In this episode of the Trucking for Millennials podcast, we open with an important announcement about the future of the podcast. We then had the pleasure of speaking with Dana Gardner, the CEO of Dana Gardner Trucking. Dana's journey in the trucking industry is truly inspiring, starting with a modest $9,500 investment in a 1999 International truck. Over the years, he has successfully grown his business to operate a fleet of five trucks, specializing in liquid bulk transportation out of Southern Louisiana.

As we delved into Dana's story, he shared the challenges he faced along the way, including the trials of owning older trucks and the tough decisions that come with running a trucking business. We discussed the importance of knowing when to let go of equipment that is no longer serving your business, a lesson that many in the industry can relate to.

Dana also provided insights into the world of bulk transportation, explaining the intricacies of hauling hazardous and non-hazardous liquids. He emphasized the need for patience and practice in mastering the skills required for this type of hauling, which is often overlooked in the trucking industry.

Throughout our conversation, Dana's passion for trucking and his commitment to his drivers shone through. He shared how he navigated difficult situations, such as weather-related delays, and the importance of taking care of his team.

As we wrap up this episode, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude to our listeners. We hope that our show has made a positive impact on your journey in the trucking business, and we thank you for your support over the past five years.

In this episode of the Trucking for Millennials podcast, we dive deep into the often-overlooked world of insurance and cargo claims with our guest, Claudia Catlett, the insurance claims and fraud manager at General Transportation, Inc. Claudia shares her unique journey into the logistics industry, which began unexpectedly when she was hired from a bar after being discovered on LinkedIn. With a background as a Marine Corps veteran and a marketing graduate, she brings a wealth of experience and passion for risk management.

We discuss the complexities of cargo claims, emphasizing the importance of understanding rate confirmations and the need for thorough documentation throughout the shipping process. Claudia highlights the significance of taking photos at various stages—during loading, transit, and unloading—to protect against potential claims. She also stresses the necessity of being well-acquainted with insurance policies, including exclusions and requirements, to avoid pitfalls when claims arise.

Throughout the conversation, Claudia's enthusiasm for learning and her commitment to justice in the industry shine through. She provides valuable insights into the challenges of navigating claims and the proactive steps that carriers and brokers can take to mitigate risks. This episode is packed with practical advice for small trucking companies and logistics professionals looking to enhance their understanding of insurance and claims management. Tune in to gain a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of the logistics world and how to better prepare for the unexpected challenges that may arise.

In this episode of Trucking for Millennials, we had the pleasure of speaking with John Cantera, a seasoned logistics and supply chain management professional with 25 years of experience. Known as the "double broker bounty hunter," John is on a mission to bring integrity to the broker-dispatcher world and combat fraud in the industry.

We kicked off the episode with a light-hearted discussion about a recent heist involving 400 kegs of Guinness stolen from a delivery truck in the UK, which led us to reflect on the challenges of dealing with stolen freight in logistics. John shared his journey into the trucking industry, starting from his time as a Logistics Readiness Officer in the U.S. Air Force to running his own trucking company and now focusing on fraud prevention.

John's unique nickname, the "double broker bounty hunter," stems from his proactive approach to identifying and combating double brokering. He explained how he and his team intentionally book loads from known double brokers to expose their fraudulent activities and help carriers recover lost payments. His passion for fighting scammers is evident, and he even humorously noted that receiving death threats from scammers is a sign of success in his work.

Throughout our conversation, we delved into the complexities of the logistics industry, including the challenges faced by dispatchers and the need for better regulation. John emphasized the importance of integrity and relationships in the industry, lamenting how the rise of compliance departments has shifted the focus away from personal connections.

We also discussed the role of the FMCSA in addressing fraud and the potential for future changes in regulations to better protect honest players in the industry. John's insights into the current state of logistics and the ongoing battle against fraud were both enlightening and thought-provoking.

Overall, this episode is a must-listen for anyone in the trucking and logistics space, as it sheds light on the darker side of the industry while also highlighting the efforts of individuals like John who are dedicated to making it a better place for everyone.

In this episode we kick off 2025 with an inspiring conversation with Kristy Knichel, the President and CEO of Knichel Logistics. Kristy shares her remarkable journey in the logistics industry, starting from her early days working for her father to becoming a leading figure in the field. We delve into the dynamics of running a family business, the challenges she faced, and the tough decisions she had to make to ensure the company's growth and success.

Welcome back to the Trucking For Millennials Podcast, this week we are going back to some our most popular episodes of the year, including our interviews with Matt Perkins, LaShawn Brown, Brandon Wiseman, and Trevor Cowley. We hope you enjoy going through this recap as much as we did! Happy New Years Trucking For Millennials listeners, here is to a great 2025!

In this special Christmas week episode of the Trucking for Millennials podcast, we dive into the holiday hustle of the logistics world and explore how the Christmas season impacts supply chains. Our guest, Matthew Chapa, Transportation Manager at Crunchyroll, shares his insights on navigating international logistics and building strong global relationships.

We kick off the episode with some fascinating Christmas statistics, highlighting the immense logistics involved in the holiday season, from the 35 million Christmas trees harvested annually to the staggering $9.36 billion Americans spend on gift wrap. We discuss the growing trend of online shopping, which now accounts for 60% of holiday purchases, and the significant role that trucking plays in delivering nearly 70% of all freight in the U.S.

Matt shares his journey into logistics, detailing his experiences managing transportation networks for major companies like Apple and Kendra Scott, and how he applies his strategic thinking and problem-solving skills to keep things moving in a fast-changing industry. We delve into the complexities of international logistics, including the challenges posed by tariffs, port automation, and the potential impact of strikes on the trucking industry.

