Podcast
UTL Trucking Education Hub
Hosted by UTL Trucking Education Hub · ENGLISH
The UTL Trucking Education Hub Podcast delivers real conversations on trucking, FMCSA compliance, DOT regulations, dispatching, business growth, and transportation careers. Hosted by Tamaris Massengale, each episode features industry experts sharing practical insights for drivers, owner-operators, dispatchers, and fleet owners. Empowering veterans, reentry professionals, aged-out foster youth, and anyone looking to build a better future through trucking. New episodes every Friday.
11episodes
Episodes
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The Real Reason Trucking Companies Fail (It's Not Freight Rates) | LaTonya Todd
4d ago00:55:45Tap to summarizeThe Real Reason Trucking Companies Fail (It's Not Freight Rates) | LaTonya ToddMost trucking companies don't fail because freight rates are low.They fail because they never built the business behind the truck.In this episode of the UTL Trucking Education Hub Podcast, host Tamaris Massengale sits down with LaTonya Todd, founder of Start Grow Scale Transportation Consulting and Compliance RX, to discuss the operational mistakes that quietly destroy trucking companies every day.From FMCSA compliance and CSA scores to driver files, audits, hiring, onboarding, MODOT/MOTUS changes, and business systems, LaTonya explains why successful carriers focus on more than just moving freight.If you're an owner-operator, new authority, fleet owner, dispatcher, or transportation entrepreneur, this conversation could save your business thousands of dollars—and possibly your authority.In this episode, you'll learn:• Why trucking companies fail even when freight is moving• The biggest mistakes new authorities make during their first year• Why compliance is a profit strategy—not just paperwork• How FMCSA audits can shut down your business• What every trucking company should have before an audit• Why CSA scores matter more than most carriers realize• How insurance companies use your safety history• The importance of driver qualification files and MVR monitoring• Why onboarding drivers correctly protects your business• How to prepare for the New Entrant Safety Audit• What every carrier should know about the FMCSA MOTUS transition• Why running your trucking company like a hustle will eventually cost you everything
Transcribe →The Real Money in Trucking Isn't Moving Freight... It's This | Michael Gray (The Trucker CEO)
1w ago00:51:37Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the UTL Trucking Education Hub Podcast, host Tamaris Massengale sits down with Michael Gray, also known as The Trucker CEO and founder of Best Loads Dispatch, to discuss why the real money in trucking isn't found in moving freight—it's found in building relationships, delivering exceptional customer service, and creating long-term business opportunities.Michael shares the mindset and strategies that have helped him grow in the transportation industry, covering dispatching, freight brokering, customer retention, sales, and the importance of trust in building a successful trucking business.Whether you're a freight dispatcher, owner-operator, freight broker, trucking entrepreneur, or someone looking to start a transportation business, this episode offers practical insights on how to build a profitable business that goes far beyond booking loads.Guest: Michael Gray (The Trucker CEO), Founder of Best Loads Dispatch
Transcribe →He Started With One Sprinter Van... Now Government Officials Know His Name | Eddie Strong
2w ago00:33:22Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the UTL Trucking Education Hub Podcast, host Tamaris Massengale sits down with Eddie Strong, owner of T & S Delivery LLC, to discuss how one investment in himself transformed a single sprinter van into a growing transportation business.Eddie shares his journey into transportation entrepreneurship, explaining why research, strategic certifications, customer service, and relationship-building have been the keys to landing opportunities in medical courier services and government contracting.Whether you're interested in starting a sprinter van business, becoming a medical courier, pursuing government contracts, or building a successful transportation company, this episode is filled with practical advice and real-world lessons you can apply to your own journey.Guest: Eddie Strong, Owner of T & S Delivery LLC
Transcribe →Why So Many New CDL Drivers Quit in Their First Year | Cherry Henderson
3w ago01:04:42Tap to summarizeWhy do so many new CDL drivers leave the industry within their first year? It's often not because they can't drive—it's because no one prepared them for the mental and emotional realities of life on the road.In this episode of the UTL Trucking Education Hub Podcast, host Tamaris Massengale sits down with Cherry Henderson, founder of Come With Me Trucking, to discuss the challenges new truck drivers face and how to overcome them.Cherry shares practical advice on choosing the right CDL training program, trip planning, truck stop safety, building confidence behind the wheel, protecting your mental health, and avoiding the common mistakes that cause many new drivers to give up too soon.Whether you're considering a trucking career, attending CDL school, or already driving your first loads, this conversation is packed with real-world insights to help you succeed.In this episode, you'll learn:Why many new CDL drivers quit during their first yearHow to prepare mentally for life on the roadThe biggest mistakes rookie drivers makeTrip planning and truck stop safety tipsAdvice for women in truckingHow to build confidence and recover from mistakesWhy emotional intelligence is a key to long-term successIf you're a CDL student, new truck driver, owner-operator, dispatcher, recruiter, or trucking professional, this episode offers valuable lessons to help you build a safer, more successful career.Connect with Cherry HendersonYouTube, Instagram & TikTok: @ComeWithMeTruckingNew episodes of the UTL Trucking Education Hub Podcast are released every Friday at 7:00 PM PST.
