Blue Ribbon Podcast

EPISODE 252: Who Controls the Freight? Oct 18, 2025 1:00:32 This week we are joined by Steve Vest and Woflgang Wendland. The conversation will be about who is controlling the freight market - carriers or brokers? Steve is the owner of Nationwide Equipment Transportation. Wolfgang is a former owner/operator. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlo

EPISODE 251: Is It Still Worth It to be an Owner/Operator? Oct 11, 2025 1:5:58 We are going to talk about how to survive as an owner/operator in the current and future markets. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ri

EPISODE 250: FIRE Without Fuel. Can AFFTRA Ignite Real Change or Will it Burn Down the Industry? Oct 4, 2025 1:11:06 I got an email from Audrey Walleser, a PhD candidate in American Law and Policy who has 25 years of professional experience in constitutional law, political structure, statutory authority, and regulatory integrity. She had quite a bit to say about the Constitutionality of the AFFTRA and its goals to set minimum rates and driver pay in the Trucking industry. She is going to join me to walk through

EPISODE 249: Broker and Carrier Conversation Sep 27, 2025 2:37:31 This week we are joined by Annique Lesage, a broker from Small World Ventures, and Francisco Landeros, owner of Dogstar Logistics, LLC. This is going to be a conversation between three people who are successful in their operations. The desired outcome is for carriers and drivers to learn about the market and how to operate their businesses at the highest level. All of our Links: https://beacons.a

EPISODE 248: It's Phriday with Phil Sep 12, 2025 1:30:09 Tonight we will have an update on the Blue Ribbon Platform Division. Phridays with Phil are always informative and entertaining. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.b

EPISODE 247: OPEN TOPIC: Q&A Sep 6, 2025 1:59:45 Lots of things to talk about this week. Are the brokers taking too much? Should the government set minimum rates for carriers and pay for drivers? We will talk it over. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogis

Episode 246: AUGUST 2025 FINANCIAL REPORT Aug 30, 2025 1:05:33 It's time for the monthly financial report. We will break down the latest numbers and give you an update on the fleet. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonl

Episode 245: Does Landstar Take 35% of My Money? Aug 23, 2025 2:00:46 It's been five years since we covered this topic in depth. When I made the first video, I did not have the experience and understand that I do now. We are going to go deep and provide an in depth breakdown of where the money comes from and how it is divided between the tractor, the trailer, the agents and Landstar. Don't miss this one. We are hopefully going to put this to bed once and for all.

Episode 244: Trucking Insurance with Jeremy "Red Beard" McClure Aug 16, 2025 1:40:23 This week we are joined by Jeremy McClure aka Red Beard on TikTok. He specializes in commercial insurance and we're going to answer all your questions (and mine) about Trucking Insurance. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.

EPISODE 243: TRUCKING BUSINESS STRUCTURES Aug 9, 2025 1:59:00 I've had a lot of discourse on social media this week talking about taxes and business structure. It's been frustrating because there a lot of people that believe things that are simply and demonstrably untrue. We are going to talk about the BASICS of setting up a business, especially a Trucking business, and we are going to get the calculator out (Our friend the BSE9000) and let it speak for itse

Episode 242: Defining the Mission: Saving Owner/Operators Jul 12, 2025 1:10:59 Many are led to path of self-employment because they seek an opportunity to escape the limitations that come with being employed by someone. We must recognize that an employer holds all the risk that an employee does not. When you start a business, you take on that risk and you must recognize it and respect it. This episode is going to be about us redefining our mission to help save owner/operator

EPISODE 241: Remembering Carl Bonecutter Jun 28, 2025 59:12 On June 16, 2025 we received the devastating news that our good friend Carl Bonecutter passed away after long battle with a lung disease. We paid our respects at his funeral, but we would like to take this opportunity for all of the Blue Ribbon folks whose lives (and trucks) were touched by Carl to come together and share some laughs (and certainly some tears) and pay honor to this amazing man who

Episode 240: BATTLE! New Trucks vs Old Trucks. Who Will Win? May 24, 2025 58:58 It's the battle you've all been waiting for. Chris, Phil and Blake are going to have it out over the idea that old trucks (1999-2007) are better than old trucks. Who will win? (It's Chris, by the way) All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://w

Episode 239: Making a Good Impression to Customers May 10, 2025 59:30 In this episode, we're going talk about what it takes to build and maintain a profitable fleet and tips on how you can make a better impression on potential customers and employers. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bl