Throughout our conversation, Matt emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural nuances when working with international partners and the need for proactive problem-solving in logistics. We also touch on the potential challenges the trucking industry may face in 2025, including the implications of strikes and the ongoing push for automation at ports.

As we wrap up this engaging discussion, we reflect on the hard work and dedication of those in the logistics field during the holiday season, reminding our listeners to appreciate the efforts of their delivery personnel. Join us for this insightful episode as we explore the challenges and opportunities shaping logistics today!

In this episode of Trucking for Millennials, we had the pleasure of speaking with Apoorva Mathur from Daimler Truck North America. Apoorva, who holds the roles of ESG Program Manager and Zero Emissions Transformation Group Support Manager, shared her extensive background in logistics and sustainability.

We kicked off the conversation with some light-hearted banter about the holiday season, sports, and Apoorva's journey from Pennsylvania to Oregon. Apoorva's career path is impressive, having worked with industry giants like General Motors and Boeing before joining Daimler. Her passion for the transportation industry, particularly trucking, was evident as she discussed her experiences and the pride she feels in contributing to the sector.

A significant portion of our discussion focused on Daimler's efforts in leading sustainable transportation. Apoorva explained the company's commitment to zero emissions and the challenges of balancing regulations with ROI. She highlighted the importance of infrastructure in the transition to electric vehicles and the role of Daimler's e-consulting group in assisting customers with this shift.

We also touched on the varying levels of state support and energy availability across the country, which can impact the feasibility of transitioning to electric fleets. Apoorva emphasized the importance of pre-planning and understanding local utilities to ensure a smooth transition.

Towards the end of our conversation, we delved into the broader industry trends and the potential tipping point for widespread adoption of sustainable practices. Apoorva shared her insights on the role of regulations and the importance of making a positive business case for sustainability.

Overall, this episode provided a comprehensive look at the future of trucking through the lens of sustainability and innovation, with valuable insights from a leader in the field.

In this episode of Trucking for Millennials, we dive into the world of logistics and operations with our special guest, Trevor Cowley, Executive Vice President at BYB Solutions. Trevor brings a wealth of experience from his diverse career, which spans from the baseball field to the boardroom. We explore his journey from working in chemical distribution to becoming a key player in the logistics industry.

Trevor shares insights on the importance of proactive communication and treating every client interaction as if it's with a million-dollar client. He emphasizes the significance of service in the logistics industry, regardless of the size of the company. Trevor also discusses the challenges and learning curves he faced when transitioning from distribution to logistics, particularly in managing drivers and equipment.

We touch on the unique aspects of running a logistics company, such as the necessity of early starts and the importance of having a dedicated and knowledgeable team. Trevor highlights the strategies BYB Solutions employs to maintain high service standards and ensure client satisfaction, including incentivizing drivers and employees for bringing in new business.

As we look ahead to 2025, Trevor provides his perspective on the ongoing challenges in the logistics industry, such as labor shortages, fluctuating fuel prices, and the increasing demand for sustainable practices. He stresses the need for companies to stay ahead of the curve by focusing on service and proactive client communication.

Overall, this episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone in the logistics and transportation industry, highlighting the importance of service, proactive communication, and strategic planning for future growth.

In this episode of the Trucking for Millennials podcast, we had the pleasure of welcoming Marty Emale, co-founder of BidSpot and founder of IntelliShip. We dove deep into the current state of the trucking industry, particularly focusing on the grain sector, and discussed the challenges and opportunities that owner-operators face as we approach 2025.

Marty shared his journey from struggling in the box truck space to finding success in grain hauling. He emphasized the importance of resilience and the ability to pivot when things aren't working out. We explored the cyclical nature of the transportation industry and how external factors, such as government relationships and market conditions, can impact business.

A significant part of our conversation revolved around the importance of building strong relationships in the industry. Marty highlighted that successful networking is not just about taking; it's about providing value and collaborating with others to create mutual growth. He also stressed the need for discernment in choosing the right partners and brokers to align with.

We touched on the importance of health and wellness for truck drivers, discussing how maintaining a healthy lifestyle on the road can significantly impact performance and longevity in the industry. Marty shared practical tips for staying active and making healthier food choices while on the go.

As we wrapped up, we looked ahead to 2024 and beyond, discussing the potential for growth for those who are willing to learn and adapt. Marty’s insights serve as a reminder that success in trucking requires patience, strategic thinking, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Join us for this enlightening conversation that not only sheds light on the grain market but also offers valuable lessons for anyone in the trucking and logistics industry.

In this episode of the Trucking for Millennials podcast, I had the pleasure of welcoming the dynamic insurance duo, Jessica Howington and Natasha Ammons, from United Commercial Insurance. As we dive into the often complex world of trucking insurance, we discuss the critical importance of understanding your coverage and the nuances that can significantly impact your business.

We kick off the conversation by acknowledging the challenges truckers face when dealing with insurance—often feeling like they're just being handed bad news. Jessica and Natasha emphasize that it's essential for agents to ask the right questions to tailor coverage to the specific needs of trucking companies. They highlight the importance of knowing what types of freight you haul, the specific requirements of contracts, and the potential exclusions that could leave you vulnerable.

One of the key topics we explore is the concept of waiver of subrogation, which can limit your rights to recover costs in the event of an accident. Jessica passionately advocates for truckers, stressing the need for transparency and education about what these terms mean for their operations. We also touch on the significance of safety scores and inspections, which can directly affect insurance rates.

Throughout the episode, Jessica and Natasha share their extensive experience in the industry, providing valuable insights into how trucking companies can navigate the insurance landscape more effectively. They remind listeners that having a knowledgeable and proactive insurance agent can make all the difference in ensuring that your business is adequately protected.

This episode is packed with essential information that can help you make informed decisions about your trucking insurance needs. Happy Thanksgiving!