Hire Truckers Podcast

How Better Communication Leads to Stronger Driver Retention

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:50:41 -0700

In this episode, Ginger Craddock sits down with Robert Sitarski of Hansen & Adkins to discuss why strong driver relationships are essential to recruiting success and long-term retention.

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Hiring the right driver is only the beginning. Rob shares why compensation and benefits alone aren't enough to keep drivers and how trust, honest communication, and a supportive company culture influence whether drivers stay or leave.

The conversation explores the importance of setting realistic expectations during recruiting, supporting drivers through their first 90 days, and creating opportunities for meaningful feedback. Rob also explains how Hansen & Adkins uses its driver council to connect drivers with leadership, encourage mentorship, and turn driver feedback into meaningful improvements.

From improving the driver experience to breaking down communication barriers between departments, this episode offers practical insights for fleets looking to strengthen retention and build a workplace where drivers feel valued, heard, and supported.

About This Week's Guest: Robert Sitarski

Robert Sitarski works in driver recruiting and driver relations at Hansen & Adkins, a division of Proficient Auto Logistics. With years of experience as a professional driver and in recruiting, he brings a driver-first perspective to building stronger relationships, improving retention, and connecting drivers with company leadership.

CONNECT WITH ROBERT SITARSKI

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-sitarski-8116b2232/

CONNECT WITH HIRE TRUCKERS

Ginger Craddock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginger-craddock/

Hire Truckers: https://hiretruckers.com/

AI Will Dramatically Change What Recruiters Can Do

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 19 Oct 2026 04:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Ginger Craddock sits down with Daniel Kelly to explore how AI is changing driver recruiting and helping fleets create better experiences for both recruiters and drivers.

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AI is creating new opportunities to automate repetitive recruiting tasks without removing the human connection that makes recruiting effective. Daniel explains how AI-powered phone assistants, conversational applications, and automated follow-ups can help fleets engage drivers faster, answer questions after hours, and collect important information before a recruiter steps in.

The conversation also explores how AI can uncover valuable insights from driver conversations, improve advertising creative, and connect recruiting data across different systems. Ginger and Daniel discuss why accurate information, transparency, and human judgment remain essential as fleets adopt new technology.

About This Week's Guest: Daniel Kelly

Daniel Kelly is a member of the Hire Truckers team, working across technology development and recruiting solutions. With a background in web development and graphic design, he brings a practical perspective on AI automation, conversational technology, and creating more efficient recruiting experiences.

CONNECT WITH DANIEL KELLY

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielkellyio/

CONNECT WITH HIRE TRUCKERS

Ginger Craddock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginger-craddock/

Hire Truckers: https://hiretruckers.com/

Balance is a Myth, When Seeking Real Growth and Change

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 13:20:23 -0700

In this episode, Aaron Craddock challenges the idea of perfect work-life balance and shares how leaders can navigate demanding seasons of business and personal growth.

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In trucking, recruiting, and leadership, some seasons demand more time, energy, and attention than others. Aaron shares how his priorities have shifted throughout his entrepreneurial journey, from growing Hire Truckers and adapting recruiting strategies to pursuing personal health goals and making intentional time for his family.

He also explains why effective leadership requires flexibility rather than rigid routines. Whether it's spending more time developing recruiters, testing new strategies, or responding to changing market conditions, leaders need to recognize where their attention is most valuable.

The key isn't making every area of life perfectly balanced. It's understanding the opportunities in your current season, recognizing what needs attention, and protecting the priorities that matter most.

CONNECT WITH HIRE TRUCKERS

Aaron Craddock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-craddock/

Hire Truckers: https://hiretruckers.com/

Fleet Leaders Can Build Momentum Through Q4 into Q1

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 04:00:00 -0700

Aaron Craddock shares how recruiting and fleet leaders can navigate the pressure of Q4 without losing momentum or burning out.

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After a difficult stretch for the trucking industry, many recruiting teams and fleet leaders are entering Q4 already exhausted. Aaron shares a practical approach for those moments when everything feels urgent: pause, get the noise out of your head, identify the one thing that matters most, and start there.

He also explains why fleets shouldn't lose sight of their driver recruiting pipeline as the year winds down. How you show up in Q4 can shape the start of Q1. From giving your team room to recover to staying consistent with recruiting efforts and remembering your bigger purpose, this episode is about finishing the year with focus instead of simply pushing until you burn out.

CONNECT WITH HIRE TRUCKERS

Aaron Craddock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-craddock/

Hire Truckers: https://hiretruckers.com/

What Drivers Need to Know Before Becoming an Owner-Operator

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 04:00:00 -0700

Ginger Craddock and David Withers discuss what professional drivers need to understand before making the leap from driving a truck to owning and operating a trucking business.

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Truck ownership can still create opportunity, but owning the equipment is only the beginning. David breaks down the financial discipline behind successful ownership, including understanding cost per mile, operating expenses, cash flow, maintenance reserves, and the difference between revenue and profit.

They also discuss how drivers can evaluate ownership opportunities, why the right support system matters, and what changes when an owner grows from one truck into a fleet. David shares why successful owners approach trucking as a business from day one and consistently do the fundamentals that keep that business profitable.

About This Week's Guest: David Withers

David Withers is a transportation leader at Expediter Services with decades of experience across recruiting, driver relations, safety, and operations. He works with professional drivers and independent contractors as they navigate truck ownership, business growth, and opportunities within the trucking industry.

CONNECT WITH DAVID WITHERS

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-withers-b658978/

Expediter Services: https://essuccessintrucking.com/

CONNECT WITH HIRE TRUCKERS

Ginger Craddock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginger-craddock/

Hire Truckers: https://hiretruckers.com/

What 3 Decades in Trucking Teaches You About Leadership

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 08:16:48 -0700

Aaron Craddock and Mark Roesler discuss what strong leadership looks like when the trucking industry is anything but predictable.

Drawing on more than three decades at Acme Truck Line, Mark shares how his experience from owner-operator to executive shaped the way he leads drivers and teams. He explains why strong leaders don't need to rely on titles, why they should surround themselves with people willing to challenge their thinking, and why listening is one of the most important leadership skills.

They also discuss leading through difficult freight cycles, creating stability without overreacting, and adapting the business while staying true to its core. Mark shares his perspective on the aging driver workforce, the need to bring younger people into trucking, and the legacy he hopes to leave as a leader: making people feel respected, heard, and valued.

