CarriersEdge Podcast: Recent Episodes
CarriersEdge
An ongoing discussion of training, technology, and trucking, from CarriersEdge co-founders Jane Jazrawy and Mark Murrell. Informal and irreverent, this podcast covers general driver training and HR issues in the trucking industry, CarriersEdge news, the Best Fleets to Drive For program, and a variety of other subjects that peak their interest.
In our season finale, recorded on June 9, 2025, we wrap up another great year of the CarriersEdge Podcast with a mix of updates, insights, and a look ahead. Mark and Jane discuss updates in the course catalogue, learning about layout tools like Adobe InDesign, and highlighting the benefits of reusing training content. Plus, they give you a sneak peek at our upcoming Inside webinar on the U.S. English language proficiency requirements.Sections include:- 00:00 - Season finale and course catalogue updates- 20:04 - Layout tools (Adobe InDesign)- 28:15 - The advantages of reusing content- 38:58 - The English Language Proficiency Requirements
In Episode 117, recorded on May 20, 2025, we recap highlights from the 2025 NPTC Annual Conference and dive into the growing challenge of the English language proficiency requirements in the US and what carriers can do to prepare. Sections include:- 00:00 - NPTC Annual Conference recap- 17:54 - Texas Trucking Show and PMTC- 20:37 - English language proficiency requirements- 41:20 - Coming soon: June Inside webinar
Episode 116, recorded April 28, 2025, discusses AI’s lack of personality, the role drivers play in the Best Fleets evaluation process - and what they tell us when they disagree with the results, and tips and best practices for more effective communication between fleets and drivers.Sections include:- 00:00 - AI’s lack of personality- 15:00 - Drivers' feedback- 23:29 - The driver role in the Best Fleets evaluation process- 36:50 - Tips for better communication
Episode 115, recorded April 7, 2025, recaps the highlights of the Mid-America Trucking Show. Mark and Jane discuss updates on several CarriersEdge courses and give listeners a preview of the upcoming Inside Driver Qualification webinar with TruckRight.Sections include:- 00:00 - Mid-America Trucking Show- 15:13 - CE course updates- 30:21 - Learning Management Systems- 37:36 - CE Inside Driver Qualification
Episode 114, recorded March 17, 2025, recaps the highlights of the 2025 Best Fleets Education & Awards Conference. Mark and Jane discuss the great disconnection starting to occur between drivers and fleets, and share their thoughts on the upcoming Mid-America Trucking Show.Sections include:- 00:00 - Best Fleets to Drive For Education & Awards Conference recap- 17:48 - The great disconnection- 30:31 - Best Fleets to Drive For results book- 36:58 - Mid-America Trucking Show
Episode 113, recorded February 24, 2025, discusses the 2025 Best Fleets Education & Awards Conference happening March 3-4. Mark and Jane share a sneak peek on guest speakers, logistics, and driver survey trends.Sections include:00:00 - Best Fleets to Drive For Education & Awards Conference12:50 - Telling your company’s story22:12 - 2025 BFCon guest speakers30:20 - Driver survey trends
Episode 112, recorded February 3, 2025, discusses the Best Fleets 2025 Top 20 announcement and the Education & Awards Conference happening March 3-4. Also, the CarriersEdge monthly webinar is back with two special guests talking about roadside enforcement and safety programs.Sections include:- 00:00 - Best Fleets to Drive For announcement- 11:56 - Best Fleets Education & Awards Conference- 25:00 - Short-haul routes and managing expectations- 41:45 - CarriersEdge monthly webinar - Inside Enforcement
Episode 111, recorded January 13, 2025, recaps the Best Fleets 2025 program scoring, questions, and finalists. Also, this year’s announcement is coming soon!Sections include:00:00 - Happy New Year and Best Fleets scoring recap05:57 - Best Fleets program new questions 22:39 - Online training is now the default47:10 - Using simulators in driver training
Episode 110, recorded December 2, 2024, discusses the Best Fleets interview process, regulatory changes affecting the Driver Inc. model, and tracking scheduled and unscheduled work. Also, a new Air Brakes course is coming soon!Sections include:- 00:00 - Best Fleets interview process- 8:30 - Driver Inc. model- 24:28 - Maintenance systems- 37:38 - Air Brakes and Difficult Conversations
Episode 109, recorded November 12, 2024, recaps the annual Fleet Safety Council Educational Conference, what makes a successful mentoring program, and interviews begin for the 2025 Best Fleets to Drive For program.Sections include:- 00:00 - Transitions and process changes- 10:48 - Annual Fleet Safety Council Educational Conference recap- 19:09 - 2025 Best Fleets to Drive For program- 36:25 - CE webinar: Inside Learning Management Systems (LMS)
Episode 108, recorded October 21, 2024, recaps the ATA MCE, and discusses technical support, and the annual Fleet Safety Council conference in Ontario, Canada.Sections include:- 00:00 - Technical support- 18:23 - ATA MCE recap- 25:00 - Cutting costs - 39:06 - Fleet Safety Council Educational Conference
Episode 107, recorded September 30, 2024, discusses the air brakes course, ATA MCE 2024, and the Best Fleets to Drive For 2025 programSections include:- 0:00 - Air brakes course- 19:00 - Documentation and research- 28:00 - MCE and Best Fleets education session- 38:00 - The Best Fleets to Drive For program
Episode 106, recorded September 9, 2024, discusses the new podcast season, Best Fleets to Drive For 2025 program, and the concept of microlearningSections include:- 0:00 - New season- 6:44 - Best Fleets to Drive For nominations- 14:54 - New courses- 36:52 - Microlearning
The last podcast of the season! Recorded June 24, 2024, looks at listening skills, leadership styles and the opportunities and pitfalls of using AI to generate content.
