Trucking for Millennials

In this episode of the Trucking for Millennials podcast, we had the pleasure of welcoming Jamie Benson, the President and CEO of the Alaska Trucking Association. Jamie brings over 30 years of experience from her tenure at FedEx, where she developed a deep passion for team inspiration, safety, and the unique challenges of trucking in Alaska.

We kicked off the episode by discussing Jamie's extensive background. She shared her journey from starting as a handler at FedEx in 1994 to eventually becoming a leader in the organization. Jamie's story is one of perseverance and growth, highlighting how she navigated her career while balancing family life. She emphasized the importance of encouragement and building people up, which she believes are crucial for success in any job.

Jamie also provided insights into the unique aspects of trucking in Alaska. From dealing with extreme weather conditions to encountering wildlife like moose and bears, the challenges are numerous. She explained how the Alaska Trucking Association focuses heavily on safety and preparedness, ensuring that drivers are well-equipped to handle the state's demanding environment.

One of the standout moments was Jamie's recounting of her experience on the Dalton Highway, a 500-mile stretch that supplies Prudhoe Bay and Dead Horse. She described the bravery and resilience of the truck drivers who navigate this treacherous route, often without reliable communication due to the remote nature of the area.

Throughout the episode, Jamie's dedication to fostering a people-first culture within the trucking industry was evident. She shared valuable advice for those looking to advance their careers while managing family responsibilities, encouraging listeners to take risks and pursue leadership opportunities.

Overall, this episode provided a fascinating look into the world of Alaska trucking and the incredible individuals who keep the industry moving. Jamie Benson's leadership and passion for the field make her an inspiring figure, and we were thrilled to have her on the show.

In this episode of the Trucking for Millennials podcast, I had the pleasure of hosting Brandon Wiseman, an expert in transportation law and compliance. Brandon shared his insights from the Truck Safe Live podcast and discussed key regulatory trends in the trucking industry. We covered a range of important topics including highway safety, personal conveyance, the truck parking crisis, tort law reform, ELDs, and speed limiters.

We kicked off the episode by reflecting on the recent election results and their potential impact on the trucking industry. With Donald Trump winning the presidency and the Republicans holding the House and Senate, we speculated on possible regulatory changes and what they could mean for logistics businesses.

Brandon provided a deep dive into the importance of staying compliant with DOT safety regulations, especially for new motor carriers. He emphasized the severe consequences of non-compliance, including hefty fines and potential shutdowns. We also discussed the critical issue of highway accident exposure and the rising trend of nuclear verdicts against trucking companies.

One of the most engaging parts of our conversation was about personal conveyance, a gray area in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. Brandon explained the complexities and the potential for misuse, advising fleets to either turn off the option or implement strict controls.

We also touched on the truck parking shortage, a significant issue for drivers that impacts their ability to comply with hours of service regulations. Brandon highlighted the efforts being made to address this problem, including grant money awarded to states by the USDOT.

Finally, we looked ahead to the new administration and what it might mean for trucking regulations. Brandon shared his thoughts on the potential for fewer new regulations and a focus on reviewing existing ones, drawing parallels to the previous Trump administration's approach.

Overall, this episode was packed with valuable insights for anyone in the trucking industry, from drivers to fleet managers. Brandon's expertise provided a comprehensive look at the current regulatory landscape and what we might expect in the near future.

In this episode we had the pleasure of speaking with Chuck Kuzniewski, the Senior Vice President of Talent and Culture at BMAC Logistics. Chuck's journey is truly inspiring, transitioning from a career in sports announcing and wrestling promotion to a leadership role in the logistics industry.

We kicked off the episode discussing a recent article about a traffic crackdown in the Permian Basin, where Texas troopers apprehended 853 truckers and motorists over a three-day period. This led to a conversation about the importance of safety in trucking and the implications of upcoming elections on the logistics sector.

Chuck shared his unique background, including his passion for professional wrestling and sports announcing, which he pursued from a young age. His love for sports and entertainment eventually led him to work with the Harlem Ambassadors basketball team, where he traveled the world and gained invaluable experience.

As we delved deeper into Chuck's current role at BEEMAC Logistics, he emphasized the importance of a people-first culture and how he encourages others to pursue their talents. He shared insights on building effective teams, highlighting the significance of collaboration and support among colleagues. Chuck's philosophy centers around the idea that individual success is tied to the success of the team, and he believes in the power of "yes, and" from his improv experience to foster a positive work environment.

Overall, this episode is a testament to the idea that pursuing your passions and embracing opportunities can lead to fulfilling careers, even in unexpected fields like trucking.

In this episode of the Trucking for Millennials podcast, I had the pleasure of welcoming LaShawn Brown, an independent freight agent. LaShawn shared his journey from corporate America to the trucking industry, highlighting his experiences as a driver trainer and his passion for helping new CDL drivers succeed.

We discussed the challenges new drivers face when starting their careers, including the importance of professionalism and the need for effective communication between drivers, brokers, and shippers. LaShawn emphasized the significance of empathy in our interactions, especially when dealing with the stresses of the road.

Throughout our conversation, we touched on the misconceptions that drivers often have about brokers, particularly the belief that brokers are pocketing all the money. LaShawn shared his insights on the realities of the industry, including the importance of transparency and fairness in our dealings with both drivers and customers.

We also explored the complexities of load tracking, detention times, and the need for brokers to maintain strong relationships with carriers while ensuring customer satisfaction. LaShawn's experiences and advice provided valuable perspectives on navigating the logistics landscape, making this episode a must-listen for anyone in the trucking and logistics industry.

As we approach the busy holiday season, we hope our listeners take away the importance of communication, professionalism, and understanding in fostering better relationships within the industry. Thank you for tuning in, and we look forward to bringing you more insightful discussions in future episodes!

