The U.S. immigration crackdown is about to cripple the supply chain. This week on Sense Per Mile, we break down the logistics: fewer essential immigrant workers means the driver shortage will explode. This forces desperate carriers to rush hiring, drives up operating costs, and will drastically increase insurance rates. We expose the policy domino effect and what this means for every paycheck, every company's bottom line, and the stability of freight across the nation.

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Sponsors:

Tenstreet 

Mesilla Valley Transportation

Guests
Merryl Gerhardt, American Trucking Group

Sage Blues, Jel Agency

 This week on Sense Per Mile, we tackle the single most dangerous financial question in trucking: Are you a legal W-2 employee or a true 1099 owner-operator? We expose the "control test," the hidden tax bombs of self-employment, and the brutal audits that crush carriers and drivers when a company uses 1099s to mask a full-time employee. Stop getting screwed—we break down the legal line you can't cross and show you who is really driving your truck and controlling your cash flow. Get the facts before the IRS comes knocking.

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Sponsors:

TenstreetTAFS, inc

Guests:

Daren Fristoe, CDLLife

The 401k was a colossal mistake... and it was never meant to be your retirement plan. In this explosive episode of Sense Per Mile, we're exposing the broken promises behind our modern benefits system and revealing why the decline of retirement security is a bigger part of the trucking industry's retention nightmare than you realize. We sit down with the very person who created the 401k, and he's revealing his new, radical program designed to fix the mess he created. Is this the blueprint for the future of employee benefits?! You can't afford to miss this!

Powered by: CDLLife x HOT SEAT SERVICES
Sponsors:

Mesilla Valley Transport

Tenstreet

Guests:

Ted Benna, 401kbenna

Kyle Bagley, Radish Plan

Wild weather, traffic trouble, and regulatory roadblocks are only a few of the trials that can make life on the road difficult. In this episode, we dive into ways carriers can ensure their best drivers don't burn out. Powered by CDLLife & HOT SEAT SERVICES Sponsored by Mesilla Valley Transport Guests: - Justin Martin, Social Media Content Creator, Freightwaves - Michael Lombard, Recruiter, HOT SEAT SERVICES

The trucking industry makes a lot of generalizations about drivers. Often times those generalizations influence crucial decisions. One assumption we see is how drivers use the internet. On this episode, we’ll show you where drivers actually are online and coach you on how to access these mostly untapped markets. Powered by CDLLife & HOT SEAT SERVICES Sponsored by Decker Truck Lines Inc. Guests: - Molly Gibson, VP of Corporate Relations, CDLLife - King Spud CEO, Professional Truck Driver, @FATMANSPUDKING

You get the approval, you set up travel plans, and yet, the applicant never shows up to orientation. It’s a common issue in driver recruiting. In this episode we ask drivers the reasoning behind no-shows and discuss solutions to help avoid this hurdle in the recruitment process..Powered by CDLLife & HOT SEAT SERVICES Sponsored by Mesilla Valley Transportation Guest: Robert Pierson, Vice President, Driver Recruiting, Mesilla Valley Transportation

ver wonder why drivers go radio silent despite job opportunities flooding their feeds? We’re asking tough questions to both seasoned truckers and industry experts to find solutions. But that’s not all – we also discuss a four-wheeler who doesn’t know the meaning of “yield,” a Canadian cocaine debacle, and a brief labor union debate. Powered by CDLLife & HOT SEAT SERVICES Sponsored by Decker Truck Line Inc. Guests: Bobby Thompson, Chief Product & Technology Officer, CDLLife Amanda Worthen, SR Manager Recruiting, Red Classic"

In this episode, Charles, Paul, and Josh review some current news stories, giving their opinions about the "takeover" of automated trucks, a distracting radio crash, and an old-school cool viral trucker. Then, they give a sneak peek into the upcoming Turning Point CDLLife Summit. Hear all about the sessions they'll be hosting and stick around until the end for a special registration discount code.

In this episode, the Sense Per Mile guys recaps Charles' day of NASCAR racing against some familiar faces in the industry. Then, a mystery carrier puts their best foot forward to pitch a real driver during the Recruiting Game. Watch until the end to find out their identity and see how they rank in the eyes of the driver.

In this episode, emotions run high as Paul, Charles, and Josh deep dive into the heated topic of speed governors. They discuss the various perspectives across the industry and how speed limiters really impact drivers. Tune in to hear their opinions and to gain a deeper understanding of the complex factors at play.

In this episode, the Sense Per Mile guys delve into the dicey topic of falsified logs, catch up with veteran driver Michael Lombard, and put another recruiter to the test.

