The Grawe Pod

The freight market continues to remain challenging and, as this episode of the Grawe Pod points out, it's a time when trucking and logistics companies should be finding ways to maximize efficiencies and manage cash flow. Podcast host Doug Grawe welcomes Grawe Group Executive Business Partner Gary Randall to discuss the current market and they […] The post Notes On Improving Processes, Managing Cash Flow & Reducing Days Sales Outstanding appeared first on PodWheels Powered by Radio Nemo.

Recorded just two days following the end of Q1, Grawe Pod hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall collaborate on an important discussion covering several key points that trucking and logistics decision makers should consider as they evaluate their company's performance. What Doug and Gary cover will help as decision makers plan ahead for the remainder […] The post Q1 Is Over, How Is Your Business Positioned For The Rest of 2024? appeared first on PodWheels Powered by Radio Nemo.

The recent headlines with the news of leadership changes at two of the nation's largest trucking and logistics companies helped to place the topic of succession planning for your trucking company into the spotlight. In this episode, podcast host Doug Grawe addresses the key questions that trucking companies need to ask when building a succession […] The post Does Your Trucking Company Have A Succession Plan? appeared first on PodWheels Powered by Radio Nemo.

This episode of the Grawe Pod offers insightful perspective on two timely topics: 1) January's final rulemaking on Independent Contractor status issued by the Department of Labor. 2) Prevention strategies for cargo theft and mitigating cargo claims. Podcast hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall explore the key points on both IC status and cargo security […] The post Addressing Cargo Theft Prevention & Exploring The IC Status Final Rulemaking appeared first on PodWheels Powered by Radio Nemo.

The first 2024 episode of the Grawe Pod features a discussion on nuclear verdicts in the trucking industry and managing multiple businesses within one corporate family. Podcast hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall explore a number of key points related to this topic. As you will hear, building and managing the separation of your businesses […] The post Separating Assets, Separating Businesses & Best Practices for Protecting Your Business appeared first on PodWheels Powered by Radio Nemo.

In this year-end edition of the Grawe Pod, series host Doug Grawe goes to the bullpen to call on series producer and trucking industry veteran Greg Thompson from the PodWheels Network to join him on the microphone. As you'll hear, Greg asks Doug to discuss the top challenges trucking and logistics companies faced in 2023. The conversation also dedicates some time for looking ahead at 2024 with Doug offering a few tips for securing more freight and improving key performance metrics.

In this 2023 year-end edition of the Grawe Pod, series host Doug Grawe goes to the bullpen to call on series producer and trucking industry veteran Greg Thompson from the PodWheels Network to join him on the microphone. As you'll hear, Greg asks Doug to discuss the top challenges trucking and logistics companies faced in […] The post So Long 2023 (and Good Riddance???), Hello 2024! appeared first on PodWheels Powered by Radio Nemo.

In this episode, podcast hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall highlight the power and purpose of good performance dashboards for trucking and logistics companies. Doug and Gary will discuss how the use of dashboards can offer companies an important advantage through knowing your fundamentals better than the competition and showing that you have the people and processes to improve your fundamentals. This episode will also explore the recent news of another cyberattack within the trucking and logistics industry. As part of that discussion, Doug and Gary cover a few tips for contingency planning.

In this episode, podcast hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall highlight the power and purpose of good performance dashboards for trucking and logistics companies. Doug and Gary will discuss how the use of dashboards can offer companies an important advantage through knowing your fundamentals better than the competition and showing that you have the people […] The post The Value of Trucking Dashboards appeared first on PodWheels Powered by Radio Nemo.

Grawe Pod hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall dedicate this episode to examine some of the biggest headlines and trends happening this summer, including the impact of Yellow's closing on its people and the industry. Doug and Gary also discuss what's taking place these days with driver recruiting and retention efforts. You'll also hear perspective […] The post Yellow, its Impact, and More Industry News Making Impacts appeared first on PodWheels Powered by Radio Nemo.

