Behind The Freight

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a 1968 International cabover to founding Alpha Drivers, Joel explains why “time value” matters more than miles, and how outdated trucking pay structures continue to harm retention, safety, and profitability.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 Truckstop’s trucking and logistics podcast for carriers, owner operators, small fleets and freight brokers. Hosted by John Howland, with new episodes every other week on freight fraud prevention, compliance, trucking technology and the freight market.
Find loads, vet carriers and protect your business at Truckstop.com

Connect with John on LinkedIn
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 Truckstop’s trucking and logistics podcast for carriers, owner operators, small fleets and freight brokers. Hosted by John Howland, with new episodes every other week on freight fraud prevention, compliance, trucking technology and the freight market.
Find loads, vet carriers and protect your business at Truckstop.com

Connect with John on LinkedIn
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 Truckstop’s trucking and logistics podcast for carriers, owner operators, small fleets and freight brokers. Hosted by John Howland, with new episodes every other week on freight fraud prevention, compliance, trucking technology and the freight market.
Find loads, vet carriers and protect your business at Truckstop.com

Connect with John on LinkedIn
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 Truckstop’s trucking and logistics podcast for carriers, owner operators, small fleets and freight brokers. Hosted by John Howland, with new episodes every other week on freight fraud prevention, compliance, trucking technology and the freight market.
Find loads, vet carriers and protect your business at Truckstop.com

Connect with John on LinkedIn
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 Truckstop’s trucking and logistics podcast for carriers, owner operators, small fleets and freight brokers. Hosted by John Howland, with new episodes every other week on freight fraud prevention, compliance, trucking technology and the freight market.
Find loads, vet carriers and protect your business at Truckstop.com

Connect with John on LinkedIn
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 Truckstop’s trucking and logistics podcast for carriers, owner operators, small fleets and freight brokers. Hosted by John Howland, with new episodes every other week on freight fraud prevention, compliance, trucking technology and the freight market.
Find loads, vet carriers and protect your business at Truckstop.com

Connect with John on LinkedIn
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 Truckstop’s trucking and logistics podcast for carriers, owner operators, small fleets and freight brokers. Hosted by John Howland, with new episodes every other week on freight fraud prevention, compliance, trucking technology and the freight market.
Find loads, vet carriers and protect your business at Truckstop.com

Connect with John on LinkedIn
Behind The Freight is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

We’re bringing back one of the most inspiring and timeless conversations from Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, featuring Nicole Glenn, Founder and CEO of Candor Logistics Management.

Nicole shares how an unexpected opportunity launched her into trucking, what it took to start her own company, and how she’s driving innovative frozen freight solutions today. From building trust in the high-stakes world of expedited shipping to leveraging creative thinking for complex logistics problems, Nicole’s journey is filled with lessons that remain just as relevant today.
If you missed this conversation the first time, now is the perfect moment to tune in.
In this Greatest Hits episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Nicole Glenn, Founder and CEO of Candor Logistics Management.
Join them as they:

• Delve into Nicole’s unexpected entrance to trucking
• Discuss Nicole’s decision to found her own business
• Explore the highs and lows of expedited work
• Explain Nicole’s recent foray into frozen freight
• And more!

Nicole has been in the haulage and logistics industry for over twenty years. Described as having logistics “in her DNA”, she is an accomplished manager and leader. She’s worked for many big Logistics companies across the US, from Chicago to Dallas Fort Worth, where she founded her own business, Candor Logistics Management. Nicole is also a panelist on the Ladies Leadership Coalition podcast, celebrating women in the supply chain industry.
Episode Highlights:
[04:55] Nicole didn’t find trucking; trucking found her. While working a retail job at an automotive store, Nicole served a customer who was impressed with her memory, giving her a makeshift business card and asking her to give him a call. Hedging her bets, she called him up, and he offered her $10 an hour for filing. This was her entry into the logistics world. Over time, they gradually moved from handwritten receipts to accounting software, and she moved through roles, ending up as a backhaul dispatcher before moving on to other companies, gradually rising to President of one business.
[12:09] After a decent stint as the leader of someone else’s company, Nicole made the leap to found her own. It came when she was on vacation, receiving calls about things going wrong that she needed to fix. She took a moment to reflect and realized she was ready to take on the responsibility for herself, deciding to leave the company. She didn’t leave for several months due to the busy seasons they were heading into, but she left once she could, starting up her own business. She initially didn’t love her own company as much as the old one, partially due to going from a huge team to nobody, but she’s glad she leapt.

