8 podcasts every truck driver should know about

Microphone in the studio with an "On Air" sign

Are you tired of listening to the same songs over and over again on your routes? At Freymiller, we want our drivers to have complete comfort when they’re in the driver’s seat. So, we searched the internet and found the top eight podcasts for CDL-A drivers.


Trucking life

Building community is one of the most beneficial things a professional driver can do for their career. In 2023, we can connect with others not just in-person but also virtually. Here are three podcasts that get you immersed in the nationwide truck driving community.

1. Talk CDL Trucking Podcast
This podcast has earned the title of the best truck driving podcast on the internet, making it a shoo-in for a spot on this list. The hosts take a comprehensive look at the trucking industry, providing relevant information on trucking laws and other breaking news. They also review trucker surveys and include talking points from fellow CDL-A drivers who tune into the podcast. Join the thousands of other truck drivers who listen in and learn even more about the trucking community!

2. Trucker Dump
With nearly 200 episodes, this podcast has been on air for awhile and knows how to serve its listeners. They advertise themselves as “A podcast for truckers, potential truckers, and curious non-truckers” meaning that nearly everyone can tune in and feel entertained! Get ready to hear interesting stories from the road as well as comments submitted by listeners.

3. Big Rig Banter
Have you ever been curious about what a news station that covers only trucking news and specifically interviews CDL-A drivers would be like? Big Rig Banter is hosted by experienced journalists who are committed to both entertaining and educating truck drivers. With exclusive interviews from members of the truck driving industry, this show “gets to the heart of the truck driving community,” as posted on their podcast page.


Talk show

Talk show podcasts let you listen in on an interesting and engaging conversation without the pressure of having to think up any replies! Here are our top three recommendations.

1. Jocko Podcast
Jocko Willink, the host of this show, is a decorated retired Navy Seal who has taken to the internet to share his unique perspective on the power of discipline and leadership. With topics focusing on business, war, relationships, and everyday life, Willink invites interesting guests to join him on air and share their life experiences. Some of the top-rated episodes include Jocko Podcast 221: Jonny Kim. Navy SEAL, Doctor, Astronaut. The Unimaginable Path and Jocko Podcast 21: With Tim Kennedy & Echo Charles.

2. This American Life
This show pulls in 2.2 million listeners on their weekly podcasts. Ira Glass, the host, works hard to make journalism entertaining and features compelling stories with humorous moments and plenty of plot twists. Described as a “public radio program and podcast,” each week is focused on a new theme, meaning that you’re sure to never listen to the same story twice!

3. Trucking After Hours
We almost put this podcast under the trucking life category, but the easy-flowing conversation between the father-son duo that hosts this show changed our minds. Buck and Don Ballard both have years of trucking experience under the belt and took to the internet to create compelling conversation on not only CDL life, but also on pick-ups, cars, and business, taking the podcast beyond just trucking life.


True crime

Here’s your hack to having the hours and miles fly by. True crime podcasts are highly recommended in the truck driving community as their gripping stories suck you in. Here are our top two recommendations.

1. Criminal
The hosts of Criminal take listeners on a journey through some of the most confounding cases. From plane crashes that happened for seemingly no reason to an entire family passing away from the sudden onset of a mysterious illness, the host Phoebe Judge shares true crime cases that are sure to grab your attention.

2. Crime Junkie
This weekly podcast makes it impossible for you to ever run out of true crime content. The hosts cover murder cases, missing person cases, conspiracies, and more that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Some of their top-rated episodes include MISSING: Niqui McCown and WANTED: Monster in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Now that you’ve got your OTR listening material ready to go, it’s time to step up your truck driving career! Connect with Freymiller today and learn about our amazing driving opportunities!

The 7 truck stop names to know in the U.S.

image of truck stop sign

Warm food, clean showers, plenty of parking… these are some of the things that make a great truck stop. Considering how hard you work on the road, you deserve a comfortable place to rest for the night. Freymiller has done the research and is ready to give you all the info on the best truck stops across the nation. Here are the truck stop chains or locations we like the most!

 

Love’s Travel Stops

Love’s Travel Stops are popular stopping places among professional drivers. There are over 550 locations across 41 states that provide drivers with tire care and mechanical services, making it easy to find one if you’re ever in a pinch. Open 24/7 for your convenience, the shelves are stocked with travel essentials like your favorite snacks and phone charging cords that keep your route running smoothly.

 

Pilot Flying J

If you’re a professional truck driver, chances are you’ve visited a Pilot Flying J. With over 740 locations scattered across 44 states, it’s convenience and accessibility make it popular among commercial drivers. Locations are outfitted with plenty of fuel stations, fresh coffee, some of the best food available OTR, showers (pro tip: download the Pilot Flying J app and reserve your shower before you arrive!)

