Launching a successful trucking business requires much more than just getting your authority and hauling freight—it demands strategic planning, building strong relationships, and a commitment to continuous learning. In this revealing episode, Christian Greiner, who leads carrier growth at DAT, shares critical insights into why 42% of new carriers fail within their first year and what separates the ones who succeed. Christian highlights the importance of building a trustworthy brand, maintaining professional communication, managing financial realities wisely, and treating freight markets like a dynamic puzzle. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your edge, this conversation offers a powerful blueprint for long-term success in the trucking industry.

✅ Build a trustworthy brand — don't compete solely on price; create a reputation for reliability and professionalism.

✅ Professional email addresses matter — carriers with professional emails earn an average of 11% more per load compared to those using free, generic emails.

✅ Relationships over rates — establishing strong, respectful relationships with brokers is more valuable than chasing the highest-paying load every time.

✅ Communication is critical — good, proactive communication is the #1 trait brokers value in carriers.

✅ Smart financial management — balancing ambition with realistic expense control is key to surviving and growing in your first year.

✅ Freight is a dynamic puzzle — understanding seasonality, weekly market shifts, and being strategic with load choices separates thriving carriers from struggling ones.

✅ Use education tools — leverage free resources like DAT University and market data reports to stay sharp and adaptable. https://www.dat.com/university

✅ Strategic positioning pays off — sometimes taking a lower-paying load sets you up for a higher-paying one later.

✅ Constant learning is non-negotiable — successful carriers are students of the market, adjusting their game plan week to week.

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Freight fraud is an invisible enemy draining dollars from the entire supply chain—impacting nearly 20% of what consumers pay for everyday goods. On this episode of That’s Delivered, we sit down with Danielle Spinelli, better known as “The Fraud Girl,” who is leading the charge to fight this rising threat. From her early days as a freight broker to her current mission as a fraud prevention expert, Danielle shares eye-opening stories, actionable tips, and insights on how technology, teamwork, and vigilance can help protect your business. You'll hear how fraud tactics have evolved, the tools companies are now using to combat theft, and why an industry-wide culture of awareness is more critical than ever.

Key Takeaways
✅ How freight fraud is adding 20% to consumer costs on nearly everything you buy
✅ Danielle’s journey from freight broker to industry-leading fraud fighter
✅ The real story of tracking a stolen copper shipment across state lines
✅ How double brokering has evolved into organized cargo theft post-2020
✅ The role of VIN verification systems and in-pallet tracking in theft prevention
✅ The unexpected risks self-driving trucks face from adaptive criminals
✅ Why building an anti-fraud culture is as important as using high-tech tools
✅ Red flags to watch for, including the request to transload onto U-Haul trailers
✅ The power of industry collaboration and sharing fraud intelligence
✅ What to expect from Danielle’s upcoming "Fraud Girl Fridays" podcast
✅ One simple action you can take today to improve your fraud prevention process

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The roads are unpredictable, but Trucking Ray and special guest Matty G are buckled in and breaking it all down. This episode veers into the wild with the jaw-dropping story of a woman armed and seated in a lawn chair blocking I-45 after crashing with a semi. From there, the hosts tackle heavier issues like mental health, cargo theft around the Fourth of July, and a historic win for women in trucking. With a mix of sharp commentary and humor, the duo also reacts to major pop culture moments and brings important safety updates for drivers, including Minnesota’s new lane-splitting law. Whether it’s dispatch frustrations or Beyonce’s airborne concert glitch, this episode captures the real (and surreal) moments shaping life on the road.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Mental Health in the Spotlight
A woman blocking I-45 after a crash sparks deeper discussion on the rising mental health challenges impacting drivers and the general public.

✅ Cargo Theft Rising During Holidays
With the Fourth of July approaching, cargo theft warnings ramp up. The team questions if modern security can really stop today's bold thieves.

✅ Barrier-Breaking Win for Women
Brandy Abrahamson becomes the first woman to win the Alberta Motor Truck Association championship, signaling a shift in trucking culture.

✅ Driver Polls Hit Home
Candid listener feedback highlights the real frustrations of truckers – communication breakdowns, lack of respect, and daily grind stressors.

✅ Pop Culture Breakdown
From the Diddy trial dramatized on Hulu to Beyonce’s flying malfunction and the Liver King's latest shock moment – Ray and Matty bring their takes.

