What happens when a kid who never followed the rules finds a path in logistics and turns it into a thriving business?
In this Greatest Hits episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Will Hopkins, co-founder of BlackBox Logistics. Will shares how he went from working odd jobs like horse farming and beach chair operations to discovering dispatching during COVID, eventually co-founding BlackBox Logistics. Together, they explore the real struggles of building a business without a safety net, the lessons of dispatching in the pandemic, and the mindset shift from surviving to leading in freight. This episode captures the spirit of betting on yourself, building with partners you trust, and staying committed to growth no matter how tough it gets.
What You’ll Learn:

• How Will’s early odd jobs prepared him for dispatching and brokerage
• Why dispatching gave him a unique advantage in the freight industry
• How to build a strong team and work through disagreements
• The mindset shift from side hustle to serious business
• How No Backup Plan Can Fuel Your Drive
• What it takes to grow a brokerage in a competitive market
• How to turn even the worst jobs into learning experiences

Will is the Founder of BlackBox Logistics, a 3PL specializing in Intermodal and Truckload freight transportation. He is also co-host of 2 Dawgs, 1 Pod, alongside co-host Matt Dahl, a brand new podcast in the transportation and logistics space. Will also co-owns BlackBox Properties, and is Founder and Managing Partner at Compass Dispatching Services.

Episode Highlights:[10:02 - 15:07] When he was 18, Will entered the logistics industry with a position at Ascent Global. Three months into the position, he moved in with two colleagues and they kept discussing starting their own company. Within a year, they went for it, founding a third-party dispatching company, Compass Dispatching Services, so as to comply with their non-compete agreements. The dispatching business involved working with owner-operators and factoring companies, providing three valuable industry experiences, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. As their non-compete agreements came to an end, Will focused on the dispatching while his partners began building the brokerage, scaling back the former as the latter grew. Roughly nine months ago, they transitioned fully to the brokerage, BlackBox, which has now grown to over 40 employees. 
[15:43 - 20:02] When he first started his business, Will was ignorant about essential business operations like HR, payroll, and taxes. He quickly learned that these often unappealing administrative tasks are necessary for a well-functioning business. However, having partners to share the responsibilities was a valuable asset. Each of the three co-founders had unique skills that were complementary to one another, meaning they could holistically cover all areas of the business. Of course, they had internal disagreements, but they still managed to put on a united front, avoiding deadlock in decision-making with a majority rules mentality. They had no backup plan, but they were confident in their abilities and business plan, which both proved successful. 
[25:16 - 29:09 Two main variables affect the difficulty of dispatcher and broker roles. For dispatchers, drivers can be difficult to work with. For brokers, customers can have complex requirements. Will enjoyed dispatching due to the closer relationships he was able to build with drivers and the insights gained from this, which helped in the brokerage. Further, he found that dispatching is far more predictable, allowing for better scheduling, especially when compared to the dynamic nature of brokerage. He found it fulfilling to help owner-operators and small trucking fleets, knowing he had a direct impact on their success.
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.Behind The Freight is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

What do you do after running 11 trucks nearly bankrupts you?
If you’re Kevin Rutherford, you build the industry’s most trusted voice for small fleet owners and owner-operators.
In this Greatest Hits episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, Kevin sits down with host Brent Hutto for a deep dive into how personal pain became professional purpose. From growing up around trucks to reluctantly buying his first rig at 21, Kevin’s path was anything but smooth. He scaled quickly, up to 11 trucks, but did so without the systems or financial visibility needed to sustain growth. The result was crushing debt, missed paychecks, and a wake-up call from reality.
Rather than file for bankruptcy, Kevin chose a different route: accountability, discipline, and education. Over four years, he paid off every cent he owed and discovered a new mission, which was to help others avoid the same fate. That mission became Let’s Truck.
Brent and Kevin explore Kevin’s transition from driver to writer to SiriusXM radio host, where his blunt, no-nonsense advice made him a fan-favorite. They also reveal a big announcement about the return of the Certified Master Carrier program at the Mid-America Truck Show, a solid proof that Kevin’s legacy of helping drivers thrive is still going strong.
What You’ll Learn:

• Why Kevin rejected bankruptcy despite $60,000 in debt
• The real reason so few resources exist for owner-operators
• How Let's Truck was born from personal financial failure
• Why being blunt (even if unpopular) earns trust in trucking
• How public speaking became Kevin’s unexpected superpower
• What’s next for the Certified Master Carrier program at MATS

Episode Highlights:

[05:40] Kevin opens up about a glaring gap in the trucking world, which is the lack of real education for owner-operators. In most industries, you’ll find courses, mentorship, and roadmaps. In trucking? Not so much. Kevin’s hard-earned credibility didn’t come from theory, it came from surviving real business failure. That’s what makes his advice different. It’s raw, practical, and rooted in experience. Without real-world education, most owner-operators are forced to learn the hard way, and that's exactly why Kevin is on a mission to change that.

[11:44] Growing up in a trucking family, Kevin learned to turn wrenches before he hit double digits. But while mechanical skills came early, business acumen did not. He shares how his love for trucking led him to scale too fast, reaching 11 trucks without a clear financial system. What looked like growth was actually leading him straight into financial chaos. Scaling a business without foundational systems is like building on sand, it’s only a matter of time before it crumbles.

[15:06] With more trucks came more problems—and eventually, $60,000 in debt. Bankruptcy attorneys told him to walk away. But Kevin couldn’t. Instead, he chose the hard way: selling off assets, cutting back, and paying every dollar back over four long years. That decision reshaped how he thought about business and became the foundation for everything he teaches now. He does embodies the fact that true leadership starts with ownership, especially when it would be easier to walk away.

[17:07] Most people would stop at survival. Kevin didn’t. After digging himself out of debt, he realized he didn’t just want to run trucks, he wanted to help other truckers avoid the same pitfalls. That purpose led to the birth of Let’s Truck, a platform built to deliver honest, actionable advice for owner-operators trying to make the numbers work. Kevin's story shows that sometimes your greatest failure becomes your most powerful tool for service and impact.

[24:25] Sometimes, opportunity knocks in strange ways. For Kevin, it started with correcting a mistake in a trade magazine. That one email turned into a call from radio legend Dave Nemo and before long, Kevin was live on SiriusXM. So many people called in that it jammed the phone lines. What began as a one-time guest spot turned into a 15-year radio career helping truckers across the country.

Kevin Rutherford is a third-generation owner-operator who started his trucking journey at 21 and quickly grew a fleet of 11 trucks, learning hard lessons about business the tough way. After clawing his way out of debt, he turned his experience into purpose, becoming the trusted voice behind Let’s Truck, a platform that has helped thousands of owner-operators improve their operations and profitability. Kevin spent over 15 years as the host of SiriusXM’s Trucking Business & Beyond, and his no-nonsense advice earned him a loyal following across the country. He’s also a passionate advocate for driver health, leading conversations on wellness through his show Destination Health. His work has been featured in top industry outlets like Overdrive Magazine, Pro Trucker, and the Partners in Business series. Whether he’s speaking at events or answering calls from the road, Kevin’s mission is simple: to help truckers run smarter, healthier, and more successful businesses.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Instructions on how to do this are here.Behind The Freight is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

What happens when a high schooler working at a trade show becomes the leader of one of trucking’s most iconic events?

