In this episode of Behind the Wheelhouse, Jon and Justin sit down with Mark Zimmerman, a multi-generation trucking executive with decades of hands-on experience running a family-owned carrier. Drawing from his background and leadership at Zimmerman Truck Lines, Mark offers a candid, operator-driven perspective on some of the most misunderstood issues in trucking today. Mark challenges the widely repeated idea of a “driver shortage,” arguing that market fundamentals don’t support it. If there were truly too few drivers, rates would be rising—not falling. Instead, he explains how rate compression, poor standards, and misaligned incentives have distorted the conversation and weakened the industry. He also makes clear why he remains doubtful of AI and automation in trucking. While technology has a role, Mark believes the industry still depends on human judgment, communication, and accountability—especially when things go wrong. From breakdowns to negotiations to safety decisions, trucking continues to rely on people, not algorithms. Finally, the conversation turns to what Mark sees as the most critical missing piece in trucking today: treating drivers right. He shares firsthand examples and industry stories that highlight how often drivers are disrespected, misled, or treated as disposable—and why his company has taken a different approach. For Mark, respect, transparency, and dignity aren’t soft values; they are the foundation of retention, safety, and long-term success. Follow Mark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-zimmerman-64995999/ https://www.facebook.com/markzimmerman71/ Follow Zimmerman Truck Lines: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zimmerman-truck-repairs/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/zimmerman-truck-lines-inc/ https://ztlinc.com/ Follow Trucker Talk Radio YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TruckerTalkRadio TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@truckertalkradio Instagram: https://instagram.com/truckertalkradio X: https://x.com/trucktalkradio Powered by Ready App The driver-verification platform protecting brokers, carriers, and shippers from identity fraud, onboarding risks, and unsafe hires. Learn more at: https://ready-app.com Support GreyCross.org A 501(c)(3) supporting families affected by roadway tragedies across America. Donate at: https://greycross.org #trucking #logistics #supplychain #freight #truckdriver #transportation #business #technology #ai #automation #leadership #workforce #jobs #economy #infrastructure #manufacturing #smallbusiness #entrepreneurship #podcast #transport

Danny Pulver, an LTL Dispatcher at Northern Logistics Worldwide, joins Behind the Wheelhouse to break down what dispatch really looks like behind the scenes — and why strong relationships between dispatchers, drivers, and customers are the backbone of successful operations. With eight years at Northern Logistics, Danny walks through a typical day managing 40–60 LTL orders, coordinating drivers across Michigan and the Midwest, handling breakdowns, tight delivery windows, and the constant problem-solving that defines dispatch work. He explains the differences between LTL and truckload freight, why communication is everything, and how experienced drivers often make or break a delivery day.

The conversation also explores driver scorecards, accountability, safety technology, internal training programs, and what the future may hold for LTL freight amid automation and industry change. This episode offers valuable insight for drivers, dispatchers, carriers, and anyone curious about how freight really moves.

Topics covered include:

What LTL dispatch actually involves day to day

Managing driver relationships and customer expectations

Handling breakdowns, delays, and last-minute changes Driver scorecards, accountability, and professionalism

Why experienced drivers matter more than ever Growth and culture at Northern Logistics Worldwide

Follow Northern Logistics Worldwide

Website: https://northernlogistics.com

Phone: (989) 386-7556

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/northern-logistics-worldwide/

Follow Danny: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-pulver-380a9811a/

Follow Trucker Talk Radio

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TruckerTalkRadio

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@truckertalkradio

Instagram: https://instagram.com/truckertalkradio X: https://x.com/trucktalkradio

Powered by Ready App

The driver-verification platform protecting brokers, carriers, and shippers from identity fraud, onboarding risks, and unsafe hires.

Learn more at: https://ready-app.com

Support GreyCross.org

A 501(c)(3) supporting families affected by roadway tragedies across America.

Donate at: https://greycross.org

In this episode of Behind the Wheelhouse, the Trucker Talk Radio team sits down with Harry Heinsen, a third-generation logistics leader operating out of the Dominican Republic, whose family has been in transportation and freight forwarding for over 110 years.

Harry shares what it’s like growing up in a multigenerational logistics business and how starting at the bottom shaped his approach to leadership, cash flow, and relationships. The conversation explores how freight forwarding really works, from bills of lading and customs documentation to ocean freight, air freight, and the realities of moving cargo across borders.

We also break down how trucking and logistics differ outside the United States, including why drivers in the Dominican Republic can complete multiple trips per day, how nearshoring is reshaping global supply chains, and why U.S. companies are increasingly moving manufacturing closer to home.

