The Autumn Transport Podcast

What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts.In this episode Brenton talks with Hopper driver Jack Mancini. Jack is an owner operator who truly knows what it means to run a business. He has partnered with Autumn for 5 years. It was a lot of fun to hear his back story, and Jack shares some great tips and tricks to pass along to other drivers.

What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts.In this episode Brenton is joined by owner operator Scott Campbell from Autumn's Liquid Tank Division. Scott just celebrated one year of partnership with Autumn. A former police officer/detective Scott talks about how he got into trucking, his recruiting process with Autumn, and the changes he's seen in trucking over the last 16 years.

What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts.In this episode Brenton is joined by Autumn Safety Director Chris Senty and Autumn Safety Coordinator Bill Drath to discuss HOS regulations and answer questions from owner operators.

What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts.Brenton is joined by the Lindsey Trent, President of Next Generation in Trucking Association (NGT). NGT is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America. Lindsey shares some valuable insights into what NGT is doing to help students and young adults find a career in trucking. We discuss barriers to entry, the involvement of female students, some amazing success stories, and how people get get involved starting these kinds of programs in their own schools.You can connect with NGT through all main social media channels (@nextgentruckers) or through their website: https://www.nextgentrucking.org/

What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts.Brenton is joined by Autumn Safety Director Chris Senty to discuss the upcoming 2024 CVSA Brake Safety Week, August 25th-31st. Chris shares some fantastic tips for the drivers about what they need to do to make sure their truck and trailer are ready for the Blitz. We also talk about the interaction Safety has with new  independent contractors during orientation when they join the Autumn family.For more info on Brake Safety Week check out the link below to the CVSA page.CVSA Brake Safety Week

What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts.In this episode Brenton interviews Dr. Mark Manera. Dr. Mark was a physical therapist who began to notice a big problem in the trucking health space. He started Offshift to support and encourage truck drivers with their health goals. Offshift

What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts.What a great conversation with Katrina Hillard, an owner operator in Autumn's Pneumatic division. Katrina was the Autumn Transport Driver of the Year in 2019, and was named January Driver of the Month in 2022 by the Minnesota Trucking Association. Katrina is one of the kindest, most humble drivers out there. It was so fun to hear hear stories about getting into trucking, being a female driver, and the many ways that Autumn is like a family to her. You're gonna enjoy this one!

What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts.In this episode Brenton is joined by Hopper driver Dennis Brewington. Dennis has been with us for almost a year and his enthusiasm and joy are contagious. Dennis is a Native American and we discuss the lack of Native American representation in the truck driving industry. Dennis also shares how important family is to him, how he creates memories for his four grandkids, and he talks about his 15 minutes of YouTube fame.

What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts.In this episode Brenton is joined by Pneumatic driver Ben Wilson. Ben started partnering with Autumn in 2001. He worked briefly in the Hopper division before switching to Pneumatics in 2004. Ben is from NC and runs a dedicated pneumatic lane. He shares some great stories about CEO Julie saving him from a NYC load, working in the fracking fields of North Dakota, and almost losing his daughter at the Canadian border. Ben is a great guy and was very vulnerable in our conversation, opening up about mental health and the isolation of life on the road.

What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts.Brenton and Joe talk about his background in trucking and the military, growing up in MN, and how Joe came to Autumn for the Ownership Lease Purchase Program (OLPP). Joe has a contagious energy. He shares about the friendship he has with another driver in Liquid Tank, and he talks about how everyone at Autumn feel like family.

What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts.Brenton and Chris chat about Pneumatics, breakdowns, what makes owner operators successful, and the pros and cons of technology in trucks.@indietrucker@brentonbalvin

What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts.We are sharing this audio with permission, from a recording done by the Minnesota Trucking Association at their 2023 Safety Conference. Autumn Transport  CEO Julie Andrich gave a keynote speech about how to keep things safe, even when she, or safety personal, have left the building. Enjoy!You can listen to other interesting MTA podcasts on their website: mntrucking.org/podcast.

