The Oakley Podcast

Hosted by Oakley Trucking

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Episodes

333

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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About the show

The Oakley Podcast is a trucking industry podcast that educates and empowers owner-operators by providing relevant industry, market, and company news in a digestible audio format.

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60 recent

October 21, 202634 min

314: They Were Ready to Hang It Up, But Then They Leased to Oakley

This week on the Oakley Podcast, Paul and Tina Baker share how they entered trucking, the challenges they faced during their first years as owner-operators, and how joining Oakley helped them build stability and reach their goal of buying a new Peterbilt. They discuss managing money, maintaining a dependable truck, communicating with dispatch, adapting to life on the road, and supporting each other through tough times. Their key advice: plan for unexpected expenses, communicate early, and stay persistent through the steep learning curve of becoming an owner-operator. Key topics in today’s conversation include: Welcome, Dispatch Communication, and Weather Preparation (0:36) Paul and Tina’s Background and Family (3:50) Tina’s Family History in Trucking (6:37) Riding Together on the Road (8:26) The Challenges of Becoming Owner-Operators (10:02) Finding Oakley Through a Friend (13:27) A Reliable Truck and a New Peterbilt (14:32) Greater Stability and Plans for a Cruise (17:25) Money Management Advice for Owner-Operators (20:07) Switching From Hopper Bottom to End Dump (24:37) Highway Driving and Finding Parking (26:15) Favorite Truck Stops (28:17) Lessons From the First Year and What Drivers Provide (29:20) Final Thoughts and Takeaways (32:29) Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

October 14, 202641 min

313: Before You Buy a Truck: Advice From a Veteran Owner-Operator

This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy sits down with Oakley owner-operator Lamont Dawson, who shares how his father inspired his trucking career. Lamont talks about his path from company driver to truck owner, and the lessons he’s learned through costly breakdowns and years on the road. He also discusses choosing the right company, budgeting for repairs, maintaining a truck, and staying safe when hauling end dumps. Jeremy and Lamont also reflect on the challenges of road life, faith, and the goal of traveling and spending time with family. Lamont’s key advice: plan ahead, save for unexpected expenses, work with a company that supports your goals, and never compromise on safety. Lamont also shares a personal story of being struck by lightning! You won’t want to miss it. Key topics in today’s conversation include: Welcome to Today’s Episode and Company Party This Weekend (0:52) Lamont’s Background, Family, and Hobbies (4:48) How His Father Inspired His Trucking Career (6:17) From Nissan Plant to Swift Driver (7:53) Why He Became an Owner-Operator (8:38) Truck Breakdowns, Repairs, and Maintenance (10:11) Learning to Haul End Dumps Safely (15:57) Why He Switched to Pneumatics (18:13) Choosing the Right Company and Saving for Repairs (20:39) Moving the Fuel Tank to Return to Pneumatics (23:35) Pneumatic Work and Life on the Road (26:21) Managing a Second Truck and Supporting a Driver (31:12) Lamont’s Story of Being Struck by Lightning (34:50) Future Plans: Family, His Father, and Travel (37:00) Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

October 7, 202635 min

312: Chrome, Cash & Catfish: What to Expect As We Gear Up for the Oakley Company Party

This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett, Anna Belle Burrow, and Corey Huey share what to expect at Oakley Trucking’s October 17 company party, including the America 250 theme, live music, dinner, hotel shuttles, and event schedule. They explain how the fifth annual owner-operator truck show and voting will work, outline the cash prizes and sponsor giveaways, and preview employee, driver, and safety awards. The key takeaway: arrive early to see the trucks and vote before the 7 p.m. deadline; the event is for Bruce Oakley employees, owner-operators, and their families. Key topics in today’s conversation include: Company Party Announcement for October 17 (0:48) Party Schedule and Pre-Event Truck Show Lunch (3:16) Early Arrival, Truck Viewing, and Voting Deadline (6:42) Truck Show Rules and Number of Entries (9:56) Truck Preparation and Ways to Win Votes (10:48) Truck Show Trophies and Cash Prizes (12:46) Sponsors and Giveaway Prizes (14:44) Rags-Down Time and America 250 Theme (18:40) Live Music and Entertainment (20:02) Dinner Menu and Open Bars (20:49) Hotel Booking and Shuttle Information (21:27) Employee, Driver, and Safety Awards (23:45) Security and Party Conduct (27:08) Golf Tournament and Community-Building (28:08) Parking, Venue, and Final Event Details (31:40) Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 30, 202635 min

311: Kosher Washes, Busy Bays & Big Moves: The Backbone Of Oakley's Reserve Terminal

