This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett sits down with pneumatic operations managers Austin Allen and Bradley Simpson to break down Oakley’s pneumatic division, including straight “dirt” tanks and vacuum pneumatics. They explain how pneumatic tanks work, why customers choose them for dry bulk products going into silos and plants, and how vacuum trailers can both load and unload material, especially plastics from rail cars. The conversation covers day-to-day operational challenges, the critical role of communication with dispatch and customers, and the intense focus on trailer cleanliness to avoid costly contamination issues. They also walk through how new drivers are trained, common rookie mistakes, what makes a top-tier pneumatic owner-operator, and why experience, patience, and professionalism at customer facilities are essential. Finally, they highlight strong freight demand, growth opportunities, new equipment coming in, and the higher pay and expectations that come with being part of Oakley’s pneumatic and vacuum pneumatic operations.
Key topics in today’s conversation include:
- Company Updates, Iowa 80 Feature on CBS News (1:30)
- Introducing Bradley Simpson and Austin Allen and Their Backgrounds (4:30)
- What a Pneumatic Tank Is and How It Works (6:19)
- Why Customers Choose Pneumatic Trailers and Unloading Into Silos (9:17)
- Daily Operational Challenges and Serving 24/7 Plants (12:11)
- Changes in Customer Communication and EDI Freight Tenders (13:44)
- Difference Between Straight Tanks and Vacuum Pneumatic Tanks (15:35)
- Common Cleaning Practices, Drying Trailers, and Avoiding Contamination (18:19)
- Key Driver Qualities: Intimidation, Training, and What Makes a Good Operator (20:17)
- Why Communication With Dispatch Matters More Than Drivers Think (27:15)
- Customer Service Expectations and Representing Oakley at Facilities (29:44)
- Future of the Pneumatic Division, Growth, and New Trailers (32:22)
- Requirements to Move Into Pneumatics and Then Vacuum Pneumatics (35:48)
- Recruiting Challenges, Elite Owner Operators, and Final Advice (37:39)
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.