Sense Per Mile

The trucking industry has a turnover problem! We asked the world's largest driver audience: 'What does the company you work for do that makes you stay?'  The #1 answer was not at all what we expected! Plus, we talk to our guests about additional strategies to help your company retain drivers 

Powered by CDLLife & HOT SEAT SERVICES

Guests:

Marilyn Surber, VP of Sales & Marketing, Drivers Legal Plan

Becca Mathews Client Success Retention Advisor at Tenstreet

Sponsored by:

Decker Truck Line

This week Josh and Paul go over some recent news.  Charles goes solo  to Vegas to checkout the Tenstreet User Conference

Brad Klepper - Drivers Legal Plan

Miranda Arman & Brittney Fordham - Hogan Transportation Companies

Sean Hayes - CDLLife

Robert Pierson - Mesilla Valley Transportation

Carlo Solórzano, MBA - Driver IQ

Teresa Krimbill - Tenstreet

Bryan Schafer - Decker Truckline
Amanda Worthen - Red Classic

Powered by CDLLife & HOT SEAT SERVICES

Sponsored by

Mesilla Valley Transportation

Charles and Paul had the opportunity to speak on stage at the ProTalk Theater during MATS 2024. We discuss the driver perspective, the company perspective, and the recruiter perspective in an attempt to bring the industry together. Powered by CDL Life & HOT SEAT SERVICES Sponsored by Mesilla Valley Transportation TAFS, inc Maybach International Group Mid America Trucking Show

On this episode we take you inside MATS and talk to some amazing people! Larry Wyluda and Keith Whann / TruckSuite LLC Jeromy Brockelsby Jared Reorda / Sapp Bros Brad Bentely and David Harrison / Fastport Lewie Pugh / OOIDA Amanda Worthen / Red Classic George McWilliams / TAFS, Inc Chris Thomas / Autumn Transport Evan K Shelley / Truck Parking Club Cody Bolick / Clean Harbors Danica Long / Messer Americas Marc Schmidt /Transport Enterprise Leasing, LLC Tim Haala / Koch Companies Bill Trotter / Bennett Family of Companies Robert Pierson / Mesilla Valley Transport Ed Cornish / 7- Eleven Timothy Dooner / Freightwaves …and more! Stay tuned for next week to hear Paul and Charles Breakdown the industry by Perspective from the ProTalks theater stage! Powered by CDLLife & HOT SEAT SERVICES Sponsored by Mesilla Valley Transportation TAFS, inc Maybach International Group Mid America Trucking Show

Between cut-throat freight rates, insane insurance deductibles, micro marketing budgets, and super slim margins, how do small carriers survive in the modern age of trucking? Powered by CDLLife & HOT SEAT SERVICES Guest: Sam Watts, Safety Supervisor, Meiborg Brothers Inc Jamie Hagen, Owner, Hell Bent Xpress

s the barrier to entry too low for getting behind the wheel? This week, we dissect this question and its impact on the industry. Plus, we talk about the shifting demographics within trucking: Driving is now attracting immigrants at rates comparable to manual labor in construction and agriculture, outpacing other demographics targeted by trucking. Powered by CDLLife & HOT SEAT SERVICES Sponsored by Mesilla Valley Transportation Guest: Casey Lehman, Director of Recruiting, PGT Trucking Daren Fristoe, Vice President of Human Resources, CDLLif

When nearly every applicant has engaged with multiple carriers, how do you raise genuine intent when a driver applies to your company? Tune in as we explore solutions on this week’s episode. Powered by CDLLife & HOT SEAT SERVICES Sponsored by Decker Truck Line Guest: Jacob Ridge, Director of Lead Generation, CDLLife

The stereotypes surrounding Gen Z—lazy, entitled, and stuck in their mom’s basement—often overshadow the potential they hold, especially in industries like trucking. As the active driver population ages and efforts to recruit Millennials wane, the spotlight now turns to Gen Z. Is there a way to get them behind the wheel? In this episode, we break down the situation with a marketing agency founder that specifically targets Gen Z for several Fortune 500 clients. We also talk to a recruiting director within the demographic to shed light on what Gen Z truly seeks in an employer and how the trucking industry can adapt.Don’t miss our LIVE coverage at MATS! Powered by CDLLife & HOT SEAT SERVICES Guests: Jake Bjorseth, CEO & Founder, TRNDSTTRS Bailey Clement, Director of Recruiting, Riverside Transport

Amidst factors including an aging workforce, decreased interest from younger generations, low capacity, selective carriers, regulatory hurdles like the FMCSA clearinghouse, insurance companies rendering SAP programs useless, and average drivers opting to find gainful employment elsewhere, the prospect of a genuine driver shortage begs consideration. Could these elements create an ACTUAL scarcity in the market? Come along for the ride as we try to get to the bottom of these issues. Powered by CDLLife & HOT SEAT SERVICES

