Trucking Matters From Reliance Partners

Hosted by Reliance Partners

Business Management

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Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Presented by Reliance Partners, the Trucking Matters Podcast dives into the heart of the trucking and logistics industry, where safety, strategy, and success intersect. Hosted by Thom Albrecht, Chief Revenue Officer at Reliance Partners, this podcast is designed for fleet executives, safety professionals, owner-operators, drivers, and anyone navigating the world of commercial trucking. Each episode features leading voices from across the industry, tackling topics from the latest safety regulations and risk management trends to operational strategies, insurance updates, and freight market insights. Whether you’re behind the wheel or behind the scenes, Trucking Matters brings you the conversations that keep your business moving forward – safely and smartly.

Listen to episodes

34 recent

June 9, 202622 min

Previewing July’s Reliance Partners Trucking Matters Seminar Series in Nashville

In this episode, Reliance Partners Chief Revenue Officer Thom Albrecht leads a discussion that provides an insightful preview of the Fifth Annual Trucking Matters Seminar Series that will be held in Nashville, July 22-23. Thom’s guests on the podcast are Brandon Richards, the Chief Sales Officer for Reliance, and Brandon Alexander, the Executive Vice President of Sales at Reliance. They will be discussing what conference attendees can expect when making the trip to Nashville in July.  As you will hear, the Trucking Matters Seminar Series from Reliance Partners is designed for professionals across the trucking, transportation and logistics space who are focused on growth, risk management, safety and operational excellence. If you are involved in decision-making, compliance, safety, finance or operations, the Trucking Matters Seminar Series offers endless opportunities to gain valuable insights and network with leading experts in the industry. Over the course of this episode, Thom, Brandon and Jackson share insights about the conference’s sessions, panels and breakout discussions, including how Trucking Matters Seminar Series attendees will gain valuable perspectives from leading shippers, carriers and legal experts as well as leaders in the fields of insurance and cargo theft prevention — all of whom are involved with the trucking industry. As Thom shares, this year’s Trucking Matters event will feature a session with Jesse Elison, the Deputy Administrator for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The Trucking Matters Seminar Series is hosted by Reliance Partners at no cost for industry attendees, with the cost of travel and lodging being the responsibility of the attendee. If you are interested in attending the 2026 edition of the Trucking Matters Conference or would like more details, please click here. The post Previewing July’s Reliance Partners Trucking Matters Seminar Series in Nashville appeared first on PodWheels.

May 21, 202634 min

Safety Impact Team In Action: Real-World Examples For Use Of DataQs

In this Safety Matters edition of the podcast, we close out our series exploring the Seven BASICS that are part of the FMCSA’s Compliance, Safety and Accountability Enforcement Program. Reliance Partners Safety Impact Team members Mark Barlar and Daniel Vega lead us through a series of Case Studies in which they have worked with motor carriers to successfully challenge BASIC violations through the DataQ system. They will also discuss how motor carriers have implemented internal processes to improve their respective safety profiles. In addition to providing an overview for their approach with DataQs and citing specific examples through the Case Studies they are sharing, Mark and Daniel discuss the importance of audit preparation for companies that are in Alert Status with the FMCSA. You will also hear Mark and Daniel recommend running MVRs at least twice a year to ensure CDL validity, due to the reality that automated systems do not monitor all 50 states simultaneously. This episode was originally shared on May 13th as part of the Reliance Partners live webinar series on the Seven Basics. To learn more about Reliance Partners, please visit the company’s website by clicking here. The post Safety Impact Team In Action: Real-World Examples For Use Of DataQs appeared first on PodWheels.

