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

Donate at: https://greycross.org

In this episode of Behind the Wheelhouse, the Trucker Talk Radio team sits down with Harry Heinsen, a third-generation logistics leader operating out of the Dominican Republic, whose family has been in transportation and freight forwarding for over 110 years.

Harry shares what it’s like growing up in a multigenerational logistics business and how starting at the bottom shaped his approach to leadership, cash flow, and relationships. The conversation explores how freight forwarding really works, from bills of lading and customs documentation to ocean freight, air freight, and the realities of moving cargo across borders.

We also break down how trucking and logistics differ outside the United States, including why drivers in the Dominican Republic can complete multiple trips per day, how nearshoring is reshaping global supply chains, and why U.S. companies are increasingly moving manufacturing closer to home.

This episode is a must-watch for truck drivers, owner-operators, brokers, and logistics professionals who want a clearer understanding of international freight, nearshoring, and why relationships still matter more than price in this business.

Filmed as part of Behind the Wheelhouse, presented by Trucker Talk Radio.

Follow Harry Heinsen:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/harryheinsen/

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https://www.linkedin.com/company/harryheinsenco/

https://www.instagram.com/harryheinsenco/?hl=en

https://harryheinsen.com/

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Support GreyCross.org

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

Donate at: https://greycross.org

In this episode of Behind the Wheelhouse, hosts Jon and Justin sit down with Alex Snook, CEO and Co-Founder of On|Sight, to unpack how cargo theft really happens and why traditional digital vetting tools are no longer enough to stop it.

After losing a full truckload of solar panels to a sophisticated fraud scheme, Snook set out to build a solution that tackles the problem at its source. On|Sight is a shipper-first driver verification platform that focuses on physical, real-time authentication — ensuring the truck and driver who show up are exactly who they claim to be.

Throughout the conversation, we discuss:

- How freight fraud happens even when carriers “look good on paper”

- Why shippers have historically been shielded from the true cost of fraud

- The limitations of digital-only vetting and why physical verification matters

- How On|Sight verifies drivers at the dock using secure, frictionless tools

- Why trucking has lagged behind on technology — and what needs to change

- Lessons for entrepreneurs building solutions from firsthand industry pain points

This episode is essential listening for shippers, brokers, carriers, and logistics leaders who want to understand where freight fraud actually starts, and how to stop it before freight ever leaves the facility.

Follow Alex & On|Sight:

Alex's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/os-alexsnook/

OnSight linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/verifyonsight/

Website: https://www.verifyonsight.com/

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Support GreyCross.org

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

Donate at: https://greycross.org

In this episode of Behind the Wheelhouse, we sit down with Derek Birgin and Matt Griswold, co-owners of Destination Transport, for a deep dive into what truly drives success in today’s freight market. From humble beginnings as a four-person startup to becoming a trusted, nationwide brokerage, Derek and Matt break down why human relationships—not automation—remain the backbone of great service in logistics.

They share how Destination Transport built its reputation through reliability, cradle-to-grave ownership, and a driver-first philosophy that sets them apart in an industry increasingly shaped by technology. We also explore their strategies for fighting fraud, improving carrier vetting, growing LTL operations, and preparing for the next wave of challenges facing brokers and shippers.

Whether you're a carrier, broker, or shipper, this conversation offers rare insight into what it really takes to build trust, deliver consistently, and outperform the noise in a rapidly evolving freight environment.

Follow our guest:

Website: https://www.destinationtrans.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Destinationtransportmn/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/destinationtrans/posts/?feedView=all

Matt Griswold's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-griswold-5979a652/

Derek Birgin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-birgin-921175129/

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Support GreyCross.org

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

Donate at: https://greycross.org

In this episode of Behind the Wheelhouse, Jon and Justin sit down with Stephen Greer, CEO of VTI Specialized, for one of the most forward-looking conversations we’ve had on the show.

Stephen breaks down the future of VTI, the rising impact of autonomous trucks, the real math behind driver shortages, and why the cost of running a trucking company has jumped 34% in just a few years (with rates staying the same). He also discusses onboarding, insurance pressure, the flatbed market, VTI’s growth strategy, and why small-to-mid-sized carriers still win with speed, service, and trust.

In this conversation, we cover:

• VTI’s plan to double over the coming years

• The rise of autonomous trucks and who will feel it first

• Why the driver shortage is accelerating faster than people think

• The hidden cost drivers don’t understand (insurance, freight claims, safety pressure)

• Why onboarding, training, and safety investment must evolve

• Why transparency and communication keep drivers loyal

• What VTI looks for in new hires and new driver partners

• How smaller carriers can outperform mega fleets

• Why Stephen believes the industry will split into winners & losers over the next 5 years

• What young dispatchers, drivers, and agents need to learn NOW to survive the future of trucking

• The role AI will play in efficiency, planning, onboarding, and fraud detection

• Why “service over sales” is the future model for freight companies

If you're a driver, carrier, dispatcher, fleet owner, broker, or recruiter, this episode gives you a real look at where the industry is heading — and how companies like VTI Specialized are preparing for the next decade.

Follow Stephen Greer

VTI Specialized: https://vti-specialized.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-greer-b3000236/

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

Donate at: https://greycross.org

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#TruckerTalkRadio #BehindTheWheelhouse #StephenGreer #VTISpecialized #TruckingIndustry #AutonomousTrucks #DriverShortage #FleetManagement #TruckDrivers #Logistics #TruckingPodcast #TransportationIndustry

In this episode of Behind the Wheelhouse, Jon and Justin sit down with Randy Clifton of Sunset Transportation, a veteran with over 20 years at the same brokerage — a rarity in today’s industry.

Randy breaks down what has kept him loyal to Sunset for two decades, why relationship-driven logistics still works, and how he’s navigated trucking from the days of Rolodexes and fax machines to today’s world of TMS systems, fraud rings, and AI tools.

In this conversation, we cover:

• The Sunset Transportation story & their relationship-centric philosophy

• Why Randy’s office is “truck-first” and built around real driver respect

• The rise of fraud, double brokering, MC theft & overseas dispatch operations

• Why verifying drivers is becoming as important as verifying carriers

• The struggle with non-English-speaking CDL holders and safety concerns

• Why parking, cross-docks, and meeting drivers in person still matter

• The economics behind today’s $1.90 rates and why the market is broken

• Deregulation, supply & demand, and why rates haven’t changed in 20 years

• How AI may change brokerage — and why relationships will still win

• Advice for young brokers, agents, and Gen-Z newcomers entering the industry

Randy also shares his hopes for the next 12–24 months, the future of Sunset’s growth in Phoenix, and what he believes needs to change for trucking to stabilize.

If you’re a driver, owner-operator, broker, dispatcher, carrier, or recruiter — this is a must-watch episode packed with hard truths and real industry insight.

Follow Randy Clifton

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-clifton-5bb2403a/

Clifton Freight Services: cliftonfreightservices.com

Sunset Transportation: sunsettrans.com

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