54 Years Behind the Wheel: Doug Smith Shares Trucking Stories & Hauling “The Wall That Heals”

54 Years Behind the Wheel: Doug Smith Shares Trucking Stories & Hauling “The Wall That Heals”

Author: Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association July 29, 2025 Duration: 53:56
When you’ve driven trucks for more than half a century, you’ve gathered more than a few stories. In this special episode of Trucking with OOIDA, hosts Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson welcome veteran trucker and OOIDA board member Doug Smith, who has over 54 years of driving experience and more than 4.3 million accident‑free miles to his name.Doug shares his unlikely entry into trucking—and why he’s not stepping away anytime soon. He recounts the deeply moving experience of hauling The Wall That Heals, a half‑scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, describing it as more than a delivery—it was a spiritual moment.Tune in to hear stories about his appearance on a reality TV show, a brief cameo in a classic baseball film, and why he still loves the road when others have long retired.

Hosted by Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson, Trucking with OOIDA is a direct line to the conversations that matter most on the open road. This isn't just industry talk filtered through a corporate lens; it's the authentic voice of the trucking community, reflecting the long-standing advocacy of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association. Each episode blends necessary news analysis with the kind of stories and practical insights you'd share at a truck stop. You'll hear from seasoned over-the-road drivers, policy experts, and unexpected guests who all have a stake in the life and business of trucking. The discussions cut through the noise to tackle real-world challenges, from regulatory changes and market trends to the daily realities of life behind the wheel. Tuning into this podcast feels like catching up with well-informed friends who are as committed to the profession as you are. It’s where education meets entertainment, offering both a clear-eyed look at the business and a genuine connection to the people who keep freight moving. For anyone invested in the trucking industry, whether behind the wheel or in the office, these conversations provide valuable perspective and a solid sense of what's coming down the pike.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Trucking with OOIDA
Podcast Episodes
Don’t Haul that Heavy Load Alone [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:49
Trucking is a stressful profession, and Shaun Lezer knows that as well as anyone. The Utah-based truck driver found himself at a crossroads a few years back, and the path he took has made a world of difference for his me…
Route 66: How the Mother Road Became a Legend [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:24
The heyday of Route 66 may be long behind us, but its memory is still going strong for a number of reasons. More than just a road, Route 66 is a symbol of American adventure, history, and culture – a reflection of our gr…
Onward and Upward in 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:40
To say 2025 was a busy year is an understatement. It’s also worth noting that it was a productive year as well, with movement on hours-of-service flexibility, non-domiciled CDLs and more. To recap 2025, we call in Todd S…
Rep. David Taylor on Launching Congress’ First Trucking Caucus [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:50
Every now and then, an idea comes along that makes you wonder why it isn’t already being done. The Congressional Trucking Caucus is a prime example. The idea, just now taking shape, will bring together lawmakers on a reg…
OOIDA Member Helps Family After “Horrific Accident” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:47
Natasha Cruz-Sanchez has had a busy and prosperous year. Aside from her everyday job of hauling freight, the OOIDA member has also filed a petition with FMCSA on English-language proficiency, appeared on national televis…
Christmas in the Cab with Simple Livin’s Angela Griffin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:56
If you’re not quite in the Christmas spirit yet, Angela Griffin has the cure. The professional truck driver, who’s gained a following with her Simple Livin’ YouTube channel, has a lot of ideas for making the holidays a b…
Christmas + Convoy + Truck Lights = Holiday Cheer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:56
Who doesn’t love a good convoy, especially one that revolves around a Christmas theme? Truck driver Noah Melton tells us about the Red Arrow Convoy in Michigan, which just wrapped up its third event – and it was bigger t…
Here’s How OOIDA Has Led the Fight Against Non-Domiciled CDLs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:36
OOIDA has been consistent about its stance on non-domiciled CDLs from the jump. The Association believes the program should be completely eliminated – and the Trump Administration and Congress are taking important steps…
Trucking History is American History [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:15
There really isn’t anything quite like the American Truck Historical Society in the country, much less the world. Is it a truck club? A museum? Or maybe a research library? Brad Patterson, membership director of ATHS, sa…
Thinking About Factoring? Buyer Beware [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:04
If you’re going to factor, there are a few things you need to know in advance. Linking up with a factoring company comes with risks, and OOIDA has the receipts and horror stories to prove it. For that reason, the Associa…