In this Greatest Hits episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, Brent Hutto is joined by Toby Young, President of Exhibit Management Associates and the man behind the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS). Toby shares the full-circle journey of his family’s role in founding MATS in 1972 and how the show grew into a 1 million-square-foot gathering place for the entire trucking industry. From working with his father and grandfather to transforming the show’s focus on education and business growth, together, they explore the highs and tensions of leading a family business and the mindset shifts Toby took to lead effectively. This episode goes behind the scenes of what it takes to keep a live event relevant year after year, and how MATS became the cultural homecoming for drivers, fleets, suppliers, and innovators alike.
What You’ll Learn:

• How Toby navigated conflict resolution in a multi-generational family business
• Why leadership starts by doing the “lowly” work yourself
• What it takes to host over 1,000 exhibitors and 70,000+ attendees
• How MATS transitioned from entertainment-first to business-first
• Why education and networking are now central to the show’s impact
• The vision for expanding MATS beyond a 3-day event

Toby Young is the President of Exhibit Management Associates and Show Manager of the Mid-America Trucking Show. With degrees in chemistry and chemical engineering, he’s spent two decades helping evolve MATS into a world-class event that connects drivers, suppliers, and trucking leaders across the industry. He started working the show as a teenager and brings a hands-on leadership style shaped by years in every role. Today, he continues to blend tradition with innovation to keep MATS relevant and impactful.

Episode Highlights:

[06:49] As the third generation in a family-run trade show business, Toby reflects on the emotional complexity of stepping into leadership while his father was still deeply involved. He shares candid stories about the early years, when proposing change wasn’t just met with resistance but full-blown arguments. Working with someone who shares your DNA and your temperament, he admits, is both a blessing and a test of emotional intelligence. Over time, Toby learned that pushing an idea isn’t as powerful as pausing to listen and align. His biggest takeaway? In family businesses, disagreements are inevitable, but alignment on vision is what makes it all worth it.
[16:19] Toby’s leadership philosophy is rooted in experience, not entitlement. Long before he took charge of the Mid-America Trucking Show, he did the grunt work: stuffing envelopes in high school, running registration tables, hauling brochures, delivering packages, cleaning the office, and handling everything from PR to web development. By working in nearly every role, Toby built a deep operational empathy that still guides him today. He believes leadership means leading from within, not above. “I’ll never ask someone to take out the trash,” he says, “unless they’ve already seen me do it first.”
[28:06] MATS has always been known for its entertainment, big rigs, big personalities, and the best pork chop sandwiches around. But Toby and his team saw something more: an opportunity to turn the show into a true business-building experience. Informed by years of attendee interviews, they pivoted MATS toward education without losing its community spirit. They launched the ProTalks seminar series, created new stages, and invited respected voices like FMCSA, OOIDA, and small fleet owners to teach what’s working today. The result? A show floor that offers not just spectacle, but strategy, helping drivers and fleet leaders improve profitability, efficiency, and quality of life.
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. instructions on how to do this are here.Behind The Freight is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

What happens when a third-generation trucker decides working hard isn’t enough and starts working smart?

In this Greatest Hits episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Joel Morrow, CEO of Alpha Drivers Testing & Consulting and a pioneer of fuel-efficient, data-backed fleet operations. Joel shares how early lessons from his father’s recycling business shaped his obsession with efficiency. From driving a 1968 International cabover to founding Alpha Drivers, Joel explains why “time value” matters more than miles, and how outdated trucking pay structures continue to harm retention, safety, and profitability. Together, they explore the case for 6x2 axle configurations, the illusion of speed, and the surprising data behind slowing down. The numbers speak for themselves: 10.4 MPG over 170,000 miles, including in the Pacific Northwest and Appalachia.
What You’ll Learn:

• Why Joel pays drivers $22/hour + $0.22/mile with overtime
• What makes the 6x2 axle setup more efficient than 6x4
• Why the “driver shortage” is a pay problem
• How fuel efficiency drives net profit, not just savings
• The 42% maintenance cost reduction from slowing down
• Why understanding the difference between gross and net is the key to long-term survival

Joel has been the Senior Driver and Head of Research and Development at Ploger Transportation since 1987. He brings over 30 years of experience in commercial vehicle specifications, fuel economy, and operational expertise, with a driving record surpassing 4 million miles. Joel is a two-time recipient of the Top 50 Green Fleet award and won the 2018 HDTX Innovators Award. Additionally, he led the ton-mile per gallon category in the 2017 NACFE Run on Less event.

