215: Out of Many, One Marlon: The Journey from Jamaica to Oakley

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett welcomes Marlon Lindo, one of our Owner/Operators at Oakley Trucking. During the episode, Marlon shares his journey from Jamaica to the trucking industry, highlighting his new 2025 Peterbilt 567 truck inspired by the Jamaican flag. Marlon discusses his transition from operating under his own authority to joining Oakley, the challenges he faces on the road, and his family life. Jeremy and Marlon also talk about the supportive community at Oakley, the importance of understanding the trucking profession, and so much more. 

213: ‘Slow Motion’ Talks Road Life to Orientation Coordinator: Sitting Down with Randolph Rochell

This week on the Oakley Podcast, hosts Jeremy Kellett and Megan Cummings welcome Randolph Rochell, the Orientation Coordinator here at Oakley Trucking. During the episode, Randolph shares his journey from truck driver to an office role, emphasizing the importance of relationships and integrity. He reflects on his early days in trucking, the camaraderie within the industry, and the challenges of his current role. Randolph highlights the need for a people-oriented successor with strong moral values. The episode underscores the significance of community, support, and personal growth within Oakley Trucking, and so much more. 

212: Keeping the Wheels Turning: Essential Safety Tips for Truck Drivers to Avoid Violations

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellet chats with Jeremy Paul and Dustin Barnett, Safety Managers at Oakley Trucking. During the episode, JP and Dustin discuss the importance of safety and compliance in the trucking industry. They delve into the Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program, common violations like speeding and tire issues, and the significance of vehicle maintenance and pre-trip inspections. The episode emphasizes the collective responsibility of drivers and the company in maintaining safety standards, the impact of CSA scores on business, proactive measures to ensure compliance and avoid violations, and so much more. Learn how safe driving puts money in your pocket at Oakley in this episode! 

211: Visualizing Success: Luigi’s Journey from Colombia to Finding the Heart of Trucking

This week on the Oakley Podcast, hosts Jeremy Kellett and Megan Cummings welcome Luigi Llanos, one of our owner/operators at Oakley Trucking. During the episode, Luigi shares his compelling journey from a violence-ridden upbringing in Colombia to building a successful trucking career in the United States. The episode delves into Luigi’s life experiences, including his family dynamics, career challenges, and personal growth. Luigi discusses his transition into the trucking industry, the importance of community support, and his aspirations for the future. The conversation highlights resilience, determination, and the significance of family and community in the trucking world. It’s an episode you won’t want to miss! 

210: What’s It Like to Be Married to a Truck Driver?

This week on the Oakley Podcast, guest host Megan Cummings chats with Ashley Jones & Jamie Hutchins, wives of some of our owner/operators at Oakley Trucking. During the episode, Ashley & Jamie discuss what it is like being married to a truck driver. They discuss the unique challenges and rewards, including the loneliness and long hours on the road. The conversation highlights the importance of communication, trust, and having hobbies to maintain a balanced life whether your spouse is home or on the road. The episode also underscores the financial stability provided by Oakley Trucking, the essential role truck drivers play in the country’s infrastructure, insights into the resilience required in these relationships, and more. 

209: Understanding the Significance of Inland Waterways in Moving Freight

This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett and Megan Cummings welcome Fred Taylor, Project Coordinator at Bruce Oakley Inc. During the episode, Fred delves into the critical role of inland waterways in the transportation industry, especially for agriculture. He discusses the challenges and necessary improvements for the waterway system, emphasizing the importance of active industry involvement and partnerships with organizations like the US Army Corps and the US Coast Guard. Fred also shares his personal background, family life, his role at Oakley Trucking, mentoring young managers, the promising future of Oakley Trucking, and more. 

208: Truck Stolen and the Road Back to Oakley Trucking with Aaron Magray

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Aaron Magray, one of our Owner/Operators at Oakley Trucking. During the episode, Aaron shares his journey of leaving Oakley Trucking to haul heavy equipment, only to return after facing financial challenges. He discusses the difficulties of getting loads, high expenses, and the realization that the new venture was not profitable. Aaron also recounts the emotional and practical aftermath of having his truck stolen, offering advice to fellow truckers. Jeremy and Aaron have a candid conversation about his experiences, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making in the trucking industry and so much more. Don’t miss this episode!

207: Bagging, Robots, and Melt Man: The Adventures of Fertilizer Packaging at Oakley

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Dustin Wilcox and Mike Tribley. Dustin is the manager of the Beebe location for Oakley while Mike manages the Foristell operation. During the episode, the group discusses Oakley’s bagging facilities in Beebe and Foristell while also looking into the history and operations of these facilities. These operations handle products like livestock feed, fertilizers, and ice melt. The conversation also highlights the evolution of these facilities, including the introduction of automation to improve efficiency. The group also discusses the importance of transportation logistics, the benefits of Oakley’s acquisition of TNN and expansion, and more. 

206: How Can Experienced Owner-Operators Mentor and Support New Drivers in the Trucking Industry?

This week on the Oakley Podcast, hosts Jeremy Kellett and Megan Cummings welcome back Joe McCullough, one of our Owner/Operators at Oakley Trucking. During the episode, Joe shares his background in construction, his transition to trucking, and his three-year experience with Oakley. The conversation also explores the importance of mentoring younger drivers, the evolving trucking industry, the challenges and responsibilities of being an owner-operator, the value of community support, and more. 

205: The Journey in Building Bruce Oakley and Oakley Trucking with Dennis Oakley and Benny Weatherford

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellets chats with Dennis Oakley and Benny Weatherford in a trip down memory lane. Dennis is the President of Bruce Oakley Inc. while Benny is the Vice President of Oakley Trucking Inc. During the episode, Dennis and Benny discuss the evolution of the trucking business from its humble beginnings to its current success. They share personal stories, challenges, and milestones, including the expansion of the truck fleet and the diversification of hauling services. The episode also touches on their personal interests, such as rodeo and flying, and emphasizes the importance of hard work and smart hiring in the company’s growth. The conversation concludes with a nod to the legacy they’re building, the significance of passing the torch to the next generation, and more. 

204: Moving Up to the Big Leagues: Damoni’s Journey to Oakley Trucking

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Megan Cummings welcomes Damoni Gunter an Owner/Operator here at Oakley Trucking. During the episode, Damoni shares his journey and insights in the trucking industry. He discusses his transition to Oakley Trucking, the challenges and rewards of his role, and his aspirations for his future career. The group also talks about the commitment needed to succeed in trucking, the supportive environment at Oakley, finding satisfaction with your career, the importance of trucking in the fabric of the country, and more. 

203: Goodbyes Are Never Easy with Tony Hollingsworth

This week on the Oakley Podcast, guest host Megan Cummings chats with Tony Hollingsworth, one of our Owner/Operators at Oakley Trucking. During the episode, Tony is joined by Dustin Eagle as they talk about Tony’s departure from the company due to health reasons. Tony reflects on his transition from company driver to owner-operator, the challenges he faced, and the continuing support from Oakley. The conversation also explores the importance of a driver’s relationship with dispatchers, switching from hauling hoppers to tankers, and the family-like culture at Oakley, and more. 

