Prepare for a ride through a shocking landscape as we cast light on the alarming data from the 2021 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report. We'll be navigating the treacherous corners of over 5,700 truck crash deaths and 155,000 injuries. But we're not just spectators, we're on a mission to shed light on the foggy issue of who's at fault, and discuss safety measures like automatic emergency braking and speed limiters. Brace yourself for the chilling truth of these tragedies, and the vultures lurking to capitalize on them. Switching gears, we'll steer into the concerns r ..read more

As Truck drivers, the stresses and mental health issues can be very real. Ready to challenge what you think you know about mental health? I'm Walter Gatlin, and today we'll break down misconceptions and complexities surrounding this often misunderstood field, from its definition to the factors contributing to mental health disruptions. We have a bold proposition: eating habits, financial means, or belonging to marginalized groups aren't necessarily the root cause of mental health disorders. In fact, we argue that most individuals in these situations still succeed and uphold societal norms. Fr ..read more

What would happen if the lifeblood of American economy, truck drivers, were replaced with autonomous trucks? It's a question that's stirring up the trucking industry and we tackle it head-on in our latest episode of Trucker Buffet. We dive into the intricacies of a perceived driver shortage predicted by the American Truckers Association to hit 160,000 drivers by 2030. Furthermore, we investigate the rise of autonomous vehicles and the potential for millions of wasted dollars in a truck driver training system with a shocking 90% failure rate.  The future of trucking isn't all doom and glo ..read more

Why is the trucking profession so often underrated and disrespected? Got you pondering, right? Welcome to the Trucker Buffet Podcast, a space where we flip this narrative by delving into the gritty reality of truck driving. We’ll expose how hundreds of millions of government dollars are misused on truck driver training, resulting in an alarmingly high 90% turnover rate. We pull no punches as we tackle the real-life experiences of truck drivers, including the grueling interactions with brokers, lease companies, and the less than stellar truck stop cuisine.  Strap in for an in-depth discus ..read more

Why is it that in today's trucking industry, they are paid significantly less than they were in the 1980s? This episode reveals the gritty reality of the profession, starting with a stark comparison of trucker wages from the past to the present, and a critical look at how deregulation and the rise of independent contracting have triggered this decline. Join us as we take a deep dive into the heart of the trucking industry alongside Mike Chavez, Executive Director of the Inland Empire Labor Institute. Together, we explore the pressing issue of trucker retention and the looming shadow of AI in ..read more

Ever felt like you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders as a truck driver? What if we told you that perhaps you've been pointing fingers at the wrong people when your load goes awry? That's right folks, on this episode of the Trucker Buffet Podcast, we're getting down to the nitty-gritty of the trucking industry, debunking myths and pulling back the curtain on the all-too-often misunderstood role of dispatchers. We're not just hauling cargo here - we're hauling misconceptions, frustrations, and grievances into the spotlight, breaking down the top ten complaints by drivers we ..read more

Ever struggled to reverse a semi-truck into a tight parking spot? Are the stress and distractions getting too much? Fear not, as veteran trucker, Walter Gatlin, is here to guide you through the art of backing up a semi-truck with finesse and confidence. Combining his 37 years of on-the-road experience with a practical, step-by-step approach, Walter not only demystifies the process but also shares invaluable tips on how to manage distractions effectively during this critical task. From the right approach to a parking spot to the nuances of steering wheel control and the crucial role of practic ..read more

Have you ever considered how driver retention and equipment concerns impact the trucking industry? Well, fasten your seatbelts and gear up with me, Walter Gatlin, in an insightful episode of Trucker Buffet where we dive headlong into these pressing issues. We dissect a recent poll from the Professional Driver Agency highlighting pay and equipment as the primary worries among truck drivers. We also steer the conversation towards Arizona's new law allowing motorcyclists to lane filter - a move I believe could ramp up risk on the roads. And of course, we won't miss out on discussing the importanc ..read more

Imagine this: a deaf driver behind the wheel of a massive commercial vehicle. It's unusual, certainly, but it's now a reality. Join me, Walter Gatlin, seasoned truck driver of 39 years, as we navigate through the complexities of a groundbreaking $36 million lawsuit involving a deaf driver and an Omaha trucking company. We'll dissect the details of the case, the role of the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the company's response. This is not your everyday trucking tale. Now, you're probably wondering - is a deaf driver on the road safe? Beyond the courtroom drama, we'll grapple ..read more

What if you could really understand the unseen stressors that truck drivers face every day? We're taking you on a deep dive into the often-overlooked challenges and pressures of truck driving through a survey of 504 drivers. It's time to shine a light on the harsh realities that these drivers grapple with, from long work weeks to the daily struggle of finding a suitable place to sleep.  Can music be a source of solace in the solitude of long hauls? We share some heartening tales showing how truckers are using the power of music to cope with stress. We also delve into how the trucking ind ..read more