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
Trucking America's Most Isolated Highway [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:36
The temperatures may be low, but the passion for trucking burns bright for Alaskan driver Tiff Hargraves — known to many as “Dalton Darlin” on YouTube. She joins Trucking with OOIDA to share what life is like on the road…
The History of a Favorite Truck-Stop Snack: The Potato Chip [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:39
Today we’re talking chips, not micro but of the salty variety. For nearly two centuries people have been enjoying these thin slices of potato. Trucking with OOIDA hosts, Scott and Ashley recently got to talking about thi…
Adding Truck Parking at the Crossroads of America [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:31
Solving the truck parking crisis is going to take a team effort, so when a state like Indiana takes action, we like to celebrate it. The state DOT is in the early stages of a plan that will add more than 1,200 truck park…
Trucking in Paradise [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:40
Living in Hawaii comes with some definite perks – and we’re not going to lie, trucking in Hawaii sounds pretty great, too. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t challenges. Narrow roads. Truck parking problems. And a few mo…
Every Alaskan Wants to Leave, But Every Alaskan Comes Back [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:30
It’s a running joke, but like a lot of things in life, it’s funny because there’s some truth to it. And it’s especially true for professional truck drivers in Alaska, who keep hitting the road despite an endless wave of…
The Best Time to Buy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:28
If you’re in the market for a new truck, Andrej Divis has some advice. The executive director of global heavy truck research at S&P Global says a number of factors are impacting the North American truck market right now,…
Taking a Moment to Brag (Humbly), But Then It’s Back to Work [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:31
OOIDA has celebrated a lot of wins on the regulatory side of things this year. Proposed speed limiter mandate? Bye-bye. An honest-to-goodness exploration of hours-of-service flexibility? Check. Forcing action on non-domi…
"I Have a Corner Office and the Scenery Changes Constantly" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:35
Linda Allen and Johanne Couture love trucking, which is one reason both joined the OOIDA board of directors. In a wide-ranging conversation, Linda and Johanne share stories from the road and express their wishes for maki…
“Trucking Was the Greatest Education He Ever Got” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:06
Mark Elrod, Danny Schnautz and Monte Wiederhold have had successful trucking careers, ones you can measure in decades and millions of miles. So when the trio of OOIDA board members impart their advice and wisdom, it’s wo…