This week on the Oakley Podcast , host Jeremy Kellett welcomes Brian Carpenter, one of our owner/operators at Oakley Trucking. During the episode, Brian, a 30-year veteran truck driver, shares his rich and diverse background. A former Army artillery soldier who transitioned from seminary school to trucking, Brian discusses the challenges of trucking, including navigating traffic and hauling complex loads like bauxite dirt, while emphasizing the importance of patience and safety. Beyond driving, ...
Jul 02, 2025•44 min
This week on the Oakley Podcast , host Jeremy Kellett chats with Jason Webb & Bradley Simpson, Operations Managers at Oakley Trucking. During the conversation, the group provides an insider's view of managing bulk freight across pneumatic and end dump divisions. They discuss the challenges of coordinating over 900 owner operators, emphasizing the critical importance of communication, customer service, and building strong relationships. With over 1,000 customers and opportunities for growth, ...
Jun 18, 2025•41 min
This week on the Oakley Podcast , Jeremy Kellett and Megan Cummings discuss important updates for truck drivers, including new medical exam submission requirements that mandate physicals be uploaded to the national registry within 24 hours. They highlight Oakley Trucking's significant investments, including a new 18,000-square-foot trailer shop set to open in July with improved maintenance facilities and two newly purchased Kenworth rental trucks designed to help owner-operators continue working...
Jun 11, 2025•37 min
Key topics in today’s conversation include: Welcoming Tony Justice to the Show (1:27) Inspiration behind the Cars and Guitars Truck Show (2:56) Tony's Family Background (6:03) Balancing Music and Trucking (8:58) Transitioning to Full-Time Music (10:44) Collaboration with Aaron Tippin (13:09) Songwriting Process (17:06) Tony’s Musical Influences (22:20) Career and Audience (25:11) Future Plans (27:19) The Story Behind Tony’s Truck Named "Purgatory" (28:09) Latest Music and Upcoming Shows (32:25) ...
Jun 04, 2025•37 min
Key topics in today’s conversation include: Welcoming Alex to the Podcast (1:56) Military Contracts Explained (4:38) Skills Gained from Military Service (7:54) Alex’s First Truck Experience (14:36) Becoming an Independent Contractor (17:23) Purchasing a Truck (19:19) Understanding Business (21:59) Financial Planning (23:17) Fuel Costs (25:21) Fuel Efficiency Habits (27:20) Speed Management (31:50) Analyzing Empty vs. Loaded Miles (37:47) Average MPG Calculation (38:59) Defensive Driving Insights...
May 28, 2025•59 min
Key topics in today’s conversation include: Chris's Trucking History (1:15) Truck Maintenance Insights (2:24) Chris's Start in Trucking (3:53) Changes in Trucking Over 30 Years (7:27) Advice for New Truck Drivers (8:53) Carter's Future in Trucking (10:50) Memories of Trucking (12:11) Final Thoughts and Takeaways (16:43) Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakle...
May 21, 2025•18 min
Key topics in today’s conversation include: Jimmy's Background and Trucking Journey (1:56) Overcoming Fear of Change (4:17) Military Background Correlation (7:30) Oakley’s Reputation (9:25) Differences in Trucking Types (15:25) Inspiration for YouTube Channel (17:42) Advice for Starting a YouTube Channel (20:22) YouTube as a Recruiting Tool (23:25) Public Perception of Truck Drivers (24:01) Health Awareness for Truck Drivers (26:46) Future Plans for Jimmy Evans (29:18) Final Thoughts and Takeawa...
May 14, 2025•32 min
Key topics in today’s conversation include: Bryan's Background in Trucking (2:05) Evolution of 4 State Trucks (3:23) Impact of "Trick My Truck" (7:08) Reality of Reality TV (8:37) Origin of Chrome Shop Mafia (10:46) Trends in Truck Customization (16:24) Guilty by Association Truck Show Origins (20:26) Entertainment at the Truck Show (24:44) Community and Camaraderie in the Trucking Community (27:16) Future Plans for 4 State Trucks (28:05) Location and Accessibility for 4 State Trucks (30:14) Fin...
