This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Jared Smith, one of our new owner/operators at Oakley. Jared talks about his first month at Oakley Trucking, sharing his journey from company driver to independent contractor. He discusses the challenges of making the leap, the importance of family and faith, and the support he’s received from Oakley’s team. The conversation covers orientation, adapting to new technology, financial planning, and the value of a strong support system both at home and on the road. Key takeaways include the importance of taking risks, building a solid foundation for your family, the benefits of joining a company that values its drivers and fosters a supportive community, and so much more.

Key topics in today’s conversation include:

• Meet Jared Smith: Background and Family (3:07)
• Jared’s Path to Oakley (4:30)
• Career History: Firefighting and Oilfield Work (6:07)
• Transition to Owner-Operator (9:41)
• First Month at Oakley: Orientation and Training (14:07)
• On-the-Job Training and Field Support (15:42)
• Toughest Challenges on the Road (18:53)
• Explaining Trucking to the Public: ELDs and Safety (21:13)
• Oakley vs. Other Trucking Companies (25:47)
• Learning Finances as an Owner-Operator (26:19)
• Health, Food, and Staying Active as a Driver (29:11)
• Jared’s Goals for the Future (32:12)
• Final Thoughts and Takeaways (36:59)

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.

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett brings in Corey Huey, Kent Childers, and Dustin Eagle from the Oakley recruiting department as the group talks about the company’s approach to recruiting and retaining top owner-operators. They cover Oakley’s unique benefits—including pay for all miles, weekly settlements, anniversary and referral bonuses, fuel and insurance discounts, and no trailer rental fees—while emphasizing the importance of transparency, relationship-building, and setting clear expectations with recruits. Listeners gain insight into the daily challenges recruiters face, the company’s supportive culture, how Oakley’s commitment to its drivers sets it apart in the trucking industry, and so much more.

Key topics in today’s conversation include:

• Podcast as a Recruiting Tool (1:12)
• Basics of the Recruiting Call (4:34)
• Pre-Qualifying and Relationship Building (6:25)
• Explaining Pay Structure and Incentives (8:38)
• Anniversary Bonus Program (13:07)
• Company Culture and Personal Touch (16:23)
• Financial Benefits and Savings for Owner-Operators (18:12)
• Referral Bonus Program (20:34)
• Long-Term Recruiting and Relationship Management (24:37)
• High Standards and Application Rejection (26:29)
• Setting Expectations with Recruits (29:22)
• Recruiters’ Multifaceted Roles (32:13)
• Retention Through Recruiting Process (34:06)
• Final Thoughts and Takeaways (36:21)

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.

This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett chats with Myers Buck & Jack Pinkerton, some of our dispatchers at Oakley Trucking. Myers and Jack share their journeys from shop work to dispatching, discussing the day-to-day challenges of managing drivers and loads, as well as the importance of communication, flexibility, and teamwork in the trucking industry. Listeners will gain insights into the human side of dispatching, the value of building strong relationships with drivers, and the critical role dispatchers play in ensuring both company and driver success. Key takeaways include the need for adaptability, clear communication, and understanding the unique challenges faced by both dispatchers and drivers. Don’t miss this inside look at how dispatchers keep trucks on the road.

Key topics in today’s conversation include:

• Meet Myers and Jack: Backgrounds and How They Joined Oakley (1:03)
• First Impressions and Shop Experience (2:55)
• Transition to Dispatch: Learning the Ropes (7:26)
• Challenges of Dispatching and Building Relationships (9:23)
• A Day in the Life of a Dispatcher (12:15)
• Ensuring Drivers’ Earnings and Settlement Checks (14:21)
• Regulatory Compliance and Administrative Duties (17:02)
• Building Personal Relationships with Drivers (21:04)
• Orientation and Understanding Driver Rules (24:22)
• Load Planning and Communication with Drivers (26:15)
• Customer Interaction and Cold Calling for Freight (29:17)
• Advice for Drivers: Flexibility and Communication (33:15)
• Company Culture and Camaraderie (34:53)
• Final Thoughts and Takeaways (36:41)

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.