84-year-old Bud Byers drove for more than 40 years, eclipsed 5 million miles, and had zero reportable accidents! His love of a trucking life and the ability it gave him to provide for his family drives the many stories he tells of life on the road. He retells the incredible experiences driving coast to coast and with a wry smile shares his love of the amazing adventures of being part of a tribe of road warriors. He refers to America’s professional drivers as the “last American cowboys” and after listening to this open-hearted conversation you’ll understand why.

Jim Bishop is the owner of WCAB FM 100.9 & AM 590 in Rutherfordton NC. Over many decades he’s seen firsthand the vital role trucking and logistics play in every aspect of American life. Recently he had a childhood wish fulfilled in his first-ever ride in an 18-wheeler. FreightWorks driver Bob Van Kamp took him for a several-hour trek in one of our new Peterbilt 579 Ultraloft cabs. He described the short journey as a “thrill that opened my eyes to just how much we depend on the millions of professional drivers sacrificing night and day to bring all the goods we need and buy.” It’s an authentic conversation painting the picture of truck life in the United States.

The north star of most truck companies is usually the combination of good pay, home time, and respect. If Christenson Transportation Inc.’s Ethan Slaughter can add something to the mix, he would add culture. Good things can be done by individuals, but great things are done by teams. Ethan makes an appropriate segue into how companies need to make sure their drivers feel that way - as truck driving can be a very lonely job. While most drivers are strong and independent, it would be nice if they know their company has their backs while on the road, that their feedback is received and acted upon, and that there is a genuine connection established between them and the company. Join Life By The Mile’s conversation with Ethan Slaughter about establishing a winning culture in this new episode, delivered by FreightWorks.

In a business looking to make leaps and bounds going forward, there are issues in driver retention, recruitment, and development that can be addressed by looking at what is working right now. Instead of asking what’s wrong, why don’t we look at what’s being done right - and be consistent with that. To find something that works and do it more often, make sure it’s being done all the time. This is what Rig on Wheels CEO Kameel Gaines explains on Life By The Mile as she sits down to talk about retention, recruitment, and all things trucking. In what could be one of the most passionate and hard-hitting episodes, listen to Kameel’s advice to new owner-operators, young people looking to get into the trucking business, and the importance of having a pulse on your employee's feelings and communicating with your drivers daily.

Life By The Mile’s latest episode sits down with a kindred spirit for today’s episode - Trucking For Millennials podcast host Michael Clements Jr. Much like LBTM’s mission to salute America’s truck drivers, Michael’s purpose is to help new truckers get a head start in the industry by sharing his knowledge on what to do, what to avoid based on his experience and to pick the brains of drivers, owner-operators, and other stakeholders so that he can add value to everyone who tunes in. He also wants young people looking for a solid career to take a look at trucking - there are various opportunities in the industry, If there’s anything Michael wants his podcast audience to feel, it’s empathy. He’s part of the trucking family who’s been there, who’s felt similar challenges and chases after the same wins. Like Life By The Mile, Michael wants to bring the community together through informative, relevant content that inspires everyone to deliver excellence every time. Don’t miss this great discussion, and leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Technology serves many purposes, but at its core is a very simple yet relevant function: to help make things efficient. In the trucking industry, today technology can do so much for drivers, owner operators, and other stakeholders especially if advancements are embraced and put into practice. Safety, in particular, can be positively impacted by analytics and tech. George Thellman of LYNKS by RAN Transportation is a big proponent of streamlining operations through technology - a single sign-on on a platform to start the day for drivers, digitized paperwork instead of manual processes, and many more help the back office and especially drivers save time. As the daily workload is made easier by technology, imagine the domino effect that helps ease the work-life balance of drivers, employees, and have long-lasting benefits for owner operators and the industry. Don’t miss this conversation with George Thellman on Life By The Mile, delivered by FreightWorks. Join in and leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

Delivering excellence means driving safely - protecting yourself, your cargo, and other motorists on the road. This is especially challenging to someone, like a truck driver, who spends countless hours facing various challenges on the road like bad weather conditions, other motorists, or even battling drowsiness or emergency situations. This is why Bill West’s voice is important in the trucking industry - he has logged over 3 million safe driving miles without a preventable accident while operating a commercial motor vehicle for over 30 years, is experienced in CMV Driver training, a new employee (Driver) onboarding and road testing, orientation, and ELD training, and continues to do highway safety demonstrations. Safe driving for Bill is not just a skill, it is a mindset. Listen to the latest episode of Life By The Mile featuring Bill West, and join the conversation by leaving your thoughts in the comments section.

