https://simplecast.com The Relay Welcome to “The Relay”, a podcast from Gulf Relay where we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. We hope you start to recognize familiar voices as we explore the world of trucking and the people who make it all happen. Episodes will range from driver interviews to company updates to interviews with vendors and customers. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road! The Relay en Thu, 8 Aug 2024 09:30:00 +0000 Thu, 27 Mar 2025 14:30:12 +0000 https://gulfrelay.com/relay The Relay https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/be457c03-46fc-41ea-80a2-70071f7b9cfa/8aa363a5-0e13-41a2-a04d-0ab556520a6d/3000x3000/cover-art.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://gulfrelay.com/relay episodic Welcome to “The Relay”, a podcast from Gulf Relay where we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. We hope you start to recognize familiar voices as we explore the world of trucking and the people who make it all happen. Episodes will range from driver interviews to company updates to interviews with vendors and customers. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road! Gulf Relay false https://feeds.simplecast.com/7ejHmlR7 asset based carrier, gulf relay, logistics, over the road, supply chain, transportation, truck driver, trucking Heard Podcasts heard@heardpods.com 9caae6fc-8b05-4774-8f68-a957cb846361 The Relentless Road: Demille’s Love for Trucking, Drumming, and Cars Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Finding Gulf Relay (0:12)
  • Dream Truck (1:12)
  • Favorite Routes and Places (2:12)
  • Personal Life and Aspirations (3:32)
  • Travel Aspirations (4:15)
  • Family Life and Balancing Work (5:20)
  • Passion for Drumming (6:09)
  • Interest in Cars (8:02)
  • Career Aspirations (9:31)
  • Advice for New Drivers (11:05)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Thu, 8 Aug 2024 09:30:00 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Finding Gulf Relay (0:12)
  • Dream Truck (1:12)
  • Favorite Routes and Places (2:12)
  • Personal Life and Aspirations (3:32)
  • Travel Aspirations (4:15)
  • Family Life and Balancing Work (5:20)
  • Passion for Drumming (6:09)
  • Interest in Cars (8:02)
  • Career Aspirations (9:31)
  • Advice for New Drivers (11:05)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> The Relentless Road: Demille’s Love for Trucking, Drumming, and Cars Heard Podcasts 00:12:07 In this episode of The Relay, host Sarah Williams talks with Demille Wooten, a driver at Gulf Relay for over a year. Demille shares his journey to joining Gulf Relay, his experiences on the road, and his preferences for routes and trucks. He discusses his favorite routes, including I-81 and a spot in New Jersey, his dream truck, an AW900. Demille also reveals his passion for drumming at his church and his interest in car customization, influenced by his love for racing games. The episode provides a personal glimpse into Demille’s life, and aspirations, and a look at the driving experience at Gulf Relay. In this episode of The Relay, host Sarah Williams talks with Demille Wooten, a driver at Gulf Relay for over a year. Demille shares his journey to joining Gulf Relay, his experiences on the road, and his preferences for routes and trucks. He discusses his favorite routes, including I-81 and a spot in New Jersey, his dream truck, an AW900. Demille also reveals his passion for drumming at his church and his interest in car customization, influenced by his love for racing games. The episode provides a personal glimpse into Demille’s life, and aspirations, and a look at the driving experience at Gulf Relay. false full 39 4a4eb30a-4238-4e61-958c-a32cf3339173 Insights into OTR Driving, Training, and Safety: A Conversation with Shabazz Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Shabazz’s blowout experience on the road (0:22)
  • Recovery and repairs (1:59)
  • Transition to OTR driving (2:45)
  • Training new drivers (4:12)
  • Industry values and advice for new drivers (4:36)
  • Advancements in trucking safety (6:04)
  • Experience with different trucking avenues (7:53)
  • Parting thoughts and closing remarks (8:51)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Thu, 25 Jul 2024 09:30:00 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Shabazz’s blowout experience on the road (0:22)
  • Recovery and repairs (1:59)
  • Transition to OTR driving (2:45)
  • Training new drivers (4:12)
  • Industry values and advice for new drivers (4:36)
  • Advancements in trucking safety (6:04)
  • Experience with different trucking avenues (7:53)
  • Parting thoughts and closing remarks (8:51)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Insights into OTR Driving, Training, and Safety: A Conversation with Shabazz Heard Podcasts 00:09:02 In this episode of The Relay, host Sarah Williams talks with Iyapo Salim-Shabazz, one of our OTR drivers at Gulf Relay. During the conversation, Shabazz talks about his recent blowout incident on I-20 near Atlanta and details how he safely managed the situation and the quick response from a nearby service shop. He also discusses his transition from local to OTR driving, his role in training new drivers, and the significance of safety and awareness on the road. Shabazz shares his background in trucking and passion for teaching, the crucial aspects of safety and training in the trucking industry, and so much more. In this episode of The Relay, host Sarah Williams talks with Iyapo Salim-Shabazz, one of our OTR drivers at Gulf Relay. During the conversation, Shabazz talks about his recent blowout incident on I-20 near Atlanta and details how he safely managed the situation and the quick response from a nearby service shop. He also discusses his transition from local to OTR driving, his role in training new drivers, and the significance of safety and awareness on the road. Shabazz shares his background in trucking and passion for teaching, the crucial aspects of safety and training in the trucking industry, and so much more. false full 38 d4000027-931d-4362-9581-bd869ea2610f Trucking Trends: Is the Industry Driving in the Right Direction? Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • The market trends (0:29)
  • Impact of SAP program changes (3:51)
  • Pre-buy considerations for 2027 truck emissions (4:40)
  • Market indicators and project work (5:52)
  • Final thoughts and takeaways (7:17)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Thu, 11 Jul 2024 09:30:00 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • The market trends (0:29)
  • Impact of SAP program changes (3:51)
  • Pre-buy considerations for 2027 truck emissions (4:40)
  • Market indicators and project work (5:52)
  • Final thoughts and takeaways (7:17)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Trucking Trends: Is the Industry Driving in the Right Direction? Heard Podcasts 00:08:20 In this episode of The Relay, Maddie Cook from Customer Success at Gulf Relay is joined by Andy Vanzant, Chief Operating Officer. During the conversation, Maddie and Andy discuss the current state of the market in the asset division. Andy notes increased optimism among public carriers, stabilization of rates, and a rise in loads and volume from major customers. He also highlights positive trends in driver recruitment and seated truck numbers, market indicators, including a significant summer spike in freight tenders, and potential impacts of the Substance Abuse Program changes. The episode concludes with Andy expressing optimism for the future, the importance of monitoring market dynamics, planning for industry changes, and more. In this episode of The Relay, Maddie Cook from Customer Success at Gulf Relay is joined by Andy Vanzant, Chief Operating Officer. During the conversation, Maddie and Andy discuss the current state of the market in the asset division. Andy notes increased optimism among public carriers, stabilization of rates, and a rise in loads and volume from major customers. He also highlights positive trends in driver recruitment and seated truck numbers, market indicators, including a significant summer spike in freight tenders, and potential impacts of the Substance Abuse Program changes. The episode concludes with Andy expressing optimism for the future, the importance of monitoring market dynamics, planning for industry changes, and more. false full 37 e7b49be2-3f92-427a-9017-893cf13e5139 Exploring New Safety Measures: Saliva Testing, Software, and Mental Well-being in Trucking Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Saliva Testing Implementation (0:41)
  • Improving Processes and Knowledge (1:13)
  • Utilizing Safety Software (3:18)
  • Injury Prevention and Worker's Comp (4:20)
  • Mental Well-being of Drivers (6:03)
  • Autonomous Trucks and Future Technologies (6:44)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Thu, 27 Jun 2024 09:30:00 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Saliva Testing Implementation (0:41)
  • Improving Processes and Knowledge (1:13)
  • Utilizing Safety Software (3:18)
  • Injury Prevention and Worker's Comp (4:20)
  • Mental Well-being of Drivers (6:03)
  • Autonomous Trucks and Future Technologies (6:44)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Exploring New Safety Measures: Saliva Testing, Software, and Mental Well-being in Trucking Heard Podcasts 00:07:06 In this episode of The Relay, William Everett, Director of Safety at Gulf Relay, is joined by Kayla Oswalt who serves as the Safety Coordinator for the team. During this episode, William and Kayla discuss their attendance at the SSHR convention by the American Trucking Association. They cover topics such as the implementation of saliva testing for drug screening, improving safety processes, and using software for compliance tracking. They also emphasize injury prevention, especially for older drivers, and the importance of mental well-being. The episode underscores Gulf Relay's commitment to adopting industry best practices, supporting their drivers' safety and health, and more. In this episode of The Relay, William Everett, Director of Safety at Gulf Relay, is joined by Kayla Oswalt who serves as the Safety Coordinator for the team. During this episode, William and Kayla discuss their attendance at the SSHR convention by the American Trucking Association. They cover topics such as the implementation of saliva testing for drug screening, improving safety processes, and using software for compliance tracking. They also emphasize injury prevention, especially for older drivers, and the importance of mental well-being. The episode underscores Gulf Relay's commitment to adopting industry best practices, supporting their drivers' safety and health, and more. false full 36 e3b9baa3-e08e-48f8-a729-60ca196d63fb Truck Talk: Performance, Recruitment, and Market Trends with Brett Hutchins Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Performance Data Analysis (0:32)
