The Miles and Mentors Trucking Podcast

What simple marketing moves put a brand-new carrier ahead of half the competition? In this episode of Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast, Webster Jorgensen shares practical, first-week marketing advice for new carriers and small fleets. Drawing on more than a decade leading digital marketing at Shamrock Trading and now running his own agency, Demand Stack, Webster breaks down what really matters for trucking companies trying to stand out online. From understanding market cycles and building a simple Google Business Profile to creating a basic website and asking for reviews, Webster explains why marketing doesn't need to be complicated to work. We also talk about when it makes sense to outgrow DIY platforms, how to avoid getting lost in SEO jargon, and why community relationships can be just as valuable as backlinks. Like what you hear? Be sure to like, subscribe, and share the show with others in the trucking world. 🎧 Episode Timestamps 📍 00:01:19 – How Webster got into logistics marketing and grew with Shamrock Trading 📍 00:02:49 – Lessons from building Demand Stack and staying connected to brokerage clients 📍 00:07:15 – Why trucking's market cycles change how marketing performs 📍 00:08:20 – Reading capacity trends before blaming your marketing 📍 00:12:05 – SEO explained simply for new trucking companies 📍 00:13:32 – Two easy wins: claim your Google Business Profile and build a basic website 📍 00:14:59 – Picking a business name people can actually find 📍 00:17:12 – How reviews and responsiveness build trust for referrals 📍 00:18:05 – Why even referrals still Google you 📍 00:21:18 – When it's fine to start with Wix or GoDaddy and when to move on 📍 00:27:31 – The one marketing move every owner-operator should prioritize 📍 00:29:35 – Networking, chambers, and relationships that boost SEO naturally 📍 00:33:54 – Using CRM, ZoomInfo, and automation without overwhelming your team 📍 00:37:51 – Webster's short checklist for small trucking businesses 📍 00:38:37 – Where to find Webster and Demand Stack online 🎙 About Our Guest Webster Jorgensen is a marketing veteran who led digital strategy at Shamrock Trading before founding Demand Stack, a marketing and web design agency that helps carriers and brokers grow smarter. With expertise spanning SEO, paid media, and data-driven sales operations, he continues to guide logistics companies toward measurable growth. Learn more at: https://demandstack.io 🔗 Follow Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast Website: https://milesandmentorspodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milesandmentors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MilesandMentors 🎤 Want to be a guest or sponsor the show Miles and Mentors is more than a podcast. It's a movement of real stories, tactical advice, and mentorship to help the next generation of freight leaders succeed. Reach out at: milesandmentors@gmail.com  

What separates surviving from thriving as an owner-operator or broker? It's not luck. It's how you show up. In this episode of Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast, Annique Lesage of Small World Ventures shares how she went from the shipper side of logistics to building her own brokerage—proving that professionalism, mentorship, and mindset matter more than hype. Annique unpacks what brokers often overlook, how to filter real guidance from bad advice, and why drivers need to approach freight with business-owner thinking if they want to grow. Whether you're just stepping into your own authority or looking to sharpen your strategy, this episode delivers no-nonsense insight. If you're serious about turning your trucking experience into a business that lasts, this is a must-listen. 🎧 Episode Timestamps 📍 00:01:13 – From biology degree to logistics: how Annique entered the industry 📍 00:02:06 – Learning customs, LTL, and making the leap to sales 📍 00:03:45 – How transferable skills shape long-term success 📍 00:04:39 – Why most big brokers don't really teach you how to broker 📍 00:05:02 – Mentorship that wasn't soft but changed everything 📍 00:06:38 – Turning a "wasted" degree into entrepreneurial fuel 📍 00:08:22 – Flexibility, relationships, and choosing freight on purpose 📍 00:09:17 – The mindset behind turning unlikely odds into wins 📍 00:12:11 – The difference between mentorship and competition 📍 00:13:00 – Why poor broker training hurts the entire industry 📍 00:14:48 – Training is a perennial, not a one-off 📍 00:16:15 – Use discernment because not everyone wants to see you win 📍 00:18:21 – Look at the whole picture before taking advice 📍 00:19:25 – The biggest misconceptions carriers have about brokers 📍 00:21:31 – Why insulting the shipper's intelligence kills trust 📍 00:22:57 – Entry and exit strategies for new owner-operators 📍 00:24:08 – Drivers must act like business owners, not just show up 📍 00:26:03 – One bad pitch can ruin your company's reputation 📍 00:27:10 – Real prep: attorneys, dispatchers, accountants, and planning 📍 00:30:03 – Specialization beats being a jack of all trades 📍 00:31:15 – Know your lanes, know your profit, and price accordingly 📍 00:32:36 – Reefer, flatbed, and picking the right equipment for your goals 📍 00:35:17 – Why fairness matters more than squeezing the market 🎙 About Our Guest Annique Lesage is the founder and owner of Small World Ventures LLC, a boutique freight brokerage known for combining hands-on service with smart use of technology. With 20 years in the industry, she brings deep experience from both the shipper and broker side. Today, she mentors others in the freight space looking to operate with integrity and strategic focus. 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anniquelesage/ 🔗 Follow Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast Website: https://milesandmentorspodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milesandmentors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MilesandMentors 🎤 Want to be a guest or sponsor the show? Miles and Mentors is a platform for real stories, practical guidance, and meaningful mentorship across the trucking industry. 📧 Reach out at: milesandmentors@gmail.com

What does it actually take to build a freight business in today's market, and why do so many give up too soon? In this episode of Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast, Chris Jolly, founder of Freight Coach Logistics and host of The Freight Coach podcast, breaks down what it means to build with intention, survive the downturns, and create value that lasts in this industry. Chris shares how his father's legacy as a 40-year owner-operator shaped his mindset, what most brokers are still getting wrong, and why mentorship—not hype—is the real path to growth. Whether you're launching a brokerage, scaling a fleet, or just trying to keep your business moving, this episode is packed with real-world advice and operational clarity. If you're an owner-operator, aspiring broker, or industry pro trying to get traction, this one delivers. 🎧 Episode Timestamps 📍 00:01:41 – Why Chris launched The Freight Coach and what's broken in freight media 📍 00:02:50 – Growing up in a trucking family and how it shaped his path 📍 00:04:06 – "Work with your brain, not your back" and other dad wisdom 📍 00:06:25 – Why industry change must come from within 📍 00:10:27 – Core values at Freight Coach Logistics: Do the right thing 📍 00:11:55 – Standard operating procedures every broker should follow 📍 00:13:01 – What carriers should expect from a real partnership 📍 00:15:01 – Why brokers must specialize, not generalize 📍 00:17:19 – $60 billion in flatbed and why most are missing the opportunity 📍 00:21:00 – Building long-term carrier relationships during down markets 📍 00:22:37 – Why cash flow is non-negotiable for business survival 📍 00:24:11 – How factoring fits in a real financial strategy 📍 00:28:11 – How to trim expenses when the budget gets tight 📍 00:31:11 – The difference between real mentorship and online noise 📍 00:35:00 – Creating space for voices beyond the top 10 percent 📍 00:36:23 – What good mentorship actually looks like 📍 00:40:45 – Starting a brokerage today: what no one wants to say 📍 00:44:00 – The "add five" mindset that keeps his sales engine running 📍 00:45:01 – Industry outlook for 2026 and why interest rates matter 🎙 About Our Guest Chris Jolly is the founder of Freight Coach Logistics and host of The Freight Coach podcast. With nearly 20 years of experience in transportation and deep roots in a multigenerational trucking family, Chris offers no-nonsense insight into brokerage operations, driver relations, and what it really takes to succeed in freight. 🔗 Connect with Chris Website: https://www.thefreightcoach.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/ 🔗 Follow Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast Website: https://milesandmentorspodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milesandmentors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MilesandMentors 🎤 Want to be a guest or sponsor the show? Miles and Mentors is a platform for real stories, practical guidance, and meaningful mentorship across the trucking industry. 📧 Reach out at: milesandmentors@gmail.com  