Grawe Pod Hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall dedicate this episode to examine some of the biggest headlines and trends happening this summer, including the impact of Yellow's closing on its people and the industry. Doug and Gary also discuss what's taking place these days with driver recruiting and retention efforts. You'll also hear perspective on California's equipment rules impacting carriers, brokers and shippers all over the U.S. Additionally, Doug touches on a recent court decision that stands as a win for brokers in the industry. Doug and Gary close out this edition of the podcast looking at some of the Grawe Group's work in 2023 that has helped their clients do better and be better.

With the midway point in 2023 on the horizon, the Grawe Pod has dedicated an episode to examine several key questions related to longer range planning and maintaining a focus on reaching your company's goals. Podcast hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall discuss the importance of planning and asking the right questions, including the following: What do we need to do to reach our goals? Who will be responsible? What are the deadlines? Is the planning clear? Is it properly aligned? This episode is particularly valuable as transportation and logistics companies prepare to work through insurance renewals, budgets, capital expenditures, personnel, cash flow and other considerations that require thoughtful planning.

With the midway point in 2023 on the horizon, the Grawe Pod has dedicated an episode to examine several key questions related to longer range planning and maintaining a focus on reaching your company's goals. Podcast hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall discuss the importance of planning and asking the right questions, including the following: […] The post Planning: What Do We Need To Do To Reach Our Goals? appeared first on PodWheels Powered by Radio Nemo.

In today's transportation landscape, trucking companies are crunched by the prevalence of nuclear verdicts, the shortage of quality drivers, and multiple viewpoints from Operations, Safety, & Recruiting. With this episode of the Grawe Pod, Doug Grawe and Gary Randall are back to talk about driver qualification guidelines and the qualification process. Doug and Gary explore a number of key points on this topic through their discussion while offering some helpful insights.

In today's transportation landscape, trucking companies are crunched by the prevalence of nuclear verdicts, the shortage of quality drivers, and multiple viewpoints from Operations, Safety, & Recruiting. With this episode of the Grawe Pod, Doug Grawe and Gary Randall are back to talk about driver qualification guidelines and the qualification process. Doug and Gary explore […] The post Driver Qualifications & The Driver Qualification Process appeared first on PodWheels Powered by Radio Nemo.

For our first episode of 2023, the Grawe Pod addresses one of the oldest questions facing a trucking company: Should we go with an independent contractor fleet, an employee fleet or a fleet that utilizes both ICs and employee drivers? Podcast host Doug Grawe is joined by Grawe Group Executive Business Partner Gary Randall for a wide-ranging discussion on this topic. Doug and Gary walk listeners through what has become a debate that trucking company owners have faced for generations. Spoiler Alert: There is not a wrong answer to this question, but, as Doug and Gary point out, there are wrong ways to work with a chosen fleet model. This episode also discusses why trucking companies make the choices they do for their fleets. As you'll hear, Doug and Gary dedicate some time detailing a few best practices in working with each fleet model.

For our first episode of 2023, the Grawe Pod addresses one of the oldest questions facing a trucking company: Should we go with an independent contractor fleet, an employee fleet or a fleet that utilizes both ICs and employee drivers? Podcast host Doug Grawe is joined by Grawe Group Executive Business Partner Gary Randall for […] The post Age-Old Question: IC Fleet, Employee Fleet or Mixed Fleet? appeared first on PodWheels Powered by Radio Nemo.

Posting a recycled job ad on Indeed, conducting four rounds of interviews and utilizing a copy-and-paste approach with job qualification requirements are not cutting it in today's market. During the People Episode of the Grawe Pod, we will be sharing a collection of insights that address attracting, hiring and onboarding non-driving talent into your transportation organization. Doug Grawe is your host for the podcast and he will be joined on this episode by Grawe Group Executive Business Partners Gary Randall and Steve Youngquist. They will explore how transportation companies are attracting, hiring and retaining strong employees through thoughtful approaches. Attention to detail is vital in today's market. Job descriptions are carefully crafted for each new opening. Qualification requirements are narrowed to attract fit as much as technical expertise. Interviewing is purposeful to draw out the traits that truly matter in your culture. And onboarding is designed to build a strong foundation, not fight fires.