  • Recruiting and Education (4:32)
  • Challenges of Truck Driving (5:52)
  • Market Conditions and Communication (13:42)
  • Company events (18:01)
  • Farewell and Gratitude (20:20)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Thu, 6 Jun 2024 09:30:00 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Performance Data Analysis (0:32)
  • Recruiting and Education (4:32)
  • Challenges of Truck Driving (5:52)
  • Market Conditions and Communication (13:42)
  • Company events (18:01)
  • Farewell and Gratitude (20:20)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Truck Talk: Performance, Recruitment, and Market Trends with Brett Hutchins Heard Podcasts 00:20:36 In this episode of The Relay, host Sarah Williams talks with Brett Hutchins, an owner-operator here at Gulf Relay. During the conversation, the two talk about the multifaceted role as a driver, owner-operator, and recruiter. They delve into the intricacies of truck driving, discussing the importance of driver performance, fuel efficiency, and the challenges of recruiting in the industry. Brett underscores the necessity of critical thinking for drivers and the crucial role of communication between the operations team and drivers. The conversation also covers market trends, the significance of strong relationships within the company, and more. In this episode of The Relay, host Sarah Williams talks with Brett Hutchins, an owner-operator here at Gulf Relay. During the conversation, the two talk about the multifaceted role as a driver, owner-operator, and recruiter. They delve into the intricacies of truck driving, discussing the importance of driver performance, fuel efficiency, and the challenges of recruiting in the industry. Brett underscores the necessity of critical thinking for drivers and the crucial role of communication between the operations team and drivers. The conversation also covers market trends, the significance of strong relationships within the company, and more. false full 35 bc08bc82-bf28-4ce2-982c-3294a846e2c6 From Truck Driver to Entrepreneur Extraordinaire with James Mays Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Recruitment at Gulf Relay (0:57)
  • Job satisfaction and dedication (1:52)
  • Motivation for being a truck driver (2:35)
  • James’ Positive outlook on life (3:57)
  • Side business ventures (5:28)
  • The importance of teaching and mentoring (6:59)
  • Community involvement and helping the less fortunate (10:22)
  • Communication and teamwork at Gulf Relay (12:12)
  • Final thoughts and takeaways (14:32)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Thu, 23 May 2024 09:30:00 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Recruitment at Gulf Relay (0:57)
  • Job satisfaction and dedication (1:52)
  • Motivation for being a truck driver (2:35)
  • James’ Positive outlook on life (3:57)
  • Side business ventures (5:28)
  • The importance of teaching and mentoring (6:59)
  • Community involvement and helping the less fortunate (10:22)
  • Communication and teamwork at Gulf Relay (12:12)
  • Final thoughts and takeaways (14:32)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> From Truck Driver to Entrepreneur Extraordinaire with James Mays Heard Podcasts 00:15:11 In this episode of The Relay, host Sarah Williams talks with James Mays, a truck driver and trainer at Gulf Relay. James shares his 22-month experience with the company, his passion for mentoring the youth, and his side businesses in landscaping and car detailing. Recruited while dining, James emphasizes his alignment with Gulf Relay's values and his dedication to providing for future generations. He discusses his positive life philosophy and the importance of financial education for young people. Don’t miss this great episode! In this episode of The Relay, host Sarah Williams talks with James Mays, a truck driver and trainer at Gulf Relay. James shares his 22-month experience with the company, his passion for mentoring the youth, and his side businesses in landscaping and car detailing. Recruited while dining, James emphasizes his alignment with Gulf Relay's values and his dedication to providing for future generations. He discusses his positive life philosophy and the importance of financial education for young people. Don’t miss this great episode! false full 34 d0de888f-3b58-4066-af05-5d2b7c7fc5e8 Navigating the Trucking Market Downturn: Insights from a Veteran Driver Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Understanding the current market (0:52)
  • Adapting to market conditions (3:13)
  • Communication is key (4:49)
  • Driver retention and teamwork (6:32)
  • Keeping track of the market (9:47)
  • Final thoughts and takeaways (11:42)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Thu, 9 May 2024 09:30:00 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Understanding the current market (0:52)
  • Adapting to market conditions (3:13)
  • Communication is key (4:49)
  • Driver retention and teamwork (6:32)
  • Keeping track of the market (9:47)
  • Final thoughts and takeaways (11:42)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Navigating the Trucking Market Downturn: Insights from a Veteran Driver Heard Podcasts 00:11:57 In this episode of The Relay, host Sarah Williams talks with veteran driver Jason Grimes about the trucking industry's current market conditions. Jason, with over 30 years of experience, discusses the importance of staying informed about market trends, especially as an owner-operator. They both explore the necessity of communication and teamwork between drivers, dispatchers, and planners within the company to navigate the challenges of a down market. Jason emphasizes the significance of adjusting budgets and being flexible with routes to maintain profitability, while also touching on the importance of driver retention and the collective effort required to ensure the company's success. In this episode of The Relay, host Sarah Williams talks with veteran driver Jason Grimes about the trucking industry's current market conditions. Jason, with over 30 years of experience, discusses the importance of staying informed about market trends, especially as an owner-operator. They both explore the necessity of communication and teamwork between drivers, dispatchers, and planners within the company to navigate the challenges of a down market. Jason emphasizes the significance of adjusting budgets and being flexible with routes to maintain profitability, while also touching on the importance of driver retention and the collective effort required to ensure the company's success. false full 33 a4db8170-f404-42fa-adc4-48183a679660 Driving Towards Safety Excellence: Gulf Relay's 2024 Initiatives Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Safety Initiatives for 2024 (0:18)
  • Training Program at Gulf Relay (1:42)
  • Company Events and Meetings (2:44)
  • Driver Appreciation Week (5:04)
  • Safety Days and Culture (6:27)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Thu, 4 Apr 2024 09:30:00 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Safety Initiatives for 2024 (0:18)
  • Training Program at Gulf Relay (1:42)
  • Company Events and Meetings (2:44)
  • Driver Appreciation Week (5:04)
  • Safety Days and Culture (6:27)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Driving Towards Safety Excellence: Gulf Relay's 2024 Initiatives Heard Podcasts 00:08:04 In this episode of The Relay, Rhaya Reynolds and William Everett of our Gulf Relay team outline the company’s safety initiatives for 2024. These initiatives include achieving a 28 safety score, expanding the fleet to 300 trucks, and reaching 180 days without a recordable DOT accident. William emphasizes enhancing training for both trainers and trainees and maintaining close communication with drivers. He also details an eight-week training program for new drivers and mentions the company's efforts to appreciate drivers through events and a dedicated appreciation week. William also discusses the daily focus on safety culture and the collaborative approach to safety across departments while Rhays wraps up by underscoring the importance of road safety. Don’t miss this episode! In this episode of The Relay, Rhaya Reynolds and William Everett of our Gulf Relay team outline the company’s safety initiatives for 2024. These initiatives include achieving a 28 safety score, expanding the fleet to 300 trucks, and reaching 180 days without a recordable DOT accident. William emphasizes enhancing training for both trainers and trainees and maintaining close communication with drivers. He also details an eight-week training program for new drivers and mentions the company's efforts to appreciate drivers through events and a dedicated appreciation week. William also discusses the daily focus on safety culture and the collaborative approach to safety across departments while Rhays wraps up by underscoring the importance of road safety. Don’t miss this episode! false full 32 df1ba6f9-d97f-41b1-b091-ea38f0c3c3b5 Exploring New Horizons: Gulf Relay's Expansion into Retail, Pharmaceutical, and Manufacturing Industries Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Customer Base Diversification (0:28)
  • Retail and Seasonal Trends (1:00)
  • Expansion to South Carolina (2:18)
  • Driver Home Time and Fleet Growth (4:02)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Thu, 21 Mar 2024 09:30:00 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Customer Base Diversification (0:28)
  • Retail and Seasonal Trends (1:00)
  • Expansion to South Carolina (2:18)
