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It’s no secret why Indiana is called “The Crossroads of the World,” and today’s episode celebrates not only the state’s role in the transportation industry but also the latest initiatives that could affect your routes, your loads, and put you on the fast lane to growth opportunities.
Vincent Ash is the Chief of Staff at the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). In this episode, he talks with Zac and Chelsea about how their team navigates the roadways of innovation and infrastructure to bring better movement in the transportation industry. He sheds light on three hot topics: The Future of Mobility Campaign revving Indiana's tech and transport scene, the strategic partnerships fueling advancements in AI and hydrogen engines, and the infrastructure upgrades paving the way for smoother rides. Vincent spotlights how these initiatives can open new horizons for truckers and blue-collar heroes like you. Get ready to be part of Indiana's bold journey under the banner "Indiana for the bold," and find out how to secure your spot in the driver's seat of progress.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
About Indiana's booming business opportunities, including their $28.7B in investments in 2023 to drive the economy forward, enabling the state to be number one for manufacturing jobs, number one for manufacturing output, and the number one state to start a business.
How the Future of Mobility program is pouring resources into a focus on innovative infrastructure, AI testing, and autonomous vehicles, and how these cutting-edge projects ensure your skills stay relevant.
About Indiana's efficient highway system and its competitive advantage in logistics owing to its location.
Resources:
Connect with Vincent Ash on LinkedIn
Check out the IEDC
More info on the Future of Mobility Program
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It’s time to dispel myths and spread the word about the often unseen contributions of women in trucking.
And Jennifer Hedrick, President and CEO of Women in Trucking Association, is doing just that.
In this episode, Zac and Chelsea talk with Jennifer about the incredible strides Women in Trucking has made in the industry since 2007, now boasting over 8,000 members. They’ll dive into their remarkable events, like the CDL holders' celebration, and the prestigious Driver of the Year award sponsored by Walmart, and also discuss the WIT Index, the educational initiatives such as the Whitney trailer program aimed at attracting talent and the ways Women in Trucking is pushing for greater policy support.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
About the association's award programs, such as 'Driver of the Year,' and how individuals can nominate women in trucking for various awards through their website.
The initiatives and programs Women in Trucking is developing, like the Wit Index, which measures women's roles and their percentage within the profession, and DEI initiatives.
How to attract and retain talent in the trucking industry.
Resources:
Connect with Jennifer through LinkedIn
Check out Women in Trucking
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No one generally talks about the paperwork and details you need to manage as a trucker, and sometimes that can be burdensome and not efficient. Jeff Davison, CEO & Founder of Freight Mate has taken this pain point and created a solution - with you in mind.
In this episode, Zac and Chelsea talk with Jeff about his innovative app, a freight management solution that harnesses the power of AI to streamline and enhance daily operations for owner operators and fleet managers.. A seasoned veteran with over a decade of experience in the trucking industry, Jeff unpacks crucial topics like how Freight Mate's new invoicing feature is accelerating cash flow for drivers, the importance of transparency and efficiency in payroll, and the exciting future of AI in aiding decisions about loads, fuel costs, and those dreaded layovers.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How Freight Mate slashes invoice processing from a week down to minutes, immediately boosting cash flow for diligent drivers.
How Freight Mate route planning and live navigation guidance prioritize driver safety and ensure a smooth sail across the miles.
About Freight Mate's relentless pursuit of sorting out the payroll puzzle, securing spot-on settlements for the hardworking folks behind the wheel.
Resources:
Connect with Jeff through LinkedIn
Check out Freight Mate - https://www.freightmateapp.com/
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2023 was a heck of a year for truckers.
In this episode of Drive, hosts Zac and Chelsea with HandledNow break down some of the hottest topics of the year for truckers – Women in Trucking, safety & new technologies, the job market, and even driver pay reform. They also take an opportunity to look ahead at what’s in store for 2024 – in short, change is happening and necessary, and we’re here for it.
Make sure to listen in to some of the past episodes mentioned:
Kristy Knichel at Knichel Logistics
Devon Stormont with Weather Route
Keith Whann at TruckSuite
Dean Croke at DAT iQ
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New technology is emerging in the trucking industry every day. When you are an Owner Operator, it might not always be accessible.
Enter TruckSuite, a “technology-based” innovative and comprehensive Owner Operator Support program specifically designed to offer the Owner Operator truck ownership benefits typically only available to large fleets.