Episode Highlights:

[03:23] A veteran driver with over 4 million miles and numerous awards, including the Top 50 Green Fleet award and the 2018 Heavy Duty Trucking Innovator of the Year, Joel's journey showcases how a serious commitment can drive success. One of the most important things he learned early on was distinguishing the difference between gross and net in terms of financial and operational efficiency. The dedication to understanding and improving these metrics has been key to Joel's achievements. Reflecting on their personal experiences, Joel shares the challenges and rewards of transitioning from working in a family-run recycling business to pursuing his own path in the tracking world, driven by a desire to tackle challenging tasks and improve efficiency.

[16:17] Switching to a payment structure that values time, not just miles, could revolutionize the trucking industry and significantly enhance driver satisfaction and safety. Joel highlights this with his own successful model that combines hourly wages with mileage compensation, which not only rewards drivers fairly but also encourages safer driving practices. By valuing drivers' time, especially during delays at loading docks and other downtown time not accounted for in traditional pay-per-mile systems, Joel has improved job satisfaction while setting a benchmark for the industry to follow.

[21:15] As someone who values efficiency, Joel found it frustrating whenever his previous achievements were compromised. He remembers arguing against raising the speed limit on the Ploger Transportation fleet's trucks as a solution for driver retention. It seemed reasonable at the time due to the economic conditions and low fuel costs. However, Joel foresaw long-term pain when the market shifted. This sparked Joel's decision to use his expertise to assist owner-operators and small fleets and collaborate with OEMs who could fund his consultancy, leveraging social media for dissemination. This approach has proven profitable for both the OEMs by boosting their product visibility and for the fleets by improving their operational efficiency.

[25:00] Joel believes a 6x2 axle configuration can significantly boost fuel efficiency compared to the more common 6x4 setup with two powered axles. While the 6x2 configuration enhances traction, it also allows for weight shifting, which improves overall vehicle efficiency on the road. Joel's experience and ongoing improvements to this system underline its potential to optimize performance and cost-effectiveness in the transport industry, making it a valuable consideration for those looking to maximize their operational efficiency.

[31:15] Regarding fuel efficiency on business profitability, while many focus on gross earnings, what truly matters is net earnings, which reflect actual take-home after expenses. Achieving over 10 miles per gallon, even in challenging terrains like the Pacific Northwest and Appalachia, showcases exceptional efficiency and significantly boosts the bottom line. This reduces both fuel and maintenance costs.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. instructions on how to do this are here.Behind The Freight is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

What happens when a trucker wears a tie, skips the load board, and builds a 38-customer empire from scratch?

In this Greatest Hits episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Henry Albert, President of Albert Transport, 2007 Owner-Operator of the Year, and one of the most efficiency-driven minds in trucking. Henry shares his early days working for private carriers, the wake-up call that led him to challenge traditional trucking mindsets, and the hard start to launching his authority. With humour and clarity, Together, they explore how his business boomed once he committed to two things: dressing like a pro and treating his fuel gauge like a business partner.
What You’ll Learn:

• Why Henry wore a tie, and how it helped him earn $30,000 more in one year
• How the “toothpaste principle” can help owner-operators land shippers
• What drove him to build a 38-customer base without using a load board
• Why fuel efficiency (10.25 MPG!) is more than just a cost-saving measure
• How his wife’s support helped him scale the business through cold-calling
• Why branding and appearance still matter in a relationship-driven industry

Henry Albert is a veteran owner-operator with over 25 years of experience running Albert Transport. Starting his career with private carriers before launching his own authority, Henry has built a reputation for professionalism, operational efficiency, and direct customer relationships. A contributor to Freightliner’s Team Run Smart program, he’s known for pioneering fuel-saving practices and achieving over 10 MPG in long-haul freight, making him a respected voice in the trucking industry.