Episode 104, recorded June 4, 2024, discusses the idea of gamification, voluntary programs, and the TDG Fuel course.Sections include:- 0:00 - Gamification- 17:25 - Voluntary and customized programs- 27:30 - Monthly assignments- 40:29 - TDG Fuel course
Episode 103, recorded May 13, 2024, discusses service experiences, an article on learning styles, and the importance of literacy.Sections include:- 0:00 - Bad service experience and manifesting a better service- 11:44 - Learning styles- 30:12 - Literacy and misinformation- 44:01 - Inside the Business of Safety
Episode 102, recorded April 23, 2024, recaps the 2024 Best Fleets Education & Awards Conference and discusses ruthless reflections, and performance mode.Sections include:- 0:00 - Education & Awards Conference recap- 10:35 - Analogy of the garden- 24:20 - Conference behind the scenes and logistic challenges- 44:28 - Truck World’s 2024 attendance
Episode 101, recorded April 1, 2024, discusses the Best Fleets Education & Awards Conference, then driver surveys, plus AI replacements, chatbots, and new entrant programs.Sections include:- 0:00 - Education & Awards Conference content - 12:30 - Best Fleets driver surveys- 23:25 - AI replacements and chatbots- 39:08 - New entrant programs and education
Episode 100, recorded March 11, 2024, discusses Podcasts in trucking, then the education session at the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS), plus workplace experiences and the Best Fleets Education & Awards Conference.Sections include:- 0:00 - Episode 100 and podcasts in trucking- 10:55 - Education session at Mid-America Trucking Show- 24:25 - Pay packages and workplace experience - 36:28 - Best Fleets Education & Awards Conference
Episode 99, recorded February 22, 2024, discusses Best Fleets Announcement Day, then topics for media interviews, plus education on pay packages and web content accessibility. Sections include:- 0:00 - Best Fleets Announcement Day and media interviews - 8:00 - Electric vehicles vs fuel vehicles, and calming chaos- 22:00 - Education on pay packages for drivers - 32:30 - Accessibility and eLearning
Episode 98, recorded January 30, 2024, discusses Best Fleets updates, then advancements in software and user interfaces, plus Best Fleets Education and Awards Conference announcements and planning.Sections include:- 0:00 - Best Fleets Top 20 announcement and planning- 14:39 - Best Fleets website update and advancements in software- 26:38 - User interface issues and creating logos - 36:40 - Best Fleets Education and Awards Conference announcements and planning
Episode 97, recorded January 8, 2024, recaps findings from Best Fleets scoring, discusses environmental impacts and driver committees, then discusses tech in trucking and industry predictions for 2024, plus system and content updates.Sections include:- 0:00 - Best Fleets scoring and environmental impacts- 15:53 - Driver committees and 2024 predictions- 27:13 - Tech in trucking and content updates- 34:16 - System updates and Best Fleets Education and Awards Conference update
Episode 96, recorded December 4, 2023, discusses Best Fleets interviews, scoring and new interviewers, then discusses passive language in corporate settings, plus announcements for the Best Fleets Education and Awards Conference.Sections include:- 0:00 - Best Fleets interviews and competing on price- 15:32 - Best Fleets new interviewers and upcoming scoring- 23:43 - Passive language and corporate settings- 35:53 - Best Fleets Education and Awards Conference announcements
Episode 95, recorded November 14, 2023, recaps a recent webinar on learning styles, then discusses online and practical training, plus difficulties with social media banners and marching in circles. Sections include:- 0:00 - Learning styles, recent webinar recap- 14:05 - Online training, practical activities- 26:19 - Signs that learners are understanding, speaking in a classroom- 30:33 - Social media banners, marching in circles
Episode 94, recorded October 23, 2023, discusses recent event updates and past events, then discusses the Best Fleets Education and Awards Conference, plus course updates and dashcam integrations. Sections include:- 0:00 - ATA MCE event, Best Fleets education session- 12:40 - Past events, FSC event- 23:37 - Best Fleets Education and Awards Conference- 27:55 - New air brakes course, dashcam integrations
Episode 93, recorded October 9, 2023, discusses the new CarriersEdge ad campaign and difficulties with ad sizes, then discusses rabbit holes, advertising and regulation updates, plus upcoming event updates. Sections include:0:00 - New ad campaign, digital ad size discrepancies17:30 - Research rabbit holes, the inner workings of advertising26:29 - Regulation updates, staying up to date with driver training31:56 - Correct to 100, upcoming event updates
Episode 92, recorded September 11, 2023, discusses Best Fleets 2024 announcements and updates for this year's program, then discusses bias in AI, LLMs and the tech industry, plus upcoming event updates.
Sections include:
0:00 - Updates from the West Coast, Best Fleets 2024 announcements
18:00 - Event updates, driver training and safety
22:48 - AI and LLM bias, tech industry bandwagons
40:16 - More event updates, creating a good workplace
Episode 91, recorded June 22, 2023, recaps the Second half of the cross-Canada trip to BC with an almost Autonomous Vehicle, discusses recent truck crashes, a Best Fleets announcement, and how fleets can continuously self-improve.