Posting a recycled job ad on Indeed, conducting four rounds of interviews and utilizing a copy-and-paste approach with job qualification requirements are not cutting it in today's market. During the People Episode of the Grawe Pod, we will be sharing a collection of insights that address attracting, hiring and onboarding non-driving talent into your transportation […] The post The People Episode appeared first on PodWheels Powered by Radio Nemo.

With this episode of the Grawe Pod, we will introduce you to the newest team member of the Grawe Group, Steve Youngquist. Along with introducing Steve and welcoming him to the team, Grawe Pod hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall will be engaging Steve to draw from his expertise in working through various cycles in the trucking and logistics market. As you'll hear during this episode, some version of a down market may be on the way. The market changes on the horizon will require carriers to meet the challenge to secure the freight you want at the rates you need. Our group discussion here is designed to provide some perspective on putting together useful business development plans to help you not just survive, but thrive in any market.

With this episode of the Grawe Pod, we will introduce you to the newest team member of the Grawe Group, Steve Youngquist. Along with introducing Steve and welcoming him to the team, Grawe Pod hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall will be engaging Steve to draw from his expertise in working through various cycles in […] The post Discussing Business Development Plans for 2023 appeared first on PodWheels Powered by Radio Nemo.

In this episode of the Grawe Pod, we will explore a very important aspect of mergers and acquisitions as the M&A activity is once again heating up in the transportation industry. Grawe Pod hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall discuss the subject of mergers and acquisitions from the perspective of having a plan for implementation […] The post Implementing Mergers & Acquisitions Effectively appeared first on PodWheels Powered by Radio Nemo.

In this episode of the Grawe Pod, we will explore a very important aspect of mergers and acquisitions as the M-and-A activity is once again heating up in the transportation industry. Podcast hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall discuss the subject of mergers and acquisitions from the perspective of having a plan for implementation in place that can be well executed once the decision is made to buy or sell. With years of experience in leading Operations and Administration on both the selling sides and the buying sides of M-and-A transactions, Gary and Doug share valuable tips for successfully retaining people, retaining freight and collecting equipment through the transition.

In this episode of the Grawe Pod, we focus on the areas of business development and sales. Your podcast hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall center the discussion during this episode on the importance of knowing your company's differentiators for your customers as well as making sure your whole team knows them. Don Grawe, a veteran logistics professional with a wealth of experience in the area of business development, is the featured guest for this episode. Don delivers a great perspective on understanding the difference between being another one of your customer's vendors and being your customer's trusted resource. As you'll hear, by knowing your customers, knowing their pain points and initiatives and applying your differentiators to them, you can make a difference in their business, allowing your company to successfully and sustainably grow your business.

In this episode of the Grawe Pod, we focus on the areas of business development and sales. Your podcast hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall center the discussion during this episode on the importance of knowing your company's differentiators for your customers as well as making sure your whole team knows them. Don Grawe, a […] The post Business Development: Understanding Your Company's Differentiators appeared first on PodWheels Powered by Radio Nemo.

One of the realities of transportation and logistics is that companies will encounter emergency situations. During this episode of the Grawe Pod, hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall of the Grawe Group discuss the importance of being prepared and having the proper planning in place when unexpected events, one-off situations and emergencies arise. Doug and […] The post Preparing for Emergencies: The Unexpected and the One-Offs appeared first on PodWheels Powered by Radio Nemo.

One of the realities of transportation and logistics is that companies will encounter emergency situations. During this episode of the Grawe Pod, hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall of the Grawe Group discuss the importance of being prepared and having the proper planning in place when unexpected events, one-off situations and emergencies arise. Doug and Gary are joined on this edition of the Grawe Pod by Greg Thompson, a media relations professional with extensive experience in the trucking industry. Doug and Gary cover a collection of examples, noting situations that can arise and offering key points for building effective and adaptable approaches for addressing what your company needs at those challenging moments. Greg shares some tips related to communication and working with the media when certain situations arise.

There is no question that world events are raising the profile of cyber attacks even higher. Big and small trucking companies can be targets for attacks. In this edition of the Grawe Pod, Nate Johnson from GLCS joins podcast hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall to discuss cybersecurity, preventing issues and responding to events.