Transcribe →How to Become a Freight Broker After Prison | Nathan Richard of Felon Entrepreneur
3w ago00:52:28Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the UTL Trucking Education Hub Podcast, host Tamaris Massengale sits down with Nathan Richard, Founder of Felon Entrepreneur, to discuss freight brokering, second-chance entrepreneurship, and the opportunities the trucking industry creates for people rebuilding their lives.Nathan shares what it really takes to become a freight broker, dispels common myths about startup costs, and explains why trucking and logistics can provide a powerful pathway to business ownership and financial independence.Whether you're an aspiring freight broker, trucking entrepreneur, veteran, career changer, or someone looking for a fresh start, this episode delivers practical insights and inspiration to help you take the next step.Guest: Nathan Richard, Founder of Felon Entrepreneur
Transcribe →Don't Sign With a Trucking Company Until You Watch This | Sam of Keep Trucking LLC
Jul 400:57:00Tap to summarizeDon't Sign With a Trucking Company Until You Watch This | Sam of Keep Trucking LLCIn this episode of the UTL Trucking Education Hub Podcast, host Tamaris Massengale sits down with Sam from Keep Trucking LLC to expose the truth about choosing the right trucking company, avoiding costly mistakes, and building a successful long-term career in the trucking industry.If you're a new CDL driver, experienced truck driver, owner-operator, or someone considering a career in trucking, this conversation is packed with practical advice that could save you time, money, and frustration.Sam shares what new drivers need to know before accepting a trucking job, why researching a carrier is critical, and how unrealistic promises from recruiters can lead drivers down the wrong path. The conversation also explores leasing programs, FMCSA compliance, driver expectations, and the mindset required to build a successful trucking career.In this episode, you'll learn:How to choose the right trucking company before signing onCommon mistakes new CDL drivers make when selecting a carrierWhy some trucking companies overpromise and underdeliverThe truth about lease purchase programs and company leasesHow FMCSA regulations and compliance affect drivers and carriersCommon myths about trucking careers and driver expectationsWhy mentorship and a business mindset matter in truckingIndustry changes every truck driver should be prepared forWhether you're looking for your first CDL job, thinking about becoming an owner-operator, or simply want to better understand the trucking industry, this episode provides real insight from someone with firsthand recruiting and industry experience.Chapters00:00 The Reality of Trucking Jobs06:17 Understanding the Trucking Dream16:32 Mistakes in Choosing a Trucking Company24:19 Why Companies Overpromise and Underdeliver30:10 The Truth About Lease Purchase Programs37:13 FMCSA Regulations, Compliance, and the Future of Trucking46:53 Lightning Round and Fun Facts56:49 Final Advice for Truck Drivers💬 Question of the Day:What is the biggest mistake you think new truck drivers make when choosing a trucking company? Let us know in the comments below.Guest InformationSamKeep Trucking LLCWebsite: https://keeptruckingllc.comInstagram: @keeptruckingllc📌 Need help with freight dispatching, FMCSA compliance, DOT compliance, authority setup, trucking business consulting, or workforce development?Schedule a consultation:https://calendly.com/utltruckingnlogiWebsite:https://www.utltruckingnlogistics.comConnect with UTL Trucking Education Hub📺 YouTube: @UTLTruckingEducationHub🎙️ New Podcast Episodes Every Friday at 7:00 PM PST📱 TikTok: @utltruckingnlogistics📸 Instagram: @utldispatching👍 Facebook: @UTLDispatchingSubscribe for weekly content covering trucking education, CDL careers, FMCSA compliance, freight dispatching, owner-operator business, trucking regulations, DOT compliance, trucking business strategy, and real conversations with transportation professionals.#TruckingJobs #CDLDrivers #NewTruckDriver #TruckingPodcast