Episode Highlights:
[03:01] Henry’s career started with private carriers. The first was a food service business that was a standalone division from the main company. When their salesman left, the business changed and their product changed. Henry started taking samples along on his routes, building up his sales skills. He moved from there to another private carrier, where he was in charge of their three trucks that they ran. He was in the office one day and he heard the high-up boss talk about the “idiots” in the warehouse. To Henry, it was funny, because he could speak to any department and they would blame another department for the low performance of the company, and he said as much to the manager. Within a year, the company became more holistic and they went from ranked 38th to 2nd in the country. From there, Henry moved into setting up his own business.
[18:54] Often, shippers don’t want to do business with owner-operators because they are only one truck and one person. When asked his main piece of advice to convince them to do business with him, Henry answers toothpaste. No, it’s not just to make sure you have fresh breath. He shares a tale of making a business plan to show someone, purposefully making it the worst possible scenario but explaining that he would be able to support himself and his family on it, the other man leaned back in his chair and asked him why anyone would ever consider him to haul their freight? Henry was given a week to come up with an answer, even though he was ready then. When he got home, there was a sample of Colgate toothpaste in his mailbox. He normally used Crest, and so started thinking “why would anybody use Colgate?” He’d hit his jackpot. People are loyal to their brands, and shippers already have someone hauling their freight before you walk in the door. So the question became, how could he switch them to his brand? He realized that he could learn from the toothpaste sample and offer introductory rates to give them a glimpse into his service before upping the price to his normal rates.
[24:27] Henry has always been passionate about efficiency. When you’re running a business, of course you’ve got to provide a quality service, but you also have to be aware of your operating costs and the fact that markets could get tight and you’d have to lower your rates. As an owner-operator, one of Henry’s biggest considerations is fuel. Everything you can do to save fuel is worth doing, you don’t need to go faster than it would take to get there on time. Until 2007, he had never idled his truck overnight, and he claims that is how he can afford to pay for his son’s college. His trucks now average 10 miles a gallon, crushing the typical average, all through stacking and running the truck right. 
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Instructions on how to do this are here.Behind The Freight is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Shelley Simpson, President and CEO of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.
Join them as they explore:

• Shelley’s journey from an entry-level job to CEO -  How her father’s advice and mentors shaped her path
• The pivotal moment when she realized trucking was her long-term career
• How J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. is leading digital transformation with technology-driven logistics
• The role of mentorship and sponsorship in leadership success
• Why J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. celebrates its Million Mile Drivers and the importance of driver safety
• The company’s vision to create the most efficient transportation network in North America
• Shelley’s thoughts on balancing career growth with personal life and how J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. supports working parents
• What’s next for J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. and the trucking industry

