217: Surviving The Open Road

 In this episode of Hammer Lane Legends, the hosts dive into a lively conversation filled with personal stories, workplace quirks, and the frustrations of life on the road. They explore everything from truck design evolution and pay structures to the challenges of night shifts and navigating road construction. With humor and lightheartedness, they share anecdotes about home repairs, car detailing rituals, and neighborhood politics, while reflecting on the future of the trucking industry and the delicate balance between work and family life. Support The Show KEEP US FUELED: buymeacoffee.com/hammerlane Gear: https://www.hammerlanelegends.com/gear Share Your Stories LEAVE A VOICEMAIL: 515-585-MERK(6375) EMAIL US YOUR STORIES: [email protected] Website: www.hammerlanelegends.com Follow The Show YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC5TWlB5Yqx8JlQr3p3bkkMg Facebook: www.facebook.com/hammerlanelegends Facebook Fan Group: www.facebook.com/groups/hll Instagram Desktop: www.instagram.com/hammerlanelegends Instagram Mobile: @hammerlanelegends Twitter Desktop: www.twitter.com/HLLPodcast Twitter Mobile: @HLLpodcast Follow The Team Brian Merkel Facebook: www.facebook.com/brian.merkel.94 Instagram Desktop: www.instagram.com/brianmerkeloffical/ Instagram Mobile: @brianmerkelofficial Produced by: Jason York Follow Jason on Instagram @jyorkofficial 

In this week's episode Brian and Shipper are joined by Justin Hertel, a fellow Pitt Ohio, Line Haul driver of 19 years. Justin got his start in the industry on the dock working part time in outbound, and worked his way up from the dock to the big rig. He shares some stories from the his time driving a sprinter, as well as many more from the road. Including a driver hitting a cow! There was a lot of great conversation and laughs throughout the episode. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the show! KEEP US FUELED: buymeacoffee.com/hammerlane EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOOD: www.preparewithhll.com LEAVE A VOICEMAIL: 515-585-MERK(6375) EMAIL US YOUR STORIES: [email protected] Website: www.hammerlanelegends.com Gear: https://www.hammerlanelegends.com/gear YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC5TWlB5Yqx8JlQr3p3bkkMg Facebook: www.facebook.com/hammerlanelegends Instagram Desktop: www.instagram.com/hammerlanelegends Instagram Mobile: @hammerlanelegends Twitter Desktop: www.twitter.com/HLLPodcast Twitter Mobile: @HLLpodcast Produced by: Jack Merkel Follow Jack on Instagram @jack_theproducer 

In this episode, the hosts dive into the ups and downs of trucking life, from hauling oversized loads and adjusting to manual trucks to the camaraderie at truck stops. They also explore the financial strains of home repairs, compare life in Alabama and California, and share thoughts on the upcoming election. Joined by Michael Hawes, the conversation turns to politics, debating national security, immigration, and the future of American work ethic in the trucking industry, all while expressing concerns about the current political climate and social media censorship. Support The Show KEEP US FUELED: buymeacoffee.com/hammerlane Gear: https://www.hammerlanelegends.com/gear Share Your Stories LEAVE A VOICEMAIL: 515-585-MERK(6375) EMAIL US YOUR STORIES: [email protected] Website: www.hammerlanelegends.com Follow The Show YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC5TWlB5Yqx8JlQr3p3bkkMg Facebook: www.facebook.com/hammerlanelegends Facebook Fan Group: www.facebook.com/groups/hll Instagram Desktop: www.instagram.com/hammerlanelegends Instagram Mobile: @hammerlanelegends Twitter Desktop: www.twitter.com/HLLPodcast Twitter Mobile: @HLLpodcast Follow The Team Brian Merkel Facebook: www.facebook.com/brian.merkel.94 Instagram Desktop: www.instagram.com/brianmerkeloffical/ Instagram Mobile: @brianmerkelofficial Produced by: Jason York Follow Jason on Instagram @jyorkofficial