Sections include:
- 0:00 - More tales from the Trans-Canada Highway, troubles with time zones
- 12:59 - Autonomous vehicles, truck/bus crash in Manitoba
- 15:51 - Tanker explosions impacting infrastructure, Best Fleets announcement
- 28:50 - How fleets can continuously self-improve, Collision tech conference
Episode 90, recorded June 4, 2023, recaps the first half of the cross-Canada trip to BC with an Electric Vehicle, discusses content updates, AI in trucking, and the dangers of developing technology.Sections include:- 0:00 - Tales from the Trans-Canada Highway, discovering new road signs- 10:53 - Driving an electric vehicle cross country, Tesla chargers- 16:27 - Content update, new courses in development- 21:49 - AI in the trucking industry, dangers of developing technology
Episode 89, recorded May 12, 2023, discusses PowerPoint presentations: creating them, presenting them, plus tips and best practices, then recaps the NPTC event and the upcoming NTTC Convention.Sections include:- 0:00 - The podcast studio room, PowerPoint tips / best practices- 23:55 - Advanced screen sharing in Zoom, presentations, and training- 29:59 - What goes on a slide, creating presentations- 32:33 - Hypnotizing chickens, being comfortable presenting- 38:30 - NPTC event, upcoming NTTC event
Episode 88, recorded April 21, 2023, discusses unlearning and training trainers, the origins and history of CarriersEdge, technology, and interactive content, plus, adult learning principles.Sections include:- 0:00 - Unlearning habits and training trainers- 20:57 - The origins and history of CarriersEdge- 27:10 - Learning by solving problems and a history of technology- 37:53 - Adult learning principles and a history of interactive content
Episode 87, recorded March 29, 2023, discusses upcoming and past events, updates on course content and new courses, plus website updates and the moving industry.Sections include:- 00:00 - Mid-America Trucking Show and past events- 15:35 - Course content and updating old courses- 24:29 - New courses and emotional intelligence- 36:13 - Website updates and the moving industry
Episode 86, recorded March 10, 2023, recaps the TCA convention and Best Fleets overall winners, discusses "performance head" and on stage stories, plus upcoming event and website updates.Sections include:- 00:00 - TCA convention wrap-up and Best Fleets overall winners- 21:28 - Best Fleets Hall of Fame and the first Québec-based overall winner- 29:50 - "Performance head" and on stage stories- 40:26 - Upcoming events and website updates
Episode 85, recorded February 17, 2023, discusses Best Fleets updates, issues surrounding technology, a newly appointed Director of Content, plus an update on the website rebuild and the TCA convention.Sections include:- 0:00 - Best Fleets Hall of Fame, Top 20 and Fleets to Watch- 15:46 - Technology issues and staff management update- 24:59 - 5 Tips articles and marketing in trucking- 43:17 - TCA convention and Best Fleets booklet
Episode 84, recorded January 27, 2023, discusses Best Fleets updates, trucking logos, a farewell to Tom Boehler, plus upcoming radio segments and managing workplace communication.Sections include:- 00:00 - Best Fleets Top 20 and logos in trucking- 23:31 - Best Fleets booklet and 15 year anniversary- 25:36 - Tom Boehler retiring from Erb Transport- 31:11 - Upcoming radio segments and alert fatigue
Episode 83, recorded January 6, 2023, recaps interesting findings from Best Fleets to Drive For, discusses driver feedback and emphasizes the power of language.Sections include:- 00:00 - Best Fleets scoring and driver orientation- 17:47 - Importance of self-awareness and fleet weakness through a driver's perspective- 22:05 - Fleet social media efforts and driver feedback- 33:46 - Fleet maturity and the power of language
Episode 82, recorded December 9, 2022, discusses the progress with Best Fleets interviews, the lack of inclusion amongst drivers vs other employees, and lease purchase programs, followed by a course development update.Sections include:- 00:00 - Best fleets interviews and behind the scenes of the questionnaire- 14:52 - Including drivers in training and feedback- 28:49 - Success rates of lease purchase programs- 32:50 - Course updates and specialized vehicle training
Episode 81, recorded November 18, 2022, Jane and Mark discuss measuring the effectiveness of training programs, Best Fleets interviews and interviewers, new developments in the Best Fleets community, plus new and developing courses.
Sections include: - 00:00 - ISAAC User Conference and measuring training program effectiveness - 16:15 - BF interviews and training new interviewers - 22:04 - Changes in the BF community and connecting with drivers - 30:15 - New and updated courses
Episode 80, recorded October 28, 2022, recaps the latest developments with Best Fleets to Drive For, summarizes new course progress and outlines recent in-person events.
Sections include: 00:00 - Best Fleets to Drive For updates and evolution 14:47 - Newsroom meetings and new courses in development 34:40 - Erring on the side of fun with training 37:47 - Recent event appearances
Episode 79, recorded October 6, 2022, sees Jane and Mark converse about the team-building exercises happening within the staff for creative learning purposes, then new courses and the lack of industry documentation, plus an exciting new course being released for Halloween.
Sections include: - 00:00 - Creative problem-solving exercises - 14:06 - New courses and the lack of industry documentation - 19:49 - Product design brainstorming and evolving services - 27:20 - Halloween-themed course and Best Fleets updates
Episode 78, recorded September 16, 2022. The new CarriersEdge podcast season has begun and this one packs a serious info punch! In this episode Mark and Jane discuss the much-anticipated opening of the Best Fleets 2023 program and reflect on insights gained from the 15-year history of the program. Next up is the “quiet quitting” phenomenon in the modern workspace, followed by a discussion of new and refresher CarriersEdge course releases, as well as new innovative training supplement materials available to extend training.
