Regarding Trucking

Recently, I took a drive over to Dayton, Ohio to the headquarters of Jet Express. I spent a few hours with a man who has an unmistakable passion for the trucking industry. Kevin Burch has done it all. As past Chairman of ATA, he knows how to get things done on a national level, but equally important, Kevin continues his unwavering support for the local community. We kicked around some rocks walking the yard- looking at equipment -proudly on display. We spent some time in the maintenance shop- smiles and handshakes all around. Kevin took every opportunity to introduce me to every hard-working man and woman from operations, maintenance, and drivers, to recruiting / retention and safety. His contrasting gentle personality with a fire burning passion and drive is infectious. Kevin Burch – Jet Express, Inc. http://www.jetexpressinc.com/ --- Feedback: www.regardingtrucking.com www.facebook.com/regardingtrucking/ www.twitter.com/regardingtrucks Contact: Robert Haag robert@regardingtrucking.com

In this episode, we step away from the daily operations of a trucking company and consider the service side of the industry. A law firm or a consulting company can play a key role in advising their clients how to make all the right decisions at just the right time. Dave Osiecki – President of Scopelitis Transportation and Consulting is my guest today. Dave has led a long and distinguished career in the industry and has earned the respect of his peers all over Washington DC and across the trucking industry. With previous experience inside the Department of Transportation and the American Trucking Associations, Dave DOES see things from several perspectives, and he’s willing to open up and share those with us. I sat down with Dave last month in Atlanta GA inside the Georgia World Congress Center who just happened to be playing host to this year’s Annual ATA Technology and Maintenance Council Dave Osiecki – Scopelitis Transportation and Consulting http://www.scopelitisconsulting.com/ --- Feedback: www.regardingtrucking.com www.facebook.com/regardingtrucking/ www.twitter.com/regardingtrucks Contact: Robert Haag robert@regardingtrucking.com

In our last and final conversation in a series, from last fall, we talk with a man who’s love of trucking led him to the love of his life. No, I’m not talking about Ohio State Football, I’m talking about a couple who have started a Tank Truck business which began as a dream and became to a full-fledged liquid bulk super power. Today we speak with Dean Kaplan, of K-Limited Carriers in Toledo, OH Dean, along with his wife Kim, have built a company that they are proud of. K-Limited often gives back to show their thanks, like providing a trailer for the Toledo football team. In looking to return the good will the Industry has provided him, Dean has a passion for advocating, educating, and communicating to anyone that will listen as to why Trucking is important. Finance is what he knows, but Trucking is in his blood… I mean…. he says that when he was a baby, truck drivers were often the ones changing his diapers. Talk about a close family! Oh, and Dean also tells us some stories of taking care of ponies on a pony farm. Dean Kaplan, K-Limited- http://www.k-ltd.com/ --- Feedback: www.regardingtrucking.com www.facebook.com/regardingtrucking/ www.twitter.com/regardingtrucks Contact: Robert Haag robert@regardingtrucking.com

My guest today has seen challenges not only from his competitors but from Mother Nature as well. New Orleans, Louisiana can be an unforgiving place, but with such a tremendous spirit. A true survivor, Randy Guillot of Triple G Express gives us his thoughts on where he sees the road ahead of him and this industry. As a motor carrier who specializes in, specialty cargo, not only is he worried about current price of diesel, but also the current strength of the US Dollar.  Imports and Exports often drive the volume of loading and unloading of his fleet. Ask Randy’s opinion about a topic and he will give you an honest and sincere answer, showing his dedication to our industry. But Randy is also a family man, with a family business - ----they come from, as they say, “Down the Bayou and Up the Bayou” and they make it happen.   Randy Guillot - Triple G Express– www.triplegexpress.com --- Feedback: www.regardingtrucking.com www.facebook.com/regardingtrucking/ www.twitter.com/regardingtrucks Contact: Robert Haag robert@regardingtrucking.com

One of the knocks on big corporate trucking companies is that the CEO or executives have NO idea what it’s like to do a pre-trip inspection, or keep Hours-of-Service. Hit your pickup and delivery time or simply see things from a driver’s perspective. My guest today has the experience both behind the desk and behind the wheel. From his young teenage years working around trucks, to owning a single truck, to now managing a fleet, Jim Burg of James Burg Trucking Company has the experience we all can learn from. He’s an innovator when it comes to spec’ing heavy haul equipment, but also an innovator when our country is looking for smart people with smart ideas about future infrastructure funding. Jim can be a driver hauling a load on Monday and Tuesday in his home state of Michigan, but come Thursday and Friday, he’s in Washington meeting on Capitol Hill or even making a trip to the White House.   James Burg Trucking Company– www.jbtc.net --- Feedback: www.regardingtrucking.com www.facebook.com/regardingtrucking/ www.twitter.com/regardingtrucks Contact: Robert Haag robert@regardingtrucking.com

Have you ever driven down the interstate and saw a large flatbed tractor trailer transporting something different than you’ve ever seen before? Maybe it’s hidden under a tarp pulled tight when you can just barely make out the shape. Others may be clearly visible- amazing your mind at how that thing gets from Point A to Point B If that tractor bares the company name “Combined Transport” then it’s my guest today who’s behind that operation. It’s Mike Card, President of Combined Transport and Past American Trucking Association Chairman out of Central Point, Oregon. The Trucking industry is full of good stories and history. We get to hear Mike talk about his father who founded the company, and how the history of Combined weaves right into the fabric of where this industry has been. Combined Transport– www.combinedtransport.com --- Feedback: www.regardingtrucking.com www.facebook.com/regardingtrucking/ www.twitter.com/regardingtrucks Contact: Robert Haag robert@regardingtrucking.com