April 23, 202648 min

Understanding The Haz-Mat BASIC: Key Insights for Carriers and Brokers

Through this Safety Matters edition of the podcast, we highlight Haz-Mat Compliance as we continue our series exploring the Seven BASICS that are a part of FMCSA’s Compliance, Safety and Accountability Enforcement Program. Mark Barlar and Daniel Vega from the Reliance Partners Safety Impact Team return to the podcast to serve as our subject-matter experts. As you will hear, Mark and Daniel will provide insights on what qualifies as a hazardous load and how to properly identify a haz-mat load. They will also tell us about the top violations found during hazardous materials inspections and how to prevent them. In addition, Mark and Daniel have a collection of helpful pointers that they will share on a number of considerations related to haz-mat cargo. Thom Albrecht, the Chief Revenue Officer at Reliance Partners, will serve as the host for this episode of the podcast and he will serve as the moderator of the discussion. This presentation was originally shared on April 14th as part of the Reliance Partners live webinar series on the Seven BASICS.  To learn more about Reliance Partners, please visit the company’s website by clicking here. The post Understanding The Haz-Mat BASIC: Key Insights for Carriers and Brokers appeared first on PodWheels.

April 9, 202634 min

Green Corridors’ Vision for the Laredo-Monterrey Corridor Seeks To Revolutionize Cross-Border Logistics

For this Borderless Coverage edition of Trucking Matters, you’ll meet Mitch Carlson, who is the CEO of Green Corridors International. Mitch will be taking us inside how Green Corridors is working to transform cross-border freight movement. As he shares on the podcast, Green Corridors is taking an approach with innovative, autonomous shuttle systems designed to address congestion, security and efficiency issues in one of the busiest trade ports for the United States. Your host for this edition of the podcast is Borderless Coverage Founder Mark Vickers, who is an Executive Vice President and the Head of International Logistics at Reliance Partners. Mark uses part of a very interesting conversation to have Mitch look back on his long and distinguished career that began in the oil and gas industry. The holder of several patents, Mitch co-founded and served as CEO of Intelligent Wellhead System which disrupted the oil and gas industry on a global scale by melding advanced technology, data aggregation, automation and pressure control systems. As they discuss the game-changing approach that Green Corridors is bringing to the cross-border market, Mark and Mitch talk about some of the pain points that Green Corridors is seeking to address, including removing delays, reducing emissions and improving driver quality of life. As you will hear, Green Corridors will be serving as a sponsor during this June’s 9th Annual Modernization of Cross-Border Trade Conference, developed by Borderless Coverage and hosted by Reliance Partners. Mark and Mitch note the panel discussion that will be led by members of the Green Corridors leadership team. RELIANCE CAN HELP: Are you in the market for cross-border insurance coverage? Borderless Coverage is a Reliance Partners‘ business that enables international companies to conduct safe and profitable business in North America and across North American borders. We provide cross-border insurance. Our team consists of business minded cross-border supply chain consultants, economists, insurance experts, lawyers and global trade agreement negotiators, including the most recent lead negotiators of USMCA from Mexico. To learn more about the offerings available through Borderless Coverage from Reliance Partners, please click here. COMING THIS JUNE: The 9th Annual Modernization of Cross-Border Trade Conference will take place on June 9th in Laredo, Texas. To learn more about how to register for the conference or how your company can become a sponsor at MCBT 2026, please click here. The post Green Corridors’ Vision for the Laredo-Monterrey Corridor Seeks To Revolutionize Cross-Border Logistics appeared first on PodWheels.

April 6, 202626 min

This June’s Modernization of Cross-Border Trade Conference Poised To Deliver Timely Insights

