Driving the Line: The Pursuit of Safety

In this week's episode, join Jim, Mike, Kenny, and Berry as they discuss best practices to minimize theft risk in the trucking industry. Did you know that approximately 110 commercial motor vehicles are stolen every day, resulting in a massive $35 billion loss annually? These thefts occur not only in rural areas but also within companies themselves. That's why it's crucial to thoroughly vet employ...

Did you know that 80% of American towns rely solely on trucks for their supplies? Without these trucks, the shelves would be empty, and even school lunches would not be possible. The trucking industry is a crucial pillar of the economy, and as Truck Driver Appreciation Week approaches, it's important for both those within and outside the industry to show their gratitude. In this weeks episode, joi...

Someone new is driving this DTL bus! Meet Berry Harrison, our newest podcast co-host who has expansive industry knowledge. Not only is he the only host still holding a class A CDL, but he also has experience managing a successful trucking company. He is positive, an advocate for industry-wide buy-in for safety practices, and he sure does have red hair. Who doesn't love a redhead? Join Jim, Mike, a...

Fasten your seatbelt and hold the brakes! Did you know that for every 10 trucks operating on the road, one of them will have defective brakes? Join Jim, Mike and Kenny on this month's episode as they share tips to prepare for Brake Safety Week happening August 25 - August 31. By prioritizing education, truckers can reduce crashes and handle brake issues to help make every road much safer. 

How would you define safety? Regardless of the definition, ensuring that regulations are followed is not solely the responsibility of safety directors, but rather a collective effort. Even if you don't have all the knowledge, prioritizing a spirit to learn will help you achieve that goal. In this episode, guests Brad Redden, Buchheit Logistics, Inc, and Andy Standefer, Fleenor Bros Enterprises, jo...

Training to take lives is not worth taking a life in training." Military convoys transitioning from a small gadget-focused vehicle with various safety features to a significantly larger rig can cause safety risks to those driving around them. Join Jim, Mike, Kenny, and guest speaker Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5) Gregory Reicks, Nebraska Army National Guard, as they shed light on navigating the roa...

Summer sunshine means summer miles! Many people are surprised to learn that most road accidents occur during the summer months rather than winter. With schools out and kids in cars, it is everyone's responsibility to ensure they arrive home safely alongside our truck drivers. Join Jim, Mike, and Kenny in this week's episode to discuss safe driving around commercial motor vehicles and the upcoming...

What's better than waffles and syrup? Waffles and safety! Join Jim, Mike and Kenny as they make a pit stop at an Arkansas Waffle House to discuss essential safety policy and regulations you don't want to miss (or forget to update!). In this episode, they provide valuable insights for safety directors and drivers to enhance consistency in policy practices and awareness. Tune into their productive d...

Get ready for a delicious episode at Waffle House! Join us for the start of an exciting month of episodes with Driving the Line: the Pursuit of Safety. Jim, Mike, and Kenny gather in Centerton, Arkansas Waffle House #2323 to discuss June and National Safety Month. Tune in for insightful commentary that safety directors, drivers, and anyone interested in safety will find valuable. Don't miss out on...

In our latest episode, our hosts are focused on what it means to live their lives in "The Pursuit of Safety". Mike, Jim and Kenny share their personal experiences and paths in the safety business. They discuss the significance of finding one's passion, networking, and having mentors to thrive in the industry. The hosts also explore their roles in ensuring the safety of individuals both on and off...

Another year, another Operation Roadcheck! In this episode, our hosts, Mike, Kenny, and Jim, walk through the two main areas of emphasis for the upcoming CVSA's Operation Roadcheck. Don't miss as they also discuss the importance of being a lifelong learner and offering advice to young people starting new stages in their lives. Don't miss this informative episode! Find more information on this year...

In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the topic of National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week. Be prepared as Jim, MIke and Kenny share alarming statistics about the number of motorists and workers who have died in work zones in 2023 and what we need to do to protect those whose "office" is just a few inches from your vehicle.  Find out more here: https://www.nwzaw.org/  

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the future ahead includes more distractions. Our hosts walk through the numbers that we know about and the reality of what is actually happening on the road. Don't miss as Kenny, Mike and Jim answer when they knew safety was their calling.

When you are behind the wheel, DOT regulations help keep you safe. When you exit the cab, OSHA regulations take effect. In this episode of Driving the Line, Jim Siebert discusses how OSHA's Lockout/Tagout principles protect you and others from hazardous energy - lowering injury rates and saving lives. Watch the whole webinar here: https://marshmclennanagency.wistia.com/medias/30ht75tyk7

Join our wonderful hosts and special guests, John Esparza (Texas Trucking Association, President) and Tom Crawford (Missouri Trucking Association, President) for a deep conversation about why safety and associations are integral to the trucking industry. We talk about the data that proves that safety happens when trucking operations get involved in trucking associations and how the industry is inv...

Featuring Kristi Randall  Kristi Randall is a former HR Executive who now is an operations leader in the trucking industry. In this episode, Kristi joins the Driving the Line  team to discuss the positive impact women have on the trucking industry. In 2023, Kristi was named a Most Influential Business Woman  by the St. Louis Business Journal, and in 2021 Kristi was named a Top Woman to Watch in Tr...

Being away from your family when on the road is hard. In this episode, we talk about the importance of making the most of your time when at home. The Driving the Line team shares personal, insightful stories that highlight how precious family time can be.

In this follow-up to Episode 25, Bruce Morton talks with the team about maintaining physical and mental health while on the road and recognizing signs and symptoms of a mental health issue for yourself or others. If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 9-8-8 to be connected with a trained counselor, or call 9-1-1 and request a CIT or mental health officer.  

The team is joined by Bruce Morton, a Risk Management Consultant at Marsh McLennan Agency and founder of the Wisconsin Construction Wellness Community , a non-profit working to fight the stigma about talking about mental health. Through his personal story, Bruce shares the importance of reaching out for help when you are facing a mental health challenge. If you or a loved one are experiencing a me...

To cap off a successful year, the team talks about reflecting on wins and losses, looking at experiences and observations, and making note of what we've learned. We review important topics to address related to safety, inspections, compliance, and more. 

In this episode, we discuss the importance of role models and their impact on our lives. The team explores the influence of those who inspire us both professionally and personally and shares perspectives on leading a life worthy of imitation. 

In this episode, the team talks about regulatory compliance related to driver health and discusses some of the challenges of health issues faced by drivers. We share tips for exercise, diet, and more to keep drivers healthy while they're on the road and help them have a better overall quality of life. 

In this episode, the team reminds us that safety can't take a holiday when driving during the holidays. For all drivers, the team offers advice about dealing with the pressures of the holidays, driving in winter weather, and keeping our families safe on the roads and off.

Whether you're driving on 18 wheels or 4, drowsy driving is a serious issue that puts you and others in danger. The team discusses how fatigue management is part of an effective safety culture. The National Sleep Foundation's Drowsy Driving Prevention Week is November 5-11, 2023.   Find more info and resources at: 1. www.thensf.org/drowsy-driving-prevention/ 2. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/drow...

In this episode, the team shares best practices for requesting a review of inaccurate or incomplete data following a roadside inspection. Listen for tips and advice to make sure you're presenting the best case possible.   Find more resources here: 1. DataQ homepage https://dataqs.fmcsa.dot.gov/ 2. Adjudicated Citations factsheet https://csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/Documents/Adjudicated_Citations_Factsheet_G...