Driven By Diesel - The Trucking Podcast

Roadside Inspections: What Officers See Before They Talk to You

What happens during a roadside inspection before a driver ever rolls down the window? In this episode of Driven by Diesel, Stephanie and Tina take listeners behind the scenes of a real roadside inspection ride-along to discuss what officers may be looking for, how technology can change the inspection process, and the common issues that can quickly turn into violations. From vehicle condition and driver documentation to ELD audits and inspection technology, this episode provides practical insight into what motor carriers and drivers may expect when they pull into a scale house or inspection station. You'll also hear firsthand observations from a roadside inspection ride-along and learn why preparation, professionalism, and attention to detail can make a difference during an inspection. Whether you're an owner-operator, fleet manager, safety professional, or driver, this episode offers practical information that can help you better understand the roadside inspection process and prepare your operation for success.

Cargo Theft & Fraud in Trucking: The Red Flags Every Carrier Should Know

Cargo theft doesn’t always look like a broken lock or a stolen trailer anymore. In this episode of Driven by Diesel, Stephanie and Tina are joined by Jonathan Stringer, Senior Cargo Claims Counsel with Great West, to discuss how fraud and cargo theft in the trucking industry have evolved—and what motor carriers can do to help protect themselves. From compromised email accounts and fake identities to load board scams and shipment redirection, today’s cargo theft schemes can be sophisticated, fast-moving, and difficult to detect. Whether you’re an owner-operator, dispatcher, broker, or fleet owner, this episode offers practical insight that can help you stay informed, stay alert, and better protect your business.

New Hire to Road Ready: The Truck Driver Onboarding Process Every Fleet Needs

In this episode of Driven by Diesel, Stephanie and Tina break down how motor carriers can build a repeatable, defensible onboarding system that can take drivers from new hire to road ready. Whether you're an owner-operator hiring your first driver or managing a growing fleet, this episode gives practical steps to tighten your process, reduce risk, and hire with confidence. More information regarding the FMCSA regulations can be found at the following website: https://csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/ [https://csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/]

FMCSA & The 7 BASICs

In this episode of Driven by Diesel, we break down the 7 FMCSA CSA Basics—the core categories that shape your safety score and directly influence your operation’s reputation, compliance, and insurance costs. More information regarding the 7 BASICs can be found at the following website: https://csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/ [https://csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/]