Shelley Simpson is a visionary leader and President & CEO of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc., shaping the future of freight through innovation, digital transformation, and strategic leadership. Starting as an hourly customer service rep in 1994, she climbed the ranks, leading J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.’s intermodal, dedicated, and brokerage divisions. She spearheaded J.B. Hunt 360®, transforming freight logistics. Passionate about mentorship, workforce development, and women in leadership, she fosters a culture that values people and progress. Under her leadership, J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. is driving toward its vision of creating the most efficient transportation network in North America.
Episode Highlights:
[00:00:02 - 00:06:10] Shelley Simpson shares her unexpected entry into the trucking industry, beginning as a customer service representative at J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. Although she initially aspired to be a teacher, she switched to a business career after discussing financial stability with her father. A classmate introduced her to J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc., where what she thought would be a short-term job evolved into a career-defining opportunity. She reflects on her early career days, realizing the vastness of the logistics industry. Brent and Shelley talk about how mentorship, curiosity, and a strong work ethic helped her advance through the ranks.
[00:06:10 - 00:12:00] Shelley reflects on how mentorship and sponsorship played a crucial role in shaping her career. She highlights the impact of Kirk Thompson and Craig Harper, two leaders at J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc., who helped guide her professional growth. She explains the difference between a mentor and a sponsor, emphasizing that sponsors actively advocate for your career advancement. Shelley shares how their guidance pushed her beyond her comfort zone, leading to pivotal promotions. She stresses the importance of building strong relationships and how leaders should be intentional about developing the next generation.
[00:20:00 - 00:28:44] Shelley discusses the Million Mile Driver program, which recognizes drivers who have logged one to five million accident-free miles. She describes how these drivers are celebrated with a special ceremony, bonuses, and company-wide recognition. J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. has now honored over 5,000 Million Mile Drivers, reinforcing its commitment to safety, respect, and driver appreciation. Shelley shares how these drivers are the heart of the company, often acting as mentors to newer drivers. Brent highlights the demanding nature of truck driving, making this achievement even more remarkable.
[00:28:44 - 00:36:00] Shelley explains how J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc 360®, the company’s digital freight platform, is transforming how shippers and carriers connect. In 2015, J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. identified a gap in the market, realizing drivers were using their website to search for loads. This insight led to the development of a fully automated, real-time load-matching system. The platform helps reduce wasted time for drivers, improve freight efficiency, and provide better pricing and transparency. Brent and Shelley discuss how technology is shaping the future of trucking and how J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. is committed to staying ahead.
[00:36:00 - 00:44:25] As the conversation wraps up, Shelley shares J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.’s long-term vision for the industry. She discusses the company’s focus on automation, AI, and supply chain optimization, ensuring greater efficiency and sustainability. She also highlights how J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. is investing in digital freight matching to help drivers and shippers maximize productivity. Brent and Shelley discuss the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, including driver retention, evolving regulations, and industry-wide innovation. Shelley closes by emphasizing J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.’s commitment to putting people first while driving technological advancements.
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. instructions on how to do this are here.Behind The Freight is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Have you ever wondered what it takes to go from being a corporate cubicle to a full-service freight boss?
In this Greatest Hits episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Seretha Willingham, CEO of SJW Logistics, for a raw, strategic, and inspiring conversation about the business of freight. Seretha shares the lessons she picked up from Coca-Cola, the military, and her project management days at XPO, and how she applied them to launch a successful logistics company in 2020. Together, they explore the six pro tips that helped her grow SJW Logistics during one of the toughest market seasons in the industry: make a plan, pivot off bad ideas, leverage data, do your homework, invest in long-term relationships, and follow the process.
What You’ll Learn:

• The six pro tips that helped Seretha grow SJW Logistics during a tough freight market
• Why making a business plan is your first non-negotiable move
• The mindset shift that helped her pivot fast even when it hurt
• How to protect your business from double brokering scams
• Why being a woman of color in freight has been more strength than setback
• The value of intellectual honesty and letting go of what’s not working
• Why focusing on long-term relationships builds recession-proof companies

Seretha is a seasoned Project Management Executive with extensive experience in financial data analysis, information systems technology, and strategic planning and execution. From a career start at The Coca-Cola Company to then Project Management at XPO Logistics before founding SJW Logistics in 2020, a third-party logistics company providing best-in-class solutions, Seretha has spent a lot of time in logistics, building up extensive knowledge of the sector.

Episode Highlights:

[09:37]Drawing from her time at Coca-Cola and XPO, Seretha reflects on how studying major freight companies like JB Hunt inspired her to build a plan and why every entrepreneur should start the same way. They all had similar stories: they started slowly and then grew everything. This research was her first step towards founding SJW Logistics. Having seen companies succeed through this approach, Seretha followed the same methods, doing what she knew best and creating a project plan. She advises always planning your work before you complete it, especially in entrepreneurial pursuits.

[15:40] Often, small business owners get so caught up in the passion of running a business and the small successes that they hold onto everything they are doing, even when it’s not working. This then means that when things don’t work out, they can feel like a failure. From her work in corporate America, Seretha learned that if things don’t work out, you need to move on and not waste money. There are so many other opportunities that you need to try until you find something that works. 