  • Driver Home Time and Fleet Growth (4:02)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Exploring New Horizons: Gulf Relay's Expansion into Retail, Pharmaceutical, and Manufacturing Industries Heard Podcasts 00:05:11 In this episode of The Relay, Maddie Cook and Blanks Baldwin of our Gulf Relay team discuss the company's recent diversification of their freight portfolio. Over the past 18 months, Gulf Relay has expanded beyond its traditional focus on beverage and paper commodities in the South to include retail, pharmaceutical supplies, agricultural equipment, and manufacturing. This diversification has allowed for more stable year-round freight levels and has helped the company during traditionally slow periods by adding new customers and commodities. They also announce the opening of a new terminal in Welford, South Carolina, which enhances their service offerings and supports their commitment to getting drivers home by providing more freight options. Don’t miss this exciting episode! In this episode of The Relay, Maddie Cook and Blanks Baldwin of our Gulf Relay team discuss the company's recent diversification of their freight portfolio. Over the past 18 months, Gulf Relay has expanded beyond its traditional focus on beverage and paper commodities in the South to include retail, pharmaceutical supplies, agricultural equipment, and manufacturing. This diversification has allowed for more stable year-round freight levels and has helped the company during traditionally slow periods by adding new customers and commodities. They also announce the opening of a new terminal in Welford, South Carolina, which enhances their service offerings and supports their commitment to getting drivers home by providing more freight options. Don’t miss this exciting episode! false full 31 239bfe35-9fc1-4bba-aa4c-ee205bc8bcc9 Navigating Market Fluctuations: The Role of Service Excellence, Technology, and Teamwork Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Bidding Season Preparation (0:27)
  • Customer Scorecard Meetings (0:59)
  • Market Outlook and Strategic Relationships (3:29)
  • Operational Decision Making (4:38)
  • Final thoughts and takeaways (5:48)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Thu, 29 Feb 2024 10:30:00 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Bidding Season Preparation (0:27)
  • Customer Scorecard Meetings (0:59)
  • Market Outlook and Strategic Relationships (3:29)
  • Operational Decision Making (4:38)
  • Final thoughts and takeaways (5:48)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Navigating Market Fluctuations: The Role of Service Excellence, Technology, and Teamwork Heard Podcasts 00:06:13 In this episode of The Relay, Maddie Cook and Blanks Baldwin of our Gulf Relay team delve into the logistics industry, discussing the effects of bid season and the critical role of service in obtaining rate increases. They explore operational strategies, including the introduction of customer scorecard meetings for internal service tracking and improvement. The conversation highlights the use of Power BI for data analysis, emphasizing its importance in monitoring logistics metrics. They also examine the uncertain market conditions, the value of strategic broker relationships, and the necessity of teamwork to tackle market challenges. The episode underscores a proactive stance on market preparedness, service-driven success, and more. In this episode of The Relay, Maddie Cook and Blanks Baldwin of our Gulf Relay team delve into the logistics industry, discussing the effects of bid season and the critical role of service in obtaining rate increases. They explore operational strategies, including the introduction of customer scorecard meetings for internal service tracking and improvement. The conversation highlights the use of Power BI for data analysis, emphasizing its importance in monitoring logistics metrics. They also examine the uncertain market conditions, the value of strategic broker relationships, and the necessity of teamwork to tackle market challenges. The episode underscores a proactive stance on market preparedness, service-driven success, and more. false full 30 53931ee7-baa9-4f91-baf8-cae2bbe52c08 The Impact of Reducing Idle Percentage on Fuel Costs in Trucking Operations Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Introducing Allie and Bryce (0:13)
  • Tips for Reducing Idle Percentage (0:23)
  • The Importance of Driver Engagement (1:25)
  • Final thoughts and takeaways (3:17)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Thu, 15 Feb 2024 17:00:46 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Introducing Allie and Bryce (0:13)
  • Tips for Reducing Idle Percentage (0:23)
  • The Importance of Driver Engagement (1:25)
  • Final thoughts and takeaways (3:17)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> The Impact of Reducing Idle Percentage on Fuel Costs in Trucking Operations Heard Podcasts 00:03:29 In this episode of The Relay, Bryce Peacock and Allie Brown, part of our experienced team at Gulf Relay, discuss strategies to improve the company's fleet efficiency by reducing idle time. Allie, a business analyst, emphasizes the importance of lowering idle percentages to save on fuel costs. The goal is to reach a 32% idle rate, and progress has been made, decreasing from 55% to 43%. The conversation also highlights the role of fleet managers in changing drivers' traditional mindsets about idling. The effort is part of a broader focus on key performance indicators (KPIs) to optimize fleet operations. Don’t miss this episode! In this episode of The Relay, Bryce Peacock and Allie Brown, part of our experienced team at Gulf Relay, discuss strategies to improve the company's fleet efficiency by reducing idle time. Allie, a business analyst, emphasizes the importance of lowering idle percentages to save on fuel costs. The goal is to reach a 32% idle rate, and progress has been made, decreasing from 55% to 43%. The conversation also highlights the role of fleet managers in changing drivers' traditional mindsets about idling. The effort is part of a broader focus on key performance indicators (KPIs) to optimize fleet operations. Don’t miss this episode! false full 29 721c8898-9bfb-4933-9d8a-c65200e4786f Honk if You Miss the Days of Driver Camaraderie and Courtesy on the Road Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Camaraderie among drivers (0:06)
  • Importance of common courtesy (1:13)
  • The impact of technology on driving behavior (7:32)
  • Safety and trip planning (10:02)
  • Final thoughts and takeaways (12:12)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Tue, 16 Jan 2024 10:30:00 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Camaraderie among drivers (0:06)
  • Importance of common courtesy (1:13)
  • The impact of technology on driving behavior (7:32)
  • Safety and trip planning (10:02)
  • Final thoughts and takeaways (12:12)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Honk if You Miss the Days of Driver Camaraderie and Courtesy on the Road Heard Podcasts 00:13:39 In this episode of The Relay, Brett Hutchins, an owner-operator and trainer at Gulf Relay, brings some of his experienced drivers to talk about the evolving culture of driving. The group reminisces about the bygone era of driver camaraderie and mutual support, contrasting it with today's more solitary and less courteous driving environment. The conversation also touches on the role of technology in diminishing interpersonal interactions among drivers, particularly affecting the behavior of younger drivers, the importance of safety, proper trip planning, and maintaining respect on the road, and more. In this episode of The Relay, Brett Hutchins, an owner-operator and trainer at Gulf Relay, brings some of his experienced drivers to talk about the evolving culture of driving. The group reminisces about the bygone era of driver camaraderie and mutual support, contrasting it with today's more solitary and less courteous driving environment. The conversation also touches on the role of technology in diminishing interpersonal interactions among drivers, particularly affecting the behavior of younger drivers, the importance of safety, proper trip planning, and maintaining respect on the road, and more. false full 28 ffb36cce-7923-438d-9f71-d161fe831a84 The Impact of Idling on Fuel Consumption: Insights from Experienced Truckers Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • The importance of reducing idling time (1:19)
  • Proper APU training (3:30)
  • Different strategies for minimizing idling (8:13)
  • Reducing Idling Time (9:58)
  • Controlling Idle Percentage (10:46)
  • Tips for Staying Warm in Cold Weather (12:01)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Tue, 9 Jan 2024 10:30:00 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • The importance of reducing idling time (1:19)
  • Proper APU training (3:30)
  • Different strategies for minimizing idling (8:13)
  • Reducing Idling Time (9:58)
  • Controlling Idle Percentage (10:46)
  • Tips for Staying Warm in Cold Weather (12:01)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> The Impact of Idling on Fuel Consumption: Insights from Experienced Truckers Heard Podcasts 00:13:22 In this episode of The Relay, Brett Hutchins, an owner-operator and trainer at Gulf Relay, brings some of his experienced drivers to talk about idling and fuel conservation in the trucking industry. They emphasize the importance of reducing idling time to save fuel and costs, suggesting methods like using auxiliary power units (APUs) and maintaining the truck's components. The group shares personal experiences and tips, including controlling idle, using different sheets depending on the season, and the value of learning from experienced truckers. They also highlight the impact of weather conditions on idling, strategies for staying comfortable in the truck, and more. In this episode of The Relay, Brett Hutchins, an owner-operator and trainer at Gulf Relay, brings some of his experienced drivers to talk about idling and fuel conservation in the trucking industry. They emphasize the importance of reducing idling time to save fuel and costs, suggesting methods like using auxiliary power units (APUs) and maintaining the truck's components. The group shares personal experiences and tips, including controlling idle, using different sheets depending on the season, and the value of learning from experienced truckers. They also highlight the impact of weather conditions on idling, strategies for staying comfortable in the truck, and more. false full 27 2734a520-1dfa-40b8-a938-664f09f68b8f The Essentials that Every Truck Driver Needs with Brett Hutchins Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Jimmy’s ride or die tools (1:48)
  • The need for extra air hoses (2:44)
  • Other essential tools for drivers (3:58)
  • The importance of keeping food cold (9:43)
  • Staying hydrated as a driver (10:39)
  • The significance of having cooking appliances in the truck (12:06)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Tue, 19 Dec 2023 10:30:00 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Jimmy’s ride or die tools (1:48)
  • The need for extra air hoses (2:44)