About This Week's Guest: Mark Roesler

Mark Roesler is a longtime transportation leader at Acme Truck Line with more than three decades of experience in the trucking industry. Beginning his career as an owner-operator, Mark has grown into executive leadership while also serving the broader industry through the Texas Trucking Association.

CONNECT WITH MARK ROESLER

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-roesler-ba5ab977/

ACME Truck Line: https://www.acmetruck.com/

CONNECT WITH HIRE TRUCKERS

Aaron Craddock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-craddock/

Hire Truckers: https://hiretruckers.com/

How a Driver-First Culture Improves Recruiting and Retention

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 04:00:00 -0700

Ginger Craddock and Marina Ivanov discuss what fleets have to do to prove they truly value their drivers and why culture can become a competitive advantage in recruiting and retention.

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Marina shares how Apex Transit Solutions built a driver-focused culture around respect, communication, quality equipment, sustainable pay, home time, and understanding drivers as individuals. She explains why taking care of drivers requires more than slogans and how the everyday decisions a fleet makes ultimately determine whether great drivers choose to stay.

They also discuss recruiting for the right fit, scaling without losing the personal connection, creating second-chance opportunities, and using AI without replacing the human relationships drivers value. Marina shares why fleets should examine the entire driver experience, from the first recruiting interaction forward and make sure what they promise matches what drivers actually experience.

About This Week's Guest: Marina Ivanov

Marina Ivanov is a leader at Apex Transit Solutions, where she has helped build a driver-focused fleet culture centered on respect, safety, communication, and long-term relationships. With deep personal and professional roots in trucking, Marina brings firsthand perspective on driver recruiting, retention, fleet operations, and creating a workplace where professional drivers feel valued.

CONNECT WITH MARINA IVANOV

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-ivanov-4a9144194/

Apex Transit Solutions: https://apextransitllc.com/

CONNECT WITH HIRE TRUCKERS

Aaron Craddock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-craddock/

Hire Truckers: https://hiretruckers.com/

How to Build a Safety Culture That Goes Beyond Compliance

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 04:00:00 -0700

Aaron Craddock and Brian Fielkow discuss why fleet safety has to go beyond compliance and become part of how the entire organization operates.

Brian explains why safety is not simply the responsibility of a safety department. Leadership has to make it a non-negotiable value, while operations must carry that commitment into everyday decisions around dispatch, productivity, incentives, and driver management.

They also discuss how involving drivers in organizational change can improve buy-in, why the first 90 days are critical for integrating new drivers into a fleet's culture, and how peer mentorship and consistent check-ins can strengthen both safety and retention. Brian also shares creative ways fleets can involve employees' families and make safety something that extends beyond the workplace.

About This Week's Guest: Brian Fielkow

Brian Fielkow is the author of Making Safety Happen and a transportation leader focused on helping organizations build stronger safety cultures. His approach emphasizes leadership accountability, operational ownership, employee engagement, and creating systems that make safety part of everyday business decisions.

CONNECT WITH BRIAN FIELKOW

Brian Fielkow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfielkow/

Making Safety Happen EBook

CONNECT WITH HIRE TRUCKERS

Aaron Craddock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-craddock/

Hire Truckers: https://hiretruckers.com/

Beyond the CDL: What Defines a Professional Truck Driver

Aaron Craddock — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 10:16:48 -0700

Join Ginger Craddock and Jared Whitson as they discuss what it really means to be a qualified professional driver in today’s trucking industry.

Having a CDL is only the beginning. Ginger and Jared explore how stronger enforcement, safety standards, specialized experience, technology, and coachability are changing what fleets should look for when hiring professional drivers.

They also discuss AI and telematics in driver safety, drug testing, the cost of doing safety right, and why trucking leaders and professional drivers need a voice in the conversations shaping the industry in Washington.

About the Guest

Jared Whitson helps lead safety and compliance across the Bennett family of companies. With roughly two decades of transportation experience spanning operations, risk, compliance, and safety, Jared brings deep expertise in driver qualification, specialized transportation, safety technology, and regulatory compliance.

Links

Follow Jared Whitson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-whitson-51765857/

Bennett Website: https://www.bennettig.com/

Follow Ginger Craddock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginger-craddock/

Hire Truckers Website: https://hiretruckers.com/

The Driver Market Is Tightening. Is Your Fleet Ready?

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 04:00:00 -0700

Join Aaron Craddock and Ginger Craddock as they discuss how changing freight conditions, tighter driver capacity, and new regulations are reshaping driver recruiting.

The market may still feel uncertain, but fleets are already thinking differently about capacity, retention, and driver quality. Aaron and Ginger break down why the strongest transportation companies are building their recruiting infrastructure now instead of waiting until qualified drivers become even harder to find.

Links

Follow Ginger Craddock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginger-craddock/

Follow Aaron Craddock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-craddock/

Hire Truckers Website: https://hiretruckers.com/

5 Ways to Build a Positive Culture in Trucking

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 04:00:00 -0700

Join Aaron Craddock as he breaks down the leadership principles behind building a high-performing culture.

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Culture can make or break a team. In this solo episode, Aaron shares the principles he’s using to build a stronger organization, from doing hard things and pursuing growth to assuming positive intent, communicating directly, and listening more.

For transportation and recruiting leaders, it’s a practical look at how the standards you set and the way you lead can shape team performance, recruiting success, and long-term growth.

Follow Aaron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-craddock/

Hire Truckers Website: https://hiretruckers.com/

How Great Trucking Companies Retain Great Drivers

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 07:03:17 -0700

Join Ginger Craddock and Jerry Curl as they discuss why driver retention begins long before orientation. Learn how strong company culture, intentional onboarding, leadership, and trust help transportation companies retain top talent and build workplaces where professional drivers choose to stay.

Follow Jerry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-curl-45383411/

Hoffman Transportation Website: https://www.hoffmantransportation.com/

Follow Ginger on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-craddock/

Hire Truckers Website: https://hiretruckers.com/

00:00 Introduction
05:00 Building Trust With Drivers and Their Families
10:00 Creating a Culture Where Drivers Feel Valued
15:00 Orientation vs. Onboarding
20:00 Using Driver Feedback to Improve Retention
25:00 Why Culture Matters More Than Top Performers
30:00 Leading With Connection and Empathy
35:00 Hiring the Right Driver for Long-Term Success
40:00 Making Retention Everyone’s Responsibility
45:00 Leadership, Culture & Final Takeaways

What the Best Trucking Companies Do Differently When Hiring Drivers

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 07:00:00 -0700

What separates transportation companies that consistently hire great drivers from those that struggle to fill CDL driver jobs? In this episode, Ginger Craddock sits down with Yvonne Valdez to discuss what separates the best transportation recruiting teams from the rest. Yvonne shares how AI, technology, clear processes, and leadership alignment help organizations hire faster, improve candidate experience, and retain top talent across transportation operations.

