🟩 Some of the most important trucking stories live inside fleets few people ever see
🟩 Real-world experience beats viral outrage when it comes to industry perception
🟩 CDL quality, pay pressure, and road culture are real issues—but solvable ones
🟩 Practical, human skill still matters in an era of AI, autonomy, and CGI
🟩 Pride in trucking starts with fundamentals: pre-trips, clean equipment, and professionalism

Enjoyed the ride? Follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review to help more people find it. Got thoughts on autonomy, CDL reform, or the Blue Mule revival? Join the conversation.

YouTube link to American Trucker

YouTube Link for White Line Fever

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Join Host Trucking Ray as he goes one-on-one with John Weldon, VP of Sales at SureCam — the company trusted by thousands of fleets to prevent accidents, exonerate drivers, and slash costs using AI-powered video telematics.

Must-Know Key Takeaways 👇

✅ One viral false-claim video can cost millions — the right video system pays for itself the first time it saves you
✅ Coaching with actual event footage (not just scores) creates lasting behavior change and can cut preventable accidents by 50%+
✅ SureCam’s plug-and-play, cloud-connected platform works for 5 trucks or 5,000 — no IT headaches, instant access from any device
✅ Future-proof your fleet: AI that detects distracted driving, harsh events, and even road rage — in real time

In this power-packed episode, you’ll discover:

✅ What makes SureCam the fastest-growing video safety solution in North America — and why major fleets are switching
✅ The game-changing features (AI dash cams, live streaming, instant driver coaching triggers, and more) that set SureCam miles apart from traditional dash cams
✅ Real-world stories: How video evidence is clearing drivers in seconds, stopping unclear verdicts, and reducing liability claims by up to 80%
✅ How fleets are using in-cab voice alerts and real-time footage to coach drivers proactively — and seeing crash rates drop dramatically
✅ Practical tips every fleet manager needs: choosing the right video system, getting driver buy-in, improving CSA scores, and turning safety data into better customer service and higher profits
✅ The surprising way some fleets are using SureCam footage to win more business and protect their reputation when incidents go viral

If you’re a fleet owner, safety manager, or owner-operator who’s tired of paying for accidents that weren’t your fault—this episode could save (or make) you a fortune.

🎧 Listen to the episode: That’s Delivered Podcast: John Weldon with SureCam

🌐 Learn more about SureCam: https://surecam.com/

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Reliability doesn’t start at the dock; it starts with the systems, culture, and visibility that shape every move long before a truck leaves the yard. We sit down with Brent Hagen, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Lob and former Amazon operations leader, to explore how standard work, bottoms-up ownership, and ruthless transparency turn daily chaos into dependable delivery. From running a 24/7 slice of a two-million-square-foot facility to redesigning Lob’s network without owning fixed assets, Brent shares the practices that help teams stay calm, move fast, and keep promises.

Key Takeaways 👇

 🟩 Reliability starts long before the truck moves—built through culture, systems, and visibility.
 🟩 Standard work + bottoms-up ownership turn daily chaos into predictable performance.
 🟩 Consolidating from 30 → ~10 manufacturing partners significantly improved quality and consistency.
 🟩 The most reliable carriers offer predictable lanes, strong scan visibility, and accountable exception handling.
 🟩 Lob builds Amazon-like speed without fixed assets by tightly integrating manufacturers, logistics partners, and USPS injections.
 🟩 Leaders evolve by shifting from “fixer” to “builder of owners” and maintaining steady rituals across all shifts.
 🟩 AI pays off today in dispatch intake, exception triage, lane forecasting, trailer utilization, and cost-to-serve modeling.
 🟩 Tracking data is non-negotiable—“If you don’t track it, you can’t trust it.”
 🟩 Tariffs, seasonality, and resilience planning remain central to dependable supply chain operations.
 🟩 Brent supports STEM through the Science Center of Iowa to help grow the next generation of logistics innovators. 

Follow for more conversations at the edge of trucking, fulfillment, and technology. If this resonated, subscribe, share it with a colleague, and leave a review to help others find the show. Got a question or insight from your lane? Drop us a note—we’d love to hear it.

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Connect with host Trucking Ray as he interviews Jimi Gibson from Thrive Agency, bringing the worlds of trucking and digital marketing together on “That’s Delivered Podcast.”

Key Takeaways 👇

✅ Meet Jimi Gibson and learn how Thrive Agency drives digital growth for transportation and logistics businesses.

✅ Dig into why a strong digital presence matters for trucking companies and how effective marketing helps them thrive in a competitive industry.

✅ Discover real results Thrive Agency has achieved—like increasing leads, enhancing reputations, and driving new business for trucking clients.

✅ Get expert tips from Jimi on improving websites, customer engagement, and staying ahead of digital marketing trends—tailored for owner-operators and fleet managers.

✅ Take away actionable strategies to boost your business in trucking, logistics, or any industry seeking to grow online.