What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts.In this episode Brenton is joined by Freedom Drivers Project Specialist Micah Larsen, from the nonprofit organization Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT). Since 2009 TAT has worked to partner with truck drivers, bus drivers and other transportation industry workers to educate and inspire drivers to help combat the problem of human trafficking. In our discussion Micah shares some startling statistics about the problem, and share several things drivers can do in their unique roles to help combat trafficking and ultimately, to potentially save lives. There are over 50M trafficking victims worldwide but Micah encourages us to think about this as a problem in our own backyard. Please listen to this important conversation.If you think you see the signs of human trafficking please call the anonymous National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888Trucks Against Trafficking Book recommendation "Not For Sale"Freedom Drivers Project

What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts.In this episode Brenton is joined by Autumn's Safety Director Chris Senty, founder and owner of Senty Transportation Services. They discussed the upcoming 2024 CVSA International Roadcheck (DOT Blitz) which occurs May 14th-16th, 2024. The main focuses of this years Blitz are Tractor Protection Systems and Alcohol/Controlled Substance Possession. Chris gives some great pointers and tips for checking the air system on your truck and trailer. We also discuss some of the laws surrounding alcohol and marijuana as they related to the use, possession and transportation of these substances in your truck. 2024 CVSA International Roadcheck Website2024 CVSA International Roadcheck Inspection BulletinCVSA Out of Service CriteriaSenty Transportation Services, LLC FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse 

What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts.In this episode we interview Chris Bradley, the Executive Vice President of Bed in a Box and its subsidiary Sleep Dog Mattress. Bed in a Box pioneered the making and marketing memory foam mattress in a new way that makes shipping and handling a mattress a more manageable, user friendly experience. Sleep Dog was born out a a desire to make a better mattress for truck drivers and RV owners. Sleep Dog's motto is "Sleep Better, Drive Safer."Chris graciously shared a promo code for listeners of the Autumn Transport podcast! Use Autumn50 for $50 off the lowest listed price of any of their home, semi truck, or RV mattress! It is a great product and they offer a 120 night risk free trial, plus all Sleep Dog products are Made in the USA!Bed in a BoxSleep Dog Mattress 

What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts.In this episode Brenton and Jenna had a chance to sit down at the office with Pneumatic Division driver Roy Wallace. Roy has been an Owner-Operator partner with Autumn Transport for 8 years, and has successfully participated in our Lease Purchase Ownership Program not once, but twice, paying off two trucks in eight years! Our discussion with Roy includes his story of losing his father due to diabetes, and how that became the motivation to becoming aware of his own diabetes, and the dangers he faced if he didn't make some drastic lifestyle changes. When Roy started his journey to better health, he weighed 300 lbs, and in four months after losing his dad, he lost 100 lbs! He has since stared a Facebook group called "Type 2 For the Long Haul", where he shares health articles, food recipes and supports other drivers who are living with diabetes. Roy has made health a passion and loves to share his journey with drivers he meets. You can follow along with Roy at @royvwallace on Instagram, or join his Facebook group.

What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts.In this episode Brenton and Jenna are joined by Autumn CEO Julie Andrich and General Manager Josh Wahlin. This was a fun discussion looking back at all that happened in 2023, and forecasting where Julie and Josh see Autumn going in 2024. We talk about how social media has impacted recruiting, Autumn's recognition by the Minnesota Trucking Association for multiple safety awards, Julie's Top Women in Business Award, and Autumn being named a Top Workplace for Women in Trucking. In 2023 Autumn hit an all time high for truck count, we had 17 driver's paid off truck leases, and multiple drivers win the MTA Driver of the Month honors. Josh also announces for the first time the winner of Autumn's 2023 Driver of the Year. Women in TruckingMinnesota Trucking AssociationAutumn's New Website

What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts.In this episode Brenton and Jenna talk with Summit Health and Fitness coach Amie Chambers. Amie is a certified L1 CrossFit coach, as well as the owner of Summit Health and Fitness, which is a business that helps individuals understand health and nutrition. Their company motto is "We help driven people DITCH the diet & DISCOVER energy and confidence they DESERVE."  Amie shares strategies drivers can implement to make better decisions about the food they eat, and she gives some great advice at what foods help us be healthy and fit, and what foods we should avoid. Plus, Jenna asks some hard hitting questions about the problems with cooking your food in a microwave.Check Amie's company out on Facebook or Instagram by searching @summit_health_coaching.

