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.

Welcome back to another episode of the Truckin' for Millennials podcast! In this episode, we dive back into the concept of Hot Trucker Summer and explore how truck drivers can maintain their health and fitness while on the road. We revisit our relationships with returning guests Michael Lombard and Mark Manera, as well as welcome first time guest Brandon Rothrock of B-Lean Fitness to the show to cover even more trucking health tips.

In this episode we discuss 2 articles and speak with DJ Flores, National Sales Director for Unishippers.

First we discuss a looming freight recession

Then we talk about the recent lawsuit TQL has entered that has garnered non-stop discussion about non-competes.

Then we chat with DJ Flores about his career, his experience with non-competes, leadership, building relationships, and much more! 

In this episode you'll hear from host of the Transportation and Logistics Club and founder of Atlanta Dispatch Jorie Myers.

In this coversation you'll hear how Jorie started in the logistics industry after spending time overseas working on military bases before diving into the details of dispatching and the regulations (or lack thereof) on the dispatching side of the industry.

 Nolan Grush, CTB is the Carrier Relationship Manager at PDQ America. It's his second time on the podcast and in this episode we discuss a range of topics including

• Freight Caviar's recent "on the street" interviews with truck drivers who have choice comments about freight brokers
• ATRI's report about truck crashes
• Elon Must updates Tesla Semi delivery to Pepsi
• Fun facts about Nolan
• Football predictions continue
• and more! 

Connect with Nolan on Linkedin here! 

In this episode you'll hear Aaron and Michael celebrate ANOTHER Cowboys win before discussing two articles: Truck brake light exemption denied despite industry support and Canada ending cross border vax requirements.

Then they welcome David Heller, Vice President of Government Affairs at Truckload Carriers Association and dive into David's role and the role of the TCA in advocating for their memebers and the industry as a whole to representatives in the halls of Congress.

This episode is full of excellent insight and actionable advice for anyone in trucking...ESPECIALLY if you're a mechanic, technician, service advisor, or have the ambition to be any of the three. 

That's because we're sitting down with Landon Urban, General Manager of All Star Truck in Houston TX. And in this episode, we discuss everything from becoming a sought after employee, leading a team, earning trust with truck drivers, what truck drivers should watch out for when getting repairs away from home, parts shortage, and everything inbetween.

We also discuss Hurricane Ian as well as what the FMCSA and DOT have been up to regarding Truck Parking. Enjoy! 

In this episode you'll hear Michael and Aaron discuss BrokerCarrier.com with the Founder and CEO, Kyle Provost!

Before diving into the details, you'll hear about Kyle's background in software development and how he got into freight, the relationship he has with Chris #TheFreightCoach Jolly, and his journey through entrepreneurship. 

Kyle provides SEVERAL gems any entrepreneur can take and run with. 

Then you'll hear about BrokerCarrier software and the problems it solves, and how impactful it can be to your carrier reutilization and expansion of your carrier network. 

Check out BrokerCarrier.com and connect with Kyle on LinkedIn! 

We kick this episode off with a quick celebration of the Cowboys win against the Bengals (even though we recorded before the game...) *fingers crossed* before discussing the Rail Strike and the tentative deal that's been reached.

Then we have a great discussion with LaShanta and LaTeasha, the compliance queens behind LLG Transportation Consultants.

In this conversation you'll hear how and why they started their business, their family roots in the industry, the steps they've taken to learn and grow their authority in their space and help their clients start in the trucking industry the right way! Check them out on their website.

Happy Truck Driver Appreciation Week to all the Truck Drivers out there! This week is all about the drivers who keep our goods moving, our shelves stocked, and who take the risks, make the investments and sacrifices to provide our world with everything you see around you. 

We kick off this episode discussing truck driver appreciation week before jumping into an awesome conversation with Michael Nelms of Keep Trucking Transportation. He's a savvy serial entrepreneur who knows how to train and coach dispatchers for success. Check him out on Instagram and his website!