There is no question that world events are raising the profile of cyber attacks even higher. Big and small trucking companies can be targets for attacks. In this edition of the Grawe Pod, Nate Johnson from GLCS joins podcast hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall to discuss cybersecurity, preventing issues and responding to events. The post Discussing Cybersecurity: How Prepared Is Your Company? appeared first on PodWheels Powered by Radio Nemo.

It's the start of a new year and you have big plans for 2022. In the first episode of 2022, the Grawe Pod will be examining a few key questions trucking executives should be asking at the beginning of the year, including: What action are you going to take in Q1? What are you going to get done in Q1 to set the table for a big 2022? Your podcast hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall will be sharing insights related to driver retention, employee retention, and IC program tips carriers can use to make lasting improvements in Q1.

In the debut of the Grawe Pod, hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall discuss why the Grawe Group launched its podcast series before diving into the feature topic of the episode, which focuses on the legislative process and the value of making transportation's voice heard among lawmakers. Doug and Gary welcome veteran Minnesota-based lobbyist Jeremy Estensen as their guest. Jeremy, who is part of the Stinson Law Firm in the Twin Cities, delivers listeners an expert perspective on how business leaders can get involved in key issues.

The Grawe Pod dives into the people pipeline with the first episode in our three-part series focused on attracting and developing your team. Finding drivers to strengthen fleets and capacity remains an intense focus for the trucking industry. At the same time, the need to recruit, develop and retain strong professionals for positions in dispatch, customer service, sales, IT and all areas supporting the fleet should also be a high priority. In Part 1 of our series, the Grawe Pod talks college recruiting and how to develop valuable relationships with colleges and universities. Our guest for this episode is Scott Grawe, Chair of the Supply Chain Department at Iowa State University.

In Part 2 of our three-part series focusing on the "People Pipeline," the Grawe Pod welcomes George Fieser of Global Executive Solutions Group for a discussion about finding experienced talent to fill positions in your company. George has been working with clients and companies for the past two decades in the area of executive recruiting within trucking and logistics. During this episode of the podcast, our conversation with George will focus on what experienced personnel in the trucking and logistics industry are looking for today, how to attract them to your business and how to work effectively with executive recruiting firms.

In part 3 of our series focusing on the “People Pipeline” and our discussion focused on recruiting and retaining non-driving employees, we are joined by Maggie Debner, the founder of HR MD (mwdebner@gmail.com). Our conversation with Maggie is focused in the importance of developing and retaining internal talent. As you'll hear during the podcast, Maggie stresses that employee development programs can be simple, focused on experience and exposure. She also highlights having confidence in your value proposition to employees, and remembering that your culture is your people, so focus on your people.

In the first episode of 2022, the Grawe Pod will be examining a few key questions trucking executives should be asking at the beginning of the year, including: What action are you going to take in Q1? What are you going to get done in Q1 to set the table for a big 2022? Your […] The post Win 2022 With A Good Start In Q1 appeared first on PodWheels Powered by Radio Nemo.

As the year draws to a close, the Grawe Pod takes a look at the value of using the little December and January downtime to work on your business. Your podcast hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall discuss how December and January can offer a chance to lift your head out of the day-to-day. Doug and Gary walk through some examples of ways that trucking and logistics companies can take advantage of the few breaks to think about your business, your area, your metrics, your people and your alignment.

As 2021draws to a close, the Grawe Pod takes a look at the value of using the little December and January downtime to work on your business. Your podcast hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall discuss how December and January can offer a chance to lift your head out of the day-to-day. Doug and Gary […] The post Using December & January Wisely appeared first on PodWheels Powered by Radio Nemo.

Podcast hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall discuss the headline-grabbing topic of nuclear verdicts in trucking. As you will hear, nuclear verdicts can be prevented in 3 ways: (1) investing in a robust, proactive defense that tells your safety story to the jury; (2) advocating for reasonable reforms of litigation rules to curb abusive lawsuits […] The post Nuclear Verdicts: Preventing the Accident appeared first on PodWheels Powered by Radio Nemo.