Follow Yvonne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvonne-valdes-1445142a/

Summit Website: https://summitllc.com/

Follow Ginger on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-craddock/

Hire Truckers Website: https://hiretruckers.com/

*Correction to the statistic stated at the :55 minute mark. The correct statistics are:
- Approximately 25,000 offers
- Approximately 9,000 hires annually

Become a Top 1% AI User in Transportation and Recruiting

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 07:00:00 -0700

Discover how transportation and recruiting professionals can become top AI users in just five minutes a day. Aaron Craddock introduces the ROAD Framework (Reality, Operator, Ask, Deliver) and shares a practical system for using AI to improve recruiting, leadership, operations, and decision-making across trucking companies and enterprise fleets. Whether you're hiring for CDL driver jobs, leading a recruiting team, or building an AI-native organization, this episode provides an actionable framework you can start using today.

Follow Aaron Craddock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-craddock/

Hire Truckers Website: https://hiretruckers.com/

What a 260-Mile Race Teaches About Success

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:30:00 -0700

Join Aaron Craddock and Michael Lombard as they discuss the mindset required to overcome adversity, the lessons learned from completing the grueling Texas Water Safari, and why pushing through discomfort is essential for personal growth, leadership, and success in the trucking industry.

Follow Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlombard1/

Truck Parking Club Website: https://truckparkingclub.com/

Follow Aaron Craddock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-craddock/

Hire Truckers Website: https://hiretruckers.com

The Right Way to Introduce AI Into Trucking

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Join Aaron Craddock and Christy Choice as they discuss how AI is transforming trucking recruitment, why recruiters aren't going away, and how fleets can use automation to improve efficiency while keeping people at the center of the hiring process. They also explore practical strategies for AI adoption, process improvement, and preparing recruiting teams for the future.

Follow Christy Choice on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-choice-cds-ctp-ab608249/

Carrier Code Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@CarrierCodePodcast

Tentstreet Website: https://www.tenstreet.com/

Follow Aaron Craddock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-craddock/

Hire Truckers Website: https://hiretruckers.com/

How the Trucking Industry Can Win the Next Generation

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Join Aaron Craddock and Lindsey Trent as they discuss how the trucking industry can build a stronger workforce by investing in the next generation. From Gen Z recruiting strategies to career pathways, education partnerships, and employer branding, this episode explores what it will take to secure the future of trucking.

Follow Lindsey Trent on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindseytrent/

Follow Aaron Craddock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-craddock/

Visit NextGen Trucking Association: https://nextgentrucking.org

Visit Hire Truckers Website: https://hiretruckers.com/

The Secret to Recruiting and Retaining Great Drivers

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Join Aaron Craddock and Rebecca Anderson as they discuss what today's drivers are really looking for, why trust and authenticity matter more than lead volume, and how building a driver-first culture leads to stronger recruiting, retention, and long-term success in trucking.

Follow Rebecca Anderson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andersonrl/

Follow Aaron Craddock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-craddock/

Visit the Hire Truckers Website: https://hiretruckers.com/

How Technology Is Reshaping the Trucking Industry

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 11:39:47 -0700

Join Aaron Craddock and Willie Nelson as they explore the future of trucking through the lens of AI, autonomy, workforce challenges, and industry leadership. From Texas transportation trends to emerging technologies and talent development, this conversation offers valuable insights into where the industry is headed.

AI, Recruiting & The Future of Trucking Talent

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 08:21:14 -0700

Join Aaron Craddock and Kameel E. Gaines as they discuss the reality behind the truck driver shortage, the power of storytelling in recruiting, and how AI is reshaping hiring, retention, and fleet operations in the trucking industry.

The Super-Cycle

Aaron Craddock — Sun, 17 May 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Join Aaron Craddock and Ginger Craddock as they discuss data center buildouts, AI, and transportation market dynamics.

Safer Roads & Better Culture. The Power of the PSP

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 -0700

The PSP (Pre-employment Screening Program) is a powerful tool that can decrease fleet liability, increase safety on our roadways but, also, gives the fleet the opportunity to talk about and set expectations for safety culture before bringing a driver in the door. Zaheer brings incredible knowledge about improvements based on industry feedback and recommendations for utilization.

Is Freight Back?

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0700

We are hearing quick shifts in the industry from freight rates, tender rejects to fleet feedback. What are you seeing? Join the conversation today.

Leadership & Capacity

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Join Aaron Craddock as he shares insight on leadership, follow through and capacity.

Why Driver Pipelines Strain and How Preparation, Fit, and Alignment Create Durability

Ginger Craddock — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Join Amanda Worthen and Ginger W. Craddock as they talk about setting up fleet process in recruiting with communication and alignment top of mind.

Vision Becoming Reality

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Tune in with Aaron Craddock has he discusses vision and goal setting the past few years and watching vision come to life in 2026 with the HireTruckers by Trucking Clicks team in Austin this year.

Smarter Tech, Stronger Self

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0800

Join Brad Hackett and Aaron Craddock as they talk about the implications and opportunity around AI in Truck Driver Recruiting, as well as gratitude and their personal growth journeys.

Maximize Your Fleet’s Potential Through Talent Alignment

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0800

Do you have a retention issue or an alignment issue? Fleets that treat the symptoms without identifying the root cause often feel like they are pouring water into a bucket with holes. In this special episode, Ginger Craddock, a Kobe Certified Consultant breaks down some core principles that often end up being the root cause to fleet turnover. You don't miss it!

Building and Growing

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0800

Join Aaron and Ginger Craddock as they discuss personal growth, business growth and the origins of the Trucking Clicks and Hire Truckers Brands.

The Go Giver

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0800

Join us for a very SPECIAL Ep. 52 with award winning author, Bob Burg. The Go Giver has been a powerful part of our history at Trucking Clicks and it's an honor to have Bob join us to celebrate two full years of the Hire Truckers Podcast!

