The Grawe Pod

Hosted by The Grawe Group

Business Management

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Episodes

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Hosted by Doug Grawe, the founder and CEO of the Grawe Group, the Grawe Pod is Transportation’s General Counsel Podcast examining key issues for the trucking and logistics industry.

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50 recent

June 10, 202621 min

Examining Recent U.S. Supreme Court Decisions Impacting Transportation

For this episode of the podcast, Grawe Group Founder & CEO Doug Grawe examines two recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings that will bring a collection of considerations into a new focus for trucking and logistics companies. Over the course of the episode, Doug offers practical insights on legal considerations as well as approaches for compliance. Before offering observations on the Montgomery vs. Caribe Transport decision by SCOTUS that addressed broker liability, Doug discussed a May 28 ruling by the Court in the Flowers Foods vs. Brock case and its implications for arbitration clauses in carrier contracts. As Doug notes in his analysis, the question before the Supreme Court was if federal law only applies to interstate work, interstate issues and not intrastate issues, specifically with deliveries that go from Point A to Point B in the same state. As you will hear, the court in a 9-0 decision unanimously said federal law applies, and Doug walks listeners through why that decision is significant for trucking and logistics companies. While discussing the Montgomery decision and its future impact on negligent hiring claims against brokers, Doug focuses on the practical steps that both brokers and carriers can take to place themselves in the best position to move forward. For carriers, this includes proactively working to improve CSA scores, if needed. Brokers should review and refine their carrier vetting processes. Doug also notes the importance of understanding insurance policies and procedural protocols as part of the safeguards that should be in place. One of the key points coming out of Montgomery that Doug emphasizes in this episode is that juries do not expect brokers and carriers, or defendants in any type of case, to be perfect. Juries understand mistakes happen. What juries are generally not okay with is not trying. They want to see that you tried. They want to see that you took the time and energy to consider a variety of things and make a balanced decision. To learn more about the Grawe Group, visit the firm’s website, TheGraweGroup.com. The post Examining Recent U.S. Supreme Court Decisions Impacting Transportation appeared first on PodWheels.

May 15, 202632 min

Insights On Navigating The Top HR Challenges In Today’s Business Landscape

One of the realities of trucking is that the industry is filled with small- and medium-sized businesses. In this episode of the Grawe Pod, we will be exploring a number of the HR challenges that trucking operations with 100 employees or less must navigate within today’s business landscape. For an instructive discussion that covers a host of timely topics, Grawe Group Founder & CEO Doug Grawe is joined on this edition of the podcast by Human Resource experts Alisha Hanson and Ashley Brandbury, the Co-Founders of Build Your Roots HR. Alisha and Ashley take listeners inside the critical support HR consulting offers businesses under 100 employees from recruitment to compliance. They also talk to us about building internal redundancies and seamless transitions in HR functions to avoid operational disruptions as well as the challenges of multi-state employment, including legal, payroll and onboarding differences. The discussion includes noting the importance of staying on top of changes in laws and regulations, including on the state level, citing the implementation of a Minnesota state law covering paid family leave. In the final portion of the episode, Alisha and Ashley share their perspectives on how the growing use of AI is shaping HR, noting that companies need to begin strategies and policies that can be adaptable for the business as AI continues to evolve. In the closing moments of the episode, Alisha shares a note about the next Capacity To Lead seminar that Build Your Roots HR will be hosting on June 17th in Bayport, Minnesota. If you would like to learn more about the Capacity To Lead seminar, including how you can register to attend, please click here. To learn more about the Grawe Group, visit the firm’s website, TheGraweGroup.com. The post Insights On Navigating The Top HR Challenges In Today’s Business Landscape appeared first on PodWheels.

April 21, 202633 min

Openforce CEO Wendy Greenland Looks At Technology And Future Of Independent Contractor Management

Wendy Greenland, the CEO of Openforce, joins the podcast for a thought-provoking discussion that explores AI’s growing impact on transportation technology and some of the key challenges trucking and logistics companies face when navigating the complex landscape of independent contractor management. Grawe Group Founder & CEO Doug Grawe leads the conversation that also takes us through Wendy’s career path, which brought her from being a telecommunications entrepreneur to working in transportation, eventually being called to senior leadership positions with Openforce, an industry-leading provider Independent Contractor compliance, insurance and payments. In their discussion of evaluating and implementing technologies within the Age of AI, Wendy notes the value of utilizing Horizon One, Two and Three with strategic decision-making and technology adoption. Wendy talks about the importance of understanding how to leverage what’s happening today while also being able to springboard to the future horizon. While walking listeners through the work that Openforce does with Independent Contractors and companies working with ICs, Wendy and Doug discussed being focused on helping people who want to be independent, keep their independence. Wendy also provides some valuable tips related to building trust and discipline within a leadership team while also establishing clear objectives for your team. In addition, she offers a few best practices for evaluating and selecting long-term technology partners. To learn more about the Grawe Group, visit the firm’s website, TheGraweGroup.com. The post Openforce CEO Wendy Greenland Looks At Technology And Future Of Independent Contractor Management appeared first on PodWheels.