This episode is a must-watch for truck drivers, owner-operators, brokers, and logistics professionals who want a clearer understanding of international freight, nearshoring, and why relationships still matter more than price in this business.

Filmed as part of Behind the Wheelhouse, presented by Trucker Talk Radio.

Follow Harry Heinsen:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/harryheinsen/

Follow Harry Heinsen & CO.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/harryheinsenco/

https://www.instagram.com/harryheinsenco/?hl=en

https://harryheinsen.com/

Follow Trucker Talk Radio

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TruckerTalkRadio

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@truckertalkradio

Instagram: https://instagram.com/truckertalkradio

X: https://x.com/trucktalkradio

Powered by Ready App

The driver-verification platform protecting brokers, carriers, and shippers from identity fraud, onboarding risks, and unsafe hires.

Learn more at: https://ready-app.com

Support GreyCross.org

A 501(c)(3) supporting families affected by roadway tragedies across America.

Donate at: https://greycross.org

In this episode of Behind the Wheelhouse, hosts Jon and Justin sit down with Alex Snook, CEO and Co-Founder of On|Sight, to unpack how cargo theft really happens and why traditional digital vetting tools are no longer enough to stop it.

After losing a full truckload of solar panels to a sophisticated fraud scheme, Snook set out to build a solution that tackles the problem at its source. On|Sight is a shipper-first driver verification platform that focuses on physical, real-time authentication — ensuring the truck and driver who show up are exactly who they claim to be.

Throughout the conversation, we discuss:

- How freight fraud happens even when carriers “look good on paper”

- Why shippers have historically been shielded from the true cost of fraud

- The limitations of digital-only vetting and why physical verification matters

- How On|Sight verifies drivers at the dock using secure, frictionless tools

- Why trucking has lagged behind on technology — and what needs to change

- Lessons for entrepreneurs building solutions from firsthand industry pain points

This episode is essential listening for shippers, brokers, carriers, and logistics leaders who want to understand where freight fraud actually starts, and how to stop it before freight ever leaves the facility.

Follow Alex & On|Sight:

Alex's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/os-alexsnook/

OnSight linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/verifyonsight/

Website: https://www.verifyonsight.com/

Follow Trucker Talk Radio

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TruckerTalkRadio

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@truckertalkradio

Instagram: https://instagram.com/truckertalkradio

X: https://x.com/trucktalkradio

Powered by Ready App

The driver-verification platform protecting brokers, carriers, and shippers from identity fraud, onboarding risks, and unsafe hires.

Learn more at: https://ready-app.com

Support GreyCross.org

A 501(c)(3) supporting families affected by roadway tragedies across America.

Donate at: https://greycross.org

In this episode of Behind the Wheelhouse, we sit down with Derek Birgin and Matt Griswold, co-owners of Destination Transport, for a deep dive into what truly drives success in today’s freight market. From humble beginnings as a four-person startup to becoming a trusted, nationwide brokerage, Derek and Matt break down why human relationships—not automation—remain the backbone of great service in logistics.

They share how Destination Transport built its reputation through reliability, cradle-to-grave ownership, and a driver-first philosophy that sets them apart in an industry increasingly shaped by technology. We also explore their strategies for fighting fraud, improving carrier vetting, growing LTL operations, and preparing for the next wave of challenges facing brokers and shippers.

Whether you're a carrier, broker, or shipper, this conversation offers rare insight into what it really takes to build trust, deliver consistently, and outperform the noise in a rapidly evolving freight environment.

Follow our guest:

Website: https://www.destinationtrans.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Destinationtransportmn/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/destinationtrans/posts/?feedView=all

Matt Griswold's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-griswold-5979a652/

Derek Birgin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-birgin-921175129/

Follow Trucker Talk Radio

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TruckerTalkRadio

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@truckertalkradio

Instagram: https://instagram.com/truckertalkradio

X: https://x.com/trucktalkradio

Powered by Ready App

The driver-verification platform protecting brokers, carriers, and shippers from identity fraud, onboarding risks, and unsafe hires.

Learn more at: https://ready-app.com

Support GreyCross.org

A 501(c)(3) supporting families affected by roadway tragedies across America.

Donate at: https://greycross.org

In this episode of Behind the Wheelhouse, Jon and Justin sit down with Stephen Greer, CEO of VTI Specialized, for one of the most forward-looking conversations we’ve had on the show.

Stephen breaks down the future of VTI, the rising impact of autonomous trucks, the real math behind driver shortages, and why the cost of running a trucking company has jumped 34% in just a few years (with rates staying the same). He also discusses onboarding, insurance pressure, the flatbed market, VTI’s growth strategy, and why small-to-mid-sized carriers still win with speed, service, and trust.

