AN AMERICAN TRUCK DRIVER

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I have been in and out of the Trucking Industry for nearly two decades. This podcast exists to help you learn from my many mistakes and capitalize on the lessons I've learned. From new drivers to Owner/Operators, there will be something for you here on the American Truck Driver Podcast.l

Chris Polk


    • Oct 4, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 21m AVG DURATION
    • 244 EPISODES

    4.9 from 77 ratings Listeners of AN AMERICAN TRUCK DRIVER that love the show mention: mic, owner, real life, daily, information, keep up the good, guys, stuff, excellent, show, thanks, work, great podcast, awesome, love, listen.


    Ivy Insights

    The AN AMERICAN TRUCK DRIVER podcast is an incredibly informative and educational show about trucking and trucking life. Hosted by Chris and Larry, along with various guests, this podcast provides a wealth of knowledge and experience that is invaluable to anyone in the trucking industry. From tips and tricks of the trade to real-life stories and experiences, Chris and Larry offer a refreshing and humorous view of the American trucking business.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the abundance of useful information provided. Whether you're a seasoned truck driver or just starting out in trucking school, there is something for everyone in every episode. The hosts cover a wide range of topics, from owner-operator pay parking to picking the right company to work for as an OTR driver. They also touch on important issues such as personal responsibility for success or failure in the industry.

    Another great aspect of this podcast is the passion and honesty displayed by Chris and Larry. It's clear that they genuinely care about their audience's success and well-being in the trucking industry. They take the time to research and fact-check their information, ensuring that listeners are getting accurate and reliable advice. Their enthusiasm for teaching others from their own past mistakes is admirable.

    While it's difficult to find any major flaws with this podcast, one potential drawback could be that some listeners may find certain episodes repetitive or covering topics they are already familiar with. However, given the vast amount of information provided throughout each episode, it's unlikely that anyone would walk away without learning something new.

    In conclusion, The AN AMERICAN TRUCK DRIVER podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in trucking or already working in the industry. Chris, Larry, and their guests offer valuable insights into all aspects of trucking life while bringing a refreshing humor to their discussions. The passion, honesty, and dedication they bring to each episode make this podcast both informative and entertaining.



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    Latest episodes from AN AMERICAN TRUCK DRIVER

    EPISODE 250: FIRE Without Fuel. Can AFFTRA Ignite Real Change or Will it Burn Down the Industry?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2025 71:06


    I got an email from Audrey Walleser, a PhD candidate in American Law and Policy who has 25 years of professional experience in constitutional law, political structure, statutory authority, and regulatory integrity. She had quite a bit to say about the Constitutionality of the AFFTRA and its goals to set minimum rates and driver pay in the Trucking industry. She is going to join me to walk through the civic process for movements like this and explain how to get things done through the government. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ribbon Blog: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/blog DRIVE FOR US: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/drive-for-us iTunes Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blue-ribbon-podcast/id1031752967

    EPISODE 249: Broker and Carrier Conversation

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2025 157:31


    This week we are joined by Annique Lesage, a broker from Small World Ventures, and Francisco Landeros, owner of Dogstar Logistics, LLC. This is going to be a conversation between three people who are successful in their operations. The desired outcome is for carriers and drivers to learn about the market and how to operate their businesses at the highest level. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ribbon Blog: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/blog DRIVE FOR US: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/drive-for-us iTunes Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blue-ribbon-podcast/id1031752967

    EPISODE 248: It's Phriday with Phil

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2025 90:09


    Tonight we will have an update on the Blue Ribbon Platform Division. Phridays with Phil are always informative and entertaining. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ribbon Blog: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/blog DRIVE FOR US: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/drive-for-us iTunes Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blue-ribbon-podcast/id1031752967

    EPISODE 247: OPEN TOPIC: Q&A

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2025 119:45


    Lots of things to talk about this week. Are the brokers taking too much? Should the government set minimum rates for carriers and pay for drivers? We will talk it over. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ribbon Blog: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/blog DRIVE FOR US: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/drive-for-us iTunes Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blue-ribbon-podcast/id1031752967

    Episode 246: AUGUST 2025 FINANCIAL REPORT

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2025 65:33


    It's time for the monthly financial report. We will break down the latest numbers and give you an update on the fleet. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ribbon Blog: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/blog DRIVE FOR US: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/drive-for-us iTunes Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blue-ribbon-podcast/id1031752967

    Episode 245: Does Landstar Take 35% of My Money?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2025 120:46


    It's been five years since we covered this topic in depth. When I made the first video, I did not have the experience and understand that I do now. We are going to go deep and provide an in depth breakdown of where the money comes from and how it is divided between the tractor, the trailer, the agents and Landstar. Don't miss this one. We are hopefully going to put this to bed once and for all. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ribbon Blog: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/blog DRIVE FOR US: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/drive-for-us iTunes Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blue-ribbon-podcast/id1031752967