March 26, 202619 min

Navigating The Labor Department’s New Independent Contractor Rule

With this episode, Grawe Group Founder & CEO Doug Grawe examines the U.S. Department of Labor’s February 26th release of the proposed rule that addresses the classification of independent contractors. Doug highlights the key components of the proposed rule that would rescind the Department of Labor’s 2024 rule related to Independent Contractor status that was issued by the Biden Administration. While looking at what the new independent contractor rule means for trucking operations, Doug also provides historical context regarding the rule, including what’s changing from the existing Biden-era rule to the update that has been proposed by President Trump’s Department of Labor. As you’ll hear, Doug discusses a number of practical implications related to the proposed rule, including control over decisions and proof standards and how the rule can affect a carrier’s independent contractor program. Doug also notes considerations related to state-specific regulations and managing compliance across multiple jurisdictions. Doug encourages carriers that utilize independent contractors within their respective fleets to consider connecting with experts and resources for ongoing support. Having the processes in place to stay current on the changes with rules and legal decisions, including the current independent contractor status case before the Supreme Court, will help carriers in their efforts to adapt as necessary and stay compliant. To learn more about the Grawe Group, visit the firm’s website, TheGraweGroup.com. The post Navigating The Labor Department’s New Independent Contractor Rule appeared first on PodWheels.

February 24, 202617 min

Insights On Navigating Four Key Trucking and Logistics Issues In 2026

Grawe Group Founder & CEO Doug Grawe takes a look inside four topics that have come up quite often in the first weeks of 2026 during conversations with clients and professionals within the trucking and logistics industries. As you’ll hear, Doug opens the podcast by discussing the latest happenings related to broker liability. He notes an upcoming Supreme Court ruling that is expected to address whether or not brokers should be held liable or should face the potential for liability in motor vehicle accidents. The second topic covered by Doug in this episode offers an update on the recent news that the Independent Contractor Rule from the U.S. Department of Labor could be on its way to the Office of Management and Budget, which means that we should expect the U.S. Department of Labor to issue its proposed rule for what it means to be an independent contractor. The evolving role of AI and the considerations for trucking and logistics decision-makers around the implementation of TMS and HRIS infrastructure serves as the third topic covered in the episode. Doug closes the podcast by touching on considerations related to mergers and acquisitions in today’s market, noting key points for those “kicking the tires” on either buying or selling. To learn more about the Grawe Group, visit the firm’s website, TheGraweGroup.com. The post Insights On Navigating Four Key Trucking and Logistics Issues In 2026 appeared first on PodWheels.

January 14, 202631 min

Challenges and Opportunities: Is Your Company Prepared For Success In 2026?

The Grawe Pod opens the year by discussing a collection of strategic questions, including: Is your company prepared to meet the challenges and make the most of the opportunities that will be found in the 2026 trucking and logistics market? Is your Sales strategy aligned with your Operations and Recruiting strategies? Have you defined your ideal customer? Have you properly evaluated your bid participation strategies ahead of the RFP opportunities that are coming up this year? Grawe Group Founder & CEO Doug Grawe and Grawe Group Executive Business Partner Gary Randall begin 2026 by examining a collection of essential points that trucking and logistics decision makers need to consider as they work to position their respective companies for success in today’s market. As you will hear, Doug and Gary highlight the need for efficiency in processes, the significance of differentiating in a data-driven market, and the value of analyzing bid results for continuous improvement. The conversation also touches on the importance of measuring success through KPIs and empowering teams to foster better outcomes, ultimately leading to a culture of continuous improvement and team buy-in. To learn more about the Grawe Group, visit the firm’s website, TheGraweGroup.com. The post Challenges and Opportunities: Is Your Company Prepared For Success In 2026? appeared first on PodWheels.

