This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett sits down with Todd Amen, president of ATBS, to break down the 2026 trucking market, how recent tax law changes (including the Big, Beautiful Bill Act) impact owner operators, and what truck drivers should be doing right now in tax season. They cover extensions, quarterly estimated taxes, the power of the qualified business income deduction, and how per diem really works in simple, practical terms. Todd explains common, often-missed deductions specific to truckers, how the ATBS app helps track income, expenses, and per diem, and why maintenance reserves and smart money management separate profitable owner operators from those who struggle. The episode closes with guidance for drivers who are behind on taxes, free tools available from ATBS, and how Oakley owner operators compare financially to the broader industry.

Key topics in today’s conversation include:

• Welcome to Today’s Episode with ATBS (0:42)
• Episode Overview, Guests, Sponsors, and Bulk Loads Video Series (3:16)
• Introducing Todd Amen and Current Trucking Market Outlook for 2026 (6:51)
• Tax Season Strategy, Extensions, and Paying Quarterly Estimated Taxes (10:01)
• Impact of Big Beautiful Bill Act on Truckers’ Taxes and Deductions (13:15)
• Per Diem Rules for Truck Drivers and How to Track Days on the Road (17:03)
• ATBS Mobile App Features for Capturing Receipts and Managing P and L (20:02)
• What Separates Profitable Owner Operators from Those Who Struggle (23:19)
• Maintenance Costs, Reserve Accounts, and Equipment Breakdowns (26:11)
• Handling Back Taxes, Unfiled Returns, and Working with the IRS (29:30)
• Free Owner Operator Tools on ATBS Website and Deduction Lists (32:19)
• How Oakley Owner Operators Compare on Net Income and Performance (35:49)
• Owner Operator Model as Win-Win for Carriers and Drivers (0:37:42)

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 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.

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