This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett sits down with Wade Thompson, longtime Oakley employee and shop foreman at the Reserve, Louisiana terminal, to spotlight the people and capabilities that keep this location running. Wade shares his journey from Arkansas to Reserve, how his family settled into the community, and what day-to-day operations look like across the shop and three wash bays, including specialized services like kosher washes and blower service. They discuss common trailer repairs, the importance of driver pre-trip inspections, the challenges of being short-staffed as more over-the-road trucks come through, and how the team handles demand and outside wash customers. Wade also recounts how a major hurricane affected the facility and the lengthy recovery process. Key takeaways for listeners include the depth of services available at the Reserve terminal, the critical role of maintenance and wash operations in supporting drivers, and Wade and his crew's dedication to keeping Oakley equipment and customer units safe, clean, and on the road. Key topics in today’s conversation include: Oakley Podcast Intro and Info on Company Party and Truck Show (0:42) Introducing Shop Foreman Wade Thompson and His Oakley Tenure (9:45) Community, Friends, and Small-Town Feel in Reserve (11:12) Overview of Reserve Terminal Capabilities and Limitations (13:24) What a Kosher Wash Is and How It’s Done (15:53) Trailer Care Tips and Importance of Pre-Trip Inspections (17:58) Travel Back to Arkansas and Company Party Plans (20:08) Labor Time and Cost of Bent Hinge Repairs (23:13) Services on Blowers, Wet Kit Issues, and Air Dryer Advice (26:17) Work Ethic, Early Starts, and Keeping Operations Moving (29:04) Lessons Learned on Parking Equipment During Storms (32:36) Jeremy’s Appreciation for Wade, Staff, and Trucking Community (34:33) Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 23, 202633 min

310: From $0 to Owner/Operator: How One Call Changed Kenny’s Life

This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett sits down at Oakley’s Reserve, Louisiana terminal with owner-operator Kenny Spears from Baton Rouge to talk about his journey in trucking, his family life with his wife Brittany and their six kids, and his path from company driver to owner-operator. Kenny shares how his late father inspired his love for trucking, how a surprise call from Oakley recruiter Harrison Harold led him to take a leap of faith into ownership in 2021, and the serious challenges he faced when his truck went down for three months and later caught fire due to alternator wiring issues. He explains how faith, family, friends, and a determined mechanic helped him push through those obstacles, and how a dedicated route now lets him be home every night. Throughout the conversation, Kenny emphasizes safety, discipline in maintaining his truck, the financial and personal rewards of being an owner-operator, and encourages company drivers not to wait for a “sign” but to step out and pursue ownership with persistence and trust in God. Key topics in today’s conversation include: Introduction, Driver Appreciation Week, and Upcoming Louisiana Episodes (0:42) Meet Kenny Spears, His Family, and Life With Six Kids (4:35) Becoming an Oakley Owner-Operator and Dedicated Oxbow Haul (7:18) Fears About Money, Responsibility, and Providing for a Family (11:08) Truck Down for Three Months, Financial Struggles, and Family Support (12:35) Truck Finally Running Strong and Support From Dispatch (17:39) Most Rewarding Parts of the Job, Pay, and Coworker Relationships (22:44) Public Perception of Truck Drivers and Respect for the Profession (24:41) Advice to Company Drivers Thinking About Becoming Owner Operators (26:29) Positivity, Not Giving Up, and Faith Through Hard Times and Parting Thoughts (29:10) Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 16, 202643 min

309: Oakley's Reserve Terminal Deep Dive: Safety, Settlements, and Driver Success

This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett sits down at Oakley’s Reserve Terminal in Louisiana with dispatchers Dillon Falgoust and Matt Arceneaux to highlight the people and operations behind the scenes. They share how they started in the shop before moving into dispatch, what they learned about trucking, hours of service, and safety, and how much respect they’ve gained for professional drivers. The conversation dives into what makes an Owner Operator of the Year, including communication, reliability, clean equipment, and strong customer relationships, as well as how they review settlements and partner with drivers to hit income goals. They also discuss the tight-knit culture at the Reserve terminal, coordination with the North Little Rock office, the importance of safety in end-dump operations, and how Oakley’s high standards for appearance and professionalism set their owner-operators apart. Overall, the episode gives listeners an inside look at how dispatch and drivers work together as a team to build successful, family-supporting careers in trucking. Key topics in today’s conversation include: Welcome to This Week’s Episode And Driver Appreciation Week (0:53) Highlighting Reserve Louisiana Terminal And Jeremy’s Early Story There (4:23) Dillon’s Background, Family, And Path From Shop To Dispatch (6:03) Matt’s Background, Time In the Shop, And Move Into Local Dispatch (9:58) Lessons Learned Moving From Construction To Fast-Paced Dispatch Work (13:00) What Makes an Owner-Operator of the Year And Qualities That Stand Out (17:30) Reviewing Settlements, Driver Income Goals, And Handling Slow Weeks (20:12) Hours Of Service, Driver Clocks, And Planning Loads Around Time Limits (26:30) Opportunities Around Reserve Terminal And Need For More Owner Operators (30:45) Showing Drivers As Normal Hardworking Neighbors (33:25) Possible Upgrades To Driver Showers And Making Terminal More Comfortable (35:09) High Standards For Oakley Owner Operators (37:30) Comparing Oakley Trucks To Other Carriers And Attracting Potential Recruits (39:02) Closing Thoughts and Appreciation For Drivers (40:41) Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 2, 20261 hr 8 min

