The Grawe Pod

With this episode, Grawe Group Founder & CEO Doug Grawe examines the U.S. Department of Labor’s February 26th release of the proposed rule that addresses the classification of independent contractors. Doug highlights the key components of the proposed rule that would rescind the Department of Labor’s 2024 rule related to Independent Contractor status that was issued by the Biden Administration. While looking at what the new independent contractor rule means for trucking operations, Doug also provides historical context regarding the rule, including what’s changing from the existing Biden-era rule to the update that has been proposed by President Trump’s Department of Labor. As you’ll hear, Doug discusses a number of practical implications related to the proposed rule, including control over decisions and proof standards and how the rule can affect a carrier’s independent contractor program. Doug also notes considerations related to state-specific regulations and managing compliance across multiple jurisdictions. Doug encourages carriers that utilize independent contractors within their respective fleets to consider connecting with experts and resources for ongoing support. Having the processes in place to stay current on the changes with rules and legal decisions, including the current independent contractor status case before the Supreme Court, will help carriers in their efforts to adapt as necessary and stay compliant. To learn more about the Grawe Group, visit the firm’s website, TheGraweGroup.com. The post Navigating The Labor Department’s New Independent Contractor Rule  appeared first on PodWheels.

Grawe Group Founder & CEO Doug Grawe takes a look inside four topics that have come up quite often in the first weeks of 2026 during conversations with clients and professionals within the trucking and logistics industries. As you’ll hear, Doug opens the podcast by discussing the latest happenings related to broker liability. He notes an upcoming Supreme Court ruling that is expected to address whether or not brokers should be held liable or should face the potential for liability in motor vehicle accidents. The second topic covered by Doug in this episode offers an update on the recent news that the Independent Contractor Rule from the U.S. Department of Labor could be on its way to the Office of Management and Budget, which means that we should expect the U.S. Department of Labor to issue its proposed rule for what it means to be an independent contractor. The evolving role of AI and the considerations for trucking and logistics decision-makers around the implementation of TMS and HRIS infrastructure serves as the third topic covered in the episode. Doug closes the podcast by touching on considerations related to mergers and acquisitions in today’s market, noting key points for those “kicking the tires” on either buying or selling. To learn more about the Grawe Group, visit the firm’s website, TheGraweGroup.com. The post Insights On Navigating Four Key Trucking and Logistics Issues In 2026 appeared first on PodWheels.

The Grawe Pod opens the year by discussing a collection of strategic questions, including: Is your company prepared to meet the challenges and make the most of the opportunities that will be found in the 2026 trucking and logistics market? Is your Sales strategy aligned with your Operations and Recruiting strategies? Have you defined your ideal customer? Have you properly evaluated your bid participation strategies ahead of the RFP opportunities that are coming up this year? Grawe Group Founder & CEO Doug Grawe and Grawe Group Executive Business Partner Gary Randall begin 2026 by examining a collection of essential points that trucking and logistics decision makers need to consider as they work to position their respective companies for success in today’s market. As you will hear, Doug and Gary highlight the need for efficiency in processes, the significance of differentiating in a data-driven market, and the value of analyzing bid results for continuous improvement. The conversation also touches on the importance of measuring success through KPIs and empowering teams to foster better outcomes, ultimately leading to a culture of continuous improvement and team buy-in. To learn more about the Grawe Group, visit the firm’s website, TheGraweGroup.com. The post Challenges and Opportunities: Is Your Company Prepared For Success In 2026? appeared first on PodWheels.

The Grawe Pod closes out 2025 by looking ahead to addressing a collection of strategic questions that decision makers for trucking and logistics companies need to consider as they prepare for the year ahead. What do you need to do to position your company to achieve wins in 2026? What are your goals? Do you have the proper alignment across your organization to realize your goals? Do you have the proper processes and accountabilities in place, including analyzing the data? Grawe Group Founder & CEO Doug Grawe and Grawe Group Executive Business Partner Gary Randall hit the key points involved when building a comprehensive strategic plan within today’s trucking market. As you will hear, Doug and Gary place their focus on what companies can control and how best to implement effective strategies. They emphasize the need for clear processes, understanding data and fostering a culture of cooperation, accountability and healthy competition among teams. Additionally, Doug and Gary discuss how planning for 2026 involves understanding both opportunities and challenges. It also requires a clear cadence and daily processes, and it requires developing an understanding of actionable data. As Doug and Gary note, the companies that can use the time going into the new year to build a plan around a set of defined objectives will be well positioned for 2026 and beyond. To learn more about the Grawe Group, visit the firm’s website, TheGraweGroup.com. The post Strategies For Identifying And Reaching Your Goals In 2026 appeared first on PodWheels.

