Send us a textDiscover why the real issue in trucking isn't a driver shortage, and what the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's latest decision means for the industry. Join us as we dissect the challenges truckers face from misleading legal ads to systemic hurdles, and why shifting crash investigations to the FMCSA could be a game-changer. Explore the mixed reactions to the Crash Preventability Determination Program, and hear why the Owner-Operator Independent Driver Association is ...
Send us a textImagine a world where truck drivers can harness the power of their engines without the fear of hefty federal fines. Join me, Walter Gadlin, on the Rolling 18 Podcast, as we unravel the dramatic story of Jonathan Achtemeyer, who dared to challenge pollution regulations to boost performance and fuel economy. I question the rigid federal rules and ponder the potential impact if seasoned drivers banded together to instigate change. However, the line between innovation and illegality...
Send us a textEver wondered why so many trucks are being pulled off the road during inspections? On the Rolling 18 Podcast, I, Walter Gatlin, unravel the startling results from a recent safety blitz in Louisville, Texas, where a shocking 43% of vehicles were deemed unfit for the highway. With my four decades of road experience, I offer vital tips on rigorous pre-trip and post-trip checks, underscoring the necessity of staying vigilant as similar inspections ramp up across the nation. This epi...
Send us a textWhat if the golden days of truck stops as vibrant community hubs could return, offering more than just a quick meal and a place to refuel? Join us as we explore this intriguing possibility while celebrating the life and legacy of Judy Love, the co-founder of Love's Travel Stops, whose commitment to quality and community shines brightly in the trucking world. Reflecting on warm memories from the road, we honor Judy's contributions and discuss the potential for a revival of truck ...
Send us a textPicture this: a week thrown off-kilter by unexpected facility breakdowns, yet providing the perfect backdrop to discuss the seismic shift as Donald Trump reclaims the presidency, now as the 47th President of the United States. We'll explore how the trucking industry is gearing up to adapt and collaborate, with insights from industry heavyweights David Heller of the Truckload Carriers Association and Todd Spencer of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association. Truck parkin...
Send us a textJoin me, Walter Gatlin, as we explore the harsh realities faced by over-the-road truck drivers and owner-operators. Ever wondered why this vital workforce remains largely unrecognized as a voting bloc? Or why they face more frequent drug testing than many other professions? Let's uncover the labyrinth of regulations truckers must navigate without the safety net of minimum wage or sick days. We'll also tackle the impact of CSA 2010 points on their livelihoods, the dire lack of pa...
Send us a textImagine hitting the open road with the wind at your back, navigating through a career path traditionally dominated by men. Join me, Walter Gatlin, on the Rollin' 18 Podcast as we shed light on the underrepresented yet crucial role of women in the trucking industry. Despite making up just 6.73% of the workforce, women are making waves, breaking stereotypes, and driving change. Expect to hear firsthand experiences of long workdays and logistical hurdles, while unraveling the misco...
Send us a textEver wondered why the trucking industry is facing challenges despite having millions of drivers on the road? Join me, Walter Gatlin, as I promise to uncover the real issues plaguing the trucking world, from the myth of driver shortages to the pressing need for respect and incentives. With over 72% of the country's freight tonnage being moved by trucks, the importance of this industry is clear, yet drivers face a struggle for recognition and fair wages. As part of our journey, I ...
Send us a textCan a lack of loyalty among truck drivers be the real reason companies continue to undervalue us? Join me, Walter Gatlin, on the Rolling 18 Podcast as I navigate through the turbulent waters of the trucking industry, revealing the stark disconnect between drivers and the corporations that employ us. With frustration mounting over poor compensation, detention delays, and a glaring absence of communication, we face an uphill battle. I share a personal story about a friend who left...
Send us a textHave you ever felt like giving up on something because of the actions of others? That was my initial reaction when I thought about the current state of the trucking industry. Join me, Walter Gatlin, as I share my personal journey through the frustrations and challenges we face today. Together, we explore how a few irresponsible drivers are tarnishing the image of an entire profession and why it's crucial for us to unite and support each other. I discuss the importance of communi...