    Episode 244: Trucking Insurance with Jeremy "Red Beard" McClure

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2025 100:23


    This week we are joined by Jeremy McClure aka Red Beard on TikTok. He specializes in commercial insurance and we're going to answer all your questions (and mine) about Trucking Insurance. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ribbon Blog: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/blog DRIVE FOR US: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/drive-for-us iTunes Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blue-ribbon-podcast/id1031752967

    EPISODE 243: TRUCKING BUSINESS STRUCTURES

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2025 119:00


    I've had a lot of discourse on social media this week talking about taxes and business structure. It's been frustrating because there a lot of people that believe things that are simply and demonstrably untrue. We are going to talk about the BASICS of setting up a business, especially a Trucking business, and we are going to get the calculator out (Our friend the BSE9000) and let it speak for itself. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ribbon Blog: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/blog DRIVE FOR US: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/drive-for-us iTunes Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blue-ribbon-podcast/id1031752967

    Episode 242: Defining the Mission: Saving Owner/Operators

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2025 70:59


    Many are led to path of self-employment because they seek an opportunity to escape the limitations that come with being employed by someone. We must recognize that an employer holds all the risk that an employee does not. When you start a business, you take on that risk and you must recognize it and respect it. This episode is going to be about us redefining our mission to help save owner/operators from failure. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ribbon Blog: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/blog DRIVE FOR US: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/drive-for-us iTunes Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blue-ribbon-podcast/id1031752967

    EPISODE 241: Remembering Carl Bonecutter

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2025 59:12


    On June 16, 2025 we received the devastating news that our good friend Carl Bonecutter passed away after long battle with a lung disease. We paid our respects at his funeral, but we would like to take this opportunity for all of the Blue Ribbon folks whose lives (and trucks) were touched by Carl to come together and share some laughs (and certainly some tears) and pay honor to this amazing man who was taken from us all too soon. Carl LOVED working on trucks, and it will forever be our testimony that there was no one better at it. Join us as we honor his memory and share the stories of why we loved him so much. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ribbon Blog: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/blog DRIVE FOR US: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/drive-for-us iTunes Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blue-ribbon-podcast/id1031752967

    Episode 240: BATTLE! New Trucks vs Old Trucks. Who Will Win?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2025 58:58


    It's the battle you've all been waiting for. Chris, Phil and Blake are going to have it out over the idea that old trucks (1999-2007) are better than old trucks. Who will win? (It's Chris, by the way) All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ribbon Blog: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/blog DRIVE FOR US: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/drive-for-us iTunes Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blue-ribbon-podcast/id1031752967

    Episode 239: Making a Good Impression to Customers

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2025 59:30


    In this episode, we're going talk about what it takes to build and maintain a profitable fleet and tips on how you can make a better impression on potential customers and employers. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ribbon Blog: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/blog DRIVE FOR US: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/drive-for-us iTunes Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blue-ribbon-podcast/id1031752967

    EPISODE 238: TRUMP, TARIFFS, and TRUCKING

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2025 56:20


    There is a lot of speculation about what is going to happen to the market with the threat of tariffs. Blake and Chris are going to discuss what they think is going to happen and how to prepare yourself for it. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ribbon Blog: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/blog DRIVE FOR US: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/drive-for-us iTunes Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blue-ribbon-podcast/id1031752967

    Episode 230: Setting Yourself Apart

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2025 80:07


    Setting yourself apart in the trucking market requires a combination of exceptional service and clear communication. Building a reputation for reliability and excellent customer service is crucial; ensure timely deliveries and maintain open lines of communication with customers, brokers and agents. By consistently delivering value and prioritizing customer satisfaction, your trucking business can carve out a distinctive niche in a competitive market.

    Episode 229: 2024 Year in Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2025 89:42


    2024 was a rough year for everyone and every industry. Too many trucks, not enough loads, low rates, parts shortages and out of control inflation. In this episode we are going to break down the Top 5 trucks in the Blue Ribbon fleet and show you exactly how much each one made. We will also reveal who the #1 driver was for 2024. His numbers are pretty astounding. We may even convince him to come on the show and talk about his experience. Join us as we deep dive into the numbers.

    Episode 228: A Very Important Announcement

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2025 49:48


    On tonight's podcast, we will share significant details about the future of Blue Ribbon and the podcast.

    Episode 227: Phriday Night with Phil. It's fine. Everything is Fine.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2024 104:33


    Episode 226

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2024 78:41


    Episode 225: Post Election Show Live in West Virginia

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2024 80:32


    Larry and Chris are together in Hurricane for a new driver orientation. We will discuss the election and its effects on the Trucking economy.