In today’s episode of Life By the Mile, we sit down with Nussbaum Transportation’s Clark Reed on the road as he talks about how truckers today can make their voices heard on important industry issues online. He cites the FMCSA’s proposed rule that would require the installation of speed-limiting devices on trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles weighing more than 26,000 pounds, and how commenting on FMCSA’s website can help spark discussion before it moves forward. Go to https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov and leave your opinion there. He also encourages more truck drivers to take advantage of online movements to help make the world better, such as his Three Pieces a Day social media movement, where he encourages everyone to pick up three pieces of trash on the road and dispose of them properly. Whether it’s impacting serious industry decisions, helping clean up the environment, something funny to help drivers unwind after a long drive, or listening to the Life By The Mile podcast - Clark wants truckers to enjoy being online.

The best stories from the road come from someone who has put in the miles. Bob Rutherford is a 50-year veteran of the trucking industry, and thirty of those years were as a member of the American Trucking Association/Technology & Maintenance Council’s (TMC) where he earned both the Silver Spark Plug and Recognized Associate awards for his contributions to the industry. And boy does he have some stories - from his thoughts about the future of trucking, autonomous trucks, how artificial intelligence and data can help the industry streamline processes, and how reading trucking industry news reminds him of past industry events and how we should learn from history. The Truck Stop Philosopher, Bob Rutherford, sits down with Life By The Mile for one of the most colorful episodes of the podcast. Comment your thoughts on the episode below.

If you love trucks, if you’re interested in freight tech, this episode is for you. DAT Freight and Analytics Principal Analyst Dean Croke is back on Life By The Mile to talk about how analytics and data tell stories about drivers, and how explaining what to do with the information can help carriers take huge steps forward in terms of improving business processes, reducing costs, and becoming better in 2022. “The more data you have, the more patterns you find”, he points out.

The most important thing that truck drivers give companies is the time away from home or their families - and the sooner companies make things more efficient in terms of supporting drivers, the better the relationship becomes. And hopefully, the easier it becomes to improve retention. There are so many ways to do this, but Magnum’s Christopher Krabbenhoft says the fastest way is to get everyone up to speed - learning and adapting to new technologies because the industry will keep adding new ones. Being progressive means adapting to things to help us save time in the trucking industry. Christopher sits down with Life By The Mile in an episode filled with insights on user-friendly technology and data that helps truckers on the road, the best culture to have for driver retention, and more.

What do you love most about trucking? Is it service to America? A stable career to provide for your family? A career with no boss looking over your shoulder? Seeing all states in all seasons? In what could be one of the most fun and engaging episodes yet, Life By The Mile sits down with Jessie Peele, who talks about the beautiful things truck driving has helped her experience. Jessie’s had a colorful beginning to her driving career - from city bus driving to Medicaid disability transport, Jessie found her way to FreightWorks upon the recommendation of a friend, and it seems as if Jessie found a valuable partner to help her achieve her goals. Jessie also talks about how trucking has toughened her up - driving through the worst weather, learning tips and tricks along the way to overcome challenges, and proving her skills. For Jessie, even these challenges are beautiful. It’s not always the destination: it’s the journey. Listen to Jessie talk about her foray into trucking, her experience backing up her truck for the first time, the best food spots she’s been to, taking photos of truck driver pets, and her advice to motorists to share the road with truck drivers in a can’t-miss episode of Life By The Mile, delivered by FreightWorks.

Driver Boyce Tucker is married to a woman from Ukraine. His wife wanted to bring her mother to the States this year, but that proved difficult as the situation in their home country started to unravel and tensions rose. It didn’t help that her mother’s health issues would make travel more difficult. As a veteran, Boyce has always stood for peace while he was in the service, and upon coming home all those years ago he has always made family his priority. As he and his wife stood undeterred by the difficult situation, Boyce feels thankful that more people in America share the same values, especially when it comes to protecting family, and are willing to go the extra mile to lend a hand. Listen to the Tucker family’s rescue efforts as Life By The Mile tells #truckdriverstories with FreightWorks’ own Boyce Tucker.

Have you ever felt like you were at the right time? It’s a universal assist when everything falls perfectly into place, and you’re exactly where you need to be. Mr. Motorkote Ed Gibbs speaks of many instances where he was just at the perfect place at the perfect time - reading two 30-second commercials that launched his radio career, meeting Kenny Rogers, and his role in the massive launch success of Motorkote all those years ago. Sit back and relax this Friday with Life By The Mile as we talk to Mr. Motorkote about marketing, radio, and lucky breaks that turn into life-changing moments.

Shain Ferriss has been living the #truckdriverlife. Even today as the president of his own company Greenmiles Inc., Shain continues to reminisce about some of the best places to drive through, his hole-in-the-wall food spot discoveries, and tips to both truck drivers and motorists so that we can all have a safe time on the road. In any capacity, being in the trucking industry prepares you for so much in life - it toughens you up as a professional, you become better at handling people, and your drive for excellence grows. The knowledge you gain and the experience you get give you courage, that whatever life throws at you, you just keep on trucking. Just like Shain did. Listen to Shain share his experiences on Life By The Mile, delivered by FreightWorks.

