Keep Trucking Personal

Hosted by Keep Trucking Personal

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118

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to Keep Trucking Personal, where we invite you to explore the heart and soul of our family-driven organization: Kivi Bros. Trucking.Through engaging storytelling, insightful market updates, and vibrant energy, our podcast reflects our culture, values, and achievements..Whether you’re a team member or industry enthusiast, join us to build connections, foster growth, and inspire excellence. Discover why we’re more than just a company - we’re a community, a catalyst for positive change, and a home for those aspiring to be part of something extraordinary.The pre-trip is complete and engines ready, we're set to hit the road on the Keep Trucking Personal podcast. Let's go!

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June 16, 202613 min

Episode 118: Glass Half Full: Why Perspective Matters in Trucking

This week on the Keep Trucking Personal podcast, Tyler Kivi shares a simple but powerful challenge: stop looking for reasons to complain and start looking for reasons to compliment. After spending the summer connecting with drivers face-to-face, Tyler noticed a pattern... people tend to fall into one of two camps. They're either focused on opportunities and gratitude, or they're focused on problems and frustration.The truth is, everyone in trucking faces the same challenges: freight markets, fuel prices, weather, regulations, and the daily demands of the job. What often separates the happiest people from the most frustrated isn't their circumstances, it's their perspective. Tyler discusses how negativity spreads, why encouragement matters more than we realize, and how a simple compliment can have a lasting impact on someone's day.Whether you're a driver, dispatcher, mechanic, manager, or leader, what we focus on grows. Choose opportunities over obstacles, gratitude over complaints, and help make the trucking industry a better place for everyone.

June 9, 20267 min

Episode 117: Sometimes You Don't Know What You Had Until You Leave

A recent conversation with a returning driver got Tyler thinking about one of the most overlooked parts of trucking: momentum. After spending more than a year with another carrier, this driver came back to Kivi Bros. Trucking with a simple reason: he was excited to be pre-planned again and spend less time sitting. In this episode of the Keep Trucking Personal podcast, Tyler shares what that conversation revealed about the importance of communication, planning, and keeping drivers moving. He discusses why the "shiny new opportunity" isn't always what it seems, how strong operations create confidence for drivers, and why sometimes it takes leaving to realize what you valued most in the first place. It's a reminder that in trucking, the little things aren't little at all - they're often the foundation of a successful and rewarding career.

June 2, 202616 min

Episode 116: Gratitude Under Pressure: A Roadside Reminder

What happens when the person preaching calm under pressure gets tested in real time? In this episode of the Keep Trucking Personal podcast, Tyler Kivi shares a recent experience behind the wheel when a blown coolant line brought an oversized load to an unexpected stop on the side of the road. Instead of focusing on frustration, delays, or blame, Tyler walks through how staying disciplined, following the process, and leaning on the support of others changed his perspective. The breakdown became a powerful reminder that none of us do this alone.Tyler explores the role gratitude plays in trucking, leadership, and everyday life. He discusses how focusing on what's going right, rather than what's going wrong, can shift your outlook, reduce stress, and strengthen relationships. From the behind-the-scenes teams that keep trucks moving to the drivers who freely share knowledge and mentor others, this episode is a reminder that gratitude is more than a feeling. It's a mindset and a choice. Tyler closes with a challenge to help someone this week with no expectation of anything in return and reflects on why life gets easier when we appreciate who's standing beside us.

May 26, 202615 min

Episode 115: Mental Health on the Road - Staying Strong Through the Pressure

Summer can bring energy and momentum, but it can also magnify stress, burnout, and exhaustion that have been building for months. In this episode of the Keep Trucking Personal podcast, Tyler Kivi takes an honest look at mental health in trucking and why it matters more than many drivers realize.Tyler talks about the slow build of burnout, how pressure affects decision making, and why stress, isolation, lack of sleep, and negativity can quietly wear drivers down over time. He shares personal stories from his own experiences in trucking, including a moment where built-up pressure caused him to take frustration out on someone who didn’t deserve it. The conversation focuses on the importance of self awareness, staying connected, creating healthy routines, and recognizing that mental wellness directly impacts safety, focus, relationships, and longevity in the industry.This episode also highlights practical ways drivers can support their mental health on the road, including building strong support systems, maintaining routines, staying physically active, improving sleep habits, journaling, reading, and finding positive outlets outside of trucking. Tyler reminds drivers that asking for help is not weakness and encourages anyone struggling to take advantage of available resources.If you are part of the Kivi Bros. Trucking team and need support or resources, reach out to hr@kivibros.com.Referenced Episode:Episode 55 - Drive to Thrive - Part 1: Mental Wellness on the Road

May 19, 202614 min

Episode 114: Building Success One Mile at a Time

In this episode of Keep Trucking Personal, Tyler Kivi talks about the realities of becoming a professional driver and what rookie drivers learn once they hit the open road on their own. From handling responsibility behind the wheel to managing time, weather, communication, and life away from home, Tyler shares honest advice designed to help new drivers succeed for the long haul.He also dives into the mental side of trucking, the importance of discipline and consistency, and why experience is earned one mile at a time. Tyler explains what companies are really looking for in drivers, why attitude and coachability matter, and how dependable drivers separate themselves in the industry.Whether you’re just getting started, exploring a new opportunity, or already years into your trucking career, this episode is packed with perspective, motivation, and practical insight to help you stay focused, keep improving, and continue building a successful career on the road.