✅ Lane-Splitting Law Update
Minnesota’s new motorcycle lane-splitting law goes live July 1st. Truckers need to stay alert and adapt to this safety-critical change.

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On this episode of the That’s Delivered Podcast, we sit down with Mari Roberts, who didn’t just build a 25-year career at PepsiCo — she redefined what leadership in trucking looks like. Growing up in a small "truck stop town," Mari always saw drivers as heroes, and that mindset has shaped her entire career. From tripling the number of women behind the wheel to partnering with organizations like Truckers Against Trafficking, Mari has always prioritized people over titles, and service over status. Her humility, passion, and bold leadership make this episode one of our most powerful yet.

Episode Highlights

✅ Drivers First, Always
Mari’s leadership style puts drivers at the center — her job is to remove barriers so they can succeed safely and efficiently.

✅ A Grounded Beginning
Raised in a town built around trucking, Mari developed deep respect for drivers long before her career began.

✅ Trailblazing for Women
She helped triple the number of female drivers at PepsiCo, creating more inclusive pathways into the industry.

✅ Innovation During Crisis
Mari’s quick thinking during COVID-19 led to creative partnerships that protected jobs and kept freight moving.

✅ Fighting Human Trafficking
PepsiCo’s partnership with Truckers Against Trafficking has trained 4,200+ associates to recognize and respond to trafficking.

✅ Lessons in Leadership & Motherhood
Mari shares a heartfelt story about showing her daughter what it really means to support other women — even in the spotlight.

✅ Simple, Powerful Advice
“Just take one step forward.” Whether you're new to trucking or leading a fleet, Mari believes small actions drive big change.

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In this thought-provoking episode, Trucking Ray and co-host Matty G dive deep into the evolving landscape of American trucking. With the rise of autonomous vehicles from companies like Kodiak Robotics and Aurora, the question isn't just about technology—it's about the soul of the industry. Can automation truly replace the grit, judgment, and human connection truckers bring to the road? Alongside serious conversations about legislation, driver retention, and representation, the episode also delivers gripping real-life stories and lighthearted moments that prove trucking is as human—and as American—as it gets.

Key Takeaways:
✅ Trucking is still a people business: The ATA’s new docuseries emphasizes the irreplaceable human role in freight transportation.
✅ Automation tension rises: Self-driving truck companies push forward, but concerns grow over safety, job loss, and accountability.
✅ Driver shortage or retention problem?: The hosts challenge the narrative, pointing out that poor treatment—not lack of interest—may be pushing drivers away.
✅ New English-language CDL requirement debate: Proposed rules could impact millions of skilled drivers, raising questions about fairness and safety.
✅ Real trucking heroes: A daughter spots and recovers her dad’s stolen truck, and a three-day police chase shows the unpredictable side of the job.
✅ Pop culture & trucking: Taylor Swift’s night-driving anthems and The Rock’s monster truck movie highlight trucking's growing presence in entertainment.
✅ A message for divided times: Unity, respect, and open dialogue may be the road forward—on and off the highway. 

ATA Launches Docuseries “DRIVEN”; Kodiak Completes 100 Autonomous Freight Deliveries; Aurora Begins Driverless Trucking Between Dallas and Houston; Daughter Helps Recover Father’s Stolen Semi; 3-Day Police Chase of Stolen Semi in Detroit; Taylor Swift’s Night Driving Playlist Vibes; The Rock’s Monster Truck Movie Announced

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In this episode of That’s Delivered, Trucking Ray sits down with Corisa Carter—known across the industry as the Intermodal Queen—to explore her incredible 26-year journey through the complex world of transportation and logistics. Corisa didn’t set out to become an expert in intermodal freight, customs, or port operations, but her drive and deep curiosity transformed a $7.15/hour entry job into ownership of CM Transportation and CM Consulting, where she now leads a team of 43 owner-operators.

But Corisa’s influence reaches far beyond her business: frustrated by the lack of accessible education in the industry, she founded the Charleston Trucking Expo, a community-driven event that draws 1,500+ attendees and opens doors for those entering trucking and logistics. Through her Transportation Industry Foundation, she also funds scholarships for underrepresented groups seeking careers in transportation.