  • Other essential tools for drivers (3:58)
  • The importance of keeping food cold (9:43)
  • Staying hydrated as a driver (10:39)
  • The significance of having cooking appliances in the truck (12:06)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> The Essentials that Every Truck Driver Needs with Brett Hutchins Heard Podcasts 00:15:07 In this episode of The Relay, Brett Hutchins, an owner-operator and trainer at Gulf Relay, brings interviews four experienced truck drivers about their essential tools and food supplies for long hauls. The drivers share their must-have items for road repairs and maintenance, and discuss the importance of carrying a week's worth of food, including canned goods and emergency meals. They also highlight the necessity of staying hydrated on the road, the usefulness of appliances like microwaves and air fryers in their trucks, and more. In this episode of The Relay, Brett Hutchins, an owner-operator and trainer at Gulf Relay, brings interviews four experienced truck drivers about their essential tools and food supplies for long hauls. The drivers share their must-have items for road repairs and maintenance, and discuss the importance of carrying a week's worth of food, including canned goods and emergency meals. They also highlight the necessity of staying hydrated on the road, the usefulness of appliances like microwaves and air fryers in their trucks, and more. false full 26 6ab89e4a-d8d2-43bb-bea8-ba181714262a Money Math for Owner Operators with Brett Hutchins Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • The importance of sales in the transportation industry (0:56)
  • Math skills that successful drivers possess (2:04)
  • Tips on optimizing fuel economy and controlling expenses (5:43)
  • Final thoughts and takeaways (7:47)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Tue, 12 Dec 2023 10:30:00 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • The importance of sales in the transportation industry (0:56)
  • Math skills that successful drivers possess (2:04)
  • Tips on optimizing fuel economy and controlling expenses (5:43)
  • Final thoughts and takeaways (7:47)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Money Math for Owner Operators with Brett Hutchins Heard Podcasts 00:10:49 In this episode of The Relay, Brett Hutchins, an owner-operator and trainer at Gulf Relay, discusses the importance of sales in the transportation industry and the mathematical skills required for truck drivers. He emphasizes the need for drivers to optimize fuel economy and control expenses, including managing idle percentage and speed, and purchasing diesel exhaust fluid on the yard. Brett also highlights the crucial role of various team members in the transportation industry, from fleet managers to drivers while also encouraging drivers, particularly owner-operators, to maximize their earnings in the challenging freight market. In this episode of The Relay, Brett Hutchins, an owner-operator and trainer at Gulf Relay, discusses the importance of sales in the transportation industry and the mathematical skills required for truck drivers. He emphasizes the need for drivers to optimize fuel economy and control expenses, including managing idle percentage and speed, and purchasing diesel exhaust fluid on the yard. Brett also highlights the crucial role of various team members in the transportation industry, from fleet managers to drivers while also encouraging drivers, particularly owner-operators, to maximize their earnings in the challenging freight market. false full 25 ef0b67d2-bab6-4154-a065-d7758e9e0898 The Unsung Heroes of Gulf Relay: Meet the Mechanics Who Keep the Wheels Turning Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Common problems mechanics see on trucks (0:33)
  • After-treatment systems on trucks (1:33)
  • The worst tire we’ve seen in the shop (4:59)
  • Experiences as a diesel mechanic (9:10)
  • The importance of routine maintenance and pre-trip inspections (9:43)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Tue, 21 Nov 2023 10:30:00 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Common problems mechanics see on trucks (0:33)
  • After-treatment systems on trucks (1:33)
  • The worst tire we’ve seen in the shop (4:59)
  • Experiences as a diesel mechanic (9:10)
  • The importance of routine maintenance and pre-trip inspections (9:43)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> The Unsung Heroes of Gulf Relay: Meet the Mechanics Who Keep the Wheels Turning Heard Podcasts 00:10:28 In this episode of The Relay, we take a little different turn as Sarah Williams catches up with our mechanics in the shop. We discuss common issues mechanics encounter such as lighting problems and check engine lights, and the importance of pre-trip inspections and routine maintenance. Don’t miss the discussion around the challenges of after-treatment systems on trucks and a story about a truck that caused a chain reaction of problems. Join us as we talk shop with some of our mechanics at Gulf Relay. In this episode of The Relay, we take a little different turn as Sarah Williams catches up with our mechanics in the shop. We discuss common issues mechanics encounter such as lighting problems and check engine lights, and the importance of pre-trip inspections and routine maintenance. Don’t miss the discussion around the challenges of after-treatment systems on trucks and a story about a truck that caused a chain reaction of problems. Join us as we talk shop with some of our mechanics at Gulf Relay. false full 24 ce5ecf71-dc22-466f-b0e0-a78da1da953a Top-Tier Equipment for Top-Tier Drivers Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Features and specs of the new Volvo trucks (0:36)
  • New Mack trucks in the fleet and their features (3:31)
  • Plans for adding more trucks to the fleet in the future (7:47)
  • Final thoughts and takeaways (9:03)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Tue, 14 Nov 2023 10:30:00 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Features and specs of the new Volvo trucks (0:36)
  • New Mack trucks in the fleet and their features (3:31)
  • Plans for adding more trucks to the fleet in the future (7:47)
  • Final thoughts and takeaways (9:03)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Top-Tier Equipment for Top-Tier Drivers Heard Podcasts 00:10:45 In this episode of The Relay, Rhaya Reynolds, Driver Recruiting Manager at Gulf Relay, sits down with Marcus Myers of the Maintenence department. In this conversation, Marcus talks about the new trucks on the fleet at Gulf Relay. He shares the features of the Volvo 860s trucks, such as spacious fridges, heated seats, and large storage capacity. Marcus highlights that these trucks are designed for top-tier drivers. They also discuss the use of these trucks by both team and solo drivers. The conversation also touches on the new Macks truck, which have a different design without an upper bunk. Don’t miss this in-depth look at some of the new trucks for Gulf Relay. In this episode of The Relay, Rhaya Reynolds, Driver Recruiting Manager at Gulf Relay, sits down with Marcus Myers of the Maintenence department. In this conversation, Marcus talks about the new trucks on the fleet at Gulf Relay. He shares the features of the Volvo 860s trucks, such as spacious fridges, heated seats, and large storage capacity. Marcus highlights that these trucks are designed for top-tier drivers. They also discuss the use of these trucks by both team and solo drivers. The conversation also touches on the new Macks truck, which have a different design without an upper bunk. Don’t miss this in-depth look at some of the new trucks for Gulf Relay. false full 23 d47e0044-d68f-4d8b-b0ed-34482c7bbad7 Onboarding New Customers and Building Strong Relationships for Success Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • The importance of operations knowledge in sales (1:36)
  • Targeting specific regions and commodities (3:17)
  • Attending industry conferences (8:42)
  • Onboarding Process with New Customers (10:42)
  • Gulf Relay's Unique Value Proposition (14:38)
  • Final thoughts and takeaways (18:45)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Tue, 7 Nov 2023 10:30:00 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • The importance of operations knowledge in sales (1:36)
  • Targeting specific regions and commodities (3:17)
  • Attending industry conferences (8:42)
  • Onboarding Process with New Customers (10:42)
  • Gulf Relay's Unique Value Proposition (14:38)
  • Final thoughts and takeaways (18:45)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Onboarding New Customers and Building Strong Relationships for Success Heard Podcasts 00:19:56 In this episode of The Relay, hosts Maddie Cook and Blanks Baldwin sit down with Cole Chandler from the business development team. Cole shares his journey from operations to sales, emphasizing the value of his operational experience in building customer relationships. The team discusses their strategy for bringing on new business and targeting areas where they have a strong presence and engineering consistent routes. They also share their excitement about attending industry conferences, the importance of face-to-face interactions with customers, and more. In this episode of The Relay, hosts Maddie Cook and Blanks Baldwin sit down with Cole Chandler from the business development team. Cole shares his journey from operations to sales, emphasizing the value of his operational experience in building customer relationships. The team discusses their strategy for bringing on new business and targeting areas where they have a strong presence and engineering consistent routes. They also share their excitement about attending industry conferences, the importance of face-to-face interactions with customers, and more. false full 22 c8f550a3-f2e2-4204-b6e6-787328202825 Like Father, Like Son: Meet a Father-Son Driving Team at Gulf Relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • The father-son team (1:10)
  • Training process and challenges (2:09)
  • Favorite places to visit on the road (2:50)
  • The importance of safe driving (10:21)
  • Trusting your co-driver (11:18)
  • Managing fuel costs (13:07)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Tue, 31 Oct 2023 09:30:00 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • The father-son team (1:10)
  • Training process and challenges (2:09)
  • Favorite places to visit on the road (2:50)
  • The importance of safe driving (10:21)
  • Trusting your co-driver (11:18)