202: Earning Big in the Great White North: Chuck Adams Shares His Canadian Trucking Journeys

This week on the Oakley Podcast, guest host Megan Cummings chats with Chuck Adams, one of our Owner/Operators at Oakley Trucking. During the episode, Chuck shares his experiences of transporting loads to Canada. He highlights the simplicity of border crossings, the necessity of an international phone plan, and the convenience of parking at customer sites. Chuck also appreciates the financial rewards and the beauty of the Thousand Islands region while also discussing the misconceptions and advantages of Canadian routes. Don’t miss this peek into transporting loads into Canada! 

201: What Happens When the Wheels Stop Turning: The Realities of Trucking Life and Loss with Robert Palm of Trucker’s Final Mile

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett welcomes Robert Palm, the Founder of Trucker’s Final Mile, an organization dedicated to helping truck drivers and their families in times of crisis. Robert shares his personal motivations for founding the non-profit, which include his own experiences of loss within the trucking industry. The organization assists with bringing deceased drivers home, aiding injured drivers, and supporting families during medical emergencies or crises. Despite operating solely on donations and facing financial limitations, Trucker’s Final Mile strives to alleviate the burdens faced by truckers’ families during tragedies. The episode emphasizes the importance of preparedness, financial planning, and having difficult conversations about life insurance and documentation to ensure families are cared for after a driver’s passing. The call to action encourages listeners to support the organization’s mission through donations. Don’t miss this episode. 

200: From Military Service to Owner-Operator: Ben Huminski’s Journey of Trucking, Family, and Financial Discipline

This week on the Oakley Podcast, hosts Jeremy Kellett and Megan Cummings chat with Ben Huminski, an Owner/Operator here at Oakley Trucking. During the episode, Ben recounts his transition from military service to trucking, emphasizing the role of his family’s support, particularly his wife’s, and the influence of his sister, who is also in the industry. He discusses the challenges of being an owner-operator, the necessity of financial discipline, and the mentorship he received in his journey. The group delves into the intricacies of trucking life, financial management, balancing work and family dynamics, the importance of the relationship with dispatchers, and more. 

199: Trucking with a Higher Purpose: John Noel’s Mission to Spread Good News

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, hosts Jeremy Kellett and Megan Cummings are joined by John Noel of Good News Distribution. John shares his near 50-year trucking journey and his mission in distributing Christian materials to truckers. He discusses the significance of faith on the road and his commitment to helping others join his distribution efforts. The conversation also covers the role of various ministries in supporting truckers, ways truckers can get help or get involved, and more. 

198: From Company Driver to Owner-Operator: Jason Cooper’s Story of Growth and Success at Oakley

This week on the Oakley Podcast, hosts Jeremy Kellett and Megan Cummings welcome Jason Cooper, one of our Owner/Operators at Oakley. During the episode, Jason shares his journey from becoming a company driver to his current role at Oakley. He discusses the significance of truckers in the supply chain, the stability of work at Oakley, and the pride of owning a truck. The episode delves into the support Oakley provides to its owner-operators, the camaraderie among drivers, and Jason’s personal experiences, including work-life balance and his relationship with his dispatcher, why Jason has recruited friends to join Oakley, and more. 

197: The TalkCDL Podcast: Keeping Truckers Informed and Entertained with Troy Austin

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Troy Austin, podcast host of TalkCDL the Trucking Podcast. During this conversation, Jeremy and Troy delve into the critical role of CB radios for truck drivers, discussing their life-saving potential by alerting drivers to road conditions. They also explore the content creation process for their podcasts, emphasizing the importance of engaging and relevant material for their listeners, the necessity of CB radios at Oakley Trucking for communication, personal stories of the impact of CB radios in the industry, and more. 

196: How Gulf Coast Filters Can Save You Up to 75% on Oil Changes with Steven Barras

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Steven Barras, President of Gulf Coast Filters. In this episode, Steve talks about the advantages of their oil filters for truck owners. He explains how Gulf Coast Filters can save up to 75% on oil changes and significantly reduce environmental impact by keeping oil clean and extending engine life. Jeremy and Steve discuss the history of the company, the technical aspects of the filters, and real-life success stories. The episode emphasizes cost savings, environmental benefits, improved engine performance for those in the trucking industry, and more. 

195: How Did Iowa 80 Become the Ultimate Truck Stop Destination?

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Heather DeBaillie and Lee Meier of the famous Iowa 80 Truck Stop, the world’s largest truck shop, having been in existence for almost 60 years. In this episode, Heather and Lee discuss Iowa 80’s history since its 1964 inception by Bill Moon and highlight the annual Walcott Truckers Jamboree, which celebrates truckers with events like cookouts and contests. Lee, Bill Moon’s granddaughter, shares her experiences and the features of the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum while the group also talks about Iowa 80’s dedication to the trucking community, its role in preserving trucking heritage, and more. 

194: Unleashing Efficiency: Transforming Truck Engines and MPG with Pittsburgh Power

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, hosts Jeremy Kellett and Megan Cummings are at the Mid America Truck Show (MATS) and joined by Bruce Mallinson, Owner of Pittsburgh Power. Bruce shares insights on enhancing truck engine performance with products like Flash Point and Max Mileage fuel catalyst. The episode focuses on the importance of truck maintenance for owner-operators’ livelihoods, the role of turbochargers, optimizing fuel efficiency through proper gear ratios, understanding turbo boost, practical advice to improve truck performance and fuel mileage, and more.

193: Exploring the History, Products, and Values of Howes Products in the Trucking Industry

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, hosts Jeremy Kellett and Megan Cummings come to you LIVE from the Mid-America Truck Show (MATS). This episode, we welcome Rick Guida, Brand Manager at Howes Products to discuss the company’s history, its commitment to quality, and its future, including the prospect of a sixth generation taking over. Rich emphasizes the importance of product safety and efficacy over being first to market, exemplified by their seven-year development of the Lifeline product. The company sells through distribution, with independent operators as a significant part of its customer base. At the truck show, Howes Products focused on educating visitors and providing samples, confident in their products’ performance, such as guaranteeing a 5% fuel increase with their Diesel Defender. The episode also touches on the Howes Hall of Fame, the shared values of family and tradition in small businesses, and more. Learn more at howesproducts.com.

192: Arrow Truck Sales: Expanding Horizons and Commitment to Customer Satisfaction

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Brock Gavin and Scott Taylor from Arrow Truck Sales. Brock is the President of Arrow and Scott is the Vice President of Operations. During the episode, Jeremy talks with Brock and Scott about Arrow’s evolution as a company, market insights, and the impact of technology on truck maintenance. They also announce Arrow’s expansion with a new location in North Little Rock, Arkansas, and the benefit it will be not only to Oakley but to the Arrow Truck Sales business. Don’t miss this episode with Arrow Truck Sales. 

191: The Ultimate Guide to Making the Most of the Mid-America Truck Show (MATS)

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Kent Childers, one of the recruiters at Oakley, and Josh Scales, an Owner/Operator at Oakley. During the episode, the group gears up for the Mid-America Truck Show (MATS) in Louisville, discussing their booth setup and company promotion strategies. They stress the importance of personal connections in the industry. The team covers the practicalities of attending, such as parking and registration, and the benefits of networking and learning at the event,  the significance of social media promotion, tips for a successful truck show experience, and more.