Guests: Carlo Solórzano, Senior Director of Sales and Business Development, Driver iQ Derrick Milosevic, Driver Performance Coach

Join us this week as we talk about a common belief among drivers: that recruiters are dishonest. While our stances on the show may differ, the resounding perception from our polled drivers reflects otherwise. Where did this stereotype come from? Can we fix it? Hear us break down the dilemma on this week’s episode of Sense Per Mile! We also share some recent stories about Zebras being pulled from a burning trailer and a driver’s POV being stuck in a dust storm on the highway at night! Powered by CDLLife & HOT SEAT SERVICES Sponsored by Mesilla Valley Transportation

Today we discuss things trucking companies say that potential drivers find unattractive with a little help from Chat GPT. Powered by CDLLife & HOT SEAT SERVICES Sponsored by Decker Truck Line, Inc. Guest: Justin Martin, Social Media Consultant Creator

This week we discuss how to make your job offer stand out in a sea of other offers. Learn how to turn negative characteristics into positive ones to build authenticity and trust. Keeping you at the top of driver's minds as they navigate a saturated job market. Powered by CDLLife & HOT SEAT SERVICES Guests: -Rhett Roberson, Director of recruiting, Christenson Transportation -David Pike, Director of Recruiting, NFI

Lead vs. app vs. hire! Is it more beneficial to view your marketing spend through the lens of cost per lead or cost per hire? Tune in to this week’s episode as we explore the debate. Powered by CDLLife & HOT SEAT SERVICES Guests: -Bobby Thompson, Chief Product & Technology Officer, CDLLife -Bryan Schafer, Director of Recruiting, Decker Truck Line

From maritime shipping delays to economic shifts, global and local politics, and the impact of natural disasters — there are endless factors that impact the trucking industry, which in turn affects recruiting. In this episode, we break down the outside forces that ultimately shape the recruiting landscape. Powered by CDLLife & HOT SEAT SERVICES Sponsored by Mesilla Valley Transportation Guests: Nick Schappler, Chief Operating Officer, CDLLife Grace Sharkey, Staff Writer, FreightWaves

In this episode, we discuss the trade off between call time expectations and relationship building on recruiting calls. Also, we bring on some guests and get their takes on the subject! Powered by CDLLife & HOT SEAT SERVICES

Guests: -Jenna Slipka, Recruiter, Autumn Transport -Josh Mecca, Director of Recruiting, Grammer Logistics

Pay your drivers isn’t just Paul’s X handle, it’s a very dear topic to our show. We bring in drivers, poll the audience, and tackle this mess head-on in an attempt to find an agreeable solution! Featuring a driver who now realizes why his trainer always told him to watch his tandems! Powered by CDLLife & HOT SEAT SERVICES Guests: - Justin Martin, Social Media Content Creator, Freightwaves - Chris Thomas, Professional Truck Driver, Autumn Transport

In this episode, we discuss the delicate balance between recruiting efforts and respecting a driver's space and bring in some experts to see how they handle the process. Also, experience some instant karma through dashcam footage as a car learns a lesson while attempting a risky maneuver in oncoming traffic. Powered by CDLLife & HOT SEAT SERVICES Guests: - Christine Colley, Director of Recruiting, HOT SEAT SERVICES - Brad Hackett, Director of Recruiting & Retention, Nova Lines

Through insights gathered from the CDLLife audience and discussions with seasoned drivers, we uncover recruitment red flags and provide valuable tips to distinguish authenticity We also roll out our Christmas wish list for the trucking industry and feature dashcam footage of a truck driver's close call with an inconsiderate pickup truck. Powered by CDLLife & HOT SEAT SERVICES Guests: - Justin Martin, Social Media Content Creator, FreightWaves -Taylor Barker, Driver

We signed Charles up for a truck job board to demonstrate the difference between matched and direct leads. The results are astounding! His opinion of Paul is not. Come take a deep dive with us as we break it all down! Opening with a dashcam of the rudest auto-hauler on the road! Powered by CDLLife & HOT SEAT SERVICES Guests: - Bobby Thompson, Chief Technology & Product Officer, CDLLife

Wild weather, traffic trouble, and regulatory roadblocks are only a few of the trials that can make life on the road difficult. In this episode, we dive into ways carriers can ensure their best drivers don't burn out. Powered by CDLLife & HOT SEAT SERVICES Sponsored by Mesilla Valley Transport Guests: - Justin Martin, Social Media Content Creator, Freightwaves - Michael Lombard, Recruiter, HOT SEAT SERVICES