December 29, 202527 min

Strategies For Identifying And Reaching Your Goals In 2026

The Grawe Pod closes out 2025 by looking ahead to addressing a collection of strategic questions that decision makers for trucking and logistics companies need to consider as they prepare for the year ahead. What do you need to do to position your company to achieve wins in 2026? What are your goals? Do you have the proper alignment across your organization to realize your goals? Do you have the proper processes and accountabilities in place, including analyzing the data? Grawe Group Founder & CEO Doug Grawe and Grawe Group Executive Business Partner Gary Randall hit the key points involved when building a comprehensive strategic plan within today’s trucking market. As you will hear, Doug and Gary place their focus on what companies can control and how best to implement effective strategies. They emphasize the need for clear processes, understanding data and fostering a culture of cooperation, accountability and healthy competition among teams. Additionally, Doug and Gary discuss how planning for 2026 involves understanding both opportunities and challenges. It also requires a clear cadence and daily processes, and it requires developing an understanding of actionable data. As Doug and Gary note, the companies that can use the time going into the new year to build a plan around a set of defined objectives will be well positioned for 2026 and beyond. To learn more about the Grawe Group, visit the firm’s website, TheGraweGroup.com. The post Strategies For Identifying And Reaching Your Goals In 2026 appeared first on PodWheels.

December 3, 202534 min

Getting To Know Kate Norris, A New Member of the Grawe Group Team

In this episode of the podcast, we will be introduced to Kate Norris, an attorney with 10 years of experience who joined the Grawe Group earlier this year. As you will hear, the bulk of Kate’s previous experience came from working in the healthcare field, and she served for the past six years in the position of general counsel. Grawe Group Founder & CEO Doug Grawe and Grawe Group Executive Business Partner Gary Randall talk with Kate about the most valued lessons she learned from her days in healthcare as well as how she is applying that experience in making the transition to the trucking industry. Doug, Kate and Gary each address the importance of being proactive, continually learning and working to understand the business operations of clients. The conversation emphasizes the value of documentation, compliance and teamwork, while also addressing the challenges and opportunities within the trucking sector. Doug, Kate and Gary close this episode by sharing some personal insights on their favorite business adages and how those memorable quotes can be helpful in the daily operations of a business. To learn more about the Grawe Group, visit the firm’s website, TheGraweGroup.com. The post Getting To Know Kate Norris, A New Member of the Grawe Group Team appeared first on PodWheels.

October 29, 202524 min

Taking Time To Look Ahead: What Will You Do Differently In 2026?

October can provide trucking and logistics company leaders the opportunity to ask larger, strategic questions centered around how your organization can adjust to make next year better than the year you are closing out. In this episode of the Grawe Pod, we will be addressing a number of forward-thinking questions, including: What’s going to be different about the year ahead? What are you going to do differently to adjust to opportunities in the market? How are you going to look at your company critically? In particular, what will you be looking at every day that tells you whether or not you can win today or what you need to do today to win? Doug Grawe, the Founder and CEO of the Grawe Group, will be exploring these questions and much more with Grawe Group Executive Business Partner Gary Randall, a trucking management veteran with decades of expertise in leading Operations Departments. While acknowledging the ongoing challenges in the freight market, Doug and Gary discuss the success that they have seen Grawe Group clients realize in focusing on the fundamentals of trucking, exploring processes and examining the data around what works well within the opportunities available in today’s market. In sharing a couple of oral case studies from the Grawe Group’s work with clients, Gary and Doug note how trucking and logistics operations, through understanding their data and strengthening communication between departments, can proactively plan utilization by focusing on the opportunity hours available on trucks in the fleet vs. using a traditional models that can place tight restrictions on deadhead miles. If your company is beginning to look at strategic plans for 2026 and what you can do differently within today’s trucking market, this episode offers important insights to help in your evaluation process. To learn more about the Grawe Group, visit the firm’s website, TheGraweGroup.com. The post Taking Time To Look Ahead: What Will You Do Differently In 2026? appeared first on PodWheels.

September 22, 202537 min

How Prepared Is Your Company When Litigation Situations Arise?

Within the trucking industry and across a host of other industries, managing litigation issues has become a common aspect of running a business in recent years. During this episode of the Grawe Pod, we’ll be discussing the complexities of litigation in the business world, placing a particular focus on addressing litigation situations that trucking and logistics companies can encounter. Doug Grawe, the Founder and CEO of the Grawe Group, welcomes litigation expert Brian Niemczyk as his guest for this episode of the series. Brian is a partner with the Hellmuth & Johnson Law Firm in the Twin Cities, and he holds nearly 20 years’ experience in the area of litigation. Through their discussion across this episode, Doug and Brian explore various types of disputes that businesses may face, common mistakes that lead to litigation, and the importance of clear contracts. Brian shares insights on evaluating cases, managing client expectations, and the steps involved in the litigation process. The conversation also covers the significance of finding the right attorney and understanding the costs associated with litigation. To learn more about the Grawe Group, visit the firm’s website, TheGraweGroup.com. The post How Prepared Is Your Company When Litigation Situations Arise? appeared first on PodWheels.