Carrier Code Podcast

The trucking industry talks a lot about supporting drivers. Charles Gracey wants to know why so few back it up. Christy and Rocco sit down with the host of SiriusXM's "Trucking Sense" and FreightwaveTV's "Brake Check". A former driver and long-time trucking professional, Gracey has spent his career pushing the industry to do better by its drivers. The conversation covers predatory pay practices, w...

Telematics is a broader category than most fleets recognize — and understanding that scope is where this episode begins. From there, the conversation turns to how one specialized fleet put telematics to work in a demanding, highly regulated environment. Adam Karras, Transportation and Compliance Manager at Reliance Oilfield Services, joins Christy and Rocco to share how Reliance built and evolved...

Tank trucking is one of the most specialized segments in the industry and one of the least understood by those outside it. In this episode, Christy and Rocco sit down with David Price, Executive Vice Chairman of United Petroleum Transports and 2025 Chairman of the Board at National Tank Truck Carriers. They cover the 60-year family history behind UPT, what makes tank operations fundamentally diffe...

AI hype is everywhere in trucking, but clarity is not. At the same time, vendors are showing up unprepared, and too many industry professionals are sitting on the sidelines instead of getting involved. In this episode, Christy and Rocco take on vendor competency gaps, the confusion between automation and AI, and why leadership doesn’t require a title. They also address a growing concern: professio...

Carrier culture is not a byproduct of good intentions. It must be managed and shaped by leadership behavior, communication standards, and the consistency of daily execution. When those areas lack alignment, operations suffer. This episode outlines three foundational moves for strengthening carrier culture: improving communication across teams, investing in structured development, and committing to...

Driver mental health is often treated as a personal problem rather than a fleet responsibility, but that framing overlooks how many of the biggest sources of stress are created by fleet design and management decisions. Industry veteran Jason Douglass joins Christy and Rocco to break down how operational choices impact driver wellbeing and what carriers can do to better support the people behind th...

Driver recruiting is often treated as a volume problem, but the downstream impacts show up in retention, safety, and operational stability. Josh Mecca, VP of Recruiting & Retention at Grammer Logistics, joins Christy and Rocco to discuss how carriers can build more sustainable recruiting systems. Carrier Code is sponsored by Drivers Legal Plan, CDL ticket defense for professional drivers. Get...

Jim Ward, president of the Truckload Carriers Association, joins the show to share an inside look at TCA’s mission, major events, and member programs, as well as the association’s role in shaping the trucking industry, supporting carriers, and recognizing excellence among professional drivers. Carrier Code is sponsored by Drivers Legal Plan, CDL ticket defense for professional drivers. Get your fr...

Christy and Rocco break down their must-attend industry events of 2026. Drawing from their years of experience on the conference circuit, they share first-hand insights and practical tips to help you choose the right events and get the most from every show you attend.   Carrier Code is sponsored by Drivers Legal Plan, CDL ticket defense for professional drivers. Get your free consultation today at...

Blake Grolmus of the Iowa Motor Truck Association joins Carrier Code for an in-depth discussion on the importance of state trucking associations and the critical support, resources, and advocacy they provide to fleets. The conversation also explores industry challenges including fraud, CDL integrity, regulatory enforcement, and the value of local engagement for fleet leaders. Carrier Code is spons...

Christy and Rocco take time to reflect on Carrier Code’s 2025 journey—from how the show came together to the lessons learned along the way. They discuss key moments, industry observations, and what building the podcast taught them as leaders, before sharing what listeners can expect as Carrier Code looks ahead to 2026. Carrier Code is sponsored by Drivers Legal Plan, CDL ticket defense for profess...

RenovoData’s Chuck Cook joins Carrier Code to break down the events that can cripple fleet operations, from outages and system failures to cyber incidents and natural disasters. Chuck explains how carriers can strengthen resilience through practical disaster recovery strategies and continuity planning. Learn what every fleet should consider to stay protected, stay operational, and keep freight mov...

American Trucking Associations COO Dan Horvath sits down with Carrier Code to discuss his personal story, his roots in safety and compliance, and the experiences that guide his work today. He offers clear insight into ATA’s role in Washington, how the association supports fleets, and the regulatory pressures shaping the industry. A valuable conversation for leaders navigating trucking’s challengin...