EPISODE 238: TRUMP, TARIFFS, and TRUCKING May 3, 2025 56:20 There is a lot of speculation about what is going to happen to the market with the threat of tariffs. Blake and Chris are going to discuss what they think is going to happen and how to prepare yourself for it. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook:

Episode 230: Setting Yourself Apart Jan 25, 2025 1:20:07 Setting yourself apart in the trucking market requires a combination of exceptional service and clear communication. Building a reputation for reliability and excellent customer service is crucial; ensure timely deliveries and maintain open lines of communication with customers, brokers and agents. By consistently delivering value and prioritizing customer satisfaction, your trucking business can

Episode 229: 2024 Year in Review Jan 18, 2025 1:29:42 2024 was a rough year for everyone and every industry. Too many trucks, not enough loads, low rates, parts shortages and out of control inflation. In this episode we are going to break down the Top 5 trucks in the Blue Ribbon fleet and show you exactly how much each one made. We will also reveal who the #1 driver was for 2024. His numbers are pretty astounding. We may even convince him to come on

Episode 228: A Very Important Announcement Jan 11, 2025 49:48 On tonight's podcast, we will share significant details about the future of Blue Ribbon and the podcast.

Episode 227: Phriday Night with Phil. It's fine. Everything is Fine. Dec 14, 2024 1:44:33

Episode 226 Nov 23, 2024 1:18:41

Episode 225: Post Election Show Live in West Virginia Nov 9, 2024 1:20:32 Larry and Chris are together in Hurricane for a new driver orientation. We will discuss the election and its effects on the Trucking economy.

Episode 224 Oct 26, 2024 1:35:50

Episode 223 Oct 12, 2024 2:03:58

Episode 222 Sep 28, 2024 2:01:14

Episode 221 Sep 14, 2024 1:18:35

Episode 220 Sep 7, 2024 1:57:20

EPISODE 219: Avoiding SCAMS in the Trucking Industry Aug 31, 2024 1:57:20 A lot of Landstar drivers have been contacted in the last few months by someone who has access to a LOT of data that they should NOT have access to. The scammer is trying to get fuel card numbers under the guise of there having been an accident to they can steal the fuel money. There isn't a lot that can be done to stop the calls. We are going to talk about what can be done to stop the theft.

Episode 218 Aug 24, 2024 2:01:57

Episode 217 Aug 17, 2024 1:46:36

Episode 216: What is a Lease? Aug 10, 2024 2:33:28 Lease Purchase. Lease a Truck. Lease to a Carrier. There seems to be way too much confusion about what a lease is and what it is not. We are going to clear this up on this episode.

Episode 215: 2024 FINANCIAL REPORTS AND BREAKDOWN Aug 3, 2024 2:46:07 This is going to be a big episode. We have some numbers from the last 90 days that we are going to share with you about our operation, and the results are fascinating. Tune in while we breakdown three months of data to the penny and show you how we are making a profit in 2024.

Episode 214: Live from the Shop Jul 27, 2024 57:36 Chris got hung up in the shop doing a wheel seal, so this episode was canceled and then un-cancelled when he ran out of parts. Rocky Rockefeller from N Florida MD Alignment jumped on and we had a good talk about truck suspensions.

Episode 212: Stop Criticizing Things You Do Not Understand Jul 13, 2024 1:46:10 There is nothing wrong with offering reasonable criticism of a service, product or person. What is NOT reasonable is criticizing from absolute ignorance. We will dive into it this evening.

Episode 211 Jul 6, 2024 1:48:41

Episode 210: The $14,000 Zip Tie Jun 29, 2024 1:49:00 You know we end up with some wild shop stories, and we have another one for you tonight. We will also catch up what is happening at the new shop and more.

Episode 209: Blue Ribbon Specialized Truck Services Jun 22, 2024 1:53:29

Episode 208: Live from the Beach Jun 15, 2024 1:36:29

Episode 207 Jun 1, 2024 1:45:12

Episode 206 May 25, 2024 1:23:23

Episode 205 May 11, 2024 2:04:40

Episode 204 May 4, 2024 1:52:23

Episode 203 Apr 28, 2024 1:51:45

Episode 202: New Shop Grand Opening Apr 20, 2024 2:00:20 SINCE THE EPISODE WAS PUBLISHED, THE OPENING DATE OF THE MD ALIGNMENT SHOP HAS BEEN CHANGED TO JUNE 17, 2024

Episode 200: Mid America Trucking Show 2024 Wrap Up Mar 30, 2024 1:37:00 We're back from MATS and the 2024 Blue Ribbon Awards Banquet, We will catch you up on what we've been up to and our experience in Louisville.

