Retention Starts Before Day One #EPISODE13

Retention Starts Before Day One #EPISODE13

Author: Kameel Gaines July 10, 2025 Duration: 1:00:20

Most fleets wait until after orientation to start thinking about retention, but by then, it’s often too late.

In this episode of The Rig on Wheels Show, Kameel E. Gaines exposes the costly mistakes carriers make before the driver ever pulls their first load. From bait-and-switch recruiting tactics to lack of structure during orientation, she breaks down why turnover is often baked into the hiring process.

Learn how to lead with honesty, set real expectations, and implement a retention strategy that starts the moment a driver applies.

Whether you’re a small fleet owner, recruiting leader, or safety manager, this episode will challenge you to reimagine retention as a pre-load priority, not a post-hire afterthought.

🎧 Plus: A breakdown of Kameel’s 3-day onboarding framework and the mindset shifts that separate high-turnover carriers from legacy fleets.


Kameel Gaines, the CEO of Rig On Wheels, brings his frontline experience to every conversation on The Rig on Wheels Show Radio. This isn't just industry commentary; it's a practical dialogue for anyone invested in the complex world of trucking. Each episode tackles the pressing challenges that define the business today, moving beyond surface-level talk to explore actionable solutions. You'll hear frank discussions about the critical task of finding and, more importantly, keeping reliable drivers, a topic that sits at the heart of sustainable operations. The podcast also delves into the nuances of growing a fleet, offering strategies that consider both the financial and human elements of expansion. Topics like second-chance hiring and working with SAP drivers are examined with a focus on real-world application and compliance, providing a valuable perspective often overlooked. Whether you're an owner-operator, a fleet manager, or an entrepreneur building a business in this space, this podcast serves as a dedicated resource for education and insight. Tune in for Kameel's straightforward approach to turning industry obstacles into opportunities for growth and stability.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 23

The Rig on Wheels Show Radio: The #1 Podcast for Truck Driver Recruitment & Retention
Podcast Episodes
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Kameel E. Gaines dives into the industry-wide reaction to Tenstreet’s new verification of employment (VOE) policy. Learn how VOE bottlenecks and rising fees are stalling driver hires, hurting retention, and raising safet…
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Duration: 45:53
Hiring the wrong truck driver doesn’t just lead to empty seats—it can cost your fleet time, money, and even its reputation. In this episode of The Rig on Wheels Show, Kameel E. Gaines reveals why rushed recruiting decisi…