We live in an age where online services and apps are created daily to help make life easier. For businesses, especially in the trucking industry, some of the best apps and services are those that help streamline operations. If it can simplify a process, then the faster freight gets shipped out. Drivers get more time, businesses save more resources. That desire to streamline and simplify is at the heart of truckstop.com’s efforts. If you’re a driver and you’ve delivered, they want you to get paid immediately. If you’re a broker, you should be able to post loads and carriers should be able to search for available loads in real-time. Director of Product Marketing Jen McQuiston presents truckstop.com’s services as the best way to remove any friction, and to make the processes for drivers and carriers as smooth as possible - offering a wide range of problem-solving products outside of their load board to help companies ship more freight faster, profitably. Her vast experience in product marketing and passion for helping the trucking industry move forward makes for a great conversation as she sat down with Life By The Mile to talk about all things freight, and how new technology can help the industry deliver excellence everyday.

Many trucks stood out at the 50th Mid-America Trucking Show - massive rigs with bright colors, customized trucks, and eye-catching designs. But those who know their history caught a true showstopper at the heart of the expo - a 1937 Linn Halftrack with a Hercules engine, owned by Mr. Gary Tetz. He also was able to secure a photo of the very same tractor in action back in 1962, working on a town road and snow plowing. While Gary has a decorated story as a business owner, he takes special pride in being a savior of history - he doesn’t just collect trucks for the sake of collecting. He takes their history and passes them on to everyone willing to listen. Do you dream of having your own collection of vintage trucks? Listen to Gary’s story as he sits down with Life By The Mile, delivered by FreightWorks.

Chris Gonzalez has been around the block in almost all aspects of the trucking industry - he was a lumper before he joined the military, became a bilingual fleet manager, freight agent, brokerage manager, and now Clean Harbor’s Driver Recruitment Engagement Manager. With the industry looking highs and lows, Chris wants the trucking industry to shape up while enjoying the ups, so that they’ll be ready for any downs. From driver retention, business longevity, and knowing your company’s cost-per-mile, Chris sits down with Life By The Mile in a heartfelt, highly informative, and entertaining conversation about his passion for the trucking industry - in his words; “Once trucking gets in your blood, it never leaves.”

There was a time when truck drivers were also called “Knights of the Road”, honor-bound to carry America’s economy, deliver every single day, and help out drivers-in-distress when needed. Truck driving remains to be a noble job that allows one to enjoy the freedom of living life on the open road. When Women In Trucking was founded in 2007, only 3% of America’s truck drivers were women. It has since grown to 10% in 2020, and they hope to encourage more. In medieval times, there was no female counterpart to Knights: the Women In Trucking Association is looking to change that today, as they work to have more women become part of the noble family of the open road - no need for Lordship or Patents of Nobility. Follow the rules. Respect your fellow drivers, men and women. Deliver excellence. Kellylynn McLaughlin of the Women In Trucking Association speaks to Life By The Mile about the doors that could open for women who consider a career in the trucking industry - as truck drivers, operations, and eventually owning their own truck company.

A long time ago, there were no alternatives to how to weigh your truck and trailer. Finding truck scales can be a tedious process that can waste a very precious commodity that we can never make back - TIME. While these are all necessary steps to make sure that drivers and their trucks remain safe while on the road imagine the time spent on this process: Drive truck to the scale Get out of the truck Proceed to the truck stop Wait in line Pay for the service Go back to the scale Get the truck weighed Go back to the truck stop for the receipt This is what Heather DeBaillie of CAT Scale Company wants to address with the WEIGH MY TRUCK APP - where you can pay for your transaction and get a weight ticket- all without leaving the cab of your truck. More than convenience for the driver, the time spent by streamlining the payment process can allow for faster time to get back on the road and deliver excellence. Life By The Mile talked to Heather about the Weigh My Truck app, CAT Scale Company’s other efforts for trucking, and many things in between on this episode.

What do companies need to do to become one of the best trucking companies to work for? Whether it’s adapting to new technology or streamlining application processes, trucking companies in 2022 are moving forward and looking to implement solutions to challenges and problems so that they can grow as a company, have the best drivers in their families, and improve retention rate as we roll through the year. While technological solutions are being utilized, the heart of trucking still beats to a familiar cadence - Respect. Family Time. Good Pay. All of which are addressed through genuine human connection. This is what DriverReach stands for - addressing challenges and solutions of the lifeblood of the trucking industry and making sure both drivers and their companies are put in the best positions to deliver when it matters the most: EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Life By The Mile engages DriverReach’s Wendy Bartz in a heartfelt conversation about gratefulness for America’s truck drivers, moving stories about women in the trucking industry, and the challenge of solving problems so truck drivers find what they always want - to fit in with the best trucking company to work for, according to their needs

Aside from navigating through industry trends, the transportation and logistics industry is working hard to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help combat climate change. In the next few years, the American Petroleum Institute is looking at significant improvements especially concerning the trucking industry with the development of new diesel engine oils. The new category of engine oils will not only be more environmentally friendly but also will provide groundbreaking improvements in terms of engine care and performance, according to API senior manager Jeffrey Harmening. Life By The Mile sits down with Jeffrey to talk about the outlook of new oils under development and the international market.