In this episode of the podcast, we will be introduced to Kate Norris, an attorney with 10 years of experience who joined the Grawe Group earlier this year. As you will hear, the bulk of Kate’s previous experience came from working in the healthcare field, and she served for the past six years in the position of general counsel. Grawe Group Founder & CEO Doug Grawe and Grawe Group Executive Business Partner Gary Randall talk with Kate about the most valued lessons she learned from her days in healthcare as well as how she is applying that experience in making the transition to the trucking industry. Doug, Kate and Gary each address the importance of being proactive, continually learning and working to understand the business operations of clients. The conversation emphasizes the value of documentation, compliance and teamwork, while also addressing the challenges and opportunities within the trucking sector. Doug, Kate and Gary close this episode by sharing some personal insights on their favorite business adages and how those memorable quotes can be helpful in the daily operations of a business. To learn more about the Grawe Group, visit the firm’s website, TheGraweGroup.com. The post Getting To Know Kate Norris, A New Member of the Grawe Group Team appeared first on PodWheels.

October can provide trucking and logistics company leaders the opportunity to ask larger, strategic questions centered around how your organization can adjust to make next year better than the year you are closing out. In this episode of the Grawe Pod, we will be addressing a number of forward-thinking questions, including: What’s going to be different about the year ahead? What are you going to do differently to adjust to opportunities in the market? How are you going to look at your company critically? In particular, what will you be looking at every day that tells you whether or not you can win today or what you need to do today to win? Doug Grawe, the Founder and CEO of the Grawe Group, will be exploring these questions and much more with Grawe Group Executive Business Partner Gary Randall, a trucking management veteran with decades of expertise in leading Operations Departments. While acknowledging the ongoing challenges in the freight market, Doug and Gary discuss the success that they have seen Grawe Group clients realize in focusing on the fundamentals of trucking, exploring processes and examining the data around what works well within the opportunities available in today’s market. In sharing a couple of oral case studies from the Grawe Group’s work with clients, Gary and Doug note how trucking and logistics operations, through understanding their data and strengthening communication between departments, can proactively plan utilization by focusing on the opportunity hours available on trucks in the fleet vs. using a traditional models that can place tight restrictions on deadhead miles. If your company is beginning to look at strategic plans for 2026 and what you can do differently within today’s trucking market, this episode offers important insights to help in your evaluation process. To learn more about the Grawe Group, visit the firm’s website, TheGraweGroup.com. The post Taking Time To Look Ahead: What Will You Do Differently In 2026? appeared first on PodWheels.

Within the trucking industry and across a host of other industries, managing litigation issues has become a common aspect of running a business in recent years. During this episode of the Grawe Pod, we’ll be discussing the complexities of litigation in the business world, placing a particular focus on addressing litigation situations that trucking and logistics companies can encounter. Doug Grawe, the Founder and CEO of the Grawe Group, welcomes litigation expert Brian Niemczyk as his guest for this episode of the series. Brian is a partner with the Hellmuth & Johnson Law Firm in the Twin Cities, and he holds nearly 20 years’ experience in the area of litigation. Through their discussion across this episode, Doug and Brian explore various types of disputes that businesses may face, common mistakes that lead to litigation, and the importance of clear contracts. Brian shares insights on evaluating cases, managing client expectations, and the steps involved in the litigation process. The conversation also covers the significance of finding the right attorney and understanding the costs associated with litigation. To learn more about the Grawe Group, visit the firm’s website, TheGraweGroup.com. The post How Prepared Is Your Company When Litigation Situations Arise?   appeared first on PodWheels.

In this episode of the Grawe Pod, we are dedicating some time to place a focus on lease-purchase programs, exploring the benefits and challenges for both the independent contractors behind wheel and trucking companies providing the operating authority. Doug Grawe, the Founder and CEO of the Grawe Group, leads a comprehensive discussion on the topic that includes the legal and operational considerations for trucking organizations with lease purchase programs. Doug is joined on this episode by Greg Thompson, a podcast producer with 27 years of experience in the trucking industry that includes time working with independent contractors and lease-purchase programs While examining some of the leading do’s and don’ts of lease-purchase programs, Doug notes the career path benefits lease purchase programs bring trucking companies, and he makes the case for third-party lease purchase program managers to help ICs succeed and ease trucking company burdens. Doug and Greg close out this edition of the podcast by discussing some of the key takeaways from the ATA Litigation Center’s Trucking Legal Forum, which was held in Denver at the end of July. Doug served as a presenter on one of the panels at the annual event. The post Exploring Considerations That Accompany Lease-Purchase Programs For Carriers and Independent Contractors appeared first on PodWheels.