The Best of 2025

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0800

Tune in as we wrap up 2025 with a lookback at the best advice from 2026 in truck driver recruiting!

Own with Intention

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0800

Aaron and Lauren Craddock share how minimalism has given them back the physical and mental space needed to grow businesses and their young children with intention.

From Volume to Value: Smarter Driver Recruiting and the Power of Vision

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0800

Join Aaron Craddock as he recaps the Trucking Clicks and Hire Trucker company origin and shares powerful tips on how to recruit truck drivers.

Tariffs and Trucks, How Trade Policy Impacts Every Mile

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0800

Every mile of freight — from a port to a warehouse to a neighborhood store — is connected by a chain. And when that chain gets pulled by trade policy, every link feels the strain.

Tariffs. They sound like something that happens in Washington. But for truckers, retailers, ranchers, and consumers — tariffs show up in prices, in paychecks, and in the cost of keeping America moving.

Join Jonathan Gold, Vice President, Supply Chain & Customs Policy National Retail Federation and Ginger Craddock to discuss the impact of current trade policy on the trucking industry.

How 2.3 Million Truckers Became Everyday Heroes

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0800

Esther Goetsch joins the Hire Truckers Podcast team to talk about building a culture and communication systems that scale to produce life saving impact. Truckers against Trafficking is working with over 2.3 million truck drivers to save people from human trafficking.

Levelling Up Safety & Compliance

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0700

Join Brian Runnels from TVC Pro-driver to learn about his transition from behind the wheel and his career long commitment to Safety and Compliance.

From Dispatcher to Disruptor: Ellen Voie’s Mission to Move the Trucking Industry Forward

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:01:00 -0700

Ellen covers her journey in and around the Trucking Industry and how it's formed her leadership style and led her to author several books!

What Radical Honesty Costs and Why It Matters

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 00:01:00 -0700

From processing the tragic death of Charlie Kirk to lessons learned in business, faith, and family, Aaron explores why telling the truth matters even when it costs you. In this special episode of the Hire Truckers Podcast, Aaron Craddock shares a deeply personal reflection on the power and the price of radical honesty. Aaron shares some of his personal story and values around his faith in Jesus, and biblical worldview of family to create human flourishing.

He discusses how radical honesty shapes recruiting, leadership, and unity in the trucking industry, and why embracing both truth and love is essential for real progress. This episode is packed with stories from his own journey, including time studying Buddhism in Thailand, considering seminary, and building businesses rooted in boldness and truth. Aaron invites listeners to examine their own leadership and lives.

Takeaways:

The role of honesty in building stronger fleets and recruiting strategies
Why truth matters
How bold leadership impacts business, family, and faith
Practical ways to lead with integrity in the trucking industry

Whether you’re a fleet executive, recruiter, or leader in any space, this episode challenges you to stand for truth, even when it costs you.

Handle Layoffs with Maturity, Not Mayhem

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 01:00:00 -0700

What happens when the career you’ve poured yourself into suddenly shifts, or even disappears? On this episode of the Hire Truckers Podcast, host Ginger Craddock sits down with Elisha Grayson to talk about navigating unexpected job transitions in the trucking and driver recruiting industry.

Elisha shares her real experience of being laid off, the emotions that followed, and how she turned a season of uncertainty into growth, resilience, and opportunity. Together, Ginger and Elisha explore:

How to process layoffs and career pivots with professionalism
Why maturity and emotional resilience matter more than perfection
How to control your narrative on LinkedIn and in your network
The risks and opportunities for recruiters in today’s trucking industry
The future of recruiting: AI and automation paired with human connection

If you’re a fleet executive, recruiter, or trucking leader, this conversation offers encouragement and practical strategies to face change with courage and wisdom.

📌 Learn more at HireTruckers.com
📌 Powered by TruckingClicks.com

Work Life Balance in Trucking

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 00:01:00 -0700

Aaron Craddock tackles the elusive Work / Life Balance issue head on in this episode as he shares about a recent trip his young family prioritized this summer.

Supporting Our Drivers

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:01:00 -0700

Join Ginger Craddock and Hailey Betham from TCA to discuss upcoming legislation and the priority of the TSA in providing voice to our Truck Drivers needs.

From Crisis to Connection

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 00:01:00 -0700

Discover how Alexandra, a Client Success Manager and communication expert, turned her battle with brain cancer into a source of strength that drives her passion for helping trucking companies hire smarter. In this powerful episode of the Hire Truckers Podcast, we explore resilience, motherhood, and what it takes to succeed in driver recruitment.

AI, The Future of Trucking

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 00:01:00 -0700

AI is taking the Trucking Industry by storm. Are you on the forefront of innovation? Aaron Craddock walks you through practical ways to learn and test AI.

Why Drivers Leave, and How to Fix It

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0700

Caleb Gee, Senior Driver Hiring Manager at Nussbaum, shares how servant leadership, radical honesty, and a growth mindset shape his approach to recruiting and family life. From adopting three kids to building a fleet culture drivers stay for, Caleb brings practical wisdom and real-world perspective.

In this episode, we dive into:

Why drivers really leave (and how to fix it)
How to build a team-first, people-driven culture
Recruiting with radical honesty, not empty promises
The connection between leadership at home and at work

This episode blends heart and hard-earned insight for recruiters, fleet leaders, and anyone building something that lasts.

Learn more at nussbaum.com
Connect with Caleb Gee on LinkedIn
Need better recruiting results? Visit truckingclicks.com

How Rikki Becker Fell Into Trucking and Driver Recruiting

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 00:01:00 -0700

In this episode of the Hire Truckers Podcast, Ginger Craddock interviews Rikki Becker, Director of Contract Services at Admiral Merchants Motor Freight.

Rikki shares how she went from selling cosmetics at Macy’s to becoming a key leader in driver recruiting and retention.

She opens up about how empathy, timing, and honest communication have helped her retain high-performing drivers—and why recognizing drivers in meaningful ways matters now more than ever.

You’ll learn:

Why empathy builds trust in recruiting
How to identify the right-fit drivers
Creative retention strategies that actually work
What makes Admiral Merchants different
How to support Owner Operators as business partners

Whether you’re a recruiting director, fleet executive, or industry pro looking to scale, this conversation is full of practical advice and inspiring takeaways.

📌 Learn more at: https://www.hiretruckers.com
📞 Sponsored by: https://www.truckingclicks.com – Need more qualified leads or better recruiting strategy? Reach out today.