Imagine driving a truck in a world with better fuel economy - more work done for less cost, and a lot of time saved. That’s the future that the North American Council for Freight Efficiency envisions in the future. For NACFE, there are many ways to achieve better freight efficiency that truck companies should be looking at right now, and that is at the heart of their advocacy. NACFE Executive Director Mike Roeth joins Life By The Mile to talk about the latest studies in achieving better fuel economy for trucks, including the latest feedback on electric semi-trucks, as NACFE continues to champion the use of the latest technology for the industry to thrive as it drives into the future.

How can trucking companies reach out to the next generation of drivers? It is important for every company to entice more young talent to start their careers in the trucking industry. There are many career opportunities in the trucking industry, and the challenge is to present these to young people in a way that is aspirational, enticing, challenging, and fulfilling. Here’s where the Next Generation in Trucking Association steps in to help, as they promote trucking as a positive, fulfilling, and rewarding career for young people. NGA President and Co-founder Lindsey Trent sits down with Life By The Mile to discuss how they are helping create more CDL driver and diesel tech programs around the United States, educating parents, teachers, and school counselors about the benefits and opportunities in trucking, and foster community for young people in trucking. Earn well, see the world, and make new friends that become family. For NGA, FreightWorks, and Life By The Mile, this sounds like an opportunity of a lifetime we’d like to share with the world.

When drivers look for the best truck companies to work for, they consider more than just the highest paying truck companies or the promise of more home time. And when recruiters find the particular deep why, or a set of specific needs their company can supply, they find that their new driver-partners go the extra mile just because they as a company were willing to do the same. Forward Air’s Director for Talent Marketing and OTR Development Rachel Gilbert sits down with Life By The Mile to share how genuine connections make a big difference in having new driver-partners - how drivers look for companies who share their values, who make an effort to connect with them, and more importantly, companies who are true to their word. For truck drivers tuned in - can you share what you found in your current company that ultimately helped you decide to make the company your new home? Leave a comment below to join our conversation.

Kaylee Nix is one of FreightWaves’ most outstanding voices - she is the lead anchor and producer of FREIGHTWAVES NOW, a daily 2-hour news program, as well as the host of At Your Doorstep. And what better way to get a pulse on the latest in the industry than by attending the TIA 2022 conference. Life By The Mile got to catch up with Kaylee and FreightWorks’ own Jordan Kidd, who also attended TIA 2022, to get an update on what issues are being discussed, what solutions to current industry challenges are being presented, the latest in tech trends, and all the other conversations.

Technology, Strategy, and the Supply Chain. Freight Tech Nerd, FreightWaves writer and podcaster Grace Sharkey is passion personified. She believes that adapting to technological advancements in the industry can positively impact the experience for everyone in the supply chain - the one industry that she believes affects everyone. Through her two podcasts on FreightWaves, and with her upcoming show on SiriusXM, Grace wants to create and share content to help other people gain a better understanding of the supply chain, an appreciation for the latest freight tech, and anything worth sharing. Life By The Mile is delivered by FreightWorks.

Life on the road for truck drivers is serious business, and if their health is neglected, it could lead to serious health problems as well. The Center For Disease control found some common health problems among truck drivers - obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems, and cancer. If these problems are left unchecked, it could very well lead to them losing their commercial driving license. Dr. Mark Manera, founder of The Trucking Fitness Company and podcast co-host of Merging Lanes recognized this problem and wanted to help companies provide solutions. Healthier drivers are happier and are able to keep America moving. Life By The Mile sits down with Dr. Manera to talk about major steps taken towards helping drivers achieve better health, how companies can sustain health and wellness activities, and much more in this episode full of care and compassion for America’s highway heroes. Have you experienced health problems on the road? How did you manage? Join our conversation in the comments section.

Without trucks, without truck drivers, America stops moving. It is important to make sure that the trucking industry’s heart and soul are always heard. But the reality of the situation today is that there is still a high turnover rate with truck drivers - they work for a company for a few months, then they seek opportunities elsewhere. There could be a lot of factors that lead to this - but what if we could do away with assumptions and get actual feedback and data? That’s what Max Farrell, CEO and co-founder of Workhound wants to accomplish for America’s truck drivers and company owners. Workhound gathers feedback from the drivers, compile it into information, and provide this to company owners, who now have a more concrete set of data that they can use to foster better relationships and form stronger bonds of partnerships with their drivers. Life By The Mile talks to Max about the step-by-step process of Workhound and how big of a help they have been to several companies in the trucking industry. What did you like most about this conversation? Let us know in the comments section below. Life By The Mile is delivered by FreightWorks.