Sections include: - 00:00 - Best Fleets 2023 opening and reflections on 15 years of the program - 09:20 - Quiet quitting – how to spot and address workplace problems - 28:50 - New and refresher course releases - 32:22 - Put it into Practice – enhancements and activities for administrators and trainers to supplement and extend course training
Episode 77, recorded June 24, 2022, recaps the first CarriersEdge staff meeting since the pandemic, then digs deep into insights and observations from the massive Collision tech conference in Toronto.
Episode 76, recorded June 3, 2022, sees Jane just returned from the Recruiting & Retention Conference in Nashville, with some insights on communicating with drivers, as well as thoughts about where the industry is going in the future. A discussion of an upcoming process improvement activity follows.
Sections include: - 00:00 - Nashville R&R and the future - 38:28 - Notes Day and process improvement
Episode 75, recorded May 13, 2022, recaps the excitement of Truck World the benefits of live events. A discussion of creativity, and the intricacies of managing creative people follows. The episode wraps up with a discussion of tanker training and some new radio segments.
Sections include: - 00:00 - Truck World recap - 17:24 - Creativity and managing creative people - 37:05 - Tanker training and photo shoots - 43:13 - New Radio Nemo segment
Episode 74, recorded April 20, 2022, looks forward to the much delayed (and now completed)Truck World 2022. A discussion of findings from the Best Fleets driver surveys follows, along with a review of new content currently in development.
Sections include:
- 00:00 - Truck World is (finally) back!
- 14:46 - Observations from the Best Fleets driver surveys
- 29:25 - New courses in development
Episode 73, recorded April 1, 2022, starts with a wrap-up of the TCA convention and all the activities around the Best Fleets award presentation. A review of the many new courses about to be released follows, ending with a discussion of how the driver shortage may not be what people think it is.
Sections include: - 00:00 - TCA Convention wrap-up - 27:15 - Lotsa new courses being released - 40:04 - Revisiting the idea of "driver shortage"
Episode 72, recorded March 11, 2022, starts off with the recently released dashcam integration before heading into some very technical talk about APIs and containerization. A lengthy discussion about the state of HR and career paths in the industry follows, wrapping up with some notes on the upcoming TCA convention.
Sections include: - 00:00 - Dashcam integration, APIs, and container orchestration - 17:28 - HR and career paths in the trucking industry - 38:50 - Prepping for TCA Convention
Episode 71, recorded February 18, 2022 provides some Best Fleets updates, discusses how some projects become all consuming, then digs into the staffing challenges in a growing company.
Sections include: - 00:00 - Best Fleets to Drive For announcement and updates - 13:24 - Projects that consume all your brain power - 20:50 - Challenges of hiring and staffing in a growing company
Episode 70, recorded January 28, 2022, preps for the big Best Fleets to Drive For announcement, then looks at training and test design through the lens of the new US ELDT mandate. After that, a new approach to Defensive Driving rounds out the discussion.
Sections include: - 00:00 - Prepping the Best Fleets announcement - 09:50 - US ELDT and Hazmat training - 20:20 - Testing best practices and training vs auditing - 33:45 - New Defensive Driving suite
Episode 69, recorded January 7, 2022, sees Mark & Jane back from Christmas vacation and deep into scoring this year's Best Fleets to Drive For. A lengthy discussion of the process and early results is followed by the introduction of a new Hall of Fame to recognize repeat winners.
Sections include: - 00:00 - Best Fleets process and early findings - 40:53 - Introducing the Best Fleets Hall of Fame
Episode 68, recorded December 3, 2021, discusses the current progress with Best Fleets interviews and some early findings from the data, then digs into some new courses that are coming soon. Sections include:
- 00:00 - Best Fleets interviews and early observations
- 33:50 - New courses: defensive driving, MPI HOS, and pallet jacks
- 42:54 - The state of TDG regs and documentation
Episode 67, recorded November 12, 2021, recaps some recent in-person events then gets into a lengthy discussion about racism in the industry and how to protect drivers on the road. A recap of the new Incident Response course rounds out the episode. Sections include:
- 00:00 - A return to local in-person events!
- 10:26 - Dealing with racism in the industry
- 19:22 - Protecting drivers on the road
- 36:12 - New course on Incident Response
Episode 66, recorded October 22, 2021, digs into the issue of supply chain disruption and labor shortages, leading into an exploration of media coverage decisions. A review of research best practices, using the Madman-Architect-Carpenter-Judge model, follows, wrapping up with some thoughts on the current state of Best Fleets nominations.
Sections include:
- 00:00 - Supply chain, shortages, and media coverage
- 24:40 - Using MACJ as a basis for research
- 45:36 - 2022 Best Fleets to Drive For nominations
Episode 65, recorded October 1, 2021 sees Jane & Mark just back from a very different TCA Convention. After a brief discussion about public speaking, a recap of the convention and the Best Fleets presentation follows. Sections include:
- 00:00 - Public speaking and introductions
- 14:10 - TCA Convention wrap-up
Episode 64, recorded September 9, 2021, kicks off a new season of the CE Podcast with a lengthy discussion of the overlapping Best Fleets to Drive For 2021 and 2022 editions. A review of some upcoming courses rounds out the episode. Sections include:
- 00:00 - Summer activities
- 07-30 - Best Fleets opening and closing craziness
- 41:11 - New courses coming soon
Episode 63, recorded June 25, 2021, rounds out the fifth season of the podcast with a wide-ranging discussion of myths about driver training, why they're dangerous, and what to do about them.
