The OuterBelt's Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Would you invest $12,000 in equipment that most competitors skip? We dive deep into why Hyfield Trucking equips nearly all our straight trucks with lift gates—a decision that goes against industry norms but creates strategic advantages at Panther and FedEx. This equipment choice opens doors to specialized, higher-paying freight opportunities while earning additional pennies per mi...

Send us Fan Mail The trucking industry just experienced what the Trump administration calls "the greatest and most consequential day of deregulation in US history" with the rollback of EPA 2027 emissions standards. Patrick and the Outer Belt crew unpack this dramatic shift that has sent ripples through the entire transportation sector. For years, trucking companies have been preparing fo...

Send us Fan Mail When dust from New Mexico creates mud rain in Ohio, the Outer Belt crew finds themselves discussing one of nature's strangest phenomena. The hosts share their experiences with mud-coated vehicles and the resulting car wash chaos across the region, providing a fascinating look at how weather patterns thousands of miles away can impact daily life. The conversation takes a serio...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a seemingly simple fabric store closure ripples through the trucking industry? This week on The Outer Belt, Patrick, Vince, Buttermilk, Eric, and Jerry dive into the unexpected domino effect of Joann's Fabrics going out of business. Their closure creates a surprising challenge for truck maintenance – where will companies source the specialized vinyls needed...

Send us Fan Mail Have you heard about New York City's bold attempt to tackle traffic congestion through congestion pricing? In this episode, we unpack the recent decision that has resulted in $49 million generated in just one month but has also brought about political controversy. With over 85% of toll revenue arising from passenger vehicles, the implications of this program stretch well beyo...

Send us Fan Mail Explore the tangled web of tariffs and border security in North America with our spirited team, including Patrick, Chili, Buttermilk, Eric, Zucchini Bread, and Jerry. Get the inside scoop on the 2025 tariffs and the diplomatic dances involving the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Will the 30-day suspension of tariffs be enough to untangle cross-border tensions, or is it just a ticking cl...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets of the trucking industry and discover how to protect yourself from the pitfalls of truck leasing. Our latest episode brings you a deep dive into the FMCSA's Truck Leasing Task Force report, revealing the harsh realities of exploitative lease-purchase programs. Hear from Melissa about her recruitment experiences and the struggles drivers face as they navigat...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a frosty morning turns your routine into a comedy of errors? Picture a frozen truck door, broken handles, and a slippery fall that covers one brave soul in hot beverages. Amidst laughter and chaos, discover how teamwork and perseverance turn a potential disaster into a memorable adventure, proving that a shared chuckle can make even the iciest of situations a bit...

Send us Fan Mail What if you could navigate the complexities of California's evolving air regulations like a pro? Tune in to discover the intricate dance between the California Air Resource Board's ambitious goals and the real-world challenges of phasing out diesel trucks and locomotives. We'll break down CARB's latest move to pause its stringent regulations, analyze the impact...

Send us Fan Mail This episode discusses NYC's new congestion pricing, aiming to reduce traffic congestion in the city while raising funds for public transportation. The team explores its implications for businesses and residents, debating its fairness and long-term effects on urban commuting, especially for low-income populations.  • Overview of NYC's congestion pricing policy  • Impacts...

Send us Fan Mail Ever found yourself wrestling with a frozen truck lock, desperately wishing you had a magic solution? We’ve been there, and in this episode, we share our unorthodox yet effective tricks for surviving the bitter winter chill on the road. From the inefficiency of gloves against icy steering wheels to our wardrobe mishaps that make for a good laugh, we promise to keep your spirits wa...

Send us Fan Mail What if the weather was as unpredictable as a game of dice? Join us as we navigate the wild weather rollercoaster of Columbus, from a surprisingly sunny Sunday at the zoo to a cozy fireplace moment that didn’t quite go as planned. We share our misadventures with weather forecasts, pondering Mother Nature's whimsical patterns and the comedic side of winter in warmer climates a...

Send us Fan Mail Join us on the Outer Belt as we recount a hilarious holiday tale from New Orleans. From the lively ambiance of Bourbon Street to our own family traditions, we explore the delicious and sometimes unconventional ways people celebrate this festive holiday. Listen as Jerry shares his heartwarming trip to Upper Michigan with partner Don, and our spirited card games in Alabama, proving...