May 12, 202611 min

Episode 113: New Drivers: How to Build a Real Career in Trucking

What comes after getting your CDL? In this episode of Keep Trucking Personal, Tyler Kivi speaks directly to new drivers trying to navigate the toughest part of the industry: getting experience, finding the right fit, and building a long-term career in trucking.Tyler breaks down: The challenge of getting hired without experience Why summer is the best time to grow in flatbed trucking How to avoid the “job hopping” trap What carriers really look for in your work history and PSP/DAC reports Why tenure, consistency, and relationships matter How to choose a company that actually fits your lifestyle and goals The importance of protecting your CDL and reputation early in your career Whether you’re fresh out of CDL school, approaching your first year behind the wheel, or trying to figure out your next move, this episode is packed with honest advice and real perspective from someone who grew up in the industry.And if you're looking for a home, check us out at: https://kivibros.com/join-our-team/

May 5, 202616 min

Episode 112: DOT Blitz Week: How to Pass Inspections & Get Paid with Safety Manager Tyler Johnson

This week on Keep Trucking Personal, host Tyler Kivi is joined by Safety Manager Tyler Johnson to break down everything drivers need to know heading into the 2026 CVSA International Roadcheck (DOT Blitz Week), taking place May 12–14. During this 72-hour period, inspectors across North America will conduct increased Level I inspections with a focus on ELD compliance, hours-of-service, and cargo securement - making preparation more important than ever.Tyler and TJ walk through what drivers should be paying attention to now, emphasizing that most violations come down to simple, avoidable issues like tires, lights, paperwork, and organization. They highlight the importance of building consistent habits, especially mid-trip inspections, to catch issues before they become violations. From how your truck looks when you pull into a scale to how accurately your logs are maintained, the details matter... and they directly impact your CSA score, inspection frequency, and ultimately your earning potential.They also share practical advice on what to do if you disagree with an inspection, including documenting everything and communicating quickly, as well as how safety teams proactively review logs to help drivers stay compliant. With insights on cargo securement, digital permit books, and the risks of misusing personal conveyance, this episode serves as both a reminder and a roadmap for success during Blitz Week and beyond.

April 28, 202610 min

Episode 111: Raise the Standard: Owning DOT Blitz Week (International Roadcheck Prep)

In this episode of Keep Trucking Personal, Tyler Kivi brings everything full circle by connecting the lessons from the Living Radical and Stand Firm series into one clear message: raise your standard. With the upcoming CVSA International Roadcheck (DOT Blitz Week) taking place May 12-14, he walks through how drivers can prepare, perform, and approach inspections with confidence. The focus is on being ready before you ever hit the scale - knowing your equipment, your logbook, and your load are dialed in. Tyler highlights the key areas for this year, including logbooks and load securement, and reinforces how small details like signing logs, checking straps, and having paperwork in order can impact the outcome of an inspection. He encourages drivers to stay consistent now so nothing changes when the pressure is on, and to take ownership of their work with pride and professionalism. DOT Blitz Week is simply a moment to show the standard you’ve already set. Whether you’re part of Kivi Bros Trucking or running your own operation, this episode serves as both a practical checklist and a mindset reset - be prepared, stay confident, treat officers with respect, and show up ready to do the job right.Learn more about CVSA’s International Roadcheck Scheduled for May 12-14 here: https://cvsa.org/news/2026-roadcheck/

April 21, 202610 min

Episode 110: Stand Firm and Act Like a Trucker Part 3 - The Standard That Builds the Industry

In Part 3 of this series on the Keep Trucking Personal, Tyler Kivi focuses on what it means to act like a trucker and why that standard matters across the entire industry. This episode centers on mindset, ownership, and how drivers carry themselves on and off the road. Tyler shares that trucking is tied closely to reputation. The way a driver shows up at a customer location, maintains equipment, and interacts with others reflects on the individual, the company, and the industry as a whole.Building on the earlier parts of the series, he reinforces the importance of standing firm with an ownership mentality and doing the job right with attention to detail. He then brings those ideas together through professionalism and personal responsibility. He discusses current industry conditions, including rising fuel costs, strong demand, and the presence of chameleon carriers, while encouraging drivers to stay grounded in integrity and pride in their work.Throughout the episode, Tyler highlights how everyday habits shape outcomes. Clean equipment, organized gear, strong communication, and respect for others all contribute to trust and long-term success. He also emphasizes that behavior away from the truck still matters, since drivers represent something larger wherever they go. The message is clear. Trucking depends on individuals who take ownership, carry themselves with professionalism, and understand the impact of their actions on the road and beyond.The 60 Minutes episode Tyler references in this episode can be found here.If you missed Part One or Part Two of this series, check them out here: Episode 108: Stand Firm and Act Like a Trucker Part 1 - Stand Firm: No Excuses, Just OwnershipEpisode 109: Stand Firm and Act Like a Trucker Part 2 - Do the Job Right

April 14, 202611 min

Episode 109: Stand Firm and Act Like a Trucker Part 2 - Do the Job Right

In Part 2 of the Stand Firm and Act Like a Trucker series, Tyler Kivi shifts the focus from mindset to execution, emphasizing that having the right attitude only matters if you back it up by doing the job right every single time. This episode dives into what separates average drivers from true professionals: pride, consistency, and attention to detail. Tyler reflects on the legacy behind Kivi Bros Trucking and what it really means to carry that forward, not just in name, but in how you show up, operate, and represent the industry. From clean trucks and organized cabs to tight securement and accurate paperwork, the message is clear. The basics, done right every time, are what make the difference. He also calls out one of the most dangerous mindsets in trucking, “it’ll be fine,” and how that thinking leads to small problems snowballing into bigger failures. Throughout the episode, Tyler highlights the importance of consistency in pre-trips, securement, and documentation, the real cost of shortcuts in safety, reputation, and income, and how true professionalism leads to customers requesting drivers by name. At its core, this episode is about raising the standard, bringing pride back to the industry, and understanding that while anyone can do the job, not everyone does it right.