#DriverRecruiting #TruckingRetention #HireTruckersPodcast

Stay Curious or Get Left Behind

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0700

Join Ginger Craddock and Wayne Skinner as they dive deep in what it takes to excel and grow in an increasingly competitive Transportation Industry.
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Stay on top of the trends by staying curious. Experiment and implement AI solutions in your industry. Be irreplaceable talent at your company.

Building Healthy Teams

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 19 May 2025 00:01:00 -0700

Join Ginger Craddock and Emily Walton as they discuss tactics for building teams by developing self awareness and focusing on personal growth.

Keep Dreaming, Keep Moving, and Don't Stop

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 -0700

For this episode of the Hire Truckers Podcast, Aaron Craddock shares his vision for the industry!
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Welcome to episode 34 of the Hire Truckers Podcast, where Aaron Craddock, founder of HireTruckers.com, dives into different topics around mindset, and maintaining a positive outlook and team momentum in challenging times.

Building Impactful Relationships

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 00:01:00 -0700

Join Willie Nelson to learn about the benefits of joining the Texas Trucking Association and hear relationship building tips from the Professional Friend Maker, himself!

Fostering Community through Social Media

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 00:01:00 -0700

Join Melanie Moore as she shares the Social Media Tips & Strategies that help her foster genuine community online!

Holistic Health for Truck Drivers

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 00:01:00 -0700

Jason Douglass has used his personal journey towards mental health to create a holistic health package at James H Clark and Son, inc. that includes mental health services to help drivers through the challenges of life and life on the road. Join Aaron and Jason as they discuss the positive impact of therapy and treatment on their individual lives.

Building Culture with Intention

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 00:01:00 -0700

Ep. 30: Join Keith Stelzer as he shares practical advice on building and growing a healthy company culture in an ever-changing world.

Listening and Growing

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 00:01:00 -0800

Join us in a special episode where we flip the camera around and interview our host Aaron Craddock. Aaron shares about his growth journey in listening, leadership and recommends a few books that have propelled his progress along the way!

Learning & Leading with Luma Brighter Learning

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 00:01:00 -0800

Join, award winning author, Dr. Gina Anderson to hear about the power of life-long learning and the uniting benefits of having a mascot with purpose!

Leading with Dignity & Respect

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 00:01:00 -0800

Ep. 27: Dawn Erickson shares her experience in leading with dignity and respect. Whether with customers, team members or the community they serve Dawn and the Waste Management team seek to leave a lasting positive impact.

Best Recruiting Tips of 2024

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 00:01:00 -0800

We've combined the 9 Best Recruiting Tips of 2024 into one insightful episode. You won't want to miss this!

Best Personal Growth Tips of 2024

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:01:00 -0800

Tune in for the 2024 Wrap Up where we've bundled the Best Personal Growth Tips from the 2024 Hire Truckers Podcast into one convenient listen!

The Women-Owned Business Initiative

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:01:00 -0800

Expediter Services is fast approaching the 300 mark for new women owned businesses created! They support women in every step along the way to create thriving businesses and generational wealth.

Personal and Professional Growth

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 00:01:00 -0800

Ep. 23 - Join Sarah Kate Robison as she discusses her journey into the industry and how the genuine relationships she has made positively impact her life on a daily basis.

Seeking Out Blessings

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 00:01:00 -0800

Join Kelley Jones and Aaron Craddock as they talk about seeking blessings, finding the beauty in this crazy world, and practicing radical honesty when recruiting truck drivers.

Truck Driver Health Crisis and PROJECT 61

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 00:01:00 -0800

Project 61 exists to increase the 61-year life expectancy for Truck Drivers. Join the Step challenge today to increase awareness and provide resources to our nation's truck drivers!

Find Joy in the Journey

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 00:01:00 -0700

Find Joy in the Journey as Ginger Craddock and Aaron Craddock discuss growing a business, maintaining a growth mindset and expanding the mountaintop for those around us.

Overcoming Obstacles

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 00:01:00 -0700

Join Melissa Johnson at Usher Transport as she shares her advice on overcoming obstacles and being who you decide to be. Known for her positive attitude, Melissa talks about her approach to communication and building authentic relationships in her role as Recruiting Manager at Usher Transport.

Treating Drivers like People

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:01:00 -0700

Join Luke Wimberly as he breaks down the roll of Operations in Driver Retention and gives tips on building authentic relationships with the drivers in your fleet.

How to Build a Driver-Focused Culture in Trucking

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Join Aaron Craddock and Tracy Rushing of R.E. Garrison as they discuss how a driver-focused culture can improve the driver experience.

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Strong fleet culture starts when everyone understands who they're there to support. Tracy explains R.E. Garrison's philosophy that there are two types of employees in trucking: those who drive the truck and those who support the person who does. From maintenance and operations to safety and HR, every role can directly impact a professional driver's experience.

They also discuss leadership, driver satisfaction, safety, and R.E. Garrison's unique approach to driver onboarding. Tracy shares how the company's two-day "red carpet" onboarding experience helps new drivers build relationships with the people supporting them before they ever hit the road, creating stronger connections from day one.

About This Week's Guest: Tracy Rushing
Tracy Rushing is the Director of Safety and HR at R.E. Garrison. With more than 28 years of transportation industry experience, Tracy brings expertise in fleet safety, human resources, driver engagement, leadership, and building a company culture centered around supporting professional drivers.

CONNECT WITH TRACY RUSHING
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-rushing-reg/

CONNECT WITH HIRE TRUCKERS
Aaron Craddock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-craddock/
Hire Truckers: https://hiretruckers.com/

Building a Driver Recruiting Strategy Around Quality and Retention

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 00:01:00 -0700

Join Aaron Craddock and Kimberly DeBoe of Dynamic Transit as they discuss why driver recruiting should focus on quality over quantity.

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Successful driver recruiting takes more than generating applications and filling trucks as quickly as possible. Kimberly explains how a more proactive recruiting process, better sourcing, analytics, and social media can help fleets attract drivers who are a stronger fit for the company.

Aaron and Kimberly also discuss the connection between recruiting and retention, why recruiters need to set honest expectations, and how active listening can improve conversations with professional drivers. Kimberly shares lessons from more than 20 years in HR and explains why many recruiting principles from outside transportation can help fleets build stronger recruiting teams and keep more of the drivers they hire.

