This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett sits down with Wade Thompson, longtime Oakley employee and shop foreman at the Reserve, Louisiana terminal, to spotlight the people and capabilities that keep this location running. Wade shares his journey from Arkansas to Reserve, how his family settled into the community, and what day-to-day operations look like across the shop and three wash bays, including specialized services like kosher washes and blower service. They discuss common trailer repairs, the importance of driver pre-trip inspections, the challenges of being short-staffed as more over-the-road trucks come through, and how the team handles demand and outside wash customers. Wade also recounts how a major hurricane affected the facility and the lengthy recovery process. Key takeaways for listeners include the depth of services available at the Reserve terminal, the critical role of maintenance and wash operations in supporting drivers, and Wade and his crew’s dedication to keeping Oakley equipment and customer units safe, clean, and on the road.
Key topics in today’s conversation include:
- Oakley Podcast Intro and Info on Company Party and Truck Show (0:42)
- Introducing Shop Foreman Wade Thompson and His Oakley Tenure (9:45)
- Community, Friends, and Small-Town Feel in Reserve (11:12)
- Overview of Reserve Terminal Capabilities and Limitations (13:24)
- What a Kosher Wash Is and How It’s Done (15:53)
- Trailer Care Tips and Importance of Pre-Trip Inspections (17:58)
- Travel Back to Arkansas and Company Party Plans (20:08)
- Labor Time and Cost of Bent Hinge Repairs (23:13)
- Services on Blowers, Wet Kit Issues, and Air Dryer Advice (26:17)
- Work Ethic, Early Starts, and Keeping Operations Moving (29:04)
- Lessons Learned on Parking Equipment During Storms (32:36)
- Jeremy’s Appreciation for Wade, Staff, and Trucking Community (34:33)
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.