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
What Makes Jimmy Mac Tick? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:37
Jimmy Mac’s voice is familiar to anybody who listen to Radio Nemo – but how much do you know about the man you hear on the mic every morning? We set out to find out what makes Jimmy tick.Join the Owner-Operator Independe…
Women In Trucking and the Power of Bringing People Together [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:48
Women In Trucking is hosting its annual Accelerate! Conference and Expo in a couple weeks, and Jennifer Hedrick is ready to roll. The president and CEO of Women In Trucking walks us through the event and what to expect.…
Honoring the Pioneers & Celebrating the History of Trucking [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:01
Tom Mullen has a pretty good gig as the chair of the American Trucking and Industry Leader Hall of Fame. They just inducted four new members who have shaped the trucking industry in important ways. Tom tells us about the…
"We're in the Trough of Disillusionment Right Now" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:42
Judge Tommy Fowler has concerns about autonomous vehicles – but they may not entirely line up with yours. The judge for the Craighead County District Court in Arkansas says current laws on the books are nowhere near read…