  • Managing fuel costs (13:07)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Like Father, Like Son: Meet a Father-Son Driving Team at Gulf Relay Heard Podcasts 00:14:19 In this episode of the Relay, host Rhaya Reynolds sits down with the father-son owner-operators of Frederick Hunter Sr. and Fred Hunter Jr., drivers here at Gulf Relay. During this episode, Frederick and Fred discuss their experiences on the road, their favorite places to visit, and their strategies for fuel management. The father-son duo also emphasize the importance of defensive driving and share how they maintain trust and accountability within their team. The episode provides insights into the life of truck drivers and offers advice for new drivers looking to gain experience in the industry. In this episode of the Relay, host Rhaya Reynolds sits down with the father-son owner-operators of Frederick Hunter Sr. and Fred Hunter Jr., drivers here at Gulf Relay. During this episode, Frederick and Fred discuss their experiences on the road, their favorite places to visit, and their strategies for fuel management. The father-son duo also emphasize the importance of defensive driving and share how they maintain trust and accountability within their team. The episode provides insights into the life of truck drivers and offers advice for new drivers looking to gain experience in the industry. false full 21 cb2676a0-55a5-4b67-be02-40e32f08892b Incentives, Benefits, Safety, and More: Why Drivers Love Working at Gulf Relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • The transition from operations to recruiting (0:33)
  • Building relationships with drivers (2:19)
  • The importance of safety in driver recruitment (10:05)
  • Driver Qualifications (11:34)
  • Safety Measures (12:26)
  • Driver Incentives (13:27)
  • Final thoughts and takeaways (18:19)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Tue, 24 Oct 2023 09:30:00 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • The transition from operations to recruiting (0:33)
  • Building relationships with drivers (2:19)
  • The importance of safety in driver recruitment (10:05)
  • Driver Qualifications (11:34)
  • Safety Measures (12:26)
  • Driver Incentives (13:27)
  • Final thoughts and takeaways (18:19)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Incentives, Benefits, Safety, and More: Why Drivers Love Working at Gulf Relay Heard Podcasts 00:22:13 In this episode of the Relay, the recruiting team at Gulf Relay, led by Rhaya Reynolds, discuss their roles and the recruitment process. Jessica Brown shares her transition from account manager to recruiter, while Nikki Brent talks about her approach to building relationships with drivers. Nelia Toups emphasizes the importance of finding drivers who view Gulf Relay as home. The team also discusses the qualifications required for drivers, the company's commitment to safety, incentives and benefits available, including a driver referral program, the lease purchase program, and more. In this episode of the Relay, the recruiting team at Gulf Relay, led by Rhaya Reynolds, discuss their roles and the recruitment process. Jessica Brown shares her transition from account manager to recruiter, while Nikki Brent talks about her approach to building relationships with drivers. Nelia Toups emphasizes the importance of finding drivers who view Gulf Relay as home. The team also discusses the qualifications required for drivers, the company's commitment to safety, incentives and benefits available, including a driver referral program, the lease purchase program, and more. false full 20 31f5dd83-2d5e-4d7f-831c-663ee02ec382 Level Eight Inspections: What it means for Drivers, Maintenance, and the Industry Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Level eight inspections (1:20)
  • Implications of level eight inspections (2:34)
  • Digital permit book (4:32)
  • Additional thoughts from level eight inspections (7:02)
  • Final thoughts and takeaways (10:10)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Tue, 17 Oct 2023 09:30:00 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Level eight inspections (1:20)
  • Implications of level eight inspections (2:34)
  • Digital permit book (4:32)
  • Additional thoughts from level eight inspections (7:02)
  • Final thoughts and takeaways (10:10)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Level Eight Inspections: What it means for Drivers, Maintenance, and the Industry Heard Podcasts 00:12:52 In this episode of the Relay, William Everett, Director of Safety at Gulf Relay, is joined by Marcus Myers, Director of Equipment and Maintenance. During the conversation, William and Marcus discuss their experiences at the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance Conference (CVSA). They talk about the upcoming implementation of a level eight inspection in the trucking industry, which aims to measure safety, efficiency, and environmental impacts. The two discuss this new system and how it will improve driver utilization, its impact on maintenance, potential challenges in implementation, such as infrastructure requirements and the adaptation of smaller carriers and more. In this episode of the Relay, William Everett, Director of Safety at Gulf Relay, is joined by Marcus Myers, Director of Equipment and Maintenance. During the conversation, William and Marcus discuss their experiences at the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance Conference (CVSA). They talk about the upcoming implementation of a level eight inspection in the trucking industry, which aims to measure safety, efficiency, and environmental impacts. The two discuss this new system and how it will improve driver utilization, its impact on maintenance, potential challenges in implementation, such as infrastructure requirements and the adaptation of smaller carriers and more. false full 19 9efa7e58-0a86-4b6a-b718-468c89bbdaca Growth and Opportunity in a Challenging Transportation Market Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Bryce’s journey at Gulf Relay (0:24)
  • How market challenges are impacting Gulf Relay (1:30)
  • Combatting the struggles of the transportation market (4:17)
  • Advice for those looking to come into the logistics space (6:42)
  • Final thoughts (7:31)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Tue, 26 Sep 2023 09:30:00 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Bryce’s journey at Gulf Relay (0:24)
  • How market challenges are impacting Gulf Relay (1:30)
  • Combatting the struggles of the transportation market (4:17)
  • Advice for those looking to come into the logistics space (6:42)
  • Final thoughts (7:31)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Growth and Opportunity in a Challenging Transportation Market Heard Podcasts 00:08:18 In this episode of the Relay, Rhaya Reynolds, Driver Recruiting Manager at Gulf Relay, sits down with Bryce Peacock, Director of Operations at Gulf Relay. Bryce discusses his role and experiences at Gulf Relay, highlighting the importance of the people in their success. He acknowledged the challenges in the transportation market, including a down market and fuel price fluctuations, but remains optimistic about opportunities, such as the recent shutdown of Yellow Freight. Bryce advises newcomers to enter the transportation field during a down market to gain valuable experience while explaining how Gulf Relay is well-prepared to handle challenges through their strategic approach and partnerships. In this episode of the Relay, Rhaya Reynolds, Driver Recruiting Manager at Gulf Relay, sits down with Bryce Peacock, Director of Operations at Gulf Relay. Bryce discusses his role and experiences at Gulf Relay, highlighting the importance of the people in their success. He acknowledged the challenges in the transportation market, including a down market and fuel price fluctuations, but remains optimistic about opportunities, such as the recent shutdown of Yellow Freight. Bryce advises newcomers to enter the transportation field during a down market to gain valuable experience while explaining how Gulf Relay is well-prepared to handle challenges through their strategic approach and partnerships. false full 18 30fa23af-8d27-42c3-9e35-98e265b66a79 How Technology and Communication Fuel Efficiency with Rhaya Reynolds and Maddie Cook Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Maddie’s background and experience in trucking (0:55)
  • The conveyor belt of logistics (2:10)
  • The challenges of an oversaturated market (4:39)
  • Handling challenges in a slower market (6:19)
  • Advice for newcomers in the transportation field (7:44)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Tue, 19 Sep 2023 09:30:00 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Maddie’s background and experience in trucking (0:55)
  • The conveyor belt of logistics (2:10)
  • The challenges of an oversaturated market (4:39)
  • Handling challenges in a slower market (6:19)
  • Advice for newcomers in the transportation field (7:44)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> How Technology and Communication Fuel Efficiency with Rhaya Reynolds and Maddie Cook Heard Podcasts 00:08:31 In this episode of the Relay, Rhaya Reynolds, Driver Recruiting Manager at Gulf Relay, sits down with Maddie Cook, Director of Customer Success at Gulf Relay. In this conversation, Maddie shares her background in the trucking industry and what led her to Gulf Relay. Rhaya and Maddie also discuss the obstacles faced by Gulf Relay in the industry today such as the scarcity of drivers and the necessity for effective communication among various teams. They also talk about the influence of technology on the transportation sector and how Gulf Relay employs technology to streamline operations, enhance communication, and provide real-time updates to both customers and drivers. Don’t miss this great episode! In this episode of the Relay, Rhaya Reynolds, Driver Recruiting Manager at Gulf Relay, sits down with Maddie Cook, Director of Customer Success at Gulf Relay. In this conversation, Maddie shares her background in the trucking industry and what led her to Gulf Relay. Rhaya and Maddie also discuss the obstacles faced by Gulf Relay in the industry today such as the scarcity of drivers and the necessity for effective communication among various teams. They also talk about the influence of technology on the transportation sector and how Gulf Relay employs technology to streamline operations, enhance communication, and provide real-time updates to both customers and drivers. Don’t miss this great episode! false full 17 9456bbd0-5398-4c1f-93ab-1e6100d3e013 For the Long Haul: Secrets of a Successful Trucking Career Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Richard’s background and journey in trucking (0:24)
