The Miles and Mentors Trucking Podcast

Is AI in trucking moving faster than we think? Are truckers leaving money on the table with outdated financial strategies? Blake Lappen returns to tackle the biggest shifts happening in the industry right now. In this episode of Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast, host Alex welcomes back Blake Lappen, founder of Spot On and No Dwell, for his second appearance. Blake shares insights on improving...

Is truck parking the biggest hidden challenge in logistics today? In this episode of Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast, host Alex sits down with Neal Revane, Director of Marketing at Freight Ninja LLC, to discuss two major topics in trucking: the role of marketing in logistics and the ongoing truck parking crisis. Neal shares his journey from digital marketing in the medical device and manufac...

In this episode of Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast , host Alex sits down with Hunter Woodfin , Southeastern Sales Executive at PCT Logistics, Inc. and co-host of The Logistics Lounge . Hunter shares his journey from studying Logistics and Intermodal Transportation at Georgia Southern University to becoming a key player in the drayage and refrigerated LTL industry . From his early days naviga...

In Episode 28 of Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast, host Alex sits down with Katie Kaczmarek, Training Coordinator at Bridge Logistics , to discuss her unconventional career shift into freight brokerage and logistics leadership . Starting in men's clothing sales , Katie made a bold transition into the trucking and logistics industry , proving that adaptability, networking, and mentorship are k...

Freight fraud is costing the trucking industry millions—are you protected? In this episode of Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast , host Alex sits down with John Cantera Jr. , a 25-year veteran in logistics and supply chain management , known as the Double Broker Bounty Hunter . John has dedicated his career to fighting fraud in the transportation industry , helping carriers and brokers detect a...

Long detention times are costing carriers time and money—how can trucking businesses eliminate them for good? In this episode of Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast , host Alex sits down with Blake Lappan , founder of NoDwell, Inc. and Spot On TMS , to discuss his journey from truck driver to logistics innovator . Blake's career started in 2004 when he left college to become a driver , later bui...

Thousands of individuals with a criminal record struggle to find stable jobs—but what if trucking could be the answer? In this episode, James Hazelton of FreeWorld shares how his organization is transforming lives by helping justice-impacted individuals earn their CDL and secure long-term careers in trucking. As an advocate for second-chance hiring , James dives into the barriers former inmates fa...

Can Smarter Tech Fix Trucking's Biggest Challenges? The logistics industry is evolving fast—but outdated systems still slow down carriers and brokers. Could AI-powered TMS technology be the key to streamlining operations and boosting efficiency ? In this episode, Nick Darman, Founder & CEO of Alvys TMS , shares his entrepreneurial journey and how his company is reshaping the future of transportati...

How Does Military Experience Shape a Career in Logistics? Many veterans transition into logistics after serving in the military, but few take it as far as Robert "Pedro" Petersen —from Army Motor Transport Operator (88M) to logistics media influencer . In this episode, Pedro, co-host of The Logistics Lounge Podcast , shares his 19-year journey in logistics, from driving and fleet management to men...

What Does It Take to Build a Successful Career in Freight? From bus dispatching to freight brokerage , Matt Dahl has navigated a unique path in the logistics industry. But how did a background in public transportation lead to a leadership role in freight agent recruiting ? In this episode, Matt, Director of Agent Recruiting at HD Ships and co-host of Two Dogs, One Pod , shares how his diverse expe...

How Do You Go from Trucking to Executive Leadership? The path from behind the wheel to the boardroom isn't easy, but Colby Varley proves it's possible. With 14 years in perishable freight , Colby's journey from driver to Vice President at Advanced Transportation Services, Inc. (ATS) is a story of hard work, strategic growth, and industry leadership . In this episode, Colby shares how early exposur...

What's the Secret to Thriving as an Owner-Operator? Success in trucking isn't just about driving skills —it's about mindset, business acumen, and strategic decision-making . In this episode, Larry Long, co-founder of Blue Ribbon Logistics , shares his extraordinary journey from multi-business entrepreneur to trucking mentor . He explains how mentorship, financial literacy, and business fundamental...

Can High School CDL Programs Solve Trucking's Workforce Crisis? The trucking industry is facing a massive driver shortage , but what if the solution starts in high school ? In this episode, Dave Dein, co-founder of the Next Generation in Trucking Association , shares how he's revolutionizing trucking education by bringing CDL training to high school students . From his own struggles in school to b...