About This Week's Guest: Kimberly DeBoe
Kimberly DeBoe is an HR and recruiting leader at Dynamic Transit with more than 20 years of human resources experience. After spending most of her career outside transportation, Kimberly brought a fresh perspective to driver recruiting with expertise in talent acquisition, recruiting processes, employee relationships, emotional intelligence, and building stronger teams.

CONNECT WITH KIMBERLY DEBOE
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-deboe/

CONNECT WITH HIRE TRUCKERS
Aaron Craddock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-craddock/
Hire Truckers: https://hiretruckers.com/

How Driver Recruiting Leaders Can Adapt to a Changing Industry

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 00:01:00 -0700

Join Aaron Craddock and Kendra Patton-Richard of Roadrunner as they discuss how recruiting leaders can adapt to change and build stronger teams.

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Driver recruiting continues to evolve, and the strategies that worked years ago may not work today. Kendra explains why fleets need to embrace new technology, track recruiting performance closely, and continually evaluate their processes instead of getting comfortable with the way things have always been done.

Aaron and Kendra also discuss recruiter development, mentorship, using data to improve marketing decisions, and keeping teams motivated through changing market conditions. From speeding up lead response times to understanding how different people need to be led, Kendra shares practical lessons from 17 years of transportation recruiting and leadership.

About This Week's Guest: Kendra Patton-Richard
Kendra is a recruiting leader at Roadrunner with 17 years of transportation industry experience. After beginning her career at U.S. Xpress, she moved into leadership early in her career and later held roles with CRST before joining Roadrunner. Kendra brings expertise in driver recruiting, owner-operator recruiting, recruiting technology, team development, and leadership.

CONNECT WITH KENDRA PATTON-RICHARD
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendra-patton-richard-mba-68282229/

CONNECT WITH HIRE TRUCKERS
Aaron Craddock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-craddock/
Hire Truckers: https://hiretruckers.com/

Why Communication Is Key to Successful Driver Recruiting

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 00:01:00 -0700

Join Aaron Craddock and Chris Harbin of Heniff as they discuss how strong leadership and communication can improve driver recruiting.

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Successful driver recruiting starts with clear, honest communication. Chris explains why recruiters need to answer the phone, provide drivers with accurate information, listen to their questions, and stay involved throughout the recruiting process instead of making promises they can't deliver.

They also discuss leading by example, creating healthy competition within recruiting teams, maintaining high safety standards, and finding qualified drivers in a specialized market. Chris shares why great recruiting leaders stay accessible to their teams, listen to both recruiters and drivers, and aren't afraid to jump in and do the work alongside them.

About This Week's Guest: Chris Harbin
Chris Harbin is a transportation and driver recruiting leader with Heniff Transportation Systems. With more than two decades of industry experience, including previous roles with Coca-Cola and Miller Transportation, Chris brings expertise in driver recruiting, recruiting leadership, tanker operations, safety, and building high-performing teams.

CONNECT WITH CHRIS HARBIN
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-harbin-a7394645/

CONNECT WITH HIRE TRUCKERS
Aaron Craddock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-craddock/
Hire Truckers: https://hiretruckers.com/

Building Stronger Driver Recruiting Teams Through Leadership

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 06:48:55 -0700

Join Aaron Craddock and Elisha Grayson of American Central Transport as they discuss leadership, culture, and the future of driver recruiting.

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Great driver recruiting starts with people. Elisha shares how American Central Transport creates a driver-focused culture by making leadership accessible, listening to drivers, and providing resources that support their professional and personal lives.

They also discuss building stronger recruiting teams, developing future leaders, and having the tough conversations that come with leadership. They explore how AI can make recruiting faster and more efficient while still preserving the human connection that drivers and recruiters need.

About This Week's Guest: Elisha Grayson
Elisha Grayson is a driver recruiting leader at American Central Transport with experience across several transportation companies, including Yellow and Big M Transportation. She brings expertise in driver recruiting, team development, leadership, and building stronger relationships between fleets and professional drivers.

CONNECT WITH ELISHA GRAYSON
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisha-grayson-3a628098/

CONNECT WITH HIRE TRUCKERS
Aaron Craddock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-craddock/
Hire Truckers: https://hiretruckers.com/

Building Authentic Relationships

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 00:01:00 -0700

Stacy and Sandie share their insights on the relationship building and great communication at the core of Hobby Lobby's team culture.

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Stacy and Sandie share their insights on the relationship building and great communication at the core of Hobby Lobby's team culture.

How Honest Recruiting Can Help Fleets Retain More Drivers

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 00:01:00 -0700

Join Aaron Craddock and Deborah Gee of KAG Canada as they discuss why transparency can lead to better driver recruiting and retention.

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Successful driver recruiting isn't just about filling an open seat. Deborah explains why recruiters should take the time to understand what drivers want, clearly communicate what a position involves, and make sure the opportunity is the right fit for both the driver and the company.

Drawing from her own experience behind the wheel and later in recruiting and HR, Deborah shares why being direct about both the good and difficult parts of a driving job can help set better expectations. Aaron and Deborah also discuss career growth in trucking, recruiting more women into the industry, driver safety, employee engagement, and how stronger communication can help fleets build longer-lasting relationships with drivers.

About This Week's Guest: Deborah Gee
Deborah Gee is an HR professional at KAG Canada with more than 20 years of transportation industry experience. After beginning her career as a professional driver, Deborah transitioned into logistics, recruiting, and HR, giving her a unique perspective on both the driver experience and the challenges fleets face when recruiting and retaining drivers.

CONNECT WITH DEBORAH GEE
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-gee-8a187228/

CONNECT WITH HIRE TRUCKERS
Aaron Craddock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-craddock/
Hire Truckers: https://hiretruckers.com/

The Human Side of Driver Recruiting and Retention

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 05:52:48 -0700

Join Aaron Craddock and Rodney Eaves as they discuss why strong relationships are still at the heart of successful driver recruiting.

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Technology gives recruiting teams more ways to reach professional drivers, but Rodney explains why consistent, personal communication still makes the difference. From phone calls and texts to following up months after an initial conversation, successful driver recruiting requires active listening, persistence, and understanding what each driver is actually looking for.

Aaron and Rodney also discuss recruiter leadership, creating a welcoming orientation experience, staying connected with drivers after they are hired, and maintaining recruiting efforts during a slower freight market. For Rodney, recruiting isn't about making a sales pitch. It's about building trust, being available, and developing relationships that can lead to stronger hiring and retention.

