Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Trucking with OOIDA

In this episode of Trucking with OOIDA, hosts Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson shine a light on two of the biggest topics rolling through the industry:

First, they break down OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh’s recent testimony before a Senate subcommittee. Lawmakers are beginning to shape the next highway bill, and Lewie’s message was clear: truckers deserve to be heard. Ashley and Scott dig into what was said, what it means, and why it matters to every small-business trucker on the road.

Then, we shift gears to technology with Missy Cummings, a national expert on autonomous vehicles and Director of the Mason Autonomy and Robotics Center at George Mason University. Missy joins the show to talk about what we actually know about AV safety—and what remains unanswered.

It’s a mix of D.C. policy, cutting-edge tech, and straight talk from the road. Buckle up.

On this episode of Trucking with OOIDA, we dive into the stories and strategies shaping the industry today. Cybersecurity expert Ben Wilkens from the National Motor Freight Traffic Association explains why truckers can’t afford to ignore digital threats—and what simple steps owner-operators can take to stay protected. Then, Abbigail Huffman of ATRI walks us through the latest data on trucking demographics, revealing who’s behind the wheel in today’s changing workforce. Finally, Jonatan Quiros of Clark Freight shares his boots-on-the-ground efforts to help flood victims in Texas. It’s an episode packed with real risks, real impact, and real heart.

In this jam-packed episode of Trucking with OOIDA, hosted by Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson, we’re looking at the road ahead—for regulations and for some very large cargo. Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh joins us fresh off some big wins in Washington and gives a preview of his upcoming testimony on Capitol Hill as OOIDA continues its fight for drivers’ rights. Then, we shift gears into the wild world of hauling elephants with driver Stephen Fritz, who shares how he got into moving exotic cargo and what it takes to do it safely. Plus, we break down the recent confusion over medical certification, clear up what’s changed (and what hasn’t), and catch up on the latest news that matters to owner-operators and professional drivers.

Live from the Hill, it’s Washington Trucking Week on Road Gang Radio. Host Jimmy Mac sits down with Collin Long, Director of Government Affairs at OOIDA, for a timely update on the biggest issues facing drivers at the federal level. From OOIDA’s support of Sue Lawless Barrs as the next FMCSA Administrator to truck parking taking center stage in multiple congressional hearings, Collin gives listeners a front-row seat to the legislative conversations shaping the future of trucking. Plus, a preview of OOIDA’s Lewie Pugh testifying before the U.S. Senate and why it matters to every trucker on the road.

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In the spirit of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, which has stood behind truckers since 1973, Trucking with OOIDA puts the spotlight on the issues that matter most to drivers.

Hosted by Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson, this episode features a returning favorite:

In this episode of Trucking with OOIDA, hosts Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson are joined by Tyson Fisher, Jami Jones, and Mark Schremmer from Land Line Magazine for a deep dive into the biggest stories shaping the trucking industry.

In the spirit of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association – which has had the back of truckers since 1973 – Trucking with OOIDA puts the issues that matter most to the trucking industry front and center.

In this episode, hosts Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson head to Oregon, where dozens of superloads are making their way across the state this summer. The job of getting them there safe and sound falls to Omega Morgan, and project manager Doug Smith joins the show to share the planning, process, and unique challenges that come with these massive moves.

Then, we take a coffee break with Linda Young – an OOIDA truck insurance agent today, but a certified coffee sommelier in the ‘80s. Linda serves up stories from her past and shares tips on how to find a truly great cup of joe while you’re on the road.

Whether you’re hauling freight or sipping a hot brew, this episode delivers the perfect blend of trucking know-how and flavorful conversation.

In the spirit of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, which has had the back of truckers since 1973, Trucking with OOIDA puts the issues that matter most to professional drivers front and center.

Hosted by Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson, the show mixes expert insights, real-life stories, and industry news to inform, entertain, and empower America’s truckers.

In the spirit of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, Trucking with OOIDA keeps truckers informed, empowered, and entertained with honest talk and expert insight on the real issues affecting the road.

In this episode, Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson dive into a new research paper that positions truck stops as critical infrastructure—not just rest stops, but lifelines during emergencies. We hear directly from the researchers on their findings and what it could mean for public policy.

Then, we’re joined by Brent Hutto of Truckstop.com to break down:

Welcome back to Trucking with OOIDA, the show that’s been putting truckers first since 1973.

This episode, hosts Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson sit down with Bryan “Bossman” Martin, the man behind Chrome Shop Mafia and 4 State Trucks. From his early days in the industry to the world-famous Guilty By Association Truck Show (GBATS) in Joplin, Missouri, Bryan shares his journey, his passion for truck customization, and why chrome will always shine in trucking culture.

In this episode of Trucking with OOIDA, hosts Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson dive into the tech and transportation stories that matter most to truckers.

First up, Artificial Intelligence. It’s not just coming, it’s already here. Jacky Zhao from Truckstop.com joins us to break down how AI is currently being used in trucking, from freight matching to predictive maintenance, and how it could reshape the industry in the years ahead.

Then, we switch gears to infrastructure. Ed Hassinger, Director of the Missouri Department of Transportation, shares updates on the massive Interstate 70 widening project — a game-changing development for truckers crossing the Show-Me State.

We’ll cover:

• Real-world AI applications in trucking right now

• Opportunities and risks AI presents for drivers and carriers

• How technology might change freight markets in the next decade

• The scope and timeline of Missouri’s I-70 expansion

• What drivers can expect during the construction phase

Since 1973, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) has been the voice of America’s truckers — and Trucking with OOIDA continues that tradition, putting the issues that matter to you front and center.

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In this episode of Trucking with OOIDA, hosts Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson dive into two big stories impacting drivers across the country.

The word of 2025 just might be “tariff” — and a new round has just gone into effect against dozens of countries. What does that mean for the trucking industry?

On this episode of Trucking with OOIDA, hosts Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson talk with Jason Miller of Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business. Jason breaks down:

The immediate effects already being seen from the latest tariffs

What ripple effects could be on the way for truckers and the supply chain

How global trade policy connects directly to life behind the wheel

Since 1973, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association has had the back of truckers, putting the issues that matter most front and center. With a mix of industry experts, over-the-road drivers, and hard-hitting analysis, Trucking with OOIDA gets to the heart of what you do every day.