Dean Croke has seen most of it, if not all of it, in the trucking industry. He has a strong background in trucking operations, data science, business intelligence, data analytics, and so much more. As the trucking industry evolves, so too must company owners and their approach to improvement with more data-backed decisions. Life By The Mile sits down with DAT Freight and Analytics’ Principal Analyst, to talk about market trends, what data companies should study, and a whole lot more.

Ellen Voie founded the highly regarded Women In Trucking (WIT) association and currently serves as its president. She is widely regarded and internationally recognized as an authority on gender diversity and on the inclusion of women in careers in transportation. In this podcast, she discusses some of the findings of her research on these timely topics, along with giving a review of a white paper on female driver safety. Do women married to drivers feel abandoned? Can these stress-filled relationships survive? How does a family cope in healthy ways when a parent (in most cases a dad) is gone for periods of time? It’s real talk, authentic, and from the front lines. You won’t want to miss this conversation!

Riley Holland is a Heavy Duty Segment specialist for Daimler Trucking. She comes to this podcast conversation with a background in finance and a heart to support industry advocates like Freightliner’s highly regarded Team Run Smart. Together with Team Run Smart's PRO spokesmen, and active promotions across media platforms, she is helping the marketplace stay abreast of vital new developments. And as a woman in the trucking and logistics workforce which has been mostly male, Riley also adds insights on navigating and thriving in this changing and sometimes chaotic world. Important discussion!

Henry Albert, based in Laredo, TX, has decades of driving experience and is an owner-operator with Albert Transport, Inc. Traveling across the country as a Freightliner “Team Run Smart PR0," Albert shares the rare wisdom born from his faithful years looking through the windshield at busy highways, blessed byways, and everything in between. In this episode, Henry speaks of the attitudes that contribute to making successful drivers, talks about the power of camaraderie, and offers a few practical tips to increase fuel efficiency, safety, and overall job satisfaction. The Freightliner TRS PROs have wise words. Listen now!

Freightliner’s “Team Run Smart” is a powerful online portal, bringing truckers and dedicated Freightliner industry pros information and advice which can be used in the quest to become a more successful truck driver. Team Run Smart was launched in 2012 to provide owner-operators with a robust platform to empower and equip drivers, and this diverse and growing community offers a wealth of detailed information and advice for everyone! In this podcast episode, you’ll hear from three of the Team Run Smart PROs, including: •Clark Reed, OTR, Nussbaum Transportation, Hudson, IL •Henry Albert, Owner & Driver, Albert Transportation Inc., Laredo, TX •Jimmy Nevarez, Owner & Driver, Angus Transport Inc., Chico, CA Learn as you listen, and share with a friend!

North Carolina driver Antoine Sadler is part of a large Walmart fleet, and he engages daily as a mentor to new women and men coming onto that celebrated team. His passion is for safety in every part of the industry and this is why he has emerged as a national advocate for building awareness of the terrible tragedy of human trafficking. As a current board member of “Truckers Against Trafficking” (TAT), he has worked tirelessly to help mobilize over 800,000 drivers to be front-line observers of suspicious behavior, while working with local law enforcement to hit the problem head-on. In this episode, he speaks of the magnitude of human and sex trafficking, giving simple ways professional drivers can assist in the fight; he also tells how to access free resources available to aid in the battle. It’s a sober look at this grave and a growing blight on communities across America while telling the powerful ways the trucking enterprise in the United States is helping roll back this serious societal disease. Be informed. Engage. Join the fight! FreightWorks is an ally in this critical effort and you can be too.

Arthur Almeida is a Load Planner at FreightWorks while daily dealing with the delicate balance of honoring commitments to drivers, valuing client expectations, and ensuring company profitability in the midst of it all. Chemours is a strategic partner of our company and he’ll share the strategic efforts to ensure this customer relationship continues to build on its recent designation as “Gold Carrier of the Year.” It’s a free-flowing conversation unpacking the complex world of trucking and logistics and our FreightWorks values expressed in daily decisions by front-line staff. Enjoy the conversation!

Jordan Kidd is the Director of Business Intelligence, Marketing & IT for FreightWorks having been there the first day the company was incubated and has been in the middle of most key developments along the way. We refer to a Swiss Army Knife as a tool having many functions. So it is for the day-to-day realities of a director assessing trends, managing data, crafting logistics solutions, and framing efforts to market our story and recruit drivers. This multitasking however is driven by practical questions we ask every day. How can we create a superior driving experience? What are the ways our transportation company can take safety to its highest standard? And, how can we craft a day-to-day path to meet and exceed customer expectations? This fast-paced episode will help you learn a little more about the “FreightWorks way of doing business” and the dedicated professionals like Jordan who help us keep our promises. Enjoy!

Chris Davies, Fleet Manager for FreightWorks has a vigorous conversation with David Culpepper on how the Peterbilt advantage will be good for the company in the years ahead. You’ll see two professionals discuss how strategic partnerships benefit both enterprises and those solid personal relationships are the foundation for great, growing endeavors.