Send us Fan Mail Ever missed out on a juicy burger amidst a frenzy of homemade Italian delicacies and fresh ice cream? Join us as we share a hilarious recount of our lively gathering at the OuterBelt Studios in Columbus, Ohio, where friends and family came together for a feast filled with laughter and unexpected surprises. From spicy sausage mix-ups to the entertaining Hyfield Feud game, we celebr...

Send us Fan Mail Picture this: you're scrambling to organize a retreat for the entire Hyfield family staff and the chaos is hilariously blamed on Kelly! Join us as we recount the quirks and camaraderie of our 2024 Mentor Retreat, a gathering filled with laughter and unforgettable moments. Relive the unexpected highlight from last night's Día de Muertos celebration, featuring Don's m...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when the original crew of Patrick, Chilly, Buttermilk, Eric, and Jerry come together for a night filled with laughter and reminiscing? Imagine Buttermilk and Chilly brimming with excitement about meeting their new grandson in Oregon, even as he faces the bittersweet nature of farewells. Join us for a series of amusing and tense travel tales, including a particularly u...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a bunch of coffee enthusiasts come together? Chaos, laughter, and a lot of caffeine talk, that's what! We kick things off with our lively crew—Patrick, Chilly, Buttermilk, Eric H, Eric B, Jerry, and Kayla—sharing their quirky coffee escapades of the week. From Patrick's not-so-sweet affair with Tim Hortons to the surprising discovery of espresso-less mo...

Send us Fan Mail Coffee expectations clash and name pronunciations take center stage in this fun episode of the Outer Belt. Our special guests, Eric and Kayla Bendner, add a dash of Swedish-German flavor to the conversation, as we share laughs about holiday traditions and the peculiar phenomenon of Spirit Halloween stores popping up in vacant spaces. With the holiday spirit in the air, we explore...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when you mix fleet management, the perfect cup of coffee, and the roar of a motorcycle engine? Join us as we share a whirlwind of stories and insights from our latest journey. We kick things off with a spirited debate about global tastes in diet sodas before diving into the nitty-gritty of our new truck maintenance software. Despite our initial sticker shock, we negot...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered why some TV shows lose their magic over time? This week, Kelly and her husband Jimmy join us once more on the Outer Belt Podcast to shed light on their vital roles in FedEx Custom Critical and our maintenance team. Prepare for a hearty laugh as we recount a bizarre wake-up call involving a bitten tongue and dive into a spirited debate on whether you "ride"...

Send us Fan Mail What's the secret to thriving in extreme weather? Join us as we chat about everything from unpredictable temperature swings to the impact of drought on local agriculture, complete with a nostalgic spin on our favorite rain songs and the magic of campfires. We also dive into the tech world with our resident Apple aficionado Jerry, who shares his enthusiasm for the latest iPhon...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a motorcycle trip, a minor surgery, and a gourmet meal all intersect over a single weekend? Join us as Melissa Buttermilk recounts her picturesque motorcycle ride to Harlem, Ohio, navigating crosswinds with Vince, while Eric shares his daily battles with the high desert winds in California. Patrick reflects on his challenging recovery from surgery over Labor Day,...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how record-breaking heat and "corn sweating" are reshaping the Midwest’s climate? We kick off our return to the Outer Belt with an exploration of this quirky but impactful phenomenon, debunking myths along the way (hint: it has nothing to do with enjoying corn on the cob). Amidst the humor, we share personal tales of lawn care drama involving a busted sprin...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how a simple ninth-grade science class could turn into a hilarious journey of childhood memories and teenage mischief? Join us as we kick off our episode with a light-hearted recount of such an exercise, testing students' attention to instructions and setting the stage for our whimsical recap of the Highfield Summer Jam Session. We reminisce about re-watching &q...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered what it's like to explore the British Isles by cruise? You won't want to miss our playful and insightful recap of our summer adventure through England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. From the quirks of British expressions to the comfort of pink gin, we share the joy of discovering British culture. Listen as we recount how my dad and sister surprised us with...