[22:05] SJW Logistics recently had some issues around double brokering in the marketplace. They did their due diligence in setting the carrier up, and it seemed to be checking all the boxes, but the company they were working with was a scam. This experience has taught them to be cautious of people who want quick pay or other slightly weird things from their loads. Now, they always do their homework before working with someone else; you cannot be overly cautious in checking that everything adds up.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Instructions on how to do this are here.Behind The Freight is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Have you ever wondered what it takes to build a trucking business when you’re not the one behind the wheel?
In this Greatest Hits episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Jessica Dotson, who went from accountant to trucking advocate and operations expert,  all sparked by her husband’s dream to drive. Together, they share a deeply personal conversation covering what most people never talk about in the industry, from the emotional toll of being a trucking spouse to the real risks of burnout, blood clots, and diabetes from long hours on the road.
What You’ll Learn:

• Why every trucking couple needs to align their vision.
• The back-office skills most truckers don’t realise they need.
• How health risks like blood clots and diabetes nearly derailed their business.
• What brokers look for when approving a carrier.
• The truth about fuel cards, cash flow, and operational savings.
• How understanding cost-per-mile can make or break your business.

Jessica Dotson is Director of Business Development and Account Management at Multi Service Fuel Card, which launched the first real-time authorization fuel card that revolutionized fleet management and fuel purchases. She has been with Multi Service Fuel Card for over six years, having previously worked as Director of Account Management and Manager. Jessica recently joined the Board of Directors for the Women in Trucking Foundation. 
Episode Highlights:
[21:56 - 26:26] When Jessica started learning about the trucking industry, she worked for a variety of companies in order to gain experience. For instance, she worked for a brokerage, where she learned what brokers look for in carriers, including insurance, driving records, and communication skills. Jessica emphasizes that building strong broker-carrier relationships is vital. Additionally, to understand cash flow challenges, she worked for a factoring company, where she learned how factoring can be useful for trucking companies that need quick payments to stabilize cash flow. 
[29:29 - 31:42] Jessica discusses the importance of having operational savings before starting your own business in the trucking industry. She advises having at least a year to a year and a half worth of operational savings to ensure financial stability. Noting how major mechanical failures and health crises are the two main factors that can put truckers out of business, she says that cash flow is crucial, especially during breakdowns or other issues, and having enough savings can prevent financial hardships. 
[37:55 - 39:24] Jessica highlights the benefits and pitfalls of using fuel cards in the trucking industry. She notes the importance of understanding the overall fuel spend and not getting too focused on discounts. Jessica also says that fuel cards provide a safer and easier way to pay, as well as the ability to track and plan fuel expenses more strategically—for instance, before using a specialized fuel card, she struggled with time-consuming and complicated reporting processes. She advises choosing a fuel card that is accepted at truck stops—as opposed to general fuel cards, like those from major credit card companies. 
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.Behind The Freight is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Have you ever wondered what it takes to thrive in trucking for 45 years, even after facing cancer, career changes, and being one of the only women on the road?
In this Greatest Hits episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Ingrid Brown, a Member of the board of Directors at the Women In Trucking Association.
What You’ll Learn:

• How Ingrid’s parents shaped her work ethic and trucking career.
• What it’s like to be a woman in a male-dominated industry.
• Why asking for help is crucial for safety and education.
• The power of community in trucking and how it can help drivers succeed.
• How Ingrid navigated major life changes while staying in the industry.
• Why every trucker should have a backup plan to handle unexpected challenges.

Ingrid is a professional truck driver with 45 years of experience. Since 1979, she has been a Member, of the Board of Directors at the Women In Trucking Association, and more recently she is a Company Driver with Blackjack Express. She is also a prominent member of the Women in Trucking (WIT) Association, serving on the 2024-2025 Board of Directors. In 2022, she was named one of the WIT Women to Watch in Transportation.