Cedar Abadie, the founder of Iron Resolution Services, is our featured guest on the Grawe Pod as we discuss a host of timely topics, including nuclear verdicts, the growing role of mediation and the increased liability that brokers have with the capacity they utilize. Grawe Group Founder and CEO Doug Grawe is your host for a very interesting conversation with Cedar as two highly experienced transportation attorneys take a look at the challenges that carriers and trucking company decision makers face in these evolving times. As you will hear, Doug and Cedar will open the podcast by discussing the recent ruling by the Texas Supreme Court that reversed the $100 million verdict against Werner Enterprises and the potential impacts related to nuclear verdicts. Doug also talks with Cedar about how she’s worked to build her practice at Iron Resolution Services to focus on mediation and how mediation is becoming a valuable mechanism for defendants and plaintiffs in the trucking industry. From what Cedar shares with listeners, mediation can create a path for both plaintiffs and defendants to mitigate the emotional and financial costs of what, in many situations, can become long legal battles. In their conversation, Doug and Cedar discuss the mediation process, common mistakes made by parties and the importance of communication in achieving resolutions. Cedar also shares her unique approach to mediation, emphasizing the need for understanding the human element in catastrophic loss cases. To learn more about Iron Resolution Services, visit IronResolutionSvcs.com. To learn more about the Grawe Group, visit the firm’s website, TheGraweGroup.com. The post Discussing Latest Nuclear Verdict News & Growing Role Of Mediation In Catastrophic Cases appeared first on PodWheels.

For the decision makers at trucking and logistics companies, the freight market we are experiencing in 2025 requires the ability to be nimble while still staying true to your strengths as a company. And, as we hear in this episode of the Grawe Pod, today’s market environment also demands a sense of discipline within your fundamentals that incorporates both optimism and realism when evaluating opportunities and executing strategies that fit your operation. Grawe Group Founder and CEO Doug Grawe discusses the current challenges in the trucking market and understanding the ripple effects of operational decisions with Gary Randall, an operations expert who serves as an Executive Business Partner with the Grawe Group. This in-depth conversation explores the many challenges that exist in today’s market, which is still trying to recover from a prolonged freight recession. Doug and Gary examine the significance of accountability in leadership, playing with the hand the market deals you and finding ways to best leverage the opportunities available to your company. They also discuss the value of leveraging data as well as the importance of fostering a culture of honesty and emotional intelligence within the various departments and teams at your company. The post Optimism And Realism: Navigating The Current Challenges Within The Trucking Market appeared first on PodWheels.

One of the toughest challenges for decision makers at trucking and logistics companies is how to harness and utilize the key performance data that can increase efficiency and produce savings while also driving greater profitability. With the immense availability of data in the market today, it’s quite easy for company leaders to be overwhelmed and to feel like you are drowning in numbers and trends. In this episode of the podcast, Grawe Group Founder and CEO Doug Grawe welcomes Swan Webb, a Partner at Results From Data. With a strong background in transportation and logistics, Swan is a self-described “Data Scientist” who discusses the importance for trucking and logistics leaders to find what their single source of truth is in analyzing the metrics across a given company’s departments. Grawe Group Executive Business Partner Gary Randall also joins the podcast, lending his many years of Operations leadership to the conversation and how harnessing the right data can make a difference with your Operations Team and your fleet. At a time in the market where it has become crucial for trucking companies – both large and small – to make the most informed decisions possible, this episode offers insights on properly working with data and implementing easily executable strategies that can drive consistent savings and position your company for growth. To learn more about the Grawe Group, visit the firm’s website, TheGraweGroup.com. The post Data Organization Strategies: Driving Savings and Increasing Profitability Through Better Decision Making appeared first on PodWheels.

It’s well known among trucking and logistics leaders that balancing multiple interests has long been one of the main challenges within the industry. In this episode of the Grawe Pod, we will be discussing some of the issues faced by trucking companies in relation to motor vehicle accidents, an organization’s safety program and the importance of consistency in operations. Grawe Group Founder and CEO Doug Grawe explores how trucking decision makers can find themselves in a Catch 22 scenario when it comes to safety and productivity. Grawe Group Executive Business Partner Gary Randall joins Doug as they examine the operational struggles encountered by trucking leaders as they work to strike a balance between safety and productivity in an era when plaintiffs attorneys are filing lawsuits with increased regularity. As you will hear, Doug and Gary offer insights on balancing the needs of the multiple interests that are a part of today’s trucking landscape. They emphasize the importance of effective communication with a focus on coaching while working to manage driver expectations. Doug and Gary also note the critical distinction between coaching and disciplining employees, emphasizing the need for clear expectations and consistent practices to foster a positive organizational culture while improving risk management. This episode is a thought-provoking and valuable conversation examining the importance for trucking and logistics leaders to have a commitment to consistency and communication. To learn more about the Grawe Group, visit the firm’s website, TheGraweGroup.com. The post Navigating Today’s Trucking Landscape With Safety, Productivity and Communication   appeared first on PodWheels.