In this episode Aaron and Michael discuss a recent article from FreightWaves that asserts that "Shippers Revenge" is coming for truckload carriers. What are your thoughts on the recent shifts in the freight market?

The guys also discuss Aaron's experience at the recent TruckNHustle Reset Event in Houston TX in the last week. 

Adeina Mars is a Business Development Specialist for Atlas Logistics that is approaching 5 years of experience in the logistics industry.

In this episode you'll hear how she got recruited into the industry, and how her reflections on her experience as she learned the ins and outs of freight brokering. 

Then we discuss what she does at her current role at Atlas Logistics, which is a unique aspect of our industry that helps agents understand the many resources Atlas has available. 

Adiena also shares her personal philosophy on work and life and how she practices it through her day to day work. 

In this episode of the Trucking for Millennials Podcast, we dive deep into the world of truck driving education with our special guest, D'Wayne Shaw, Executive Dean of Professional and Career Education at Kilgore College. We kick off the conversation by discussing the importance of choosing the right place to get your CDL and the credentials to look for in a truck driving school. D'Wayne emphasizes the significance of FMCSA-certified curriculums and the quality of equipment used in training.

We then explore the exciting new development at Kilgore College: the Transportation Institute. D'Wayne shares the journey of establishing this institute, highlighting the community effort and collaboration with Kilgore Economic Development. The institute boasts a custom-built driving skills facility, complete with a classroom, warehouse for logistics training, and a simulated loading dock. This state-of-the-art facility aims to provide top-notch training for aspiring truck drivers.

D'Wayne also touches on the challenges and investments involved in setting up a truck driving program, from acquiring and maintaining trucks to ensuring a safe and effective learning environment. He explains the process of becoming a third-party testing site, which allows Kilgore College to test their students on-site, significantly reducing the wait time for testing.

We discuss the demographics of the students enrolling in the CDL program, noting that most are older individuals making a career change rather than recent high school graduates. D'Wayne mentions the importance of maturity and experience in handling the responsibilities of truck driving.

Towards the end of the episode, we touch on the potential for future courses focused on entrepreneurship and business management for those looking to become owner-operators. D'Wayne expresses interest in expanding the curriculum to include these aspects, recognizing the importance of business acumen in the trucking industry.

Overall, this episode provides a comprehensive look at the efforts and innovations at Kilgore College to enhance truck driving education and support the logistics industry. We invite our listeners to join us for the ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 14th and to consider Kilgore College for their CDL training needs.

We're back! And today we have a special guest from our own office, Sophia Gonzalez! Sophia joined our team this year and we decided to have her share some tips on how to know you're working with a double broker and what to do to ensure the person you're sending a rate confirmation to is the one that's ACTUALLY moving the freight. 

This conversation is inspired by a recent article form Overdrive Online. 

We also talk to Michael about his recent trip to Europe!

Be sure to fill out our listener survey here!

Can you believe there's been 3 years of Trucking for Millennials??

We're so grateful for every single listener! We'd love to hear your feedback about the show so we can make it even better for this next season.

Please complete this survey, as your feedback will help us know exactly what's important to you as we continue the show for the next year.

In this episode you'll hear some clips of some of our guests from the last season, including Brandon Johnson, Shelby from Happiness by the Mile, Mark Manera, Tyler Birkhofer, Will and Abbi of @semi_nomads and Adam Wingfield!

Kristy Knichel is the President & Owner of Knichel Logistics

Knichel Logistics is a very family-oriented business that focuses on Intermodal, LTL, and over the road transportation services. 

In this episode you'll hear Kristy candidly and transparently speak about the challenges that she's faced in her experience working in the family business she's worked in for the majority of her professional career.

She talks about the highs and lows and the personal and professional struggles and victories she's experienced and lessons she's learned as she's grown as a leader and scaled the brokerage to be one of the top intermodal service providers in the country. 

If you're in a family business or are simply looking for guidance for how to lead, this conversation will leave you with plenty of insight and inspiration!

Be sure to connect with Kristy on LinkedIn and check out Knichel Logistics online!

