In this episode of Drivers First, we sit down with truck driver Ron Strenger for one of the most honest conversations we’ve had on the show.

Ron shares his real journey into trucking—from leaving entrepreneurship behind, entering the industry through grant-funded CDL training, and navigating the hard realities of dispatch relationships, job hopping, and long stretches without work. This episode isn’t about perfection. It’s about accountability, self-awareness, and what it actually takes to survive—and grow—in today’s trucking industry.

We discuss why frequent job changes can quietly derail a driver’s career, how reputation follows drivers through DAC records, and why many carriers hesitate to hire experienced drivers with unstable work histories. Ron also opens up about personal growth, stress management, and learning when to stand firm versus when to pick your battles.

This conversation is especially important for: - New truck drivers entering the industry - Experienced drivers struggling to find stability - Owner-operators facing downtime and dispatcher issues - Carriers trying to understand driver turnover from the driver’s perspective Ron’s story is raw, unfiltered, and relatable—proof that trucking is as much about mindset and professionalism as it is about miles.

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Ron Strenger's Phone Contact: 479-305-0550

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In this episode of Behind the Wheelhouse, Jon and Justin sit down with Mark Zimmerman, a multi-generation trucking executive with decades of hands-on experience running a family-owned carrier. Drawing from his background and leadership at Zimmerman Truck Lines, Mark offers a candid, operator-driven perspective on some of the most misunderstood issues in trucking today. Mark challenges the widely repeated idea of a “driver shortage,” arguing that market fundamentals don’t support it. If there were truly too few drivers, rates would be rising—not falling. Instead, he explains how rate compression, poor standards, and misaligned incentives have distorted the conversation and weakened the industry. He also makes clear why he remains doubtful of AI and automation in trucking. While technology has a role, Mark believes the industry still depends on human judgment, communication, and accountability—especially when things go wrong. From breakdowns to negotiations to safety decisions, trucking continues to rely on people, not algorithms. Finally, the conversation turns to what Mark sees as the most critical missing piece in trucking today: treating drivers right. He shares firsthand examples and industry stories that highlight how often drivers are disrespected, misled, or treated as disposable—and why his company has taken a different approach. For Mark, respect, transparency, and dignity aren’t soft values; they are the foundation of retention, safety, and long-term success. Follow Mark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-zimmerman-64995999/ https://www.facebook.com/markzimmerman71/ Follow Zimmerman Truck Lines: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zimmerman-truck-repairs/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/zimmerman-truck-lines-inc/ https://ztlinc.com/ Follow Trucker Talk Radio YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TruckerTalkRadio TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@truckertalkradio Instagram: https://instagram.com/truckertalkradio X: https://x.com/trucktalkradio Powered by Ready App The driver-verification platform protecting brokers, carriers, and shippers from identity fraud, onboarding risks, and unsafe hires. Learn more at: https://ready-app.com Support GreyCross.org A 501(c)(3) supporting families affected by roadway tragedies across America. Donate at: https://greycross.org #trucking #logistics #supplychain #freight #truckdriver #transportation #business #technology #ai #automation #leadership #workforce #jobs #economy #infrastructure #manufacturing #smallbusiness #entrepreneurship #podcast #transport

Danny Pulver, an LTL Dispatcher at Northern Logistics Worldwide, joins Behind the Wheelhouse to break down what dispatch really looks like behind the scenes — and why strong relationships between dispatchers, drivers, and customers are the backbone of successful operations. With eight years at Northern Logistics, Danny walks through a typical day managing 40–60 LTL orders, coordinating drivers across Michigan and the Midwest, handling breakdowns, tight delivery windows, and the constant problem-solving that defines dispatch work. He explains the differences between LTL and truckload freight, why communication is everything, and how experienced drivers often make or break a delivery day.

The conversation also explores driver scorecards, accountability, safety technology, internal training programs, and what the future may hold for LTL freight amid automation and industry change. This episode offers valuable insight for drivers, dispatchers, carriers, and anyone curious about how freight really moves.

Topics covered include:

What LTL dispatch actually involves day to day

Managing driver relationships and customer expectations

Handling breakdowns, delays, and last-minute changes Driver scorecards, accountability, and professionalism

Why experienced drivers matter more than ever Growth and culture at Northern Logistics Worldwide

Follow Northern Logistics Worldwide

Website: https://northernlogistics.com

Phone: (989) 386-7556

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/northern-logistics-worldwide/

Follow Danny: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-pulver-380a9811a/

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Powered by Ready App

The driver-verification platform protecting brokers, carriers, and shippers from identity fraud, onboarding risks, and unsafe hires.

Learn more at: https://ready-app.com

Support GreyCross.org

A 501(c)(3) supporting families affected by roadway tragedies across America.

Donate at: https://greycross.org