At both the federal and state levels, the changes related to regulations, policies and statutes impacting the trucking industry are happening at an increasingly rapid pace these days. In this episode, the Grawe Pod examines the challenges involved for the management teams of trucking and logistics companies as they navigate the regulatory changes that will have potential impacts on their respective operations. As you will hear, Grawe Group Founder and CEO Doug Grawe discusses approaches management teams can use in evaluating changes at the federal and state levels with Grawe Group Executive Business Partner Gary Randall. One of the keys that Doug and Gary note is the ability for companies to be nimble when dealing with these changes. They also emphasize the importance of having a diverse and flexible business model, timely and accurate data and solid operational practices. In the final portion of the discussion, Doug and Gary underscore that sustainable success hinges on understanding and effectively reacting to both federal and state-level regulations, while also stressing the value of speaking up and staying engaged in the rulemaking processes. To learn more about the Grawe Group, visit the firm’s website, TheGraweGroup.com. The post Do You Have a Strategy for Navigating Federal and State Policy Changes Impacting Trucking? appeared first on PodWheels.

An increase in mergers and acquisitions is one of the anticipated trends as 2025 begins to shape in the trucking and logistics industries. This episode of the Grawe Pod places a focus on key operational considerations that are critical in executing a successful business sale or buy. Doug Grawe, the Founder and CEO of the Grawe Group, takes an in-depth look at the operational keys when executing a merger or acquisition in the trucking and logistics industry with Grawe Group Executive Business Partner Gary Randall. The conversation in this episode emphasizes the significance of having dedicated leaders or external help to manage your process at the Operations level effectively, ensuring a smooth transition for the buyer and the seller. Doug and Gary also discuss industry trends, with a specific focus on the anticipated uptick in M&A activity as the market recovers. If you are serious about a buy or sale in 2025, this episode provides valuable insights and practical advice at the Operations level to help navigate the complexities of executing a successful M&A in the trucking industry. To learn more about the Grawe Group, visit the firm’s website, TheGraweGroup.com The post Navigating Trucking Mergers and Acquisitions at the Operational Level appeared first on PodWheels.

To open the 2025 season, the Grawe Pod dedicates our January episode to the always-important topic of driver retention. Doug Grawe, the Founder and CEO of the Grawe Group, discusses a wide range of considerations related to driver retention that fleet executives must weigh with Grawe Group Executive Business Partner Gary Randall. A veteran Operations Leader who has helped companies implement strategies that assist with driver retention, Gary shares his thoughts on building freight networks that promote predictability for the fleet while still addressing the needs of the carrier. Doug and Gary also explore other points within this key area of concern, offering valuable perspectives on communications, accountability and other measures focused on helping trucking and logistics companies in their efforts to reduce turnover and to improve their respective overall performance in the new year. To learn more about the Grawe Group, visit the firm’s website, TheGraweGroup.com The post Enhanced Freight Networks? Improved Communication? What Is Your Company’s Driver Retention Strategy For 2025? appeared first on PodWheels.

The Grawe Pod closes out 2024 by placing a focus on the outlook for the freight market in 2025. Doug Grawe, the Founder and CEO of the Grawe Group, is joined by Grawe Group Executive Business Partner Gary Randall to discuss the current state of the trucking and logistics industry, highlighting the growing shift toward optimism in the market. As you will hear, Doug and Gary emphasize the importance of strategic planning for the upcoming year, focusing on how companies can prepare to take advantage of favorable market conditions. The conversation also notes the benefits of taking the time to evaluate customer relationships and contracts in a changing market, stressing the need for accountability in the planning process to ensure successful execution of business goals. While sharing insights for industry professionals looking to capitalize on an improving market, Doug and Gary explore how to approach potential contract renegotiations and strategies for sustaining business growth. To learn more about the Grawe Group, visit the firm’s website, TheGraweGroup.com The post Preparing for Market Optimism: Strategic Planning A Key To Success In 2025 appeared first on PodWheels.

In this episode of the series, we place a focus on the intricacies of contracts, risk management and liability within the trucking and logistics industries. Doug Grawe, the Founder and CEO of the Grawe Group, is joined by Grawe Group Executive Business Partner Gary Randall to discuss the significance of contracts between shippers, carriers and brokers along with essential contract provisions and their impact on operations. Doug and Gary are also joined by PodWheels Executive Producer Greg Thompson, who facilitates the questions on discussion topics that include managing cargo liability, establishing clear operational guidelines and promoting interdepartmental communication to avoid potential pitfalls. As you will hear, Doug and Gary offer practical advice on enhancing contract terms with shippers as well as involving legal and financial advisors and ensuring clarity on operational, rate, billing and collections queries before signing the contract. Doug and Gary also emphasize the necessity of understanding the value of hauled items, balancing cargo liability and ensuring commitments from all parties to avoid liability gaps, especially under different freight market conditions. To learn more about the Grawe Group, visit the firm’s website, TheGraweGroup.com The post Understanding The Role Of Contracts: Exploring Risk Management Liability & Strategic Negotiations appeared first on PodWheels.