Send us a textHow is illegal immigration reshaping the American trucking industry, and at what cost to legal citizens and immigrants? Join me, Walter Gatlin, as I confront the harsh realities facing truckers in today's political landscape. I share my own frustrations and bring to light the economic struggles impacting drivers across the nation. One story that stands out is about a black woman who sold her food truck to an illegal immigrant merely to make ends meet, raising questions about the...
Send us a textEver wondered how to safeguard your personal information from cunning email scammers? In our latest Rolling 18 Podcast episode, we promise to arm you with essential knowledge to protect yourself against the latest phishing email scam targeting truckers. This episode is critical for anyone in the industry who wants to stay one step ahead of the fraudsters. We'll cover how to verify email authenticity and the steps you can take to ensure your private data stays private, as highlig...
Send us a textBalancing life on the farm with the demands of podcasting isn't easy, but I've made some changes to keep the Rolling 18 Podcast rolling smoothly! Join me, Walter Gatlin, as I dive into the generational perspectives in trucking, grapple with the high turnover rates, and tackle the urgent need for healthier food options at truck stops. I share my personal struggles with the allure of unhealthy snacks and explore how poor diet impacts truck drivers' health and mood. This episode, n...
Send us a textWhat drives a person to act heroically in the face of tragedy? On this episode of Rollin' 18, we celebrate the unsung heroes of the trucking world with stories that highlight their incredible bravery and selflessness. Hear about Brian Biggs, a truck driver whose quick response to a devastating accident in Kirkwood, New York, earned him the prestigious Highway Angel award. His actions serve as a poignant reminder of the valor that often goes unnoticed on the open road. Additional...
Send us a textEver wondered what it truly takes to be a responsible and safe truck driver on today's roads? Join me, Walker Gatlin, on this episode of the Rollin' 18 Podcast, where I promise you'll gain invaluable insights into the multifaceted duties and liabilities that come with the territory. Drawing from my 40 years behind the wheel, I share personal anecdotes from the 80s when we had to fix our own flat tires and manage our loads directly, highlighting the stark contrast with today's pr...
Send us a textCan maintaining professional boundaries really be the key to a successful trucking career? Join me, Walter Gatlin, as I pull back the curtain on my 40-year journey in the trucking industry to share why it's crucial to keep your interactions with dispatchers, planners, and brokers strictly business. Learn why getting too close can make it challenging to refuse unreasonable requests and how this could impact your job performance. I'll also provide actionable strategies for handlin...
Send us a textCould your personal data be at risk? We kick off this episode of the Rolling 18 Podcast with urgent news about a significant security breach at AT&T that has compromised customer information. This alarming incident underscores the importance of safeguarding our personal data in today's digital age. Following this critical update, I'm excited to bring you an inspiring conversation with Miss Flatbed Red, a gifted artist and social media maven who has carved out a unique niche ...
Send us a textEver wondered how artificial intelligence is reshaping the trucking industry? Join me, Walter Gatlin, on this episode of Rollin' 18 Podcast, where we promise you'll discover how AI is revolutionizing road safety, driver support, and efficiency in the face of modern-day pressures. As the backbone of America's supply chain faces increased demands from dispatchers and electronic logging devices, we highlight the importance of drivers maintaining control as the true captains of thei...
Send us a textCurious about the future of the trucking industry and the challenges it faces? Join me, Walter Gatlin, as I read from David Spencer, Vice President of Market Intelligence, to uncover why a full rate recovery might be a distant dream until 2025. We’ll explore the complex topic of immigration, making crucial distinctions between legal and illegal entries, and discuss how this affects our fellow drivers. Plus, we’ll dive into the urgent issue of Hurricane Beryl, which threatens Sou...
Send us a textWhat does it really take to be a professional truck driver on America's highways? Join us on the Rollin' 18 Podcast as we bring you firsthand insights from NATSO's CEO, Lisa Mullings, and Werner Enterprises driver, Jennifer Evans. After a week-long, 1,200-mile journey together, Lisa and Jennifer share their unique perspectives on the daily challenges faced by truck drivers and how these experiences can drive improvements at truck stops and travel plazas. We promise this conversa...