224: | 57-Foot Giants

 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

 In this episode of Hammer Lane Legends, hosts Brian Merkel and Brian Schipper dive into everything from personal anecdotes to trucking life. They discuss family dynamics, parenting as truckers, and balancing work with home life. Joined by Hector and his son Braden, the conversation shifts to the Truck Driving Championship, its requirements, and the camaraderie within the industry. Along the way, they explore topics like government regulations, conspiracy theories, career changes, and the importance of safety and accountability in trucking, all while keeping things lighthearted and engaging  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 weeks episode, "154: Diamond Reo Disaster Averted"; the guys are joined by Scott a driver for 20+ years. Scott got his start in the industry as a cement block hauler, working his way up from the factory to the cab. He worked for the cement block hauler for a little over 20 years, until he found his current job hauling milk. While working with the cement block hauling company, Scott managed to find himself in a plethora of wild scenarios, and saw many hilarious, and odd sights. Including a nearly disastrous scenario that involved brake failure, a big hill, and a lady at a red light! This was a great episode, with a lot of good insight. So sit back, relax, and check your brakes, this one is doozy! 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 a wide-ranging discussion on electric vehicles, cutting-edge car tech, and personal experiences with surgeries. They explore the latest advancements in models like Rivian and Tesla, along with innovations like drive-by-wire and steer-by-wire systems. The conversation also touches on LASIK eye surgery, the evolving trucking industry, and the future of transportation. They share insights on driving habits across generations, the dangers of phone use while driving, trust on the road, and the value of time, blending tech fascination with personal stories for an engaging episode. 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, the guys are joined by Ken, a retired truck driver with over 30 years of experience on the road. Despite facing challenges like power outages and chilly weather, Ken shares his experiences hauling a variety of loads, from agriculture and frozen meat to heavy equipment. He sheds light on the unique challenges of transporting oversized loads and tells a gripping story of maneuvering a loaded tanker with no baffles. Ken's anecdotes include encounters with wildlife, the dangers of reckless drivers, and the adrenaline-pumping "beaver slide" technique used in California's logging roads. Join us for a fascinating conversation about life on the road and the unexpected twists that keep truckers like Ken on their toes. Angel Tree Farms: Email: [email protected] Website: angeltreefarms.org Donation: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/79f8905a-44ac-4844-9724-ca32d6a0eebf Support The Show KEEP US FUELED: buymeacoffee.com/hammerlane EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOOD: www.preparewithhll.com 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 of Hammer Lane Legends, the hosts introduce their new producer, Jason, diving into his background in graphic design, podcasting, and life as a heavy metal musician. The discussion flows from the evolution of the trucking industry to Jason’s intriguing encounters with the paranormal. They swap stories about Bigfoot sightings, eerie sounds in the woods, and their passion for fast cars and adventure. With a mix of humor and suspense, the conversation explores everything from supernatural experiences to automotive enthusiasm, making for a captivating and entertaining episode. 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 106: The Hotshots, Brian and Tony chat with Verno, a wildfire firefighter who is part of a group called "The Hotshots" - pretty cool! This group of the best wildfire firefighters travels wherever they are needed to fight wildfires in the U.S. Verno was featured in a Discovery Channel show called "Into the Inferno," which depicted the trials the whole crew went through to stop the fires. His stories are remarkable and his bravery is impressive, so buckle up and listen in as Verno turns up the heat! 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 guys are joined by guest host Scott VanHalken to hear the wild stories from Andrew Lugo, a seasoned truck driver navigating 57-foot trailers through California’s toughest roads. They dive into the unique challenges of driving these longer rigs, the mental and physical demands of the job, and Andrew's journey from working in his father's small business to his current role in food service delivery. Andrew shares his experiences with trucking competitions, the pride in keeping America fed, and the struggles with low wages and freight rates. The conversation is packed with insights on the changing landscape of trucking, the importance of experience, and the need for better training for new drivers. 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 135: Return of The Merk; Brian is joined by Jack and Tony Merkel, his sons, in a throwback-style episode. With Brian Shipper unable to join, and Tony being in Pennsylvania for his sister's wedding, it seemed like a great time to catch up with the family! This was a lot of fun! We hope you enjoy it 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