Transcribe →CDL Training Secrets Every New Truck Driver Needs to Know Avante "CDL Shorty" Jackson
Jun 30Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the UTL Trucking Education Hub Podcast, Tamaris Massengale sits down with Avante Jackson, also known as "CDL Shorty", to talk about what "New truck drivers really need to know before stepping into the industry."If you are a new CDL driver, CDL student, aspiring truck driver, or someone thinking about building a long-term career in trucking, this is a conversation you need to hear. Tamaris and Avante break down the truth about CDL training, truck driver safety, professionalism, burnout, and the mistakes that can cost new drivers early in their careerThis episode covers:* Truck driver safety habits every new CDL driver needs* Common mistakes new drivers make after CDL school* Why professionalism still matters in the trucking industry* The role of CDL education, mentorship, and preparation* How burnout, stress, and life on the road can impact drivers* Why understanding the business side of trucking matters, even as a driverWhether you are trying to pass CDL school, become a better truck driver, choose the right path in trucking, or avoid rookie mistakes that can hurt your career**, this episode is packed with real trucking game from people who know the industry.Timestamps:**00:00** Introduction**00:30** Meet CDL Shorty**01:50** Why safety matters in trucking**05:00** Common mistakes new drivers make**10:00** The role of education in trucking**15:00** Burnout, stress, and life on the road**20:00** Understanding operational costs and the business side of trucking**25:00** Final thoughts**What is the biggest challenge you are facing as a new driver or in the trucking industry? Drop it in the comments.**📌 Need help with freight dispatching, FMCSA compliance, authority setup, trucking business strategy, or workforce training?**Schedule a consult:**https://calendly.com/utltruckingnlogi...**Website:**https://www.utltruckingnlogistics.com---📺 Connect with UTL Trucking Education Hub**YouTube:** @UTLTruckingEducationHub**TikTok:** @utltruckingnlogistics**Instagram:** @utldispatching**Facebook:** @UTLDispatching---### Guest Info: Avante Jackson "CDL Shorty"**YouTube:** @cdlshorty**Facebook:** https://www.facebook.com/avante.jackson.1/**Instagram:** https://www.instagram.com/avjackson28**Book a 1-on-1 consult:** https://cdlshorty.com/---Subscribe for more content on CDL training, trucking education, truck driver safety, FMCSA compliance, freight dispatching, owner-operator tips, and real conversations from inside the trucking industry.#CDLTraining #NewTruckDriver #TruckDriverTips #TruckingEducation #TruckDriverSafety #CDLDriver #TruckingPodcast #UTLTruckingEducationHub #FreightDispatching #FMCSACompliance
Transcribe →Need Mentors, Not Load Boards? Trucking Business Advice| Kichan "KiKi"
Jun 3001:11:02Tap to summarizeReady to navigate the cargo van industry? This raw, honest, and inspiring episode of the UTL Trucking Education Hub features entrepreneur Kechan ("Kiki"), who shares her journey from overcoming significant personal hurdles to building a successful business in transportation.This isn't your typical "get rich quick" trucking video—it’s a realistic breakdown of the hustle, the costs, and the mindset required to thrive. Whether you're interested in cargo vans, dispatching, or just need some motivation, this conversation is packed with actionable advice.Episode Highlights01:43 – Career Beginnings & Challenges in the cargo van industry03:13 – Why dispatching seemed like the right lane to enter08:06 – How shifting your mindset changes your business09:56 – Overcoming personal struggles and finding hope23:09 – The reality of trucking: dealing with unpredictability27:06 – Business operations, insurance costs, and managing profit41:17 – Why you need to invest in mentors over load boards50:16 – Stacking contracts and diversifying your income streamsIf you found these gems valuable, hit that subscribe button and turn on notifications for more honest industry talk from the UTL Trucking Education Hub family! 