That’s Delivered Podcast

If your back tightens up every time the road gets rough, your truck seat might be doing more damage than you realize. In this episode of That’s Delivered, your boy Trucking Ray sits down with Candy Ripley-Reeve from Seat Specialists to break down the real connection between seat comfort and driver health—covering fatigue, posture, circulation, and long-term spine impact.

Candy gets into what it actually means to fit a seat to the driver—not just swap one out—and why that difference shows up in how you feel at the end...

AI is everywhere in trucking right now—but most operations are stuck between hype and hesitation.

In this episode of That’s Delivered, Trucking Ray sits down with Evan J. Schwartz, Chief Innovation Officer at AMCS Group, to break down what actually works when you bring AI into real-world logistics—where margins are tight, uptime is critical, and mistakes don’t stay on paper… they hit the street.

This conversation goes beyond buzzwords. We connect AI to real operations—fleet optimization, predictive maintenance, route planning, and the day-to-day reality of drivers and dispatch...

You can feel the pressure in trucking right now—tight margins, constant market shifts, and more work piling onto the same people. So instead of chasing hype, we sat down with Ken McLoud from Laconic Tech for a real conversation about what AI actually looks like in logistics today.

Ken is an engineer turned founder building AI tools for “dirt under your fingernails” businesses—freight brokerages, carriers, manufacturing, and heavy equipment—and he brings a practical, no-BS approach to automation.

We start with a real-world use case that just makes sense: an AI agen...

If cranking trailer landing gear by hand feels like “just part of the job,” this episode might change how you see it.

We’re talking with Stephen Davis, a 26-year CDL veteran and the creator of Turn N Burn — a landing gear drill adapter built to make drop-and-hook faster, safer, and a whole lot easier on your body.

Stephen breaks down the real-world problems drivers deal with every day: worn-out landing gear, bent handles, awkward trailer angles, bad weather, and the constant repetition that adds up when you’re moving five, six, or mo...

Freight is getting booked faster than ever—but the day-to-day can still feel chaotic. We sat down with Robert Rouse from DAT to get a real-world look at what’s changing in trucking and why the next wave of technology will reward carriers and brokers who balance speed with trust.

We break down how load booking has evolved—from phone calls and manual steps to today’s digital freight matching and automation—and why data flow is now the biggest bottleneck. Robert shares what made the Convoy platform stand out, especially how richer load detai...

Freight rates can jump 20 to 40 cents a mile in just a couple of weeks—and still have nothing to do with “more freight.” That’s the puzzle we break down with DAT’s Dean Croke, who brings a mix of data, economics, and real-world trucking experience to explain why the market feels so unpredictable right now.

We start with the big picture: a freight market near the bottom of its cycle, soft demand, and capacity slowly exiting—helping create a floor under dry van and reefer rates. Dean breaks down spot vs. contract rates and ho...

Freight can swing from strong to brutal in a matter of days—but the biggest risks to carriers aren’t always listed on the rate confirmation. We sit down with Christian Greiner from DAT to break down what’s really changing in trucking today: stricter enforcement of long-standing rules, a spot market slowly returning toward pre-COVID capacity, and the reality that one bad decision can quickly derail an owner-operator’s cash flow.

We get into the real-world impact of freight fraud and double brokering—how broker impersonation works, why scammers thrive on urgency, and what drivers can do to prot...

One bad day—that’s all it takes. An injury or illness can pull a driver off the road overnight, turning a steady paycheck into a stack of overdue bills. In this episode, Trucking Ray sits down with Diane Hutsell from the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund to talk about what really happens when life hits hard in trucking—and who’s there to help pick up the pieces.

We break down how the fund supports drivers and their families during financial crises, what expenses they cover (and why payments go directly to landlords and service providers), and how...

A lot can shift between contracts—and workers feel those changes first on the shop floor. In this grounded conversation, we sit down with Scott Wilkie, President of Teamsters Local 638 in Minnesota, for a real-time look at what union members and organizers are facing today: growing interest in organizing, economic pressures, layoffs, and sudden public scrutiny that can challenge union solidarity overnight.