  • Joining the Gulf Relay team (1:10)
  • Advice for new drivers (3:26)
  • Tips from Richard on how to be a successful driver (5:45)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Tue, 12 Sep 2023 09:30:00 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Richard’s background and journey in trucking (0:24)
  • Joining the Gulf Relay team (1:10)
  • Advice for new drivers (3:26)
  • Tips from Richard on how to be a successful driver (5:45)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> For the Long Haul: Secrets of a Successful Trucking Career Heard Podcasts 00:07:38 In this episode of the Relay, Rhaya Reynolds, Driver Recruiting Manager at Gulf Relay, sits down with Richard Watkins, a driver on the local team. Richard shares his experience as a driver since 2000 and his positive experiences with Gulf Relay, including the benefits of being home every day and the helpful load information provided by dispatchers. He emphasizes the importance of asking questions and helping each other in the transportation field, as well as the significance of pre-tripping and post-tripping the truck and trailer to ensure everything is as it needs to be. Richard also gives advice for driving in snowy and icy conditions and shares his hobbies, healthy eating habits on the road, and more. In this episode of the Relay, Rhaya Reynolds, Driver Recruiting Manager at Gulf Relay, sits down with Richard Watkins, a driver on the local team. Richard shares his experience as a driver since 2000 and his positive experiences with Gulf Relay, including the benefits of being home every day and the helpful load information provided by dispatchers. He emphasizes the importance of asking questions and helping each other in the transportation field, as well as the significance of pre-tripping and post-tripping the truck and trailer to ensure everything is as it needs to be. Richard also gives advice for driving in snowy and icy conditions and shares his hobbies, healthy eating habits on the road, and more. false full 16 1af0f683-ce36-4500-8cac-715afd8e58c6 The Power of Teamwork in Logistics: Collaboration for Success Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • The responsibilities of a fleet manager (0:07)
  • Communication is vital in logistics (1:02)
  • The importance of teamwork and accountability (2:22)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Tue, 5 Sep 2023 09:30:00 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • The responsibilities of a fleet manager (0:07)
  • Communication is vital in logistics (1:02)
  • The importance of teamwork and accountability (2:22)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> The Power of Teamwork in Logistics: Collaboration for Success Heard Podcasts 00:03:21 In this episode of the Relay, Dwayne Cochran, a Fleet Manager at Gulf Relay, discusses his role and the importance of communication in the logistics industry. During the conversation, Dwayne emphasizes the responsibilities of a fleet manager, such as providing load information and addressing driver issues. Dwayne stresses the significance of building a good relationship with drivers and being a reliable source of information. He also acknowledges drivers' concerns about job security and the freight market and believes that effective communication and transparency can alleviate these worries. Dwayne highlights the importance of teamwork and accountability within the company, offers advice for trainees to learn from experienced drivers, and more. In this episode of the Relay, Dwayne Cochran, a Fleet Manager at Gulf Relay, discusses his role and the importance of communication in the logistics industry. During the conversation, Dwayne emphasizes the responsibilities of a fleet manager, such as providing load information and addressing driver issues. Dwayne stresses the significance of building a good relationship with drivers and being a reliable source of information. He also acknowledges drivers' concerns about job security and the freight market and believes that effective communication and transparency can alleviate these worries. Dwayne highlights the importance of teamwork and accountability within the company, offers advice for trainees to learn from experienced drivers, and more. false full 15 0bda7d14-a04f-4f80-9d2b-4e8d4f7d94de Clean Equipment Means Better Inspections and More Savings Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • The benefit of clean equipment for DOT inspections and operations (0:13)
  • Keeping the dashboards of trucks free from trash and clutter (0:55)
  • How the washer saves the company money (1:05)
  • The cleaning process for the in-house washer (2:20)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Tue, 1 Aug 2023 09:30:00 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • The benefit of clean equipment for DOT inspections and operations (0:13)
  • Keeping the dashboards of trucks free from trash and clutter (0:55)
  • How the washer saves the company money (1:05)
  • The cleaning process for the in-house washer (2:20)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Clean Equipment Means Better Inspections and More Savings Heard Podcasts 00:02:48 In this episode of the Relay, William Everett, Director of Safety at Gulf Relay, talks about the company’s in-house truck wash system. William shares the importance of keeping equipment clean for DOT inspections, how the washer saves the company money by having washing operations in-house, the cleaning process for the system, how drivers can benefit from keeping their equipment clean, and more. In this episode of the Relay, William Everett, Director of Safety at Gulf Relay, talks about the company’s in-house truck wash system. William shares the importance of keeping equipment clean for DOT inspections, how the washer saves the company money by having washing operations in-house, the cleaning process for the system, how drivers can benefit from keeping their equipment clean, and more. false full 14 bf465b1b-717e-427a-9d0b-cd93ec2fa62b A Front-to-Back Walkthrough of Gulf Relay Trucks with William Everett and Marcus Myers Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Pre-trip inspection elements on Gulf Relay trucks (0:19)
  • Safety sensors and cameras on the trucks (1:41)
  • Providing drivers with the best equipment at Gulf Relay (3:45)
  • Landing gear and other equipment (4:56)
  • Omnitracs and interior components of the truck (7:11)
  • Safety systems on our trucks (7:49)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Tue, 25 Jul 2023 09:30:00 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Pre-trip inspection elements on Gulf Relay trucks (0:19)
  • Safety sensors and cameras on the trucks (1:41)
  • Providing drivers with the best equipment at Gulf Relay (3:45)
  • Landing gear and other equipment (4:56)
  • Omnitracs and interior components of the truck (7:11)
  • Safety systems on our trucks (7:49)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> A Front-to-Back Walkthrough of Gulf Relay Trucks with William Everett and Marcus Myers Heard Podcasts 00:09:49 In this episode of the Relay, William Everett, Director of Safety at Gulf Relay, is joined by Marcus Myers of the Equipment and Maintenance division. During the conversation, William and Marcus discuss some of the specs and features of our Gulf Relay trucks. The two do a walkaround in the truck to point out key information and equipment that comes standard on our trucks. We want to provide the best equipment that is on the market today and Marcus and William talk through each feature that makes our trucks the best on the road. Don’t miss this episode! In this episode of the Relay, William Everett, Director of Safety at Gulf Relay, is joined by Marcus Myers of the Equipment and Maintenance division. During the conversation, William and Marcus discuss some of the specs and features of our Gulf Relay trucks. The two do a walkaround in the truck to point out key information and equipment that comes standard on our trucks. We want to provide the best equipment that is on the market today and Marcus and William talk through each feature that makes our trucks the best on the road. Don’t miss this episode! false full 13 04b05616-f684-4472-90b4-4e9770234547 Finding Stability and Fulfillment through Local Driving Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Finding a career in trucking (0:18)
  • Transitioning from Manufacturing to Sales (2:22)
  • Moving to local routes (3:19)
  • Working at Gulf Relay (9:02)
  • Spirituality at Gulf Relay (10:44)
  • Trucking school (12:02)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Tue, 11 Jul 2023 09:30:00 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Finding a career in trucking (0:18)
  • Transitioning from Manufacturing to Sales (2:22)
  • Moving to local routes (3:19)
  • Working at Gulf Relay (9:02)
  • Spirituality at Gulf Relay (10:44)
  • Trucking school (12:02)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Finding Stability and Fulfillment through Local Driving Heard Podcasts 00:12:32 In this episode of the Relay, Sarah Williams sits down with Terrian LeFlore, one of our local drivers at Gulf Relay. During this conversation, Terrian shares her journey into the trucking industry, explaining that she tried different careers before becoming a truck driver. Terrian found Gulf Relay after wanting to switch to a local route and encountering a driver from the company. She also talks about the personal and spiritual aspects of trucking, her experience with trucking school, lease-to-purchase programs, and more. In this episode of the Relay, Sarah Williams sits down with Terrian LeFlore, one of our local drivers at Gulf Relay. During this conversation, Terrian shares her journey into the trucking industry, explaining that she tried different careers before becoming a truck driver. Terrian found Gulf Relay after wanting to switch to a local route and encountering a driver from the company. She also talks about the personal and spiritual aspects of trucking, her experience with trucking school, lease-to-purchase programs, and more. false full 12 72f572f9-a782-41fd-abe9-1b3fb320110c The Most Important Steps for Driver Safety with William Everett and Cedric Johnson Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Introducing Cedric and the topics of today’s show (0:10)
  • Cedric's background in transportation industry (0:22) 
