Episode 44: Full Steam Ahead: Navigating 2025 with Safety, Strategy, and Optimism

In this episode of Keep Trucking Personal, host Tyler Kivi is joined by Derek Kivi, CEO of Kivi Bros. Trucking, to kick off the new year with a focus on resilience, growth, and safety. As the team reflects on the challenges and opportunities ahead, they discuss how 2025 already feels like a fresh start full of optimism. From extreme winter weather impacting operations across the country to signs of economic recovery in the freight market, hear insights for navigating the months ahead with care and confidence. Tyler and Derek break down the importance of caution and consistency during unpredictable winter conditions and highlight how Kivi Bros. Trucking is reinforcing its commitment to safety through key operational changes. They introduce the new flatbed division "pod" structure, designed to foster stronger relationships between drivers and dispatch teams by ensuring personalized, consistent support. The conversation also includes practical tips for avoiding complacency during long hauls, such as monitoring tire pressure, performing regular pre-trip and mid-trip checks, and using available resources to stay safe on the road. Beyond safety, the duo dives into the evolving nature of customer-carrier partnerships, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and mutual benefit in securing long-term success. They discuss how some shippers are recognizing the value of trusted carrier relationships and why maintaining that trust is essential in an ever-changing industry. The episode wraps up with helpful reminders, including updates on trailer parking protocols, office location changes within the terminal, and a call to drivers to prioritize communication and proactive maintenance.