In this episode of Keep Trucking Personal, Tyler Kivi gets personal about something that doesn’t get talked about enough: courage. Not the kind you see in movies, but the everyday courage it takes to be a truck driver. Courage to leave your family behind, to brave uncertain weather, to run 600 miles solo, and to keep going when every part of you wants to stop.

Tyler shares the story of his very first solo multi-axle haul, a 100,000-pound machine that had to get from Superior, Wisconsin to Indianapolis. When the scheduled driver ended up in the ER, Tyler was next up... no escort, no room for error, just nerves, grit, and a shot to prove himself. He walks us through every step: the fear, the doubts, the calls for support, and the moment he knew he had it in him. But this episode goes deeper than logistics. It’s a raw look at the emotional toll of trucking: the isolation, the pressure, the discipline it takes to stay in the game when no one’s cheering you on.

This episode is a reminder that the pros in this industry aren’t always the loudest or flashiest, but they’re the ones who show up, do the hard things well, and bring courage with them every single day. Because the road doesn’t just carry freight - it carries the men and women becoming who they’re meant to be, mile by mile.

In this episode of Keep Trucking Personal, Tyler Kivi kicks off the midsummer stretch with a powerful reminder: this is the season to run strong, run smart, and run right. Coming off the 4th of July, Tyler dives into what separates the pros from the pack, starting with a simple but critical question: Are you someone people want to work with? From the golden rule of trucking to the importance of being someone your dispatcher can trust and someone other drivers respect, this episode is packed with perspective and purpose.

Tyler also shares real-world strategies to beat the heat and keep your edge, from staying hydrated and watching your tire pressure to planning your resets and making every hour count. It is not just about miles. It is about mindset, habits, and consistency. At the heart of it all is a deeper message: every driver at Kivi Bros. Trucking is part of something bigger. Whether you are hauling beams, bars, or recovery loads, your work matters. Your integrity, grit, and commitment are what drive this company forward.

In this episode of Keep Trucking Personal, Tyler Kivi shares some major upgrades rolling out just in time for July. The big news? The launch of the new Digital Permit Book, now live on driver tablets, giving Kivi Bros. Trucking drivers immediate access to critical compliance documents like insurance cards, cab cards, and IFTA paperwork, all without needing Wi-Fi at a scale house.

Tyler breaks down how this tool will streamline compliance, reduce headaches, and help keep tractors inspection ready. He also shares reminders on summer tire safety, how to earn bonuses through clean DOT inspections, and a heads-up about holiday security with trailers.

A new MPG accountability initiative is also kicking off, with pods and fleet reps coaching and tracking fuel efficiency to improve performance and reward smart driving. Whether you're headed home for the 4th or hauling freight through the heat, this episode is packed with timely updates to keep you safe, compliant, and moving forward.

Oversize Banner Placement & Front Flag Tips!
In this episode, Shawn P. breaks down a critical detail for oversize hauls: how to properly place your OVERSIZE banner without covering any sensors on your truck. He also shows the correct and most effective spots to mount flags on the front of your semi to ensure maximum visibility and compliance.
These small details make a big difference when it comes to safety and avoiding issues on the road. You don't want to miss it!

In this episode, host Tyler Kivi dives deep into the idea of purpose and how mentorship is lighting a fire across the fleet in ways no one expected.

What began as a simple mentorship program has grown into something much bigger: a culture of connection, pride, and legacy-building. Tyler shares personal reflections and real driver stories that highlight how helping others not only shapes careers, but also brings meaning to the work we do every day. Backed by research from Harvard and personal experience, this episode unpacks how mentorship strengthens mental health, increases retention, and gives drivers a reason to stay and grow.

Tyler also breaks down a practical and often-overlooked issue costing drivers money: the midweek 34-hour restart. With clear advice on how to maximize your hours and earn more without burning out, this episode blends purpose with productivity.

If you’ve ever questioned the “why” behind what you do, or felt like you could be part of something more, this one’s worth a listen.

In this episode of Keep Trucking Personal, host Tyler Kivi reflects on the impact of Father’s Day - both as a son and as a leader in the trucking industry. Tyler shares memories of riding along with his dad and the early experiences that shaped his passion for trucking.

From there, he takes us deep into the world of heavy haul trucking - what it really means, how to break into it, and why it’s not just another division - it’s a calling. Tyler lays out the mindset and qualifications required to succeed in Kivi Bros. Trucking’s heavy haul division, emphasizing the importance of patience, permit literacy, equipment knowledge, and an unwavering attention to detail.

This episode is a must-listen for drivers aspiring to level up, for those who want to lead with pride and precision, and for anyone who believes that trucking isn’t just a job - it’s a legacy. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of what it takes to become what Tyler calls “the Navy SEAL of trucking.”