If you’ve been in the driver’s seat for any length of time, you already know: the road has gotten rough. Unpredictable freight, squeezed margins, and a market that feels like it’s been stuck in a holding pattern. They’re more than just industry headlines. They’re the real-life challenges owner-operators and small fleet owners face every day. And for many, it can feel like you’re out there fighting this fight alone.

In the most recent episodes of the Success in Trucking Podcast, Jeff Tacker, Executive Vice President, COO, and CCO, pulled back the curtain on how ES is helping independent contractors and small fleet owners not just survive, but thrive, in today’s market. His message was clear: just because you’re independent does not mean you should have to go it alone in this industry. We invite you to listen to the podcast episode that is part of our Spotlight, and we also invite you to listen to Part 2 of our conversation with Jeff.

At its core, ES is about community. Not just in name, but in action. From day one, we’ve looked at trucking from the ground up. The tools, services, and relationships that our community members leverage start at the truck level, or as Jeff puts it, “We focus on what drivers actually need to be successful: good equipment, great partners, meaningful support, and access to real savings.”

Partnerships That Prioritize Stability
It means partnering with stable, freight-rich motor carriers who are invested in your success.

Savings That Improve Your Bottom Line
It means helping community members cut down on major operating costs like fuel, insurance, and maintenance.

Support That Lightens the Load
It means having someone in your corner who can help you make sense of your cash flow, keep your business running smoothly, and take some of that weight off your shoulders.

But maybe most importantly, it means that you Never Stand Alone. Jeff referred to ES as a “shelter in the storm,” and for many in the ES community, that’s exactly what it feels like.

This isn’t about selling trucks or pushing a pitch. It’s about showing up, listening, and putting real tools into the hands of the people who’ve chosen trucking as not just a job, but a livelihood.

Feeling the pressure? You don’t have to go it alone. Call (877) 349-9303 and let ES help you build a more stable, successful trucking business—starting today.

Catch the full conversation with Jeff using the links below.
Listen to Podcast Part 1
Listen to Podcast Part 2

Jeff Tacker from the ES Leadership Team returns to the podcast to continue the conversation on facing the challenges found in today’s trucking market. Jeff serves as the Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Commercial Officer for ES, and he dedicates time on this episode of the podcast to encourage listeners to take action and pursue their dreams in trucking.

Jeff talks to us in detail on how the programs at ES are specially designed to provide support for the members of the ES Community. Jeff notes that challenges in trucking are inevitable but manageable. He also shares that it’s important to maintain hope during tough times. As you will hear, Jeff’s experience inside and outside the trucking industry has taught him that resilience is crucial for overcoming obstacles in business, and Jeff shares that success in trucking requires preparation and action. We close the conversation by talking with Jeff about the joy he finds in helping others succeed in their trucking journeys.

Jeff Tacker joins us for this edition of the Success in Trucking Podcast. Part of the company’s Senior Leadership Team as the Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Commercial Officer for ES,  Jeff discusses the challenges faced in today’s market by owner-operators, independent contractors, and small fleet owners in the trucking industry. As you will hear, Jeff offers a number of helpful insights as he walks through the current state of the trucking market and the importance of having a community that can support you as you work to move your trucking business forward.

Jeff also discusses the roles of effective cash flow management strategies and effective cost management when operating a trucking business. In talking about what ES can bring to the table for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, Jeff notes the mission of ES is to provide resources and a supportive network for those in the trucking business, helping them navigate tough times and achieve success.

In this edition of the podcast, we will be revisiting the July 15th webinar event that ES hosted. The session was entitled Strategies & Support You Need To Achieve Long-Term Success In Trucking. David Withers, the Senior Director of Operations & Recruiting at ES, provided a number of insights on what’s happening in today’s market that can help owner-operators, independent contractors and fleet owners during the webinar. Leah Shaver, the President and CEO of the National Transportation Institute, served as the moderator of the webinar. As you’ll hear, the conversation that Leah had with David covered several key topics of interest for trucking entrepreneurs, including how building a strong support network, staying prepared, and trusting the process play key roles in placing independent contract drivers and owner-operators in a position to thrive.

Thinking about taking the leap to become an owner-operator? Or maybe you’re already rolling but looking to improve profitability? Recently, we had Colton Lawrence, The Trucker CFO, join us on on the Success In Trucking Podcast. Colton shares a number of insights on navigating the financial considers of trucking entrepreneurship.

Thinking about taking the leap to become an owner-operator? Or maybe you’re already rolling but looking to improve profitability? Recently, we had Colton Lawrence, The Trucker CFO, on the Success In Trucking Podcast, and he shared tips on navigating the financial side of trucking entrepreneurship. Here are some of his insights.

First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand that you’re no longer just driving a truck; you’re running a business. This means your business continues to operate even when you’re not physically behind the wheel.

Planning for downtime, vacations, and unexpected events like breakdowns is essential. You’re now responsible for every aspect of your operation, from securing loads to managing finances.

