The Company Powering Rural America | BulkLoads Podcast

What does it take to keep America’s farmers, truckers, and rural communities moving? In this episode of the BulkLoads Podcast, Jared Flinn sits down with John Ihler, President & CEO of MFA Oil, to discuss how one of the nation’s largest farmer-owned cooperatives powers rural America through fuel, propane, lubricants, solar energy, convenience stores, and more.

👉 You’ll hear how MFA Oil:

• Serves 40,000+ farmer members with fuel, propane, and lubricants

• Runs a fleet of 1,000+ trucks, making it one of the largest propane suppliers in the U.S.

• Operates Break Time convenience stores and Big O Tires franchises across Missouri and beyond

• Invests in solar energy, logistics, and technology to prepare for the future of farming

• Supports rural communities through scholarships, cooperatives, and reinvestment

This episode dives into the future of agriculture, the logistics behind propane & fuel delivery, and why service and community trust remain the backbone of MFA Oil’s success.

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📌 Chapters 00:00 – Intro & MFA Oil Overview 04:10 – The Cooperative Model Explained 10:25 – Fuel, Propane & Tire Business 18:45 – Logistics & Fleet Operations 28:30 – Innovation: Solar, Storage & Lubricants 38:50 – The Future of Farming & Rural America 46:00 – Scholarships & Community Impact

💡 Why watch? If you’re in agriculture, trucking, logistics, or rural business, this episode gives an insider’s look at how a 97-year-old cooperative continues to innovate and support America’s heartland.

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👍 If you enjoyed this episode, hit LIKE, drop a COMMENT about your experience with cooperatives, and SHARE this with a farmer, trucker, or ag professional who needs to hear it!

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#Agriculture #Trucking #Farming #RuralAmerica #BulkLoadsPodcast #Propane #Cooperative #Logistics

Think you’re saving money with cheap truck tires? Think again. In this episode, we sit down with Matt Gibbs from Ozarko Tire to reveal the real costs of poor tire choices, the truth about retreads, and why tire maintenance can make or break your bottom line. Whether you’re an owner-operator, fleet manager, or just someone in the trucking industry, this conversation will change the way you think about your tire program. You’ll discover:

The hidden difference between Tier 1 and Tier 4 tires

How retreads can slash your cost per mile

The #1 cause of roadside breakdowns (and how to prevent them)

Why “cheap” tires often cost you more in the long run

How to choose the right tire for your specific hauling needs

💬 Question for you: What’s been your biggest tire expense or breakdown story? Share it in the comments!

Subscribe for more insider trucking tips, industry interviews, and strategies to run a more profitable operation. 

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Ozarko Tire: http://www.ozarkotire.com/  

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Timestamp:

00:00 Trusting Expertise in Fleet Management

06:09 Offshore Tires Impact Retreading Industry

09:30 Inspiring Growth and Expansion

12:57 Retread Advantage: Michelin Innovations

15:50 "Tire Retreading Benefits Explained"

19:36 From Ministry to Michelin Career

22:56 Michelin's Leading Tire Reputation

24:03 Maximizing Tire Budget Efficiency

28:00 "Trucking Tire Retreading Basics"

31:16 Fleet Cost Evaluation Education

33:28 "Michelin XLEZ Plus Steer Tire"

38:45 Customizing Fleet Operations

40:11 Understanding Super Singles in Trucking

44:10 "Tire Load-Bearing and Risks"

47:18 Tire Air Pressure Guessing Contest

50:56 "Prioritize Tires with Warranties"

52:35 "Technology Transforms Tire Durability"

Most trucking companies are running unsafe—and they don’t even know it. In this episode, Jared Flinn sits down with safety expert Sam Watts to uncover the hidden risks, legal traps, and overlooked safety violations that could destroy your trucking business.

🚨 Sam breaks down:

• Why FMCSA audits are getting faster and stricter

• The #1 safety mistake that could spike your insurance premiums

• How lawsuits are being funded by private equity groups

• What you MUST have in your driver qualification files

• The real reason CSA scores tank, and how to fix them

• How to start a real safety program (without the overwhelm)

• Why even “perfect” owner-operators might be out of compliance

Whether you’re running 1 truck or 50, this is required listening if you want to avoid litigation, lower your insurance, and protect your company.

👉 Need help with safety or compliance? Sam offers audits, virtual safety coaching, and monthly tools to clean up your safety files and policies. Learn more: Wattsmen.com

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https://youtu.be/n0LhfBtkgHE

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Insurance - https://www.bulkinsurancegroup.com/

Factoring - https://www.smartfreightfunding.com/ 

Transportation Management (TMS) - https://www.bulktms.com/

Permitting- https://www.bulkloads.com/tools/permitting/

Fuel Card- https://bulkloadsfuel.com/

 

In this episode of the BulkLoads Podcast, guest Nisrine Masri, founder of Movers Dispatch Board, shares her entrepreneurial journey in the moving and storage industry. She dives into the unique challenges of household goods logistics, the evolution of specialized technology for movers, and how her platform fills critical gaps in capacity, labor, and trust—highlighting fascinating industry insights and memorable moving stories along the way.