The countdown has begun to the 9th Annual Modernization of Cross-Border Trade Conference, which will take place on June 9th in Laredo, Texas. Initially developed by Borderless Coverage and hosted by Reliance Partners, the MCBT Conference is one of the most anticipated annual forums for cross-border collaboration, serving as a powerful platform for logistics professionals, customs brokers, technology innovators and capacity providers to come together and exchange actionable insight. For this episode of the podcast, Mark Vickers provides us with a preview of MCBT 2026 while also looking back at the evolution and growth of the event from its humble beginnings. Mark is the Founder of Borderless Coverage and he serves as an Executive Vice President and the Head of International Logistics for Reliance Partners. In addition to noting some of the panel discussion topics and activities for the attendees, Mark provides our listeners with some valuable insights on timely cross-border topics, including the impact of USMCA renegotiation, tariffs and policies related to US-Mexico trade dynamics. Mark also offers perspectives on the role of cargo insurance, compliance and risk management in cross-border operations. The host for this episode of the podcast is Thom Albrecht, who is the Chief Revenue Officer at Reliance Partners. Thom and Mark cover a wide range of topics will be of interest to anyone involved in U.S.-Mexico trade and cross-border logistics. To learn more about how to register for the 9th Annual Modernization of Cross-Border Trade Conference or how your company can become a sponsor at MCBT 2026, please click here. The post This June’s Modernization of Cross-Border Trade Conference Poised To Deliver Timely Insights appeared first on PodWheels.

March 31, 202641 min

Safety Impact Team Explores The Key Points Of The Driver Fitness BASIC

The Driver Fitness BASIC will be in the spotlight during this Safety Matters edition of our series. Mark Barlar and Daniel Vega from the Reliance Partners Safety Impact Team return to the podcast to serve as our subject-matter experts as we continue our series on the Seven BASIC that are part of the FMCSA’s Compliance, Safety and Accountability Enforcement Program. During this edition of our series, Mark and Daniel will go over how to keep Driver Qualification files (DQ files) up to date as well as where carriers get it wrong with DQs. They will also discuss the latest on medical card requirements and ways to ensure that a fleet’s drivers are physically and mentally able to operate trucks safely. In addition to looking at driver fitness topics that include medical certificates and compliance challenges, we’ll also spend some time addressing the latest related to what’s happening with English Language Proficiency and Delilah’s Law. Thom Albrecht, the Chief Revenue Officer at Reliance Partners, is your host for this episode of the podcast and he will serve as the moderator of the discussion. This presentation was originally shared on March 19th as part of the Reliance Partners live webinar series on the Seven BASIC. To learn more about Reliance Partners, please visit the company’s website by clicking here. The post Safety Impact Team Explores The Key Points Of The Driver Fitness BASIC appeared first on PodWheels.

March 6, 202647 min

Controlled Substances and Alcohol BASIC: Rules, Regs and Best Practices For Managing Violations

For this Safety Matters edition of the podcast, we will be focusing on the Controlled Substances and Alcohol BASIC as we continue our series exploring each of the Seven Basics that are part of the FMCSA’s Compliance, Safety and Accountability Enforcement Program. Mark Barlar and Daniel Vega from the Reliance Partners Safety Impact Team will serve as our subject-matter experts as we look at the critical aspects of rules related to controlled substances and alcohol regulations, including how these violations are weighted and scored by FMCSA. In addition to walking through the rules and regulations found within the Controlled Substances and Alcohol BASIC, we will discuss driver education related to this BASIC and we will cover best practices for managing violations, including Data Qs, dismissals and legal considerations. Thom Albrecht, the Chief Revenue Officer at Reliance Partners, serves as your host and moderator for this episode of Trucking Matters. A live version of this episode was originally shared on February 12th as part of the Reliance Partners webinar series on the Seven Basics. To learn more about Reliance Partners, please visit the company’s website by clicking here. The post Controlled Substances and Alcohol BASIC: Rules, Regs and Best Practices For Managing Violations appeared first on PodWheels.