About This Week's Guest: Rodney Eaves
Rodney Eaves is the Director of Recruiting at Baggett Transportation. With more than 30 years of transportation industry experience across multiple fleet and leadership roles, Rodney brings expertise in driver recruiting, recruiting leadership, fleet operations, relationship building, and driver retention.

CONNECT WITH RODNEY EAVES
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodney-eaves-35b97237/

CONNECT WITH HIRE TRUCKERS
Aaron Craddock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-craddock/
Hire Truckers: https://hiretruckers.com/

How to Build a Culture That Improves Driver Retention

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 20 May 2024 00:01:00 -0700

Join Aaron Craddock and Terry Tesch of R.B. Stewart as they discuss how fleets can improve driver retention through culture and communication.

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Recruiting great drivers is only valuable if you can keep them. Terry explains how his team became intentional about driver retention by setting clear expectations, improving communication, building stronger relationships with drivers, and eliminating the “us versus them” mentality between drivers and the office.

Aaron and Terry also discuss promoting from within, creating career opportunities for professional drivers, investing in safety and training, and building a culture where drivers feel like part of the organization. Terry shares how these changes helped his fleet dramatically reduce turnover while continuing to grow its driver count.

About This Week's Guest: Terry Tesch
Terry Tesh is a transportation and fuel industry executive at R.B. Stewart Petroleum Products. With more than 30 years of experience in the fuel industry and more than a decade on the transportation side, Terry brings expertise in fleet leadership, driver retention, safety, operations, and building strong company cultures.

CONNECT WITH TERRY TESCH
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-tesch-924627b/

CONNECT WITH HIRE TRUCKERS
Aaron Craddock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-craddock/
Hire Truckers: https://hiretruckers.com/

Building a Meaningful Career in the Transportation Industry

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 06 May 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Join Aaron Craddock and Courtney George of Wreaths Across America as they discuss purpose, leadership, and the people behind the trucking industry.

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The trucking industry is built on people, relationships, and the impact they make both on and off the road. Courtney shares how Wreaths Across America partners with hundreds of carriers and professional drivers to honor veterans across the country, while creating a meaningful experience for the drivers who help make the mission possible.

Aaron and Courtney also explore lessons from her nearly two decades in transportation, including the importance of mentorship, intentional career growth, and never losing sight of the people behind the industry. They also discuss changing driver recruiting and marketing trends, the growing influence of social media and driver-created content, and what Courtney was seeing across the trucking industry at the time.

About This Week's Guest: Courtney George
Courtney George works with Wreaths Across America, helping build relationships with trucking companies and drivers that support the organization's nationwide mission. With nearly two decades of transportation industry experience and previous roles at Saia, Hub Group, and EVO Transportation, including serving as Director of Recruiting, Courtney brings expertise in driver recruiting, transportation leadership, driver experience, and industry partnerships.

CONNECT WITH COURTNEY GEORGE
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneybgeorge/

CONNECT WITH HIRE TRUCKERS
Aaron Craddock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-craddock/
Hire Truckers: https://hiretruckers.com/

The Driver Retention Strategies Every Fleet Should Know

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Join Aaron Craddock and Sadie Church of Recruit Hire Retain as they break down practical ways fleets can improve driver retention.

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Driver retention starts long before a professional driver has been with a fleet for 30, 60, or 90 days. Sadie explains why setting the right expectations during recruiting, creating a welcoming onboarding experience, and maintaining consistent communication can help trucking companies keep more of the drivers they work so hard to hire.

Aaron and Sadie also cover full-cycle recruiting, driver referrals, and why recruiters should remain a trusted point of contact throughout the hiring and onboarding process. Sadie shares practical strategies fleets can use to build stronger driver communities, gather feedback, address problems earlier, and create an environment where drivers feel informed, connected, and heard.

About This Week's Guest: Sadie Church
Sadie Church is the founder of Recruit Hire Retain, where she helps fleets improve recruiting, marketing, and driver retention. With transportation industry experience spanning recruiting, retention, and marketing leadership, including previous roles at NFI, Artur Express, Riverside Transport, and CDL Life, Sadie brings expertise in reducing turnover, improving the driver experience, and helping fleets hire and retain drivers more effectively.

CONNECT WITH SADIE CHURCH
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadie-church-71823625/

CONNECT WITH HIRE TRUCKERS
Aaron Craddock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-craddock/
Hire Truckers: https://hiretruckers.com/

Leadership Strategies for Better Driver Recruiting and Retention

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Join Aaron Craddock and Connor Bane of Venture Logistics as they discuss how strong leadership can build better driver recruiting teams.

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Successful driver recruiting teams need to be able to adapt as hiring needs, markets, routes, and freight conditions change. Connor shares how he gives recruiters the information and support they need while also empowering them to take ownership of their individual recruiting process.

Aaron and Connor also explore the importance of accurate communication with drivers, keeping recruiters motivated during difficult hiring cycles, and adjusting recruiting and marketing strategies as conditions change. From clearly communicating pay and equipment expectations to pushing recruiters outside their comfort zones, Connor shares practical lessons for building a more adaptable and effective driver recruiting operation.

About This Week's Guest: Connor Bane
Connor Bane is the Manager of Driver Recruiting and Retention at Venture Logistics, where he helps lead recruiting efforts for a fleet of approximately 1,000 trucks and 1,200 drivers. With around a decade of transportation industry experience, including previous recruiting and retention roles at Celadon, Eagle Logistics, and Schneider, Connor brings expertise in driver recruiting, retention, recruiting leadership, and fleet growth.

CONNECT WITH CONNOR BANE
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conner-bane-81793817/

CONNECT WITH HIRE TRUCKERS
Aaron Craddock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-craddock/
Hire Truckers: https://hiretruckers.com/

How Truck Drivers Can Help Fight Human Trafficking

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Join Aaron Craddock and Micah Larsen of Truckers Against Trafficking as they discuss how truck drivers can help recognize and fight human trafficking.

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Human trafficking happens in communities across the country, and knowing what to look for can make a difference. Micah explains common red flags of human trafficking, shares real stories of drivers who recognized suspicious situations, and explains why trusting your instincts and reporting potential warning signs matters.

