Ep. 97: Michele Calbi –Team DriveAway

Michele Calbi, CEO of Team DriveAway, talks about her experience moving a fleet from 5.2 MPG to 7.2 MPG and about the importance of drivers in the fuel-economy equation. She also talks about what got her into trucking and how she has enjoyed her time working at a fleet and at various OEMs. She shares some of the options for moving trucks including decking and she gives some advice for navigating the future.

Jason Mathers, director of the Environmental Defense Fund, talks about the history of the EDF, what it is currently focusing on, and his commitment to problem solving. He also talks about what he loves about working in the trucking industry, the progress we’ve made on reducing emissions and the distance we still have to go. He also offers advice on how to make sure you understand emissions policies and regulations.

Yunsu Park, NACFE’s director of engineering, talks about his career at Navistar and Propel, the importance of doing new things and the data side of Run on Less. He also talks about taking risks, how ready trucking is for what’s coming up ahead and the best way to get people to change.

Jordan Spradling, vice president of transportation and logistics at Pilot Flying J, talks about the history of the travel center chain, the challenges of balancing the various needs of travel center customers and keeping the sites updated. He also talks about Pilot’s role in shaping the future of energy, the need to look at all the energy solutions during this period of transition, testing of hydrogen fuel cell trucks to haul hydrogen and encourages everyone to be optimistic about the future. 

Bruce Stockton, chief operating officer of Wilson Logistics and NACFE founder, talks about what drew him to trucking and his years at CFI and Conway. He also talks about the value of networking, the importance of data in driving decision making, and making sure technology decisions have a good ROI. Finally, he shares his thoughts on the 2027 emissions regulations and electric trucks.

John Hroncich, director of North American transit sales at BAE Systems, talks about what BAE Systems does, how transit has been ahead of trucking in terms of trying new technologies, and walks us through the various alternative fuel options in the bus market. He also shares why the voice of the customer is so important and encourages people in the trucking industry to be open minded when it comes to powertrain options.

Rob Swim, a trucking industry veteran, talks about his 35-year passion in the truck business, the International CXT, the complexity of vocational vehicles, and what it takes to be a successful truck dealer. He also shares his thoughts on all the powertrain options available, about the Scout and its battery electric reincarnation and about the perfect places for electric trucks.

Amory Lovins, co-founder and chairman emeritus of RMI, talks about why he thinks we have only scratched the surface of how much efficiency is available and worth buying. He also talks about the importance of integrative design and the role of both speed and drivers in improving efficiency. And he shares how he thinks NACFE has helped the trucking industry and how he views various alternatives to diesel.

James Menzies, editor of Today’s Trucking, talks about the efficiency of Canada’s long combination vehicles, how getting his CDL made him a better trucking journalist, and reporting in the digital age. He shares his thoughts on the difference between the Canadian and U.S. trucking industries and the transformational changes that are happening in trucking.

Henrik Holland, global head of Prologis, talks about how he views the current pace of electric vehicle deployment and the importance of engaging all stakeholders early in the electrification process. He also shares how his previous jobs prepared him for the role he has today, explains how Prologis operates and shares his thoughts on the Electric Vehicle Working Group.