190: Hauling with Love: How Mike and Maleah Husinga Keep Trucking and Marriage on the Right Track

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Mike and Maleah Huisinga on the show. Mike is an owner-operator at Oakley and his wife Maleah is on the road with her husband in trucking. During this episode, Mike and Maleah share their story of becoming owner-operators. They discuss the challenges and rewards of working together on the road, their family life, and their move to Oakley Trucking. Maleah’s role in supporting Mike’s trucking business is also highlighted, alongside the importance of reliable trucks and the support systems provided by Oakley Trucking. The episode offers insights into the personal and professional lives of a couple navigating the trucking industry. You won’t want to miss it! 

189: Navigating the Highways: A Deep Dive into PrePass Technology

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett welcomes Hal Dowland, Division Sales Director at PrePass. During the episode, Hal discusses the advantages of PrePass for truckers, focusing on toll management and safety compliance. He also explains how PrePass transponders offer way station bypasses and better toll rates, PrePass’s customer service, its role in driver recruitment and retention, the nonprofit PrePass Safety Alliance, and how PrePass supports the drivers and the trucking industry. Don’t drive on by this episode but stop in and take a listen.

188: Breaking the Silence: Helping Drivers Navigate the Road to Mental Wellness with Dr. Andreya Reed

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Dr. Andreya Reed, a Psychiatrist at R&H Wellness. During the episode, Jeremy and Andreya delve into mental health challenges faced by truck drivers. They discuss the effects of isolation, the stigma of seeking help, and the connection between mental and physical health. Dr. Reed shares insights from her psychiatric practice and personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of movement and addressing mental health issues. The episode also highlights the impact of the pandemic on mental well-being, strategies for managing stress in everyday life, statistical data on the rise of mental health and suicide, and more. 

187: From Trucking to Thriving: Troy Parker’s Story at Oakley Trucking

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Troy Parker, an Owner/Operator at Oakley who has been with the company for the past five years. During the episode, Troy discusses his career as a truck driver, emphasizing the family-oriented values of Oakley, the support he receives, and the flexibility of his role. He highlights his commitment to safety, the importance of truck maintenance, the challenges and rewards of being an owner-operator, the supportive culture at Oakley Trucking, and more. 

186: From Port to Porch: How Operations at Port 33 Help Care for Customers

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Josh Taylor, Lucas Taylor, and Lee Coe from Port 33. During the episode, the group discusses Port 33’s operations and recovery from the 2019 flood. They highlight the port’s capabilities, including barge handling and storage facilities, and the resilience shown during the flood’s aftermath. The conversation also touches on the team’s efforts in maintaining operations, expanding the south side, implementing a QR code system for efficiency, customer appreciation, how the port has grown with Oakley, and more.

185: Is There a Driver Shortage or Just a Driver Turnover Problem? Featuring Lewie Pugh of OOIDA

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Lewie Pugh, Executive Vice President of Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA). In this conversation, Jeremy and Lewie tackle the trucking industry’s challenges, particularly driver turnover. Lewie argues that the issue isn’t a shortage of drivers but the high turnover rates, exacerbated by poor treatment and inadequate pay. They also discuss the negative effects of over-regulation and the need for better training to enhance road safety, the future of trucking, including potential legislative changes, the importance of respecting and improving conditions for truckers, making trucking a more appealing career, and more. 

184: The Most Effective Tax Strategies for Owner-Operators with Jeff Amen and Michael Schneider of ATBS

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Jeff Amen and Michael Schneider from ATBS about all things taxes for owner-operators. The conversation covers the importance of record-keeping, tax management, and the benefits of filing taxes as an LLC. Jeff and Michael introduce their app “The Hub” for managing finances and stress the personalized service offered, including a discount for Oakley Trucking clients. They also mention their tax relief pit crew for IRS negotiations while also highlighting their clients’ financial performance, with Oakley clients earning significantly more than average. As we head into tax season, don’t miss this great episode to help owner-operators navigate the ins and outs of taxes. 

183: The Intricate Process Designing and Constructing a Tow Boat with Hayden Pearson of JANTRAN

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Hayden Pearson, Shipyard and New Construction Manager at JANTRAN. During the episode, Hayden discusses his lifelong passion for boats, detailing the construction process, including design considerations for various boat components and the importance of precision. He also talks about the differences in propulsion arrangements and the upcoming challenges with new emission control systems. The conversation touches on the financial aspects of boat building and concludes with Hayden’s involvement in reviving JANTRAN’s Christmas party tradition by building a tow boat-themed Christmas float. Don’t miss this great episode! 

182: Navigating the Rivers to Success at JANTRAN with Paul Janoush

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Paul Janoush, Vice President at JANTRAN. During the episode, Paul and Jeremy discuss the history of JANTRAN including its founding, operations, and its acquisition by Oakley Trucking in 2011. They discuss JANTRAN’s success, attributed to its dedicated workforce and strategic location, and delve into industry changes, including increased regulations. The conversation also covers the challenges of boat construction costs, the importance of the barge industry on supply chain, what the future looks like for JANTRAN, and more. 

181: The Untold Story of JANTRAN’s Rise in the Towboat Industry

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Joe Janoush, President of JANTRAN. During the episode, Joe and Jeremy discuss the company’s history, financial struggles, and eventual growth. They delve into the niche towboat industry and Joe’s journey from humble beginnings to building a successful fleet. The episode also covers the company’s partnership with Oakley, the importance of teamwork, the challenges in personnel recruitment including highlighting the dedication of long-term employees, the need to attract younger workers to the industry, and more. 

Re-Air: Owner Operator Highlight: Randy Kemp

For the next few weeks, we’re looking back in the archives for some of the best episodes that you may have missed. We’ll be back with new content in January of 2024.

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Randy Kemp, Owner Operator at Oakley Trucking. During the episode, Randy shares his journey from being a company driver to owning his own truck. He discusses the financial aspects of being an owner-operator, emphasizing the importance of wise money management and praising Oakley’s savings plan. Randy also expresses his love for driving and his appreciation for the supportive environment at Oakley. The discussion also includes Randy’s personal life, his participation in a recent truck show, and more.

Re-Air: How Should Owner-Operators Prepare for Retirement?

For the next few weeks, we’re looking back in the archives for some of the best episodes that you may have missed. We’ll be back with new content in January of 2024.

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Matt Ruttenberg, CMO & Shareholder of Life, Inc. Retirement Services. During the episode, Matt and Jeremy talk about retirement planning for owner-operators. From helpful advice on investments and insurance to practical steps to get started, the conversation covers all aspects of what owner-operators need to do as they look ahead to retirement. All that and more on this week’s episode.   

Re-Air: Oakley International with Ivan Boasher

For the next few weeks, we’re looking back in the archives for some of the best episodes that you may have missed. We’ll be back with new content in January of 2024.

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Ivan Boasher and Bubba Vance to hear their story with Oakley International. Ivan and Bubba discuss their roles in the company and their experiences in the fertilizer industry. Ivan shares insights on international trading and the complexities of procuring fertilizers from various countries. He also recounts interesting work-related stories, including being in Kuwait during the Iraq invasion, challenges and risks in the international operations, and more. 

