This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett sits down with young dispatchers Kyle Williams and Alden Hazelwood to talk about their paths to Oakley Trucking, starting in the shop, and how that hands-on experience now shapes the way they dispatch. They discuss key topics like the 2290 heavy road use tax reminder, the dangers of road rage and speeding, and why communication between drivers, dispatch, and customers is critical. Kyle and Alden explain their day-to-day responsibilities, how they plan loads, manage problems like breakdowns, and track settlements to ensure owner-operators get good miles and pay. They also highlight the importance of relationships, understanding geography and different dry bulk divisions (hoppers, pneumatics, end dumps), and seeing things from both the customer and driver perspective. The main takeaway for listeners is that successful trucking at Oakley depends on safety, clear communication, mutual trust, and a shared commitment between dispatch and owner-operators to pull in the same direction.
Key topics in today’s conversation include:
- Reminder About 2290 Heavy Road Use Tax Deadline (1:10)
- Discussion on Road Rage, Speeding, and Driver Professionalism (2:17)
- How Alden Found Oakley and His Previous Fiber Optic Job (7:27)
- How Kyle Pivoted From Physical Therapy to Dispatch at Oakley (8:51)
- How Shop Experience Helps Them Now in Dispatch (12:14)
- Learning Geography and Load Planning Challenges (14:03)
- Daily Responsibilities and Morning Problems in Dispatch (16:49)
- Importance of Communication vs Confrontation With Drivers (19:42)
- Bringing Drivers in for Face to Face Meetings About Issues (22:17)
- Young Dispatchers Working With Veteran Owner-Operators (24:05)
- Learning Drivers’ Hobbies and Building Relationships (27:36)
- Differences Between Pneumatics, Hoppers, and End Dumps (28:39)
- What Dispatchers Want From Drivers to Make Jobs Easier (31:12)
- How Dispatchers Protect Driver Earnings and Check Settlements (32:37)
- Reviewing Miles, Deductions, and Detention on Settlements (34:09)
- Final Thoughts and Takeaways (35:11)
Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com.