Transportation Nation

Honoring the 1% who serve — and the families who stand behind them.In this Veterans Day special of Transportation Nation, host Lee Gentry sits down with Brigadier General (Ret.) Charles Phillips and Colonel (Ret.) Jim Utley to talk about what Veterans Day really means, how service shapes a life, and why camaraderie never fades.Featured guests:• Tom and Pat Teddy — Navy veterans, Bennett drivers, and Wreaths Across America participants• CW3 (Ret.) Rob Pope — Army veteran now serving military bases through Bennett's government division• Vice Admiral (Ret.) Andy Brown — President of the National Defense Transportation Association• Michael Carmichael — Green Beret veteran and founder of Check-A-Vet, tackling veteran suicide through awareness, peer support, and educationWhat you'll hear:• Why 1 in 250 today looks very different from 1 in 11 in WWII• Stories from Egypt during 9/11, Somalia, and Afghanistan• How industry and the military partner to keep the nation moving• A practical model for checking in on the veterans in your lifeLearn more or support the mission at checkavet.org.Timestamps00:31 Welcome & honoring veterans02:12 Origins of Veterans Day04:35 Then vs. now: who serves07:19 Why we fight abroad09:22 Toll on military families10:22 Jim's 9/11 story from Egypt13:49 Lifelong bonds of service15:54 Tom & Pat Teddy join17:19 Wreaths Across America convoy24:28 Rob Pope on serving veterans today30:52 Respect that never fades34:44 Admiral Andy Brown joins42:07 Industry as wartime partner48:33 Soldiers Angels & unseen needs50:29 Prayer for veterans51:37 Michael Carmichael & Check-a-Vet56:48 Preventing isolation01:00:12 Operation Safety Net training

Meet "The Goose" — a 1996 Freightliner Classic XL that's been a 21-year labor of love for Daniel and Phyllis Snow.In this Driven by Faith episode, host Lee Gentry sits down with the Snows to talk about life on the road, faith, family, and the story behind one of the most recognizable rigs on the truck show circuit.In this episode:- How The Goose got its name (hint: it started with a duck story)- The journey from a teal truck to the fully-wrapped mural you see today- Why "In God We Truck" became their mission- 35 trucks shows a year, Bibles given away, and seeds planted along the way- Daniel and Phyllis on 35 years of marriage, blended family, and faithFree Children's Bible Storybook: The first 5 viewers to contact us will receive a free Classic Children's Bible Storybook, compliments of Bennett. Details on screen during the episode.Catch The Goose in person: Stars, Stripes & White Lines — November 6–7 at Echo Park (Atlanta Motor Speedway).Subscribe for more Driven by Faith episodes and stories from Transportation Nation.Timestamps00:16 Welcoming Daniel and Phyllis Snow01:45 Weekly devotions and faith at Bennett02:13 The Goose: a 21-year project02:41 Hitting the road for truck shows03:58 How "The Duck" got its name05:51 One duck, one goose, one idea07:03 Repainting and the first truck show10:06 Designing the trailer wrap with Bennett13:01 The hood mural and open-hood witness16:30 Giving away Bibles and children's storybooks22:08 How to request a free children's Bible25:25 Phyllis's faith journey and Daniel's proposal29:35 Stars, Stripes and White Lines invite