Episode 199: Landstar Heavy Haul and Platform with BCO Phil Frese Mar 16, 2024 2:02:32 Larry is off this week. Landstar Heavy Haul BCO Phil Frese will be joining us to talk all things Heavy Haul and Platform. Get your questions ready!

Episode 198 Mar 2, 2024 1:39:39

Episode 197: Guest Co-Host Justin Martin Feb 24, 2024 2:03:33 Larry had a medical procedure today, so he is at home resting. Justin Martin from Freightwaves will be joining us.

Episode 196: How Can Shops be THIS Bad? Feb 17, 2024 2:03:49 $10,000 for a FUEL FILTER???? We took a truck to a shop this week to diagnose a problem. We were given a $10,000 estimate to replace the turbo and the EGR cooler. We didn't trust the diagnosis so we brought the truck 700 miles back to West Virginia. What did we find? A $35 fuel filter that needed replaced.

Episode 195: Success in Business Requires Hard Work Feb 10, 2024 2:12:26 There is no escaping hard work to succeed in business. Short cuts don’t work.

Episode 194: Chris Flying Solo Feb 3, 2024 1:39:01

Episode 193 Jan 27, 2024 2:06:18

Episode 192: Are You REALLY Prepared for the "Unexpected"? Jan 20, 2024 1:27:43 We've always told you that you better have a plan when the "unexpected" happens in your business. Well, this past week we got an opportunity to practice what we preach when Larry was sidelined with a medical issue. The rest of the Blue Ribbon team stepped up and filled the gaps. Richie and Phil put a closer eye on the fleet while Chris managed payroll and settlements. We didn't miss a beat, but wi

Episode 191: Special Guest Steve Vest Jan 13, 2024 Larry is under the weather, so Chris will be joined by Steve Vest of Nationwide Equipment Transportation, Inc. We discovered Steve on TikTok last week and quickly decided to join us on the podcast to discuss his experience as a freight broker. Steve's website: https://nationwidetrans.com/ Steve's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ntwdequiptrans

Episode 190: Preparing for the New Year Jan 6, 2024 1:39:32 In this episode we will talk about our outlook for 2024 and beyond.

Episode 189: Year End Roundtable Dec 31, 2023 2:03:11 We will be live from the hotel conference room where we will be all together. Richie and Phil will be joining us. There is likely to be copious amounts of alcohol consumption, so buckle up and get ready for a good time.

Episode 188: Your Decisions Will Lead to Your Success or Failure Dec 16, 2023 2:30:02 It's been reported that 450 carriers are leaving the Trucking industry every day, and that number is expected to increase to as many as 1,000 carriers per day in Q1 2024. There are no shortage of excuses being given and blame assigned to anyone and everyone except the business owner. We are going to talk about how you must accept responsibility for your decisions and the outcome. All of our Links

Episode 187: You Can't Be Two Things at Once Dec 9, 2023 1:26:29 This episode will be about understanding your role in the market and putting yourself last.

Episode 186: WIll You Have a Seat at the Table? Dec 4, 2023 We have a question for you on tonight's episode - Are you really willing to do what it takes to reach the pinnacle of business?

POST THANKSGIVING EPISODE Dec 4, 2023 1:27:31 Larry is in Florida for the Holiday, so Chris decided to jump on and do an impromptu episode.

Episode 185: Overtime Pay for OWNER OPERATORS?!?!? Dec 4, 2023 1:21:22 OOIDA is joining the effort for Overtime Pay for Owner Operators. We are trying to figure out what that has to do with "Owner Operators" or "Independent Drivers"

Episode 184: Truck Drivers Are TERRIBLE Business People Dec 4, 2023 1:54:58 "The National Owner Operator Association" (TNOOA) called for a nationwide Trucker's Strike. To no one's surprise but their own, it didn't happen. These clowns are crying out for help, and they're looking in the wrong place. TONIGHT: Larry's first Quickbooks lesson. Stay tuned to t