We cover the frontline experience of union organizing, including:
✅ What workers should realistically expect when first reaching out about organizing
✅ Why rapid, clear communication and solid education are ma...

A black 1977 Mack R-Model. A CB dream called “Rubber Duck.” And a family that never let the legend stall out.

This episode dives into the life of Patrick Bruno—driver, collector, and co-owner of a genuine screen-used Convoy truck from the 1978 film. What began as a kid riding in grandpa’s dump truck became a mission to resurrect one of trucking’s most iconic rigs, keeping mechanical heritage alive against the rise of automation.

We trace Patrick’s three-generation trucking roots, the shop floors that built his skills, and how fascinat...

In this episode, we sit down with OOIDA’s Lewie Pugh to break down what’s really moving in Washington and how it directly affects everyday truckers. From the massive 2026 highway bill reauthorization to real funding for free truck parking, the long-stalled broker transparency fight, and practical defenses against freight fraud, Lewie Pugh maps the landscape and shares what OOIDA is pushing for—and what drivers can do right now.

We lead with parking because it’s the pain point everyone feels. Lewie details the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act, why federal...

Freight keeps America moving, but the real story is the people behind the wheel. In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Ann Warner—professional truck driver, entrepreneur, certified coach, and author of The Rough Road Ahead: A Driver's Guide to Resilience—to shine a light on the human side of over-the-road (OTR) life.

Jennifer shares her journey from school bus driver to cross-country team trucking with her husband—revealing the often-overlooked challenges like profound isolation (even with a partner right there in the cab), missed family milestones, and the hidden stresses that mileag...

Rates swing, tech buzz gets louder, and expectations rise. In this no-nonsense conversation, we sit down with Ryan Agnello to cut through the noise and get practical about what's really shifting in trucking. From the lingering effects of the freight recession to positioning for the next upswing, Ryan shares straight talk on the systems, people, and tough choices that separate resilient, profitable fleets from those just scraping by.

We kick off by examining why so many operations are still chained to spreadsheets, texts, and disconnected tools—and the steep hidden costs th...

Freight theft doesn’t usually look like a midnight trailer heist anymore. Today, it shows up as a cloned MC number, a forged COI, a believable email domain, and a real carrier left unpaid while a fake “carrier” vanishes with the money. We sit down with Minnesota-based freight broker Jason Mischica of TEN Logistics to break down how modern fraud actually unfolds, how to spot it before it hits, and why calm, human-first communication can de-escalate situations that feel like theft but often start as breakdowns, missteps, and bad days.

Jason walks...

What keeps you moving when the miles get long and the rules keep changing? We sit down with technologist and community builder Zachariah Copeland for a candid talk about work ethic, sleep, emotional intelligence, and the future of trucking in an automated world. From studio-apartment beginnings to launching a company and a podcast, Zachariah shares the habits and hard lessons that turn grit into momentum—and momentum into impact.

We unpack the grind behind real progress: focused work blocks, lifelong learning, and mentors who model excellence. Health takes center stage as Zachariah opens up about insomnia and th...

Ditch the generic truck stop experience. In this episode, we sit down with Johnny from Duck Stop Travel Center to reveal how a dedicated team of industry veterans (“old ducks”) transformed a location into a driver-first haven. The focus isn't flashy marketing—it's flawless execution on what actually matters: clean facilities, great food, real comfort, and respect for drivers' time and dignity.

They've engineered every detail around real driver needs. The menu features standout items like Lavazza-brewed coffee, a $6.75 burger with perfectly melting cheddar, beef tallow fries that stay hot on the road, and a bold first-bite guaran...

A single glance can change a life.
That idea drives our powerful conversation with Kelley Marshall, survivor leader and training specialist with Truckers Against Trafficking. Kelley turns a painful past into practical guidance, breaking down how traffickers groom their targets through attention, financial “help,” and manufactured debt—and why so many victims may appear compliant while living under coercive control. Her story brings hard truth to the surface: demand fuels exploitation.

We move beyond headlines to the everyday places where trafficking hides in plain sight—truck stops, schools, restaura...