The trucking industry makes a lot of generalizations about drivers. Often times those generalizations influence crucial decisions. One assumption we see is how drivers use the internet. On this episode, we’ll show you where drivers actually are online and coach you on how to access these mostly untapped markets. Powered by CDLLife & HOT SEAT SERVICES Sponsored by Decker Truck Lines Inc. Guests: - Molly Gibson, VP of Corporate Relations, CDLLife - King Spud CEO, Professional Truck Driver, @FATMANSPUDKING

You get the approval, you set up travel plans, and yet, the applicant never shows up to orientation. It’s a common issue in driver recruiting. In this episode we ask drivers the reasoning behind no-shows and discuss solutions to help avoid this hurdle in the recruitment process..Powered by CDLLife & HOT SEAT SERVICES Sponsored by Mesilla Valley Transportation Guest: Robert Pierson, Vice President, Driver Recruiting, Mesilla Valley Transportation

ver wonder why drivers go radio silent despite job opportunities flooding their feeds? We’re asking tough questions to both seasoned truckers and industry experts to find solutions. But that’s not all – we also discuss a four-wheeler who doesn’t know the meaning of “yield,” a Canadian cocaine debacle, and a brief labor union debate. Powered by CDLLife & HOT SEAT SERVICES Sponsored by Decker Truck Line Inc. Guests: Bobby Thompson, Chief Product & Technology Officer, CDLLife Amanda Worthen, SR Manager Recruiting, Red Classic"

In this episode, Charles, Paul, and Josh review some current news stories, giving their opinions about the "takeover" of automated trucks, a distracting radio crash, and an old-school cool viral trucker. Then, they give a sneak peek into the upcoming Turning Point CDLLife Summit. Hear all about the sessions they'll be hosting and stick around until the end for a special registration discount code.

In this episode, the Sense Per Mile guys recaps Charles' day of NASCAR racing against some familiar faces in the industry. Then, a mystery carrier puts their best foot forward to pitch a real driver during the Recruiting Game. Watch until the end to find out their identity and see how they rank in the eyes of the driver.

In this episode, emotions run high as Paul, Charles, and Josh deep dive into the heated topic of speed governors. They discuss the various perspectives across the industry and how speed limiters really impact drivers. Tune in to hear their opinions and to gain a deeper understanding of the complex factors at play.

In this episode, the Sense Per Mile guys delve into the dicey topic of falsified logs, catch up with veteran driver Michael Lombard, and put another recruiter to the test.

In this episode of Sense Per Mile, Paul, Josh, and Charles are back at it, digging deeper into the Tenstreet User Conference. They chat with marketing agencies and another Tenstreet employee to give you an inside look into the recruiting process that drivers usually don’t see.

On this episode of Sense Per Mile, Paul, Josh, and Charles go to Las Vegas to investigate the Tenstreet User Conference. They sit down with recruiting directors and Tenstreet themselves to take you on a deep dive into the backend of recruiting that drivers don’t typically get to see!

The Sense Per Mile crew steps out of the studio to take on the Mid-America Trucking Show in this special episode. Paul, Charles, and Josh sit down to interview professionals from across the industry and even take the podcast to the showroom floor to give you the real MATS experience from their point of view. #Trucking #Midamericatruckingshow2023 #MATS2023

In this exciting episode, Sense Per Mile takes you to the Mid-America Trucking Show, where Charles, Paul, and Josh had the chance to chat with a diverse range of industry professionals. Buckle up and join us as we take a deep dive into the world of trucking in this live-recorded episode from MATS!

Meet the guys behind the mics in this week’s episode of Sense Per Mile. Charles, Paul, and Josh share more about their backstories, first impressions, and time in the trucking industry as they take turns introducing each other. Plus, the trio has some fun throwing around ideas for a trucker dating app during Under the Truck.

Charles, Paul, and Josh react to a disaster caught on dash-cam, debate if trucking is still sexy, and rate another recruiting pitch, all on this week’s episode of Sense Per Mile. They also pay a visit to the wild west as Paul gets thrown “Under the Truck” in the newest segment.

This week, Sense Per Mile host and veteran, Charles Gracey, connects with some of the veterans and partners participating in the upcoming Veterans In Trucking Showcase at the Mid-America Trucking Show. They come together in this episode to announce all the MATS details and dig deep into discussing the collective mission of creating a veteran-ready industry.

In this week’s episode, we debate ELD’s, debrief on some top trucking news, and dive into another Recruiting Game. Paul, Charles, and Josh also announce they’re taking Sense Per Mile on the road and will be podcasting live from the Mid-America Trucking Show in March.

Charles Gracey and Paul Gibson debrief on some hot button topics in trucking news and listen to this week’s mystery carrier pitch during the Recruiting Game. Professional driver, Trevor Barnett, puts this carrier to a timed test and rates their offer live on the show. Let us know if you would take up their offer when Sense Per Mile reveals the secret carrier’s identity at the end.