180: From Newspapers to Truck Driving with Ron “Paperboy Trucker” Forrest

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Ron Forrest, a former newspaper employee turned owner-operator at Oakley Trucking. During this episode, Jeremy and Ron discuss the transition from the newspaper industry to truck driving, experiences as an owner-operator, and Ron’s YouTube channel (Paperboy Trucking). Ron shares his journey, including the challenges and rewards of being an owner-operator, the importance of financial management, the value of mentorship, and more. 

179: From End Dump to Pneumatic with John Gray

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with John Gray, one of our Owner-Operators at Oakley Trucking. This is the second conversation we’ve had with John on the podcast with the first being after he first stepped out of orientation at Oakley. During this episode, John shares his personal journey in the trucking industry, discussing the challenges and rewards of his career, the importance of safety on the road, the financial stability his job provides, advice for owner-operators looking to come to Oakley, and more. 

178: John, Marilyn and The Bandit: A Story of a Successful Owner-Operator Couple

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with John and Marilyn McCormick. John is an Owner-Operator at Oakley while his wife Marilyn also spent part of her career as a driver in the industry. During this conversation, John and Marilyn share their experiences in the trucking industry. John, who followed in his father’s footsteps, started as a company driver in 1996 before becoming an owner-operator in 2007. The couple discusses the freedom and responsibility of trucking, the challenges of being a truck driver’s spouse, misconceptions about truck drivers, the importance of the trucking industry, and more. 

177: From Trash Business to Trucking Success: Rusty Wiley’s Path Leaving Oakley and Coming Back

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Rusty Wiley, one of our Owner-Operators at Oakley. During the episode, Rusty shares his journey from being a company driver to becoming an owner-operator, including his experience of starting his own business, Wiley’s Containers. Despite initial success in his business, Rusty came back to Oakley. He discusses the challenges and responsibilities of being an owner-operator, the importance of a good maintenance strategy, the financial opportunities trucking offers, and more. 

176: From Company Driver to Owner-Operator: Taking Control of Your Destiny

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Dean and Cindy Fournier. Dean is an Owner-Operator at Oakley Trucking. During this conversation, Dean discusses his decision to leave a toxic work environment and become an owner-operator at Oakley Trucking. His wife, Cindy, supports his decision and shares insights about misconceptions of truck drivers. They discuss the financial stability and opportunities provided by Oakley, the importance of saving for unexpected expenses, having family support as an owner-operator, and more. 

175: What’s It Like as a New Dispatcher at Oakley Trucking?

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Lawson Tallie and Brandon Stone, some of the new Dispatchers at Oakley Trucking. During the episode, Lawson and Brandon discuss their backgrounds, experiences working at Oakley, and their hobbies. They also talk about their first week as dispatchers, the challenges they face in learning about trucking and dispatching, and the importance of organization and managing stress. The conversation also touches on the role of dispatchers in onboarding new drivers, the importance of building positive relationships with customers, and more.

174: Oakley: It’s Time to Party

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Corey Huey and Jeremy Paul about the company party and upcoming truck show. They discuss the logistics of the truck show, including parking, voting, and prizes while also discussing the recognition and awards given to drivers for their safe driving accomplishments, such as million-mile awards, the Owner Operator of the Year award, and more. 

173: What Should Drivers Do When Involved in an Accident or Lawsuit?

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Andrea Albert, a Transportation & Insurance Coverage Attorney at Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr & Smith. During this episode, Jeremy and Andrea discuss the legal process when a trucking company and driver are sued after an accident. Andrea emphasizes the importance of driver cooperation and involvement in the legal process, properly handling and documenting the accident, the role of digital technology in helping drivers, changes in the law regarding vicarious liability and highlights the need for companies to conduct proper hiring and training, and more.

172: Pros and Cons of New and Used Trucks

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett welcomes Todd Venable and Adam Kampbell from MHC Kenworth to the show. During the episode, the group discusses all the ins and outs of purchasing a new or used truck. From prices of trucks to warranties and insurance, and everything in between. Todd and Adam break down the pros and cons of new vs. used and give good information to owner-operators about how to navigate the buying process. Don’t miss this episode! 

171: Finding the Truck that Fits Your Needs

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Wayne Crotwell, one of our Owner-Operators at Oakley Trucking. During the episode, Wayne shares his personal journey in trucking. He talks about making the move from farming to being an owner-operator, how he and his wife work driving together on the road and handling their business, experience and tips for buying a new truck, balancing road and home time, and more.

170: From Farming to End Dumps and Everything In Between

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Leonard Freels, an End Dump Owner-Operator at Oakley. During the episode, Leonard discusses his background in trucking, including growing up on a farm and starting his own authority trucking company. He also talks about the transition from being a single truck owner-operator to owning multiple trucks. During the conversation, Jeremy and Leonard discuss the importance of money management in the trucking industry, the benefits of working with Oakley Trucking, advice for those looking to make the move, and more.

169: Driving Toward Success: How Diesel Driving Academy is Shaping the Future of Trucking

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Bruce Busada, President of Diesel Driving Academy. During the conversation, Jeremy and Bruce discuss CDL schools and how individuals can enter the trucking industry. They also talk about the partnership between trucking companies and driving schools, the process of enrolling in trucking school, earning potential for graduates, the shortage of drivers in the industry, the future of trucking schools, and more.

168: The Top 5 Things That Set Oakley Apart

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Scotty Crisco, Operations Manager at Oakley Trucking. During the episode, Scotty and Jeremy discuss the five things that set Oakley apart in the industry. The two highlight Oakley’s pay structure, which ensures owner-operators are paid for all their miles, loaded or empty. They then discuss the family-oriented nature of the company, emphasizing the strong relationships and support between Oakley and its drivers. Jeremy and Scotty also talk about Oakley’s commitment to driver success, offering great benefits and competitive mileage pay. They touch on other factors that set Oakley apart, such as providing home time, free trailer usage, annual bonuses, and more.

167: Cody Curren’s Journey Leaving Oakley Trucking and Finding His Way Back

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Cody Curren, one of our Pneumatic Owner-Operators at Oakley. During the episode, Cody shares his personal story of leaving Oakley a few years ago and making the decision to come back. Jeremy and Cody discuss the challenges Cody faced and the reasons behind his departure, what prompted him to come back, some advice to those who are feeling burnout, handling difficult situations in work-life balance, and more.

From the Archives: 5 Important Steps to Consider When Becoming an Owner-Operator

This week, we have a bonus episode of the Oakley Podcast as we go into the archives back to re-air episode 43. Host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Oakley recruiter Dustin Eagle to discuss the process of becoming an owner-operator with Oakley. Together they identify mistakes that people have made in the past and point out the best steps to take to succeed as an Oakley owner-operator.

166: Safety Tips That Keep Money in Your Pocket

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Dustin Barnett and Carl Morrow of the safety department at Oakley. During the conversation, the group thanks owner-operators for their significant decrease in unsafe violations. They also discuss the importance of safety and customer service at Oakley Trucking, the impact of the CSA program on the company and drivers, services and requirements, hazmat best practices, speed and force cameras in construction zones, upcoming changes to the submission process for maintenance reports, and more.

