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.
https://thegrawegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/logo_orangeblue_TheGraweGroup-sm.png00The Grawe Grouphttps://thegrawegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/logo_orangeblue_TheGraweGroup-sm.pngThe Grawe Group2023-05-08 11:06:462023-05-08 11:06:46Driver Qualifications & The Driver Qualification Process
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.
https://thegrawegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/logo_orangeblue_TheGraweGroup-sm.png00The Grawe Grouphttps://thegrawegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/logo_orangeblue_TheGraweGroup-sm.pngThe Grawe Group2023-02-03 13:13:402023-02-03 13:13:40Age-Old Question: IC Fleet, Employee Fleet or Mixed Fleet?
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.
https://thegrawegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/logo_orangeblue_TheGraweGroup-sm.png00The Grawe Grouphttps://thegrawegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/logo_orangeblue_TheGraweGroup-sm.pngThe Grawe Group2022-11-24 15:53:372022-11-24 15:53:37The People Episode
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.
https://thegrawegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/logo_orangeblue_TheGraweGroup-sm.png00The Grawe Grouphttps://thegrawegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/logo_orangeblue_TheGraweGroup-sm.pngThe Grawe Group2022-10-20 12:31:002022-10-20 12:38:56Discussing Business Development Plans for 2023
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.
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.
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.
https://thegrawegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/logo_orangeblue_TheGraweGroup-sm.png00The Grawe Grouphttps://thegrawegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/logo_orangeblue_TheGraweGroup-sm.pngThe Grawe Group2022-05-16 10:49:512022-05-16 10:49:51Preparing for Emergencies: The Unexpected and the One-Offs
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.
https://thegrawegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/logo_orangeblue_TheGraweGroup-sm.png00The Grawe Grouphttps://thegrawegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/logo_orangeblue_TheGraweGroup-sm.pngThe Grawe Group2022-03-10 12:41:112022-03-10 12:41:11Discussing Cybersecurity: How Prepared Is Your Company?
It’s the start of a new year and you have big plans for 2022. 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.
https://thegrawegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/logo_orangeblue_TheGraweGroup-sm.png00The Grawe Grouphttps://thegrawegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/logo_orangeblue_TheGraweGroup-sm.pngThe Grawe Group2022-01-21 10:56:122022-01-21 10:56:33Win 2022 With A Good Start In Q1
As the year draws 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.
https://thegrawegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/logo_orangeblue_TheGraweGroup-sm.png00The Grawe Grouphttps://thegrawegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/logo_orangeblue_TheGraweGroup-sm.pngThe Grawe Group2021-12-13 15:44:142021-12-13 15:45:57Using December & January Wisely
In our latest episode, 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.
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.
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. Doug and Gary also discuss some of the questions trucking and logistics company leaders can be digging into to help them prepare for the next six to 18 months. Listeners to this episode of the Grawe Pod will hear details on a new free risk assessment program being offered by the Grawe Group. You can request more information on the risk assessment offer by visiting the Contact page in the Engage Section of our website.
https://thegrawegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/logo_orangeblue_TheGraweGroup-sm.png00The Grawe Grouphttps://thegrawegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/logo_orangeblue_TheGraweGroup-sm.pngThe Grawe Group2021-08-23 20:16:412021-08-23 20:18:37Looking Around the Corner
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 (mwdebner@gmail.com). 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.
https://thegrawegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/logo_orangeblue_TheGraweGroup-sm.png00The Grawe Grouphttps://thegrawegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/logo_orangeblue_TheGraweGroup-sm.pngThe Grawe Group2021-07-29 15:50:092021-08-23 20:17:58Filling The People Pipeline: Recruiting & Retaining Talent for Non-Driving Positions, Part 3
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.
https://thegrawegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/logo_orangeblue_TheGraweGroup-sm.png00The Grawe Grouphttps://thegrawegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/logo_orangeblue_TheGraweGroup-sm.pngThe Grawe Group2021-06-18 11:23:002021-06-18 11:23:00Filling the People Pipeline: Recruiting Talent for Non-Driving Positions, Part 2
Driver Qualifications & The Driver Qualification Process
/in The Grawe Pod/by The Grawe GroupIn 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.
Age-Old Question: IC Fleet, Employee Fleet or Mixed Fleet?
/in The Grawe Pod/by The Grawe GroupFor 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 People Episode
/in The Grawe Pod/by The Grawe GroupPosting 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.
Discussing Business Development Plans for 2023
/in The Grawe Pod/by The Grawe GroupWith 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.
Implementing Mergers & Acquisitions Effectively
/in The Grawe Pod/by The Grawe GroupIn 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.
Business Development: Understanding Your Company’s Differentiators
/in The Grawe Pod/by The Grawe GroupIn 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.
Preparing for Emergencies: The Unexpected and the One-Offs
/in The Grawe Pod/by The Grawe GroupOne 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.
Discussing Cybersecurity: How Prepared Is Your Company?
/in The Grawe Pod/by The Grawe GroupThere 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.
Win 2022 With A Good Start In Q1
/in The Grawe Pod/by The Grawe GroupIt’s the start of a new year and you have big plans for 2022. 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.
Using December & January Wisely
/in The Grawe Pod/by The Grawe GroupAs the year draws 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.
Nuclear Verdicts: Preventing the Accident
/in The Grawe Pod/by The Grawe GroupIn our latest episode, 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.
Good Maintenance Programs
/in The Grawe Pod/by The Grawe GroupIn 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.
Looking Around the Corner
/in The Grawe Pod/by The Grawe GroupRecorded 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. Doug and Gary also discuss some of the questions trucking and logistics company leaders can be digging into to help them prepare for the next six to 18 months. Listeners to this episode of the Grawe Pod will hear details on a new free risk assessment program being offered by the Grawe Group. You can request more information on the risk assessment offer by visiting the Contact page in the Engage Section of our website.
Filling The People Pipeline: Recruiting & Retaining Talent for Non-Driving Positions, Part 3
/in The Grawe Pod/by The Grawe GroupIn 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 (mwdebner@gmail.com). 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.
Filling the People Pipeline: Recruiting Talent for Non-Driving Positions, Part 2
/in The Grawe Pod/by The Grawe GroupIn 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.