Join host Trucking Ray on the "That’s Delivered Podcast" as he welcomes John Fairclough, founder and CEO of Resicom, for an in-depth look at the forces shaping today’s trucking world. This episode journeys through John’s remarkable career, highlighting the achievements and challenges that built his reputation in logistics.

Key Takeaways 👇

✅ John’s Journey: Discover how John started Resicom, navigated tough industry roads, and developed leadership skills that inspire reliability and trust. John’s personal stories reveal what it takes to stand out in transportation and business.

✅ Technolo...

We sit down with Howard Pearl, CEO of CARS, to unpack how a 100,000-vehicle donation engine funds thousands of nonprofits while delivering safe parking, food, and rides with dignity. Howard shares road-tested leadership lessons, process discipline, and why service scales impact.

• CARS’ national vehicle donation logistics, auctions, and payouts
• Why donors really give and how timing drives trust
• 80 percent resale rate and keeping used cars on the road
• Safe parking lots, food pantries, and senior rides for dignity
• ISO 9001 processes that reduce stress and grow revenue
• Balancing compassion and tough decisions in staffing
•...

A kid growing up in 1970s Milwaukee falls in love with trucks the hard way—by hanging around the 76, flipping through Overdrive, and begging to climb into a Peterbilt. That kid was Rob Mariani. Today, he’s the creator of American Trucker, and he joins us for a candid ride from those early memories to a primetime television series, a white-knuckle whiteout on Donner Pass, and an ambitious plan to honor the film that sparked it all: White Line Fever.

Rob breaks down how one movie shaped not just his career, but a mission. He shares the year...

Join Host Trucking Ray as he goes one-on-one with John Weldon, VP of Sales at SureCam — the company trusted by thousands of fleets to prevent accidents, exonerate drivers, and slash costs using AI-powered video telematics.

Must-Know Key Takeaways 👇

✅ One viral false-claim video can cost millions — the right video system pays for itself the first time it saves you
✅ Coaching with actual event footage (not just scores) creates lasting behavior change and can cut preventable accidents by 50%+
✅ SureCam’s plug-and-play, cloud-connected platform works for 5 trucks or 5,000 — no IT headaches, instan...

Reliability doesn’t start at the dock; it starts with the systems, culture, and visibility that shape every move long before a truck leaves the yard. We sit down with Brent Hagen, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Lob and former Amazon operations leader, to explore how standard work, bottoms-up ownership, and ruthless transparency turn daily chaos into dependable delivery. From running a 24/7 slice of a two-million-square-foot facility to redesigning Lob’s network without owning fixed assets, Brent shares the practices that help teams stay calm, move fast, and keep promises.

Key Takeaways 👇

 🟩 Rel...

Connect with host Trucking Ray as he interviews Jimi Gibson from Thrive Agency, bringing the worlds of trucking and digital marketing together on “That’s Delivered Podcast.”

Key Takeaways 👇

✅ Meet Jimi Gibson and learn how Thrive Agency drives digital growth for transportation and logistics businesses.

✅ Dig into why a strong digital presence matters for trucking companies and how effective marketing helps them thrive in a competitive industry.

✅ Discover real results Thrive Agency has achieved—like increasing leads, enhancing reputations, and driving new business for trucking clients.

✅ Get expert ti...

When a failed anniversary trip left Gar Russell alone in a camper, he decided to turn disappointment into opportunity by listing the RV on Craigslist. That single choice ignited what would become Fireside RV Rental, a nationwide franchise with 70+ locations. In this episode, Gar shares how he built an empire from scratch, navigated bankruptcy, and discovered the freedom of mobile living while raising a family full-time in an RV. His story is about resilience, systems, and the power of persistence—offering inspiration and practical tools for truckers, entrepreneurs, and anyone searching for their next big step.

...

In this actionable episode, CFO and operator Matt Putra, CEO of Eightx, transforms the trucking industry’s toughest financial challenges into a clear, practical playbook you can implement this month. Specializing in fractional CFO services for eCommerce, CPG, and growth-stage companies, Matt draws from his expertise in cash flow optimization, margin improvements, and team alignment to help fleets scale with more cash and less stress. From navigating cash flow gaps caused by slow AR payments to managing urgent fuel and payroll demands, he shares strategies like 12-month forecasting and 16-week cash views to keep your fl...