[21:18] From working in an expediting organization at age 23 to now owning Candor Logistics Management, Nicole has seen both the highs and lows of the sector. The sector revolves around solving a problem for someone, but it can be tough to get customers because they need to trust you to get involved. Over time, she has built credibility through testimonials, stories, and case studies, but it was incredibly difficult to start out. Now that she is trusted, however, relationships have completely flipped. She is now tasked with the most random and often complex things a shipper could imagine. 
[26:59] Nicole and her team recently stepped into frozen freight. Having served many fast food retailers and food companies, they were often asked to move frozen products but could never find refrigerated expediting equipment. It just wasn't commonly available. Nicole ended up talking to a buddy working in supply chains, and they found a wrap product that could sustain the temperature of a skid. It wasn’t good enough, so Nicole kept searching and utilizing her network, eventually finding a product used in the pharmaceutical world for products that needed to be kept cool. Putting it into practice, they have found that it can hold food at the same temperature, whether fresh or frozen, through five days of shipment. There’s even a live feed on it so that both the company and customers are aware if things go awry with the temperature maintenance and can work to fix it. If it weren’t for Nicole’s attitude towards solving problems, she wouldn’t have ever found this solution.
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 Truckstop’s trucking and logistics podcast for carriers, owner operators, small fleets and freight brokers. Hosted by John Howland, with new episodes every other week on freight fraud prevention, compliance, trucking technology and the freight market.
Find loads, vet carriers and protect your business at Truckstop.com

Connect with John on LinkedIn
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 Daniel Linss and Tim Sieben of 10-4 Magazine.
Join them as they explore:

• How 10-4 Magazine was founded in 1993 and the vision behind it
• Daniel’s unexpected journey from architecture to publishing and his passion for trucking media
• The magazine’s deep-rooted history and its impact on the trucking industry.
• The role of storytelling in keeping trucking culture alive
• What it takes to run an independent trucking magazine for over 31 years
• The shift from print to digital and how 10-4 Magazine is adapting
• Their involvement in the Trucking for Kids charity and how it’s making a difference
• What’s next for 10-4 Magazine and its new ventures, including live events and a trucking webcast
  
  

Daniel Linss is an editor/art director for 10-4 Magazine, and Tim Sieben is the TFK Show Manager for 10-4 Magazine. With decades of industry experience, they have built a platform that informs and celebrates the trucking culture. Their work spans photography, storytelling, and events, fostering a strong community. They actively advocates for truckers’ voices and industry recognition. Through Trucking for Kids, they support charitable initiatives benefiting children’s hospitals. Their commitment to trucking extends beyond media, ensuring the industry's legacy thrives. 10-4 Magazine remains a trusted source for truckers nationwide.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:23 - 00:07:27] Brent introduces 10-4 Magazine and shares his own journey in trucking media. He reflects on how his early career at Overdrive Magazine gave him a firsthand look at the industry and fostered his appreciation for trucking. Brent discusses how media serves as the bridge between truckers, industry trends, and valuable resources, setting the stage for a deeper dive into 10-4 Magazine’s legacy. Daniel Linss shares how he originally pursued architecture but ultimately found his calling in trucking media. He recounts his introduction to 10-4 Magazine in 1993 when he was unexpectedly pulled into helping with the first edition.
[00:07:27 - 00:14:42] Daniel and Tim dive into how 10-4 Magazine transitioned from a 24-page black-and-white classifieds paper to a 64-page, high-quality, full-color trucking magazine. They discuss how attending truck shows and connecting with the trucking community shaped the magazine's direction. They share how the magazine's photography and storytelling became the heart of their content, capturing the trucks and people who make the industry what it is.
[00:14:42 - 00:19:57] Running a magazine comes with its fair share of challenges. Daniel and Tim delve into the demanding behind-the-scenes work required to meet deadlines, coordinate content, and manage distribution. They talk about how the rise of digital media has impacted the magazine industry, but why they remain committed to keeping a print edition available for truckers who love holding a physical copy in their hands. They discuss the importance of adaptability and how they have stayed relevant in an evolving media landscape.
[00:19:57 - 00:31:00] The discussion shifts to Trucking for Kids, a charity event 10-4 Magazine took over to ensure its legacy continues. Daniel and Tim discuss how the event has evolved and share heartfelt stories of truckers coming together to support children in need. They highlight how they have raised over $210,000 for the Shriners Hospital and why giving back is such a critical part of the trucking community. They explain why truckers have a strong tradition of generosity and how the event fosters industry-wide camaraderie.
[00:31:00 - 00:36:04] Looking to the future, Daniel and Tim lay out their plans for expanding 10-4 Magazine’s reach. They discuss how they are growing their digital presence with a trucking webcast and live event coverage. They introduce their latest project, the 10-4 Trucker Rodeo, an event designed to bring truckers together in a celebration of skill and community. They reflect on their passion for the trucking culture and their unwavering dedication to preserving its history while embracing the opportunities of modern media.
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 Truckstop’s trucking and logistics podcast for carriers, owner operators, small fleets and freight brokers. Hosted by John Howland, with new episodes every other week on freight fraud prevention, compliance, trucking technology and the freight market.
Find loads, vet carriers and protect your business at Truckstop.com