If you're in sales or marketing for a freight brokerage this is definitely one you should check out! Lina Acosta is the Chief Marketing Officer for GLT Logistics and also serves as a Chairperson and Member of the Board of Directors for the Transportation Marketing & Sales Association. 

In this episode, you'll hear Lina share some excellent insight as a C-Suite executive on her approach to building a marketing department, outsourcing, her top marketing methods, and how the TMSA has impacted her career thus far. 

Tandem has created an innovative way for conventional trucks to harness the power of battery power that's as easy as hooking up to an additional axle. 

In this conversation you'll hear from Matthew and Paul Sabatini. These brothers are taking a paper napkin idea into real life with working prototypes of their first product, the Centaur. 

The Tandem Centaur enables instant hybridization of class 8 trucks, immediately reducing emissions and fuel consumption on diesel fleets on the road now by up to 95% within minutes of connecting.

Hear their story about how they plan to revolutionize the industry and check them out online! www.drivetandem.com

Almost 2 years ago to the day we first connected with Rahmel Wattley, Founder/Host of the Truck N' Hustle podcast and it's been amazing to watch him grow it into one of the most powerful communities in the trucking industry today. 

In this episode, Rahmel provides a masterclass of knowledge from his experience building the Truck N' Hustle into a media brand. If you're interested in learning more about social media, the trucking community, building an audience, and what's next with Truck N' Hustle, be sure to listen to this episode! 

In this episode Aaron and Michael start with some breaking news happening in the logistics industry, the biggest headline being that the Supreme Court will not hear trucking's AB5 case, making it law for California carriers

Then they dive into a conversation with Kevin Sterling, Senior Market Strategist for XPO Logistics where they learn more about Kevin's role at the publically traded company and ask him about what he believes are the best strategies for small and mid-size carriers and brokers in today's logistics market. 

Kevin provides a wealth of insight on the market, so be sure to check it out!

Also, if you're a California trucking carrier or freight brokerage, we'd love to hear from you about the recent AB5 decision. Send us a message on Instagram @pdqamerica or an email to Aaron@pdqamerica.com.

This week is all about Freedom! Released the week of American Independence Day, we're chatting with Andrew Lawton to learn everything that happened with The Freedom Convoy across the border in Canada. 

Andrew is a journalist for True North, a broadcaster with his own podcast, The Andrew Lawton Show, and has recently released his first book titled The Freedom Convoy - The Inside Story of Three Weeks that Shocked the World. 

In this episode you'll hear how Andrew got involved, what he learned from being on the front lines, how the Canadian public reacted and much more! 

Be sure to check out his book for all the details! 

Did you know there's an AirBNB or Turo for commercial vehicles and equipment? We didn't! Until we had this conversation with John Matheus and Romas Hicks of Coop.com

Coop is a Ryder company and is providing an innovative way for trucking companies or any commercial equipment owner to leverage their assets when and if they are sitting idle. 

In this conversation you'll learn how Coop came to be, the advantages Coop has because they are a Ryder company, stories about investors using the platform to have a rental business on the side, how trucking companies can keep a truck making money while recruiting a driver, the particulars with insurance and maintenance and much more!

Check out Coop.com and be sure to connect with John and Romas on LinkedIn. 

This episode comes from the trenches of freight brokerage. Every day, freight brokers send and receive hundreds of emails each week from customers and carriers. 

In this episode we have a story of a freight broker, "T" was attempting to help a shipper sending their daily RFQ's to their list of brokers that their rates weren't keeping up with the current market. 

So we called him! You'll him retell his experience and explain his perspective as Aaron and Michael share theirs as we all navigate the competitive freight broker market and work to find quality loads for quality carriers. 

In this episode of the Trucking for Millennials podcast, we're coming at you from the Texas Trucking Show at the NRG Center in Houston. The event has been a fantastic opportunity to connect with a diverse range of people in the trucking industry, from open deck carriers to industry friends and new acquaintances.