May 07, 2025•33 min
Key topics in today’s conversation include: Bruce Background and Journey (1:11) Importance of Early Exposure to Trucking (5:05) Owner-Operators and Their Resilience (6:05) The Appeal of Trucking (8:52) Community Support Among Truckers (10:32) Performance of Various Engines (13:14) Bruce’s Personal Retirement Reflections (15:12) Listening to Customer Needs (20:43) Hurricane Helene Damage (27:51) Retirement Realities (38:01) The Addiction to Trucking (42:36) Retirement for Owner-Operators (43:39) ...
Apr 30, 2025•52 min
Key topics in today’s conversation include: Wreaths Across America Overview (1:13) Growth of the Program (2:46) Impact on Trucking Industry (4:05) Wreath Placement Ceremony Date (5:56) Wreath Production Process (8:07) Driver Experience at Wreaths (9:57) The Remembrance Tree Program (14:26) Continued Growth of the Program (16:37) Courtney’s Background and Journey to WAA (20:13) Engagement with Veterans (23:21) Opportunities for Participation with Wreaths Across America (25:18) Final Thoughts and ...
Apr 23, 2025•28 min
Key topics in today’s conversation include: Welcoming Joe to the Podcast Live from MATS (1:08) History of Lone Mountain Truck Leasing (3:35) Current Status of Truck Leasing (4:50) What Sets Lone Mountain Apart (6:20) Approval Process for Leasing (8:14) Service Contracts and Warranties (11:17) Truck Specialization and Purchasing Strategy (14:53) Service Reliability (18:06) Independent Contractor Trends (19:42) Market Dynamics (23:10) Connecting with Lone Mountain Truck Leasing (24:16) Final Thoug...
Apr 16, 2025•28 min
Key topics in today’s conversation include: Previewing Upcoming Episode with MATS (1:31) Podcast Growth and Future Plans (3:34) Mid-America Truck Show Introduction (8:47) Lewie Pugh Joins the Podcast (9:13) Challenges in Finding Qualified Drivers (11:44) Industry Turnover Rates (12:54) Raising Standards in Trucking (14:00) Changing Demographics in Trucking (17:31) Back to Basics in Trucking (19:46) The Importance of Basic Skills (21:55) Upcoming Legislation and Highway Bills (24:13) Equipment Re...
Apr 09, 2025•41 min
Key topics in today’s conversation include: Previewing Today’s Episode (0:38) Spotify Playlist Announcement (2:06) Brent's Retirement Announcement (3:06) Hobbies and Future Plans (7:51) Building a House in the Philippines (9:02) Challenges of Building Abroad (11:06) Retirement Plans and Reflections (13:40) Trucking Experience and Industry Changes (15:02) Favorite Aspects of Trucking (17:24) Route Driver Insights (20:30) Memorable Pneumatic Loads (22:02) Camaraderie in Trucking (23:08) Retirement...
Apr 02, 2025•34 min
Key topics in today’s conversation include: Introducing Today’s Topic (0:12) Evolution of Advertising (3:13) Changes in Marketing Strategies (4:43) Fragmentation of Audiences (6:39) Challenges of Targeting Drivers (10:16) Common Marketing Mistakes (12:43) Importance of Authentic Messaging (15:10) Introduction to Digital Advertising (18:00) Local Advertising Success (19:53) YouTube's Role in Company Culture (22:08) The Impact of Short-Form Content (25:31) Role of Pixels in Digital Marketing (28:3...
Mar 26, 2025•44 min
Key topics in today’s conversation include: Previewing Today’s Episode with Cruz (0:12) Come See Us at MATS (3:02) Cruz’s Background and Journey in Trucking (7:33) Becoming an Owner Operator (12:09) Purchasing a New Truck (13:40) Cruz's Girlfriend: Professional Boxer (16:11) Experience with Dump Trailers (17:31) Reasons for Staying in Trucking (18:44) Adjusting to a New Truck (20:24) Future Aspirations in Trucking (23:45) Advice for Aspiring Owner Operators (24:33) Building Relationships in Truc...