What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts.In this episode Brenton and Jenna talk with Chris Thomas, an owner operator partner in the Pneumatic division. Chris is on fire in the trucking social media world right now and has been a guest on several recent trucking podcasts. We love Chris's mantra - "Freight friends are great friends." During our conversation we discuss some of the trends Chris sees in the trucking industry and where he believes things are headed. We also talk about developing little habits to be physically and mentally healthy while trucking. Chris shares some great advice on playing the long game in trucking and learning how to wisely ride out the highs and lows of rates. Make sure you give Chris a follow on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram ----> @indietruckerWhile you're at it, give his friends a follow too!#PleaseAdviseMichael Lombard @LombardTruckingReed Loustalot @lostisreedLost FR8 @LOSTFR8_Kevin Rutherford @lets_truckCDL Drivers Unlimited Truck Parking ClubOther cool things mentioned by Chris.F3: Future of Freight Festival 2023Mid America Truck ShowFreight Waves @FreightWavesOOIDAChopFitJason's Law

What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts.In this episode Brenton and Jenna sit down with Tim Tetz. Tim is the Director of Public Outreach at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. In his role Tim is responsible for managing The Wall That Heals, is a 375-foot long replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, honoring the nearly eight million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War. It bears the names of the more than 58,000 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. The replica wall has been brought to over 700 communities through partnerships between the VVMF and truck drivers and trucking companies. Our conversation covers Tim's military service, the goals of the VVMF and some special stories related to the wall and people's interaction with it.Vietnam Veterans Memorial FundThe Wall That Heals

What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts.In this episode Brenton and Jenna sit down with Autumn Safety Director Chris Senty and his safety associate Char Oestreich to discuss their time at the Minnesota Trucking Association Annual Conference, and also to talk about the upcoming CVSA Brake Safety Week - August 20-26. We talk about asking the right questions of yourself and a company, gathering support and input from others to make better, decisions, and all about what to look for to successfully navigate the Brake Safety Week. Plus, Jenna learns what a Jake Brake is!MTA Annual Conference CVSA Brake Safety Week10 Tips for Brake Linings and Pads 

What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts.In this episode Brenton and Jenna are joined by KAW CEO Angela Castle. KAW Services is a full service repair shop and tank wash. Angela made the trip all the way from Kansas City to the Autumn office to join our show. Angela and her family owned business have been friends of Autumn for many years. Our conversation was full of stories and lots of laughs. If you are in the KC area and in need of a trailer repair or tank wash Autumn is proud to recommend the folks at KAW. And while you're there be sure to have a #KAWDog or 2!KAW Services

What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts.In this episode Brenton and Jenna chat with End Dump driver Jason Miles. Jason stopped by the office to do some video recording for an End Dump Training video so we grabbed him for a quick conversation before he hit the road again. Both Jason and his Dad are owner-operator partners with Autumn. Jason comes from a long family line of truckers and he talks about his success with the Autumn Ownership Program, how he maintains his trucks, his passion for service to his customers, and the great relationship he has with his dispatch team. It was a lot of fun getting to know Jason and we're sure you'll enjoy this conversation as much as we did.

What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts.In this episode Brenton and Jenna sit down with Megan Kraby and Kim Decker. Megan is a decades long family friend of Brenton and, along with Kim, owns Kraby Decker Law. Our conversation is an important one for truck drivers should a catastrophic incident occur. Having a will, a health care directive, and an estate plan is crucial for drivers and their families. Megan and Kim handle this heavy topic with wisdom and care, and there's lot of laughs and personal anecdotes along the way. 

What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts.In this episode Brenton and Jenna are joined by Minnesota Trucking Association President John Hausladen. John has been leading the MTA since since 1996. Our discussion covers how John got into trucking, what the MTA does for drivers and companies, current issues the MTA is lobbying government to look at, and the MTA's new recruitment campaign.Minnesota Trucking Association Drive the Difference Campaign 

What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts.In this episode Brenton sits down with former Autumn Transport Operations Manager Drew Koppen. Drew is currently the Director of Operations at Driver Driven Transportation, based in Lakeland, MN. It was a fantastic conversation centered on company culture, leadership, a commitment to drivers, and how to build a fantastic team. Both Driver Driven Transportation and Autumn Transport are companies founded, and internally guided, by a strong commitment to values and culture. Drew is well read and leads out of humility, wisdom and empathy. There's a lot to take in and process in this conversation, and we hope it will make you better today!Autumn TransportDriver Driven TransportationPatrick Lencioni: The Ideal Team PlayerGino Wickman: Traction

What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts.In this episode Brenton and Autumn CEO Julie Andrich chat with MN State Patrol Captain Jon Olsen. Captain Olsen has been serving the state of Minnesota and the drivers on its highways for over 20 years. A small town kid who wanted to be a farmer, Captain Olsen explains to us what troopers are doing to keep our roads safe for truck drivers and passenger vehicle drivers alike. He tells us about new technology inspection officers are using, shares some stories of the excuses he's heard from people trying to get out of tickets, and he warns drivers about how Minnesota's recent legalization of cannabis effect them. Hint: you still can't touch the stuff and keep trucking! Captain Olsen also details the goals of Operation Safe Driver Week, happening July 9-15.Operation Safe Driver