  Today we switch things up and go on a road trip. Out amongst the farm fields of Northwest Ohio is where we find our next guest for Episode #6. She grew up around trucks and as a young girl found herself loving the time she spent with her father. Today we speak with Sherri Garner Brumbaugh of Garner Trucking Sherri does some amazing things for her local community, but also amazing things on behalf of her employees and industry. I sat down and talked with her in her office outside Findley, OH. Garner Trucking– https://garnertrucking.com/ --- Feedback: www.regardingtrucking.com www.facebook.com/regardingtrucking/ www.twitter.com/regardingtrucks Contact: Robert Haag robert@regardingtrucking.com

This is Regarding Trucking-  Episode #5  And…..boy are you in for a treat.  My guest today is - Chris Spear – President and CEO of the American Trucking Associations. ATA is not the only trade association representing the trucking industry - but it is the largest, loudest, and most diverse voice of the Industry today. When Economist, Academics, Congress…..or even the White House….. when they have a question about Trucks and Truckers, they reach out to the American Trucking Associations. And the man who leads the team answering the phones is Chris Spear.  Mr. Spear has an extensive resume in both the private sector and public service, but it’s not just his experience that sets him apart, it’s his passion and leadership that results in putting wins on the board. I was fortunate enough to sit down with Mr. Spear for an in-depth and candid one-on-one interview at this year’s 2017 Indiana Motor Truck Association Annual Convention, which was held in Phoenix Arizona. Our conversation was recorded…in front of a live audience…. during the Future Leaders of Indiana Annual Luncheon. ATA– http://www.trucking.org/ --- Feedback: www.regardingtrucking.com www.facebook.com/regardingtrucking/ www.twitter.com/regardingtrucks Contact: Robert Haag robert@regardingtrucking.com

The Trucking Industry is one of…….if not the single - most regulated Industry in the United States. Executives, Trade Associations, and Drivers spend a lot of time and resources in Washington trying to set the record straight. Making sure our voice is heard. Whether we are talking to Members of Congress, Administration officials, or members of the enforcement community- Talk is just that – Talk - unless you have data to back it up. Sound research that reveals the facts about trucking is the rock this industry leans against over - and over again. My guest today, Rebecca Brewster, is the Sargent and Head Coach who delivers when the Industry calls for help with that research. Recently I sat down with Rebecca in her office in Atlanta, Georgia for an hour-long conversation. ATRI– http://atri-online.org/ --- Feedback: www.regardingtrucking.com www.facebook.com/regardingtrucking/ www.twitter.com/regardingtrucks Contact: Robert Haag robert@regardingtrucking.com

When you work in the trucking industry, that work - can come with long hours - often getting your hands dirty along the way. Growing up and living on 20-plus acres, -   also comes with daily chores, long hours and dirty hands. My guest today has experience in both worlds, deeply rooted in the central hills of Tennessee. His dedication and hard-work comes second nature to whatever challenge he faces…. His next challenge may be the hardest he’s faced yet. Dave Manning – President of TCW Inc. joins me today to discuss his business, his involvement in the trucking industry, and the journey he’s taken to get here. Dave’s smile can light up a room – we may find out where that smile comes from as well. I got a chance to sit down with Dave in a conference room at the Indiana Motor Truck Association where Dave happened to be in town. TCW, Inc.– https://www.tcwonline.com --- Feedback: www.regardingtrucking.com www.facebook.com/regardingtrucking/ www.twitter.com/regardingtrucks Contact: Robert Haag robert@regardingtrucking.com

You don’t need to look very far in the Trucking Industry to come across a company whose roots may be 2 to 3 generations deep.  It’s no secret that Trucking runs through the veins of many families throughout this country. My guest today is of no exception.  His father was in trucking….. his grandfather in trucking…. His uncle in trucking……. And he works with 2 of his brothers within the family business. Eli McCormick, President and CEO of Bestway Express, is one of the younger trailblazers at the helm of a trucking company whose employees, often much older, look up to and respect. Bestway Express has a long history being involved in Indiana Trucking, and Eli extends that tradition with his dedication and involvement in the Indiana Motor Truck Association. Married and with two young children at home, Eli stays busy – but not too busy to talk with us. Bestway Express, Inc. – https://bestwayexpress.com/ --- Feedback: www.regardingtrucking.com www.facebook.com/regardingtrucking/ www.twitter.com/regardingtrucks Contact: Robert Haag robert@regardingtrucking.com

Every year the American Transportation Research Institute (better known as ATRI) puts out a list of the Top 10 Industry concerns.  At the top of the list every year is the concerns over the Driver Shortage.  The ability to recruit, hire, and retain quality CDL Drivers in America is a struggle that is voiced loud and clear by the trucking industry.  A company whose Headquarters are in Indianapolis Indiana believes they are doing something to help with that shortage.  Driving Ambition Inc., is a CDL staffing company who looks to match qualified commercial drivers with trucking companies with empty seats to fill.  I had a chance to sit down with President and CEO Jeremy Reymer to let him tell his story- who he is, and how his company is taking steps to help others trying to succeed in the Trucking Industry. Driving Ambition, Inc. – www.drivingambitioninc.com Driver Reach, LLC – www.driverreach.com --- Feedback: www.regardingtrucking.com www.facebook.com/regardingtrucking/ www.twitter.com/regardingtrucks Contact: Robert Haag robert@regardingtrucking.com

Regarding Trucking is a one-on-one, in-depth, interview podcast with the people who make the trucking industry what it is today and where it will be tomorrow.  We dig deep asking them to share their knowledge, beliefs, and leadership skills so that we can also be inspired to do great things.