📌 Need help with dispatching, compliance, authority setup, or trucking business strategy?Schedule here:https://calendly.com/utltruckingnlogi...Website:https://www.utltruckingnlogistics.com----------------------------------------------------------📺 Subscribe:YouTube: @UTLTruckingEducationHubYouTube Podcast: TikTok: @utltruckingnlogisticsIG: @utldispatching Facebook: @UTLDIspatching-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Guest Info:YouTube Channel: @iamkichan_IG: @iamkichan_ TikTok:@iamkichan_Book Your 1-on-1 Phone Consultiamkichan.com---------------------------------------------------------------------------Episode Highlights:01:43 – Career Beginnings & Challenges in the cargo van industry03:13 – Why dispatching seemed like the right lane to enter08:06 – How shifting your mindset changes your business09:56 – Overcoming personal struggles and finding hope23:09 – The reality of trucking: dealing with unpredictability27:06 – Business operations, insurance costs, and managing profit41:17 – Why you need to invest in mentors over load boards50:16 – Stacking contracts and diversifying your income streams
Transcribe →How Diversification Saved My Trucking Business | Michael Fanelli
Jun 3001:08:11Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the UTL Trucking Education Hub Podcast, Tamaris Massengale sits down with Michael Fanelli, owner of SteadyFlow Enterprise LLC.Michael shares his journey in transportation, discusses the realities of operating in general freight and medical freight, and explains why diversification has become one of the most important lessons in his business.If you're an owner-operator, dispatcher, freight broker, trucking entrepreneur, veteran, or someone looking to enter the transportation industry, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world experience.💬 One lesson from Michael:"Diversify and always stay prepared for the worst."
Transcribe →Driver Violations Are Killing Your Safety Score. Protect Your Authority Now
Jun 2500:58:34Tap to summarizeDriver violations aren’t just a headache for your drivers; every ticket, inspection failure, or logbook issue dings your company’s safety score and puts your operating authority at risk. In this episode, we break down how the FMCSA tracks driver infractions, why insurance underwriters and brokers care, and what happens when repeated violations push your DOT safety rating into the danger zone.You’ll learn how to monitor and manage driver behavior, the role of CSA scores and safety audits, and how an effective compliance system can protect your authority from suspension. We walk through real‑world examples, explain why insurers refuse coverage over poor safety scores, and share actionable tips for training, documentation, and corrective action to keep your fleet on the road.Want personalized help? Schedule a free 15‑minute strategy session:https://calendly.com/utltruckingnlogistics/free-15-min-session?month=2026-05👉 Subscribe for weekly insights:YouTube: @UTLTruckingEducationHubTikTok: @utltruckingnlogisticsInstagram: @utldispatchingFacebook: UTLDIspatching📣 Join us for new episodes every Friday at 7 PM (Pacific)! Tap the bell to get notified, leave your questions in the comments and become part of our community committed to safety, compliance and business growth.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction01:30 – Why driver violations matter04:20 – How FMCSA tracks violations07:50 – Impact on CSA and safety scores12:15 – Underwriters & brokers: why they care16:40 – Monitoring and managing driver behavior21:30 – Building a compliance system that protects your authority28:10 – Real‑world examples and case studies34:00 – Closing thoughts & next stepsFollow our Guest:Kevin MorrisonFB: CTSAKEVINIG: kevinctsaLinkedin: Kevin MorrisonWebsite: www.GoldStarComplianceSystem.com
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