Mar 19, 2025•31 min
Key topics in today’s conversation include: Previewing Today’s Episode (0:12) New Business Opportunities (3:03) Regulatory Processes (4:41) Customer Reactions (7:03) Experience in Waste Remediation (9:29) Flexibility on Job Sites (12:26) Importance of Trailer Preparation (14:59) PPE Requirements (18:14) Trailer Cleanliness Procedures (21:33) Dumping Conditions at Landfills (24:15) Industry Competition and Opportunities (26:02) Feedback from Drivers (29:39) Final Thoughts and Takeaways (32:04) Oa...
Mar 12, 2025•35 min
Key topics in today’s conversation include: Jay’s Background in Financial Planning (1:20) Understanding Independent Contractors (3:26) Importance of Separating Finances (7:06) Working with a CPA (8:02) Investing Basics (10:52) Compounding Interest (14:55) Retirement Savings Strategies (17:29) Solo 401(k) Options (18:46) Contribution Limits and Roth IRA (22:32) Required Minimum Distributions (25:44) Investment Strategies for Beginners (27:53) Understanding Index Funds (29:50) Avoiding Investment ...
Feb 26, 2025•48 min
Key topics in today’s conversation include: Discussion on Trading Trucks (1:00) Listener Experiences with Truck Trading (4:39) Truck Ownership Statistics (5:05) Understanding Truck Weight (8:40) Weight Calculation Tips (10:37) Understanding Competition in Truck Trading (13:17) Title and Lien Holder Process (15:30) Owner/Operator Responsibilities (17:29) Current Registration Requirement (19:25) Dealer Communication (22:28) Equipment Removal Reminder (25:00) Truck Trading Requirements (27:12) 2290...
Feb 19, 2025•40 min
Key topics in today’s conversation include: Previewing the Upcoming Episode (1:14) Changes in the Office (6:31) Megan's New Role (7:30) Listener Interaction Segment (9:29) Brad’s Background and Aviation Career (13:35) Medevac Job Explanation (17:12) Becoming a Pilot (18:57) Commuter Airline Job (22:17) Challenges of Airline Piloting (25:32) Air Conditioning on Planes (34:31) Landing in Windy Conditions (37:05) Transition from Aviation to Trucking (39:01) Consulting Work Post-Retirement (42:03) J...
Feb 12, 2025•1 hr 3 min
Key topics in today’s conversation include: Previewing the Episode and welcoming a new sponsor (0:15) Central Arkansas Truck and Trailer (4:51) David and Nathan Dunn's Background (5:49) Family Dynamics in Business (10:27) Services Offered at Central Arkansas Truck and Trailer (13:25) Building Relationships with Owner-Operators (16:24) Mechanics' Preferences (17:56) Understanding Truck Issues (19:42) Free Diagnostic Services (21:48) Mobile Services for Trucks (23:12) Preventive Maintenance Recomm...
Feb 05, 2025•32 min
Key topics in today’s conversation include: Safety Discussion (1:45) Technology and TikTok (4:00) Jeremy’s Home Improvement Project (7:03) Introduction of Lieutenant Doug Lafferty (12:10) Accident Causes (16:22) DOT Inspection Insights (20:02) Use of Cameras in Work Zones (22:33) Common Inspection Violations (27:34) Importance of Inspection Violations (30:17) Communication During Inspections (35:04) Ensuring Accurate Documentation (42:56) Perceptions of DOT Officers (46:40) Variability in State ...
Jan 29, 2025•1 hr 7 min
Key topics in today’s conversation include: Importance of Podcast Feedback and Community Engagement (1:15) Overview of Fuel Topics (3:06) Fuel Mileage Discussion (5:21) Fuel Costs for Owner-Operators (6:42) Fuel Spending Statistics (9:26) Impact of Fuel Prices (11:48) Fuel Discounts Overview (13:55) How Fuel Discounts Work (16:10) Fuel Fraud (19:04) Text Alert System (21:18) Reporting Fraud (22:53) Fuel Apps and Skimmers (24:25) Pre-authorization Issues (26:12) Geotab and Fuel Cards (30:27) Fuel...
Jan 22, 2025•41 min
Key topics in today’s conversation include: New Podcast Recording Setup (1:14) Previewing Upcoming Episodes (3:15) Stickers Mailing Update (5:46) Importance of Communication and Safety (8:22) Reasons for Driver Meetings (9:46) Understanding Camera Alerts (12:29) Importance of Face-to-Face Meetings (14:17) Addressing Driver Performance (15:34) Connecting Alerts to CSA Scores (17:34) Understanding Speeding Alerts (19:27) Following Distance Alerts (22:09) Importance of CSA Scores (27:05) Driver Exp...