We kick off the episode by discussing the vibrant atmosphere of the show and the numerous connections we've made. We then dive into a series of interviews with various industry professionals:

1. Willie Nelson from CDL Life: Willie talks about CDL Life's mission to connect drivers, fleet owners, and owner-operators through their news platform and app. He highlights the importance of community and safety in the trucking industry, especially for women drivers.

2. Rob Carpenter: Rob shares his unique experience of driving a truck to the show and emphasizes the importance of good equipment and driver retention.

3. Justin Lu from Truckpedia: Justin introduces Truckpedia, a TMS that connects trucking companies directly with shippers. He offers valuable advice on how carriers can effectively communicate with shippers and build lasting relationships.

4. Courtney George from Wreaths Across America: Courtney explains the mission of Wreaths Across America to honor veterans by delivering wreaths across the country. She emphasizes the importance of respect and community service in the trucking industry.

5. Dave Olson from Riggie's Truck Parking: Dave discusses the premium services offered at Riggie's Truck Parking locations and the strategic placement of their lots to maximize driver efficiency and safety.

6. Harold Cutler and Jorge Mendoza from Truth in Trucking Podcast: Harold and George talk about their podcast and their expertise in trucking insurance and FMCSA compliance. They highlight the importance of maintaining good safety scores and compliance to keep insurance rates manageable.

Throughout the episode, we explore themes of community, safety, respect, and the importance of building strong relationships within the trucking industry. The Texas Trucking Show has provided a rich backdrop for these conversations, and we look forward to continuing to make new friends in freight.

Record Diesel Price

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/latest-doe-eia-weekly-diesel-price-is-a-record-high

Amazon exec departs to become Flexport CEO

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/clark-to-become-flexports-ceo-in-september

Uber Freight + Waymo Via

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/uber-freight-and-waymo-via-envision-autonomous-trucking-for-all

and more! 

Then Aaron has a conversation with Jennifer Smith of JIT truck parts to discuss June being National Safety Month and a few parts that can help truck drivers be more safety over the road. Here are a few links to products referenced in the conversation:

HD Lighting: https://www.jittruckparts.com/electrical/lights-misc-electrical/headlights. Recommended brands: Match Made, Truck Lite, Grote.

CB Radios: https://www.jittruckparts.com/electrical/instrumts-radio/radios-speaker. Recommended brand: Pana-Pacific.

ADAS technologies – Recommended brand: WABCO: https://www.jittruckparts.com/wabco-brand

Mirrors: https://www.jittruckparts.com/cab-chassis/mirrors. Recommended brand: Velvac

Cameras: https://www.jittruckparts.com/electrical/lights-misc-electrical/misc-electrical. Recommended brand: Velvac

Enjoy!

If you're interested in learning more about how Radar, Lidar, and other sensor systems work to become a "co-pilot" in service to the driver, this is it! Robert also breaks down the levels of automation (Levels 1-5), we talk about Tesla, the overlap with EV's and AV's, when to expect this technology to hit mass scale, the current number of automated trucks on the road, and much more!

In this episode you'll hear from Guillermo Garcia, founder and CEO of SmartHop, a technology platform that equips carriers with everything they need to run a trucking business.

You'll hear how Guillermo started his logistics career in Venezuela and eventually came to the United States to start a trucking business. 

He's now helping small carriers with dispatching, insurance, leasing, fuel, and payments. 

Be sure to check out how SmartHop can help you via their website, and let us know what you think of this episode! 

We discuss his point of view on non competes, technology, processes, people and how he approaches solving problems for small and large businesses with his role in his family business and law degree. 

Trucks have already started parking at the 3 locations in the Houston area and Mike and Dave have big plans to expand Riggy's across the U.S. so that truck drivers have more places to park that are safe, convenient, and affordable. 

In this episode you'll hear discussions about the problem of truck parking, why a national network of truck parking hasn't been done at this scale before, what you can expect when you decide to park at a Riggy's, the future of the Riggy's brand, and their close connection with the trucking industry that helps them know what truck driver's needs are.

Be sure to check out their website and book a space with them next time you're delivering in the Houston area! 