Cargo claims are a fact of life for trucking and logistics companies. This episode of the Grawe Pod places a focus on the critical topic of managing cargo claims that take place within the trucking and logistics industry. Grawe Group Founder & CEO Doug Grawe is joined on this episode by Grawe Group Executive Business Partner Gary Randall for a discussion that highlights the initial steps the people behind the wheel and their carriers should take when discovering cargo damage. As you will hear, Doug and Gary emphasize the importance of documentation, proper communication and having a well-established process. They also highlight the roles of drivers, operations teams and sales people in effectively handling these claims and minimizing business impact. Doug and Gary provide insights on initial triage, establishing standard operating procedures and the importance of coordination and timely action. To learn more about the Grawe Group, visit the firm’s website, TheGraweGroup.com The post Managing Cargo Claims: Essential Strategies for Trucking and Logistics Companies appeared first on PodWheels.

Over the years, the Grawe Group has had the opportunity to work with a number of trucking companies that utilize independent contractors. While there are no doubt more challenges on the horizon from groups including plaintiffs’ attorneys and the Department of Labor, the proud nature of independent contractors means they will continue to be an important part of trucking’s future. In this episode of the Grawe Pod, we are placing a spotlight on some dos and don’ts when utilizing independent contractors in trucking. As part of the discussion, we highlight the importance of viewing the contractors within an operation as independent business owners. As you will hear, Grawe Group CEO and founder Doug Grawe and Executive Business Partner Gary Randall have great respect for the vital role that independent contractors play in the trucking industry. This insightful conversation, which includes tips for companies with lease-purchase programs, examines a number of important considerations for trucking companies utilizing independent contractors. To learn more about the Grawe Group, visit the firm’s website, TheGraweGroup.com The post Perspectives On Utilizing Independent Contractors Within Today’s Trucking Operations appeared first on PodWheels.

According to a recent study, there are now approximately 58 million people in the United States who are engaged in some kind of independent contracting work. One growth sector for contract work is in the area of executive-level consulting. During this episode of the Grawe Pod, we will explore the wide range of considerations that trucking and logistics companies should be weighing when looking to contract with a consultant focused on working in an interim leadership position. In addition, we will also discuss when a trucking or logistics company should look at using a fractional leader to consult on project work. Grawe Group CEO and founder Doug Grawe is your host for the podcast. Doug will be joined once again by Grawe Group Executive Business Partner Gary Randall for a thought-provoking discussion that will help to define interim leadership vs. fractional leadership within the contract labor space. Doug and Gary also look at various scenarios as well as key criteria for an organization to consider when engaging an interim leader or a fractional consultant. To learn more about the Grawe Group, visit the firm’s website, TheGraweGroup.com The post Key Considerations For Utilizing Contract Consultants In Your Organization appeared first on PodWheels.

After looking inside the numbers from the latest jobs report, it’s no secret that companies across all industries are struggling in some way, shape or form to fill positions. There is also the issue of properly utilizing continuing training to maximize the talents of current employees. In this evolving job market, it has become critical that companies separate themselves with how they recruit, develop and retain talent. In this episode of the Grawe Pod, we’ll take some time to discuss many of the key questions and considerations that decision makers at trucking and logistics companies should be examining when it comes to hiring, onboarding and a commitment to continuing training that can position your employees and your company for sustained success. Grawe Group CEO and podcast host Doug Grawe is joined once again for this episode by Grawe Group Executive Business Partner Gary Randall. Doug and Gary will be sharing valuable perspectives on how to approach matching the right person for the job and how to help the people you hire excel and grow within your organization. Among the questions Doug and Gary will address are the following: How are you developing your people? Are you purposeful? Do you have a plan with them? Are you helping them prioritize the four or five skills that are critical as well as the tasks that are critical for this person to be successful in your organization? The post What’s Your Personnel Strategy? Finding, Training & Continuing To Develop Your People In An Evolving Job Market appeared first on PodWheels.

The freight market continues to remain challenging and, as this episode of the Grawe Pod points out, it’s a time when trucking and logistics companies should be finding ways to maximize efficiencies and manage cash flow. Podcast host Doug Grawe welcomes Grawe Group Executive Business Partner Gary Randall to discuss the current market and they share thoughts on workable strategies for improving a company’s order-to-cash process with a focus on reducing the days-sales-outstanding metric. From the accuracy of the data exchanged between operations, customer service and billing to clearly communicating across all departments involved in the customer experience, Doug and Gary offer a number of helpful insights that can assist decision makers who are seeking greater efficiencies, including quicker customer payments, with changes that can be done in bite-sized pieces. To learn more about the Grawe Group, visit the firm’s website, TheGraweGroup.com The post Notes On Improving Processes, Managing Cash Flow & Reducing Days Sales Outstanding appeared first on PodWheels.

