Let’s face it, the droning sound of tires on asphalt and the rumble of your engine can get monotonous over long stretches of road. Listening to something else can help truck drivers maintain focus and stay sharp behind the wheel. Music is certainly an option, but more and more commercial truckers are choosing podcasts to help keep them entertained and informed while driving their routes. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best podcasts for truck drivers to listen to on the road. Find your new favorite way to pass the time below.
Many drivers listen to podcasts on the road, and truckers are no exception. Podcasts can be an excellent way to learn new and interesting things, have a few good laughs, or hear a fresh perspective. They can also help keep truckers alert and engaged by preventing the ambient sounds of the road from lulling them into a trance. Some podcasts provide the opportunity to learn a new skill or language while on the move, and some can even give you tips to improve as a driver. Whatever your interests or goals are, there is most likely a podcast for you. Let’s look at some of the best podcasts related to the trucking business and beyond, and where you can find them.
Talk CDL - Hosted by Troy and Ruthann, this popular truck driver podcast posts regularly on Sundays and covers both entertaining and relevant topics for the trucking industry. Episodes are typically around 30 minutes long, and often include a segment where truckers will call in to give their input. Listen on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, Youtube, or HERE.
Transportation Matters - This podcast is hosted by the CEO of Daimler Truck, Martin Daum. In episodes which are typically around 25 minutes long, Martin interviews prominent industry guests on topics such as the future of transportation and logistics, sustainability, globalization, and other relevant issues in trucking. Hear it on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or by clicking the link HERE.
Trucker Dump - Since 2012, Todd McCann has been hosting his trucker podcast with the hopes of raising awareness of issues facing the trucking industry as a companion to his blog on the same topic. Loaded with Todd’s wry sense of humor and wise insight into the industry (he’s been a truck driver since 1997), the podcast looks at things like healthcare for truckers, diesel shortages, electric truck charging station availability, and many more. Episodes typically run between 1 and 2 hours, and there are plenty of them to check out in the archives, making it perfect for long hours behind the wheel. You can find it on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and on his blog site HERE.
Trucking For Millennials - This podcast is geared toward younger drivers, and aims to offer a fresh perspective on the industry and how the younger generation of logistics professionals will shape it in the future. Hosted by Michael Clemits and Aaron Dunn, the show airs new one hour episodes weekly which feature topical discussions, expert interviews, and real stories from freight drivers and managers. It’s now in its fifth year. Look for it on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, and iHeart Radio. You can also listen to all episodes HERE.
Truck & Driver - Hosted by the team behind Truck & Driver magazine, the UK’s biggest and best-selling truck magazine, this podcast discusses all things truck related. Relevant product reviews, industry trends, advice and interviews are covered in one hour episodes. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Deezer, and HERE.
The Lead Pedal Podcast for Truck Drivers - This Canadian podcast, hosted by Bruce Outridge, was created to help truck drivers have successful careers and businesses in the transportation industry. Episodes vary in length from 10 minutes to 1 hour, and include interviews with industry experts, product reviews, Q & A sessions, and relevant news topics. Tune in on ApplePodcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, and more. Learn more HERE.
The Loadstar Podcast - Mike King hosts this podcast focused on transportation logistics and the global supply chain. News, interviews, industry trends, and opinions are just some of the topics covered, and episodes are typically between 30 minutes to 1 hour long. Check it out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, Audible, Deezer, and HERE.
HDT Talks Trucking - This podcast is hosted by various members of the Heavy Duty Trucking magazine staff, who interview experts to deliver behind the scenes news and insights about the trucking industry. Anyone interested in learning more about the state of transportation and what trends to watch will find this one to be a must-listen. It’s available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or right HERE.
Road Signs Podcast - Seth Clevenger, managing editor of features at Transport Topics, brings you a deep dive into the latest and greatest from the trucking technology world. Each episode, which premiers every other Thursday, contains an introduction, two guest interviews, and a conclusion which answers the introductory question. You can listen to this one on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, SoundCloud, YouTube, or HERE.
Eyes On The Road - Host Evan Lockridge is an award-winning journalist who writes about trucking and transportation. In this podcast he discusses hot topics for both drivers and fleet managers, and interviews guests who work in various areas of the industry, from owner/operators to regulators to analysts and beyond. Episodes are short (typically between 10-20 minutes), and are released sporadically, but there are plenty to catch up on. Catch it on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Android, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, or by subscribing HERE.
BBC Global News - The BBC’s flagship world news podcast is an excellent way to stay informed about global events as they’re happening. Various hosts present current news in 30-minute segments, and new episodes are released twice a day on weekdays, and once on Saturdays and Sundays. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or on the BBC’s own site HERE.
Alice Isn’t Dead - Presented by another popular podcast series, Welcome to Night Vale, this serial fiction podcast follows the story of a truck driver who searches the roads of America for his long-lost wife, who was previously thought to be dead. Each episode in the series is about 20-30 minutes long, and it’s the perfect way to stay alert on long, night drives. Alice Isn’t Dead is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or the Night Vale Presents website which you can find HERE.
Podcasts can be a great resource for truck drivers to have, and provide a way to stay alert behind the wheel. The shows mentioned above are a perfect way to pass the time and keep informed on issues in the transportation industry and beyond while out on your route or taking a rest. Give them a try the next time you hit the road.