In our latest episode, podcast hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall discuss the headline-grabbing topic of nuclear verdicts in trucking. As you will hear, nuclear verdicts can be prevented in 3 ways: (1) investing in a robust, proactive defense that tells your safety story to the jury; (2) advocating for reasonable reforms of litigation rules to curb abusive lawsuits and abusive plaintiff tactics; and (3) developing and maintaining a safety culture that goes above and beyond base-level compliance and focuses on preventing accidents. With this episode, Doug and Gary focus the majority of their discussion on the importance of making a comprehensive commitment when it comes to accident prevention. This edition of the Grawe Pod will highlight the importance of investing in technology as well as the importance of following through consistently on an Operations-driven safety culture.

In this episode, Mary Akhaven from FleetNet America joins the Grawe Pod to discuss good maintenance program ideas for carriers. You will hear podcast series hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall talk with Mary about roadside assistance, preventative maintenance and the importance of using data to reduce maintenance expenses. Also, during this episode, Doug and Gary have a discussion with Mary about the role that good maintenance practices play in retaining and recruiting good drivers. As you'll hear during this episode, it's important for carriers not to allow your equipment problems to become the driver's equipment problems. This episode of the series highlights the value of keeping your equipment up, running and making money for you and your drivers.

In this episode, Mary Akhavan from FleetNet America joins the Grawe Pod to discuss good maintenance program ideas for carriers. You will hear podcast series hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall talk with Mary about roadside assistance, preventative maintenance and the importance of using data to reduce maintenance expenses. Also, during this episode, Doug and […] The post Good Maintenance Programs appeared first on PodWheels Powered by Radio Nemo.

Recorded on August 19, this episode of the Grawe Pod places a focus on the importance for transportation and logistics companies to make time for looking around the corner and to consider what needs to be done going forward to improve your business for the road ahead. Trucking industry veterans and your podcast hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall share their insights as they look around the corner at what's ahead concerning the PRO Act and independent contractor status. Doug and Gary also discuss some of the questions trucking and logistics company leaders can be digging into to help them prepare for the next six to 18 months. In addition, listeners to this episode of the Grawe Pod will hear details on a new free risk assessment program being offered by the Grawe Group. You can request more information on the risk assessment offer by visiting https://thegrawegroup.com/engage/.

Recorded on August 19, this episode of the Grawe Pod places a focus on the importance for transportation and logistics companies to make time for looking around the corner and to consider what needs to be done going forward to improve your business for the road ahead. Trucking industry veterans and your podcast hosts Doug […] The post Looking Around the Corner appeared first on PodWheels Powered by Radio Nemo.

In part 3 of our series focusing on the “People Pipeline” and our discussion focused on recruiting and retaining non-driving employees, we are joined by Maggie Debner, the founder of HR MD (mwdebner@gmail.com). Our conversation with Maggie is focused in the importance of developing and retaining internal talent. As you'll hear during the podcast, Maggie […] The post Filling The People Pipeline: Recruiting & Retaining Talent for Non-Driving Positions, Part 3 appeared first on PodWheels Powered by Radio Nemo.

In Part 2 of our three-part series focusing on the “People Pipeline,” the Grawe Pod welcomes George Fieser of Global Executive Solutions Group for a discussion about finding experienced talent to fill positions in your company. George has been working with clients and companies for the past two decades in the area of executive recruiting […] The post Filling the People Pipeline: Recruiting Talent for Non-Driving Positions, Part 2 appeared first on PodWheels Powered by Radio Nemo.

The Grawe Pod dives into the people pipeline with the first episode in our three-part series focused on attracting and developing your team. Finding drivers to strengthen fleets and capacity remains an intense focus for the trucking industry. At the same time, the need to recruit, develop and retain strong professionals for positions in dispatch, […] The post Filling the People Pipeline: Recruiting Talent for Non-Driving Positions, Part 1 appeared first on PodWheels Powered by Radio Nemo.

In the debut of the Grawe Pod, hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall discuss why the Grawe Group launched its podcast series before diving into the feature topic of the episode, which focuses on the legislative process and the value of making transportation's voice heard among lawmakers. Doug and Gary welcome veteran Minnesota-based lobbyist Jeremy […] The post The Value of Making Transportation's Voice Heard Among Lawmakers appeared first on PodWheels Powered by Radio Nemo.