What does it really take to build longevity in trucking, and how do you know who's worth listening to? In this episode of Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast, Chemistry Howard, better known as The Classy Trucker, shares her story of breaking into a male-dominated industry, going owner-op during the toughest years in trucking, and turning lived experience into mentorship. From making her first right turn to clocking over 3 million miles, Chemistry opens up about the mindset, mistakes, and mentorship that shaped her career. This episode is packed with hard-won truths for anyone looking to drive smarter, lead with integrity, and stay in the game long term. Like what you hear? Be sure to like, subscribe, and share the show with others in the trucking world. 🎧 Episode Timestamps 📍 00:02:40 – When her trucking dream began: Grandpa, chrome, and a cape 📍 00:05:08 – The moment she knew she could do it: clearing that first right turn 📍 00:06:51 – What 3 million miles have taught her about fear and resilience 📍 00:08:00 – Why trucking is a physical, mental, and spiritual journey 📍 00:09:15 – The 10-year rule for whose advice you should listen to 📍 00:10:21 – A Pepsi dock, a 7-minute back-in, and a silent bet 📍 00:12:50 – The super truckers are gone. The students are still on the road 📍 00:14:06 – How mentorship changed everything 📍 00:15:39 – Driving with humility and the real cost of one bad choice 📍 00:16:55 – Why GPS can't replace an atlas 📍 00:20:17 – From driver to owner-op and facing the business side 📍 00:23:10 – $11K for tires and what people get wrong about owning a truck 📍 00:26:02 – Why relationships are the secret weapon in trucking 📍 00:28:17 – You don't have a business. You have a truck payment 📍 00:30:21 – The pressure to delay maintenance and why it's a bad bet 📍 00:34:14 – What $30K in fuel system damage taught the fleet 📍 00:36:40 – The myth of instant trucking wealth 📍 00:37:32 – Understand your paperwork or prepare to fail 📍 00:39:05 – Why we all take freight for granted and shouldn't 📍 00:40:11 – If it's in your heart and you want to do it, baby, do it 📍 00:40:46 – Her mission behind The Classy Trucker and Velocity 🎙 About Our Guest Chemistry Howard, aka The Classy Trucker, is a veteran driver, speaker, and confidence coach with over a decade on the road. She's driven over 3 million miles, mentored countless new drivers, and now leads The Classy Trucker platform and Velocity, a series spotlighting women thriving in male-dominated industries. Connect with Chemistry: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theclassytrucker TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theclassytrucker YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheClassyTrucker 🔗 Follow Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast Website: https://milesandmentorspodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milesandmentors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MilesandMentors 🎤 Want to be a guest or sponsor the show? Miles and Mentors is more than a podcast. It's a movement of real stories, tactical advice, and mentorship to help the next generation of freight leaders succeed. Reach out at: milesandmentors@gmail.com

What's the real risk behind a bad hire in trucking, and how do you avoid it? In this episode of Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast, Rob Carpenter of Truck Safe returns with real-world advice for fleet owners navigating the challenges of hiring. From overlooked vetting steps to systems that prevent expensive mistakes, Rob outlines exactly how to build a safer, more reliable team from day one. We get into the shift from solo operator to fleet leader, the red flags that often go unnoticed, and the systems Rob uses to protect reputation, reduce liability, and avoid costly breakdowns both mechanical and human. Like what you hear? Be sure to like, subscribe, and share the show with others in the trucking world. 🎧 Episode Timestamps 📍 00:03:44 – Why hiring is the most overlooked risk for fleet owners 📍 00:04:50 – The hidden cost of bad hires: reputation, litigation, and loss 📍 00:05:12 – A real story that put Rob's fleet at risk 📍 00:06:13 – The two biggest decisions that shape your business 📍 00:07:46 – How poor hiring ruined a past business venture 📍 00:09:46 – Insurance red flags and vetting that matters 📍 00:10:26 – What small fleets get wrong about risk 📍 00:10:52 – Rob's "barriers first" approach to low-cost vetting 📍 00:12:18 – Why you must do road tests even if they have a CDL 📍 00:14:17 – Hidden risk: drivers failing other companies' drug tests 📍 00:15:16 – The difference between PSP and MVR and why it matters 📍 00:17:10 – What violations matter most when screening drivers 📍 00:18:23 – Training or termination and how to judge coachability 📍 00:20:09 – What insurance companies look for in your driver file 📍 00:21:11 – The hidden traps during insurance renewal 📍 00:23:09 – How poor hiring raises costs for everyone 📍 00:24:44 – Will today's trucking volatility reshape the industry 📍 00:27:58 – Why even old trucks now cost more than ever 📍 00:29:12 – How modern emissions systems kill reliability 📍 00:30:55 – The risks of auto-braking and overloaded electronics 📍 00:32:03 – AI-driven roadside inspections are already here 📍 00:33:35 – The pros and cons of fully automated enforcement 📍 00:35:22 – Can AVs really replace the working driver 📍 00:37:15 – How regulation or the lack of it is changing fleet risk 📍 00:38:00 – The future of enforcement, compliance, and fleet ownership 🎙 About Our Guest Rob Carpenter is a safety and compliance expert, fleet owner, and founder of Truck Safe, a platform dedicated to helping trucking companies stay compliant and build safer fleets. Through consulting, content, and training, Rob has helped thousands of carriers better understand risk, regulation, and reputation in the modern trucking world. Learn more at: https://trucksafe.com 🔗 Follow Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast Website: https://milesandmentorspodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milesandmentors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MilesandMentors 🎤 Want to be a guest or sponsor the show Miles and Mentors is more than a podcast. It's a movement of real stories, tactical advice, and mentorship to help the next generation of freight leaders succeed. Reach out at: milesandmentors@gmail.com