308: Behind the Shop Doors: Time Changes, Upgrades, and Big Plans

This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett sits down with long-time shop foreman Toby Bishop to unpack how Oakley’s shop operations are evolving to better serve owner-operators. They cover the design and opening of the new West Shop, the full remodel of the East Shop, and planned upgrades to the wash bay, including floor and lighting improvements. Toby explains Oakley’s work-release and reentry programs with the state of Arkansas, highlighting how they give incarcerated individuals a real second chance and help them become strong employees. A major focus is the upcoming fleet-wide tire and wheel change from 11R24.5 to 22.5, why manufacturers are phasing out 24.5s, and how Oakley will manage costs, casings, and logistics during the transition. They also discuss trailer specs with MAC, strategies for keeping trailers looking sharp, and the underused capabilities of the Reserve LA terminal. The key takeaway for drivers: Oakley is investing heavily in facilities, equipment, and people to improve efficiency, safety, appearance, and long-term cost savings, and driver communication is critical to making these changes work. Key topics in today’s conversation include: Truck Show Announcement and Sponsor Shoutouts (0:12) Introducing Toby Bishop and Purpose of Shop Conversation (4:34) New West Shop Overview and Design Goals (7:47) Ventilation Challenges, Storage Additions, and Morale Boost (10:31) How the Old East Shop Was Emptied and Fully Remodeled (13:34) Repurposed Brick Sign From Original Office Building (21:32) How Oakley’s Work Release Program With Arkansas Works (25:51) Wash Bay Layout and Purpose of the Third Express Bay (31:20) Why Drivers Can’t Just Wash Anything and City Sampling Rules (32:39) Illumiclear Clear Coat Failing on Tanks and Removal Plan (39:41) Why Oakley Is Changing From 11R24.5 to 22.5 Tires (41:23) Dollars per Tire, Wheel, and Mount Adding Up Across Fleet (48:42) Ground Clearance Loss Going to 22.5 and Low Pro Risks (52:17) Tank Trailer Spec Changes to Reduce Valves and Components (56:12) Reserve Terminal Capabilities in Shop and Wash Bays (1:00:37) Idea of a Ready Yard for Trailers and Dispatch Benefits (1:02:17) Growing Pains, Space Limits, and Future Shop Expansion (1:03:57) Parting Thoughts and Episode Wrap-Up (1:06:27) Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 26, 202650 min

307: The Fight to Fix Trucking: OOIDA's Work in Washington D.C. to Better the Trucking Industry

This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett sits down with OOIDA’s Lewie Pugh to unpack several key issues affecting truckers today, including the Freedom Haulers initiative that helps military veterans transition into civilian trucking by waiving certain CDL tests, and why carriers still need to provide extra training and support so veterans don’t get caught in industry churn. They dig into Delilah’s Law and related DOT rule changes on English proficiency and non-domiciled CDLs, stressing the need for drivers to contact lawmakers to get these protections codified. Lewie updates listeners on broker transparency efforts, widespread fraud, and why building direct shipper relationships matters more than ever. They also cover the national truck parking shortage, new funding and expansion projects (like on I‑70 and in Illinois), and how future highway bills could add more free parking capacity. Finally, they discuss the sting of surging fuel prices, the importance of solid fuel surcharge structures and discounts (including OOIDA’s fuel card), and the broader mission of OOIDA to advocate for drivers, lower turnover, and keep small trucking businesses alive. Key topics in today’s conversation include: Value Of a Good Shop and Long-Term Maintenance Relationships (3:17) Freedom Haulers Event at the White House and Veteran CDL Waivers (7:54) Extra Training Needed When Veterans Transition To Civilian Trucking (11:12) Delilah’s Law, English Proficiency, and Non-Domiciled CDL Crackdown (15:24) Detention Time, Shippers, Receivers, and Loading Inefficiencies (18:27) Broker Transparency, Fraud, Motus Issues, and Safety Concerns (23:11) Illinois Rest Area Projects and Upcoming Federal Parking Funds (27:54) Mental and Physical Toll of Trucking and Daily Frustrations (33:18) Oakley’s Fuel Surcharge Structure and Fuel Discount Strategy (38:03) OOIDA Fuel Card, Multiple Discount Cards, and Controlling Costs (39:44) Truck Driver Appreciation Week and Long Beach IANA Event (43:45) How To Join OOIDA, Membership Code, and Key Member Benefits (44:59) Closing Thoughts and Final Thanks to Drivers (48:15) Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 19, 202639 min