Stars, Stripes & White Lines is almost here — and this episode breaks down everything happening at Echo Park Speedway (Atlanta Motor Speedway) the weekend of November 6–7.Host Lee Gentry sits down with David Larry and Evan Steger to talk through the National Truck Championship, the road that got 60 handpicked trucks to Atlanta, and why some of these rigs represent $2–3 million builds coming from across the US, Canada, and beyond.In this episode:- How trucks qualify through MATS, Large Cars and Guitars, Woodstock, Smoky Mountain Big Rig Showdown, No Coast Large Cars, and Old Town Rig Down- The five championship classes and prize money breakdown- The Patriotic Truck Class returning this year- Friday's NASCAR-related special reveal at 3:30- Live music from Mark Ware, Creed Fisher, and Tony Justice- Track laps, Jeep showcase, raffle prizes, and the live auction- The push to fund 20,900 wreaths for Wreaths Across America at $17 eachFull weekend schedule, sponsor rundown, and ride-along details inside.Register your truck or donate at sswltruckshow.com.Timestamps00:17 Welcome & introducing Evan Steger01:08 Stars, Stripes & White Lines preview02:16 What the truck championship is04:01 Road to the championship: qualifying shows08:30 Inside the Elite Red Carpet classes10:02 Scaling up: 300-truck goal12:50 Prize money and sponsor giveaways15:06 Sponsor rundown17:56 Wreaths Across America mission19:24 Friday schedule & NASCAR reveal tease21:48 Saturday lineup & track laps24:01 Where to register and donate

From Nashville heartbreak to a second chance: country artist Mark Ware shares the story behind his comeback — and the loss that shaped it.In this episode of Transportation Nation, Lee Gentry sits down with singer-songwriter Mark Ware — former Georgia fire chief, now a full-time recording artist in his sixth year of a second music career.Mark opens up about:- Losing his 14-year-old daughter and the dark years that followed his first Nashville deal- Meeting his wife Kim and the tragedy that bonded them weeks into dating- Building a band rooted in faith (and why they're always home for Sunday service)- The story behind his new single "Superman" — written at a cruise ship buffet- His new album *This Is Mark Ware*, now past 600,000 streams in two weeksPlus, details on the Stars, Stripes & White Line Truck Show at Atlanta Motor Speedway, November 6–7, benefiting Wreaths Across America — where Mark performs Friday night at 7 PM alongside Creed Fisher.Learn more at sswltruckshow.com.Subscribe for more conversations from the road.Timestamps:00:32 Meet Mark Ware01:35 From fire chief to full-time music02:34 Losing his 14-year-old daughter03:36 Rebuilding faith and finding his sound04:08 Meeting Kim over chicken wings05:39 Tragedy strikes again, six weeks in09:01 Life on the road with a faith-first band11:12 New album "This Is Mark Ware"12:21 The story behind "Superman"13:50 Performance: Superman17:47 Star Spangled Salute Truck Show details21:25 Never give up on your dreams1514/5000

Cargo theft hit $700M+ in 2025 — and the scammers are only getting smarter.In this episode of Transportation Nation, host Lee Gentry sits down with David Mudd (VP of Logistics) and Josh Masker (Director of Risk Management) at Bennett to break down what's really happening in the freight industry right now.What we cover:- Why theft events are down but dollar values are up 50–60%- The most-targeted loads: copper, electronics, food & beverage, shingles — even bath bombs- How fraudsters use identity spoofing, double brokering, and purchased authorities- A real case where a load was brokered 7 times before being stolen- How AI is making fake certificates of insurance harder to spot- The Montgomery v. Caribe Supreme Court ruling and what negligent carrier selection now means for brokers- Why smaller carriers are getting priced out by rising insurance and $6.50/gal diesel- Practical steps Bennett takes to vet carriers, verify COIs, and track loads end-to-endWhether you're a broker, carrier, shipper, or agent, this one's worth your time.Timestamps00:28 Welcome and episode intro01:16 Theft volume down, dollar value up02:12 Insurance fallout and policy restrictions06:33 How identity-theft scams actually work07:30 Double brokering and buying old authorities09:02 The 7-layer bath bomb heist13:38 What thieves target: food, metals, electronics15:50 Practical takeaways for brokers20:11 Montgomery v. Caribe and broker liability24:19 Why Bennett's vetting held up27:25 Small carriers getting priced out28:51 Final thoughts from David and Josh