Episode 62, recorded June 4, 2021, notes that the D&I Index is finally live then digs into what drivers do and don't want for training. A discussion of how to use improv skills to improve meetings round out the episode. Sections include:
- 00:00 - Wayne's World and Abbot & Costello
- 04:10 - The D&I Index is live!
- 08:29 - What drivers want from training
- 29:57 - Better meetings through improv
Episode 61, recorded May 14, 2021 starts with a short discussion of the just in time economy and some challenges it presents, then digs into a lengthy discussion about the upcoming Diversity and Inclusion Index, launching in June. Wrapping it up is a review of the new fuel course and some other titles coming in the next month. Sections include:
- 00:00 - Repercussion of the JIT economy
- 12:26 - Diversity & Inclusion Index
- 45:32 - Fuel and other new courses
Episode 60, recorded April 23, 2021 begins with the excitement of vaccinations, then recaps the intense but enlightening Collision Conference. A short discussion of the upcoming Diversity & Inclusion Index rounds out the session. Sections include:
- 00:00 - Vaccination excitement and headaches
- 08:42 - Collision and unintended consequences
- 32:40 - Inequality and lazy policies
- 48:34 - The upcoming D&I Index
Episode 59, recorded April 1, 2021 revisits a previous discussion about subject matter expertise in transportation, exploring why "correct" isn't the same as "complete". A look at common pitfalls among job applicants (particularly for creative positions) follows. Sections include:
- 00:00 - Unpleasant surprises and tech that shouldn't be noticed
- 10:34 - Subject matter expertise and correct vs complete
- 37:22 - Creative laziness in job applications
Episode 58, recorded March 12, 2021, looks at a new approach to webinars and some best practices for interviewing. A discussion of the recently-posted Transportation Subject Matter Expert job opening follows, along with some updates on Best Fleets-related plans.
Sections include: - 00:00 - Webinar and interviewing tips - 27:38 - Transportation Subject Matter Expert job posting - 51:39 - Best Fleets plans and ideas
Episode 57, recorded February 19, 2021, takes an extended look at the evolution of retail eCommerce, and the outdated business models being displaced. Some predictions for post-pandemic events, and some product updates, follow. Sections include:
- 00:00 - Retail evolution and outdated business models
- 27:05 - Post-pandemic events
- 32:00 - Product updates
Episode 56, recorded January 29, 2021, digs into what it takes to make it onto the Best Fleets Top 20. A discussion of new and upcoming wellness courses follows, along with a broader review of some upcoming titles. Sections include:
- 00:00 - Breakfast options
- 10:06 - Becoming a Best Fleet
- 35:08 - Wellness courses
- 49:17 - Other upcoming titles
Episode 55, recorded January 8, 2021, digs into the ins and outs of the Best Fleets Top 20 announcement, and the various activities that happen around it. A discussion of new courses (particularly the new Preventing Illness course), new hires, and process documentation follows.
- 00:00 - Best Fleets Top 20 announcement and notes
- 32:26 - New staff and new courses
- 36:26 - Preventing Illness
- 44:37 - Hiring and process documentation
Episode 53, recorded November 20, 2020, discusses hiring tactics for some new positions and how to evaluate the work of graphic designers and content creators. After a brief technical interruption, the episode finishes with an update on some new courses and a look at how communication processes are evolving. Sections include:
- 00:00 - Ins and outs of graphic design
- 22:50 - Content development vs. instructional design
- 29:50 - New and updated courses
- 46:00 - Communication process improvement
Episode 52, recorded October 30, 2020, features a discussion of continuous improvement, as it applies to the Best Fleets program and to diversity in the workplace. A recap of a recent video production project, and a different approach to solving the driver shortage round out the episode. Sections include:
- 00:00 - Diversity and video production
- 22:57 - Best Fleets and continuous improvement
- 36:40 - "Maintenance" for drivers
- 46:40 - A new approach to the driver shortage
Episode 51, recorded October 9, 2020, looks at how remote work, and remote collaboration tools, affect mental health, leading into a discussion about communication styles and the best tools for different situations. A review of the current status of the Best Fleets to Drive For interviews, and the secret to making the Top 20, and the new Diversity & Inclusion Index round out the episode.
Sections include: - 00:00 - Remote work and mental health - 20:30 - Best use of different communication tools - 39:30 - Best Fleets interview status and how to make the Top 20 - 50:55 - WIT Diversity & Inclusion Index
The CarriersEdge Podcast is back with a new season, and new theme music! Episode 50, recorded September 18, 2020, reviews the state of virtual training and conferences, and the various ways they're different from their physical counterparts. After that, a discussion of HOS changes and how they impact content, and a look at some other courses and activities.
Sections include: - 00:00 - Virtual conferences and training, and why they're so tricky - 37:48 - HOS course updates - 49:30 - Cybersecurity, wellness, and other new things
Episode 49, recorded July 10, 2020, features a lengthy discussion about the differences between white- and blue-collar training, best practices for organizing training content, and some common pitfalls. After that, a brief discussion about the opening of the 2021 Best Fleets to Drive For program. Sections include:
- 00:00 - Training development best practices
- 38:45 - Best Fleets 2021
Episode 48, recorded June 5, 2020, discusses the recently completed product demo movie, shocks Jane with a startlingly bad safety program, then discusses a better way to do it.