In episode 144: The Narrow Road; Brian and Shipper have a great conversation with Rooster a Marine veteran from the mid-west. Rooster life is truly an incredible story of overcoming the toughest scenarios. In his time serving with the Marines, Rooster served two tours shortly after 9/11. In dealing with the difficulties of transitioning back into civilian life, Rooster fell into drugs while working to support his family. Only by a miracle did he find his way out of addiction and into trucking. Rooster truly has a wonderful story of triumph over trouble. So sit back, relax and enjoy the ride with Rooster! KEEP US FUELED: buymeacoffee.com/hammerlane EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOOD: www.preparewithhll.com LEAVE A VOICEMAIL: 515-585-MERK(6375) EMAIL US YOUR STORIES: [email protected] Website: www.hammerlanelegends.com Gear: https://www.hammerlanelegends.com/gear YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC5TWlB5Yqx8JlQr3p3bkkMg Facebook: www.facebook.com/hammerlanelegends Instagram Desktop: www.instagram.com/hammerlanelegends Instagram Mobile: @hammerlanelegends Twitter Desktop: www.twitter.com/HLLPodcast Twitter Mobile: @HLLpodcast Produced by: Jack Merkel Follow Jack on Instagram @jack_theproducer

In this episode, the hosts reconnect with an old friend for a lively discussion covering everything from life on the road to paranormal encounters and recent filming projects. They dive into technology's impact on driving, share personal stories, and explore topics like boxing, MMA, and the quirks of online shopping. With humor and reflection, they discuss family dynamics, weather adventures, and the unexpected joys of YouTube rabbit holes, all while keeping the conversation engaging and lighthearted. Support The Show KEEP US FUELED: buymeacoffee.com/hammerlane Gear: https://www.hammerlanelegends.com/gear Share Your Stories LEAVE A VOICEMAIL: 515-585-MERK(6375) EMAIL US YOUR STORIES: [email protected] Website: www.hammerlanelegends.com Follow The Show YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC5TWlB5Yqx8JlQr3p3bkkMg Facebook: www.facebook.com/hammerlanelegends Facebook Fan Group: www.facebook.com/groups/hll Instagram Desktop: www.instagram.com/hammerlanelegends Instagram Mobile: @hammerlanelegends Twitter Desktop: www.twitter.com/HLLPodcast Twitter Mobile: @HLLpodcast Follow The Team Brian Merkel Facebook: www.facebook.com/brian.merkel.94 Instagram Desktop: www.instagram.com/brianmerkeloffical/ Instagram Mobile: @brianmerkelofficial Produced by: Jason York Follow Jason on Instagram @jyorkofficial

In this episode we're joined by Dewey, a logging truck driver. He shares some incredible stories, as well as his thoughts on the industry. This one was full of great conversation, and a lot of laughs. So sit back, relax and enjoy the show! KEEP US FUELED: buymeacoffee.com/hammerlane EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOOD: www.preparewithhll.com LEAVE A VOICEMAIL: 515-585-MERK(6375) EMAIL US YOUR STORIES: [email protected] Website: www.hammerlanelegends.com Gear: https://www.hammerlanelegends.com/gear YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC5TWlB5Yqx8JlQr3p3bkkMg Facebook: www.facebook.com/hammerlanelegends Instagram Desktop: www.instagram.com/hammerlanelegends Instagram Mobile: @hammerlanelegends Twitter Desktop: www.twitter.com/HLLPodcast Twitter Mobile: @HLLpodcast Produced by: Jack Merkel Follow Jack on Instagram @jack_theproducer

In this episode of Hammer Lane Legends, hosts Brian Merkel and Brian Shipper sit down with Erin from PIT Ohio for a lively conversation about work, family, and the joys of music. Erin shares her inspiring journey from stay-at-home mom to a trucking career, touching on the challenges of parenting, workplace dynamics, and her children's ambitions. With personal stories, humor, and a shared love for concerts, the conversation weaves through life’s ups and downs, ending with lighthearted talk about music and future podcast ideas. Support The Show KEEP US FUELED: buymeacoffee.com/hammerlane Gear: https://www.hammerlanelegends.com/gear Share Your Stories LEAVE A VOICEMAIL: 515-585-MERK(6375) EMAIL US YOUR STORIES: [email protected] Website: www.hammerlanelegends.com Follow The Show YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC5TWlB5Yqx8JlQr3p3bkkMg Facebook: www.facebook.com/hammerlanelegends Facebook Fan Group: www.facebook.com/groups/hll Instagram Desktop: www.instagram.com/hammerlanelegends Instagram Mobile: @hammerlanelegends Twitter Desktop: www.twitter.com/HLLPodcast Twitter Mobile: @HLLpodcast Follow The Team Brian Merkel Facebook: www.facebook.com/brian.merkel.94 Instagram Desktop: www.instagram.com/brianmerkeloffical/ Instagram Mobile: @brianmerkelofficial Produced by: Jason York Follow Jason on Instagram @jyorkofficial