From running a moving company out of a spare bedroom to launching a nationwide tech platform, Nisrine Masri brings a rare mix of grit and innovation to the world of household good logistics. In this episode, she breaks down the realities of long-distance moving, the hidden complexities of staffing and dispatching, and how Mover Dispatch Board is reshaping an overlooked industry.

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https://moversdispatchboard.com/

 

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Factoring - https://www.smartfreightfunding.com/ 

Transportation Management (TMS) - https://www.bulktms.com/

Permitting- https://www.bulkloads.com/tools/permitting/

 

Timestamp:

00:00 "Learning the Moving Industry"

03:37 Interstate Moving Revenue Focus

06:31 Movers Dispatch and Shipment Consolidation

10:57 Fragmented Moving Industry Analysis

13:45 "Pros and Cons of Container Moving"

19:01 "Digital Evolution in Moving Industry"

21:04 Moving Jobs Broker Description

24:52 Seasonal Trends in Housing Market

29:34 Startup Growth Challenges & Adaptation

32:40 Engaging Subscriber Analytics

34:43 Enhancing Trust in Moving Industry

40:04 Confused Delivery Call Resolution

41:03 Unforeseen Divorce Mid-Move Chaos

In this inspiring episode of the BulkLoads Podcast, host Jared Flinn sits down with Roger Zima, a trucking legend who's driven over 4 million miles without a single accident. Recently named the 2024 Minnesota Driver of the Year by the Minnesota Trucking Association, Roger shares the wisdom, discipline, and heart behind his 40-year career with Foltz Trucking.

From early gravel hauls to hauling canola and beans across the Midwest, Roger opens up about how he’s stayed safe on the road, what makes Foltz a standout company for drivers, and why patience, prayer, and good people matter. You’ll also hear about the life-changing support he received after a devastating accident, and what makes his trucking family different. This is a must-watch for anyone in the trucking world who wants to hear from one of the best to ever do it.

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https://youtu.be/SKNaFnwK6go

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Factoring - https://www.smartfreightfunding.com/ 

Transportation Management (TMS) - https://www.bulktms.com/

Permitting- https://www.bulkloads.com/tools/permitting/

In this episode of the BulkLoads Podcast, guest Jace Young shares his compelling journey from growing up on a family feed yard in Western Kansas to founding Legacy Farmer. He discusses the hard lessons learned from his family’s farm loss, the emotional and financial struggles of generational operations, and the critical need for financial clarity and open communication in ag businesses.

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Insurance - https://www.bulkinsurancegroup.com/

Factoring - https://www.smartfreightfunding.com/ 

Transportation Management (TMS) - https://www.bulktms.com/

Permitting- https://www.bulkloads.com/tools/permitting/

 Timestamp:

0:00 - 2:40 Introducing Jace and Early Family Farm Experiences 2:40 - 7:03 The Rise and Fall of the Family Operation 7:03 - 12:08 Emotional Impact of Losing the Farm 12:08 - 16:25 Lessons Learned: Hindsight on the Operation’s Downfall 16:25 - 19:37 Family Dynamics and Communication Challenges in Family Businesses 19:37 - 24:09 Lingering Family Conflicts & Financial Fallout 24:09 - 29:29 What is Legacy Farmer? Elevating Farm Financial Management 29:29 - 33:38 Bringing Clarity to Farm and Trucking Finances 33:38 - 40:02 Business Owner Mindset: Shifting Roles and Responsibilities 40:02 - 45:00 Legacy Farmer Community, Coaching, and Real-World Lessons 45:00 - 46:33 Final Thoughts on Mission, Impact, and Continuing the Conversation

In this episode of the BulkLoads Podcast, guest Austin Hammen of AH Trucking shares the inspiring growth story from a small family operation to a 35-truck fleet. Austin discusses transitioning through dump, livestock, and hopper hauling, the value of in-house maintenance, and lessons in leadership after his father’s passing—while offering honest insights on building culture, cost-saving strategies, and future expansion plans.