In this program David Culpepper, Sales Representative for The Pete Store LLC Greenville, SC discusses the Peterbilt Motors Company advantage and what a fleet upgrade will mean for FreightWorks’ professional drivers.

Sue Martucci and Eddie Venatta have been very close friends since their time together at an everyday Missouri high school, facing what every teenager does. Yet, through a series of improbable events both ended up in the ever-changing world of trucking and logistics and more vitally as a FreightWorks driving team traveling to every corner of our beautiful America. Stories like this are too rare not to be told and in this episode, you’ll hear what it takes to be an efficient driving team, the role trust plays in managing hard days and long nights, and the great places to stop for a bite to eat when a driver’s personal engine needs fuel. You’ll also hear tips from veteran drivers who know that every day is unpredictable but an unshakable commitment to stay professional, do right, and keep your promises will make certain you have the grace for just another day.

Brett Harpe has driven professionally for decades and at FreightWorks for two years. He and his wife and driving partner Jerri know the rigors of the road and daily blessing of being part of a caring, compassionate FreightWorks driver community. He shares about his near death experience, the joys of driving with his wife (he calls her his “best friend”) and tips for safe and efficient driving on America’s busy highways. He and Butch also discussed the Mid America Truck Show (MATS) and plans FreightWorks has to flag the company flag, build industry relationships and also recruit drivers. Donning a FreightWorks cap while dressed in blue jean overalls Bret reminds us every driver has a story, our team reflects great diversity and yet in the end we’re a big family! He also makes it a special point to honor God who he says “guides each mile along the way.” You’ll be inspired by his story.

Clark Poole is a key business influencer in western North Carolina with keen insights on the strategic placement of the FreightWorks corporate headquarters in terms of transportation trends, proximity to key markets, quality of life, and economic trends. As the outgoing executive director for the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce where he served for 10 years, he’s uniquely qualified to offer his assessments of how the company is in a prime location for growth, service, and innovation. Listen in to the wisdom born of experience and a passion for companies like FreightWorks which he characterized in this episode as being guided by innovation, excellence, and integrity.

When having a conversation with FreightWorks recruiter Reg Moody the stories are so varied and interesting it’s clear to see how easily he’d relate to any prospective driver. In this episode, he shares how being a professional driver now helps him identify the right position for drivers who are looking to join the FreightWorks family. It’s another conversational journey into the colorfully diverse world of trucking & logistics.

Silas Freitas is the Dispatch Manager for FreightWorks and spends each day coordinating, supporting and leading the company’s vibrant team of Driver Managers. The ecosystem of trucking and logistics is ever changing and sometimes chaotic. Keeping a focus on driver safety, customer satisfaction with an unshakable commitment to improve is a tall order. But...in this episode we’ll hear from an energetically committed front-line transportation manager how real solutions improbably emerge from seemingly impossible challenges. Listen and learn!

Leigh Anne Harris is a caring, compassionate Driver Manager at FreightWorks who understands her primary role is to serve each driver for whom she’s responsible with respect, diligence, and excellence. She paints the picture in this episode of what FreightWorks drivers have to manage each day and the lengths to which she and her colleagues go to insure loads are delivered on time and with safety as priority #1. Her personal faith informs everything she does and in this open-hearted conversation, it’s so clear how consistent communication with drivers is the key to finding a smooth path for daily success. When FreightWorks says “we care for drivers” the evidence is found in the committed staff like Leigh Anne. She goes the extra mile! Find out why.

While some see a monotonous journey ahead whenever a driver starts the engine others like David Jensen anticipate their next adventures. They are guided by an understanding each new day has new lessons to be learned. Professionals with decades of faithful service and millions of miles across our beautiful, diverse nation invite a listening ear. In this episode, you’ll hear practical principles for being a great driver and also some of the best roadway eateries when it’s time to stop and take a break. Enjoy the conversational journey!

As Fleet Manager for FreightWorks Chris Davies speaks of an unlikely path to his current leadership role. Educated as an engineer he was an early hire for what is now our fast-growing trucking & logistics enterprise. He has experienced different positions and often complex problems in the company which allows him to have a better understanding of what the true needs are for a driver. He manages, coordinates, and fosters strategic relationships with diverse suppliers and service support through companies like Love’s while maintaining a growing fleet navigating all the well-publicized challenges we hear about for 21st-century trucking. He shares with us the hopeful anticipation for new Peterbilt trucks starting in the first quarter of 2022 along with a strong commitment of leadership to innovation and the use of cutting edge technology to enhance safety, driver comfort, and company profitability. It’s an informative episode certain to help you better understand the unique place this company holds in America’s marketplace and the bedrock principles of faith, prayer, and perseverance upon which the company has been built. It’s all about inspiring trust, speaking the truth, and keeping promises made.