Fake agents are infiltrating freight networks every single day — and Ellen Mayo has the receipts.In this episode of Transportation Nation, host Lee Gentry sits down with Ellen Mayo of Bennett to break down how scam rings operating out of Pakistan, Eastern Europe, and beyond are stealing identities, posting ghost loads, and holding real freight hostage for Bitcoin ransoms.What you'll hear:- How Ellen uncovered "Scott," a scammer who stole an Oregon pastor's identity (and nearly got hired)- The $1.2M cell phone load held hostage out of Texas- Red flags every agent recruiter should know: VPN mismatches, no video calls, suspicious books of business, and vague answers about past employers- Why "laptop farms" and overseas call centers are targeting U.S. freight- Bennett's vetting checklist and why slowing down protects your whole networkEllen's core message to recruiters: don't be desperate. One bad agent can cost you months.If you're a legitimate agent looking for a home — or a recruiter who wants to compare notes and keep bad actors out of the industry — reach out to Ellen on LinkedIn or through BennettIG.com.Timestamps00:28 Meet Ellen Mayo02:43 The rise of fake agents03:27 Scott: a stolen identity case06:16 Confirming the real Scott08:35 Pakistan hostage load10:14 Scammer networks in the US13:13 Red flags to watch for16:36 Verifying with checklists and video20:36 Laptop farms explained23:11 Why Bennett: no foreign agents27:45 Closing advice: don't be desperate

Step into the driver’s seat of change with this empowering episode of “Transportation Nation”—where women aren’t just along for the ride, they’re leading the way!This week, we  revisit one of our favorite conversations where, hosts Lee Gentry and Caitlyn Folks sit down with Alicia Echols, Director of Safety and Compliance for Bennett Heavy and Specialized, and driving force behind the Women in the Driver’s Seat program. Together, they unpack how Bennett’s commitment to diversity and advocacy is creating a more inclusive, supportive, and safe environment for women across the trucking industry.You’ll hear firsthand what inspired the Women in the Driver’s Seat initiative, discover how Alicia and her team are breaking down barriers—from fighting for something as fundamental as safe restroom access to tackling the nationwide truck parking shortage—and learn how this dedicated community of over 430 female drivers supports each other on and off the road.Key highlights include:The powerful story behind advocating for the Trucker Bathroom Access Act and why basic dignity issues matter for everyone on the road.A look inside the mentor-mentee program, and how Bennett’s women are using their experience to uplift the next generation of drivers.An inspiring discussion about safety—why it’s a top priority and how trust, community, and legislative action all play a role in supporting women behind the wheel.Whether you’re a seasoned driver, considering a career in trucking, or simply want an insider’s view on how women are transforming an essential industry, this episode offers practical insights, heartfelt stories, and a call to action for allies and advocates alike.Ready to be inspired by women who are moving America forward? Hit subscribe and never miss a conversation that puts drivers—and especially women—in the seat of progress.CHAPTERS: 00:00 430 Female Drivers: Building a Supportive Community01:58 Walking the Halls of Congress for Women in Trucking03:17 The Trucker Bathroom Access Act: Dignity and Health04:46 Truck Parking Crisis and Women's Safety07:27 Breaking Barriers: Making Trucking Safer for Women11:02 Launching Women in the Driver’s Seat Advisory Board13:12 430 Female Drivers: Everyone Shares Their Story14:00 Mentor Program & Health Initiatives for Women Drivers16:00 National Recognition: Women in Trucking Award Nominations18:10 Women in Trucking at the Louisville MATS Show20:22 Driven By Faith: The Role of Spirituality in Trucking22:05 Invitation: Why Bennett Is “Home” for Female Drivers23:54 Celebrating Women Drivers of Excellence24:40 Final Reflections: Advocacy and Women’s Impact in Trucking