In this conversation, we cover:

• VTI’s plan to double over the coming years

• The rise of autonomous trucks and who will feel it first

• Why the driver shortage is accelerating faster than people think

• The hidden cost drivers don’t understand (insurance, freight claims, safety pressure)

• Why onboarding, training, and safety investment must evolve

• Why transparency and communication keep drivers loyal

• What VTI looks for in new hires and new driver partners

• How smaller carriers can outperform mega fleets

• Why Stephen believes the industry will split into winners & losers over the next 5 years

• What young dispatchers, drivers, and agents need to learn NOW to survive the future of trucking

• The role AI will play in efficiency, planning, onboarding, and fraud detection

• Why “service over sales” is the future model for freight companies

If you're a driver, carrier, dispatcher, fleet owner, broker, or recruiter, this episode gives you a real look at where the industry is heading — and how companies like VTI Specialized are preparing for the next decade.

Follow Stephen Greer

VTI Specialized: https://vti-specialized.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-greer-b3000236/

Powered by Ready App

The driver-verification platform protecting brokers, carriers, and shippers from identity fraud, onboarding risks, and unsafe hires.

Learn more at: https://ready-app.com

Support GreyCross.org

A 501(c)(3) supporting families affected by roadway tragedies across America.

Donate at: https://greycross.org

Follow Trucker Talk Radio

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TruckerTalkRadio

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@truckertalkradio

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X: https://x.com/trucktalkradio

#TruckerTalkRadio #BehindTheWheelhouse #StephenGreer #VTISpecialized #TruckingIndustry #AutonomousTrucks #DriverShortage #FleetManagement #TruckDrivers #Logistics #TruckingPodcast #TransportationIndustry

In this episode of Behind the Wheelhouse, Jon and Justin sit down with Randy Clifton of Sunset Transportation, a veteran with over 20 years at the same brokerage — a rarity in today’s industry.

Randy breaks down what has kept him loyal to Sunset for two decades, why relationship-driven logistics still works, and how he’s navigated trucking from the days of Rolodexes and fax machines to today’s world of TMS systems, fraud rings, and AI tools.

In this conversation, we cover:

• The Sunset Transportation story & their relationship-centric philosophy

• Why Randy’s office is “truck-first” and built around real driver respect

• The rise of fraud, double brokering, MC theft & overseas dispatch operations

• Why verifying drivers is becoming as important as verifying carriers

• The struggle with non-English-speaking CDL holders and safety concerns

• Why parking, cross-docks, and meeting drivers in person still matter

• The economics behind today’s $1.90 rates and why the market is broken

• Deregulation, supply & demand, and why rates haven’t changed in 20 years

• How AI may change brokerage — and why relationships will still win

• Advice for young brokers, agents, and Gen-Z newcomers entering the industry

Randy also shares his hopes for the next 12–24 months, the future of Sunset’s growth in Phoenix, and what he believes needs to change for trucking to stabilize.

If you’re a driver, owner-operator, broker, dispatcher, carrier, or recruiter — this is a must-watch episode packed with hard truths and real industry insight.

Follow Randy Clifton

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-clifton-5bb2403a/

Clifton Freight Services: cliftonfreightservices.com

Sunset Transportation: sunsettrans.com

Powered by Ready App

Ready App helps carriers and brokers verify drivers, stop fraud, and secure freight with real driver profiles, document validation, and safety tools.

Learn more at: https://ready-app.com

Support GreyCross.org

A 501(c)(3) organization helping families affected by roadway tragedies.

Subscribe, share, and comment to help us grow the trucking conversations that matter.

#TruckerTalkRadio #BehindTheWheelhouse #SunsetTransportation #TruckingIndustry #DoubleBrokering #FreightFraud #DriverRecruiting #Logistics #CDLDrivers #TransportationLeadership #FleetManagement

Welcome to the first-ever episode of Behind the Wheelhouse, a new Trucker Talk Radio series where Jon and Justin break down the REAL issues facing trucking in 2025 - from the people running the loads to the people running the business.

In this kickoff episode, Jon and Justin dive into the challenges CEOs, founders, safety leaders, recruiters, and dispatchers face every day:

• Why driver turnover remains sky-high

• How insurance and onboarding delays crush carriers

• Why relationship-based recruiting is the future

• What drivers don’t see behind the curtain of running a fleet

• How dispatching, communication, and work ethic impact weekly pay

• Why good drivers should be rewarded like top performers in any other industry

• How Ready App and modern tools help highlight high-quality drivers

• Why carriers struggle with onboarding times, MVR checks, safety requirements, and keeping trucks moving

• Why continuous driver movement is the #1 key to driver happiness

• How dispatch-driver relationships make or break retention

“Behind the Wheelhouse” is built to bridge the gap between executives and drivers - giving both sides a chance to understand what the other deals with every single day.

