Watch the Latest Episodes
Why Trucking is Losing the Battle for Veteran Talent
What does it take to make trucking a career veterans want to choose?
Brad Bentley, President of FASTPORT, joins us to discuss how carriers can better recruit, support, and retain military talent. From bridging the gap between military service and trucking to building programs that create lasting careers, this episode is packed with practical insights for recruiting leaders.
If you're looking to strengthen your workforce and better connect with veterans, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.
It’s Halftime Already - Who Will Win the Game?
The freight market is shifting. Are you ready?
On this episode of Sense Per Mile, Thom Albrecht, Karen Smerchek, and Kevin Hall discuss rising freight rates, tightening capacity, driver demand, AI, tariffs, and the trends shaping the trucking industry. Hear their insights and predictions on what carriers, brokers, shippers, and drivers can expect in the months ahead.
Building an AI-Ready Culture
Artificial intelligence is changing trucking faster than ever—but are fleets actually ready for it?
In Episode 3 of Sense Per Mile Season 6, Kevin Hall, Karen Smerchek, and Thom Albrecht separate AI hype from real-world results. From recruiting and operations to pricing, customer service, and fleet management, the panel explores where AI is already creating value—and where human expertise still wins.
Driver Recruiting, A competitive advantage
Driver recruiting is changing, and the old playbook no longer works.
Join Kevin Hall, Karen Smerchek, and Thom Albrecht as they explore modern truck driver recruiting strategies, including employer branding, retention, recruiting technology, AI, compensation, and creating a driver experience that attracts top talent.
Is There A Super Cycle Forming?
Is trucking on the verge of a freight supercycle—or are we simply witnessing the start of a long-awaited recovery? In Episode 2 of Season 6 of Sense Per Mile, Kevin Hall, Karen Smerchek, and Thom Albrecht break down one of the biggest questions facing trucking today: What happens next as capacity tightens, regulations reshape the market, and carriers finally begin to regain pricing power?
Focus on the Battles to Win the Driver Competition War
Hiring more drivers isn't about posting more jobs or throwing more money at sign on bonuses. The carriers pulling ahead are rethinking how they recruit. From building a brand drivers recognize and trust to improving response times, using recruiting data to make smarter decisions, and creating an experience drivers actually want to be part of, this episode is packed with practical strategies recruiting leaders can start using today.
CSA, ISS and SOL
Safety isn't just about compliance. It's the foundation of a successful trucking business.
In this episode of Sense Per Mile, Kevin Hall, Karen Smerchek, and Thom Albrecht are joined by Mark Barlar, Director of DOT & Regulatory Compliance at Reliance Partners, to discuss trucking safety, CSA scores, DOT compliance, and today's changing regulatory landscape. Drawing on more than 22 years as a Wisconsin State Patrol commercial vehicle inspector, Mark shares practical insights to help carriers strengthen safety and stay compliant.
It's A New Sense Per Mile
Sense Per Mile is back — reimagined with a new format, new content, and a new panel of industry veterans. Host Kevin Hall (CEO, CDL Life) is joined by co-hosts Karen Smearek, president and owner of Vira Trucking and the first woman elected chair of the Truckload Carriers Association, and Thom Albrecht, Chief Revenue Officer at Reliance Partners, who brings more than 35 years of experience spanning Wall Street transportation research, motor carrier strategy, and insurance.
Meet the Hosts
Kevin Hall
CEO of CDLLife/CUB Ventures
Karen Smerchek
President & Owner of Veriha Trucking
Thom Albrecht
CRO of Reliance Partners
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