This episode we talk about tariffs climbing, the holiday surge is fast approaching, and every margin feels tighter. In this conversation with James Terry, Head of U.S. Revenue at Indeed Flex, we explore how logistics leaders can stay agile when freight must keep moving and teams are stretched thin. His core message: build a flexible, ratings-driven, AI-enabled labor layer that can expand or contract with demand—without burning out your core staff or sacrificing performance.

James breaks down what’s driving the stress at the end of the supply chain, why...

What separates a champion truck driver from the rest? For Calvin Logan, Minnesota regional champion in the sleeper truck category, the answer goes beyond technical skill—it’s about mindset. In this episode, Calvin takes us inside the world of competitive truck driving, from local contests to the high-pressure stage of the National Truck Driving Championship in Minneapolis. His story highlights not only the discipline and training required, but also the mental resilience that makes all the difference behind the wheel.

Key Takeaways
✅ State vs. Nationals — state contests felt laid back, but nationals demanded advanced...

We break down a cooling truck market, stricter enforcement on driver English proficiency, and a high-tech cargo theft that reads like a heist film. Then we map the week ahead and tease our chat with championship driver Calvin Logan.

• market slowdown and 2026 planning
• OEM forecast cuts and rate implications
• federal enforcement on driver English proficiency
• 6,000 drivers sidelined and capacity effects
• GPS spoofing and cargo theft countermeasures
• tariffs, regional tightness, and fuel swings
• action steps for carriers, shippers, and drivers
• preview of our Road Warriors conversation with Calvin Logan

Catch it on ever...

On this episode with Jimmy Mac, two passionate voices in trucking media explore how drivers navigate today's dynamic information landscape, blending technical evolution with human connection. Jimmy Mac from Radio Nemo, drawing on a decade of trucking radio experience, journalism, and law enforcement background, shares his unique perspective on news consumption, trust-building, and personalized listening. From defying competition norms through collaboration to maintaining unwavering commitment to truth during breaking news, the discussion highlights Radio Nemo's shift to streaming and the power of diverse voices. Jimmy offers practical advice for drivers to influence policy via local...

Regulations tighten, freight stays soft, and theft gets smarter while carriers weigh emissions timelines, tech investments, and survival strategies. We map the near-term outlook, the lanes to watch, and the moves that protect yield without burning drivers or customers.

• non‑domicile CDL oversight and state compliance shifts
• tariff delay on medium and heavy‑duty trucks to 1 November
• California rollback of zero‑emission truck mandate
• soft freight volumes and $2.05 national van spot rates
• regional tightening west to southeast lanes
• organized cargo theft and GPS spoofing risks
• call for a unified national cargo theft database
•...

In this captivating episode, Richard Savoie, founder of Adiona, takes listeners on a deep dive into the world of AI-powered logistics, sharing how his innovative platform is reshaping the trucking and delivery industry. From solving personal commuting challenges to revolutionizing global delivery networks, Rich’s journey as an engineer and patent holder highlights the transformative potential of humanistic AI. With compelling stories, like enabling a driver to finally take a vacation after three years, and groundbreaking concepts like "radius routing," this episode reveals how technology can prioritize both efficiency and human needs while paving the wa...

Tariffs, inspections, and soft freight converge as a single pressure system influencing recruiting, equipment decisions, and margins in the trucking industry. This episode dissects the week's critical developments, from policy shocks like tighter CDL rules for non-citizens, proposed 25% tariffs on imported trucks, and California's eased zero-emission deadlines, to operational impacts from FMCSA pilots on hours-of-service and broker transparency. It analyzes declining volumes and spot rates across segments, resilient contract freight signals, and strategies using DAT and SONAR data for procurement and lane pivots. Enforcement blitzes highlight compliance needs, with a practical checklist for documentation and pre-trip routines. The episode...

