That’s Delivered Podcast

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

3-axle coffee featured on the That’s Delivered podcast as their brew crafted for truckers, bold, no‑nonsense fuel for the open road, made to keep drivers “locked in and ready”  lt for the grind of long-haul driving!

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Promo code: TR104U

Get your discount for Truck Parking Club click: here

Support the show

Need help finding the perfect truck seat? Let us find one for you! Call 269-692-5770, email: [email protected] ,or fill out form and use code TR104U.

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

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

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

Promo code: TR104U

Get your discount for Truck Parking Club click: here

Support the show

Need help finding the perfect truck seat? Let us find one for you! Call 269-692-5770, email: [email protected] ,or fill out form and use code TR104U.

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

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

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

Promo code: TR104U

Get your discount for Truck Parking Club click: here

Support the show

Need help finding the perfect truck seat? Let us find one for you! Call 269-692-5770, email: [email protected] ,or fill out form and use code TR104U.

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

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.

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

Promo code: TR104U

Get your discount for Truck Parking Club click: here

Support the show

Need help finding the perfect truck seat? Let us find one for you! Call 269-692-5770, email: [email protected] ,or fill out form and use code TR104U.

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

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!

Promo code: TR104U

Get your discount for Truck Parking Club click: here

Support the show

Need help finding the perfect truck seat? Let us find one for you! Call 269-692-5770, email: [email protected] ,or fill out form and use code TR104U.

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

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!

Promo code: TR104U

Get your discount for Truck Parking Club click: here

Support the show

Need help finding the perfect truck seat? Let us find one for you! Call 269-692-5770, email: [email protected] ,or fill out form and use code TR104U.

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

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!

Promo code: TR104U

Get your discount for Truck Parking Club click: here

Support the show

Need help finding the perfect truck seat? Let us find one for you! Call 269-692-5770, email: [email protected] ,or fill out form and use code TR104U.

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

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!

Promo code: TR104U

Get your discount for Truck Parking Club click: here

Support the show

Need help finding the perfect truck seat? Let us find one for you! Call 269-692-5770, email: [email protected] ,or fill out form and use code TR104U.

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

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!

Promo code: TR104U

Get your discount for Truck Parking Club click: here

Support the show

Need help finding the perfect truck seat? Let us find one for you! Call 269-692-5770, email: [email protected] ,or fill out form and use code TR104U.

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