Connect with John on LinkedIn
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 once again by Lewie Pugh, Executive Vice President of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA). 
Join them as they explore:

• The history and role of OOIDA in protecting truckers’ rights in Washington, D.C.
• Why truckers need to be more engaged in shaping policies that impact their livelihoods
• The ongoing challenges of trucking regulations, from speed limiters to electronic logging devices (ELDs)
• How OOIDA supports truckers in navigating industry changes and government policies
• The critical importance of understanding operational costs for profitability
• Why truckers should take advantage of advocacy opportunities and engage with lawmakers

Lewie Pugh is the Executive Vice President of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), advocating for truckers' rights on Capitol Hill. A former owner-operator, Lewie spent decades behind the wheel before transitioning into advocacy to ensure independent truckers have a voice in Washington. With firsthand experience in the challenges of trucking, he is committed to shaping policies that support owner-operators and improve industry conditions. Lewie’s leadership at OOIDA focuses on fair regulations, truck parking solutions, and protecting the livelihoods of small trucking businesses.
Episode Highlights:
[00:03:51 - 00:12:26] Lewie Pugh shares how OOIDA was founded in 1973 when truckers came together during the fuel crisis to demand fair treatment from lawmakers. He explains how the organization grew from a grassroots effort into a major advocacy group, now influencing trucking policies on Capitol Hill. Lewie discusses the importance of continuing this fight and why truckers must stay involved to protect their rights, He also highlights that without collective action, policymakers may overlook the real needs of truckers, making engagement critical.
[00:12:26 - 00:19:44] Lewie emphasizes that lawmakers often lack firsthand trucking experience, which is why truckers need to educate them on industry challenges. He explains that without direct input from truckers, many policies are shaped by individuals who have never been behind the wheel of a truck. He shares stories of truckers who successfully influenced policy by reaching out to their representatives. He also provides practical tips on how truckers can effectively communicate their concerns and build relationships with legislators to drive change.
[00:19:44 - 00:29:11] Lewie dives into how government regulations have changed the trucking industry, with a focus on Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) and speed limiters. Lewie discusses how these regulations have negatively impacted drivers by increasing stress and limiting flexibility. He provides insight into OOIDA’s ongoing efforts to challenge these policies, and the strategies used to engage with policymakers and advocate for more practical solutions that prioritize truckers' well-being. 
[00:29:11 - 00:34:48] Lewie discusses the financial side of trucking, explaining why every trucker must know their cost per mile to stay profitable. He shares real-world examples of truckers who have struggled due to poor financial planning and provides actionable strategies to track expenses, negotiate better rates, and ensure long-term business sustainability. He also highlights the importance of financial literacy and planning as key elements of success in the trucking industry.
[00:34:48 - 00:39:58] Lewie discusses the hidden pitfalls within broker contracts and the lack of rate transparency that often puts truckers at a disadvantage. He explains Regulation 371.3, which mandates that brokers disclose freight rates, and highlights how many truckers unknowingly waive this right in contracts. Lewie advises truckers on what to look for in agreements and how to protect themselves from unfair broker practices. He emphasizes the importance of reading contracts carefully and seeking legal advice when necessary to avoid hidden clauses that could impact their earnings.
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 Truckstop’s trucking and logistics podcast for carriers, owner operators, small fleets and freight brokers. Hosted by John Howland, with new episodes every other week on freight fraud prevention, compliance, trucking technology and the freight market.
Find loads, vet carriers and protect your business at Truckstop.com

Connect with John on LinkedIn
Behind The Freight is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so