This shift in mindset is the foundation for successful owner-operation.

Failing to grasp the financial demands of your business before starting can lead to costly mistakes. Many new owner-operators underestimate the expenses involved in running a trucking business. Without a clear roadmap, you may struggle to track progress and achieve your goals. Here are five tips to help you on your journey.

You can’t improve what you can’t measure. Develop a five-year business plan to outline your goals, track your progress, and make informed decisions. This plan should include your financial projections and operational plans.

Maybe you want to add a second truck? Perhaps a third? By having a long-term vision, you can make informed decisions and stay on track. Don’t be afraid to revisit and revise your plan as circumstances change.

Maintain 30-90 days of operating cash on hand to cover expenses. This buffer will help you weather unexpected storms, such as dips in the freight market, delayed payments, or equipment breakdowns. 

Working with a carrier that handles invoicing, like those found in the Expediter Services (ES) program, can provide a more efficient cash flow. 

Understanding your costs is fundamental to effective financial management. Fixed costs remain consistent regardless of mileage. Examples include truck payments/leases, insurance, permits, and technology. These are costs you’ll incur regardless of how much you drive.

Variable costs fluctuate based on mileage and operational factors. Examples include fuel, maintenance, tires, and repairs. These costs increase as you drive more miles. Knowing the difference between these costs is crucial for accurate budgeting and financial planning.

Break-even is simply the number of miles you need to drive to cover your fixed costs. Calculate this based on your rate per mile. Once you know your break-even point, you can set profit targets and work towards achieving them.

This calculation helps you understand how much revenue you need to generate to cover your expenses and start making a profit. By setting realistic profit goals, you can track your progress and make adjustments as needed.

As an owner-operator, you’re paid last. Business expenses and tax obligations take priority. Unlike W-2 employees, you’re responsible for managing your own taxes. Develop a comprehensive tax plan to minimize your liability as part of your five-year plan.

This should include the following:

Owning your own trucking business is a rewarding endeavor, but it requires careful planning and financial discipline. By understanding your costs, managing your cash flow, and proactively addressing your tax obligations, you can position yourself for long-term success.

The Expediter Services team is here to support you on your journey, offering programs and resources to help you thrive. We understand the challenges you face and are committed to providing the tools and support you need to succeed.

Q: What are common operating expenses for owner-operators?
A: Typical expenses include fuel, maintenance, insurance, truck payments, and taxes.

Q: How can I lower my trucking fuel costs?
A: Use fuel-efficient driving practices, monitor tire pressure, and use fuel discount programs.

Listen to the full Success in Trucking Podcast Episode with Colton Lawrence
Call us at 877-349-9303 to get started with ES today!

In the edition of the podcast, we will feature a subject-matter expert from one of the many unique services and resources offered through the ES Community. A few years ago, ES began working with the Corporate Chaplains of America. CCA is an organization that offers a wide range of support and even counseling resources to businesses and business communities, including the ES Community. Recently, we had the opportunity to talk with Patrick Harris, who is a member of the Corporate Chaplains of America Team and he serves as a subject-matter expert in the area of finance. In addition to talking about the challenges that professional drivers and small business owners encounter on the road, Patrick discusses the importance of working with home budgets and building plans for having money in place when the unexpected happens.

For the final installment for our five-part series celebrating the milestone that ES reached in helping to create 300 women-owned businesses in the trucking industry, we will feature our interview with Zakiya Simmons. She is one business of the owners who has utilized the programs and support offered through Expediter Services. Zakiya owns and operates Battlestar Transportation with her husband, Norris. As you’ll hear, Zakiya found her way behind the wheel as a professional driver with the encouragement of Norris’ mother, who herself has logged over 20 years as a professional truck driver.

In this episode of our special series celebrating the milestone of 300 women-owned businesses created within the ES Community, you are going to meet Shannon Wike. As you will hear, Shannon was involved in various roles within the trucking industry before becoming a business owner who runs a single-truck operation while serving as a team driver with her husband. Prior to becoming part of the ES Community,  Shannon was a company driver, a dispatcher and a load planner before she made the move to get back behind the wheel. As Shannon shares on the podcast, she found her path to business ownership through the ES Community. 

For this episode in our series celebrating 300 Women-Owned Businesses in the ES Community, you are going to hear the inspiring of Staci Cooley. Before entering the trucking industry, Staci worked in a customer service job as a single mom with four young children. She had always been interested in trucking and, with the support of her Mom and Dad who offered to help take care of the kids, Staci got her CDL and hit the road as a professional driver.

Looking for the opportunity to own her own business, Staci discovered the programs offered through ES and she has found a home in the Panther Premium Logistics fleet alongside her fiancée, Sidney. Today, Staci and Sidney own and operate SLC Transportation, running for Panther. As you will hear, Staci is finding a way to balance running her small company and being a team driver in that operation while also continuing her role as a loving Mom.