On the July 21 episode of What the Truck?!?, host Thomas Wasson sat down with Todd Waldron, Truckstop.com’s Vice President of Carrier Experience, to dive into how new tech—especially AI—is transforming logistics.

“Truckstop.com has been a staple of this industry since before I started my career in logistics, so to be here for a milestone like this is incredible,” Waldron reflected.

Over the years, Truckstop.com has evolved from a simple load board to a tech leader, focusing on smarter, safer, and more efficient freight movement. Recent advancements, particularly AI-powered tools, are a game-changer.

According to a recent survey by Truckstop.com, 60% of drivers feel optimistic about the future of freight. Waldron believes technology plays a huge role in this mindset. “Technology is giving carriers greater control, more security, and higher efficiency, and is leading to this positive outlook,” he said.

Freight fraud remains a top concern, but new prevention tools are making a difference. More than half of carriers report better fraud detection thanks to technology.

“We’re seeing the biggest impact in freight fraud prevention and route optimization, and more than half of drivers say that fraud prevention efforts have significantly improved,” Waldron explained.

Truckstop.com’s multi-layered security approach is paying off, with customers experiencing a 45% drop in fraud compared to last year.

While truckers have a reputation for being cautious about new gadgets, younger drivers especially are warming up to tech. “One time I had a driver who would foil wrap his driver tech unit because he didn’t want to be watched,” Waldron joked. But today, about 70% of drivers under 35 feel comfortable using these tools.

Data and AI aren’t just buzzwords—they’re changing how decisions are made on the road and behind the scenes. Predictive analytics help foresee maintenance needs and improve dispatch, making a tangible difference in drivers’ daily routines.

“Drivers now feel like they’re achieving value from these tools,” Waldron shared.

Looking ahead, Waldron sees collaboration as the next big frontier. “How do we leverage our strengths to be more efficient together?” he asked. His vision? A logistics ecosystem where partnerships drive innovation, not just competition.

Even with all the tech advances, relationships and trust still top the list for many industry veterans. That’s why Truckstop.com’s reputation matters so much.

“73% of carriers say that Truckstop.com is a brand that they trust, and 69% believe we will lead the freight industry for the next thirty years,” Waldron said. “That kind of longevity makes it exciting to talk about this technology landscape, and it gives us confidence to continue working on new solutions in the future.”

As Truckstop.com looks forward to its next 30 years, the focus remains on blending technology, security, and teamwork to keep the supply chain moving smarter and safer than ever before.

Image Source: Truck Stop
Source: FreightWaves

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Addressing a Critical Need

As NGT President and Co-founder Lindsey Trent explains, engaging younger generations is essential to the future of trucking. “These award winners are tackling one of the industry’s most pressing challenges,” Trent said. “They’re leading the way in demonstrating how to build career paths that young people not only want to begin but stay in.”

Honoring Innovation

The inaugural Career Catalyst Awards, sponsored by The National Transportation Institute, highlight fleets redefining recruitment and retention strategies. These forward-thinking companies have implemented initiatives such as offering CDL and diesel mechanic training, providing career advancement opportunities, and leveraging technology to make roles more efficient and appealing.

2025 Career Catalyst Award Winners:

• Alaska West Express
• Averitt
• Ben E. Keith Foods
• Boyd CAT
• Cal Valley Trucking
• Christenson Transportation
• Garner Trucking
• Ginsberg’s Foods
• Keller Trucking
• Kenan Advantage Group
• Key Oil
• Old Dominion Freight Lines
• Performance Food Service
• Republic Services
• Ryder System
• Upper Lake Foods

Building the Pipeline for Future Talent

Efforts by Career Catalyst Award winners include outreach programs such as high school and community college partnerships to launch CDL training, host student tours, and promote leadership development. “It’s about meeting young people where they are,” Trent emphasized. “Technology, advancement opportunities, and creating a vision for a long-term career are critical to engaging this demographic.”

Next Gen Trucking’s founder, Dave Dein, actively works to advance these efforts. “High schoolers are hungry for alternatives to traditional career paths,” he noted. “These awards highlight companies that provide those very opportunities, showing there’s a meaningful future in trucking.”