What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts.In this episode Brenton talks with DAT Principal Analyst and Sleep Expert Dean Croke. Dean spent  over 20 years as a driver and trucking company owner in Australia before coming to the US as a consultant, analyst and sleep expert. Sadly, two drivers at Dean's trucking company passed away in crashes due to falling asleep behind the wheel. These tragedies led Dean to devoting his life to studying sleep and he is passionate about passing along this information to anyone in the trucking industry who will listen. Brenton and Dean talk about how sleep cycles work, what prevents good sleep, why it is important that spouses and families understand why a driver needs to sleep, and what drivers can do to improve their sleep. Dean still drives from time to time and has a super cool Peterbilt he calls "The Grumpy Pete."Connect with Dean on LinkedIn: Dean Croke DAT Freight & AnalyticsYouTube: The Grumpy PeteSend us question for Dean: social@autumntransport.com

What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts.In this episode Brenton sits down with Hopper driver Gary Ruth and Liquid Tank driver Todd Moody to discuss their involvement in the Minnesota Trucking Association's 2023 Truck Driving Championships. They also discuss how they first found Autumn Transport, their success with Autumn's Lease Ownership Program, and some of the challenges owner-operators face while out on the road. Gary tells us about his involvement in a really cool organization he's leads called Help For Our Vets, and you don't want to miss Todd's story about how he reunited with his first with after 30 years apart! Minnesota Trucking Association2023 MN Truck Driving Championship

What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts.In this episode, Brenton and Jenna are joined by Hopper driver Ray Boire. Ray has partnered with Autumn Transport for around three years. Ray was at the Autumn office showing The Wall That Heals to our dispatch and operations staff. During our conversation Ray talks with us about his service in the Army, his experience as a bouncer at concerts and clubs, how he got into trucking, and why volunteering as a driver to pull The Wall That Heals trailer means so much to him. Thank you, Ray, for your service to our country, and for donating your time and money to be involved with The Wall That Heals.  The Autumn Ownership ProgramThe Wall That HealsVietnam Veterans Memorial Fund

What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts.In this episode Brenton and Jenna sit down with Liquid Tanks driver Chuck Haviland. We learn about the time Chuck handed the keys of the gas station he worked at to a police officer and quit the job, some of Chuck's favorite karaoke songs, and why he thinks Autumn is such a special place to work. There's also a great story about a recent medical bill Chuck had to pay for his dog, and some audio of Jenna singing Elvis Presley. Other topics include driver referrals, why you should have a maintenance account, and Jenna's (not) love of Taylor Swift.

What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts.In this episode Brenton and Jenna sit down with Autumn Safety Director Chris Senty from Senty Transportation Services, LLC. We preview the MTA Trucking Driving Championship coming up June 10-11 in Roseville, MN. Then we deep dive into the 2023  CVSA International Roadcheck coming up May 16-18th.Topics discussed: TDC (Truck Driving Championship), The Blitz, Brakes, Lights, Low hanging fruit, Keeping your trailer clean, Level 1 inspections, and the time Chris got put out of serviceAutumn Transport Senty Transportation Services, LLCCVSA International RoadcheckMTA Truck Driving Championships

What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts.In this episode Brenton and Jenna sit down with Liquid Tank driver Nick Wadsworth. Nick is an owner operator from Louisiana and has been partnering with Autumn Transport for about a year. During our conversation you'll hear about how Nick found Autumn, how he got the nickname Slim, and you'll even get a little sample of Jenna's singing voice. 

What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts.In this episode Brenton and Jenna sat down with Founder Bev Rieks and her daughter, CEO Julie Andrich to discuss the beginning of Autumn Transport. We learned how the company was started by Bev and her late husband Lowell, and how it grew from a small grain hauling operation called Autumn Grain to the company it is today. 

What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts.In this episode Brenton and Jenna sit down with Liquid Tank driver Wayne Ebert. Wayne started with Autumn in February 2022 and partnered with them for almost 9 months before being let go due to anger and unsafe driving. In this episode Wayne shares the challenges he faced dealing with loss in his life and how that affected his metal state behind the wheel. He also shares the process he went though to face though challenges, find healing and the journey of personal growth that opened the door for him to return to Autumn.

What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts.In this podcast we're talking vehicle maintenance with Autumn Safety Director Chris Senty from Senty Transportation. We discuss CSA scores, DOT inspection practices, and why vehicle maintenance is such an important thing for owner-operators to pay attention to.