In this episode of Trucking for Millennials, we had the pleasure of revisiting one of our very first episodes - in which we talked with David Abell, who was the Managing Director of AMT Squirrel Works. Listening to this episode, we hope you reflect on the changes in the trucking industry and our lives since then, as we re-explore the relevance of our past discussions on marketing, freight brokering, and leadership.

David shares his journey from a military background to the transportation industry, highlighting how his experiences shaped his work ethic and understanding of logistics. We dive into the importance of company culture when choosing a freight brokerage, emphasizing the need for a supportive and enjoyable work environment.

We also discuss the significance of personal development in the industry, with David advocating for continuous learning through reading and leveraging resources like LinkedIn. He stresses the importance of having a professional online presence, particularly for owner-operators and freight brokerages, and how a well-maintained website can enhance credibility and attract talent.

As we wrap up, David offers insights into the evolving landscape of digital marketing in transportation, encouraging companies to focus on their niche and build strong relationships within the industry. This episode serves as a valuable reminder of the foundational principles that continue to apply in our ever-changing world.

Join us as we take a trip down memory lane and extract timeless lessons that can still be applied to our businesses today!

In this episode of the Trucking for Millennials podcast, we had the pleasure of welcoming back Lida Hakobyan, an inspiring entrepreneur in the logistics industry. Lida's journey from Armenia to the United States in 2016, and her subsequent rise in the trucking and freight brokering business, is nothing short of remarkable.

We began the episode by acknowledging the recent natural disasters affecting various parts of the United States, including hurricanes and wildfires. Our thoughts are with those impacted, and we hope for their safety and recovery.

Lida shared her story of moving to the U.S., earning her CDL, and starting her career as a truck driver. She recounted the challenges she faced, from learning the terminology to navigating narrow roads with a 53-foot trailer. Despite these hurdles, Lida's determination and hard work paid off, allowing her to transition into freight brokering and eventually founding her own company, Freight Freedom.

Throughout our conversation, Lida emphasized the importance of perseverance, optimism, and leveraging one's strengths. She discussed the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry and how her experience behind the wheel has given her a unique perspective and empathy for truck drivers.

Lida also highlighted the significance of building relationships with both customers and carriers, and how her multilingual skills have been an asset in her business. She shared insights into the issues of double brokering and the importance of thorough vetting and communication to avoid such pitfalls.

In addition to her freight brokering business, Lida has created educational resources and courses to help others succeed in the logistics industry. Her Freight Freedom Club offers a wealth of knowledge, from logistics terminology to sales scripts, and provides a supportive community for aspiring freight brokers.

Lida's story is a testament to the opportunities available in the United States and the power of hard work and dedication. Her positive outlook and commitment to helping others make her a true inspiration in the logistics industry.

In this episode of the Trucking For Millennials podcast, we welcome back former guest Robert Bain, the Strongest Man in Logistics, to catch up and continue our conversation about the current state of the trucking industry in the midst of the seaport strike and the upcoming elections. Edit: UPDATED WITH CORRECT AUDIO

On this episode of the Trucking For Millennials Podcast, we sit down with Justin Martin to talk about the current state of trucking, the impact of Hurricane Helene and the Seaport Strike, as well as the effect of this year's election on the trucking industry. 

In this episode of the Trucking for Millennials podcast, we had the pleasure of welcoming Casey Jenkins, a seasoned professional in supply chain management with over a decade of experience. We dove deep into the intricacies of supply chain management, discussing its relevance to brokerages, trucking companies, and shippers.

Casey shared her impressive background, including her dual master's degrees in supply chain management and project management, as well as her ongoing pursuit of a doctorate in business administration. We explored her journey from aspiring meteorologist to a key player in the logistics and supply chain industry, highlighting how her diverse experiences shaped her understanding of the field.

Throughout our conversation, we emphasized the importance of understanding one's position within the supply chain and how that can impact service delivery and customer relationships. Casey pointed out that supply chain management encompasses much more than just transportation; it includes procurement, manufacturing, distribution, and customer service, all of which are interconnected.

We also discussed the evolving landscape of supply chain management, particularly the growing emphasis on risk management in light of current economic and political factors. Casey provided valuable insights into how businesses can improve their operations by asking thought-provoking questions and seeking collaboration.

This episode is packed with practical advice for anyone in the logistics and supply chain space, especially those in small businesses looking to enhance their processes and service offerings. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of supply chain dynamics and discover how to position your business for success in this ever-changing industry.

In this episode of the Trucking for Millennials podcast, we celebrate Truck Driver Appreciation Week with a special guest, Jasen Beshears, who has an impressive 25-year career in the trucking industry. Jasen shares his journey from being a prison guard to becoming a truck driver, highlighting the various jobs he held before finding his passion on the road.

We dive into the challenges that new drivers face, including the rigorous process of obtaining a CDL and the importance of pre-trip inspections. Jasen reflects on his early days in the industry, discussing the emotional rollercoaster of being homesick and the learning curve of navigating without modern GPS technology. He shares fascinating stories from his experiences, including the realities of team driving and the camaraderie that develops among drivers.

Health and well-being are significant themes in our conversation, as Jasen emphasizes the importance of making good decisions for longevity in the trucking profession. He candidly discusses his own struggles with health and the need for drivers to prioritize their well-being amidst the demands of the job.

As we explore Jasen's career trajectory, he recounts his experiences with various companies, the ups and downs of team driving, and the lessons learned from starting his own hotshot business. He offers valuable insights into the importance of diversifying business opportunities and making informed decisions in a challenging industry.

This episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and a heartfelt appreciation for the hard work and dedication of truck drivers. Join us as we celebrate the vital role that truck drivers play in keeping our country moving and the importance of recognizing their contributions.