✅ Digital marketing is essential for growth—even in traditional industries like trucking.

✅ Building a trustworthy online presence can directly impact customer acquisition and retention.

✅ Strategies such as consistent branding, reputation management, and website optimization give companies a competitive edge.

✅ Engaging expert partners like Thrive Agency can accelerate results and unlock new business opportunities.

🌐 Learn more about Thrive Agency: https://thriveagency.com

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When a failed anniversary trip left Gar Russell alone in a camper, he decided to turn disappointment into opportunity by listing the RV on Craigslist. That single choice ignited what would become Fireside RV Rental, a nationwide franchise with 70+ locations. In this episode, Gar shares how he built an empire from scratch, navigated bankruptcy, and discovered the freedom of mobile living while raising a family full-time in an RV. His story is about resilience, systems, and the power of persistence—offering inspiration and practical tools for truckers, entrepreneurs, and anyone searching for their next big step.

Key Takeaways: 

✅ Turning setbacks into opportunity – How a ruined camping trip sparked a multimillion-dollar RV rental business.
✅ "All work works" mindset – Why every effort leads to progress, either through success or valuable lessons.
✅ Living the mobile lifestyle – Insights from five years of full-time RV living with a family while scaling a business.
✅ From bankruptcy to breakthrough – Gar’s honest account of failure, recovery, and building sustainable success.
✅ Smart systems & leadership – Documenting processes, outsourcing weaknesses, and leveraging AI to run a business remotely.
✅ Legacy over delegation – Moving from just assigning tasks to building meaningful, lasting relationships with teams.
✅ Blueprint for truckers & entrepreneurs – How to explore side hustles, passive income, and business ownership while on the road.
✅ Breakdowns before breakthroughs – Why the hardest moments often spark the greatest clarity and growth.

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In this actionable episode, CFO and operator Matt Putra, CEO of Eightx, transforms the trucking industry’s toughest financial challenges into a clear, practical playbook you can implement this month. Specializing in fractional CFO services for eCommerce, CPG, and growth-stage companies, Matt draws from his expertise in cash flow optimization, margin improvements, and team alignment to help fleets scale with more cash and less stress. From navigating cash flow gaps caused by slow AR payments to managing urgent fuel and payroll demands, he shares strategies like 12-month forecasting and 16-week cash views to keep your fleet running smoothly. With a focus on real-world solutions, he demystifies contribution margin, guides you through scenario planning for diesel spikes or expansion, and reveals how to prioritize costs and leverage AI to stay ahead. This episode is a must-listen for owner-operators ready to stop guessing and start scaling with confidence.

Key Takeaways 👇
✅ Mastering Cash Flow: Tackle the cash gap from 30–60 day AR delays against urgent fuel and payroll needs using a 12-month forecast paired with a 16-week cash view to keep trucks rolling and stress low.
✅ Contribution Margin Clarity: Matt explains contribution margin in plain English, helping you determine if each load boosts profits or erodes your bottom line.
✅ Scenario Planning for Resilience: Learn to stress-test your finances for diesel price spikes, slower growth, or new lane expansions to make informed decisions about truck purchases or subcontracting.
✅ Smart Expansion Strategies: Discover why new trucks can hurt margins, when subcontracting makes sense, and how to scale from two to ten trucks without risking your bank balance.
✅ Cost Triage Tactics: Prioritize revenue-generating roles, protect KTLO (keep the lights on) expenses, and cut non-essential costs to ensure your fleet survives and thrives.
✅ People and Tech Advantage: Hire drivers who build customer relationships for repeat business, and use AI to summarize calls, flag issues, draft outreach, and chase invoices for faster, smarter decisions.
✅ Take Action Now: Hit play to start growing intentionally, share with a fellow owner-operator, and test your first financial scenario—then let us know what money problem to tackle next.

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This episode we talk about tariffs climbing, the holiday surge is fast approaching, and every margin feels tighter. In this conversation with James Terry, Head of U.S. Revenue at Indeed Flex, we explore how logistics leaders can stay agile when freight must keep moving and teams are stretched thin. His core message: build a flexible, ratings-driven, AI-enabled labor layer that can expand or contract with demand—without burning out your core staff or sacrificing performance.

James breaks down what’s driving the stress at the end of the supply chain, why traditional staffing models are cracking, and how AI and worker autonomy can create efficiency without adding overhead. The result is a clear, actionable playbook for peak season success built on flexibility, data, and leadership that empowers rather than micromanages.

Key Takeaways

✅ Flexibility Beats Burnout
Build an adaptable workforce model that expands and contracts with demand. Combine a strong full-time core with on-demand, high-rated talent to handle peak surges efficiently.

✅ Ratings-Driven Labor Improves Quality
Use a five-star performance and reliability system to match the best workers to mission-critical shifts, improving fill rates and reducing no-shows.