President and co-founder Graig Morin of Brown Dog Carriers joins Carrier Code to share his journey from driver to fleet owner, offering practical lessons on trucking success, networking, leadership, insurance challenges, and growing from two trucks to a thriving operation. Learn what it takes to build a driver-first fleet, serve customers well, and navigate today’s trucking landscape with confiden...

In this meaningful episode of the Carrier Code podcast, Christy and Rocco each honor an industry leader who profoundly shaped their journey in trucking. Hear personal stories and heartfelt reflections, as they explore mentorship, growth, and the relationships that drive trucking forward. Carrier Code is sponsored by Drivers Legal Plan, CDL ticket defense for professional drivers. Get your free con...

Each December, trucking fleets, professional drivers, and communities across the nation unite for a mission that goes far beyond miles. In this episode of Carrier Code, Courtney George shares how Wreaths Across America and the trucking industry work together to honor veterans. Hear stories of service and remembrance, and the powerful role trucking plays in honoring their sacrifice.   Fleets and dr...

Dr. Gina Anderson, CEO and Co-Founder of Luma Brighter Learning, joins Carrier Code to unpack the psychology of learning and how it’s transforming driver training across the trucking industry. Drawing from neuroscience and years of applied learning research, Dr. Gina shares how fleets can build a culture of purpose, relevance, and human connection through better training.   Discover how authentic,...

Renewed CDL compliance enforcement is putting added pressure on carriers and drivers across the trucking industry. In this episode, the Carrier Code team breaks down the recent focus on non-domiciled CDL holders, English language proficiency, and state-level oversight. Learn how fleets can adapt, maintain compliance, and protect their operations in an era of heightened enforcement. Carrier Code is...

What really happens when five generations collide in the modern trucking workplace? How do leaders recruit, retain, and motivate across such different perspectives? In this episode of Carrier Code, industry expert Marilyn Surber joins the show to share strategies for bridging generational gaps and turning differences into strengths. A nationally recognized speaker on generational dynamics, Marilyn...

The trucking industry is shifting fast, and carriers are feeling the pressure. Step inside the strategic conversation happening off-stage and behind closed doors with Carrier Code hosts Christy Choice, Justin Copeland, and Rocco Marrai. In this episode, they unpack the challenges shaping today’s fleets, from declining conference attendance and tighter budgets to stricter English language proficien...

How can fleets move beyond National Truck Driver Appreciation Week to make driver recognition a year-round priority? In this episode of The Carrier Code Podcast, hosts Christy Choice, Justin Copeland, and Rocco Marrari explore the connection between consistent appreciation, stronger driver morale, and higher retention. They share practical strategies for building a lasting culture of recognition,...

Fleet safety is built on more than policies; it thrives when leadership, culture, and training align. In this episode of The Carrier Code Podcast, hosts Christy Choice, Justin Copeland, and Rocco Marrari explore how safety programs can move beyond compliance to create lasting impact. They break down the role of onboarding, DOT and FMCSA regulations, coaching, and continuous education, while also d...

In this episode of The Carrier Code Podcast, hosts Christy Choice, Justin Copeland, and Rocco Marrari tackle the alphabet soup of trucking. From FMCSA and DOT to CDLIS, PSP, and CSA, they unpack the acronyms and terminology that every transportation professional needs to understand. The discussion goes beyond definitions, covering how compliance, safety, and qualification files impact fleets, why...

The Carrier Code Podcast kicks off with an inside look at why trucking needs more real conversations, and why these three industry leaders are the ones to host them. Christy Choice, Justin Copeland, and Rocco Marrari bring decades of expertise in safety, technology, and operations. Together, they discuss how collaboration in the LEAD ATA program sparked the idea for Carrier Code, a podcast focused...

This is Carrier Code. Your unfiltered access to the strategies, stories, and leaders driving the trucking industry forward. Hosted by Christy Choice, Justin Copeland, and Rocco Marrari — insiders with decades of experience training, leading, and optimizing operations for fleets of all sizes. Carrier Code dives deep into the topics shaping trucking today. From driver recruiting and retention to str...