FreightWaves and other media outlets are speculating that there's a "trucking bloodbath" on the way due to the sharp decline in dry van spot rates and rise in fuel prices. 

In this episode, we discuss how Tyler started as an owner operator shipping dry van freight in February and how he's navigating the current trucking market. 

We also discuss moving from being a police officer to starting a career in trucking, working with brokers and running off the loadboards, his tech stack, building a family business and much more! 

In this episode Rachel Premack joins us on the show to discuss the potential for a Trucking Bloodbath 2.0!

We also discuss insurance costs, driver pay, today's freight market for dry van vs flatbed, Elon buying Twitter, and more!

Sign up for Rachel's newsletter, MODES!

https://www.freightwaves.com/modes

Enjoy! 

This week Michael's out and Nolan Grush is IN!

Nolan Grush is the Carrier Relations Manager for PDQ America, so it was great to "talk shop" after a long week moving loads.

In this conversation you'll hear how Nolan got into freight and logistics, what he does for PDQ, what frustrated him about today, what makes a great dispatcher and great freight brokerage and much more.

Enjoy! 

We also speak with him about the future of work with topics including:

Work from Home

Leading your team with accountability

Setting standards and upholding them

Starting a business and moving strategically

Empathy and happiness in the work place

Takeaways from TIA Capital Ideas Conference

and much more! 

In this episode you'll hear our converstion with Bharath Krishnamoorthy aka "B" of Axle Payments.

This is an excellent episode of your a freight broker looking to scale your business faster as Axle helps freight brokers gain access to capital for quick payments to carriers and automates back office functions so you spend more time selling freight than managing the paperwork. 

This is also a great episode for anyone starting up a business, especially one that is tech focused. B knows what it's like to start a new business with friends, learn a new industry fast, and raise money from investors - all topics we cover in this conversation, plus much more! 

Enjoy! 

In this episode of the Trucking for Millennials Podcast, we dive deep into the challenges and strategies for small trucking companies and freight brokerages with our guest, Tyson Lawrence, CEO of Diablo Freight Ventures. Tyson shares his extensive experience in the logistics industry, spanning over 20 years, and offers invaluable advice for those navigating the complexities of freight management and transportation.

We kick off the conversation by addressing the current struggles of small trucking companies, especially those heavily reliant on brokered freight. Tyson emphasizes the importance of not being afraid to take a step back to reassess and realign business strategies. He shares his personal journey, including the lessons learned from his first business that went bankrupt due to over-reliance on a single large customer.

Tyson also highlights the significance of finding a niche in the logistics industry. He explains how his second business found success by focusing on small to medium-sized businesses and acting as a coach and consultant to help them scale their logistics operations. This approach not only built strong relationships but also established his company as a trusted partner.

Throughout the episode, Tyson underscores the importance of hiring the right personalities for a freight brokerage. He shares insights on the attributes that make a successful team member, such as resilience, coachability, and a willingness to learn. Tyson's experience at C.H. Robinson taught him the value of building a team with like-minded individuals who can adapt to the challenges of the logistics industry.

Tyson's story serves as an inspiration for entrepreneurs in the logistics sector. His journey from a W-2 employee to a successful business owner demonstrates the power of perseverance, adaptability, and strategic thinking. Whether you're a small trucking company looking to diversify your customer base or a freight brokerage aiming to carve out a niche, Tyson's insights provide a roadmap for sustainable growth and success in the logistics industry.

Tune in to learn more about Tyson's new venture, Diablo Freight Ventures, and how he's leveraging his experience to provide innovative and customized solutions for freight management and transportation. Happy 4th of July to all our listeners, and drive safely out there!

Aaron Moneypenny is "The Trucking Guy" who shares his insight on the trucking industry via his YouTube and Instagram and consults owner-operators and new entrepreneurs on the best practices of running a trucking business.

In this episode we talk with Aaron about fuel prices and how to navigate the changing market, attending the 10X Growth Conference and the value of networking, and his book!

Enjoy!