In today’s episode, HandledNow’s Chelsea Faulkner speaks to Keith Whann, direct from the Women in Trucking conference, about the launch of the TruckSuite app and its innovative features. They discuss their flagship vehicle service contract, the app's user-friendly sections for truck management, trucker health support, business resources, and its commitment to providing valuable, vetted resources for truck drivers. They also discuss the company’s mission to level the playing field for all individuals in the trucking industry and the importance of breaking down barriers for all trucking professionals.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How Trucksuite, a new app, is changing the game for truckers by bringing essential tools to their fingertips, improving efficiency, safety, and overall experience on the road.
Trucksuite caters to the truck's diagnostics and prioritizes the health and well-being of the drivers, offering early detection technology, health insurance programs, and support for a healthier lifestyle.
How Trucksuite aims to break barriers and level the playing field, empowering individual operators and small fleets to compete on an equal footing by providing access to technology, services, and opportunities previously out of reach.
Resources:
Connect with Keith - Keith Whann’s LinkedIn
Check out the TruckSuite App - https://trucksuite.com/
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Feelings of missing life at home are what brought couple Melissa Cheshire and Vincent Louque on the road together. Not only are they a trucking couple, but they are also vloggers with a successful YouTube channel where they document their journey together on the road and share some of their tips on expedited driving.
In this episode, we talk to Melissa and Vincent about connecting with the trucking community and their YouTube followers, how they stay connected to their family at home, and how to lean into creativity while on a haul. -
Running a Logistics company comes with many responsibilities, especially with a family-owned business.
And the key things that make a successful logistics company are open communication, servant leadership, empathy, and creating an inclusive environment.
Kristy Knichel, President and Owner of Knichel Logistics, is a powerhouse of a woman whose focus is on expanding Knichel Logistics' footprint and providing her team members with the opportunity for growth and self-improvement.
In this episode, Kristy discusses women in leadership within the logistics industry, the value of transparency and communication in your company, intermodal transportation, and the best practices that she uses at Knichel Logistics.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
[08:30] The unique challenges and advantages of working in a family-owned logistics business.
[17:33] The concept of servant leadership, open communication, and the importance of creating a supportive work culture.
[23:55] An in-depth understanding of intermodal transportation.
Connect with the Kristy and Knichel Logistics:
Kristy’s Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristyknichel/
Knichel Logistics’ website - https://www.knichellogistics.com/
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Sharae Moore, Founder and President of the SHE Trucking Foundation, has made it her mission in life to lift up and empower women and minorities in underserved communities to establish and maintain successful careers in the trucking and transportation industry.
In this episode, Sharae touches on numerous topics, from her Facebook community of over 30,000 professional women, the SHE Trucking T-shirt line, to the various roles women are venturing into within the industry. We discuss her plans to capture stories from women truck drivers in foreign lands like Ghana, the challenges women face in the industry worldwide, and more.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
[08:52] The need for zero-tolerance policies for sexual harassment and the significance of providing maternity benefits in trucking companies.
[10:25] The importance of documentation in the trucking industry.
[24:16] Sharae’s planned trip to Ghana to meet with women drivers, understand their experiences and challenges and provide a truckload of rice to feed the local community.
Connect with the Sharae and SHE Trucking:
Sharae’s Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharae-moore-she-trucking/
SHE Trucking website - https://www.shetrucking.com/
SHE Trucking Facebook - @SHETruckingFoundation
SHE Trucking Instagram - @SHETrucking
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As the logistics industry is growing rapidly, it’s essential to innovate constantly.
And the key to keeping up with the fast-paced landscape is to utilize data.
Dean Croke is the Principal Analyst for DAT iQ, the freight data and analytics operation at DAT. He brings 35 years of experience in data science, supply chain management, logistics, risk management, and human performance. In this episode, Dean discusses integrating data and technology into logistics, how to create more efficiency and profitability, trucker safety, and more.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
[12:35] The importance of implementing technology to monitor and optimize driver sleep patterns.
[22:22] Using staffing and scheduling to improve driver well-being and efficiency.
[30:10] The need for a cultural shift within the industry to create an open environment where drivers can openly discuss issues without fear of repercussions.
Connect with the Guest:
Dean Croke’s LinkedIn
DAT Freight & Analytics
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Who said trucking can only be for men?
Nobody at all.
