Author: Trucker Talk Radio

2025 Driver of the Year Award Announcement LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has named Kathy Blaies, a professional carhauler with United Road, as the recipient of the 2025 Driver of the Year Award, sponsored by Walmart. Recognition for Excellence “Kathy was chosen for her significant contributions to the trucking sector, her steadfast commitment to safety, and her dedication to mentoring, especially women in the industry,” stated Jennifer Hedrick, WIT’s president and CEO. Finalists for the Award Blaies was one of four finalists considered for this prestigious award. The other finalists include: A Journey of Resilience Kathy’s…

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TJ Kounkel: A Legacy of Farming and Trucking MERRILL, Iowa — In many families, farming and trucking are cherished traditions, and for TJ Kounkel’s family, both professions are deeply rooted. They manage 2,000 acres of corn and soybeans in northwest Iowa while also running a livestock-hauling operation. For Kounkel, learning to drive farm machinery and trucks was a natural part of his upbringing. Early Beginnings and Road Familiarity “I started driving at 18, driving intrastate. I know every road in Iowa,” Kounkel shared with The Trucker, though he admits discussing himself is a challenge. “I’m kind of boring,” he continues.…

Koffie Insurance Secures $11M in Series A Funding Koffie Insurance, an InsurTech startup catering to the trucking and transportation industry, has successfully raised $11 million in its Series A funding round. The round was led by Anthemis Group, with participation from existing investors Lerer Hippeau Ventures and Plug and Play Ventures. New investors included CP Overture, Breakout Capital, Two Lanterns Venture Partners, and several unnamed strategic angel investors. Koffie Insurance provides trucking and transport businesses with quick and cost-effective insurance solutions that prioritize and reward safety. The company asserts that its technology streamlines processes related to underwriting, loss control, claims…

PHOENIX – Optimal Truck Stops on the Road Choosing the best truck stops varies based on individual needs. Trucker Path, a mobile application, recently revealed its annual rankings of truck stops, highlighting offerings and customer service. Over a million drivers using the app selected the top truck stop chains and independent sites. “The top truck stops earn this accolade from their customers,” stated Chris Oliver, CMO of Trucker Path. “Winning this award signifies that the 2025 recipients excelled in their services and dedication to customer care, standing out among over 9,000 truck stops and roughly 10,000 additional fueling locations available…

Steven Cadena Joins Alliant – Steven Cadena has joined Alliant Insurance Services, bringing over ten years of experience in commercial trucking insurance from Laredo, Texas, focusing on cross-border transportation companies. Acquisition Announcement – On February 12, 2026, Alliant Insurance Services, the nation’s top specialty broker, announced the acquisition of the For-Hire Trucking portfolio from Laredo Commercial Insurance Agency. This move establishes Alliant’s presence in Laredo, Texas. With this acquisition, Cadena has taken on the role of Vice President in Alliant Transportation, enhancing the firm’s specialization in providing thorough insurance solutions for cross-border transportation risks. Recent Acquisitions in Texas – Laredo…

William York’s Journey in Trucking NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — At just 14 years old, William York left school to accompany his brother who was a truck driver. “I went along to keep him awake,” York, now 63, shared during a recent chat with The Trucker at an Interstate 40 truck stop. After some time on the road, York decided he wanted to be a truck driver himself. He began his driving career in a cabover International 4000, even though he didn’t have a driver’s license at the time. “Driving a big rig was quite an adventure,” he recalled. It…

Following a decade of consistent growth, Hartford Truck Equipment, located in South Windsor, is making a substantial investment of over $8 million for a major expansion. The second-generation distributor of truck equipment is constructing a 53,000-square-foot warehouse behind its headquarters at 95 John Fitch Blvd., which will feature approximately 8,000 square feet of office space on the second floor. This initiative comes as the company continues to solidify its status as one of the region’s largest distributors of commercial truck parts and accessories, states Owner and General Manager Blake Brannon. “We keep growing and expanding,” remarked Brannon. “From less than…

The latest season of “IRT: Deadliest Roads” from the “Ice Road Truckers” reality-TV series on the History Channel premiered its second episode last night, following a strong debut the week before that attracted 3.4 million viewers. This season features North American drivers, including familiar faces and newcomers, as they navigate the treacherous terrain and bustling cities of the Himalayas. (Read a summary of IRT’s second episode here.) If you watched it, you might recognize Lisa Kelly, potentially the most prominent figure in U.S. trucking right now. Before the episode aired, I had the opportunity to speak with Kelly about her…

Are the current levels of “financial responsibility” — primarily liability insurance — for carriers too low? This is a question that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has been examining since a report released in April indicated that the existing $750,000 minimum is inadequate for many incidents that result in claims exceeding this amount. Industry groups like the American Trucking Associations and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Associations argue that only 1 percent of trucking-related accidents exceed this minimum threshold. They believe raising the minimum would be impractical and would likely lead to higher premiums for motor carriers. As part…