Bud Byers is an active 83 year old from NC with a heart pouring out incredible stories from forty years working for Yellow Freight Company. He logged more than 5 million miles without one reportable accident! In this episode, we learn of what trucking used to be like in the “good old days” and why he believes truck drivers are the “last American cowboys.” He describes trucks you’d have to manhandle into submission with the loners and legends he sometimes met in truck stops. He relives acrid smells of brakes and diesel fumes in cabs with no air conditioning nor cushioned rides. And...you’ll learn how an Air Force veteran made a bold move after his military service into trucking which he said provided a wonderful life for his family. Pull up a rocking chair and listen to Bud share his stories. You’ll smile and sense the power of a man’s commitment to his family, community, and the world of truck drivers he’d “go back to in a minute” if he was younger.

Dave Brandos is a Sr. Partner for Mirror Eye* Sales and a treasure of information on trucking safety. In a special episode, he shares trends in the industry, the rise of lawsuits, needs for driver protection, and a fascinating new technology that replaces standard mirrors with an integrated camera system. No more blind spots and enhanced driver comfort are the results! With an unshakable commitment to safety for the sake of drivers and their families FreightWorks this episode taps into a seasoned trucking safety expert’s keen insights into where our ever-evolving industry is headed. You won’t want to miss this look into the future unfolding before our eyes.

Clark Reed is a Roscoe, IL-based over-the-road driver with Nussbaum Transportation and a Freightliner “Team Run Smart” PRO. He’s viewed as a marketplace expert on many trucking and logistics issues and most notably increasing fuel economy. He has a broad and fast-growing social media presence while reinforcing in his message the critical role driver attitudes and daily choices make in safety and bottom line profits. Wit, wisdom, and stories from the road are woven through this very special episode!

Stacy Setzer knows the power of miracles because he’s a walking example of one. As a father to five children and having experienced common hardships in life he’s had the uncommon story of surviving two near-fatal automobile and equipment accidents and now since 2017 has been living the trucking life he went through other companies to find. As a key driver and mentor on the Dole account, he shares what it’s like to drive through the night, the delicate balance of work and home life, and the joys of working for a company that keeps its promises. You’ll enjoy and appreciate this open-hearted conversation.

Ellen Voie is an industry leader and spokesperson globally for issues related to women in trucking and strategic ways to grow their participation as owners, operators and supply chain change agents. She founded “Women In Trucking” in 2007 and was appointed in 2021 to serve on the impactful Federal Motor Carriers Safety Association’s Motor Carriers Safety Advisory Committee. Breaking through stereotypes she’s become a major thought leader and innovator in a quickly changing industry. You won’t want to miss her insights and inspiring rally cry for women to join a vocation they can succeed in at the highest levels with helpful coaching from a leader who knows how! She also hosts weekly a live, call-in show airing exclusively on SiriusXM Road Dog Channel 146.

Our FreightWorks Customer Service Manager Misty Howell knows what our customers expect because she used to be one! She retells the story of a new transportation partner (us) who when missing the mark on a first load had founder & president Josh Farmer showing up without an appointment with a gift basket in hand and a question. “What can we do to get this back on track?” The same spirit led Misty to our company where she and the team serving our customer Chemours were honored as “2020 Gold Carrier Of The Year.” 1776 loads. 3.5 million miles. 98% on time record. She’ll share what makes FreightWorks such a rare company workplace for everyone...regardless of their place on the team.

FreightWorks driver Bobby Harrell shares in this heartfelt podcast episode the rigors of the road and the grace to navigate challenges through personal faith in God. Errant drivers. Wind gusts above 60 MPH. The treacherous snowy roads through Donner Pass. You’ll catch a glimpse of a driver’s life and how one keeps freight moving.

Our drivers all have stories of where they’ve come from, what brought them to FreightWorks, and what they’ve overcome to build a new life with our growing team. Chad and Amber are no exception! A married driving team tells of dealing with a serious disease, radical weight loss due to the pursuit of a healthier life, and the sweet encouragement of six ferrets who are their faithful traveling companions. It’s another exciting episode of Life By The Mile where every new revelation is just a thirty-minute conversation away.

Jim Maze had an interesting career in the United States Navy as a weatherman helping navigate the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise through storms and vast seas with 5,000 crewmen. Today he’s our Reno, NV terminal manager and brings all that experience to each busy day of directing drivers, trucks, and trailers where they need to go. He shares stories of what professional truckers face 24/7 and how FreightWorks goes the extra mile to bring them safely home. On this Veteran's Day 2021 we honor all those who have sacrificed to keep our country safe and free. God bless America....and thank you!

Ryan Matheson has seen every corner of America and parts of Canada. He’s known physical challenges, companies who used him like a commodity, the pleasure of a driving companion (Savannah his dog), and a wonderful fresh start as a FreightWorks driver. He explains in authentic ways what it takes to navigate America’s highways and why loves being in a company that cares.

