Freight Efficiency with NACFE‘s Mike Roeth & Friends

In this episode we flip the script and have Mike Roeth, the show’s host, answer questions posed by his granddaughter Makenzie Roeth. He talks about driving his first diesel truck at the age of 13 and about his first time behind the wheel of an electric truck. He also talks about his career before NACFE and his job as NACFE’s executive director and why he is so proud of the Run on Less series.

Jim Castelaz, founder and chief technology and revenue officer at Motiv Electric Trucks, talks about why he started Motiv and why it feels like we are at an inflection point with EVs today. He also shares his thoughts on the importance of being clear on vocabulary and terms and about learning from what went well and what didn’t. Finally, he talks about the 3 key metrics of EVs and reminds us to not lose sight of the wins.

Dave Mullaney, chief transformation officer, truCurrent, talks about the lessons that can be learned from the growth of EVs in China and the accelerated transition pathway to EVs that we are on in the US. He also talks about his career in transportation, what a chief transformation officer does and truCurrent’s role in electrifying fleets. He also shares why he thinks its importance to be open to new ideas and the importance of self-forgiveness during transformative times.

Michele Calbi, CEO of Team DriveAway, talks about her experience moving a fleet from 5.2 MPG to 7.2 MPG and about the importance of drivers in the fuel-economy equation. She also talks about what got her into trucking and how she has enjoyed her time working at a fleet and at various OEMs. She shares some of the options for moving trucks including decking and she gives some advice for navigating the future.

Jason Mathers, director of the Environmental Defense Fund, talks about the history of the EDF, what it is currently focusing on, and his commitment to problem solving. He also talks about what he loves about working in the trucking industry, the progress we’ve made on reducing emissions and the distance we still have to go. He also offers advice on how to make sure you understand emissions policies and regulations.

Yunsu Park, NACFE’s director of engineering, talks about his career at Navistar and Propel, the importance of doing new things and the data side of Run on Less. He also talks about taking risks, how ready trucking is for what’s coming up ahead and the best way to get people to change.

Jordan Spradling, vice president of transportation and logistics at Pilot Flying J, talks about the history of the travel center chain, the challenges of balancing the various needs of travel center customers and keeping the sites updated. He also talks about Pilot’s role in shaping the future of energy, the need to look at all the energy solutions during this period of transition, testing of hydrogen fuel cell trucks to haul hydrogen and encourages everyone to be optimistic about the future. 

Bruce Stockton, chief operating officer of Wilson Logistics and NACFE founder, talks about what drew him to trucking and his years at CFI and Conway. He also talks about the value of networking, the importance of data in driving decision making, and making sure technology decisions have a good ROI. Finally, he shares his thoughts on the 2027 emissions regulations and electric trucks.

John Hroncich, director of North American transit sales at BAE Systems, talks about what BAE Systems does, how transit has been ahead of trucking in terms of trying new technologies, and walks us through the various alternative fuel options in the bus market. He also shares why the voice of the customer is so important and encourages people in the trucking industry to be open minded when it comes to powertrain options.

Rob Swim, a trucking industry veteran, talks about his 35-year passion in the truck business, the International CXT, the complexity of vocational vehicles, and what it takes to be a successful truck dealer. He also shares his thoughts on all the powertrain options available, about the Scout and its battery electric reincarnation and about the perfect places for electric trucks.