What does it look like to rise from the dispatch desk to the top floor of global freight strategy? In this episode of Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast, Wolfgang LaMarca joins us from Hong Kong to share his decades of logistics leadership across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. From his early days in local distribution to advising multibillion-dollar firms and startup founders, Wolfgang has seen it all and brings a rare, holistic view of how freight connects the world. We talk shop about real-world trucking, the evolution of tech like IoT and AI in logistics, and what it means to build both a career and a network in a truly international industry. If you're a driver, fleet owner, or aspiring logistics leader who wants a clearer picture of how the pieces fit together at every level of the supply chain, this one's for you. Like what you hear? Be sure to like, subscribe, and share the show with others in the trucking world. 🎧 Episode Timestamps 📍 00:01:04 – Wolfgang's global logistics background and early career 📍 00:04:16 – How he went from the shop floor to global freight advisory 📍 00:06:04 – Why trucking is the perfect problem-solving industry 📍 00:07:02 – The global importance of logistics and its economic backbone 📍 00:09:58 – How diversity and trade fuel logistics innovation 📍 00:10:23 – Why constant learning drives success in transport 📍 00:11:33 – Mentorship lessons from his early career and ocean freight 📍 00:14:02 – What dispatching looked like in the 1980s without cell phones 📍 00:17:26 – How Wolfgang leads major projects today still hands-on 📍 00:18:40 – Why transport is collaborative, at every level 📍 00:22:01 – What makes Hong Kong ideal for freight leadership 📍 00:24:52 – Why some emerging markets leapfrog the West in logistics tech 📍 00:28:37 – What tech tools are real versus hype in the freight world 📍 00:32:40 – The three-year journey of tech implementation done right 📍 00:35:36 – Why we'll stop talking about "AI" and just talk about outcomes 📍 00:36:33 – Leadership advice for trucking business owners 📍 00:38:48 – The value of networking and constant connection 📍 00:41:13 – Why self-awareness is as critical as industry knowledge 📍 00:43:22 – The surprising power of learning languages in logistics 🎙 About Our Guest Wolfgang LaMarca is a global strategist, advisor, and investor in freight technology. With leadership roles at GeoPost, TNT/FedEx, and the World Economic Forum, he brings decades of international experience in logistics, transport, and supply chain systems. Today, he advises startups and multinational firms alike on digitization, sustainability, and the future of freight. 🔗 Follow Wolfgang: LinkedIn – Wolfgang LaMarca 🔗 Follow Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast Website: https://milesandmentorspodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milesandmentors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MilesandMentors 🎤 Want to be a guest or sponsor the show? Miles and Mentors is more than a podcast. It's a movement of real stories, tactical advice, and mentorship to help the next generation of freight leaders succeed. 📧 Reach out at: milesandmentors@gmail.com  

What does it take to start over in a new country and build a successful trucking company from the ground up? In this episode of Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast, Bek, founder of Bek Logistics and an immigrant from Uzbekistan, shares how he launched and scaled a fleet in the U.S. after starting in agricultural transport overseas. His journey, from exporting produce in Central Asia to running a multi-truck operation in America, is packed with insight, grit, and the kind of hard-earned wisdom every driver-turned-owner-operator should hear. From dealing with border customs abroad to navigating paperwork and compliance in the States, Bek reveals the systems, habits, and mindset shifts that helped him thrive. He also discusses the health challenges drivers face and why he's developing an app to support wellness on the road. If you're an immigrant in trucking, an aspiring fleet owner, or just looking for straight talk about building a trucking business with integrity and heart, this episode delivers. Like what you hear? Be sure to like, subscribe, and share the show with others in the trucking world. 🎧 Episode Timestamps 📍 00:02:17 – Bek's background in Uzbekistan and how agriculture led to trucking 📍 00:03:04 – Starting over by launching Bek Logistics in the U.S. 📍 00:03:21 – Why Bek fell in love with the "romantic" side of trucking 📍 00:04:23 – Immigrating in his 50s and seeing America as a land of opportunity 📍 00:06:25 – Comparing trucking challenges in Uzbekistan versus the U.S. 📍 00:07:51 – Bek's biggest legal challenge and how he resolved it 📍 00:09:13 – How Bek grew his fleet to three trucks and multiple drivers 📍 00:10:13 – Bek's advice for drivers looking to become owner-operators 📍 00:11:21 – The importance of attention to detail in paperwork and compliance 📍 00:12:30 – Financing operations with factoring or self-funding 📍 00:14:03 – Fuel cards and savings tips for growing fleets 📍 00:16:34 – How freight payment systems differ between the U.S. and Uzbekistan 📍 00:17:08 – Which payment system Bek prefers and why 📍 00:18:09 – From paper maps to apps and the impact on small fleets 📍 00:21:16 – Introducing "Truckers Health," Bek's wellness app for drivers 📍 00:24:00 – Health risks on the road and how Bek's app aims to solve them 📍 00:25:15 – Mentorship and community among Uzbek truckers in the U.S. 📍 00:27:11 – Why passing on knowledge matters in trucking 📍 00:30:53 – Final advice to drivers: Don't rush. Build your business step by step 🎙 About Our Guest Bek (Heidi Dean Shamsi) is the founder of Bek Logistics, a growing fleet based in the U.S. Originally from Uzbekistan, Bek began his logistics career exporting produce across borders before relocating to America and starting over in his 50s. Today, he runs multiple trucks, continues to drive, and is developing a driver-focused health app called Truckers Health. 📝 Driver Health Survey Bek is currently gathering feedback from truck drivers to help shape his upcoming Truckers Health app. If you're a driver, take a minute to fill out his health survey and share your insights: https://forms.gle/LpEfZrmhQV8ubp2d7 🔗 Learn more: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khayriddin/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/beklogistics/  🔗 Follow Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast Website: https://milesandmentorspodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milesandmentors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MilesandMentors 🎤 Want to be a guest or sponsor the show? Miles and Mentors is more than a podcast. It's a movement of real stories, tactical advice, and mentorship to help the next generation of freight leaders succeed. 📧 Reach out at: milesandmentors@gmail.com