And Kodi Wilson is breaking that stereotype.
Kodazia, AKA Kodi, is a 23 year old female trucker who was inspired by her father to get into trucking following the tragic loss of her brother. She is also an influencer and documents her truck driving experiences on TikTok and YouTube. In this episode, Kodi shares her personal story as a female trucker, overcoming stereotypes, and her valuable advice for newcomers in the industry.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
[04:07] Kodi’s advice for females wanting to join the trucking industry.
[13:28] How trucking led Kodi to begin social media.
[19:24] Being aware on the road as a female trucker.
Connect with the Guest:
Kodi Wilson’s TikTok
Kodi Wilson’s YouTube
Kodi Wilson’s Email: [email protected]
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Lara Heimann, physical therapist, yoga teacher, and wellness coach, shares how to work movement into your day to reduce aches, pains, and fatigue. Even when you’re limited on space or time (AKA behind the wheel), Laura has tips on how you can still incorporate movement into your life.
"You don't have to step out of the truck and do 20 minutes of movement. You can do a few things that help to soften that neural tension that makes your body feel really tight."
Lara is the creator of the LYT Yoga method, which is a form of yoga that is purpose-built for every level of movement. In this episode, you’ll learn:
[4:00] The importance of movement for overall health and well-being
[9:30] How the brain is involved in movement
[22:00] The benefits of yoga for improving movement habits
Resources: LYT yoga: https://lytyoga.com/
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Driving a truck through bad weather can be challenging and dangerous.
And Devan Stormont saw a need to be met in this area of the trucking world.
Devan is the Co-Founder and CEO of Weather Route, and his passion for logistics and his own personal experience led him to create software to help truckers navigate through poor weather conditions. In this episode, Devan shares with Zac and Chelsea the unique features of the app they developed, Highway Weather, that cater specifically to truck drivers, including tailored weather information depending on your vehicle type and highlighting higher wind gusts for safer driving. He also dives into the dynamic between him and his co-founder, Alex, giving us insights into their backgrounds, how they came together for this venture, and why their partnership has been instrumental in the success of Weather Route.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
[04:09] How to solve everyday problems on the road.
[11:18] The dangers of driving in unpredictable weather.
[17:28] Tips on how to get the most out of the app.
Connect with the Guest:
Devan Stormont’s LinkedIn
Alex Kizis’ LinkedIn
www.weatherroute.io
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Logistics companies need to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to engagement and instead focus on building one-on-one relationships with each employee.
But what does this look like? What are the steps for doing so?
Matthew Zarzycki, Chief Operating Officer at Amplify Logistics, has a deep passion for logistics and transportation. In this episode of Drive by HandledNow, Matthew dives into various topics such as the importance of individualized employee engagement strategies, the use of technology in the logistics industry, the potential of AI, and challenges between different generations and the need for compromise and understanding.
Listen in to hear Matthew, Zac, and Chelsea discuss:
[07:13] The importance of cultivating a culture of inclusion and humility in the workplace
[12:45] The potential of AI and machine learning in improving driver and dispatcher connectivity
[24:55] The challenges and benefits of utilizing technology trends in the logistics industry
Resources
Amplify Logistics website
Connect with Matthew on LinkedIn
Connect with Amplify Logistics on LinkedIn
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With turnover rates increasing and driver shortages looming over our industry, retaining talent has never been more important than it is now.
Justin Walters, Professional Services Lead for Tenstreet, has had a longstanding passion for recruitment in the transportation industry. In the first episode of season four, Justin emphasizes the importance of creating more personal relationships with your employees, and shares the many ways in which Tenstreet’s technology is impacting the transportation industry, bridging the gap between companies, drivers, and customers.
Listen in to hear Justin, Zac, and Chelsea discuss:
[6:35] How engaging with your drivers can increase retention and performance
[16:14] How recruitment is adapting to new changes in company culture
[21:43] Tenstreet’s technology, tools, and apps for drivers
Resources:
Tenstreet website
Connect with Justin on LinkedIn
Connect with Tenstreet on LinkedIn
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Welcome to Season 4 of Drive by HandledNow. This season we are happy to introduce a new hosting voice to the podcast, Chelsea Faulkner. Chelsea joins veteran host, Zac Elsts to interview drivers, business owners, logistics experts and more to bring you valuable insights to both experienced professionals and newcomers in the industry.