Recorded just two days following the end of Q1, Grawe Pod hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall collaborate on an important discussion covering several key points that trucking and logistics decision makers should consider as they evaluate their company’s performance. What Doug and Gary cover will help as decision makers plan ahead for the remainder of 2024 in an ever-changing market. As you will hear, Doug and Gary will share thoughts on a number of manageable steps that companies can take to review dashboards and to find actionable areas that can help you reduce costs and increase efficiencies as you plan for the next six to nine months. They will also discuss developing the ability to change with the times in this market and looking at your processes, and they will talk about the impact that a cash-to-order review can have for trucking and logistics businesses.    To learn more about the Grawe Group, visit the firm’s website, TheGraweGroup.com The post Q1 Is Over, How Is Your Business Positioned For The Rest of 2024? appeared first on PodWheels.

The recent headlines with the news of leadership changes at two of the nation’s largest trucking and logistics companies helped to place the topic of succession planning for your trucking company into the spotlight. In this episode, podcast host Doug Grawe addresses the key questions that trucking companies need to ask when building a succession plan for the business. As Doug notes, one of the first steps is figuring out what the next five, seven or 10 years will look like for your company. Doug also discusses identifying and building a path for future leaders in your company. In addition, Doug spends some time talking about family-owned businesses and succession considerations for the next generation of leadership. Doug is joined on this edition by trucking industry veteran Greg Thompson, the Executive Producer of PodWheels who has 25 years of experience in corporate communications. To learn more about the Grawe Group, visit the firm’s website, TheGraweGroup.com The post Does Your Trucking Company Have A Succession Plan? appeared first on PodWheels.

This episode of the Grawe Pod offers insightful perspective on two timely topics: 1) January’s final rulemaking on Independent Contractor status issued by the Department of Labor. 2) Prevention strategies for cargo theft and mitigating cargo claims. Podcast hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall explore the key points on both IC status and cargo security in an episode that will be valuable for trucking and logistics company management as well as trucking professionals behind the wheel. To learn more about the Grawe Group, visit the firm’s website, TheGraweGroup.com The post Addressing Cargo Theft Prevention & Exploring The IC Status Final Rulemaking appeared first on PodWheels.

The first 2024 episode of the Grawe Pod features a discussion on nuclear verdicts in the trucking industry and managing multiple businesses within one corporate family. Podcast hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall explore a number of key points related to this topic. As you will hear, building and managing the separation of your businesses requires clear business purposes, buy-in and transparency at multiple levels. It also requires consideration of the financial, legal, administrative and operational impacts. To learn more about the Grawe Group, visit the firm’s website, TheGraweGroup.com The post Separating Assets, Separating Businesses & Best Practices for Protecting Your Business appeared first on PodWheels.

In this 2023 year-end edition of the Grawe Pod, series host Doug Grawe goes to the bullpen to call on series producer and trucking industry veteran Greg Thompson from the PodWheels Network to join him on the microphone. As you’ll hear, Greg asks Doug to discuss the top challenges trucking and logistics companies faced in 2023. The conversation also dedicates some time for looking ahead at 2024 with Doug offering a few tips for securing more freight and improving key performance metrics. The post So Long 2023 (and Good Riddance???), Hello 2024! appeared first on PodWheels.

In this episode, podcast hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall highlight the power and purpose of good performance dashboards for trucking and logistics companies. Doug and Gary will discuss how the use of dashboards can offer companies an important advantage through knowing your fundamentals better than the competition and showing that you have the people and processes to improve your fundamentals. This episode will also explore the recent news of another cyberattack within the trucking and logistics industry. As part of that discussion, Doug and Gary cover a few tips for contingency planning. The post The Value of Trucking Dashboards appeared first on PodWheels.

Grawe Pod hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall dedicate this episode to examine some of the biggest headlines and trends happening this summer, including the impact of Yellow’s closing on its people and the industry. Doug and Gary also discuss what’s taking place these days with driver recruiting and retention efforts. You’ll also hear perspective on California’s equipment rules impacting carriers, brokers and shippers all over the U.S. Additionally, Doug touches on a recent court decision that stands as a win for brokers in the industry. Doug and Gary close out this edition of the podcast looking at some of the Grawe Group’s work in 2023 that has helped their clients do better and be better. The post Yellow, its Impact, and More Industry News Making Impacts appeared first on PodWheels.

With the midway point in 2023 on the horizon, the Grawe Pod has dedicated an episode to examine several key questions related to longer range planning and maintaining a focus on reaching your company’s goals. Podcast hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall discuss the importance of planning and asking the right questions, including the following: What do we need to do to reach our goals? Who will be responsible? What are the deadlines? Is the planning clear? Is it properly aligned? This episode is particularly valuable as transportation and logistics companies prepare to work through insurance renewals, budgets, capital expenditures, personnel, cash flow and other considerations that require thoughtful planning. The post Planning: What Do We Need To Do To Reach Our Goals? appeared first on PodWheels.