This conversation is a long time coming! Co Founder and Carrier Experience Officer Grant Goodale speaks with us from a corner booth at the Mid America Trucking Show after a trip with 3 different truck drivers who use the app every day.

We also discuss Convoy's freight network, it's steady growth as a leader in the freight-tech space, how they're collaborating with freight brokers in a new way, and much much more!

We know you'll get a lot of value out of this conversation with one of the brightest minds in the business! 

Joining Armstrong in 2014, Scott Watanabe serves as Director of Training and Agent Development for Armstrong Transport Group. Also known as "The Freight Sensei," Scott oversees new hire training, agent mentoring, and continuing education through professional development. He is skilled in negotiation, operations management, and customer and carrier sales.

In this episode we discuss how he trains and coaches his team, how fuel price negotiations work on the brokerage side, the traits successful freight brokers have, and much more!

In this episode we're discussing what is on everyone's mind right now - record high fuel prices.

The recent .70 jump has increased costs for everyone but the trucking industry is the first in line to feel it's effects the most.

We reached out to owner-operator JeRon Hamm of Pro-Haul TV to discuss how he's pivoted his approach to his business as he continues to run his 10 truck fleet.

We discuss the impact fuel costs have on carriers, the strategy to stay profitable, rate negotiations, whether or not to park your truck, and much more!

Be sure to follow JeRon on Instagram as he regularly shres his insight and expertise. 

We're excited to introduce you to Shannon Butler, Director of Human Resources / In-House Counsel at BR Williams Trucking.

In this conversation you'll hear Shannon, Michael, and Aaron discuss the ins and outs of Human Resources in trucking, and how she transitioned from the Healthcare industry and continues to grow her expertise in logistics.

Topics include:

HR in trucking

HR and the Law

Pivoting through COVID-19

How BR Williams became a 2021 Top Company for Women to Work for in Transportation

How to "health check" your HR department

How smaller companies can set themselves up for success in HR

Promoting a positive and inclusive Company Culture

and much more! 

This episode begins with a chat between Michael and Aaron about current news, namely:

Ukraine & Diesel Prices

Truck Thefts in Texas

& Truck Parking Letter sent to Pete Buttigeg

Then they have a great conversation with Jeremy Reymer, Founder and CEO of DriverReach.

If you're a Logistics Recruiter or a Carrier struggling to find drivers this episode is FILLED with actionable advice and expert insight into how you can make those placements and keep your drivers happy.

There's also plenty more to talk about like technology, development, cross generational recruitment, and much more! 

In this episode Michael and Aaron recap the Super Bowl before diving into 3 different news stories making there way around the industry. 

- The Freedom Convoy continues to make headlines inside and outside of trucking

- Diesel prices are hitting record highs, impacting rates and negotiations

- Waymo has started working with freight brokerage CH Robinson by having their autonomous trucks cover some of their lanes in Texas 

We discuss all of this and even get a truck driver, Rickey Hill of RTJ&I Trucking to share his comments on all three subjects!

Enjoy!

Will has been trucking for over 9 years and Abby jumped in the passenger seat a few months ago so that they could see the nation together!

They haul flatbed freight and plan their routes so they can mountain bike, ski, and rock climb when they have extra time in beautiful places throughout the country. 

This was an excellent conversation for any truck driver, spouse of a driver, or team drivers (romantically involved or not) as Will and Abby share how they work together on loads, how Abby is learning to be the best in a new industry, the challenges and sacrifices that come when starting your own authority, staying fit over the road, and much more!

This is an excellent example of why we created the Trucking For Millennials podcast, as they were listeners from our generation building a lifestyle that works for them within the trucking industry we all love!

Happy Valentines Day! 

Here's an episode from us like you've never heard before!

The Big Game coming up had the team thinking about what creates a championship level team, so we brought a couple of our new team members, Sophia and Adrian, to discuss how their experience has been since coming on board a few months ago.

We also discuss the "Freedom Convoy" again and discuss a tweet from FreightWaves founder and CEO Craig Fuller. 

Who's your pick to win? Let us know! 