 

 

TA Travel Centers

If you’re looking for a little bit of everything at your truck stop, TA Travel Centers are the way to go. This chain receives high marks around truck drivers and really showcases all that a truck stop can offer. From an always open diner serving homestyle food, showers, fuel, parking, and additional truck services, you’re sure to find what you need (and more!)

 

For an equally good experience, but with a more mom-and-pop feel, here are four novel truck stops for you to check out.

 

Iowa 80 in Walcott, Iowa

Making a stop at Iowa 80, the world’s largest truck stop, is a rite of passage to being behind the wheel of a semi. It takes care of any need you might have! With 900 parking spots, you don’t have to worry about finding parking. There’s certified CAT scales, a laundromat, and a dog park, along with an entire floor, exclusive to CDL-A drivers, featuring a dentist, chiropractor, barber, gym, a movie theater, and more!

 

Johnson’s Corner Truck Stop in Johnstown, Colorado

Johnson’s Corner’s claim to fame among the truck driving community? Their world famous warm and fluffy cinnamon rolls. Enjoy their homestyle diner, chapel, CAT scales, a FedEx drop-off, free Wi-Fi., and of course, be sure to take a cinnamon roll (or two) to go!

 

Big Apple Travel Center in Joplin, Missouri

In 2020, Big Apple was voted as one of the top truck stops in America by professional truck drivers. This truck stop serves Indian cuisine, a food option not typically available at truck stops! Enjoy repair services, fuel, and amenities made for relaxation when you make a stop here.

 

Mach 1 in Frankfort, Illinois

This truck stop allows you to easily fuel yourself and your truck! With plenty of fueling lanes and stations for your truck and food options for yourself including Little Caesar’s Pizza, Bean2Cup Coffee, and Kate’s Kitchen, its easy to fuel up here before hitting the road again.

 

Freymiller sets our drivers up for success during every part of their journey. Feel like your carrier could be doing more? Connect with us today and learn more about our driving opportunities!

The 10 songs every truck driver needs to hear

Person holding iphone with Spotify logo on the phone screen.

Have you ever wondered what songs would be on the ultimate driving playlist? Freymiller’s got it figured out. Here is the best playlist to keep you groovin’ and movin’ while you’re on the road! 

1.    “Born to be Wild” – Steppenwolf

Steppenwolf’s 1968 rock hit is made to start off a driving playlist! Are there possibly better lyrics than “get your motor runnin ’… head out on the highway” sung in Steppenwolf’s catchy melody to get your trip rolling on the right track? 

2.    “I’ve Been Everywhere” – Johnny Cash

This might be the most relatable song to CDL-A drivers! The first verse includes a seemingly never-ending list of cities Cash claims to have visited – listen along and see which ones you’ve also traveled to! 

3.    “Fly Like an Eagle” – Steve Miller Band

We couldn’t make this playlist without including Steve Miller Band. This psychedelic jam takes you back to 1976 while including lyrics that still ring true in 2023. And, to make it even better, time just flies as this song plays! 

4.    “Go Your Own Way” – Fleetwood Mac

At first listen this song may make you think of a break-up. But we can only imagine that the freedom-loving artists of Fleetwood Mac wanted listeners to take their chorus seriously and “go your own way,” especially if it means avoiding a traffic jam!

5.    “Life in the Fast Lane” – Eagles

Here’s your mid-trip pick-me-up! Crank this iconic tune by the Eagles whenever you feel like you need a bit of extra energy. Listen closely to the lyrics though! “Life in the fast lane, surely makes you lose your mind.” 

6.    “Night Moves” – Bob Seger

What do you need after the Eagles adrenaline-filled rock ballad? Seger’s easy-listening, mellow classic. “Night Moves” puts you in an easygoing headspace without putting you to sleep. 

7.    “Long Train Runnin’” – The Doobie Brothers

This song hit No. 8 on the U.S. Billboard Top 100 for both its musical proficiency and the way it blends the power of love with scenes of cross-country travels, making it a shoo-in for a spot on the ultimate driving playlist.

8.    “Here I Go Again” – Whitesnake

You’re in the home stretch now! If you feel like you’re starting to drag a bit, Whitesnake’s legendary power ballad will give you the second wind you’ve been waiting for! 

9.    “Danger Zone” – Kenny Loggins

Whitesnake didn’t quite get you pumped up enough? Follow it with Loggins’ “Danger Zone” for a surefire way to get all the motivation you need to keep your wheels rolling steady ‘til your next stop! 

10.    “Take it Easy” – Eagles

This is a great song to queue up when you’ve been on the road for a while. It’s soothing assurance to take it easy and not “let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy” puts you in the right headspace for a perfect end to your trip. 

Freymiller doesn’t just get our drivers set up with the ultimate playlist for their time behind the wheel – we get them unbeatable truck driving careers! Connect with us today to learn more about our driver opportunities open now!