In today’s transportation landscape, trucking companies are crunched by the prevalence of nuclear verdicts, the shortage of quality drivers, and multiple viewpoints from Operations, Safety, & Recruiting. With this episode of the Grawe Pod, Doug Grawe and Gary Randall are back to talk about driver qualification guidelines and the qualification process. Doug and Gary explore a number of key points on this topic through their discussion while offering some helpful insights. The post Driver Qualifications & The Driver Qualification Process appeared first on PodWheels.

For our first episode of 2023, the Grawe Pod addresses one of the oldest questions facing a trucking company: Should we go with an independent contractor fleet, an employee fleet or a fleet that utilizes both ICs and employee drivers? Podcast host Doug Grawe is joined by Grawe Group Executive Business Partner Gary Randall for a wide-ranging discussion on this topic. Doug and Gary walk listeners through what has become a debate that trucking company owners have faced for generations. Spoiler Alert: There is not a wrong answer to this question, but, as Doug and Gary point out, there are wrong ways to work with a chosen fleet model. This episode also discusses why trucking companies make the choices they do for their fleets. As you’ll hear, Doug and Gary dedicate some time detailing a few best practices in working with each fleet model. The post Age-Old Question: IC Fleet, Employee Fleet or Mixed Fleet? appeared first on PodWheels.

Posting a recycled job ad on Indeed, conducting four rounds of interviews and utilizing a copy-and-paste approach with job qualification requirements are not cutting it in today’s market. During the People Episode of the Grawe Pod, we will be sharing a collection of insights that address attracting, hiring and onboarding non-driving talent into your transportation organization. Doug Grawe is your host for the podcast and he will be joined on this episode by Grawe Group Executive Business Partners Gary Randall and Steve Youngquist. They will explore how transportation companies are attracting, hiring and retaining strong employees through thoughtful approaches. Attention to detail is vital in today’s market. Job descriptions are carefully crafted for each new opening. Qualification requirements are narrowed to attract fit as much as technical expertise. Interviewing is purposeful to draw out the traits that truly matter in your culture. And onboarding is designed to build a strong foundation, not fight fires. The post The People Episode appeared first on PodWheels.

With this episode of the Grawe Pod, we will introduce you to the newest team member of the Grawe Group, Steve Youngquist. Along with introducing Steve and welcoming him to the team, Grawe Pod hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall will be engaging Steve to draw from his expertise in working through various cycles in the trucking and logistics market. As you’ll hear during this episode, some version of a down market may be on the way. The market changes on the horizon will require carriers to meet the challenge to secure the freight you want at the rates you need. Our group discussion here is designed to provide some perspective on putting together useful business development plans to help you not just survive, but thrive in any market. The post Discussing Business Development Plans for 2023 appeared first on PodWheels.

In this episode of the Grawe Pod, we will explore a very important aspect of mergers and acquisitions as the M&A activity is once again heating up in the transportation industry. Grawe Pod hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall discuss the subject of mergers and acquisitions from the perspective of having a plan for implementation in place that can be well executed once the decision is made to buy or sell. With years of experience in leading Operations and Administration on both the selling sides and the buying sides of M&A transactions, Gary and Doug share valuable tips for successfully retaining people, retaining freight and collecting equipment through the transition. The post Implementing Mergers & Acquisitions Effectively appeared first on PodWheels.

In this episode of the Grawe Pod, we focus on the areas of business development and sales. Your podcast hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall center the discussion during this episode on the importance of knowing your company’s differentiators for your customers as well as making sure your whole team knows them. Don Grawe, a veteran logistics professional with a wealth of experience in the area of business development, is the featured guest for this episode. Don delivers a great perspective on understanding the difference between being another one of your customer’s vendors and being your customer’s trusted resource. As you’ll hear, by knowing your customers, knowing their pain points and initiatives and applying your differentiators to them, you can make a difference in their business, allowing your company to successfully and sustainably grow your business. The post Business Development: Understanding Your Company’s Differentiators appeared first on PodWheels.

One of the realities of transportation and logistics is that companies will encounter emergency situations. During this episode of the Grawe Pod, hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall of the Grawe Group discuss the importance of being prepared and having the proper planning in place when unexpected events, one-off situations and emergencies arise. Doug and Gary are joined on this edition of the Grawe Pod by Greg Thompson, a media relations professional with extensive experience in the trucking industry. Doug and Gary cover a collection of examples, noting situations that can arise and offering key points for building effective and adaptable approaches for addressing what your company needs at those challenging moments. Greg shares some tips related to communication and working with the media when certain situations arise. The post Preparing for Emergencies: The Unexpected and the One-Offs appeared first on PodWheels.

There is no question that world events are raising the profile of cyber attacks even higher. Big and small trucking companies can be targets for attacks. In this edition of the Grawe Pod, Nate Johnson from GLCS joins podcast hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall to discuss cybersecurity, preventing issues and responding to events. The post Discussing Cybersecurity: How Prepared Is Your Company? appeared first on PodWheels.