165: The Taylor Family’s Recipe for Success at Oakley Trucking

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Bobby Taylor, an Owner-Operator at Oakley along with his wife Nessa. During the episode, Bobby shares his journey coming to Oakley after having years of driving experience and also experience as a pilot and a law enforcement officer. Bobby also talks about the importance of having a strong family support system at home, shares a story about his truck catching fire last year, gives advice on how to be a successful pneumatic driver, and much more.

164: The Grain and Fertilizer Operations at Oakley

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Jordan Moore & Kell Shenep. Jordan is the VP of Oakley Grain and Kell is a purchasing manager for Bruce Oakley. During the episode, Jordan and Kell share their journeys in coming to Oakley, how the grain operation works for Bruce Oakley, the importance of the owner-operator in the entirety of the organization’s operations, what the future looks like for grain and fertilizer, and more.

163: Freight Update with Operations

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Shane Smith & Nick Crisco, Operations Managers at Oakley Trucking. During the episode, the group gives an update as to the freight operations throughout 2023. Shane and Nick also discuss various topics such as the importance of communication, customer service, maximizing load weight for profitability, and more.

162: A Century’s Worth of Family Business: Debbie Fick

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Debbie Fick, the St. Louis Terminal Manager for Bruce Oakley Inc. During the episode, Debbie Fick shares the story of her family’s business, Lange-Stegmann, and how it went from packaging fertilizer to warehousing and selling wholesale fertilizer. Jeremy and Debbie also discuss the acquisition of Lange-Stegmann, the capabilities of the St. Louis terminal, how it enhances the operations of Bruce Oakley Inc. and more. 

161: Fighting for the Independent Trucker – Lewie and Bryce of OOIDA

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Lewie Pugh and Bruce Mongeon of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA). During the episode, the group discusses the founding of OOIDA, how the organization advocates on behalf of truckers, updates on the AB5 bill, discussion around speed limiters, how truckers can get involved, and more.

160: Beyond the Headquarters: Oakley’s Terminal Managers

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Brandin Pattengill and Alex Witkowski, Terminal Managers at Bruce Oakley Inc.. During the episode, Brandin and Alex discuss their work at each of the terminals, what sorts of products are shipped through and ordered, the length of a product’s journey from ordering to shipment, future expansion opportunities at each terminal, and more.

159: Fresh Out of Orientation

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with John Gray and Josh Cochran, Owner Operators at Oakley Trucking. During the episode, Josh and John talk about their experiences fresh out of orientation at Oakley. Topics in the conversation include the importance of doing research before making a move, the recruiting process at Oakley, how orientation sets you up for success, and more.

158: The Trucking Industry’s Greatest Weapon Against Human Trafficking

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Chris Moreno, Industry Training Program Specialist at Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT). During the episode, Chris and Jeremy discuss the organization’s mission to educate, equip, empower, and mobilize members of the trucking, busing, and energy industries to recognize and report human trafficking, the importance of training truck drivers to recognize and report it, education and resources for drivers and companies, and more.

157: Serving the Owner-Operator with Jared Flinn of BulkLoads.com

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Jared Flinn, Co-Founder of BulkLoads.com. During the episode, Jeremy and Jared discuss all parts of the bulk industry. Topics include the importance of trust in the business/customer relationship, how to best care for your customer and employees, focus on helping with the pain points of owner-operators, services BulkLoads provides, and more.

156: Reaching Better Health with Mother Trucker Yoga

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Hope Zvara, Co-Founder of Mother Trucker Yoga. During the episode, Hope shares her personal story of overcoming struggle and addiction through yoga. Topics in this conversation include the founding of Mother Trucker Yoga, the importance of motion and movement in everyday life, tips and exercises for drivers, and more.

155: The St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Shannon Currier and Lindsey Bryan of the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to over-the-road and regional truck drivers who have experienced short-term illness or injury. During this conversation, the group talks about the history and mission of the organization, the qualifications for receiving assistance, the importance of preventive health programs, and more.

154: 51 Years of Trucking with Olof McTaggart

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Olof McTaggart, one of our Owner Operators at Oakley. During the episode, Olof shares his journey in the trucking industry for over 50 years. Jeremy and Olof chat about working end dumps, setting yourself up to be successful financially, a crazy load story from the road, and more.

153: Spiritual Search and Rescue – PGTM

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Marshall Wright, a chaplain with Power of God Trucking Ministry (PGTM). During the episode, Marshall shares his love for trucks and truck drivers and how he encountered Jesus while serving in the Coast Guard. Jeremy and Marshall talk about the PGTM ministry, his passion for ministering to truck drivers, and more.

152: Road Dog Radio: KC Phillip’s Journey in the Trucking World

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with KC Phillips, the Host of Road Dog Trucking Radio on Sirius XM. During the episode, KC shares his story of how he got into the radio industry and becoming the host of the Road Dog radio show. Jeremy and KC talk about some of the origins of satellite radio, the importance of the people in trucking, and more.

151: NAIT: Supporting America’s Independent Truckers

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett sits down with Mona Brimeyer of the National Association of Independent Truckers (NAIT) during the Mid-America Truck Show. During this conversation, Jeremy and Mona discuss how NAIT supports drivers including healthcare services and plans, discounts and perks for drivers with NAIT, how to join NAIT, supporting Wreaths Across America, and more.

150: The History of Pittsburgh Power

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kelletts chats with Bruce Mallinson, Founder and President of Pittsburgh Power. During the episode, Bruce and Jeremy discuss many aspects of the trucking industry including a chemical fuel additive that improves fuel mileage and reduces emissions, the importance of community and innovation in the trucking industry, the passion for optimizing truck performance, and more.

149: Celebrating Women in Trucking with Ellen Voie

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Ellen Voie, the Founder of Women in Trucking Association. During the episode, Ellen and Jeremy discuss the founding of Women in Trucking, obstacles women face in the trucking industry, the opportunities for women in transportation, and more.

148: Owner Operator Highlight: William Burdine

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with William Burdine, one of our Owner Operators at Oakley. During the episode, William shares his success story and how he grossed $308,000 last year. Jeremy and William talk about the trucking industry, having a good family-life balance, the value of community and friendships at Oakley, and more.

147: The Next Generation of Supply Chain Management

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Doug Voss, Professor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management at University of Central Arkansas. Professor Voss talks about the program at UCA and how it prepares students for careers in the trucking industry. The conversation also includes discussion on the various positions available in the logistics and supply chain management industry, the importance of safety regulations, the role of technology, and more.

146: A Streak of Bad Luck: Scotty Smith’s Incredible Story

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Scotty Smith, one of our owner operators at Oakley Trucking. During the episode, Scotty shares his story of being involved in a serious accident, and the challenges he faced during the repair process. Despite the difficulties, Scotty remained grateful for the support he received from Oakley and his fellow drivers. Don’t miss this incredible story on this week’s episode.

145: Reminders from the Ladies of Safety at Oakley Trucking

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett sits down with some of the ladies of the safety department. Vivian Boudreaux, Amanda Hadfield, Ashley Rabun, and Allison Sledge join the show to talk all things safety. The discussion includes DOT compliance, driver physicals, trailer inspections, Hazmat and TWIC reminders, maintenance reports, and more.