In this episode of Sense Per Mile, Paul, Josh, and Charles are back at it, digging deeper into the Tenstreet User Conference. They chat with marketing agencies and another Tenstreet employee to give you an inside look into the recruiting process that drivers usually don’t see.

On this episode of Sense Per Mile, Paul, Josh, and Charles go to Las Vegas to investigate the Tenstreet User Conference. They sit down with recruiting directors and Tenstreet themselves to take you on a deep dive into the backend of recruiting that drivers don’t typically get to see!

MAJOR INDUSTRY ALERT!
Get ready for breaking news that could completely shake up the recruiting side of the transportation industry! This is a development you need to know about if you're involved in hiring, retention, or career planning in trucking and logistics.
But there's more. We're also honored to host two incredible women from different facets of the transportation world?  We'll explore a crucial question: Do women face unique and additional struggles building a career across all areas of this industry? If so, what do those challenges look like, and how are they being navigated? Powered by: CDLLife x HOT SEAT SERVICES
Sponsors:MyCarrierPortalTenstreetGuests

Jessica Dotson, Director of Business Development, Multi Service Fuel Card

Pamala Polyak, Owner, Polyak Trucking

The Sense Per Mile crew steps out of the studio to take on the Mid-America Trucking Show in this special episode. Paul, Charles, and Josh sit down to interview professionals from across the industry and even take the podcast to the showroom floor to give you the real MATS experience from their point of view. #Trucking #Midamericatruckingshow2023 #MATS2023

In this exciting episode, Sense Per Mile takes you to the Mid-America Trucking Show, where Charles, Paul, and Josh had the chance to chat with a diverse range of industry professionals. Buckle up and join us as we take a deep dive into the world of trucking in this live-recorded episode from MATS!

Meet the guys behind the mics in this week’s episode of Sense Per Mile. Charles, Paul, and Josh share more about their backstories, first impressions, and time in the trucking industry as they take turns introducing each other. Plus, the trio has some fun throwing around ideas for a trucker dating app during Under the Truck.

Charles, Paul, and Josh react to a disaster caught on dash-cam, debate if trucking is still sexy, and rate another recruiting pitch, all on this week’s episode of Sense Per Mile. They also pay a visit to the wild west as Paul gets thrown “Under the Truck” in the newest segment.

This week, Sense Per Mile host and veteran, Charles Gracey, connects with some of the veterans and partners participating in the upcoming Veterans In Trucking Showcase at the Mid-America Trucking Show. They come together in this episode to announce all the MATS details and dig deep into discussing the collective mission of creating a veteran-ready industry.

In this week’s episode, we debate ELD’s, debrief on some top trucking news, and dive into another Recruiting Game. Paul, Charles, and Josh also announce they’re taking Sense Per Mile on the road and will be podcasting live from the Mid-America Trucking Show in March.

Charles Gracey and Paul Gibson debrief on some hot button topics in trucking news and listen to this week’s mystery carrier pitch during the Recruiting Game. Professional driver, Trevor Barnett, puts this carrier to a timed test and rates their offer live on the show. Let us know if you would take up their offer when Sense Per Mile reveals the secret carrier’s identity at the end.

Sense Per Mile kicks off 2023 with a quick look at what’s down the road for the the industry. Then, Charles Gracey and Paul Gibson challenge Chris Gonzalez, Driver Recruitment Engagement Manager at Clean Harbors, to recruit a driver on-air. Hear Jim Gambrell’s real-time response and critique to the pitch on this week’s episode.

Reach us at sensepermile@hotseatservices.com

As the industry prepares to accelerate into 2023, Charles Gracey and Paul Gibson sit down with Timothy Dooner from Freightwaves, WHAT THE TRUCK?, and Michael Vincent, CEO and Founder of The Sustainiacs, to talk about their predictions for the year ahead. Hear their honest review about how the industry handled 2022, and their opinions on the direction we need to go for a stronger 2023.

To prove a point about what it would actually look like if office employees followed Hours of Service rules, our co-host, Paul Gibson, locked himself inside CDLLife’s storage closet for 48 hours.  In this episode, Paul and Charles Gracey break down the experiment and discuss where our industry needs to make changes to improve life behind the wheel.

Are rising insurance costs driving you out of business? In this explosive episode of Sense Per Mile, we're exposing the dark side of the trucking insurance industry. We'll uncover how nuclear verdicts, skyrocketing premiums, and unrealistic risk assessments are crippling carriers, impacting driver retention, and threatening the very foundation of the supply chain. Get ready to hear the raw truth about how insurance companies are contributing to the trucking crisis.Powered by: CDLLife x HOT SEAT SERVICES
Sponsors:TAFSTenstreetGuests

Sage Outcast

Merryl Gerhardt, American Trucking Group

Ryan Rogers, Tenstreet

On this episode, our host, Charles Gracey, sits down with fellow former drivers; Justin Martin, Social Media Manager for FreightWave’s Back The Truck Up, and James Bowen, Writer for FreightWave’s Back The Truck Up, to swap stories from their time spent trucking. From highlights to horrors, they reminisce about their life behind the wheel and how it drove them to where they’re seated today.