    Episode 224

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2024 95:50


    Episode 223

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2024 123:58


    Episode 222

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2024 121:14


    Episode 221

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2024 78:35


    Episode 220

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2024 117:20


    EPISODE 219: Avoiding SCAMS in the Trucking Industry

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2024 117:20


    A lot of Landstar drivers have been contacted in the last few months by someone who has access to a LOT of data that they should NOT have access to. The scammer is trying to get fuel card numbers under the guise of there having been an accident to they can steal the fuel money. There isn't a lot that can be done to stop the calls. We are going to talk about what can be done to stop the theft.

    Episode 218

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2024 121:57


    Episode 217

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2024 106:36


    Episode 216: What is a Lease?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2024 153:28


    Lease Purchase. Lease a Truck. Lease to a Carrier. There seems to be way too much confusion about what a lease is and what it is not. We are going to clear this up on this episode.

    Episode 215: 2024 FINANCIAL REPORTS AND BREAKDOWN

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2024 166:07


    This is going to be a big episode. We have some numbers from the last 90 days that we are going to share with you about our operation, and the results are fascinating. Tune in while we breakdown three months of data to the penny and show you how we are making a profit in 2024.

    Episode 214: Live from the Shop

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2024 57:36


    Chris got hung up in the shop doing a wheel seal, so this episode was canceled and then un-cancelled when he ran out of parts. Rocky Rockefeller from N Florida MD Alignment jumped on and we had a good talk about truck suspensions.

    Episode 212: Stop Criticizing Things You Do Not Understand

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2024 106:10


    There is nothing wrong with offering reasonable criticism of a service, product or person. What is NOT reasonable is criticizing from absolute ignorance. We will dive into it this evening.

    Episode 211

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2024 108:41


    Episode 210: The $14,000 Zip Tie

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2024 109:00


    You know we end up with some wild shop stories, and we have another one for you tonight. We will also catch up what is happening at the new shop and more.

    Episode 209: Blue Ribbon Specialized Truck Services

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2024 113:29


    Episode 208: Live from the Beach

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2024 96:29


    Episode 207

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2024 105:12


    Episode 206

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2024 83:23


    Episode 205

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2024 124:40


    Episode 204

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2024 112:23


    Episode 203

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2024 111:45


    Episode 202: New Shop Grand Opening

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2024 120:20


    SINCE THE EPISODE WAS PUBLISHED, THE OPENING DATE OF THE MD ALIGNMENT SHOP HAS BEEN CHANGED TO JUNE 17, 2024

    Episode 200: Mid America Trucking Show 2024 Wrap Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2024 97:00


    We're back from MATS and the 2024 Blue Ribbon Awards Banquet, We will catch you up on what we've been up to and our experience in Louisville.

    Episode 199: Landstar Heavy Haul and Platform with BCO Phil Frese

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2024 122:32


    Larry is off this week. Landstar Heavy Haul BCO Phil Frese will be joining us to talk all things Heavy Haul and Platform. Get your questions ready!

    Episode 198

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2024 99:39


    Episode 197: Guest Co-Host Justin Martin

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2024 123:33


    Larry had a medical procedure today, so he is at home resting. Justin Martin from Freightwaves will be joining us.

    Episode 196: How Can Shops be THIS Bad?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2024 123:49


    $10,000 for a FUEL FILTER???? We took a truck to a shop this week to diagnose a problem. We were given a $10,000 estimate to replace the turbo and the EGR cooler. We didn't trust the diagnosis so we brought the truck 700 miles back to West Virginia. What did we find? A $35 fuel filter that needed replaced.

    Episode 195: Success in Business Requires Hard Work

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2024 132:26


    There is no escaping hard work to succeed in business. Short cuts don't work.

    Episode 194: Chris Flying Solo

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2024 99:01


    Episode 193

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2024 126:18


    Episode 192: Are You REALLY Prepared for the "Unexpected"?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2024 87:43


    We've always told you that you better have a plan when the "unexpected" happens in your business. Well, this past week we got an opportunity to practice what we preach when Larry was sidelined with a medical issue. The rest of the Blue Ribbon team stepped up and filled the gaps. Richie and Phil put a closer eye on the fleet while Chris managed payroll and settlements. We didn't miss a beat, but without preparation, it could have been disastrous for our company. Larry is back this week and will fill you in on all the details.

    Episode 200: Special Guest Steve Vest

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2024


    Larry is under the weather, so Chris will be joined by Steve Vest of Nationwide Equipment Transportation, Inc. We discovered Steve on TikTok last week and quickly decided to join us on the podcast to discuss his experience as a freight broker. Steve's website: https://nationwidetrans.com/ Steve's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ntwdequiptrans

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