144: The New Era of Electric Vehicles

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellettchats with Michael Freeze, the Features Editor at Transport Topics. During the episode, Michael and Jeremy discuss electric trucks and fleets and how the EV wave is changing the industry. The conversation also includes challenges companies face in electric fleets, infrastructure needs for the industry, possible legislative mandates, and more.

143: Keeping Your Rig Rolling: Tire Talk for Owner-Operators

This week on the Oakley podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chatted with David Covington, Fleet Solutions Sales Manager at Goodyear. During the episode, Jeremy and David discuss all things tires. From the availability of certain sizes, different materials tires are made of, tips for getting the most life out of your tires, and more.

142: How Should Owner-Operators Prepare for Retirement?

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Matt Ruttenburg, CMO & Shareholder of Life, Inc. Retirement Services. During the episode, Matt and Jeremy talk about retirement planning for owner-operators. From helpful advice on investments and insurance to practical steps to get started, the conversation covers all aspects of what owner-operators need to do as they look ahead to retirement. All that and more on this week’s episode.   

141: All About APUs

This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett chats with Ricky Duncan, Sales Rep at Thermo King. During the episode, Ricky and Jeremy talk about all things APUs. The pair talk about why APUs exist, the differences between different makes and models, why it’s important for owner-operators to consider an APU, and more.

140: Recruiting Update with Kent Childers and Dustin Eagle

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Kent Childers and Dustin Eagle, recruiters here at Oakley. During the episode, the group discusses what’s going on in the recruiting department including the availability of trailers, why owner-operators leave Oakley, swapping trailers, and what you need to know if you would like to switch divisions here at Oakley. All that and more on this week’s episode!

139: Altech Recycling: From Scrap to Smelter

This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett and Jason Webb chat with Chad Chapman, the Facility Manager at Altech Recycling. During this episode, Chad talks about what Altech Recycling does, why the recycling business is important, the processes which allows Altech to handle over 2 million pounds a week, a new documentary, and more.

138: Freight Update for 2023

This week on The Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Scotty Crisco, Nick Crisco, Bradley Simpson, Operations Managers at Oakley Trucking. During the episode, the group looks ahead at freight for 2023 and discusses some of the opportunities and outlook for the coming year. We also discuss the innovative ways Oakley keeps drivers on the road, building relationships with customers, ways Oakley is growing despite the competition, and more.

137: PrePass: How it Works

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Don Reeves, a representative from PrePass. During the episode, Don discusses the benefits of PrePass, how it works and the details to make it a successful tool for our owner-operators.

136: Are Warranties Necessary?

This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy chats with Mike Donnelly, an expert on warranties from Murphy-Hoffmann Company (MHC) Kenworth. During the episode, Mike discusses all things warranties including important information on what to look for in warranty information, the necessity of warranties and having an advocate on your side to interpret all the details of warranty coverage. All that and more on this week’s episode.

Year in Review: The Best Moments of 2022

On this special bonus episode of The Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett looks back at some of the best moments from 2022 on the show. 

135: Owner-Operator Highlight: Randy Kemp

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Randy Kemp, Owner-Operator at Oakley Trucking. During the episode, Randy shares his unique success story with Oakley, how he transitioned from a company driver to being an owner-operator, buying a new truck, and more.

134: Be Heard with Adam Vazquez

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Adam Vazquez of Heard Media. The Heard team helped to get the Oakley podcast off the ground and Jeremy and Adam talk about podcasting, the expansion of social media, and more. 

133: Owner-Operator Highlight: Jay Dearing

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Jay Dearing. Jay has been with Oakley for six months and talks about his journey to becoming an owner-operator, getting TikTok famous, and more.

132: A Word From the Captain: Charlie Johnson

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett joins Charlie Johnson, boat captain for Oakley Trucking, in the wheelhouse to discuss shipping logistics, what it’s like being a boat captain, and how the operation supports Bruce Oakley Incorporated. 

131: Freight Update with Jason Webb and Scotty Crisco

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Jason Webb and Scotty Crisco to catch you up on what’s going on here at Oakley Trucking. From freight and what to expect between now and the end of the year to working the holidays and some trailer service issues, here’s everything you need to know.

130: Company Party Recap with Corey Huey and Kent Childers

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Corey Huey and Kent Childers to discuss what all went down at the company party that happened on October 22. From the truck and prizes to the food and band, here’s a snapshot of what a company party at Oakley Trucking is like.

129: Owner-Operator Highlight: Mike and Wanda Durbin

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Mika and Wanda Durbin to talk about their success story with Oakley. From Wanda’s role as a truck driver’s wife to their financial freedom as a couple, this is an episode you’re not gonna want to miss!

128: Owner-Operator Highlight: Jimmy Evans

In this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett hands the mic over to Miles Mason, who talks to Jimmy Evans about his experience with Oakley Trucking. Together they discuss Jimmy’s experience in the Marine Corps, the novelty of things well-worn, the necessity of trucking, and much more.

127: A Word With The Arkansas Trucking Association

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, in honor of truck driver appreciation week, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Shannon Newton to see what Arkansas does for truck drivers and how truck drivers carry this country.

126: Oakley International with Ivan Boasher

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Ivan Boasher and Bubba Vance to hear Ivan’s story with Oakley Trucking, from his Bulgarian origins to how he helps with international trade today.

125: A Word From Our Oklahoma Terminal

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Justin Jolly to discuss what’s going on at the Oklahoma terminal. From who’s working in the office to the ideal truck driver, tune in to learn about all the potential at Port 33.

124: Owner-Operator Highlight: Bruce Marks

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Bruce Marks to discuss some things that played a key role in his success in becoming a truck driver. From personal action to people who played a role in his journey, here’s the story of how he became an owner-operator. 

123: Why We Work with Arrow Truck Sales

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Keith Wilson and Trae Viser to discuss used truck price trading, some examples that they’ve done, and how Oakley has partnered with Arrow Truck Sales. 

122: Freight Outlook and Customer Service

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Shane Smith and Bradley Simpson to take a look at what the rest of 2022 holds. How much freight is there? Is it slowing down or not? Here’s an inside look at what’s going on at Oakley Trucking. 

121: Owner-Operator Highlight: Tanner Sides

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Tanner Sides to hear about the YouTube channel he runs as a means to document his adventure here at Oakley. From his success story to how YouTubing helps him with his job, this owner-operator story is a little different.

120: Orientation Explained: Randolph Rochell and Dustin Eagle

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Randolph Rochell and Dustin Eagle to talk about some details of what’s going on with orientation. From what to expect in orientation and how to get the most benefit from orientation, here’s what you need to know to be a successful owner-operator.

119: Owner-Operator Highlight: George Gear

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by George Gear to hear about his success at Oakley. From miraculous bankruptcy recovery to making friends, learn why George is determined never to leave Oakley Trucking.

118: Simple Steps to Improving Your Health as an Owner-Operator

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Jon Slaughter to discuss their partnership with Healthy Trucking of America. From owner-operator success stories to physical-passing help, learn about the simple steps you can take today to improve your health.