They also provide pay-per-day insurance specifically for the commercial vehicle market, so you only pay for insurance on the days your truck is running.

This conversation is filled with insight and discussion about today's insurance market, Michael and Rafi's careers, the challenges they face, the opportunities they are capitalizing on, and much more!

Their solution is venture funded and they have a heart for trucking and ambition to make Lula the best trucking insurance experience available today. 

Check out www.lulatrucking.com to learn more!

In this episode of the Trucking for Millennials podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Ken Adamo, the Chief of Analytics at DAT Solutions. Ken brought a wealth of knowledge and insights into the world of freight analytics, sharing his expertise on how data can drive better decision-making in the logistics industry.

We kicked off the conversation by discussing the challenges of absorbing and utilizing analytic information in the freight industry. Ken emphasized the importance of mastering the basics of pricing freight and understanding market conditions before diving into more advanced analytics. He shared practical advice for small brokers on how to effectively use DAT's tools to price freight accurately and make informed decisions.

Ken also provided a fascinating history of DAT, which started as a dial-a-truck load finder service in 1978 at a truck stop in Portland, Oregon. He highlighted the evolution of freight analytics over the years and the importance of historical data in understanding market trends.

We delved into the impact of election years on freight rates, with Ken explaining how political uncertainty can affect investment and, consequently, the freight market. He also touched on the cyclical nature of the freight industry, describing the typical four-year cycles of expansion and contraction and where we currently stand in that cycle.

One of the key takeaways from our discussion was the importance of contract freight for brokers. Ken explained that while securing contract freight can ensure long-term success, it also requires careful planning and accurate forecasting to avoid potential pitfalls.

Ken's passion for logistics and freight was evident throughout the conversation. He shared his journey from working in deregulated energy to falling in love with the complexities of the freight industry at FedEx. His enthusiasm for data and analytics was contagious, and he provided valuable insights into how brokers and carriers can leverage data to improve their operations.

Overall, this episode was packed with actionable advice and deep insights into the world of freight analytics. Whether you're a small broker looking to improve your pricing strategies or a carrier navigating the complexities of the market, Ken's expertise offers valuable guidance to help you succeed in the ever-evolving logistics landscape.

Vanessa Gant aka "The Money Architect" is an Accountant and Tax Strategist who has a vast amount of accounting experience and has forged a niche in transportation and logistics accounting.

For the past 15 years she has worked with both small and large companies that had strained as well as positive cash flows. Her expertise entails engineering a design to increase net profits by 35% and to grow and scale your transportation and logistics business within 18 months. 

The best part is she does all of this while reducing your tax liability and keeping your company compliant with all federal and state tax guidelines.

In this episode you'll hear our conversation with her about a variety of topics including how she got started in the logistics industry, how she assists trucking companies of all sizes to reach their goals and grow their business through proper money management, tax tips, career advice for accounting professionals and much more! 

In this episode we speak with Andy Bahr, President of Bahr Transportation! 

This is an excellent conversation between two brokerages focused on different commodities - whereas PDQ America focuses on flatbed freight, Andy is positioning his business to assist shippers of food and beverage.

You'll hear a conversation that covers a lot of ground about the unique aspects of food and beverage transportation and how Andy has implemented values and processes to make each shipment successful.

We also hear how Andy thinks about gaining new customers, building carrier networks, managing rejected freight, communicating with drivers, his vision for the company and what he's learned along the way since starting the business 3 years ago after 4 years of experience working in a large brokerage.

Be sure to connect with him on LinkedIn and check out his podcast, Food & Beverage Leaders Podcast!

In this episode we connect with Hotshot Macc who is currently running non-CDL hotshot with plans for much more!

He and his wife traveled the country via RV before they decided to jump into the trucking industry and are now documenting their journey and have already amassed over 30k YouTube subscribers on their channel.

In this conversation you'll hear how Hotshot Macc and his wife got started, how they work together, balancing YouTube creation and running their business profitably, and much more! Be sure to give them a follow and subscribe!