As a Black woman in a white male-dominated industry, Corisa speaks candidly about overcoming biases, mastering her craft, and the importance of organizations like AAWTA (African American Women Trucking Association) that foster community and mentorship. Whether you’re an industry veteran, a newcomer, or simply curious about how freight moves across America, Corisa’s story is packed with lessons on leadership, resilience, and purpose.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Corisa Carter’s 26-year rise from $7.15/hour to owning CM Transportation and CM Consulting
✅ Manages a team of 43 owner-operators with deep expertise in intermodal freight, customs, and port operations
✅ Founder of the Charleston Trucking Expo, an event drawing 1,500+ attendees annually with professional and family-friendly programming
✅ Established the Transportation Industry Foundation, offering scholarships to help underrepresented individuals enter trucking and logistics
✅ Candid insights on overcoming racial and gender-based roadblocks in the transportation sector
✅ Active member of AAWTA, using community and collaboration to transform isolation into empowerment
✅ A powerful example of how mastering your craft and giving back can reshape an entire industry

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What happens when a lifetime of trucking experience meets cutting-edge AI? In this episode of That’s Delivered, Trucking Ray sits down with Brad Little—trucker-turned-tech-innovator and creator of Trucker Buddy AI. Brad’s story begins behind the wheel at just 23, building a seven-figure trucking business, only to have COVID-19 upend his entire model. But out of that challenge came a breakthrough: recognizing that 93% of costs were out of drivers’ control, Brad set out to create automation that truly works for everyday drivers, not just large fleets.

The result? Trucker Buddy AI, an intelligent assistant that helps drivers run their businesses while staying focused on the road. From negotiating rates to managing documents and handling broker calls, it’s like having a full-time dispatcher in your pocket. But Brad’s vision goes further: he sees technology as a way to empower drivers, not replace them, especially as autonomous trucks emerge. His live "Prime Time" dispatching sessions on TikTok offer a real-world look at how CDL holders can level up from driver to entrepreneur—from CDL to CEO.

Whether you’re an owner-operator, fleet manager, or driver curious about where trucking is headed, this episode delivers actionable insights and an inspiring look at what’s possible when trucking and tech come together.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Brad Little’s journey: from aviation school grad to seven-figure trucking business owner to AI tech founder
✅ Why 93% of operating costs remain outside a driver’s control—and how automation can help
✅ How Trucker Buddy AI works: negotiates rates, manages broker calls, handles paperwork, and dispatches—all via natural conversation
✅ Designed by a driver, for drivers—built on real-world CDL experience, not just tech theory
✅ Empowers drivers to evolve from CDL holders to CEOs of their own businesses
✅ Maintains driver data across carriers and stages of their career—no more starting over with each job change
✅ Strategic perspective on how human drivers remain essential in an era of autonomous trucking
✅ Brad’s advice for entrepreneurial drivers: faith, courage, and adaptability are key
✅ See Trucker Buddy AI in action via Brad’s live "Prime Time" TikTok dispatching sessions

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What happens when a trucker faces a medical emergency and can no longer drive? That’s where the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund steps in—a nonprofit dedicated to supporting over-the-road drivers during times of crisis. In this heartfelt episode, Trucking Ray sits down with Diane and Lindsay, two passionate advocates whose personal ties to the industry make their work more than just a job—it’s a calling. From helping drivers quit smoking and manage diabetes to providing financial relief during devastating health setbacks, they’re tackling the hidden health crisis in trucking head-on. With programs rooted in compassion and results, and a mission fueled by integrity, St. Christopher’s ensures no driver is left behind when the wheels stop turning.

Key Takeaways:

✅ A safety net for truckers — St. Christopher Fund provides financial aid during medical crises so drivers can focus on healing, not bills.
✅ Mission driven by personal passion — Diane and Lindsay bring heart to advocacy, driven by deep industry connections.
✅ Where the money really goes — Their minimalist setup ensures that every dollar donated directly supports drivers.
✅ Health challenges are urgent — The average life expectancy of a trucker is only 61 years due to food deserts, limited care access, and sedentary conditions.
✅ Programs with real impact —
• Rigs Without Cigs has a 43% success rate in helping drivers quit tobacco.
• Diabetes Prevention Program gives practical tools for blood sugar management on the road.
✅ Stories that stick with you — From overcoming fear of doctors to finding friendships in virtual programs, lives are changed every day.
✅ Join the movement — The Heart and Soul Virtual 5K (May 11–18) invites everyone to support truckers’ health and well-being.
✅ Easy to get involved — Apply for assistance, donate, or learn more at truckersfund.org.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who values the people keeping America moving—and believes that no driver should face hardship alone.

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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

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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.

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