The conversation also highlights how Truckers Against Trafficking equips professional drivers, fleets, law enforcement, and other transportation professionals with training to recognize and respond to human trafficking. Micah explains how trucking companies can incorporate this training into their existing driver education programs and help put more informed eyes and ears on the road.

About This Week's Guest: Micah Larsen
Micah Larsen works with Truckers Against Trafficking and its Freedom Drivers Project, a mobile exhibit that educates transportation professionals and the public about human trafficking. Through the project, Micah works directly with professional drivers and industry members to increase awareness, share survivor stories, and help people recognize the warning signs of trafficking.

CONNECT WITH MICAH LARSEN
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micah-larsen3/

CONNECT WITH HIRE TRUCKERS
Aaron Craddock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-craddock/
Hire Truckers: https://hiretruckers.com/

National Human Trafficking Hotline - 888-373-7888

Why Fleets Should Keep Recruiting Drivers When Freight Slows

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Join Aaron Craddock and Randy Scheel as they discuss how trucking companies can strengthen their driver recruiting strategy during a slower freight market.
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When freight slows and hiring needs decrease, cutting recruiting and marketing budgets can seem like the obvious move. Randy explains why this can leave fleets unprepared when demand returns and why maintaining relationships with qualified drivers now can help build a stronger recruiting pipeline for the future.

Aaron and Randy also discuss training recruiting teams, improving recruitment marketing, using your applicant tracking system more effectively, and continuing to invest in relationships with professional drivers. They also explore how recruiting leaders can keep their teams motivated and why small acts of recognition, communication, and appreciation can make a meaningful difference.

About This Week's Guest: Randy Scheel
Randy Scheel is the Director of Customer Support, Sales, and Vendor Relationships at Hightower Advertising. With more than 30 years of experience in driver recruiting and transportation, including roles in dispatch, terminal management, and recruiting leadership, Randy brings expertise in driver recruiting, recruitment marketing, fleet operations, and building strong relationships with drivers and recruiting teams.

CONNECT WITH RANDY SCHEEL
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-scheel-85b0184/

CONNECT WITH HIRE TRUCKERS
Aaron Craddock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-craddock/
Hire Truckers: https://hiretruckers.com/

How to Align Driver Recruiting With Long-Term Retention

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0800

Join Aaron Craddock and Brad Hackett as they discuss how data, honest communication, and better recruiting processes can improve driver hiring and retention.
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Strong driver recruiting starts with understanding your numbers. Brad explains why transportation recruiting teams should track the entire hiring funnel, from cost per lead and applications to approvals, orientation, and retention, so fleet leaders can make better decisions about recruiting strategy and marketing spend.

Aaron and Brad also discuss the importance of being radically honest with professional drivers about pay, home time, equipment, and job expectations instead of overselling a position. They explore recruiter compensation, improving ATS data, reducing driver ghosting, and how stronger communication and leadership touchpoints can improve orientation show rates and help trucking companies hire the right drivers for the right positions.

About This Week's Guest: Brad Hackett
Brad Hackett is the Director of Recruiting and Retention at Nova Lines. With more than 15 years of experience across transportation operations, logistics, recruiting technology, and driver recruiting leadership, Brad brings expertise in recruiting strategy, driver retention, process improvement, and building high-performing recruiting teams.

CONNECT WITH BRAD HACKETT
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-hackett/

CONNECT WITH HIRE TRUCKERS
Aaron Craddock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-craddock/
Hire Truckers: https://hiretruckers.com/

Building a Driver Recruiting Strategy That Goes Beyond Pay

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0800

Join Aaron Craddock and Lance Christensen as they discuss why successful driver recruiting takes more than offering the highest pay.
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Pay matters when competing for professional drivers, but building a recruiting strategy around compensation alone can create a cycle where drivers leave as soon as another trucking company offers more. Lance explains how company culture, authentic recruiting messages, consistent communication, and stronger relationships can help fleets differentiate themselves and improve driver retention.

Aaron and Lance also explore why recruiters should stay connected with drivers beyond the initial hire, how driver ambassador programs can strengthen the onboarding experience, and where AI and automation fit into the recruiting process. For transportation companies competing for qualified drivers, the conversation offers practical ways to improve driver hiring while keeping the human connection at the center of the experience.

About This Week's Guest: Lance Christensen
Lance Christensen is a recruiting strategy leader at Appcast with more than two decades of experience in recruiting. Previously with Bayard before its acquisition by Appcast, Lance brings expertise in driver recruiting strategy, recruiting team development, employer branding, and driver retention.

CONNECT WITH LANCE CHRISTENSEN
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christensenlance/
Appcast: https://www.appcast.io/

CONNECT WITH HIRE TRUCKERS
Aaron Craddock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-craddock/
Hire Truckers: https://hiretruckers.com/

What the U.S. Labor Market Means for Trucking and Driver Recruiting

Aaron Craddock — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0800

Join Aaron Craddock and labor economist Ron Hetrick as they discuss what the changing U.S. labor market means for trucking, driver recruiting, and the future of the transportation workforce.
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Economic headlines don't always tell the full story. Ron breaks down the data behind consumer spending, freight demand, labor availability, and the economic signals transportation leaders should be watching as they make hiring and recruiting decisions.

Aaron and Ron also discuss CDL driver demand, diesel mechanic shortages, compensation, training, and why trucking companies should think strategically about building their driver recruiting pipelines before demand accelerates. They explore how investing in people, mentorship, and company culture can help fleets attract and retain the workforce they need for long-term growth.

About This Week's Guest: Ron Hetrick
Ron Hetrick is a labor economist with more than three decades of experience studying workforce and economic trends. His research has been featured in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, U.S. News & World Report, and other major media outlets. Ron brings expertise in labor economics, workforce trends, and the changing supply of skilled workers across industries.

CONNECT WITH RON HETRICK
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronlhetrick/

CONNECT WITH HIRE TRUCKERS
Aaron Craddock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-craddock/
Hire Truckers: https://hiretruckers.com/

Welcome to The Hire Truckers Podcast

Aaron Craddock — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 12:24:34 -0800

Welcome to Episode 0 to the Hire Truckers Podcast! This episode's goal is to inform you of the intent behind this podcast, and why it matters to you
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Welcome to Episode 0 to the Hire Truckers Podcast! This episode's goal is to inform you of the intent behind this podcast, and why it matters to you. We aim to bring on industry experts to discuss tactics, trends, and motivation to help you level UP your recruiting game.