Episode Highlights:

[09:10 - 15:17] Ingrid attributes a lot of her success in transportation and supply chain to the foundational tools and work ethic her father instilled in her. She worked directly with him at his family construction business, where he was the main man on the ground. He was always strict about education and expected her to learn quickly and efficiently. Even after an accident left him with severe injuries and impaired speech, he still provided valuable mechanical advice to her about her trucks. She strongly believes that her foundations in construction helped her in the switch to transportation and that everybody can use their background knowledge to achieve what she has with determination and effort. 
[18:02 - 26:23] Ingrid’s experience in construction, where she was the only female, prepared her for the male-dominated trucking industry. When she first made the shift over to transportation, there were very few female drivers, only six crossing the country as solo drivers, so they supported one another by leaving notes at truck stops. Throughout her career, Ingrid hasn’t been scared to ask for help, and she emphasizes how important this is for everybody, not just women, from both a safety and education perspective. Drivers need to communicate and support each other and create a wider community, similar to how it used to be when we would all stand around at the truck stop sharing stories. 
[38:07 - 43:55] In 2017, Ingrid was diagnosed with stage two melanoma, a disease that had caused the death of several of her family members. She has had several surgeries, which included the removal of a quarter of her throat, and is still in treatment today but has been allowed back to work. Last year she sold her truck and deactivated her authority, joining Blackjack Express, a heavy haul company that accommodates her medical needs. She stresses how important it is to find a company that will support your personal and health needs as a driver. Her experience is also a testament to the value of backup plans and varied experience for when unforeseen circumstances show themselves. Her story is proof that you should never give up, and instead seek help when you need it. 

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.Behind The Freight is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this Greatest Hits episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Ellen Voie, Founder of the Women In Trucking Association.
Join them as they:

• Discuss the early days of the Women In Trucking Association
• Explore Ellen’s drive to get more data on gender disparity in the trucking industry
• Delve into the wins and challenges the Association has faced
• Examine what it’s like to be the leader of a brand
• And more!

Ellen Voie is passionate about creating a more gender diverse culture in the transportation industry. In 2007, she recognized the need to support women in the sector, founding the non-profit organization, the Women In Trucking Association. Since then, she has grown the membership to over 8,000 corporate and individual members in ten countries.
Episode Highlights:

[04:27] Working as Manager of Recruiting and Retention Programmes at a large Midwest carrier, Ellen was tasked with determining how to attract and retain nontraditional groups, such as ex-military, women, and seniors. The industry kept saying that they didn’t care about an individual’s demographics and would just hire the best person for the job, but Ellen saw them completely ignoring 50% of the population: women. At the time, she was working towards her pilot’s license and was a member of a women’s aviation association, and she couldn’t help wondering why there wasn’t a similar association in the trucking industry. So, she built one: the Women In Trucking Association. Mirroring the structure of the aviation association, Ellen put together a board of directors of influential women she knew and worked with her attorney to write the mission statement. The mission has never changed; it is simply to encourage the employment of women in the industry, to address obstacles that might keep them from either entering or succeeding, and to celebrate success.
[11:11] Leaders of non-profit organizations need to act as a resource of information, and when she first started, Ellen had no data to go from. Very few fleets truly knew what their percentage of female drivers was. Ellen would go to any and every conference asking the same question: “Do you have your data broken down by gender?” Every time, the answer was no, and she’d ask them how to get that data. She was getting the train of thought and conversation started on the experience of women in the industry. She was in charge of getting the data out to companies, reaching out to the Association’s members and female drivers at trade shows.
[27:32] Ellen led the Women In Trucking Association for sixteen years, only recently retiring. As the leader of the brand, she has been pleased by the reception in the industry. People listened to what she had to say, and she was able to establish her credibility to be able to change the future for women in the industry. The biggest challenge, other than people not knowing how to pronounce her last name, has been extricating herself from the brand. It’s her baby, and now she has had to pass the baton on to someone else to lead the Association. 
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Instructions on how to do this are here.Behind The Freight is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so