Sections include: - 00:00 - New demo movie - 22:30 - Product updates - 27:00 - The wrong approach to safety - 36:41 - A better approach to regular training
NOTE: the demo movie referenced in the podcast is now posted at https://vimeo.com/427223048.
Episode 47, recorded May 14, 2020, starts with some memories of childhood and a reminder of the importance of PC backups and security, then digs into a discussion about changes to the Drug & Alcohol, Fatigue, and Wellness courses. Sections include:
- 00:00 - Long weekends and childhood memories
- 12:45 - PC problems and the importance of backups
- 21:00 - Drug & Alcohol course rebuild
- 31:10 - Fatigue and Wellness course rebuild
Episode 46, recorded April 23, 2020, reviews what it's like to work at home during COVID-19, discusses some news courses currently in development, and looks at some new login and password management features about to be released. Sections include:
- 00:00 - Working at home, when everyone else is as well
- 10:05 - Heavy equipment, Drug & Alcohol and other new courses
- 34:38 - New features for managing logins and password recovery
Episode 45, recorded April 2, 2020 discusses information that should and shouldn't be addressed through training interventions, looks at how different communication methods help during disruption, then reviews the lessons from the business classic Great By Choice. Sections include:
- 00:00 - Rapid change and training interventions
- 12:41 - Multichannel communication and remote work
- 35:08 - Great By Choice and thriving in uncertainty
Episode 44, recorded March 15, 2020, starts with a brief discussion of COVID-19, then digs into the TCA convention, the Best Fleets award presentation, and plans for the 2021 program. A review of upcoming courses rounds out the episode. Sections include: - 00:00 - COVID-19 and its effects - 13:21 - TCA Convention and Best Fleets wrapup - 33: 20 - Best Fleets 2021 date changes - 43:28 - New courses
Episode 43, recorded February 22, 2020, looks at ways to make presentations more engaging for different learning and communication styles, then reviews security and CTPAT regulatory changes. Sections include: - 00:00 - Creative presentation ideas - 33:30 - CTPAT updates and security inspections
Episode 42, recorded January 31, 2020 discusses the Best Fleets Top 20 announcement and follow-on activities, then digs into the issue of cybersecurity in trucking. Sections include:
- 00:00 - Best Fleets Top 20 announcement
- 21:42 - Prepping for the convention and overall winners
- 40:44 - Cybersecurity in trucking and new courses
Episode 41, recorded January 10, 2020, dives deep into Best Fleets scoring. A review of the process for evaluating and scoring participants, and the challenges of determining a Top 20 are discussed.
Episode 40, recorded November 29, 2019, takes advantage of quiet times during US Thanksgiving to review what's happening with Best Fleets to Drive For interviews, and the challenges bringing new things into the workplace. Sections include:
- 00:00 - Holidays around the world
- 10:10 - Best Fleets early findings and trends
- 28:06 - Website updates
- 38:02 - Dealing with change in the workplace
Episode 39, recorded November 8, 2019, notes that Best Fleets interviews have begun and looks at the initial data points emerging. A review of new and upcoming courses follows, along with a discussion of how to evaluate training content. Sections include:
- 00:00 - Best Fleets status and initial observations
- 19:10 - New and upcoming courses
- 29:36 - Evaluating other people's training material
Episode 38, recorded October 18, 2019, begins with a recap of some recent conference appearances and presentations, then briefly discusses some challenges related to legalized marijuana before digging into the 2020 Best Fleets to Drive For interview process. Sections include: - 00:00 - Conference activities and content - 21:28 - Legalized marijuana challenges - 28:48 - 2020 Best Fleets to Drive For
Episode 37, recorded September 27, 2019, highlights the recent accomplishments of some partners and industry friends, reviews product development news, and explores some of the challenges of hiring for certain roles. Sections include:
- 00:00 - Partner updates and accomplishments
- 14:02 - New courses and system tools
- 29:52 - New staff and hiring challenges
- 38:54 - Instructional design and research
Episode 36, recorded September 6, 2019 kicks off a new season of the CarriersEdge podcast with an update on current course work and the challenges of sorting through often-conflicting data sources. Sections include: - 00:00 - Weights & Dimensions - 12:40 - Defensive Driving and roundabouts - 28:21 - 2020 Best Fleets to Drive For opening
Episode 35, recorded July 5, 2019, includes a quick recap of a recent tech conference before digging into some of the challenges of building courses when there's no definitely resource to go by. Sections include:
- 00:00 - True North and the effects of the 2007 tech explosion
- 18:00 - Heavy equipment and capturing "assumed knowledge"
- 24:34 - Translation challenges and updates
- 36:40 - Solving new business problems
Episode 34, recorded June 14, 2019, reviews a trip to the Mississippi Trucking Association's annual convention, discusses why computers struggle with natural language, and provides updates on some upcoming courses. Sections include: - 00:00 - Mississippi convention and travel adventures - 11:40 - Language intent and voice synthesis technology - 26:35 - New courses coming soon - 46:56 - Building community through social media
Episode 33, recorded May 26, 2019, features a review of the Collision conference and its views on where transportation and technology are headed. Sections include: - 00:00 - Privacy and data security on the Internet - 21:50 - The future of driving and vehicle ownership - 46:11 - The value of cross-pollination across industries
Episode 32, recorded April 25, 2019, reviews some recent email-related headaches and system changes, digs into course development and translation, and looks at how fleets are having to become experts at technology implementation. Sections include:
- 06:58 - Email and system changes and frustration
- 15:30 - New courses and translation
- 35:08 - Tech implementation in trucking
Episode 31, recorded April 8, 2019, features a recap of the Mid-America Trucking Show, a look at how fleets can build internal support for online training, and a look at new courses coming in the next few months. Sections include: - 00:00 - MATS review - 25:35 - Building company-wide support for online training - 37:44 - Best Fleets news and updates - 48:39 - New courses coming soon
Episode 30, recorded March 19, 2019, includes a recap of recent events, discussion of some business expansion, and a preview of some upcoming events. Sections include:
- 00:00 - TCA Convention and Best Fleets wrapup
- 33:20 - Server upgrades and staff expansion
- 43:48 - Best Fleets workshops and MATS preview
Episode 29, recorded February 22, 2019, discusses some new system features for training automation, then digs into the contributions of the often-overlooked Generation X. Highlights of the Best Fleets to Drive For driver surveys are also included. Sections include:
- 00:00 - System updates and training automation
- 15:17 - Generation X in the workplace
- 34:40 - Best Fleets results and what drivers want
Episode 28, recorded February 4, 2019 digs into the 2019 Best Fleets to Drive For, discusses some upcoming events, and looks at the issue of women in leadership positions. Sections include:
- 00:00 - Best Fleets breakdown
- 33:05 - Women in leadership
Episode 27, recorded January 11, 2019 takes a deep dive into the process of scoring the Best Fleets participants and determining the Top 20, followed by a review of some other ongoing projects. Sections include: - 00:00 - Scoring the Best Fleets - 44:17 - Course design and new courses - 51:52 - New servers and LMS changes
Episode 26, recorded November 5, 2018, looks at some technologies that could cause major disruption in trucking, discusses some upcoming events, and review best practices for combining classroom and online training. Sections include: - 0:00 - Recent articles about autonomous vehicles & trucking - 22:40 - Best Fleets interviews - 25:30 - Conferences and the logistics of panels - 30:50 - Classroom + online best practices
Episode 25, recorded October 12, 2018, includes a look at the evolution of the eLearning industry, and the different path that training in the trucking industry has taken over the years, as well as a discussion technology adoption more generally. Sections include:
- 00:00 - The evolution of eLearning in and out of trucking
- 21:45 - Technology adoption in the trucking industry
- 32:08 - Fall protection and the Challenger site visit
- 34:21 - Upcoming presentations and activities
Episode 24, recorded September 14, 2018, sees Mark and Jane back from summer vacation with many updates on products, events, and industry happenings. Sections include: - 00:00 - Weights & Dimensions, and other new courses - 25:53 - Review of GATS, and upcoming events - 51:52 - Supporting resellers and alliance partners
Episode 23, recorded June 22, 2018, includes an update on recent events, a discussion of the "driver window" and communication best practices, details of upcoming courses, and some thoughts on the challenge of complex system design. Sections include: - 00:00 - Travels in the south - 06:50 - Driver windows and communication best practices - 27:25 - Fall protection and defensive driving - 39:30 - LCVs and complex system design
Episode 22, recorded June 1, 2018, reviews recent and upcoming course releases, and discusses the ethical side of technology and why it's important to consider the broader implications of new things. Sections include: - 00:00 - New course for whistleblower protection and vehicle inspection - 14:34 - Lessons from Pixar: the importance of making mistakes - 34:10 - A broader view of ethics in technology
Episode 21, recorded May 10, 2018, recaps the excitement of Truck World, discusses appropriate workplace behavior and why it's important to find the right people for a job, and talks about what drivers said they wanted in the Best Fleets program this year. Sections include: - 00:00 - Truck World recap - 13:30 - Workplace harassment - 24:55 - Finding the right fit in a job - 33:54 - Best Fleets stats and driver feedback - 56:12 - Upcoming product features
Episode 20, recorded April 9, 2018, includes a roundup of recent events, and a look at some upcoming activities in the world of CarriersEdge. Sections include: - 00:00 - TCA Convention and Best Fleets wrapup - 29:22 - Jane's travel adventures - 39:38 - Truck World plans - 43:44 - Product updates
Episode 19, recorded March 16, 2018, discusses some best practices to consider when speaking at a conference, digs into the weeds with PowerPoint best practices, and reviews some ideas about structuring training programs that came out of a mock trial. Sections include;
- 00:00 - The ins and outs of being a conference speaker
- 24:25 - Advanced PowerPoint tricks
- 40:30 - Mock trial and training to avoid litigation
Recorded February 15, 2018, episode 18 includes a recap of some recent activities, then dives into a lengthy discussion about how to make classroom training more effective and enjoyable. Sections include: - 00:00 - Best Fleets to Drive For results update - 09:02 - Upcoming public events - 14:20 - New hires and new courses - 22:05 - Classroom training best practices, and tales from the trenches
Episode 17, recorded January 25, 2018, discusses the issue of creating effective company cultures, hiring tricks and pitfalls, and the Best Fleets scoring process, among other things. Sections include: - 00:00 - Creating a driver-centric culture - 21:06 - Right ways and wrong ways to find drivers - 38:40 - Scoring the 2018 Best Fleets - 48:25 - Product updates
Episode 16, recorded January 4, 2018, sees Mark and Jane rested and recharged after Christmas vacation, discussing course update philosophy, interface design, and staffing. Sections include: - 00:00 - Best Fleets update - 05:30 - Studio upgrades and recording tricks - 13:40 - Reg changes and course updates - 33:43 - Interface design and working with graphics people - 48:22 - Challenges hiring developers and instructional designers