Finally back together behind the mic, Paul Gibson and Charles Gracey break down brokerage in this episode of Sense Per Mile. Joined by Paul-Bernard Jaroslawski, Former Broker and Founder of FreightCaviar, they go behind the scenes about his experience as a broker and address real questions from today’s drivers straight from the CDLLife App.

Learn how to research, vote, and navigate the political landscape as an OTR driver. On this episode, our host, Paul Gibson sits down with heavy hitters; Josh Mecca, Director of Recruiting at American Central Transport, Desiree Wood, Founder & President of REAL Women in Trucking Organization, and Collin Long, Director of Government Affairs at OOIDA to discuss the ins and outs of absentee and early voting, research, and political participation from the driver's seat. – Let's get real about what needs to be done to fuel the fight for proposals we agree with, and pump the brakes on policies we don't!

Trucking legends, real-life horror stories, and superstitions: Hear Charles Gracey and Josh Hanes swap stories with Professional Drivers, Brian McGladdery and Gabby Swain, that will send chills down your spine. Are they just tales, or is there truth in the wild and weird encounters drivers have experienced behind the wheel?

Their wheels are turnin', so why are they barely earnin'? Bringing both carrier and driver perspectives to the table, Charles Gracey and Paul Gibson are joined by Professional Driver for RTI, John Douglas, and Industry Relations for Tenstreet, Mike Coble, on this week's episode to try to make sense out of the hot topic of driver's pay.

In this episode, Charles Gracey and Paul Gibson are joined by Professional Driver, Skip Lawrence and Fleet Operations Manager of PGT Trucking, Inc., Justin Palionis, to discuss the range of relationships that drivers experience with dispatch and the communication pain points the industry needs to work toward improving.

In this episode, Charles Gracey and Paul Gibson are joined by OTR Driver & Driver Trainer, Jimmy Goodson, and Vice President of Driver Recruitment at Mesilla Valley Transport, Robert Pierson, to discuss what really makes a good recruiter.  Find out what matters most in the driver’s eyes, and how you can ensure your recruiters aren’t “full of shit.”

In this episode, Charles Gracey and Paul Gibson reveal common concerns, controversial aspects, and current driver opinions of inward-facing driver cameras. Joined by Director of Recruiting at American Central Transport, Josh Mecca, and Owner Operator, Dale Bowen, to discuss how drivers and carriers really feel about the devices.

We’re excited for you to tune into the inaugural episode of the Sense Per Mile podcast, where our host, Charles Gracey, and co-host, Paul Gibson, tackle tough industry topics and ask even tougher industry questions, all to find better solutions and help sense make cents.

This week, driver Skip Lawrence joins the podcast to expose pitfalls, debate stereotypical industry practices, and make REAL suggestions for appreciating your drivers during Truck Driver Appreciation Week.

Sense Per Mile is a podcast tackling tough trucking industry topics and asking even tougher industry questions, all to find better solutions and help sense make cents.

Hosted by Charles Gracey and co-hosted by Paul Gibson, this weekly podcast starts conversations between drivers, carriers, and industry experts to address the ongoing challenges related to the industry.

Interviewing those at the heart of the industry, they’ll share the most important insights into the real driver experience.

What's coming for freight in 2025? We're breaking down the latest forecasts for freight rates, the impact of the financial market, and the ever-critical driver recruiting landscape. Get ready for expert insights on spot vs. contract, interest rates, and how to attract and retain top talent. Don't miss this essential guide to navigating the future of trucking!
Powered by: CDLLife x HOT SEAT SERVICES
Sponsors:

Mesilla Valley Transportation

Tenstreet

Guests:

Tim Crawford, Tenstreet

Lindsey Trent, Next Gen Trucking

While the world celebrates freedom, truckers are out there earning it mile by mile. In this patriotic episode of Sense Per Mile, we salute the men and women who keep America moving every day, every night, and every holiday in between. 