Jan 15, 2025•44 min
Key topics in today’s conversation include: Reflections on 2024 (1:08) Christmas Celebrations (2:59) Thanksgiving Recap (4:46) Reflection on 2024 Goals (6:34) Company Milestones (11:01) Company Office Changes (13:24) Goals vs. Resolutions (16:11) Driver Resolutions (19:14) Health and Hydration (21:32) Eye Care for Drivers (22:13) Mental Health and Exercise (25:57) Learning New Hobbies (28:16) Looking Ahead to 2025 (31:41) Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquarte...
Jan 08, 2025•35 min
Key topics in today’s conversation include: Welcome to Today’s Episode (1:02) Megan's Back to Co-Host (1:57) How the Podcast Has Grown (3:59) Adrian's Background in Trucking (6:21) Family Dynamics (7:59) Pneumatic Trucking Insights (9:42) Unloading Process Duration (14:15) Starting Trucking Journey (18:18) Finding Good Eats on the Road (19:33) Adrian’s Wife's Flea Market Adventures (20:03) Truck Purchase Experience Through Arrow Truck Sales (22:39) The Story behind “Scruffy Transportation” (26:2...
Jan 01, 2025•50 min
Key topics in today’s conversation include: Previewing Today’s Show with Benny and Dennis (1:01) Important Update on 2290s and using the website (4:36) Spreading the word about the podcast (8:10) Early days of working with Bruce Oakley (13:24) Experiences in the early days of the company (19:36) Bruce's early work and ventures (22:26) Expansion and development (24:02) Involvement in the business (29:37) Expansion of trucking business (33:52) Trucking operations and challenges (37:17) Business de...
Dec 25, 2024•1 hr 2 min
Key topics in today’s conversation include: Introduction of Today’s Episode with Damoni Gunter (0:12) Update on 2290s from Oakley (1:040) Damoni's Background and Transition to Oakley (5:06) Transitioning to Oakley and Truck Purchase (9:08) Discussion about Damoni’s New Truck (11:14) Truck Trade Process (12:06) Challenges of Being an Owner-Operator (14:32) Pros and Cons of Hopper Division (17:36) Starting out in the Hopper division (21:29) Oakley's high expectations for drivers (23:53) The meanin...
Dec 18, 2024•37 min
Key topics in today’s conversation include: History and operations of JANTRAN (1:17) Long-term employees and company culture (3:59) The start of JANTRAN and its expansion (5:16) Impact of regulations and changes in the industry (9:47) Competition in the business (12:45) Acquisition by Oakley Trucking (16:51) Future outlook for JANTRAN (23:07) Challenges in river infrastructure (24:10) Paul’s personal life growing up on the river (27:06) Legacy of JANTRAN (29:28) Final thoughts (30:41) Oakley Tru...
Dec 11, 2024•33 min
Key topics in today’s conversation include: Previewing Today’s Episode with Luigi (0:51) Canada Recruiting Updates (3:50) Luigi's Introduction and Journey to the United States (5:50) Family and Living Situation (7:09) Making the Decision to Leave Colombia and Move to the U.S. (9:12) Visiting Family in Colombia (11:15) Career Journey in the U.S. (12:16) Transition to Trucking (14:40) First Driving Job (17:11) Luigi's Introduction to Driving for Donna the Buffalo Band (19:48) Unexpected Recognitio...
Dec 04, 2024•59 min
Key topics in today’s conversation include: Happy Thanksgiving (1:10) Announcement of Break for Podcast Until New Year (2:01) Family Cooking Traditions (5:25) Listener Thanksgiving Plans (10:00) Cooking for the Less Fortunate (14:02) Acknowledging Working Truckers During the Holidays (16:00) Best Places for Truckers on Thanksgiving (17:29) Thanksgiving Locations for Meals (19:50) Black Friday Shopping (22:34) Family Traditions (24:23) Thank You to the Audience for Listener Engagement (27:15) Fin...
Nov 27, 2024•30 min