February 16, 202631 min

Exploring The Future of USMCA: Insights from Kenneth Smith Ramos

Our guest for this Borderless Coverage edition of the Trucking Matters Podcast Series is Kenneth Smith Ramos, who served as the Chief Negotiator of USMCA for Mexico in 2018, playing a key role in the trade agreement’s ratification. In addition to his leadership on USMCA, Kenneth is the former Head of NAFTA from Mexico in Washington D.C. He currently serves as a partner at AGON in Mexico City, which is a full-service antitrust and regulatory group that focuses on the most complex issues in Mexico. Your host for this edition of the podcast is Borderless Coverage Founder Mark Vickers, who is an Executive Vice President and the Head of International Logistics at Reliance Partners. Mark will be talking with Kenneth about the intricacies of cross-border trade, the evolution of trade agreements and the future of USMCA. Kenneth also shares his journey from a government intern to a key figure in international trade negotiations, discussing the opportunities and challenges that he sees on the road ahead for Mexico and the United States in the context of global trade dynamics. RELIANCE CAN HELP: Are you in the market for cross-border insurance coverage? Borderless Coverage is a Reliance Partners‘ business that enables international companies to conduct safe and profitable business in North America and across North American borders. We provide cross-border insurance. Our team consists of business minded cross-border supply chain consultants, economists, insurance experts, lawyers and global trade agreement negotiators, including the most recent lead negotiators of USMCA from Mexico. To learn more about the offerings available through Borderless Coverage from Reliance Partners, please click here. The post Exploring The Future of USMCA: Insights from Kenneth Smith Ramos appeared first on PodWheels.

February 4, 202649 min

Discussing Reliance Impact Safety Team Case Studies Related To CSA BASICS

In this Safety Matters episode of the series, Reliance Partners Safety Impact Team Members Mark Barlar and Daniel Vega return to the podcast to highlight a collection of Case Studies they have compiled related to the work that Reliance Partners has done on behalf of clients navigating the FMCSA’s Compliance, Safety and Accountability Enforcement Program. Thom Albrecht, the Chief Revenue Officer at Reliance Partners, served as the host for this discussion that focused on real-world examples that are tied to the first four CSA Basics. As you will hear, the conversation highlighted how the Reliance Safety Impact Team has helped motor carriers identify issues, resolve challenges, and strengthen their safety performance. In addition, the insights shared offer practical takeaways that motor carriers can apply immediately within their own operations. This episode was originally shared on January 15th as part of the Reliance Partners live webinar series on the Seven Basics. To learn more about Reliance Partners, please visit the company’s website by clicking here. The post Discussing Reliance Impact Safety Team Case Studies Related To CSA BASICS appeared first on PodWheels.

January 26, 202636 min

LMCA’s Jerry Maldonado Building Bridges in Cross-Border Trade

Jerry Maldonado, who is the Chairman of the Board for the Laredo Motor Carrier Association, is our guest for this Borderless Coverage edition of the Trucking Matters Podcast Series. Jerry is also part of the Management Team at Warren Transport, where he is the Director of Laredo and Mexico Operations. Jerry has over 20 years of successful management and leadership experience within the transportation industry, including serving as part of the Executive Committee and a Board Member with the Texas Trucking Association. As you will hear, Jerry shares insights on the future of cross-border trade and the importance of unity in the trucking community. Your host for this edition of the podcast is Borderless Coverage Founder Mark Vickers, who is an Executive Vice President and the Head of International Logistics at Reliance Partners. Mark will be talking with Jerry about his journey in the trucking industry and the importance of relationships in cross-border trade. They discuss the role of the Laredo Motor Carrier Association in advocating for the trucking industry, the infrastructure developments at the Port of Laredo and the challenges posed by tariffs and trade uncertainties. Jerry shares insights on the future of cross-border trade and the importance of unity in the trucking community. RELIANCE CAN HELP: Are you in the market for cross-border insurance coverage? Borderless Coverage is a Reliance Partners‘ business that enables international companies to conduct safe and profitable business in North America and across North American borders. We provide cross-border insurance. Our team consists of business minded cross-border supply chain consultants, economists, insurance experts, lawyers and global trade agreement negotiators, including the most recent lead negotiators of USMCA from Mexico. To learn more about the offerings available through Borderless Coverage from Reliance Partners, please click here. The post LMCA’s Jerry Maldonado Building Bridges in Cross-Border Trade appeared first on PodWheels.