In this Driver Appreciation Week episode, Lee Gentry sits down with Mrs. Taylor, who is marking more than 52 years with Bennett, for a candid conversation about what life on the road actually costs — and what it gives back.They talk fuel prices, the parking shortage (and the specific safety stakes for women drivers), the pull on families left at home, and why the public rarely connects the shelves they shop to the people who stocked them. Mrs. Taylor makes the case that driving is a real career — equal pay for women, husband-and-wife teams, family traditions passed down through Bennett's divisions — and worries aloud about the veterans aging out without enough younger drivers stepping in.It closes where it should: with thanks, a prayer, and a reminder that appreciation isn't a week.Timestamps00:29 Welcoming Mrs. Taylor01:11 What Driver Appreciation Week means01:49 Life on the road: fuel, distraction, patience02:40 The parking problem and women drivers04:06 What the public doesn't see behind the shelves05:47 Drivers don't get the respect they deserve06:30 Bennett's specialized cargo and skilled drivers09:11 Attracting the next generation of drivers10:13 Equal pay and husband-wife driving teams12:12 Mrs. Taylor's 52 years and message to drivers14:33 Safety first and honoring million-mile drivers15:24 Aging drivers and the coming retirement wave16:06 Closing prayer for drivers

Only about 9–10% of CDL drivers are women. Jennifer Hedrick, former President & CEO of Women In Trucking, joins Lee Gentry and Katlyn Foulks to talk about what's actually moving that number — and what isn't.In this episode:- Jennifer's path from association leadership to leading WIT- What the latest WIT Index reveals about women in driver, leadership, safety, and dispatch roles- Why culture, properly fitting gear, and zero-tolerance policies matter more than slogans- How mentorship through the Connect program supports both mentors and mentees- The WIT on the Road regional events and the Engage online community- A preview of the Accelerate Conference & Expo — October 25–28 in Dallas- Practical advice for women considering trucking, and for carriers who want to recruit themBennett is proud to support Women In Trucking and the Women in the Driver's Seat program, championed by Marcia Taylor and led by Alicia Echols.Learn more: womenintrucking.orgSubscribe to Transportation Nation for more conversations shaping the road ahead.Timestamps00:37 Meet Jennifer Hedrick02:20 Inside the Women In Trucking mission04:00 Engage platform & WIT on the Road05:39 What the WIT Index reveals08:31 Bennett's Women in the Driver's Seat10:15 Culture, fit, and safety that retain women13:12 Building internal women's programs15:39 Mentorship through the Connect program18:32 Accelerate Conference preview20:41 Whitney trailer and reaching the next generation22:52 Advice for women entering trucking23:48 Rewriting job descriptions to remove bias

Charles Gracey — known in the industry as the "Dr. Phil of Trucking" — sits down with Lee Gentry and Jason Brady to talk about the choices that built (and broke) fleets over the last three years, why the drivers who show up every day deserve more than a headline, and what it really costs to live two lives at once: one at home, one on the road.In this episode:- Why the companies thriving right now stayed in their lane- How Charles went from shop floors and CDL miles to industry voice- The real math behind driver pay vs. the corporate talking points- What every driver at Shell Rotella SuperRigs told Charles when asked one question- Why accessibility beats ROI when it comes to earning driver trust- A look ahead to Stars, Stripes & White Lines at Echo Park, Nov 6–7Plus a nod to Katlyn and baby Shepherd, and a reminder that none of our jobs exist without the American truck driver.Subscribe for new Transportation Nation episodes every week.Timestamps00:32 Welcoming Charles Gracey01:37 What keeps trucking execs up at night02:33 Traits of companies still winning03:56 How Charles became the "Dr. Phil of Trucking"05:00 Growing up in the shop and old-school mentors07:47 Military discipline shaping his career10:19 Trucking's role in America's 250th birthday13:07 Push to recognize drivers as first responders14:00 The truth about driver pay17:04 What drivers actually want from legislators20:28 Why accessibility to drivers matters23:37 Preview of Stars, Stripes and White Lines26:51 The stories behind the rigs