In this episode of the BulkLoads Podcast, Jared Flinn and Tyler Allison sit down with industry veterans Rick Johnson and Kirk Erickson to break down exactly how to spec out a truck for bulk hauling—whether you're hauling hoppers, end dumps, or working in lease-purchase programs. With decades of combined experience, Rick and Kirk explain the critical features that make or break a truck in ag and commodity freight, including axle configurations, horsepower ranges, fuel tank sizes, transmission types, and the importance of matching the right PTO setups for specific trailers.

They also share real-world insights on how spec choices impact weight, fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, and driver comfort—especially for owner-operators looking to maximize profit and uptime. The conversation touches on common mistakes new drivers make, what to look for when buying used trucks, and how carriers like Bruce Oakley and Keenan Advantage Group support their lease-purchase drivers with smart spec decisions.

Whether you're building your first truck, upgrading your fleet, or trying to improve margins in your bulk operation, this episode delivers practical advice and long-term strategy from people who’ve been in the trenches.