  • The biggest safety concern in the trucking industry (2:02)
  • Future Safety Improvements (2:55)
  • Upcoming events at Gulf Relay (4:11)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Tue, 27 Jun 2023 09:30:00 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Introducing Cedric and the topics of today’s show (0:10)
  • Cedric's background in transportation industry (0:22) 
  • The biggest safety concern in the trucking industry (2:02)
  • Future Safety Improvements (2:55)
  • Upcoming events at Gulf Relay (4:11)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> The Most Important Steps for Driver Safety with William Everett and Cedric Johnson Heard Podcasts 00:05:13 This week on The Relay, host William Everett, Director of Safety at Gulf Relay, is joined by Cedric Johnson, one of our Log & Camera Auditors. In this conversation, Cedric shares his background in the transportation industry and some of the craziest things he's seen while monitoring events. They also discuss the importance of driver safety, including avoiding cell phone use, speeding, and maintaining a safe following distance. William and Cedric talk about lower safety scores and fewer stops at truck stops, a Q2 driver meeting, a memorial service for a fallen driver, and more. This week on The Relay, host William Everett, Director of Safety at Gulf Relay, is joined by Cedric Johnson, one of our Log & Camera Auditors. In this conversation, Cedric shares his background in the transportation industry and some of the craziest things he's seen while monitoring events. They also discuss the importance of driver safety, including avoiding cell phone use, speeding, and maintaining a safe following distance. William and Cedric talk about lower safety scores and fewer stops at truck stops, a Q2 driver meeting, a memorial service for a fallen driver, and more. false full 11 b700a554-93fc-4ef9-a213-95c055dbad99 From Local Customers to National Expansion: The Evolution of Gulf Relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • The evolution of Gulf Relay (0:10)
  • Expansion of commodities (2:10)
  • The dedicated division (4:20)
  • Commodity diversification (8:45)
  • The future of Gulf Relay (9:37)
  • The importance of consistency (7:19)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Tue, 13 Jun 2023 09:30:00 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • The evolution of Gulf Relay (0:10)
  • Expansion of commodities (2:10)
  • The dedicated division (4:20)
  • Commodity diversification (8:45)
  • The future of Gulf Relay (9:37)
  • The importance of consistency (7:19)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> From Local Customers to National Expansion: The Evolution of Gulf Relay Heard Podcasts 00:10:38 This week on The Relay, host Maddie Cook interviews Blanks Baldwin, Executive Vice President at Gulf Relay, about the evolution of the company and its operations. Blanks and Maddie discuss the company's growth, customer base, commodities, and the dedicated division, how Gulf Relay has expanded into different areas, and how they have added consistency to their service by creating regular routes for their drivers, and more. This week on The Relay, host Maddie Cook interviews Blanks Baldwin, Executive Vice President at Gulf Relay, about the evolution of the company and its operations. Blanks and Maddie discuss the company's growth, customer base, commodities, and the dedicated division, how Gulf Relay has expanded into different areas, and how they have added consistency to their service by creating regular routes for their drivers, and more. false full 10 f4a6f867-84d4-4eb9-b061-b3e82ded7293 Combatting a Challenging Freight Economy with Maddie Cook and Bryce Peacock Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Freight beginning to level out despite surge of capacity (0:24)
  • How Gulf Relay is handling the economic challenges (2:37)
  • Freight numbers coming back up (3:48)
  • The reefer market (4:39) 
  • Customer expectations in the current market (7:10) 

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. In each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Tue, 6 Jun 2023 15:23:53 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Freight beginning to level out despite surge of capacity (0:24)
  • How Gulf Relay is handling the economic challenges (2:37)
  • Freight numbers coming back up (3:48)
  • The reefer market (4:39) 
  • Customer expectations in the current market (7:10) 

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. In each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Combatting a Challenging Freight Economy with Maddie Cook and Bryce Peacock Heard Podcasts 00:08:29 This week on The Relay, Maddie Cook, Director of Customer Success at Gulf Relay, is joined by Bryce Peacock, Director of Operations. In this episode, Maddie and Bryce give an update on the freight market, including explaining the surge in the capacity of trucking companies that is leveling out after the COVID-19 pandemic, how the market is leveling out, customer expectations in the current market, and more. This week on The Relay, Maddie Cook, Director of Customer Success at Gulf Relay, is joined by Bryce Peacock, Director of Operations. In this episode, Maddie and Bryce give an update on the freight market, including explaining the surge in the capacity of trucking companies that is leveling out after the COVID-19 pandemic, how the market is leveling out, customer expectations in the current market, and more. false full 9 83b590e0-0c3f-4356-a5b3-51d7a3745959 Feedback Matters in Equipment and Safety with William Everett and Marcus Myers Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Update on equipment through 2023 (0:21)
  • How feedback from drivers is implemented in equipment purchases (1:25)
  • What’s coming in for equipment and why (4:36)
  • The importance of driver inspections (6:51)
  • Gulf Relay safety event in June (9:13)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Tue, 30 May 2023 09:30:00 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Update on equipment through 2023 (0:21)
  • How feedback from drivers is implemented in equipment purchases (1:25)
  • What’s coming in for equipment and why (4:36)
  • The importance of driver inspections (6:51)
  • Gulf Relay safety event in June (9:13)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Feedback Matters in Equipment and Safety with William Everett and Marcus Myers Heard Podcasts 00:10:58 This week on The Relay, William Everett, Director of Safety at Gulf Relay, is joined by Marcus Myers, Senior Director of Equipment and Maintenance. During this conversation, William and Marcus give and update on equipment purchases and transitions at Gulf Relay, programs to incentivize driver inspections and safety measures, how feedback matters from the drivers, and more. This week on The Relay, William Everett, Director of Safety at Gulf Relay, is joined by Marcus Myers, Senior Director of Equipment and Maintenance. During this conversation, William and Marcus give and update on equipment purchases and transitions at Gulf Relay, programs to incentivize driver inspections and safety measures, how feedback matters from the drivers, and more. false full 8 f5bd8eb0-f112-49a0-bf5c-52a317ce049c Tattoos, Trucks, and Adrenaline Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Working for Gulf Relay (0:06)
  • A love for tattoos (5:28)
  • Importance of family and community (4:47)
  • Mark’s passion for adrenaline (6:40)
  • Hobbies and interests (7:49)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Tue, 23 May 2023 09:30:00 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Working for Gulf Relay (0:06)
  • A love for tattoos (5:28)
  • Importance of family and community (4:47)
  • Mark’s passion for adrenaline (6:40)
  • Hobbies and interests (7:49)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Tattoos, Trucks, and Adrenaline Heard Podcasts 00:08:58 This week on The Relay, Sarah Williams is joined by Mark Garcia, one of our Over the Road (OTR) drivers at Gulf Relay. In this conversation, Mark talks about his experience working for Gulf Relay and how the company embodies a sense of togetherness and a family-oriented feel. He also shares his love, the importance of self-love, his passion for adrenaline-fueled activities, and more. This week on The Relay, Sarah Williams is joined by Mark Garcia, one of our Over the Road (OTR) drivers at Gulf Relay. In this conversation, Mark talks about his experience working for Gulf Relay and how the company embodies a sense of togetherness and a family-oriented feel. He also shares his love, the importance of self-love, his passion for adrenaline-fueled activities, and more. false full 7 164c1e0c-932d-4282-aa08-85f9850c5aed What Are the Qualities of a Great Driver? With Rhaya Reynolds and Nelia Toups Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Nelia’s journey at Gulf Relay and her responsibilities with the company (0:21)
  • Being the face of the company to drivers (0:53)
  • The qualities of a good driver (1:21)
  • Orientation process for the drivers (4:08)
  • Requirements for drivers at Gulf Relay (5:41)
  • Communication with the drivers (8:04)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Tue, 16 May 2023 09:30:00 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Nelia’s journey at Gulf Relay and her responsibilities with the company (0:21)
  • Being the face of the company to drivers (0:53)
  • The qualities of a good driver (1:21)
  • Orientation process for the drivers (4:08)
  • Requirements for drivers at Gulf Relay (5:41)
  • Communication with the drivers (8:04)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> What Are the Qualities of a Great Driver? With Rhaya Reynolds and Nelia Toups Heard Podcasts 00:09:07 This week on The Relay, Rhaya Reynolds is joined by Nelia Toups, one of our driver recruiters at Gulf Relay. In this discussion, Rhaya and Nelia talk about the recruitment department being the face of the company for drivers, the qualities they look for in a good driver, how the orientation process is different at Gulf Relay from other companies, the importance of communication with drivers, and more. This week on The Relay, Rhaya Reynolds is joined by Nelia Toups, one of our driver recruiters at Gulf Relay. In this discussion, Rhaya and Nelia talk about the recruitment department being the face of the company for drivers, the qualities they look for in a good driver, how the orientation process is different at Gulf Relay from other companies, the importance of communication with drivers, and more. false full 6 8177bfe4-0b67-46ed-aa34-5a26cbcbb1b7 Balancing Life as Truck Driver and Cattle Rancher with Brett Hutchins Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Getting out of the mundane and into trucking (0:10)