How Do You Go from an Accidental Start to Building a Logistics Company? The freight industry moves fast, and adapting to challenges is key to success. Will Hopkins never planned on a career in logistics—but through mentorship, resilience, and community , he went from learning on the job to co-founding Black Box Logistics . In this episode, Will, co-founder of Black Box Logistics and co-host of Two...

What Are the Key Elements of a Thriving Fleet Operation? Running a successful fleet is about more than just managing trucks —it requires strategic planning, efficiency, and risk management . In this episode, Steven Saltzgiver of RTA: The Fleet Success Company shares his nearly 50-year journey in fleet management , from working as a diesel mechanic to becoming an industry consultant and author . He...

How Can Truckers Protect Themselves from Legal Pitfalls? From catastrophic accident lawsuits to rising insurance costs , the legal side of trucking can be a minefield . But how can owner-operators and fleet owners protect themselves and stay ahead of industry regulations ? In this episode, Matthew Leffler—aka The Armchair Attorney®—breaks down trucking law like never before . With a lifetime in lo...

Can Better Facilities Solve Trucking's Driver Retention Problem? Truckers keep America moving, but outdated and uncomfortable rest stops have long been a challenge. What if drivers had safe, modern, and fully equipped terminals instead? In this episode, Jeff Swenson, founder of Linehaul Station , shares his vision for revolutionizing trucking terminals . With a background in real estate , Jeff rec...

How Do You Build a Successful Recruitment Business in Trucking? Finding the right drivers for the right companies isn't just about hiring—it's about retention, culture, and long-term success . In this episode, Kameel Gaines, CEO of Rig on Wheels , shares her incredible journey from solo entrepreneur to industry leader in driver recruitment and retention . She discusses the challenges of growing a...

What's It Like to Be a Female Truck Driver in a Male-Dominated Industry? Trucking is tough—but breaking barriers as a woman in the industry comes with its own set of challenges. In this episode, Tierra Allen—better known as The Sassy Trucker—shares her inspiring journey from nursing to trucking and how she built a powerful presence on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram . Tierra explains how social med...

How Can Fleet Owners Build a Defensible Risk Program? The trucking industry is high-risk , and staying compliant isn't just about following rules—it's about protecting your business from costly liabilities . In this episode, Rob Carpenter, "The DOT Guy" , shares his journey from driver to fleet owner, broker, and compliance expert . As the founder of Truck Safe Consulting , Rob specializes in help...

Can Offshore Staffing Solve the Logistics Industry's Turnover Problem? High turnover and inefficiency can slow down trucking companies and freight brokerages —but what if offshore staffing could provide stability and scalability? In this episode, Matt Anness, President of Operations at Trio Incorporated , shares how his company helps logistics businesses reduce turnover, streamline operations, and...

How Do You Scale from Truck Driver to Logistics Business Owner? Trucking is more than just moving freight—it's about building a sustainable business, making the right transitions, and understanding the power of networking . In this episode, Dushawn Falls, founder of Greenfalls Logistics , shares his remarkable journey from truck driver to logistics entrepreneur . He discusses the challenges of sca...

What Is Freight Forwarding, and Why Does It Matter? Freight forwarding is one of the most misunderstood parts of logistics —but it plays a critical role in the global supply chain . In this episode, David Stepsky, business development expert at Simple Forwarding , breaks down how freight forwarding works, why it's different from traditional carriers, and what it takes to move goods seamlessly acro...

How Do You Go from Driving a Million Miles to Building a YouTube Channel? Trucking is more than just a career—it's a lifestyle . But what happens when life forces you to shift gears ? In this episode, Gary Thompson , a former truck driver with over a million accident-free miles , shares his inspiring journey from the road to content creation . After being diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer , G...

Episode 7: Dante Doss – A Second Chance at Life on the Open Road How Can Trucking Give You a Second Chance at Life? For many, trucking isn't just a job—it's a path to freedom, financial security, and a fresh start . In this episode, Dante Doss, owner-operator of SCL (Second Chance at Life) Trucking , shares his incredible journey from union work to running his own trucking business . Inspired by h...