What if CDL training wasn't just about passing a test but preparing drivers for a lifetime on the road? In this episode of Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast, Ed Kimes, CDL Program Director, and Darrell Spitzer, Dean of Workforce Education at Eastern Wyoming College, share how their college-based CDL program is setting a new standard for entry-level driver training. From mechanical foundations to mountain road readiness, Ed and Darrell explain why their students don't just graduate. They roll out as professionals. This isn't your typical truck school. With high instructor standards, mentorship-driven learning, and a focus on career readiness, they're building more than drivers. They're building industry leaders. If you're passionate about elevating driver education or considering a career behind the wheel, this episode offers a powerful roadmap on how mentorship, community, and tough love training can change the game. Like what you hear? Be sure to like, subscribe, and share the show with others in the trucking world. 🎧 Episode Timestamps 📍 00:00:49 Why mentorship matters in driver training 📍 00:02:15 Ed's family roots in trucking and transition to teaching 📍 00:03:06 The North Dakota winter that changed Ed's career path 📍 00:05:14 The real-world difference between fly-by-night CDL schools and college programs 📍 00:07:18 "We don't push students through." Holding high standards in CDL testing 📍 00:08:29 Training in Wyoming weather and why it produces stronger drivers 📍 00:10:04 What orientation looks like for new CDL students 📍 00:12:01 Tech in trucking: Forward-facing vs. driver-facing cameras 📍 00:14:21 Do simulators really help? When to use them (and when not to) 📍 00:17:08 Using mobile simulators to educate the public and promote trucking 📍 00:20:19 "Trucks are for Girls" and supporting women in trucking 📍 00:22:19 Why most students already have jobs lined up 📍 00:24:10 A future owner-operator curriculum in the works 📍 00:25:15 Ed's financial advice for first-time owner-operators 📍 00:26:49 Factoring companies. The good, the bad, and the ugly 📍 00:28:12 Clean trucks, good impressions, and building long-term broker relationships 📍 00:31:36 Post-grad mentorship. Staying connected with students 📍 00:34:19 Personal stories of mentors who made a difference 📍 00:39:39 Why relationships, not rates, move the industry forward 🎙 About Our Guests Ed Kimes is the CDL Program Director at Eastern Wyoming College, with over 35 years of experience as a mechanic, driver, owner-operator, and educator. His mission is to produce road-ready, confident drivers, not just graduates. Darrell Spitzer is the Dean of Workforce and Career Technical Education at EWC. With a deep background in industry and education, Darrell champions career readiness and believes truck driving is one of the most direct pathways to economic opportunity. https://ewc.wy.edu/cdl-program/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-kimes-8b3a55294/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/darryl-spitzer-35786496/  🔗 Follow Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast Website: https://milesandmentorspodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milesandmentors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MilesandMentors 🎤 Want to be a guest or sponsor the show? Miles and Mentors is more than a podcast. It's a movement of real stories, tactical advice, and mentorship to help the next generation of freight leaders succeed. Reach out at: milesandmentors@gmail.com  

What if the biggest competitive edge in freight isn't rates or routes but trust? Too many freight professionals underestimate the power of reputation until it's too late. In a high-stakes industry plagued by fraud and fragmentation, the ones who win are those who build trust first, transactions second. In this episode of Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast, Ryan Suydam, agency owner at RKC Logistics under Armstrong Transport Group, shares what it means to be known as "The Trusted Freight Guy." With over two decades of experience, Ryan dives into building resilient broker-carrier relationships, vetting with intention, and why personal touch still trumps automation. From launching a brokerage from scratch to integrating real-time tracking tech like MacroPoint and Tive, Ryan unpacks how integrity and innovation can power freight growth without sacrificing service. Whether you're a new broker, a scaling carrier, or an industry vet seeking smarter connections, this episode delivers a roadmap for building a business people believe in. Like what you hear? Be sure to like, subscribe, and share the show with others in the trucking world. 🎧 Episode Timestamps 📍 00:01:03 Ryan's 25-year journey from C.H. Robinson to agency owner 📍 00:02:57 Why he walked away from W-2 jobs to launch independently 📍 00:04:49 W-2 vs 1099: Control, commissions, and real-world tradeoffs 📍 00:07:10 "People do business with people." Why relationships outlast logos 📍 00:09:11 How Ryan earned the title "The Trusted Freight Guy" 📍 00:10:33 Personal transformation and professional purpose through faith 📍 00:11:31 Real-time freight visibility with MacroPoint, Samsara, and Tive 📍 00:13:54 Using geofencing and transparency to stop theft before it happens 📍 00:15:10 From phone pounding to full digital: Modernizing freight outreach 📍 00:16:57 Riverside, testimonials, and video strategy for authentic selling 📍 00:18:07 Why AI needs a human touch in customer relationships 📍 00:20:02 AI-assisted dialers that boost reach without losing trust 📍 00:21:29 Carrier fraud detection with tools like Freight Validate 📍 00:24:52 The 60-second elevator pitch that landed a long-term client 📍 00:26:50 Crumbl cookies and the value of in-person prospecting 📍 00:29:00 Small fleet strategy and treating brokers as partners 📍 00:30:52 Mentorship as a growth engine for agents and owner-ops 📍 00:33:11 "Own everything" — Why accountability matters in small business 🎙 About Our Guest Ryan Suydam is the founder of RKC Logistics, operating as an agency under Armstrong Transport Group based in Charlotte, NC. With a career spanning 25+ years, Ryan has built a reputation as "The Trusted Freight Guy" for his hands-on, transparent approach to brokerage and carrier relationships. He's passionate about using technology wisely, building mentorship into freight, and helping others launch with integrity in a volatile industry. https://rkc-logistics.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryansuydam/ 🔗 Follow Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast Website: https://milesandmentorspodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milesandmentors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MilesandMentors 🎤 Want to be a guest or sponsor the show? Miles and Mentors is more than a podcast. It's a movement of real stories, tactical advice, and mentorship to help the next generation of freight leaders succeed. Reach out at: milesandmentors@gmail.com  

What if the most overlooked corner of the logistics industry held your next big opportunity? While most tech innovation in freight focuses on dry van or flatbed operations, Nisrine Masri saw a different gap. One that's plagued moving and storage for decades: backhauls, fragmented labor sourcing, and outdated tools. With over 20 years in the industry and a passion for solving real problems, she built Movers Dispatch Board from the ground up. No outside funding, just grit and know-how. In this episode of Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast, Nisrine shares how she transitioned from running a small moving company to leading a software platform designed specifically for household goods carriers. From insurance hurdles and licensing traps to labor solutions and load matching, her insights demystify the unique challenges and massive potential within this niche. Whether you're an owner-operator looking to diversify or a mover ready to scale, this episode delivers candid advice and tactical strategies straight from the trenches. Like what you hear? Be sure to like, subscribe, and share the show with others in the trucking world.   🎧 Episode Timestamps 📍 00:01:07 Nisrine's background in sales and unexpected entry into trucking 📍 00:02:44 From moving company founder to logistics tech innovator 📍 00:04:30 Why moving and storage has lagged behind in tech adoption 📍 00:06:54 The real labor demands of household goods hauling 📍 00:08:02 How Movers Dispatch Board fills critical gaps in the market 📍 00:09:11 Solving the empty backhaul problem through B2B interlining 📍 00:12:11 Managing weight, compliance, and the "Tetris" of truck loading 📍 00:14:01 Opportunities for owner-operators in the moving industry 📍 00:16:13 Insurance challenges unique to household goods carriers 📍 00:19:21 What the platform does from carrier vetting to fleet cards 📍 00:21:21 Building tools for movers by a mover 📍 00:24:20 The trust challenge and how tech integrations helped solve it 📍 00:26:16 What licenses are needed to legally haul household goods 📍 00:29:05 Why it pays to start small and just get moving 📍 00:31:10 Lessons from building a business and software from scratch 📍 00:34:27 The value of mentorship and surrounding yourself with peers 📍 00:38:00 How Nisrine bootstrapped two companies with limited capital   🎙 About Our Guest Nisrine Masri is the founder of Movers Dispatch Board, a load board and operations platform built exclusively for the moving and storage industry. With over 20 years of hands-on experience running Control Moving Services, Nisrine brings a rare combination of operational expertise and tech savvy. She is passionate about solving problems that real movers face daily and building tools that empower small businesses to scale. 🔗 Website: https://www.moversdispatchboard.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nisrine-masri-8014b419/    🔗 Follow Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast Website: https://www.milesandmentorspodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milesandmentors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MilesandMentors 🎤 Want to be a guest or sponsor the show? Miles and Mentors is a movement of real stories, tactical advice, and mentorship to help the next generation of freight leaders succeed. Reach out at: milesandmentors@gmail.com  