Episode 183: Special Guest Host Brandon Johnson from Be.Logistics Dec 4, 2023 1:41:36 Larry is out of town this week with family, so we will be joined by Brandon Johnson from Be.Logistics. Brandon Johnson is an entrepreneur that started out as a Hotshot Carrier in 2016 with 4 Trucks, to then start a dispatch company in 2018 with hopes of helping other small Hotshot carriers avoid the mistakes he did by properly dispatching & educating them per their equipment. Now, they dispatch f

Episode 182: Booted, Kidnapped and Extorted Oct 21, 2023 1:57:59 One of our drivers was kidnapped by a scum bag extortionist thief in Charlotte, NC that demanded a $2500 extortion payment in order to be released. We tell that story and answer a lot of questions from the audience. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Face

Episode 181: Back After Two Weeks Off Oct 14, 2023 1:53:11 We’re back after a couple weeks off, so grab a drink and sit down with us as we catch up. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ribbon Bl

Episode 180: This Week's Co-Host is YOU Oct 1, 2023 1:58:38 Larry is on vacation this week. This is probably a terrible idea that will end in disaster, but I'm going to let some of you be my co-host. Buckle up. This has the potential to be an absolute disaster. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https:

Episode 179: FUEL TAX and IFTA Sep 18, 2023 1:26:45 Discussions of IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement) cause more fights than Budweiser. IFTA is not all that complicated. We are going to explain how IFTA works in detail and why you should NEVER consider IFTA when making your fuel purchasing decisions. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbo

Episode 178 Sep 10, 2023 1:54:28 All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ribbon Blog: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/blog DRIVE FOR US: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.c

Episode 177: SUNDAY NIGHT Sep 4, 2023 1:29:45 Chris had to go to Ohio and rescue a truck so the Friday night show won’t happen. We will be live SUNDAY night at 8:00 PM All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbo

Episode 176 Aug 25, 2023 1:53:41 All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ribbon Blog: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/blog DRIVE FOR US: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.c

Episode 175: LIVE from the Blue Ribbon Bar Aug 19, 2023 2:34:06 It's time again for the RESET YOUR MINDSET LIVE EVENT for 2023. We're live at the Wingate in Hurricane for the reception before the event begins. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon We

Episode 174 Aug 11, 2023 1:45:51 All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ribbon Blog: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/blog DRIVE FOR US: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.

Episode 173: Business is Not for the Weak Aug 5, 2023 2:00:51 Reading, writing and math are the basics of education. You must be proficient in all of them to succeed in business. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlog

Episode 172: It Always Hurts More When You Don't See it Coming Jul 29, 2023 1:42:38 Have you ever been sucker-punched? Life and business can do that to you, and it always hurts more when you don't see it coming? All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blu

Episode 171: The "Freedom" of Business or the "Security" of a Union? Jul 23, 2023 1:44:47 It's official that Yellow Freight is shutting down after 100 years and a lot of people are out of a job. This begs the question - Which is better? The freedom of being in business or the security of being in a union. We will be on Saturday night this week as Chris and Larry both have scheduling conflicts on Friday. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: htt

Episode 170: Stop Caring What Other People Think About You Jul 15, 2023 2:05:38 All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ribbon Blog: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/blog DRIVE FOR US: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.c

Episode 169: Transactional vs Transformational Jul 8, 2023 1:47:10 Larry drops some gold in this episode. Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ribbon Blog: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/blog DRIVE FOR US: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/drive-for-us

Episode 168: Where is Larry Long? Jul 1, 2023 2:03:18 Larry's in Chicago in his son's "Bourbon Barn" and apparently had technical difficulties. He finally calls in about 20 minutes in and hilarity ensued. Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ribbon B

Episode 167: The Rescue Mission Jun 24, 2023 1:33:41 We’re starting the show an hour late because Chris is on a towing mission and might not make it home by 8. Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ribbon Blog: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/bl

Episode 166: Live on MONDAY NIGHT Jun 20, 2023 1:51:41 This week the podcast will be on MONDAY NIGHT JUNE 19, 2023 as we will be doing a midweek orientation with a new driver. Join us MONDAY instead of Friday this week. Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com

Episode 165: Special Guest Host Justin Martin Jun 10, 2023 2:10:34 Larry is in Las Vegas this weekend putting the casinos out of business. Chris will be joined by Justin Martin from Freightwaves What the Truck? Podcast. Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ribbo

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