This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett sits down with Louis Ule, Vice President of Sales at TravelCenters of America (TA Petro), to discuss the history and growth of TA since its founding in 1972, its merger with Petro, and the expansion to around 370 locations, including many franchises. They dive into what TA is known for among professional drivers, including large parking lots, amenities, and efforts to keep facilities clean and safe through technology like enhanced lighting, cameras, and live video monitoring. Louis addresses driver feedback on hot topics such as paid parking, showers, and the upcoming overhaul of the TruckSmart app and loyalty program. The conversation also covers TA’s community involvement (Truckers Against Trafficking, St. Christopher Fund, Women in Trucking), its NASCAR partnership, and the changing landscape of professional driving. Key takeaways are that TA is investing heavily in infrastructure, safety, technology, and loyalty improvements, and is actively seeking and acting on driver feedback to improve the on-the-road experience.

Key topics in today’s conversation include:

• Welcome to Today’s Episode with Louis Ule (0:46)
• Sponsors, Owner-Operator Resources, and Fuel Surcharge Reassurance (3:24)
• Louis’ Background in Transportation and Family Life (6:20)
• History Of Travel Centers Of America and Founder Phil Saunders (9:20)
• What TA Petro Is Known for Among Professional Drivers (12:32)
• Sit-Down Restaurants, Healthy Options, and Changing Driver Needs (15:10)
• Safety Upgrades, Security Cameras, and LVT Live Monitoring Systems (18:47)
• TruckSmart App Overhaul and Upcoming Earnify-Powered Features (20:51)
• Paid Parking Explained, Free Parking Eligibility, and Loyalty Changes (22:56)
• Massive Parking Lots, More Fuel Lanes, and Maintenance Challenges (27:20)
• Citizen Driver Program and Honoring Professional Drivers (30:47)
• Community Partnerships With Truckers Against Trafficking and Others (32:45)
• Future Of Truck Stops, Technology Investments, and Network Growth (33:55)
• Changing Driver Demographics and Challenges Finding New Drivers (39:21)
• 2026 Focus On Driver Experience and Invitation for Feedback (44:08)

Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com.

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This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett sits down with David and Nathan Dunn and lead mechanic Travis Davis from Central Arkansas Truck & Trailer to talk about their partnership with Oakley, how new technology (including AI and the Full Bay customer portal) is changing truck repair, and the realities of running a small diesel shop in a dealership-driven world. They dig into common, preventable breakdowns like neglected air and cabin filters, dirty cooling systems, and inadequate oil change intervals, and explain practical checks drivers can do themselves, such as the “rag test,” draining air tanks, and inspecting for leaks and bearing issues. The conversation also covers realistic oil change intervals for hard-running Oakley equipment, DEF/DPF system maintenance and warning signs, the dangers of “dirty deletes,” and why using genuine diagnostic software matters. Listeners come away with concrete maintenance tips, what tools and supplies every first-time owner-operator should carry, and how using Central Arkansas Truck & Trailer’s new online portal can reduce downtime, improve communication, and build a trusted long-term relationship with a shop that understands their business.

Key topics in today’s conversation include:

• Previewing Today’s Episode with Shannon and Mark (0:37)
• Introduction, Sponsors, and Central Arkansas Truck & Trailer Partnership (0:12)
• Has the Podcast Really Driven More Business to the Shop? (3:25)
• Small Business Challenges and How AI Is Used in the Shop (5:54)
• Full Bay Software and Real-Time Repair Tracking for Drivers (6:51)
• Driver Portal, Website, and How to Request Service Online (9:25)
• Common Preventable Breakdowns: Air Filters, Cabin Filters, and AC Issues (13:29)
• The “Rag Test” and Keeping Radiators / Charge Air Coolers Clean (15:25)
• How Often Should You Change Oil for Hard-Running Oakley Trucks? (17:50)
• New Discounted Oil Change Package for Oakley Drivers (21:05)
• Simple Checks Drivers Can Do: Hubs, Leaks, Air Tanks, and Rear Ends (23:35)
• DEF / DPF System Problems, Early Warning Signs, and “Dirty Deletes” (28:09)
• Why Bad Deletes and Bootleg Software Cause Electrical Nightmares (30:21)
• Software Updates, Dealer Pressure, and Industry Changes in Repair (32:00)
• Late-Night Breakdown Story and Helping Drivers Like Family (37:43)
• Tools Every First-Time Owner Operator Should Carry and Closing Thoughts (41:24)

Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com.

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This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Shannon Newton (Arkansas Trucking Association) and Mark Colson (Alabama Trucking Association) to unpack the federal and state crackdown on illegal CDL “mills,” non-domiciled CDLs, and English language proficiency enforcement. They explain how federal standards and state enforcement interact, why self-certified CDL training providers are being removed from the system, and how chameleon carriers abuse multiple DOT numbers to dodge safety rules and accountability. The conversation covers the Trucking Resurgence reform plan, the Safer Transport Act, rising enforcement against bad actors, and new state laws in Arkansas and Alabama. Key takeaways: the industry is aggressively moving to protect CDL integrity, remove unsafe carriers, support law enforcement with better tools, and elevate professional drivers and reputable carriers who do things the right way. Don’t miss this important episode!

Key topics in today’s conversation include:

• Previewing Today’s Episode with Shannon and Mark (0:37)
• Why the CDL Crackdown Matters and Guest Intros (4:09)
• Federal Versus State Roles in Trucking Regulation (7:14)
• Illegal CDL Schools, Non-Domiciled CDLs, and FMCSA Audits (10:18)
• How This Problem Grew Over Decades and Driver English Rules (13:23)
• Economic Cycles, Politics, and Why Enforcement Priorities Shift (16:31)
• Chameleon Carriers and Abusing Multiple DOT Numbers (19:02)
• Insurance Costs, Nuclear Verdicts, and Impact on Good Carriers (22:13)
• What Arkansas and Alabama Are Doing at the State Level (25:38)
• New State Laws, Working With ICE, and Roadside Realities (28:06)
• English Language Proficiency Enforcement and Out-of-Service Issues (31:11)
• Public Trust, Illicit Training Programs, and Trial Lawyer Risks (34:20)
• Role of Shippers, Brokers, and Insurers in Fixing the System (37:12)
• Raising Driver Pay and Professionalism as Standards Tighten (40:31)
• Appreciation for Professional Drivers and Positive Industry Image (43:37)

Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.