Next Gen Trucking Talk with Lindsey Trent

In this episode, Lindsey talks with Jason Wang, the founder and CEO of Free World.  Jason discusses the significant challenges individuals with criminal histories face when reentering society. He highlights the financial struggles caused by low-paying jobs and mounting debts. Sharing his personal story, Jason opens up about growing up in poverty and enduring abuse, which led him down a dark path a...

In this episode, Lindsey talks with Dave Dein, the CDL coordinator and instructor at Patterson High School in California.  Dave shares his experience with forming an advisory board for their truck driving program, which includes local trucking companies that contribute to the program and help guide its development. The advisory board meets quarterly or every six months, with ongoing conversations...

In this episode, Lindsey talks with Jake Kepich, the Medium/Heavy Duty Truck Technician Instructor at the Center of Applied Technology North in Severn, MD.  Jake discusses the vital role of Advisory Boards in his program. In this podcast, Lindsey and Jake explore how the program, certified by the ASE Education Foundation and AED Associated Equipment Distributors, is preparing students for the indu...

In this episode, Lindsey talks to Dave Brannon from Evans Delivery and Ron Scholler of TransEdge, who supported a Touch A Truck event by donating a 2024 Volvo sleeper truck. They discuss the critical role of the trucking industry in delivering essential goods and the pressing need for diesel technicians. With a shortage of both technicians and drivers, repair times are increasing, yet the industry...

In this episode, Lindsey talks with Mee Hee Smith, Early Career Manager at XPO.  Mee Hee discusses her background and the role she plays in the company, explaining that XPO created her position to focus on talent pipelining and building strong partnerships with local communities. She highlights the importance of workforce boards and their involvement in training programs for the trucking industry....

Can data and technology marry to create a platform that brings the best quality driver  candidates to work for you?  In this episode, Lindsey talks with Kyle Soukup from Trucker Recruiters.  Kyle is disrupting the trucking industry through the new platform his team has built to provide the best possible candidate to fill driver positions.       "But that's one of the fundamental componen...

Can data and technology marry to create a platform that brings the best quality driver  candidates to work for you?  Kyle Soukup from Trucker Recruiters is disrupting the trucking industry through the new platform his team has built to provide the best possible candidate to fill driver positions.        "But that's one of the fundamental components of Trucker Recruiters. And that's...

In this episode, Lindsey talks with Eric Sauer, President and CEO of the California Trucking Association.  They discuss the importance of truck driver appreciation events and recognizing the trucking industry's vital contribution to the economy. Eric shares his passion for the industry and the work of the California Trucking Association, one of the largest state trucking associations in the n...

In this episode, Lindsey talks with Sheri Call from the Washington Trucking Association.  They focused on several key initiatives aimed at addressing current challenges and opportunities within the trucking industry. WTA announced a new legislation for a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training grant program with renewed funding of $6 million over the next two years, which will now also sup...

In this episode, Lindsey talks with Stephen Crepps, from Fairdale High School.  They explore how Fairdale High School successfully established their Diesel Technician Advisory Board and how they are fostering meaningful partnerships with employers to benefit students. The recent Educational Discussion and Best Practices Sharing meeting focused on the formation and effectiveness of advisory boards...

In this episode, Lindsey sits down with Hans Galland and Kay from Beyond Trucks to discuss the ongoing digital transformation in the trucking industry, highlighting the need for companies to embrace a 'digital native' approach to improve operational efficiency. Hans Galland leads the conversation, shedding light on the generational challenges trucking companies face, particularly in adop...

In this episode Lindsey talks with Brian Dupor, Team Lead of Recruiters for DB Schenker.   Brian shares his extensive background in trucking, which began with a family tradition of owner-operators. His journey took him from military service to becoming a truck driver with USA Truck, and eventually to founding his own recruiting firm. Now leading a team of recruiters at DB Schenker, Brian offered v...

In this episode, Lindsey talks with Dr. Gina Anderson, a guest from Luma.  She shares her insights into the company's innovative approach to transforming training within the trucking industry. With a background in special education, Dr. Anderson explained how Luma is engaging truck drivers through diverse learning strategies tailored to different learning preferences. Key topics discussed inc...

In this episode, Lindsey talks with Tim Cordula from Carl's Transport.   They discuss the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program (SDAP), which allows 18 to 20-year-olds to drive interstate following a comprehensive training and vetting process. The conversation referenced a 2019 study by the Wisconsin Motor Carrier Association, which identified key safety violations among young drivers, und...

In this episode, Lindsey talks with Andy Owens from A&M Transport.   He shares about the transportation sector's involvement in Oregon's workforce development initiatives. Andy introduced A&M Transport, a family-owned company since 1972, and discussed his efforts since 2015 to ensure the trucking industry is represented on workforce boards across Oregon, addressing the initial la...

In this episode, Lindsey talks with Kennedy Alvarez and Delaney Rea from Melton Truck Lines.  They discuss the company’s commitment to enhancing its online presence and authenticity in advertising was highlighted as a key approach to attracting drivers. Key takeaways included the importance of driver-generated content and testimonials, a mobile-friendly website designed with sections tailored for...

In this episode, Lindsey talks with Alan Hodges, President of the Idaho Trucking Association.  Alan gives his key insights into the trucking industry and outreach efforts were shared. Hodges, who has a long-standing career in trucking and moved to Idaho for its favorable regulations, introduced a truck simulator initiative aimed at educating high school students about career opportunities in truck...