306: “Vlog Per Mile”: The Oakley YouTube Trucker Helping Drivers Win

This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett sits down with Oakley owner-operator Aaron Murphy and recruiter Dustin Eagle to share Aaron’s powerful journey from plumber and screen printer to truck driver, through a prison sentence, and back into trucking with a clear plan and written goals. Aaron talks about running under his own authority, going $75,000 into debt from breakdowns, and why he ultimately chose to lease on with Oakley for stability and support. They discuss moving from California to a rural property in Oklahoma, breeding Cane Corso dogs, and what life on the road is really like with all the planning and safety that demands. Aaron explains the challenges and rewards of pulling a dump trailer, the importance of a strong dispatcher relationship, and how family support, especially from his wife, made becoming a successful owner-operator possible. He also shares how his YouTube channel “Vlog Per Mile” gives honest advice to drivers, and how he prides himself on being a top safety performer, constantly chasing the #1 green score in Oakley’s fleet. Key topics in today’s conversation include: How Aaron Got Into Trucking and His Early Career Path (4:50) Prison, Personal Turnaround, and Goal Setting to Rebuild Life (6:08) Importance of Family, Church, and Mentor Support After Setbacks (7:52) Becoming an Owner-Operator Under His Own Authority and Early Struggles (9:49) Leaving Own Authority, Leasing On Elsewhere, and Finding Oakley (13:55) Why Aaron Chose Oakley and How He Researched the Company (15:53) First Three Months at a New Company and Income Expectations (17:03) Life on the Road Explained as Camping and Working at the Same Time (21:35) Introducing Aaron’s YouTube Channel Vlog Per Mile (26:39) Referring Prospects to Oakley and Working With Dustin on Recruits (29:44) Future Goals, New International Truck Payment, and Trailer Aspirations (34:19) Chasing the Top Green Score and Daily Focus on Safety (35:22) Final Thoughts and Episode Wrap-Up (37:19) Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 12, 202640 min

305: How Oakley’s Tanks Keep Plants Running: A Deep Dive Into the Pneumatic Division

This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett sits down with pneumatic operations managers Austin Allen and Bradley Simpson to break down Oakley’s pneumatic division, including straight “dirt” tanks and vacuum pneumatics. They explain how pneumatic tanks work, why customers choose them for dry bulk products going into silos and plants, and how vacuum trailers can both load and unload material, especially plastics from rail cars. The conversation covers day-to-day operational challenges, the critical role of communication with dispatch and customers, and the intense focus on trailer cleanliness to avoid costly contamination issues. They also walk through how new drivers are trained, common rookie mistakes, what makes a top-tier pneumatic owner-operator, and why experience, patience, and professionalism at customer facilities are essential. Finally, they highlight strong freight demand, growth opportunities, new equipment coming in, and the higher pay and expectations that come with being part of Oakley’s pneumatic and vacuum pneumatic operations. Key topics in today’s conversation include: Company Updates, Iowa 80 Feature on CBS News (1:30) Introducing Bradley Simpson and Austin Allen and Their Backgrounds (4:30) What a Pneumatic Tank Is and How It Works (6:19) Why Customers Choose Pneumatic Trailers and Unloading Into Silos (9:17) Daily Operational Challenges and Serving 24/7 Plants (12:11) Changes in Customer Communication and EDI Freight Tenders (13:44) Difference Between Straight Tanks and Vacuum Pneumatic Tanks (15:35) Common Cleaning Practices, Drying Trailers, and Avoiding Contamination (18:19) Key Driver Qualities: Intimidation, Training, and What Makes a Good Operator (20:17) Why Communication With Dispatch Matters More Than Drivers Think (27:15) Customer Service Expectations and Representing Oakley at Facilities (29:44) Future of the Pneumatic Division, Growth, and New Trailers (32:22) Requirements to Move Into Pneumatics and Then Vacuum Pneumatics (35:48) Recruiting Challenges, Elite Owner Operators, and Final Advice (37:39) Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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