✅ AI-Enabled Recruiting Adds Speed and Fairness
Deploy AI interview agents and automated scheduling to boost recruiter productivity, reduce bias, and connect with candidates 24/7.

✅ Instant Pay & Virtual Onboarding Increase Retention
Offering same-day pay and seamless digital onboarding attracts better talent and keeps workers engaged through the busy season.

✅ Forecast with Real Data
Leverage historical shift data and past season usage patterns to predict demand accurately and prevent costly overtime or understaffing.

✅ Know When to Fire Bad-Fit Clients
Protect throughput by dropping clients that consistently disrupt schedules or push unrealistic service levels—quality partnerships drive performance.

✅ Empower Teams, Don’t Micromanage
Train and trust your team to run operations smoothly without constant oversight. Freeing leaders from daily chaos creates time for strategy and growth.

✅ Resilience Is the Real Competitive Edge
When costs rise and labor tightens, operational discipline, flexible talent, and tech-enabled decision-making become the difference between surviving and scaling.

✅ As a bonus resource, if you want to brush up on leadership principles to apply during these high-pressure seasons, here’s a link to on: Amazon – The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership

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What separates a champion truck driver from the rest? For Calvin Logan, Minnesota regional champion in the sleeper truck category, the answer goes beyond technical skill—it’s about mindset. In this episode, Calvin takes us inside the world of competitive truck driving, from local contests to the high-pressure stage of the National Truck Driving Championship in Minneapolis. His story highlights not only the discipline and training required, but also the mental resilience that makes all the difference behind the wheel.

Key Takeaways
✅ State vs. Nationals — state contests felt laid back, but nationals demanded advanced backing maneuvers and razor-sharp precision
✅ Training Commitment — Calvin practiced every Monday (his only day off) for two months and took a full week off before nationals to train daily
✅ Employer Support — his company maintained his pay during competition week, easing family and financial strain
✅ Champion Mindset — success comes from staying mentally present, focusing on the immediate challenge, not the next step
✅ Life Lesson — “Don’t let the truck drive you—you drive the truck” applies to both competition and daily trucking life
✅ Blooming Onion Effect — how small setbacks can spiral if drivers don’t stay calm and in control
✅ Rookie Advice — practice every day, stay positive, and drive safe as if competing, putting your tractor and trailer exactly where you want it

Calvin Logan Links

• NTDC Information — National Truck Driving Championships https://ntdc.trucking.org/
• Minnesota Trucking Association — MTA Website https://www.mntrucking.org/

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We break down a cooling truck market, stricter enforcement on driver English proficiency, and a high-tech cargo theft that reads like a heist film. Then we map the week ahead and tease our chat with championship driver Calvin Logan.

• market slowdown and 2026 planning
• OEM forecast cuts and rate implications
• federal enforcement on driver English proficiency
• 6,000 drivers sidelined and capacity effects
• GPS spoofing and cargo theft countermeasures
• tariffs, regional tightness, and fuel swings
• action steps for carriers, shippers, and drivers
• preview of our Road Warriors conversation with Calvin Logan

Catch it on every major podcast platform and at thatsdelivered.com

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On this episode with Jimmy Mac, two passionate voices in trucking media explore how drivers navigate today's dynamic information landscape, blending technical evolution with human connection. Jimmy Mac from Radio Nemo, drawing on a decade of trucking radio experience, journalism, and law enforcement background, shares his unique perspective on news consumption, trust-building, and personalized listening. From defying competition norms through collaboration to maintaining unwavering commitment to truth during breaking news, the discussion highlights Radio Nemo's shift to streaming and the power of diverse voices. Jimmy offers practical advice for drivers to influence policy via local relationships, emphasizing grassroots ripples for industry change. This insightful conversation reveals why authentic voices endure amid technological shifts, offering value for drivers curating news and anyone interested in specialized communities.

Key Takeaways 👇

✅ Evolution of Driver Media: Jimmy Mac brings trucking radio expertise to discuss how drivers access news, build trust, and create personalized experiences, transitioning from traditional radio to streaming platforms like Radio Nemo.
✅ Collaborative Content Philosophy: Defying competition, Jimmy stresses self-improvement over rivalry—"the only thing we compete with is ourselves"—fostering shows that introduce diverse industry voices.
✅ Trust as Media Currency: Hosts emphasize resisting incomplete reporting on trucking incidents, with Jimmy's mantra "Don't lie to people" underscoring truth's role in building long-term listener credibility.
✅ Grassroots Advocacy Advice: Drivers can shape conversations by connecting with local officials as transportation experts, creating ripples for change: "Each one of us is a little stone that you throw in the water."
✅ Beyond the Cab Insights: Tune in for strategies on curating reliable news sources and understanding information flow in trucking communities, proving authentic voices irreplaceable amid tech evolution.
✅ Community Connection: Subscribe for more episodes delivering insights, stories, and connections that inform and unite America's trucking community.

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