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In this episode, we sit down with Dan Brink, Chief Revenue Officer at Fleet Owl, to discuss how mid-sized fleets are navigating the complex intersection of tradition and technology. As a third-generation trucker, Dan brings a unique perspective on why the "freight recession" is hitting hard and how operational AI is becoming the secret weapon for survival in 2026.

We dive deep into the rising threat of cargo fraud—including the infamous "lobster heist"—and explain how modern TMS (Transportation Management Systems) are moving beyond simple data entry to become proactive security and profitability tools.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to differentiate between AI "hype" and actual operational tools.
• Strategies for mid-sized fleets to maintain margins during a market downturn.
• Why legacy systems are leaving your cargo vulnerable to sophisticated fraud.
• The future of port logistics and the role of Navy-grade efficiency in trucking.

TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Introduction: The State of Trucking in 2026 0:45 - Dan Brink’s Journey: From 3rd Gen Trucker to Tech Leader 03:12 - Why Mid-Sized Fleets are Feeling the Squeeze 06:40 - AI vs. The Hype: What "Operational AI" Actually Means 10:15 - The $400K Lobster Theft: How Cargo Fraud is Evolving 14:50 - Legacy TMS vs. Modern Tech: Why Your Software is a Liability 19:30 - Navigating the Freight Recession: Practical Survival Tips 24:05 - The Future of Fleet Owl and Port Logistics Efficiency 28:45 - Closing Thoughts: Keeping the Industry Human in a Digital Age

Connect with Fleet Owl: 🌐 Website: https://www.fleetowl.com 🔗 LinkedIn: [Link]

Subscribe for more insights into the future of freight and logistics!

#Trucking #Logistics #FleetManagement #AI #CargoFraud #TMS #FleetOwl #SupplyChain

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In this episode, we sit down with personal injury attorney Aaron to discuss the staggering financial risks facing motor carriers today. From the rise of "nuclear verdicts" to the legal traps that can leave small fleets personally liable, we break down why the industry is currently under-insured and over-exposed.

We dive deep into the legal and insurance mechanisms that every owner-operator and fleet manager needs to understand to survive in today's litigious environment.

The "Reptile Theory" Explained: How plaintiff attorneys leverage jury emotions and anger against corporations to spark massive, "nuclear" awards.

Get in Touch with Aaron Setareh,
Instagram handle: attorney_aaron

Email: ars@bdj.com

Website: bdj.com


The $750k Insurance Trap: Why the federal minimum liability limit—set in the 1980s—is dangerously outdated compared to modern medical costs and life care plans.

MCS-90 & Underreporting Drivers: The severe consequences of misleading your insurer, including the right of the insurance company to seek reimbursement directly from you.

Joint and Several Liability: A terrifying reality where you can be held responsible for 100% of the damages even if you were only minimally at fault.

The "Get Your Own Lawyer" Warning: What it means when your insurance company tells you to hire independent counsel
00:00 – Meet Attorney Aaron: An introduction to Aaron and his personal injury practice in California and Nevada.


01:00 – What are Nuclear Verdicts?: Discussing the massive jury awards and how "Reptile Theory" is used to spark them.



02:53 – Why Trucking Premiums are Skyrocketing: The impact of rising medical costs and underreporting drivers.


04:00 – The Outdated $750k Minimum: Why federal insurance limits haven't kept pace with modern expenses.



06:45 – The Reality of a Pile-up: How a single multi-vehicle accident can instantly swallow a $750,000 policy.



09:20 – The "Mom and Pop" Risk: Why small fleets are particularly vulnerable to total bankruptcy.


10:30 – Denied Coverage & Bad Faith: What happens when an insurance carrier denies a claim due to unreported drivers.


14:40 – Insurance Companies on the Attack: Why insurers fight claims aggressively to protect their own policy limits.



15:30 – "Get Your Own Lawyer": What it means for your exposure when your insurer tells you to hire independent counsel.




19:40 – The MCS-90 Endorsement: Explaining how this federal requirement can lead to the insurer suing the trucking company for reimbursement.


25:35 – Joint and Several Liability: The "legal trap" where you pay for damages even if the accident wasn't your fault.




28:30 – Case Study: A real-world example of how low liability limits and joint liability devastated a claim in 2002.

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The Chemistry of Savings
In this episode of the Trucking Risk and Insurance Podcast, we sit down with Brian Livingston, a chemical engineer and veteran of Caterpillar's diesel engine division. Brian breaks down a unique catalytic technology that is helping trucking companies save 3% to 5% in fuel costs while significantly reducing their environmental footprint.

Brian explains the "cracking" process—how a simple-looking copper tube filled with rare earth catalysts can break down long-chain hydrocarbons into shorter, more efficient burning chains. The result? More energy pushing the piston and less soot clogging your engine.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
The Science of "Cracking": How catalytic reactions break down diesel fuel molecules for a more efficient burn.

Massive Maintenance Gains: Why reducing soot by up to 50% leads to fewer DPF regenerations and longer engine life.

The 12-Month Payback: How the 100% ROI on this technology makes it an easy "yes" for any CFO or fleet manager.

Sustainability That Pays: Why you don't have to wait for electric or hydrogen trucks to start reducing your carbon footprint today.

Simple Retrofitting: How this device can be installed in under an hour without any engine recalibration.

Whether you are looking to survive rising fuel prices or meet new sustainability goals, Brian’s "common sense" approach to chemical engineering offers a practical solution for the modern fleet.


Connect with Brian Livingston:


Company Website: Zelcam.com


Savings Calculator: Decarbonize5.com


Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and leave a comment below!


Your Hosts:
John Farquhar
National Risk Services Specialist, Transportation, Gallager GGB
https://www.ajg.com/ca/
M: 437-341-0932
John_Farquhar@ajg.com

Chris Harris
CEO, Safety Dawg Inc.
905 973 7056
Chris@SafetyDawg.com
https://safetydawg.com/
"The Chemistry of Savings: How 'Cracking' Fuel Can Cut Trucking Costs by 5%"

**00:00** – Introduction: Meeting Brian Livingston, the Chemical Engineer

**01:07** – Brian’s Background: 20 Years at Caterpillar and the move to Zelcam

**03:47** – The Tech Explained: How a copper tube and rare earth catalysts save fuel

**04:50** – Breaking the Molecules: The "Cracking" process of diesel fuel

**06:46** – Emissions Impact: Reducing soot by 50% and fewer DPF regenerations

**08:54** – Beyond the Highway: Applications in mining, rail, and shipping

**10:22** – Maintenance and Longevity: Keeping oil clean and extending engine life

**13:13** – Why wait for EV? Implementing sustainability solutions right now

**16:24** – Installation and Retrofitting: A 60-minute setup for the fleet

**17:33** – The Financials: Understanding the 12-month ROI

**18:30** – How long does it last? The "forever" catalyst

**19:57** – Moving the device to new vehicles during fleet cycles

**22:43** – The OEM Question: Why isn't this standard on every truck?

**24:46** – Warranty, Guarantees, and Closing Thoughts

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