117: Owner-Operator Highlight: Lonnie O’diam and Paul Lorimer

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Lonnie O’diam and Paul Lorimer to hear their success stories, their experience at Oakley trucking, how they came here, and why they’re still here. The conversation covers money management and owner-operator do’s and don’ts, so be sure to give it a listen.

116: Owner Operator Highlight: Robin Parks

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Robin Parks to hear about some of the things he thought about before coming to Oakley, him making that transition, and what he’s done since he’s been here— all part of the great success story of Robin Parks. 

115: The History of the Hopper Division

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Bryan Hill to share the history of the hopper division: when it got started, how it got started, and what’s going on now. Tune in to hear how we went from nothing to the bustling division alive and well today.

114: The Annual Company Party

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Tommy Mitchell to discuss Oakley’s annual company party. From when and where to what we’ll be doing and eating, here is everything you need to know about this renowned event.

113: From a Welding Machine to a Trucking Company

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Mike Conny to talk about how MAC Trailers got started, the future of MAC Trailers, their relationship with Oakley, and more.

112: Taking God’s Word to Every Truck Driver Out There

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by John Knoll and Gary Rayburn from Channel 21 Ministries to tell the story of what Lonesome Road Ministries is, how that started, and where it’s going in the future.

111: The State of Freight and the Need for Drivers

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by operations managers Jason Webb, Bradley Simpson, and Russell Vallance to discuss the freight surcharge, high demand, responsibilities, and the critical need to communicate.

110: Owner Operator Highlight: Shawnta Wortham’s Story

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Shawnta Wortham to talk about how she got into trucking and the success she’s found here at Oakley. Trucking may be seen as “a man’s world,” but Shawnta feels right at home.

109: Making Sure We All Get Home Safely

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Lt. Doug Lafferty to discuss the CBSA inspection that’s coming up on May 17 and 19th, distracted driving, cameras, ELDs, and more.

108: Health with Truck Drivers

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Dr. Steven Bennett to discuss all things physicals, truck driver health concerns, and more.

107: Fuel: High Prices, Surcharges, Discounts, & Fraud

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Corey Huey to discuss everything from fuel prices and discounts to fuel card fraud. If you’re paying for gas (which most of you are), this episode will help you not only save money but tell you how some are actually making more.

106: Sustaining an Owner-Operator’s Quality of Life

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Larry Ginsberg to discuss how CAG Truck Capital is helping owner-operators with everything from securing their first truck to achieving and sustaining their long-term goals.

105: CAT Scale: Born Out of Listening to Drivers

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Heather DeBaillie, the vice president of marketing at CAT Scale to get the low down on what they do: company origins, how they’re helping drivers, their 45th-anniversary contest, and more.

104: Recruiting the Next Generation of Drivers

In this special episode of the Oakley Podcast, we’re streaming from the Mid-America Trucking Show where host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Lindsey Trent to discuss how her company is connecting high school students to the world of trucking, changing their lives, and impacting the community. 

What Makes a “Top-Tier” Driver?

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Garrett Duch and Jackson McNabb, an End Dump and Hopper Bottom dispatcher who have been at Oakley for under two years, to hear about their jobs, how they got into trucking, what makes a “top-tier” driver, and more.

102: Louisiana Terminal Opportunities with Scott Cowden and Jason Webb

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Scott Cowden and Jason Webb, Operations Managers at Oakley. Scott and Jason talk about the terminal in Reserve Louisiana, what opportunities exist, and the upcoming crawfish boil!

101: From a Small Town to the Big City: Cole Kellett’s Journey

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by his eldest son, Cole Kellett, to discuss how a boy from Bologna, Arkansas got a job in New York City, some of the challenges he’s faced moving to New York City, and how the world of trucking is playing a role in what he does at his current job.

100: Bruce Oakley Incorporated: Present Realm, Future Plans, Global Business

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett celebrates 100 episodes by welcoming back Justin Oakley, the vice president of Bruce Oakley Inc. Together they answer listener questions, discuss the future of Bruce Oakley Incorporated, and share how global events are affecting Oakley’s business.

99: Diving Deep Into Oakley’s IT Department

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Adam Clanton and Eric Peebles to dive deep into Oakley’s IT department. They discuss several things including IT’s role in communicating with Oakley owner-operators and Oakley’s technological advancement.

98: Answering Your Tax Questions

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Jeff Amen and Michael Schneider to answer your tax questions, discuss the benefits of ATBS as your tax service, and more.

97: Helpful Tips and Information on Operating End Dump Trailers

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Cris Ponds and Welden Sylve to unpack operating end dump trailers. From how to prevent mistakes to required tools, this episode provides good insight for drivers who have never pulled a dump trailer before. 

96: Catching Up with the Guys from Port 33

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Richard Naus and Jay Dozier, End Dump Owner-Operators out of Oklahoma, to discuss a little bit of everything from the origin of Port 33 in Oklahoma to new technology and more.

95: Safety News, Violation Statistics, and Trucking Accident Verdicts

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Jeremy Paul and Dustin Barnett from Oakley’s safety department to discuss trucking safety concerns, accidents Oakley has had, and more. 

94: Dry Bulk Trucking is Booming

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Oakley recruiters Dustin Eagle and Kent Childers to discuss what’s happening in the world of recruiting from what recruiters want to how many owner-operators Oakley needs and more. 

93: Truck Driver Yearly Income and How to Calculate Net Pay

In this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett shares the year-end numbers of a few owner-operators, explains settlement summaries, and more.

92: Trucking Tips on Retirement, Free Health Help and the Outreach Program

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, Host Jeremy Kellett is joined by John Haley who is an Owner-Operator with Oakley Trucking to discuss some tips on retirement, health help, and other topics. 

91: Year in Review and Top 10 Owner-Operator Incomes at Oakley Trucking

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, Host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Jason Webb, Operations Manager at Oakley Trucking. Jeremy and Jason put a bow on 2021 and tell us what they’re looking forward to in 2022.

90: Owner-Operator Hits $240k in One Year “Without Even Trying” at Oakley Trucking

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, Host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Joe McCullough, an Owner-Operator at Oakley Trucking. Joe shares how he’s made $240,000 in his first year at Oakley.

89: How Much Money Do I Need to be Financially Independent?

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, Host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Scott Inman who is a Financial Advisor with GenWealth on how to get ahead and save enough to retire one day.

88: Hot Topics in Trucking

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, Host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Scotty Crisco, Operations Manager at Oakley Trucking to discuss some of the pressing issues facing Oakley drivers today.

87: Old School vs New School

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, Host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Winston Guest (old school) and Brent Schneider (new school) to discuss how things have changed over their years at Oakley.

86: Happy Thanksgiving!

During this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, Host Jeremy Kellett discusses Thanksgiving traditions at Oakley.

85: What’s It Take to Get the Best Drivers Out There?

On this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett discusses what it takes to get the best drivers around. He is joined by Aaron Mowery and Kyle Jernigan from Randall-Reilly, an advertising firm from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, that provides data-driven solutions for sales and marketing in construction, trucking, and more. Aaron works as the VP of Strategic Accounts and Kyle Jernigan is a Digital Marketing Strategist, and together they have more than 30 years of experience helping organizations recruit truck drivers.