Outdated payment systems have cost trucking time, money, and sanity for decades—but that’s changing fast. Spencer Barkoff, President and Co-Founder of Relay Payments, shares how his team built a platform that eliminates the industry’s most frustrating pain points. What began with lumper payments has grown into a full-service digital network covering fuel, parking, repairs, and more for over 100,000 carriers. From fighting fraud to saving drivers hours of wasted time, Relay is transforming trucking finance with Venmo-style simplicity and enterprise-level security.

Key Takeaways

✅ Lumper Pain Solved – No...

This week in trucking, regulatory changes and market shifts dominate, from the Department of Transportation's tightened CDL eligibility for non-citizens on H2A and H2B visas to a 25% tariff on imported heavy trucks that could favor domestic manufacturers like Peterbilt and Kenworth while creating uncertainty for fleet purchases. August freight data reveals a cooling market with declines in dry van, reefer, and flatbed volumes—dry van down 8%—and softening spot rates. California's repeal of its zero-emission truck mandate for private fleets offers relief to smaller carriers but hinders EV adoption. Regulators are advancing hours-of-service pilots, broker transparency, and leas...

The freight industry is changing rapidly, and artificial intelligence isn’t just coming—it’s already here. But what does AI in logistics actually look like beyond the buzzwords? Chris Condon, founder of AirCon AI and Captain Cargo, pulls back the curtain on how these technologies are transforming freight quoting, consolidation, and routing decisions in real time.

Drawing from 26 years in logistics, Condon explains how his platforms use machine learning and large language models to help small and mid-sized freight forwarders compete with industry giants.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Smarter Predictions – AI forecasts airline on...

When Larry Cothran first climbed into the driver’s seat of a semi-truck, he never imagined the road would lead him to become trucking’s most recognizable social media personality. From his trademark headset (worn everywhere from funerals to graduations) to his unfiltered honesty, Larry has built a platform rooted in humor, resilience, and connection. In this episode, he shares how being broke pushed him into trucking, how persistence shaped his career, and why he now uses his voice to uplift millions of drivers worldwide.

Key Takeaways
✅ How losing his welding job pushed Larry into t...

Each week we will bring you a quick briefing on the biggest developments in trucking, what just happened across regulations, markets, policy and what’s on the horizon that drivers, carriers, and industry leaders should be watching to stay ahead.

Key Takeaways

What Happened Last Week

✅ FMCSA Rule Proposals – 18 potential changes, including redefining “medical treatment” in accident reporting so that scans like X-rays wouldn’t automatically trigger a DOT-recordable case.

✅ Unified Regulatory Agenda – Covered hot topics like independent contractor rules, broker transparency, ELD updates, and the withdrawn speed limiter ma...

Navigating a career shift during the pandemic, Andrew Golding opens up about his unexpected journey from social worker to hazmat truck driver. When COVID forced his medical transport business to close, he turned to trucking school, earning his CDL and diving headfirst into the challenges of hauling hazardous materials across America. In this candid conversation, Andrew shares the highs and lows of his early days on the road, the strategies that helped him gain an edge, and the lessons every new driver should know before stepping into the industry.

Key Takeaways

✅ Pandemic Pivot – Andr...

The landscape of trucking is changing rapidly, but one constant remains—the need for practical solutions that help carriers succeed. In this conversation with Jeff Resch, Operations Lead for Uber Freight’s Powerloop division, we explore how innovation is reshaping opportunities for owner-operators and small fleets.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Powerloop eliminates barriers – Carriers gain access to premium drop-and-hook freight without the heavy cost of trailer ownership.

✅ Leveling the playing field – Small fleets and owner-operators can now compete for efficient freight opportunities that were once reserved for big players.

✅ Flexibility at the core – Use Powerloop tr...

Transforming America’s highways from trafficking corridors into safe passageways takes vigilance, awareness, and courage. In this powerful episode with Micah Larson, Mobile Exhibit Specialist for Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT), we uncover how everyday truckers are stepping into extraordinary roles in the fight against modern-day slavery. From his journey in the arts to becoming a frontline advocate, Micah explains how TAT equips the transportation industry with the training, tools, and stories needed to recognize red flags, make the call, and ultimately save lives.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Micah’s path: from theater arts gradua...