The podcast is back! After a 3 month absence, Episode 15, recorded November 29, 2017, discusses the reasons for the hiatus, what's happening in the product world, and the state of the Best Fleets program. Sections include: - 02:26 - Conferences, and public speaking tips - 25:38 - Leadership and the importance of curiosity - 32:04 - New Parking and Deliveries course - 36:15 - What's happening in the Best Fleets program - 49:32 - Upcoming projects
Episode 14, recorded August 10, 2017, includes an review of the issues being addressed in the next course, a discussion of all the times when training is the wrong answer, and a few other odds & ends as well. Sections include: - 04:00 - Request for listener feedback - 08:15 - Parking lot and delivery safety issues - 35:05 - When training makes things worse instead of helping - 57:00 - Jane's TMC TechTalk radio appearance
Episode 13, recorded July 20, 2017 has Mark and Jane back from vacation and well rested! Topics of discussion include Jane's latest course, why Correct-To-100 tests don't work, and the scary reality of Internet security. Sections include: - 00:00 - Vacation and live bands - 16:48 - New Distracted Driving course and why it's such a big deal - 43:30 - Correct-to-100 and the importance of knowledge testing - 54:40 - Internet security and current threats
Episode 12, recorded June 16, 2017, features a review of TCA's Workforce Builders Conference, and a discussion about how trucking can do more with corporate social responsibility. Topics include: - 01:45 - Adventures in Missouri and Kansas - 13:35 - Turning driving into a mission, and corporate social responsibility - 38:50 - Distracted driving and how to make courses interesting - 44:20 - New features coming soon
Episode #11, recorded May 26, 2017, has Mark & Jane back from one conference and prepping for another. In between, several observations about communication and service best practices, from outside the trucking industry.
Topics include: - 0:03:42 - Report from TCA's Safety & Security Conference - 0:24:40 - Jane's busy media schedule and upcoming stories - 0:36:30 - The school system and how not to do communication - 0:47:08 - Good lessons from bad customer service - 1:03:20 - Plans for WFBCon
Episode 10, recorded April 24, 2017 discusses recent course development activities, learning theory, and more. Topics include: - 0:04:15 - Challenges of creating an Accident Scene course - 0:28:24 - Organizing software development, and the challenges of implementing technology - 0:48:04 - Active vs. Passive learning, and why it matters - 1:04:51 - Upcoming events
Episode 9, recorded April 3, 2017, sees Jane & Mark back from the TCA Annual Convention in Nashville with many observations and new ideas. Topics of discussion include: - 00:00 - Convention review and the Best Fleets award presentation - 27:35 - Outthinking the competition and innovating inside the fleet - 39:11 - Copying ideas vs. adapting, and why everyone should be using conference calls - 45:36 - Disrupting training and facing resistance - 49:31 - What's next in development - 52:45 - Why cutting costs is a dangerous game
Episode 8, recorded 13, 2017 includes a guest for the first time. In an experiment that produced mixed results, Mark and Jane welcome Tommy Ngo, support rep extraordinaire, to discuss his experiences with customers, and some of the new activities he undertaking.
On the positive side, Tommy has lots of insights and is very entertaining! Unfortunately, though, a different recording process was used for the interview, resulting in AM-radio sound quality.
The process will be fixed before the next podcast!
Episode 7, recorded February 15, 2017, focuses on adult learning theory and training development best practices. Topics of conversation include: - 02:41 – Evaluating training effectiveness in trucking - 25:45 – Learning styles - 50:54 – Best Fleets on the radio, and other news
Episode 6, recorded January 16, 2017, features Mark and Jane back from Christmas vacation and ready to face the new year! Topics of conversation include: - 00:00 - Vacation excitement - 06:00 - Alternate languages and the quality control process - 16:23 - Truckload Authority and the usefulness of a pool - 28:43 - The challenges of compiling and scoring the Best Fleets to Drive For - 34:14 - New CarriersEdge features coming soon - 37:30 - Website design and the evolution of corporate websites
In episode 5, Jane and Mark are tired - after 6 weeks of conducting Best Fleets to Drive For interviews, the pair are a little punchy! However, some insights and trends have emerged through this year's program, along with a picture of where the industry is at right now.
Also featured in this episode - an update on FSMA training and some other new courses coming early in the new year
Episode 4, recorded November 14, 2016 discusses: - Mark's injuries - FSMA and the process of deciding what courses to build - Updates and initial data from the Best Fleets to Drive For program - Why scheduling an interview tells us how good a fleet is ...and a few others things as well!
Episode 3, recorded October 20, 2016, features: - Best Fleets to Drive For updates, and a discussion of the evaluation process - The difference between training and meetings, and why the distinction matters - Tales of horrible training experiences past - A report from ATA MC&E and plans for the SS&HR conference - Product news ...plus a few other things
Episode 2, recorded late September 2016, features: - Updates on the Best Fleets to Drive For program - A discussion of technology usability and best practices for information design - Thoughts on why eLearning implementations sometimes fail - Upcoming events for CarriersEdge
... and more!
The first podcast episode! Topics include: - Vehicle Inspection and the course development process - New features and functionality in CarriersEdge - Adventures in the tech industry - Open door policy - Upcoming events and updates