Terminal Exchange

If you want to get more done, go slower. That’s Jon and Adam’s advice, anyway. Yes, the maintenance shop is bustling with repairs and PMs. Yes, unexpected issues tend to pop up. But the key to delighting drivers (and actually solving the root problem with their equipment) is to slow down, ask good questions, and listen. And take detailed notes. Today, we’ll hear from Service Advisor Adam Kilpatric...

Calling all professional drivers and driver-hiring professionals—this episode is for you! The hiring process is (or at least ought to be) a big decision for both carriers and drivers. The goal is a mutually beneficial relationship built on honesty and clear expectations from the get-go. So why do so many drivers report “bait and switch” tactics? Or being straight up lied to? Why do recruiters repo...

It’s the question on every carrier’s mind: “How do we stay profitable in such a challenging market?” In today’s exchange, Dayton chats with Zack Hildebrand, one of our Business Analytics Managers. Zack explores the science of pricing freight, including three guiding principles for balanced, competitive pricing that serves both customer and carrier. Because ultimately, true profitability comes from...

What were you doing at 19 years old? For Carter Fehr and Jordan Kersten, the answer is “working full-time as an OTR driver.” But wait—don’t you have to be 21 for that? Yes—unless you’re part of the FMCSA Safe Driver Apprenticeship Program (SDAP, for short). With SDAP, under-21 drivers can cross state lines and drive over the road. In the past, our industry would lose high school graduates to other...

“How many kids want to go to work with their parents?” Well, according to Peg Balducci and Michaela Mogged, it’s actually a tremendous blessing. From early morning commutes to walks around the pond, working together at Nussbaum is a cherished opportunity to bond as mother and daughter. Known for their servant hearts and calming phone presence, Peg and Michaela enjoy helping our drivers navigate da...

By day, he’s clearing brush and herding cattle under the hot sun. By night, he’s busy dispatching for Nussbaum—900 miles from our terminal in the little town of Bedias, Texas. (Or, “God’s country” as Oscar affectionally refers to it). Life couldn’t be better. Granted, Texas is dry, full of ornery shrubs, and insects that want to kill you. But Oscar loves being near his sister and working the local...

Motorists looking for a rest stop. Hippie vans. A bejeweled hymn singer. Phone calls. Phone scams. Travelers looking for museums. It’s all in a day’s work for Heather and Tianne, our faithful and fearless front desk ladies. As Tianne says, “you just never know what you’ll see in a day.” Some days, they just laugh – I mean, how could these people not notice all the Nussbaum signs??? Other times, th...

For over a century, The Baby Fold has shepherded vulnerable children in Bloomington-Normal and beyond. What began as a home for orphans in the early 1900s (during the years of “Orphan Trains”) now serves families across central Illinois through academic, in-home, and post-adoption services. In today’s exchange, Dayton chats with two of the organization’s senior leaders – Clete Winkelmann, Presiden...

“It was like the end of the world.” That’s how Kenol Aurelus, now a Professional Driver for Nussbaum, describes the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti in 2010. It was an unforgettable day – especially since he was right next to the Presidential Palace when the ground started shaking! Once nominated as the Best Photographer in all of Haiti, Kenol was holding his camera when the earthquake h...

In 2015, Nussbaum’s very first trailer artwork – “Celebrating Faith & Family” – hit the road. In the nine years since, we’ve released twelve additional graphics, including “Forgiveness Brings Freedom,” “Love Above All,” and most recently, “There is Hope in Troubled Times.” But you may be wondering…..why so many designs? Where did these ideas come from? Why use trailers? Believe it or not, the...

Rewind to age 6, and you’d find Addis Coffman planting crops, tending livestock, and caring for her young brother near the village of Gimbichu, Ethiopia. Fast forward to 2024, and she’s an Accounting Specialist at Nussbaum in Bloomington, Illinois! Needless to say, a lot has happened in between. In today’s exchange, Addis shares a personal testimony of her adoption, transition to the US, and overc...

You never know what life has in store, and Ken’s journey is no exception! Though he began his career in education, Ken wound up as a probation officer and beacon of hope for 34 years. And now, at 73, he’s taken up the title of Professional Driver! Today, we reflect on Ken’s fascinating career, how he met his wife, and the wild story of how he got into truck driving. Hold onto your hats and tune in...

