About Smart Trucking
Smart Trucking is a trusted, honest, and practical resource for truckers across the industry.
With over 42 years of experience, we provide a seasoned perspective on the ever-evolving world of trucking, helping drivers navigate their careers with confidence.
Honoring Dave’s Legacy
In August 2024, we lost Dave, but his wisdom, passion, and dedication to the trucking industry live on. Through the countless articles on our website and the invaluable videos on the Smart Trucking YouTube channel, his knowledge continues to guide and inspire drivers. His insights remain as relevant today as ever, serving as a lasting resource for truckers everywhere.
Setting the Standard for Truckers
We promote professionalism, respect, and unity among truckers. Our goal is to equip both new and experienced drivers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. From driver training programs and choosing the right company to spec’ing a truck, understanding legal matters, mastering driver skills, becoming an owner-operator, and handling life on the road—Smart Trucking has been through it all. We share real-world insights to help drivers avoid pitfalls and maximize the rewards of a trucking career.
Who We Are
Smart Trucking was created by two seasoned trucking industry veterans—Dave and Catherine—with one mission: to help truckers succeed.
Dave – A Legacy of Trucking Experience
Dave dedicated his life to trucking, offering invaluable insights to both rookie and experienced drivers. With over 45 years behind the wheel, he drove a variety of rigs, trained new drivers, and adapted to an ever-changing industry.
- Over 4 million accident-free miles
- Former driver trainer for a gas-hauling company
- TWIC and FAST approved
His experience helped thousands of truckers improve their driving, negotiate better pay, and build long-term success in the industry.
From Company Driver to Independent Trucker
Dave’s trucking career began in 1976, hauling gasoline in the Canadian Rockies. His love of trucks and driving led him to become an owner-operator in 1984. By 1993, he was an independent trucker running produce from California, eventually growing a fleet of 15 trucks. As deregulation impacted rates and costs soared, Dave returned to independent trucking, focusing on tanker hauling—a high-paying niche in the industry.
Catherine – Smart Trucking Editor
Catherine is the editor, writer, and technical force behind Smart Trucking’s website, blog, social media, and popular YouTube channel. With nearly 30 years in the industry and two postgraduate degrees, her expertise lies in the business, financial and political aspects of the trucking industry.
- Former dispatcher turned fleet owner
- Industry expert on trucking finance and operations
- Part-time educator
- And yes—she can drive a big rig!
Why Smart Trucking?
Dave believed in the power of mentoring. He learned from old-school truckers and applied those lessons to Smart Trucking’s community.
Being a trucker isn’t just about getting a license and hitting the road. The old-timers mentored me, and I was fortunate to learn from them. Trucking needs that brotherhood again.
Unfortunately, true mentorship is missing in today’s industry. New drivers struggle to find quality training, and pride in the profession isn’t taught in quick training programs. That’s why we created Smart Trucking—to pass down knowledge, skills, and experience to the next generation of drivers.
Recognized Across the Industry
Smart Trucking has been featured in numerous publications, including:
- U.S.A. Today – “Fair Truck Driver Pay: Why It Matters” , Truck Driving Can Be Dangerous, Which Is Why Drivers Need More Industry Support
- Top 10 Trucker Influencers of 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
- Top Trucking Blog of 2018, 2019, 2021, 2024, 2025 (Feedspot)
- Business Insider: Truck Driver Salaries Are Experiencing an Unprecedented Jump
- Fleet Owner Magazine: 5 Trucking Experts Give Job Advice for New Drivers
- Fortune.com: Teenagers Might Get to Drive Big Rigs—But Is a Career in Trucking Worth It?
- Women in Workboots Magazine: Feature article on Catherine
At Smart Trucking, we believe knowledge is power. Whether you’re just starting or have been driving for decades, we’re here to support you every mile of the way.