What if the success of your trucking business had less to do with your equipment and more to do with who's backing you up? For many new carriers, the leap from company driver to business owner comes with a harsh reality: you're on your own, and the learning curve is steep. Cash flow issues, compliance pitfalls, and overextension can end a business before it even gets rolling. But as George McWilliams puts it, "In this business, you can't have too many partners." In this episode of Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast, George McWilliams, Director of Partnerships at Tafs Factoring, shares why collaboration is critical for sustainability in trucking. Drawing from his family's legacy in the industry and years helping carriers succeed financially, George lays out the systems and mindset needed to avoid common setbacks and build a foundation for long-term growth. From factoring and fraud prevention to mentorship and smart scaling, this conversation is packed with real-life wisdom for anyone navigating the business side of trucking. Like what you hear? Be sure to like, subscribe, and share the show with others in the trucking world. 🎧 Episode Timestamps 📍 00:01:00 George's deep roots in trucking and transition from finance 📍 00:02:26 The moment he realized transportation was "where I needed to be" 📍 00:03:35 Why factoring could've saved his family's business 📍 00:04:45 "The drivers hold the cards." Understanding your support role 📍 00:07:18 Biggest cash flow challenges for new carriers 📍 00:08:55 How to avoid overextending in your first year 📍 00:11:00 The value of learning from failure in trucking 📍 00:12:38 Creating your game plan before launching under your own authority 📍 00:16:32 Why partnerships aren't just for emergencies. They're daily essentials 📍 00:20:10 Tafs' partner network and why they only build non-transactional relationships 📍 00:25:45 The fraud epidemic and how trusted partners help prevent it 📍 00:29:17 The number one blind spot for new authorities. Lack of education 📍 00:34:13 How AI and tech will reshape the future of trucking 📍 00:38:12 "Talk to real people. Tech can't replace human intuition." 🎙 About Our Guest George McWilliams is the Director of Partnerships at Tafs Factoring, where he supports carriers and fleet owners with essential financial tools, resources, and strategic industry connections. With more than a decade of experience in logistics and a lifelong personal tie to trucking, George is passionate about building strong, genuine partnerships that help trucking companies stay profitable and resilient in any market. https://tafs.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-mcwilliams/ 🔗 Follow Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast Website: https://milesandmentorspodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milesandmentors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MilesandMentors 🎤 Want to be a guest or sponsor the show? Miles and Mentors is more than a podcast. It is a movement of real stories, tactical advice, and mentorship to help the next generation of freight leaders succeed. Reach out at: milesandmentors@gmail.com  

What if the biggest barriers to scaling your logistics business aren't external, but the mindset and processes you carry today? In this episode of Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast, we sit down with Kristy Knichel, CEO and Co-Founder of Knichel Logistics, who draws on 28 years of industry experience to share how she built a thriving carrier from the ground up, and how you can avoid the common pitfalls that trip up new fleet owners. Kristy walks us through her origin story (yes it involves a pizza shop!), the power of mentorship (both giving and receiving), and why "just taking action" will always beat perfect planning. You'll learn: How to leverage mistakes into momentum and resilience Why picking the right customers makes, or breaks, your bottom line Practical ways to tweak processes on the fly without derailing operations The mentorship habits every logistics leader should cultivate If you're ready to turn growing pains into growth fuel, hit play, and don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with the next generation of freight leaders! 🎧 Episode Timestamps 📍 00:00:00 Welcome to Miles and Mentors + episode overview 📍 00:00:48 Kristy's "good problems", navigating growth pains in real time 📍 00:01:09 From working for Dad to building her own carrier: a 28-year journey 📍 00:02:08 The pizza shop epiphany, why she "fell into" logistics 📍 00:03:00 Launching Knichel Logistics in 2003, the very first steps 📍 00:04:30 Tackling early challenges, culture, compliance, and cash flow 📍 00:06:15 Company culture and core values, setting a firm foundation 📍 00:08:00 Mentorship matters, learning from peers and paying it forward 📍 00:10:20 Embracing mistakes, why resilience trumps perfectionism 📍 00:12:00 Action over analysis, "You don't realize how much time gets wasted by not taking action." 📍 00:14:30 Choosing customers wisely, "Some customers, just because you get the business doesn't mean it's good business." 📍 00:16:22 Continuous learning, "Stay course, ask questions, stay humble." 📍 00:17:40 Process tweaks and tech adoption, go with it and adjust as you go 📍 00:19:05 Scaling strategies, navigating growing pains with intention 📍 00:21:30 Final advice and key takeaways for new logistics leaders 🎙 About Our Guest Kristy Knichel is the Co-Founder and CEO of Knichel Logistics (est. 2003), a full-service freight carrier built on the principles of people-first culture, operational excellence, and strategic customer selection. Over her 28-year career, Kristy has led Knichel from a two-truck startup to a regional powerhouse, mentors up-and-coming freight professionals, and sits on several industry advisory boards. When she's not fine-tuning processes or coaching new owners, you'll find her exploring new tech solutions or sharing her insights on the value of resilience in trucking. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristyknichel/ Business Website: https://www.knichellogistics.com/ 🔗 Follow Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast Website: https://milesandmentorspodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milesandmentors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MilesandMentors 🎤 Want to be a guest or sponsor the show? Miles and Mentors is more than a podcast, it's a movement of real stories, tactical advice, and mentorship for tomorrow's freight leaders. Reach out at: milesandmentors@gmail.com  