How many careers can you have in one lifetime? Jim Schroeder may just hold the record. He’s worked as a surgical technician (military and civilian), bartender, restaurant manager, small business owner, rock band guitarist, and finally a CDL Truck Driver. Or said another way – he’s helped with open heart surgeries, mixed drinks, managed employees, entertained crowds, and delivered essential goods....

Family – one of life’s richest blessings and greatest challenges. From becoming a teenage parent to working through difficult custody issues, Tom Reichert has experienced his share of “what do I do now” moments. But the journey of parenting (and grandparenting!) also brings much joy and many beautiful moments, as all the parents listening could attest. Tom believes family is worth fighting for, an...

Today, we’re teaming up with Brad Formsma, Founder & CEO of I Like Giving and Host of The WOW Factor Podcast! Brad takes over our studio to interview Brent Nussbaum, CEO of Nussbaum Transportation, about his life, career, and lessons in leadership. This conversation was released as a WOW Factor episode (#228), and now you can listen right here on Terminal Exchange! In this interview, Brent Nus...

“Death used to be an executioner, but the gospel has made him a gardener.” – George Herbert It’s the thing no one wants to talk about, but what every human will eventually face. Despite our best medical advances and enjoyable distractions, death is inescapable. But two thousand years ago, as he comforted a beloved friend whose home had been visited by death, Jesus Christ proclaimed: “I am the resu...

It’s usually his accent that gives it away. Out of all Nussbaum’s employees, Morné Van Rensburg might just win the award for “traveled the furthest to get here.” Though he is now an official Midwesterner and working the IT Help Desk at Nussbaum, Morné was born 8,700 miles away in South Africa! And at age 12, his family moved to a new continent, country, and culture – the United Kingdom. In today’s...

For over 100 years, Home Sweet Home Ministries has been a place of refuge for those facing the complexities of homelessness and food insecurity. Their motto is to “demonstrate Christ’s love through innovative approaches that instill hope, restore lives, and build community.” In today’s exchange, Dayton chats with Matt Burgess, CEO of Home Sweet Home. You may know about HSHM’s shelter and dining se...

“Our mission is bringing joy and purpose to orphans.” For over 20 years, Lifesong for Orphans has done just that. They’ve helped to facilitate over 10,000 adoptions and provide gospel-centered care in schools, homes, and businesses in 14 countries around the globe. Who would’ve thought a failing food business and months of sleepless nights could lead to this? In today’s episode, we’re excited to w...

Emilio is known far and wide as one of the best-dressed drivers at Nussbaum. But he doesn’t need designer clothes or a big price tag to pull it off – he simply believes in being professional, presentable, and on-brand. His go-to’s include bowties, Hey Dudes, Nussbaum socks, and uniforms featuring the Nussbaum color palette. But best of all, below the well-dressed exterior is a heart to match the o...

You name it, Rick Zaky has done it. From DJ’ing on a small island in the Indian Ocean, to running a limo company, to going over the road, Rick Zaky has some serious miles under his belt. He’s even hosted his own show – The Rick Zaky Show. As a professional driver, Rick has an eye for the details. You won’t want to miss his advice about trip planning, diet/fitness on the road, and the right way to...

If Mr. Congeniality was an award, Matt Gordon would be in the running. Around Nussbaum, he’s known as the guy to talk to if you need your spirits lifted. He's also an excellent Driver Manager. Whether it’s beach bumming, chess chomping, or just staying home with family, Matt Gordon is always “having a good time.” But it’s more than just positive self-talk – it’s a serious passion for living, based...

Is gratitude sacred or secular? How do I practice this thing called “thankfulness?” Holidays just remind me of loss – what should I do? In this special episode, Dayton & Jim are diving deep. We’ll explore what society says about gratitude and compare it to what God’s Word has always said. Along the way, we’ll learn about being thankful for the obvious, the ordinary, and in the difficult. And u...

Today is bittersweet. Our beloved host, Saige Anderson, is passing the baton as she prepares to enter full-time motherhood! And before she goes, she’s here to introduce the NEW host of Terminal Exchange, straight from the IT department! (Wait, what??) With two hosts in the studio, we’re not sure who’s interviewing who…. but we’re excited to meet Dayton and hear his story! Our biggest questions are...

“I didn’t feel like my prayers were being answered…. but it wasn’t until later on through my recovery that I was able to look back and say, “Thank you God, you really did everything that needed to happen.” In this touching exchange, Anthony Whitmore shares his 20-year journey through addiction, hopelessness, and ultimately – redemption. As it turns out, God was answering his prayers all along – ev...