Each week, we’ll sit down with CEOs, founders, fleet directors, dispatch leaders, and veteran drivers to talk about real problems, real solutions, and real ways to improve the industry.

If you’re a driver, owner-operator, recruiter, dispatcher, carrier, or logistics professional - this show is for you.

Want to be featured or submit questions for upcoming guests?

Reach out in the comments or DM us - we want this show to be interactive and built with and for the trucking community!

Check out our sponsors:

ready-app.com - Empowering drivers & carriers through better transparency and recruiting

GreyCross.org - Supporting families affected by roadway tragedies across America

Subscribe, follow, and share to help grow the trucking conversations that matter.

#TruckerTalkRadio #BehindTheWheelhouse #TruckingIndustry #TruckDrivers #FleetManagement #DriverRecruiting #Logistics #TruckingPodcast #TruckingLife #CDLDrivers #TruckingBusiness

Trump sends troops into Washington, D.C., takes over the Kennedy Center board, and a major new rule requires commercial drivers to prove English proficiency, this week’s Trucker Talk Radio covers the political headlines and trucking updates every driver needs to know.

Hosted by Jon Vogt and Justin Holden, Trucker Talk Radio brings trucking news, driver compliance updates, political analysis, and tech innovations straight from the people who know the industry best. In this episode:

🏛 Trump’s D.C. takeover – how the Home Rule Act is being used to deploy military support, tackle crime, and what it could mean for other U.S. cities.

🎭 Kennedy Center controversy – Trump named chairman of the board, sparking pushback from Democrats and the arts community.

📝 English-only enforcement for CDL drivers – roadside inspections now require full English proficiency; failure means fines, out-of-service orders, and even jail time in some states.

🚛 Ready App updates – the driver-first onboarding platform continues to add features that streamline hiring, paperwork, and carrier-driver communication.

If you’re a truck driver, fleet owner, dispatcher, or just passionate about the intersection of trucking and politics, this episode delivers insights you can use.

📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform

🔧 Presented by Ready App – The Fast Lane to Your Next Driving Job

Skip the stack of applications and get on the road faster. With Ready App, drivers store their DOT forms, certifications, and records in one secure profile they can share instantly with carriers.

✅ One-time DOT application

✅ Real-time messaging & updates

✅ Secure document storage

✅ Compliance made simple

Learn more at https://www.ready-app.com and get rolling today

#TruckerTalkRadio #TruckDriverLife #ReadyApp #TruckingPodcast #TruckingNews #DonaldTrump #KennedyCenter #TruckDriverRegulations #CDLLife #TruckingIndustry

Trump’s takeover of the 2028 Olympics, major DOT physical changes for CDL drivers, and how trucker mindset impacts performance on the road—this week’s Trucker Talk Radio covers the headlines and industry updates every driver needs to know.

Hosted by Jon Vogt and Justin Holden, Trucker Talk Radio brings trucking news, driver health tips, compliance updates, and tech innovations straight from the people who know the industry best. In this episode:

🏅 Trump & the 2028 Olympics – breaking down what his leadership role means for America’s global presence and potential economic impact.

🩺 DOT Physical rule changes – what’s changing for CDL drivers in 2025, how to stay compliant, and how these updates could affect driver medical certifications.

🧠 Driver mindset & wellness – practical tips to reduce fatigue, stay sharp, and improve focus on long hauls.

🚛 Ready App updates – the trucking industry’s go-to onboarding and compliance platform is adding new features to speed up hiring, reduce paperwork, and improve driver-carrier communication.

If you’re a truck driver, fleet owner, dispatcher, or just passionate about the trucking industry, this episode delivers insights you can use.

📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform

🔧 Presented by Ready App – The Fast Lane to Your Next Driving Job

Skip the stack of applications and get on the road faster. With Ready App, drivers store their DOT forms, certifications, and records in one secure profile they can share instantly with carriers.

✅ One-time DOT application

✅ Real-time messaging & updates

✅ Secure document storage

✅ Compliance made simple

Learn more at https://www.ready-app.com and get rolling today

#TruckerTalkRadio #TruckDriverLife #ReadyApp #TruckingPodcast #DOTPhysical #Olympics2028 #Trump2028 #DriverMindset #TruckingTech #CDLLife