The Urgency of Youth Engagement

“Nearly half of today’s workforce is made up of Millennials, but they only account for 20% of the trucking industry,” said Leah Shaver, CEO of NTI and NGT board member. “It’s crucial to attract younger talent. The fleets recognized this year prove we can succeed in this effort.”

What’s Next for NGT?

Founded in 2021, NGT has partnered with schools and colleges nationwide to launch CDL programs for young adults. The organization aspires to cement trucking as “the career choice” for future generations by showcasing the importance of trucking and delivering on career promises.

For more details about the Career Catalyst Awards and NGT’s initiatives, visit nextgentrucking.org.

Source: The Trucker

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At the Truckload Carriers Association’s annual meeting in Phoenix, a panel of young industry leaders tackled this issue head-on, offering insights on what makes Gen Z tick and how companies can better appeal to this new wave of workers. Commercial Carrier Journal covered the discussion, highlighting key takeaways that can help trucking adapt to the future.

Breaking Industry Stereotypes

Samantha Bodnar, president of D.M. Bowman Inc. and executive officer at The Bowman Group, admitted that despite her family’s deep roots in trucking, she initially wasn’t drawn to the industry. But after giving it a shot, she found it more exciting than expected. “Anything else after this would be boring,” she said, reflecting on how trucking’s dynamic nature changed her perspective.

Jason Douglass, Vice President of Operations & Recruiting at James H. Clark and Son, believes the industry struggles to communicate its value to younger generations. “Drivers can make $100,000 a year,” he pointed out. As a former driver himself, he understands how life-changing that earning potential can be. Yet, many young people don’t see trucking as a viable path, largely due to outdated perceptions.

However, Gen Z isn’t solely motivated by money. Ryan Whelan, Fleet Sales Representative at Volvo Trucks Canada, emphasized, “The new generation doesn’t see their job as just a paycheck.”

What Matters More Than a Big Salary

For Gen Z, work-life balance and a positive workplace culture often outrank high earnings. Douglass put it plainly: “We’re looking for a culture of respect and a home-life balance. Employees want to be heard, and they want to be validated.” He added, “We saw our parents get laid off from jobs, so we don’t feel that loyalty back. We want to work our asses off, get respected for the work we do, and we want time at home.”

This shift in priorities means that trucking companies relying on old-school management styles will struggle to retain young talent. Instead, businesses need to foster an environment where workers feel valued, respected, and supported.

Expanding Awareness Beyond the Driver’s Seat

One major barrier preventing more Gen Z workers from considering trucking is the misconception that the industry only offers driving jobs. Whelan pointed out that many university graduates overlook trucking because they don’t realize how many different career paths exist within it.

To change that perception, trucking companies must actively promote the industry’s diverse opportunities. Engaging with schools, leveraging social media, and sharing real-life success stories can all help reposition trucking as a dynamic and rewarding career field.

Culture-Focused Hiring Pays Off

In recent years, the leadership team’s average age has dropped by more than a decade at D.M. Bowman Inc. Bodnar explained that this wasn’t a calculated strategy but rather a natural result of hiring employees who fit the company’s culture.

“If we hire someone that has the culture we want, they just enjoy work more,” she said. Though this approach may take longer, it leads to a stronger, more engaged workforce. “You want to enjoy going to work every day.”

Douglass echoed this sentiment, urging companies to be intentional about hiring. “If somebody is not a right fit for your company, move on to the next applicant.” He believes the so-called “driver shortage” stems from mismatches between drivers and employers. “The driver shortage is because the wrong drivers are with the wrong company.”

Bridging the Generational Gap Through Mentorship

Older truckers take decades of knowledge and experience with them as they retire. Douglass believes mentorship is the key to keeping that wisdom in the industry. “Every carrier has at least one driver who is just chomping at the bit to be a mentor,” he said.

Structured mentorship programs don’t just help preserve industry knowledge; they also create a sense of support for younger employees, making their transition into trucking smoother.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

Image Source: (Commercial Carrier Journal) Brad Klepper, President, Driver’s Legal Plan; Samantha Bodnar, President, D.M. Bowman Inc. and Executive Officer, The Bowman Group; Jason Douglass, Vice President, Operations & Recruiting, James H. Clark and Son; and Ryan Whelan, Fleet Sales Representative, Volvo Trucks Canada

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