Sense Per Mile kicks off 2023 with a quick look at what’s down the road for the the industry. Then, Charles Gracey and Paul Gibson challenge Chris Gonzalez, Driver Recruitment Engagement Manager at Clean Harbors, to recruit a driver on-air. Hear Jim Gambrell’s real-time response and critique to the pitch on this week’s episode.

Reach us at sensepermile@hotseatservices.com

As the industry prepares to accelerate into 2023, Charles Gracey and Paul Gibson sit down with Timothy Dooner from Freightwaves, WHAT THE TRUCK?, and Michael Vincent, CEO and Founder of The Sustainiacs, to talk about their predictions for the year ahead. Hear their honest review about how the industry handled 2022, and their opinions on the direction we need to go for a stronger 2023.

To prove a point about what it would actually look like if office employees followed Hours of Service rules, our co-host, Paul Gibson, locked himself inside CDLLife’s storage closet for 48 hours.  In this episode, Paul and Charles Gracey break down the experiment and discuss where our industry needs to make changes to improve life behind the wheel.

On this episode, our host, Charles Gracey, sits down with fellow former drivers; Justin Martin, Social Media Manager for FreightWave’s Back The Truck Up, and James Bowen, Writer for FreightWave’s Back The Truck Up, to swap stories from their time spent trucking. From highlights to horrors, they reminisce about their life behind the wheel and how it drove them to where they’re seated today.

Finally back together behind the mic, Paul Gibson and Charles Gracey break down brokerage in this episode of Sense Per Mile. Joined by Paul-Bernard Jaroslawski, Former Broker and Founder of FreightCaviar, they go behind the scenes about his experience as a broker and address real questions from today’s drivers straight from the CDLLife App.

Learn how to research, vote, and navigate the political landscape as an OTR driver. On this episode, our host, Paul Gibson sits down with heavy hitters; Josh Mecca, Director of Recruiting at American Central Transport, Desiree Wood, Founder & President of REAL Women in Trucking Organization, and Collin Long, Director of Government Affairs at OOIDA to discuss the ins and outs of absentee and early voting, research, and political participation from the driver's seat. – Let's get real about what needs to be done to fuel the fight for proposals we agree with, and pump the brakes on policies we don't!

Trucking legends, real-life horror stories, and superstitions: Hear Charles Gracey and Josh Hanes swap stories with Professional Drivers, Brian McGladdery and Gabby Swain, that will send chills down your spine. Are they just tales, or is there truth in the wild and weird encounters drivers have experienced behind the wheel?

Their wheels are turnin', so why are they barely earnin'? Bringing both carrier and driver perspectives to the table, Charles Gracey and Paul Gibson are joined by Professional Driver for RTI, John Douglas, and Industry Relations for Tenstreet, Mike Coble, on this week's episode to try to make sense out of the hot topic of driver's pay.

In this episode, Charles Gracey and Paul Gibson are joined by Professional Driver, Skip Lawrence and Fleet Operations Manager of PGT Trucking, Inc., Justin Palionis, to discuss the range of relationships that drivers experience with dispatch and the communication pain points the industry needs to work toward improving.

In this episode, Charles Gracey and Paul Gibson are joined by OTR Driver & Driver Trainer, Jimmy Goodson, and Vice President of Driver Recruitment at Mesilla Valley Transport, Robert Pierson, to discuss what really makes a good recruiter.  Find out what matters most in the driver’s eyes, and how you can ensure your recruiters aren’t “full of shit.”

In this episode, Charles Gracey and Paul Gibson reveal common concerns, controversial aspects, and current driver opinions of inward-facing driver cameras. Joined by Director of Recruiting at American Central Transport, Josh Mecca, and Owner Operator, Dale Bowen, to discuss how drivers and carriers really feel about the devices.

We’re excited for you to tune into the inaugural episode of the Sense Per Mile podcast, where our host, Charles Gracey, and co-host, Paul Gibson, tackle tough industry topics and ask even tougher industry questions, all to find better solutions and help sense make cents.

This week, driver Skip Lawrence joins the podcast to expose pitfalls, debate stereotypical industry practices, and make REAL suggestions for appreciating your drivers during Truck Driver Appreciation Week.

Sense Per Mile is a podcast tackling tough trucking industry topics and asking even tougher industry questions, all to find better solutions and help sense make cents.

Hosted by Charles Gracey and co-hosted by Paul Gibson, this weekly podcast starts conversations between drivers, carriers, and industry experts to address the ongoing challenges related to the industry.

Interviewing those at the heart of the industry, they’ll share the most important insights into the real driver experience.