In this week's episode, 151: The Midnight Thief; the guys are joined in studio by Hector, another fellow Pitt-Ohio driver. Hector's experiences are vast and he shares with us some incredible stories from he time in many different fields. Before he joined Pitt-Ohio, Hector was in the Repo business, which as everyone knows can be wild! He really enjoyed his time in that industry, but eventually moved on to become a volunteer firefighter, as well as a truck driver. Hector has some awesome stories, and this conversation was very enjoyable. We hope you all enjoy this episode as much as we did! KEEP US FUELED: buymeacoffee.com/hammerlane EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOOD: www.preparewithhll.com LEAVE A VOICEMAIL: 515-585-MERK(6375) EMAIL US YOUR STORIES: [email protected] Website: www.hammerlanelegends.com Gear: https://www.hammerlanelegends.com/gear YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC5TWlB5Yqx8JlQr3p3bkkMg Facebook: www.facebook.com/hammerlanelegends Instagram Desktop: www.instagram.com/hammerlanelegends Instagram Mobile: @hammerlanelegends Twitter Desktop: www.twitter.com/HLLPodcast Twitter Mobile: @HLLpodcast Produced by: Jack Merkel Follow Jack on Instagram @jack_theproducer

 In this episode, Chris Malouf shares his incredible journey from running a home-based business to becoming a trucker. He talks about his experiences driving across the country, dealing with truck breakdowns, and navigating the challenges of the trucking industry. From his early days with Melton and Huff and Puff to the realities of life on the road, Chris discusses the highs and lows of truck driving, including run-ins with company policies, navigating tough roads, and managing stress. His stories are filled with humor, insight, and the gritty reality of life behind the wheel, offering a captivating glimpse into the world of trucking.  Support The Show KEEP US FUELED: buymeacoffee.com/hammerlane Gear: https://www.hammerlanelegends.com/gear Share Your Stories LEAVE A VOICEMAIL: 515-585-MERK(6375) EMAIL US YOUR STORIES: [email protected] Website: www.hammerlanelegends.com Follow The Show YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC5TWlB5Yqx8JlQr3p3bkkMg Facebook: www.facebook.com/hammerlanelegends Facebook Fan Group: www.facebook.com/groups/hll Instagram Desktop: www.instagram.com/hammerlanelegends Instagram Mobile: @hammerlanelegends Twitter Desktop: www.twitter.com/HLLPodcast Twitter Mobile: @HLLpodcast Follow The Team Brian Merkel Facebook: www.facebook.com/brian.merkel.94 Instagram Desktop: www.instagram.com/brianmerkeloffical/ Instagram Mobile: @brianmerkelofficial Produced by: Jason York Follow Jason on Instagram @jyorkofficial

In Episode 109: Mutant Swans Attack, the guys chat with Brian, a new truck driver who just recently started driving big rigs. Though Brian is new to driving an 18-wheeler, he has plenty of experience on the road. Before he got his Class A, Brian spent years with FedEx, UPS, and even as an air delivery driver. He's had an innumerable amount of wild experiences while driving, from seeing a woman hit a semi and then hitting his semi while training, to being chased by a mutant swan! Buckle up and enjoy the show! KEEP US FUELED: buymeacoffee.com/hammerlane EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOOD: www.preparewithhll.com LEAVE A VOICEMAIL: 515-585-MERK(6375) EMAIL US YOUR STORIES: [email protected] Website: www.hammerlanelegends.com Gear: https://www.hammerlanelegends.com/gear YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC5TWlB5Yqx8JlQr3p3bkkMg Facebook: www.facebook.com/hammerlanelegends Instagram Desktop: www.instagram.com/hammerlanelegends Instagram Mobile: @hammerlanelegends Twitter Desktop: www.twitter.com/HLLPodcast Twitter Mobile: @HLLpodcast Produced by: Jack Merkel Follow Jack on Instagram @jack_theproducer