84: What’s it Like Riding with an Owner-Operator for a Week? PT. 2

This week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast is the second episode exploring life on the road with owner-operators from a dispatcher’s point of view. Host Jeremy Kellett is joined by dispatchers William Lewis and Sawyer Floyd to discuss their week in the truck. Owner-operator Bobby Taylor stopped by the show as well to tell of his experience driving Sawyer around.

83: A Special Surprise for Two of Our Owner-Operators

In this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett and dispatchers Russell Vallance and Brent Epley bring owner-operators Dean Baylor and Randy Fulmer, from the hopper and end-dump divisions, respectively, onto the show for a special surprise—to tell them that they’ve been selected as their Owner Operators of the Year! 

82: What You Need to Know About Trucking Insurance

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett dives into the overlap of trucking and insurance with Trent Tillman, executive vice president of the transportation division at TrueNorth in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Insurance can be complicated to deal with, but Trent offers tips for how to avoid the frustrations.

81: What Makes a Great Truck Driver?

This week on the Oakley Podcast, guest hosts Corey Huey, Dustin Eagle, and Kent Childers dive into a discussion about what makes a great owner-operator and what kinds of drivers Oakley wants to recruit. 

80: What’s it Like Riding with an Owner-Operator for a Week?

On this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett sits down with dispatchers Alex Kin and Hunter Horton. Alex and Hunter spent the week on a ride-along with an Oakley owner-operator and are back to recount their time on the road.

79: How’s the Trucking Business? Insights from Oakley Trucking

This week on the Oakley Podcast, operations managers Jason Webb, Scotty Crisco, and Bradley Simpson join host Jeremy Kellett for an in-depth discussion into what’s going on in the dry bulk industry and the trucking industry as a whole.

77: Arrow Truck Sales: Relationships Mean A Lot

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Arrow Truck Sales branch manager Trae Viser and truck salesman Keith Wilson.

76: Expressing Our Thanks to Owner-Operators During Truck Driver Appreciation Week

In honor of Truck Driver Appreciation Week, this episode of the Oakley Podcast expresses gratitude for our amazing owner-operators. Host Jeremy Kellett chats with Jason Webb, Scotty Crisco, Nick Delaney, Shane Smith, Bryan Hill, Roger Carson, and Dustin Barnett and asked each guest three questions:

75: Updates on ELD’s and Other Safety Information

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett sits down with Oakley’s Roger Carson, safety director, and Dustin Barnett, safety manager, to get to the bottom of rumors about ELD changes at Oakley. 

74: What Do the Young Bucks Think About Trucking?

In this week’s episode of Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by a special guest, his son Clay Kellett to discuss his perspective on how young people today view the trucking industry. Corey Huey from recruiting also joins in on the conversation.

73: Pilot Travel Center Benefits with Jason Holland

Today on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Jason Holland, account manager at Pilot Flying J Travels Centers. They talk about the benefits Pilot Flying J offers to Oakley drivers and what separates them from the competition.

72: Oakley Trucking Through the Eyes of a Customer

This week’s Oakley Podcast is the first episode to feature one of Oakley’s customers as a guest on the show. Host Jeremy Kellett and Oakley Oklahoma terminal manager Justin Jolly are joined by Crystal Clements, production planner at Malarkey Roofing in Oklahoma City. Crystal offers her unique perspective from a family-owned business that’s an Oakley customer.

71: The Nuts and Bolts of Oakley’s Shop

This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett talks with Oakley shop manager Toby Bishop. With more than 900 trailers and five bays, Toby discusses juggling Oakley’s shop, handling inspections, washes, blowers, and more.

70: What does Oakley Dispatch Have to Say?

This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett talks with Oakley’s Nick Crisco, an operations manager, and Manuel Carvajal, an end-dump dispatcher. Nick and Manuel provide a behind-the-scenes look at how things work at Oakley in the end-dump division.

69: Where Are All the Trucks?

This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett and Dustin Eagle get the low-down on the industry-wide truck and parts shortage from MHC Kenworth branch manager Todd Venable and salesman Adam Campbell.

68: What Does It Take to Get Leased on with Oakley Trucking?

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett is joined by Dustin Eagle and Kent Childers, recruiters at Oakley, to discuss what it takes to get leased on with Oakley Trucking.

67: Have you ever made a bad trucking decision?

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett and Dustin Eagle, one of Oakley’s head recruiters, talks with Oakley owner-operators Gary Sizemore (pneumatic division) and Matt Naveau (hopper-bottom division). Both Gary and Matt had left their jobs at Oakley at one point, but they’ve since returned to Oakley and they discuss what brought them back.

66: Arkansas Trucking Association, How Are They Making Trucking Better?

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett talks with Shannon Newton, president of the Arkansas Trucking Association. Together they discuss the state of the trucking industry today.

65: Finding Success as an Owner-Operator with Ted Jansen

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett catches up with Ted Jansen who has been pulling an end dump for years. Ted, who used to serve aboard a US Navy submarine, feels right at home behind the wheel as an owner-operator for Oakley. Jeremy and Ted discuss how to find success while driving with Oakley.

64: Do you Believe in Miracles? A Must Listen

On this special episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett visits with Jeff and Lorita Bledsoe about Jeff’s 96-day stay in the hospital with Covid and his tough road to recovery. Jeff, a hopper-bottom owner-operator with Oakley, continues to recognize blessings in his life despite the incredible trial he went through. 

63: How Can You Afford a Brand New 2022 Peterbilt?

Focusing on trucking, business, and family, this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast features Oakley end-dump owner-operator Anthony Fowler and his wife Alicia. Host Jeremy Kellett sits down with them and discusses Anthony’s eight-year career at Oakley, married life, having a farm in Mississippi and more.  

62: Oakley Fertilizer, The Ins and Outs

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett talks with Bubba Vance, vice president of fertilizer at Oakley. This conversation highlights one of the many Oakley divisions besides trucking.

61: Success as an Owner-Operator Husband-Wife Team

Owner-operator Brian Gann and his wife Beverly Boliek join host Jeremy Kellett on this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast. Brian is making the change from end-dump to pneumatics and has had his wife Beverly on the road with him on a regular basis. Together they share stories of their experiences as a team out on the road and discuss how that has impacted their marriage.

60: What’s Happening at Oakley?

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Oakley operations managers Shane Smith and Scott Cowden to get updates about what’s new at Oakley, moving to the new office, discussing freight and safety, reading customer reviews and more.

59: Partners That Take Care of Owner-Operators on the Road with Jeff Porter and Landon Urban

On this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett talks with Jeff Porter, fleet sales manager at LubeZone, and Landon Urban, general manager at AllStar Truck Service.

58: Making the Move to Oakley Trucking with Sam Muntean, Owner-Operator

On this week’s episode of the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett talks with Sam Muntean, an owner-operator from the hopper-bottom division. Sam made the switch from being a company driver elsewhere to being an owner-operator at Oakley. Since then, he has helped recruit several drivers to the Oakley team.

57: If You Want the Best, You’ve Got to Pay for the Best

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett talks with listeners about the pay raise awarded to all owner-operators this May and discusses how Oakley combats the challenges of retaining drivers in an industry with high turnover.