Powered by: CDLLife x HOT SEAT SERVICES
Sponsors:

MyCarrierPortal

Tenstreet

Guests:

Tom Resz, Tenstreet

Chris MIles, Sonepar

Evan Steger, Time2Shine

More drivers are turning smartphones into side hustles by growing brands, launching businesses, and cashing in on content. In this episode, we break down how truckers are using social media to stack income without adding miles.Powered by: CDLLife x HOT SEAT SERVICESSponsors:TAFS, inc.TenstreetGuests:Ingrid Brown, BlackJack ExpressVann Brown, Brown Ox Ventures

We ask the question who has it worse in the current market? Powered by: CDLLife x HOT SEAT SERVICESSponsors:Mesilla Valley Transportation TenstreetGuests:Kevin Nadeau, TenstreetKevin Hill, CarrierSource

The trucking industry is desperate for new blood but why do so many fresh drivers leave within months? In this episode of Sense Per Mile, we break down the harsh realities new drivers face, what fleets can do to keep them, and whether the system is too broken to fix. If you’re a recruiter, driver, or fleet owner, this is the conversation you can’t afford to miss.Powered by: CDLLife x HOT SEAT SERVICESSponsors:MyCarrierPortalTenstreetGuests:Teresa Krimbill, Tenstreet

We talk to James Year who has spent the last year following around AI powered driverless trucks in Texas about his new documentary. Also Paul shows off what Veo 3 can do.Powered by: CDLLife x HOT SEAT SERVICESSponsors:TAFS TenstreetGuests:James Year, JournalistBob Peckham, Tenstreet

Non-compete agreements are spreading fast in the trucking industry but are they legal, fair, or even enforceable? In this explosive episode of Sense Per Mile we sit down with top transportation attorneys to break down the real impact these contracts are having on drivers, carriers, and recruiters. Whether you’re behind the wheel or behind a desk, this is the legal insight you need to hear.Powered by: CDLLife x HOT SEAT SERVICESSponsors:Mesilla Valley TenstreetGuests:Matthew Leffler, Armchair Attorney Shannon Wheeler, Tenstreet

Is your trucking company bleeding drivers? It's not the pay, it's the toxic leadership. This episode of Sense Per Mile exposes the silent reason for sky-high turnover: bad bosses, micromanagement, and zero respect. We show you how toxic leaders are sabotaging retention and what you (or your company) MUST do right now to keep your best drivers. Don't let a bad boss ruin your career.

Powered by CDLLIFE

Sponsor:

Tenstreet

Guest:

Robert Pierson, Mesilla Valley Transportation 

Charles goes to Large card and guitars to see how drivers look for jobs during tough economic times and Paul stays behind to dig into the data with tenstreet!Powered by: CDLLife x HOT SEAT SERVICESSponsors:MyCarrierPortalTenstreetGuests:Tim CrawfordTaylor BarkerTony Justice Long Haul Paul& more!

We break down what dispatchers do and don’t do that cause driver turnover, what is and isn’t their fault, and an interesting future for the position.Powered by: CDLLife x HOT SEAT SERVICESSponsors:TAFSTenstreet

Charles breaks down everything you missed at this year’s Tenstreet user conference!Powered by: CDLLife x HOT SEAT SERVICESSponsors:Mesilla Valley Transportation TenstreetGuests:Drew Sparks, TenstreetJulie Strokos, Tenstreet

Charles and Paul cover BCS Indianapolis live from the podcast booth!Powered by: CDLLife x HOT SEAT SERVICESSponsors:Broker Carrier SummitTai SoftwareMyCarrierPortalTAFS incTenstreetGuests:Dan Lindsey, Broker Carrier SummitRobert Bain, Broker Carrier SummitJosh Hanes, Broker Carrier SummitCourtney George, Wreaths Across America Dale Prax, FreightValidateNate Johnson, GLCSDanielle Spinelli, MyCarrierPortal Matthew Leffler, the Armchair Attorney Rob Mccutcheon, TAFS, incRyan Haase, TAFS, incGeorge McWilliams,TAFS, incKevin Nadeau, TenstreetTapan Chaudhari, Hey BubbaGabriel Riberio, Hey Bubba

Charles and Paul bring you the 100th episode of sense per mile! Our goal has always been to bring the industry the driver perspective and ways to make it better! In this episode make a list of things we knew, things that are new, and the news!Powered by: CDLLife x HOT SEAT SERVICESSponsors:MyCarrierPortalTenstreet

Thomas “Gandalf the Freight” Wasson and the wonderful Grace Sharkey stop by to talk about the future effects of the Trump administration’s tariffs on the U.S. supply chain.Powered by: CDLLife × HOT SEAT SERVICESGuests:Thomas Wasson, FreightwavesGrace Sharkey, Freightwaves / SiriusXMSponsors:TenstreetTAFS, Inc.

Josh discusses his future and what that looks like. Charles talks to Tim Crawford about Tenstreet’s Latest acquisition and what it means for carriers and drivers.Powered by: CDLLife × HOT SEAT SERVICESGuests:Tim Crawford, CEO/President, TenstreetSponsors:TenstreetMesilla Valley Transportation