This season will cover the crucial role that truck drivers play in keeping US supply chains running smoothly, the importance of connection and community for drivers, and continued insights into career advancement within the industry. And as always, we help you make the most out of life on the road.
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To end off this season of Drive, Host Zac Elsts joins the Troll Co. guys, Justin Lazerte and Jason Tremblay, to go in-depth about pursuing your career goals and dreams.
In this episode, the guys talk about promoting skilled labor jobs and trades on social media, as well as the importance of camaraderie and relaxation after a hard day's work. Tune in to discover how Troll Co. Clothing is supporting blue-collar workers, promoting trade jobs for the next generation, and their organization partnerships with Fisher House, Boot campaign, and Valor Place, donating over $300,000 to support military families.
Tune in to learn:
[00:58] The importance of following through on your career goals while realizing it sometimes takes a while to actually pursue something you've been thinking about, but it's worth it!
[07:35] Take the time to celebrate the “tools down” moments where you can connect with others and build stronger relationships.
[20:50] Supporting charitable organizations and programs can make a significant impact on people's lives.
Resources
Connect with Justin on LinkedIn
Connect with Jason on LinkedIn
Troll Co. Clothing
Five Nine Whiskey
Follow Troll Co. Clothing on Instagram
Follow Troll Co. Clothing on TikTok -
Every year, truckers gather in Philadelphia, Delaware, and the Susquehanna Valley for one reason - to make an impact in someone’s life.
The Make-A-Wish Mother’s Day Truck Convoy is an event that raises money and shows compassion and support for sick children and their families.
Joining us once again on Drive is Terry Finch. As Co-chair of the Convoy Committee, Terry works diligently to ensure the event exceeds its fundraising goals each year, ultimately impacting the lives of hundreds of children and their families.
This week on the show, Terry and Zac discuss:
[2:18] The story behind the Make-A-Wish Mother’s Day Truck Convoy
[11:00] Honoring the families of Wish Kids
[17:07] Where to donate and how you can participate in the convoy
Resources
Make-A-Wish Mother’s Day Truck Convoy Make-A-Wish Foundation Link to Register Link to Donate -
Max Farrell, a former tech worker, went on a cross-country mission to discover the root cause of driver turnover in the trucking industry. What he found was that drivers don't feel respected and their voices weren't being heard. His journey led him on a wild ride with a turntable trucker and to a shocking discovery that changed the course of the industry forever. Now, Max is on a mission to revolutionize the way people work through WorkHound, a company that helps covenant logistics improve retention from frontline employees.
In this episode, Max discusses the significance of real-time employee feedback in devising successful retention strategies, the hidden costs of high turnover rates within the trucking industry and how to address them, the importance of creating a communication loop to empower frontline workers, and more.
Tune in to learn about:
[13:09] The importance of purpose in the workplace
[17:32] The impact of small things in the workplace
[24:50] WorkHound's impact on driver psychology
Resources:
WorkHound’s website WorkHound’s Blog Connect with WorkHound on LinkedIn Connect with Max on LinkedIn WorkHound’s Youtube Channel -
Even with so much uncertainty in our current economy, there's still a consistent appetite for mergers and acquisitions in our field.
Spencer Tenney has dedicated his career to helping business owners succeed in the rapidly evolving world of trucking. He’s the President and CEO of the Tenney Group, a firm that specializes in M&A in the transportation industry. His hands-on experience and deep understanding of the field have made him a trusted advisor to transportation professionals in their pursuit of success.
Tune in to learn about:
[8:38] How to vet the companies that you’re interested in working for
[15:08] The current trends in the trucking industry and where things are headed
[21:07] Mergers and Acquisitions in today’s economic climate
Resources
The Tenney Group website
Connect with Spencer on LinkedIn
Connect with Tenney Group on LinkedIn
In the Hot Seat | The Business of Transportation
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In this replay episode...
Driving all day brings about a unique challenge for the body: your mind must stay alert and focused, working overtime for long stretches of the day while the body is mostly inactive, leaving it craving movement and stretching everybody needs to thrive.
On this episode of Drive, Zach Elsts sits down with Erica Ballard, healthy living expert and coach, to talk about this unique challenge and her best tips for drivers to live healthy while behind the wheel. Erica breaks down some misconceptions about healthy living while on the road and offers tangible tips and tricks for drivers to start implementing on their next drive.
- Visa fler