What if your small fleet could access the same discounts as the big players, without hidden fees or complicated hoops? In this episode of Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast, Todd Koca, Founder, President, and CEO of CrownSource, shares how he's helping trucking companies of all sizes slash costs and survive today's brutal market. Todd explains how his experience building group purchasing power in healthcare translated into a game-changing solution for logistics, now helping thousands of owner-operators and fleets save big on fuel, tires, maintenance, and more. From surviving the "worst trucking recession in 40 years" to launching a mobile app that puts national discounts at drivers' fingertips, Todd breaks down how tech, trust, and teamwork can radically improve your bottom line. Whether you're hauling solo or scaling a fleet, this episode is packed with hard-earned lessons on cost control, business resilience, and strategic growth. Like what you hear? Be sure to like, subscribe, and share the show with others in the trucking world. 🎧 Episode Timestamps 📍 00:00:00  Meet Todd Koca and the CrownSource mission 📍 00:01:37  How group purchasing brings big savings to small fleets 📍 00:03:24  From healthcare to trucking, why Todd saw an opportunity 📍 00:04:03  Industry stats that prove small fleets need more support 📍 00:05:00  Strategic partnerships with Bridgestone, Michelin, and more 📍 00:07:07  Why cost management is key in high failure markets 📍 00:08:00  Fuel, tires, insurance, tackling the big expense categories 📍 00:09:01  Why most drivers don't know CrownSource exists yet 📍 00:10:32  How COVID sparked a shift to serving owner-operators 📍 00:12:28  Scaling through tough times and planning for the rebound 📍 00:14:03  Blind spots that catch new fleet owners off guard 📍 00:15:56  Real-time app savings, $300 on a tire, right on the spot 📍 00:17:02  Making savings tech free, easy, and accessible 📍 00:18:09  Mentorship in reverse, what Todd learned from truckers 📍 00:21:02  Aligning business success with customer savings 📍 00:22:28  Why the trucking industry is ready for a tech revolution 📍 00:24:20  The innovation curve and adoption in logistics 📍 00:26:10  How indirect cost savings boost fleet cash flow 📍 00:29:04  Fixed pricing despite tariffs and inflation 📍 00:30:27  Final advice, persevere, be patient, and stick with it 🎙 About Our Guest Todd Koca is the Founder, President, and CEO of CrownSource, a group purchasing organization bringing exclusive cost-saving solutions to trucking and specialty fleets. With 35 years of experience in entrepreneurship, procurement, and tech, Todd built CrownSource to help fleets, from solo drivers to national carriers, access the kind of discounts usually reserved for Fortune 500s. Before CrownSource, Todd founded SYMMEDRx in healthcare, later acquired by Premier Inc. He has also held leadership roles at Boston Scientific and PepsiCo, and is a proud University of Nebraska alum. https://www.bigrigsavings.com https://crownsourceinc.com/home/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-koca-9742a5149/  🔗 Follow Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast Website: https://milesandmentorspodcast.com  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milesandmentors  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MilesandMentors 🎤 Want to be a guest or sponsor the show?  Miles and Mentors is more than a podcast. It is a movement of real stories, tactical advice, and mentorship to help the next generation of freight leaders succeed.  Reach out at: milesandmentors@gmail.com

What if surviving in trucking was not just about grit, but about getting smart, staying prepared, and protecting your reputation? In this episode of Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast, Steve Vest, founder of Nationwide Equipment Transportation, shares lessons from over 20 years in freight. From starting out as an owner-operator to becoming a successful freight broker and social media educator, Steve explains what it takes to build a lasting business in today's chaotic logistics world. He breaks down the real risks new carriers face, why so many fail early, and how to avoid getting blacklisted or buried in debt. Steve also discusses the rise of fraud, how tech is transforming the industry, and why mentorship and financial discipline are essential if you want to scale responsibly. Whether you are stepping into your first truck or building out your fleet, this episode delivers real-world advice to help you plan smarter, grow stronger, and stay in the game. Like what you hear? Be sure to like, subscribe, and share the show with others in the trucking world. 🎧 Episode Timestamps  📍 00:00:00 – Meet Steve Vest and his journey from trucking roots to brokerage  📍 00:02:47 – How Steve found logistics by accident and built a career  📍 00:03:33 – What has changed in trucking over the last 20 years  📍 00:04:20 – From burnout to loving the work again through tech  📍 00:06:08 – Going viral on TikTok and sharing real freight education  📍 00:07:08 – Why most owner-operators fail without a real plan  📍 00:08:22 – Carrier411, reputation damage, and how to avoid it  📍 00:10:41 – Why patience beats shortcuts in building your business  📍 00:12:46 – Financial survival and the cost of skipping due diligence  📍 00:14:11 – MC numbers, DOT setup, and safety programs that matter  📍 00:16:15 – The power of in-person events like the Broker-Carrier Summit  📍 00:17:18 – Breaking myths about broker profit margins  📍 00:20:11 – The real meaning of "owner" in owner-operator  📍 00:22:15 – Why your reset hours are a chance to build your future  📍 00:24:07 – Red flags brokers watch when evaluating new carriers  📍 00:26:17 – Smart growth, factoring traps, and money mistakes  📍 00:29:25 – Learning from past crashes and financial failure  📍 00:31:43 – Fraud warning signs and how to protect your authority  📍 00:34:06 – AI, automation, and the future of brokerage  📍 00:36:51 – How free mentorship in Kansas City changed Steve's business  📍 00:39:12 – Final advice for new fleet owners: build before you launch 🎙 About Our Guest  Steve Vest is the founder of Nationwide Equipment Transportation, a Kansas City-based freight brokerage that specializes in moving machinery and equipment via van and flatbed across the United States. A former owner-operator, Steve has combined his experience in trucking and logistics to educate small carriers and brokers on how to navigate the industry, avoid scams, and grow legitimate businesses through transparency and smart planning. Website: https://www.nationwidetrans.com  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@natequiptrans  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vest-59b11069 🔗 Follow Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast  Website: https://milesandmentorspodcast.com  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milesandmentors  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MilesandMentors  🎤 Want to be a guest or sponsor the show?  Miles and Mentors is more than a podcast. It is a movement of real stories, tactical advice, and mentorship to help the next generation of freight leaders succeed.  Reach out at: milesandmentors@gmail.com

What if growing your trucking company wasn't about overnight success, but building a playbook that stands the test of time? In this episode of Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast, Anthony Villanueva, a seasoned logistics professional with 18 years in the trenches, shares his story of transitioning from mortgages to mastering freight, along with his lessons in building relationships, staying persistent, and scaling sustainably. Anthony's advice for owner-operators and small fleets is direct and real-world: from the power of focused sales strategies to the dangers of growing too quickly. His approach to mentorship, networking, and evolving with technology reveals what it really takes to thrive in trucking today. Whether you're just getting started or aiming to grow a small fleet into a real enterprise, this episode is full of insights and practical strategies to help you do it right. Like what you hear? Be sure to like, subscribe, and share the show with others in the trucking world. 🎧 Episode Timestamps 📍 00:00:00 – Meet Anthony Villanueva: From mortgages to trucking 📍 00:01:22 – Building relationships in Kansas City's tight-knit logistics community 📍 00:03:28 – Making the leap from mortgages to freight and what Anthony learned 📍 00:06:23 – How mentors shaped Anthony's freight career 📍 00:08:22 – The power of focusing on specific industries and staying persistent 📍 00:11:42 – The biggest mistakes small carriers make early on 📍 00:13:30 – Mapping growth from one truck to five - and beyond 📍 00:16:15 – Why networking is your currency in trucking 📍 00:20:35 – Embracing technology and evolving your processes 📍 00:25:15 – Reflections on the rapid pace of tech in logistics 📍 00:31:16 – The real impact of technology adoption for small fleets 📍 00:33:41 – Where the market is today and where it might be headed 📍 00:35:55 – Why Anthony loves this industry and why he's sticking around 📍 00:37:37 – How to connect with Anthony for mentorship and insights 🎙 About Our Guest Anthony Villanueva has spent nearly two decades working across the freight and logistics landscape, from cold calling and sales to leading capacity teams and helping small carriers find their way in a competitive market. A proud Kansas City native and youth basketball coach, Anthony's approach to the business blends relentless persistence with a deep respect for the people and networks that keep freight moving. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-villanueva-cornerstonesystems/ 🔗 Follow Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast Website: https://milesandmentorspodcast.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/milesandmentors LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast Like and subscribe for more real-world trucking mentorship. 🎤 Want to be a guest or sponsor the show? Miles and Mentors isn't just a podcast. It's a movement built on real stories, tactical insights, and mentorship that fuels the next generation of trucking leaders. Reach out: milesandmentors@gmail.com  

