Trucking with OOIDA

Welcome back to Trucking with OOIDA, the show that’s been putting truckers first since 1973.

This episode, hosts Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson sit down with Bryan “Bossman” Martin, the man behind Chrome Shop Mafia and 4 State Trucks. From his early days in the industry to the world-famous Guilty By Association Truck Show (GBATS) in Joplin, Missouri, Bryan shares his journey, his passion for truck customization, and why chrome ...

In this episode of Trucking with OOIDA, hosts Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson dive into the tech and transportation stories that matter most to truckers.

First up, Artificial Intelligence. It’s not just coming, it’s already here. Jacky Zhao from Truckstop.com joins us to break down how AI is currently being used in trucking, from freight matching to predictive maintenance, and how it could reshape the industry in the years ahead...

The word of 2025 just might be “tariff” — and a new round has just gone into effect against dozens of countries. What does that mean for the trucking industry?

On this episode of Trucking with OOIDA, hosts Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson talk with Jason Miller of Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business. Jason breaks down:

The immediate effects already being seen from the latest tariffs

What ripple effects could b...

In the spirit of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association – which has had the back of truckers since 1973 – Trucking with OOIDA puts the issues that matter most to the trucking industry front and center.

In this episode, hosts Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson head to Oregon, where dozens of superloads are making their way across the state this summer. The job of getting them there safe and sound falls to Omega Morgan, a...

In the spirit of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, Trucking with OOIDA keeps truckers informed, empowered, and entertained with honest talk and expert insight on the real issues affecting the road.

In this episode, Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson dive into a new research paper that positions truck stops as critical infrastructure—not just rest stops, but lifelines during emergencies. We hear directly from the r...

When you’ve driven trucks for more than half a century, you’ve gathered more than a few stories. In this special episode of Trucking with OOIDA, hosts Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson welcome veteran trucker and OOIDA board member Doug Smith, who has over 54 years of driving experience and more than 4.3 million accident‑free miles to his name.

Doug shares his unlikely entry into trucking—and why he’s not stepping away anytime soo...

In this episode of Trucking with OOIDA, hosts Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson shine a light on two of the biggest topics rolling through the industry:

First, they break down OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh’s recent testimony before a Senate subcommittee. Lawmakers are beginning to shape the next highway bill, and Lewie’s message was clear: truckers deserve to be heard. Ashley and Scott dig into what was said, what it m...

On this episode of Trucking with OOIDA, we dive into the stories and strategies shaping the industry today. Cybersecurity expert Ben Wilkens from the National Motor Freight Traffic Association explains why truckers can’t afford to ignore digital threats—and what simple steps owner-operators can take to stay protected. Then, Abbigail Huffman of ATRI walks us through the latest data on trucking demographics, revealing who’s behind th...

In this jam-packed episode of Trucking with OOIDA, hosted by Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson, we’re looking at the road ahead—for regulations and for some very large cargo. Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh joins us fresh off some big wins in Washington and gives a preview of his upcoming testimony on Capitol Hill as OOIDA continues its fight for drivers’ rights. Then, we shift gears into the wild world of hauling elephants w...

Live from the Hill, it’s Washington Trucking Week on Road Gang Radio. Host Jimmy Mac sits down with Collin Long, Director of Government Affairs at OOIDA, for a timely update on the biggest issues facing drivers at the federal level. From OOIDA’s support of Sue Lawless Barrs as the next FMCSA Administrator to truck parking taking center stage in multiple congressional hearings, Collin gives listeners a front-row seat to the legislat...