  • Managing truck driving but also owning a cattle ranch (1:53)
  • Driving regional and OTR (3:49)
  • Managing fuel costs as an owner operator (4:48)
  • Staying connected on the road (7:09)
  • Brett’s favorite person at Gulf Relay and what brought him to the company (10:23)
  • Why Gulf Relay? (12:08)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Tue, 2 May 2023 09:30:00 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Getting out of the mundane and into trucking (0:10)
  • Managing truck driving but also owning a cattle ranch (1:53)
  • Driving regional and OTR (3:49)
  • Managing fuel costs as an owner operator (4:48)
  • Staying connected on the road (7:09)
  • Brett’s favorite person at Gulf Relay and what brought him to the company (10:23)
  • Why Gulf Relay? (12:08)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Balancing Life as Truck Driver and Cattle Rancher with Brett Hutchins Heard Podcasts 00:13:38 This week on The Relay, we sit down with Brett Hutchins, one of our owner operators at Gulf Relay. During this conversation, Brett shares his journey into trucking and how he managing life on the road while also running a cattle ranch at home. Other topics include tips in saving money on fuel, staying connected with other drivers on the road, who is favorite person at Gulf Relay is, and more. This week on The Relay, we sit down with Brett Hutchins, one of our owner operators at Gulf Relay. During this conversation, Brett shares his journey into trucking and how he managing life on the road while also running a cattle ranch at home. Other topics include tips in saving money on fuel, staying connected with other drivers on the road, who is favorite person at Gulf Relay is, and more. false full 5 e4cd979f-b0ec-4e1a-8f68-e027780c4c67 How Inspections Keep You Safe On the Road with Marcus Myers and T.J. Wolff Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) and changes implemented (0:47)
  • The impact of SmartDrive Technology at Gulf Relay (3:26)
  • Drowsy driving and cell phone distraction (4:23)
  • In-services, out-of-services, and new-hire inspection protocols (5:47)
  • Inspections’ impact on driver satisfaction (8:51)
  • Plans for equipment at Gulf Relay in 2023 (10:17)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Tue, 25 Apr 2023 09:30:00 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) and changes implemented (0:47)
  • The impact of SmartDrive Technology at Gulf Relay (3:26)
  • Drowsy driving and cell phone distraction (4:23)
  • In-services, out-of-services, and new-hire inspection protocols (5:47)
  • Inspections’ impact on driver satisfaction (8:51)
  • Plans for equipment at Gulf Relay in 2023 (10:17)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> How Inspections Keep You Safe On the Road with Marcus Myers and T.J. Wolff Heard Podcasts 00:12:23 This week on The Relay, Marcus Myers, Director of Maintenance at Gulf Relay is joined by T.J. Wolff, one of our inspection mechanics. During this conversation, Marcus and T.J. talk about battery changes in technology, how SmartDrive has impacted drowsy driving, inspection standards at Gulf Relay, the success of inspections on influencing driver satisfaction, and more. This week on The Relay, Marcus Myers, Director of Maintenance at Gulf Relay is joined by T.J. Wolff, one of our inspection mechanics. During this conversation, Marcus and T.J. talk about battery changes in technology, how SmartDrive has impacted drowsy driving, inspection standards at Gulf Relay, the success of inspections on influencing driver satisfaction, and more. false full 4 085d94d2-93a1-441e-82c4-144b6116a559 Driving Fabulous: Jasmine Tolbert’s Story as a Driver for Gulf Relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Jasmine’s journey in becoming a truck driver (0:19)
  • Support as a female driver in the trucking industry (1:51)
  • The importance of the driver/dispatcher relationship (2:47)
  • Favorite destinations for Jasmine on the road (4:02)
  • Home time at Gulf Relay (4:54)
  • Jasmine’s key to looking fabulous (7:54)
  • The driver community at Gulf Relay (9:55)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Tue, 18 Apr 2023 09:30:00 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Jasmine’s journey in becoming a truck driver (0:19)
  • Support as a female driver in the trucking industry (1:51)
  • The importance of the driver/dispatcher relationship (2:47)
  • Favorite destinations for Jasmine on the road (4:02)
  • Home time at Gulf Relay (4:54)
  • Jasmine’s key to looking fabulous (7:54)
  • The driver community at Gulf Relay (9:55)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Driving Fabulous: Jasmine Tolbert’s Story as a Driver for Gulf Relay Heard Podcasts 00:11:19 This week on The Relay, Rhaya Reynolds, Driver Recruiting Manager at Gulf Relay, is joined by Jasmine Tolbert, one of our company drivers. In this conversation, Jasmine shares her story of becoming a truck driver for Gulf Relay. Topics in this conversation include the importance of the driver/dispatcher relationship, best places Jasmine has been in her travels, her support as a female driver in the trucking industry, and more. This week on The Relay, Rhaya Reynolds, Driver Recruiting Manager at Gulf Relay, is joined by Jasmine Tolbert, one of our company drivers. In this conversation, Jasmine shares her story of becoming a truck driver for Gulf Relay. Topics in this conversation include the importance of the driver/dispatcher relationship, best places Jasmine has been in her travels, her support as a female driver in the trucking industry, and more. false full 3 fd5c905c-9e28-4847-b795-a17b875f69d6 Fit to Pass: Healthy Habits for Truck Drivers with William Everett and Cameron Donaldson Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • What is the purpose of Fit to Pass? (0:16)
  • Healthy tips for drivers (2:55)
  • How stretching helps improve health and circulation (4:42)
  • The importance of healthy eating and snacking (7:13)
  • Success stories with Fit to Pass at Gulf Relay (9:31)
  • Three simple practices for daily improvement in your health (12:44) 

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Tue, 11 Apr 2023 09:30:00 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • What is the purpose of Fit to Pass? (0:16)
  • Healthy tips for drivers (2:55)
  • How stretching helps improve health and circulation (4:42)
  • The importance of healthy eating and snacking (7:13)
  • Success stories with Fit to Pass at Gulf Relay (9:31)
  • Three simple practices for daily improvement in your health (12:44) 

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Fit to Pass: Healthy Habits for Truck Drivers with William Everett and Cameron Donaldson Heard Podcasts 00:15:39 This week on The Relay, William Everett, Director of Safety at Gulf Relay, is joined by Cameron Donaldson, our Fit to Pass Coach. In this conversation, William and Cameron discuss healthy habits for drivers and the importance of daily decisions to keep drivers behind the wheel. Topics include the importance of healthy eating and snacks, stretching and exercising while on the road, simple practices for daily improvement in your health, and more. This week on The Relay, William Everett, Director of Safety at Gulf Relay, is joined by Cameron Donaldson, our Fit to Pass Coach. In this conversation, William and Cameron discuss healthy habits for drivers and the importance of daily decisions to keep drivers behind the wheel. Topics include the importance of healthy eating and snacks, stretching and exercising while on the road, simple practices for daily improvement in your health, and more. false full 2 884b8c60-9ef7-4a48-b5f4-beb4f6607c74 Solutions for a Struggling Market with Bryce Peacock and Madelon Cook Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Market update (0:37)
  • Life of the load (2:19)
  • Dedicated drivers: consistent pay, consistent routes (4:27)
  • The Gulf growth mentality (6:42)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Tue, 4 Apr 2023 09:30:00 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

  • Market update (0:37)
  • Life of the load (2:19)
  • Dedicated drivers: consistent pay, consistent routes (4:27)
  • The Gulf growth mentality (6:42)

The Relay is a podcast produced by Gulf Relay. Each episode, we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road!

]]> Solutions for a Struggling Market with Bryce Peacock and Madelon Cook Heard Podcasts 00:10:31 This week on the Relay, Bryce Peacock chats with Madelon Cook, Customer Success Manager at Gulf Relay. During this episode, Bryce and Madelon discuss how Gulf Relay is providing solutions for customers in a struggling market. They discuss the growth mentality at Gulf Relay, the life of the load, how dedicated drivers are providing consistency for the company, and more. This week on the Relay, Bryce Peacock chats with Madelon Cook, Customer Success Manager at Gulf Relay. During this episode, Bryce and Madelon discuss how Gulf Relay is providing solutions for customers in a struggling market. They discuss the growth mentality at Gulf Relay, the life of the load, how dedicated drivers are providing consistency for the company, and more. false full 1 5fdc997a-d2a6-418e-b2d2-f513b0743c1e Welcome to The Relay Wed, 22 Mar 2023 14:33:04 +0000 heard@heardpods.com (Heard Podcasts) https://gulfrelay.com/relay Welcome to The Relay Heard Podcasts 00:00:33 Welcome to “The Relay,” a podcast from Gulf Relay where we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. We hope you start to recognize familiar voices as we explore the world of trucking and the people who make it all happen. Episodes will range from driver interviews to company updates to interviews with vendors and customers. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road! Welcome to “The Relay,” a podcast from Gulf Relay where we dive behind the scenes of our operations, teams, and industry. We hope you start to recognize familiar voices as we explore the world of trucking and the people who make it all happen. Episodes will range from driver interviews to company updates to interviews with vendors and customers. From the unique challenges of the job to anecdotes about life on the road, our guests will provide a window into a profession that is crucial to our economy and way of life. Let’s hit the road! false bonus