Kimberly Walker approaches her vital work as a driver manager with the invaluable experience of having been a driver herself. She brings her “wisdom from the road” to every call or text to drivers who depend on her creative problem solving and focus on driver solutions. Every day is different. But what never changes is an unshakable FreightWorks commitment to keep promises and drivers #1.

Bob Coulter and his wife Mary speak of how a husband and wife have partnered not just as a driving team on the road but also through the inevitable trials and tribulations of life. It takes teamwork, tenacity, faith and fortitude. They’ll share how they’ve made it together this far and plans for the days ahead.

Bob Coulter knows the road after more than fifty years of traveling its winding ways. But he also has learned the power and promise of encouragement. Ray Farmer aka “Papa Ray” loves and hears the heart of every driver. Why? Because caring is our commitment.

Robert, a driver with incredible and practical stories, talks about what it’s like to manage a big rig on the road. He also shares some of his hobbies, fishing, and hunting, as well as how he got into trucking. Robert re-tells his first driving experience of what it was like to back up that big rig for the very first time. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to our channels and turn on the notifications.

In this episode, Pat Taylor talks about how he loves being a daddy to his 12-year-old daughter and how she’s actually going to go out on the road with him. He also gives some tips on why he drives at night as well as a little bit about driver safety. More than anything else he’ll just talk about his life here at FreightWorks and why he loves being a part of this family. He’s a former marine, a patriotic person, and somebody that you’ll enjoy hearing more from.

In today’s episode, you’re going to hear from Chris Hinshaw, an incredible driver at FreightWorks. He will give practical tips on trip planning and some of his favorite places to eat across the country. Chris talks about his home life and how he got into professional truck driving. It’s an episode filled with laughter and a lot of insights and some serious discussions about current realities for truck drivers in America. He’s got a Youtube channel of his own that he just started called ‘dirty fisherman’.

It’s always a time to learn, grow, and even be surprised on each FreightWorks podcast. Melissa Letts talks of road trips and her culinary adventures along with what keeps her motivated day after day.

FreightWorks has a commitment to know every driver’s story. Each is different. Everyone is important. In the telling, we learn more about how blessed the company is and how diverse our current driving team really is. Among other things, Josh Williams has a sister who is a professional driver and openly shares many insights from his faithful journeys and accumulating miles on the road.

Jimmy Helton is like every one of the 3.5 million professional drivers in America. Each has a special story worthy of being told. In this episode it’s almost as if you’re “riding shotgun” with Jimmy who reminds us of the special tales and bonds drivers uniquely possess. Climb aboard! Listen in!

Bill Brandon’s career as a professional truck driver has spanned more than four decades interrupted only by the time he spent as a law enforcement officer in the prison system. He’s quick to point out his foundation of personal faith and vital lessons he’s learned across America’s backroads and asphalt, concrete superhighways.

The trucking and logistics world has many forces at work affecting the ability of a company and their drivers to stay on schedule. Podcast host Butch Maltby shares a few timely issues FreightWorks management continues to track. Great companies have a commitment to problem-solving.

Seasoned and insightful safety professionals unpack the key issues facing America’s professional truck drivers. In a roundtable discussion critical questions are asked like “How do officers pick trucks out to stop?” or “What can a driver do to up his safety game?”

Joyce Siqueira, VP of Operations for Freightworks recently attended the annual McLeod Conference in Grapevine, TX. As both a presenter and emerging voice in the world of trucking & logistics she had the chance to catch up with us via a remote podcast. Joyce gave important marketplace and company insights.

In this special episode of Life By The Mile you'll hear the straight from the heart reflections from John Harris who after a professional driving career spanning five decades reflects on his time behind the wheel. You’ll learn, laugh and perhaps shed a few tears as he retells what he’s experienced, lessons he wants to pass along and what his next steps in life will include.

In today's episode of life by the mile, we're going to hear from a freight works professional driver. Who will tell personal stories of how he got his start in trucking, the importance of family in his life. Tips on how to find your parking spot for the night. And even some eating places off the beaten path that will leave you wanting more. His name is fat pack. You'll learn how he got that nickname to Fatback.

Bob VanCamp has driven through every corner of America and watched FreightWorks grow from its humble beginnings to a fast growing transportation and logistics enterprise. As a certified “One Million Mile” driver Bob shares in this episode the personal faith guiding his work, challenges on the highways for every driver and why this company will be the last one he drives for.

The drivers at FreightWorks come with different gifts, abilities, passions, and dreams. When they come to our company we work with them to help accomplish their goals in a respectful and consistent way. Damien Greatheart is one of our newer drivers formerly having been in law enforcement. Listen and learn why FreightWorks was his choice and some lessons from the road.

Our inaugural program features founder & CEO Josh Farmer. You’ll learn how a biodiesel enterprise morphed into a trucking company that is emerging into a marketplace leader using hi-tech and hi-touch to build a diverse and satisfied driver team. Let’s go inside the boardroom with Josh and hear the journey of Freightworks from its beginning to the present while casting vision for the days ahead.