What if scaling your fleet meant skipping the load board altogether? In this episode of Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast, Roy Craigen, founder and president of Transcom Fleet Services, delivers decades of wisdom from the cab to the C-suite. Raised in the industry and seasoned through transforming trucking companies across North America, Roy explains why most startups fail and how to build lasting, compliant, and efficient operations instead. From managing small fleets to overseeing 200 terminals, Roy shares tactical, real-world insights on fleet structure, compliance risks, and the power of direct customer relationships. Whether you're running one truck or twenty, this episode is packed with mentorship gold for trucking entrepreneurs ready to grow the right way. Like what you hear? Be sure to like, subscribe, and share the show with others in the trucking world. 🎧 Episode Timestamps 📍 00:00:00 – Meet Roy Craigen, President of Transcom Fleet Services 📍 00:01:04 – Roy's start: born into trucking and driving trucks at age six 📍 00:04:05 – From pulling A-trains to managing national fleets 📍 00:07:30 – The story behind Transcom and what sets them apart 📍 00:09:00 – Why Transcom gets behind management, not in front 📍 00:11:01 – Helping small and massive fleets, from 6 vans to 200 terminals 📍 00:13:35 – Why 90% of new fleets fail and how to prevent it 📍 00:15:57 – Hidden compliance costs and fines every operator should know 📍 00:17:52 – The dangers of scaling without structure 📍 00:20:12 – Why Roy never used load boards, even when scaling to $150M 📍 00:22:09 – Build local customer relationships, not broker dependency 📍 00:26:01 – Key advice for launching a fleet today 📍 00:27:06 – The hidden value in reading trade publications, including the ads 📍 00:28:10 – "Float the boat" and how to reduce equipment wear and fuel waste 📍 00:29:25 – The moral duty of every driver on the road 📍 00:30:33 – How to contact Roy and learn more about Transcom 🎙 About Our Guest Roy Craigen is the President and Founder of Transcom Fleet Services (https://transcomfleetservices.com), a hands-on operational consulting firm serving trucking fleets across North America. With over 20 years of leadership in award-winning logistics operations, Roy helps companies, from small local outfits to multinational carriers, build better systems, stay compliant, and avoid costly missteps. LinkedIn (Roy): https://www.linkedin.com/in/transcom-fleet-services-inc-6095576a/  Website: https://transcomfleetservices.com 🔗 Follow Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast Website: https://milesandmentorspodcast.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/milesandmentors LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast  Like and subscribe for more real-world trucking mentorship. 🎤 Want to be a guest or sponsor the show? Miles and Mentors isn't just a podcast. It's a movement built on real stories, tactical insights, and mentorship that fuels the next generation of trucking leaders.  Reach out: milesandmentors@gmail.com

What if launching your own trucking company led to your next big idea in freight tech? In this episode of Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast, Alex Snook, CEO of OnSight and co-owner of Presidential Trucking, shares his journey from dispatching loads to building both a carrier and a logistics tech startup. A full truckload theft became the unexpected spark that pushed Alex to create OnSight, a driver check-in and fraud prevention platform designed to give shippers better visibility and security. Alex explains how he transitioned from brokering freight to co-owning a fleet, what it really takes to start and scale, and how tech and risk-taking play into the future of logistics. He also offers mentorship-style advice on finding good partners, hiring drivers, and avoiding common financial traps new owners face. Like what you hear? Make sure to like, subscribe, and share the show with others in the trucking world. 🎧 Episode Timestamps 📍 00:00:00 – Meet Alex Snook from OnSight and Presidential Trucking 📍 00:02:00 – Starting in logistics with zero industry knowledge 📍 00:03:44 – Building confidence through mentorship and small brokerage experience 📍 00:05:36 – Why Alex took the leap into ownership 📍 00:07:15 – The unexpected hurdles in launching a trucking company 📍 00:09:32 – Collective mentorship from drivers and hands-on experience 📍 00:12:14 – Learning through YouTube, podcasts, and taking real risks 📍 00:13:55 – What OnSight is and how it's tackling freight fraud 📍 00:16:41 – Why freight fraud is a national emergency 📍 00:18:49 – Financial challenges and partnerships in starting up 📍 00:22:13 – What to look for in co-founders and business partners 📍 00:24:10 – The value and downside of factoring services 📍 00:25:39 – Saving on fuel, repairs, and building your local support network 📍 00:27:14 – Practical steps for carriers and brokers to avoid fraud 📍 00:30:07 – Plans to expand Presidential Trucking and find local contracts 📍 00:31:43 – How to connect with Alex and learn more about OnSight 🎙 About Our Guest Alex Snook is the Chief Executive Officer of OnSight (https://www.verifyonsight.com) and co-owner of Presidential Trucking (https://www.presidentialkc.com), both based in Kansas. With a background in brokerage, intermodal, and carrier operations, Alex brings a rare dual perspective from both tech and trucking leadership. OnSight is a SaaS platform focused on secure driver check-ins, fraud prevention, and dock visibility tools designed for shippers and logistics providers. Contact Alex: alex@verifyonsight.com OnSight: https://www.verifyonsight.com Presidential Trucking: https://www.presidentialkc.com LinkedIn (Alex): https://www.linkedin.com/in/os-alexsnook LinkedIn (OnSight): https://www.linkedin.com/company/verifyonsight LinkedIn (Presidential Trucking): https://www.linkedin.com/company/presidential-trucking-llc Follow Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast Website: https://milesandmentorspodcast.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/milesandmentors LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast Like and subscribe for more real-world trucking mentorship Want to be a guest or sponsor the show? Miles and Mentors isn't just a podcast. It's a movement built on real stories, tactical insights, and mentorship that fuels the next generation of trucking leaders. If you're a founder, fleet owner, industry expert, or brand looking to connect with a serious audience of operators and decision-makers, we'd love to hear from you. Reach out: milesandmentors@gmail.com  