In the first episode of 2022, the Grawe Pod will be examining a few key questions trucking executives should be asking at the beginning of the year, including: What action are you going to take in Q1? What are you going to get done in Q1 to set the table for a big 2022? Your podcast hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall will be sharing insights related to driver retention, employee retention, and IC program tips carriers can use to make lasting improvements in Q1. The post Win 2022 With A Good Start In Q1 appeared first on PodWheels.

As 2021draws to a close, the Grawe Pod takes a look at the value of using the little December and January downtime to work on your business. Your podcast hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall discuss how December and January can offer a chance to lift your head out of the day-to-day. Doug and Gary walk through some examples of ways that trucking and logistics companies can take advantage of the few breaks to think about your business, your area, your metrics, your people and your alignment. The post Using December & January Wisely appeared first on PodWheels.

Podcast hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall discuss the headline-grabbing topic of nuclear verdicts in trucking. As you will hear, nuclear verdicts can be prevented in 3 ways: (1) investing in a robust, proactive defense that tells your safety story to the jury; (2) advocating for reasonable reforms of litigation rules to curb abusive lawsuits and abusive plaintiff tactics; and (3) developing and maintaining a safety culture that goes above and beyond base-level compliance and focuses on preventing accidents. With this episode, Doug and Gary focus the majority of their discussion on the importance of making a comprehensive commitment when it comes to accident prevention. This edition of the Grawe Pod will highlight the importance of investing in technology as well as the importance of following through consistently on an Operations-driven safety culture. The post Nuclear Verdicts: Preventing the Accident appeared first on PodWheels.

In this episode, Mary Akhavan from FleetNet America joins the Grawe Pod to discuss good maintenance program ideas for carriers. You will hear podcast series hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall talk with Mary about roadside assistance, preventative maintenance and the importance of using data to reduce maintenance expenses. Also, during this episode, Doug and Gary have a discussion with Mary about the role that good maintenance practices play in retaining and recruiting good drivers. As you’ll hear during this episode, it’s important for carriers not to allow your equipment problems to become the driver’s equipment problems. This episode of the series highlights the value of keeping your equipment up, running and making money for you and your drivers. The post Good Maintenance Programs appeared first on PodWheels.

Recorded on August 19, this episode of the Grawe Pod places a focus on the importance for transportation and logistics companies to make time for looking around the corner and to consider what needs to be done going forward to improve your business for the road ahead. Trucking industry veterans and your podcast hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall share their insights as they look around the corner at what’s ahead concerning the PRO Act and independent contractor status.  The post Looking Around the Corner appeared first on PodWheels.

In part 3 of our series focusing on the “People Pipeline” and our discussion focused on recruiting and retaining non-driving employees, we are joined by Maggie Debner, the founder of HR MD ([email protected]). Our conversation with Maggie is focused in the importance of developing and retaining internal talent. As you’ll hear during the podcast, Maggie stresses that employee development programs can be simple, focused on experience and exposure. She also highlights having confidence in your value proposition to employees, and remembering that your culture is your people, so focus on your people. The post Filling The People Pipeline: Recruiting & Retaining Talent for Non-Driving Positions, Part 3 appeared first on PodWheels.

In Part 2 of our three-part series focusing on the “People Pipeline,” the Grawe Pod welcomes George Fieser of Global Executive Solutions Group for a discussion about finding experienced talent to fill positions in your company. George has been working with clients and companies for the past two decades in the area of executive recruiting within trucking and logistics. During this episode of the podcast, our conversation with George will focus on what experienced personnel in the trucking and logistics industry are looking for today, how to attract them to your business and how to work effectively with executive recruiting firms. The post Filling the People Pipeline: Recruiting Talent for Non-Driving Positions, Part 2 appeared first on PodWheels.

The Grawe Pod dives into the people pipeline with the first episode in our three-part series focused on attracting and developing your team. Finding drivers to strengthen fleets and capacity remains an intense focus for the trucking industry. At the same time, the need to recruit, develop and retain strong professionals for positions in dispatch, customer service, sales, IT and all areas supporting the fleet should also be a high priority. In Part 1 of our series, the Grawe Pod talks college recruiting and how to develop valuable relationships with colleges and universities. Our guest for this episode is Scott Grawe, Chair of the Supply Chain Department at Iowa State University. The post Filling the People Pipeline: Recruiting Talent for Non-Driving Positions, Part 1 appeared first on PodWheels.

In the debut of the Grawe Pod, hosts Doug Grawe and Gary Randall discuss why the Grawe Group launched its podcast series before diving into the feature topic of the episode, which focuses on the legislative process and the value of making transportation’s voice heard among lawmakers. Doug and Gary welcome veteran Minnesota-based lobbyist Jeremy Estensen as their guest. Jeremy, who is part of the Stinson Law Firm in the Twin Cities, delivers listeners an expert perspective on how business leaders can get involved in key issues. The post The Value of Making Transportation’s Voice Heard Among Lawmakers appeared first on PodWheels.