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Insurance - https://www.bulkinsurancegroup.com/

Factoring - https://www.smartfreightfunding.com/ 

Transportation Management (TMS) - https://www.bulktms.com/

Permitting- https://www.bulkloads.com/tools/permitting/

Timestamp:

00:00 Family Business: From Dump to Cow Trucks

05:10 Balancing College and Truck Work

06:51 "Bulk TMS: Streamlining Freight Management"

12:53 "Heirloom Truck's Legacy"

13:32 Drone Surprise Snapshot

16:48 Delegating Tasks to Build Relationships

21:39 "Father's Health Challenges Remembered"

23:18 "Transition to Leadership and Mentorship"

27:31 Melvin Bowman's Impact on Truck Management

29:48 DIY Maintenance Saves Costs

34:09 Motor Restoration Project Update

38:37 No-Violation Inspection Reward Program

41:35 On-Site Fuel Tank Savings

45:26 Transition to Cummins Fleet

47:49 DPF Cleaning Takes Three Days

49:45 "Declining Requests Due to Liability"

54:08 "Managing Team Dynamics"

58:06 Future Family Business Hopes

59:03 Appreciation for Jared's Visit

In this episode of the BulkLoads Podcast, guest Jared Holmes shares his expertise on livestock trucking operations, detailing the shift to owner-operator models and the challenges of truck insurance. He offers insights into his innovative show cattle business, emphasizing strategic growth and efficiency. Holmes passionately highlights the importance of resilience and adapting within the ever-evolving trucking industry landscape.

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https://youtu.be/UkSy8Z00jtE

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Insurance - https://www.bulkinsurancegroup.com/

Factoring - https://www.smartfreightfunding.com/ 

Transportation Management (TMS) - https://www.bulktms.com/

Permitting- https://www.bulkloads.com/tools/permitting/

Timestamp:

00:00 Visit to Jared's Livestock Operation

05:53 "Difficult Farming Transition"

14:28 Nebraska Agricultural Tour Insights

20:21 Efficient Cattle Breeding Process

25:43 Truck Drivers' Home Time Management

31:28 Balancing Trucking and Family Life

34:48 "No Backhauls for Cattle Sector"

37:21 Trailer Wash Incentive Plan

44:30 Trucking Loss Challenges Rates

51:57 Dispatching and Road Success

55:19 Culture of Mutual Success

58:03 "Embrace Learning and Humility"

01:03:52 "Rethinking Growth and Succession"

01:08:28 "Grateful Blessing"

In this episode of the BulkLoads Podcast, Mike Bennett shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to success in the trucking industry. He emphasizes hard work, faith, and seizing opportunities. Mike discusses the importance of diversification within trucking businesses, the role of innovation in shop operations, and the unique challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, offering valuable insights for aspiring business owners.

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https://youtu.be/MOqg_2ycTcI

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Insurance - https://www.bulkinsurancegroup.com/

Factoring - https://www.smartfreightfunding.com/ 

Transportation Management (TMS) - https://www.bulktms.com/

Permitting- https://www.bulkloads.com/tools/permitting/

 

Timestamp:

00:00 Pursuing Mechanical Entrepreneurial Dreams

05:17 Career Reflections and Transition

06:49 Trailer Leasing and Trucking Expansion

09:38 Repair Shop's Heavy Equipment Focus

13:51 "Shop Skills Over Office Work"

18:58 Balancing Tradition and Innovation

21:09 Business Venture Sale in Idaho

24:13 Expanding Trailer Maintenance Facility

26:49 Commitment to Business Growth

31:50 "Shifting Focus from Engine Overhauls"

33:59 "Business Risks and Financial Strategy"

37:34 Streamlining Operations with In-House Resources

42:02 Second-Guessing Decisions Adjustable

43:44 Gratitude and Faithful Reflection

45:38 "Insightful Podcast Interview"

In this episode of the BulkLoads Podcast, Rodney Garber discusses his entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the rich Garber family history of farming, transportation, and biblical leadership. He shares insights into business challenges, personal growth, and mindset transformation. The conversation explores Rodney's coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of activating potential and maintaining perspective during challenging times in the transportation industry.

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https://youtu.be/BXuV1gn_eaI

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Rodney Garber:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodney-garber-0811a2151/overlay/photo/

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Check out our companies! 

BulkLoads - https://www.bulkloads.com/sign_up/create_account/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=podcast

Insurance - https://www.bulkinsurancegroup.com/

Factoring - https://www.smartfreightfunding.com/ 

Transportation Management (TMS) - https://www.bulktms.com/

Permitting- https://www.bulkloads.com/tools/permitting/

 Timestamp:

00:00 Farm Life to Family Business Transition

03:17 Garber Farms: A Business Family Approach

08:01 Breaking the Cycle of Family Failure

12:08 "Finding Purpose After Loss"

15:21 The Impact of Executive Coaching

17:49 "Entrepreneurs vs. Business Operators"

21:26 Strategic Partner for Business Growth

25:05 Executives Succeed with Business Coaching

27:40 Avoid Panic; Build Strategic Alliances

31:10 "Unexpected Blessings from Destruction"

33:43 Plant Seeds for Future Growth

36:21 "Value Through Conversation"