What if the way you scale is the reason your trucking business fails? In this episode of Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast, Jeremy Wardle, Director of Sales at TAFS, Inc., delivers critical insight on the financial decisions that make or break new carriers. With 17 years in freight factoring and logistics support, Jeremy explains how to survive downturns, manage cash flow, and scale with intention, not desperation. From vetting brokers to managing fuel costs and navigating credit, Jeremy shares the business acumen most owner-operators learn the hard way. He emphasizes the importance of relationships, trust, and mentorship, drawing from personal stories and client success paths. "You have to scale responsibly. Don't try to outgrow your challenges." 🎧 Episode Timestamps 📍 00:00:00 – Introducing Jeremy Wardle from TAFS 📍 00:01:34 – From history teacher dreams to trucking finance 📍 00:02:45 – First impressions: "I'll be out of here in 6 months…" 📍 00:03:51 – Learning the depth and complexity of trucking 📍 00:05:04 – What truckers struggled with in 2009 vs. now 📍 00:07:14 – Jeremy's market forecast for the next 6 months 📍 00:08:58 – Advice for new owner-operators entering the industry 📍 00:10:41 – Why truth-telling is key to long-term success 📍 00:11:01 – The power of networking and listening 📍 00:13:03 – Why mentorship goes beyond business 📍 00:14:31 – Mentors who shaped Jeremy's journey 📍 00:16:26 – What to prepare before becoming an owner-operator 📍 00:18:19 – Truck driver vs. trucking business owner: key differences 📍 00:20:53 – How partnerships like fuel cards reduce cost thresholds 📍 00:22:26 – Growing into a fleet, cash, risk, and smart hiring 📍 00:25:25 – Financing pitfalls and why mental toughness matters 📍 00:26:55 – Don't let one client dictate your business success 📍 00:27:14 – Why you must separate rate negotiation from payment terms 📍 00:28:20 – Why banks often fail new trucking companies 📍 00:29:50 – The importance of transparency in factoring agreements 📍 00:31:30 – What makes factoring better suited for small fleets 📍 00:33:09 – How to vet brokers based on credit behavior 📍 00:35:02 – Trucking is still a handshake business, trust matters 📍 00:38:00 – How to contact Jeremy and learn more about TAFS 🎙 About Our Guest Jeremy Wardle is the Director of Sales at TAFS, Inc. (https://www.tafs.com), a leading freight factoring company committed to helping small carriers optimize cash flow and gain access to critical support services. Based in the Kansas City Metro Area, Jeremy brings 17 years of industry experience and a mentorship-driven approach to helping truckers survive market cycles and scale the right way. 📞 Contact TAFS: (913) 393-6100 🌐 Website: https://www.tafs.com 🚛 Follow Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast 🌐 Website: https://milesandmentorspodcast.com 📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/milesandmentors 🔗 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast 📢 Like and subscribe for more real-world trucking mentorship Want to be a guest or sponsor the show? Miles and Mentors isn't just a podcast — it's a movement built on real stories, tactical insights, and mentorship that fuels the next generation of trucking leaders. If you're a founder, fleet owner, industry expert, or brand looking to connect with a serious audience of operators and decision-makers, we'd love to hear from you. 📩 Reach out: milesandmentors@gmail.com

What if failure was just your training ground for success in trucking? In this episode of Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast, Malcolm Smith, founder and CEO of the National Dump Truck Association, breaks down the business side of dump trucking, one of the industry's most misunderstood sectors. A former PE teacher turned trucking mentor, Malcolm shares how a failed 18-wheeler venture led him to build a national community for dump truck professionals. From securing your first load to navigating fuel cards, business credit, and tech disruption, Malcolm offers tactical advice for operators ready to get serious about profits and scale. "Failure isn't a stop sign. It's a lesson." Episode Highlights: 00:00:00 – Introducing Malcolm Smith of the National Dump Truck Association 00:01:03 – Why dump trucking is a "secret society" with real potential 00:03:00 – From educator to entrepreneur: Malcolm's journey into logistics 00:04:46 – Failing forward: lessons from his first trucking business 00:06:09 – How one mentor changed everything 00:07:23 – Rethinking failure with the video game mindset 00:08:52 – The birth of the National Dump Truck Association 00:10:06 – What new operators get wrong and how to fix it 00:13:09 – Dump trucking vs. OTR: the business model shift 00:15:17 – Payment pitfalls and how to protect your cash 00:16:30 – Why knowing your numbers is non-negotiable 00:19:24 – Factoring, fuel cards, and funding smart growth 00:24:36 – When and how to scale your fleet 00:27:04 – Subcontracting as a smarter path to expansion 00:30:15 – Tech is here. Adapt or get left behind 00:34:21 – Building industry awareness and mentorship 00:36:49 – Where dump trucking is headed in 2025 🎙 About Our Guest: Malcolm Smith is the founder and CEO of the National Dump Truck Association (https://tndta.org), the first nationwide organization dedicated to supporting dump truck professionals with education, resources, and advocacy. Connect with Malcolm: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malcolm-smith-7a886453/ 🌐 Website: https://thendta.org/ 📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@nationaldumptruckassociation 📷 Instagram: https://instagram.com/nationaldumptruckassociation   Follow Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast 🌐 Website: https://milesandmentorspodcast.com 📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/milesandmentors 🔗 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast 📢 Like and subscribe for more real-world trucking mentorship!  🎤 Want to be a guest? Email us: milesandmentors@gmail.com  

What if the key to protecting your cargo was preparation—not reaction? In this episode of Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast, freight fraud prevention expert Claudia Catlett returns to share frontline strategies that every carrier should know. As Risk Manager at General Transportation and a key voice in the Freight Fraud Task Force, Claudia brings deep insights into cargo theft, insurance challenges, and why proactive networking is more than just smart—it's essential. Whether you're an owner-operator, a growing fleet, or just launching into logistics, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you move safer and smarter. Episode Highlights: 📍 00:00:00 – Reintroducing Claudia Catlett of General Transportation 📍 00:02:02 – Freight fraud today: new threats and smarter scams 📍 00:04:01 – Why conferences matter: learning and linking up 📍 00:06:20 – Claudia's personal recovery story: 1 hour to find a stolen load 📍 00:08:56 – Owner-operator realities: what theft really looks like 📍 00:12:19 – Strategic security: how to get law enforcement on your side 📍 00:16:15 – Hot zones and how to stay safe in major metros 📍 00:23:24 – Best beginner events: Broker Carrier Summit and more 📍 00:34:10 – Insurance 101 for new fleet owners 📍 00:40:11 – Choosing the right agent vs. policy bundle 📍 00:44:41 – Scaling up: insurance and onboarding for fleets 📍 00:46:10 – What many drivers misunderstand about factoring 📍 00:52:04 – Inside the new freight fraud task force 📍 00:56:50 – Connect with Claudia and join the mission 🎙 About Our Guest: Claudia Catlett is the freight fraud prevention and insurance lead at General Transportation, part of the Decker family of companies. With hands-on experience in asset-based and brokerage operations, she now serves as Secretary of the national Freight Fraud Task Force, helping protect the trucking industry through education and strategic advocacy.  📍 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/claudia-catlett 📍 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@freightchurch 📍 Email: claudia@freightchurch.com     Follow Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast for More Episodes! 🌐 Podcast Website – https://milesandmentorspodcast.com 📘 Facebook – https://facebook.com/milesandmentors 🔗 LinkedIn – https://linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast 📢 Enjoying the show? LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more trucking insights and real-world mentorship! 🎤 Want to be featured? Share your story at milesandmentors@gmail.com