In this episode of Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast, host Alex sits down with Hunter Woodfin, Southeastern Sales Executive at PCT Logistics, Inc. and co-host of The Logistics Lounge. Hunter shares his journey from studying Logistics and Intermodal Transportation at Georgia Southern University to becoming a key player in the drayage and refrigerated LTL industry.

From his early days navigating the complexities of freight brokerage to his current expertise in refrigerated LTL logistics, Hunter provides valuable insights into mentorship, networking, and career growth in trucking and logistics.

If you're a trucker, freight broker, logistics professional, or someone considering a career in the industry, this trucking podcast is packed with mentorship insights, career strategies, and industry knowledge to help you succeed.

📌 Episode Highlights: 📍 00:00:00 – Meet Hunter Woodfin and his journey into the logistics industry. 📍 00:01:20 – From mechanical engineering to logistics: Hunter’s career pivot. 📍 00:02:47 – Early career lessons and why logistics is a “learn-on-the-job” industry. 📍 00:06:55 – The impact of diverse roles in shaping logistics expertise. 📍 00:10:03 – Hunter’s current role at PCT Logistics, Inc. in refrigerated LTL. 📍 00:12:15 – The importance of proper reefer temperature control in freight. 📍 00:16:10 – The high cost of failure in refrigerated transport. 📍 00:18:33 – How mentorship shaped Hunter’s career in logistics. 📍 00:21:10 – The power of networking and social media in trucking. 📍 00:24:16 – How to prepare for market shifts in the logistics industry. 📍 00:29:42 – Inside The Logistics Lounge and the impact of logistics podcasting. 📍 00:34:03 – The rise of digital transparency in trucking and logistics. 📍 00:36:14 – Final thoughts: staying connected, learning, and adapting in logistics.

🎙 About Our Guest:

Hunter Woodfin is a Southeastern Sales Executive at PCT Logistics, Inc., specializing in refrigerated LTL shipping for wine, spirits, and high-value cargo. With a BBA in Logistics and Intermodal Transportation from Georgia Southern University, Hunter has built a career across drayage, LTL, and international freight logistics. He is also the co-host of The Logistics Lounge, where he helps connect professionals across the industry.

🔗 Learn More: 🌍 PCT Logistics, Inc. – https://www.pctlogistics.com 💼 Connect with Hunter on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunter-woodfin-6977ab8b/ 🎙 The Logistics Lounge Podcast – https://thelogisticslounge.com

🚛 Follow Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast for More Episodes! 🌐 Podcast Website – https://milesandmentorspodcast.com 📘 Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/milesandmentors 🔗 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast

📢 Enjoying this trucking podcast? Hit LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more insights from trucking & logistics mentors!

💡 Want to Be Featured? Have a trucking or logistics story to share? Reach out at [email protected].

In Episode 28 of Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast, host Alex sits down with Katie Kaczmarek, Training Coordinator at Bridge Logistics, to discuss her unconventional career shift into freight brokerage and logistics leadership.

Starting in men’s clothing sales, Katie made a bold transition into the trucking and logistics industry, proving that adaptability, networking, and mentorship are key to long-term success. She shares her early challenges, the importance of strong company culture in freight, and how Bridge Logistics' training programs help develop top-tier freight brokers.

If you're a trucker, freight broker, logistics professional, or someone considering a career change, this trucking podcast is packed with mentorship insights, career strategies, and industry knowledge to help you succeed.

📍 00:01:05 – Katie’s transition from retail sales to logistics 📍 00:02:11 – How a longtime customer led her to a new career path 📍 00:06:19 – Overcoming the fear of entering a new industry 📍 00:07:30 – The importance of strong company culture in logistics 📍 00:12:13 – The unique training process at Bridge Logistics 📍 00:16:35 – Why networking is critical for growth in trucking & logistics 📍 00:21:59 – How Bridge Logistics maintains high hiring standards 📍 00:23:02 – The power of industry relationships & reputation 📍 00:32:07 – How technology is shaping the future of logistics 📍 00:38:39 – The impact of AI & automation on freight brokerage

Katie Kaczmarek is the Training Coordinator at Bridge Logistics Inc., a family-owned 3PL brokerage known for its strong mentorship culture and commitment to quality service. With a background in military logistics and sales, Katie’s hands-on experience allows her to develop effective freight brokerage training programs that set new hires up for success.

🔗 Learn More: 🌍 Bridge Logistics Inc. – https://www.bridgelogisticsinc.com 💼 Connect with Katie on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiekaczmarekbridge/ 📺 Watch on YouTube – https://youtu.be/ryJGUdxo63w

🌐 Podcast Website – https://milesandmentorspodcast.com 📘 Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/milesandmentors 🔗 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast

📢 Enjoying this trucking podcast? Hit LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more insights from trucking & logistics mentors!

💡 Want to Be Featured? Have a trucking or logistics story to share? Reach out at [email protected].

Freight fraud is costing the trucking industry millions—are you protected? In this episode of Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast, host Alex sits down with John Cantera Jr., a 25-year veteran in logistics and supply chain management, known as the Double Broker Bounty Hunter.

John has dedicated his career to fighting fraud in the transportation industry, helping carriers and brokers detect and recover from scams. From double brokering and MC identity theft to cargo theft schemes, he exposes the biggest red flags and shares practical strategies to safeguard your business.

If you're a trucker, freight broker, or logistics professional, this episode is a must-listen for protecting your operations from fraud.

📍 00:01:08 – John’s background in logistics and supply chain management 📍 00:02:02 – From military logistics to civilian trucking and distribution 📍 00:07:03 – The rise of double brokering scams in the industry 📍 00:08:58 – Facing death threats while exposing fraudulent actors 📍 00:12:17 – How scammers manipulate load boards to steal from carriers 📍 00:17:28 – FMCSA’s response and upcoming fraud prevention measures 📍 00:25:38 – Why vetting brokers & dispatchers is critical 📍 00:29:13 – How to identify & avoid fake load postings 📍 00:37:16 – The Amazon freight fraud scheme stealing millions 📍 00:45:11 – What to do if you realize you're hauling a fraudulent load

John Cantera Jr. is the founder of Vigilant Transportation Services, specializing in double broker investigations, commercial collections, identity theft recovery, and fraud prevention training. Known as the Double Broker Bounty Hunter, John is a leading advocate for exposing freight fraud and educating trucking professionals on best practices to protect their businesses.

🔗 Learn More: 🌍 Vigilant Transportation Services – https://www.vigilanttransport.com 💼 Connect with John on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcanterajr/ 📺 Watch on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@DoubleBrokerBountyHunters

🌐 Podcast Website – https://milesandmentorspodcast.com 📘 Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/milesandmentors 🔗 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast

📢 Enjoying this trucking podcast? Hit LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more insights from trucking & logistics mentors!

💡 Want to Be Featured? Are you a leader in the logistics industry with a story to share? Reach out at [email protected].

Long detention times are costing carriers time and money—how can trucking businesses eliminate them for good?

In this episode of Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast, host Alex sits down with Blake Lappan, founder of NoDwell, Inc. and Spot On TMS, to discuss his journey from truck driver to logistics innovator.

Blake’s career started in 2004 when he left college to become a driver, later building a multi-million-dollar trucking business—only to lose it all and start over. Now, he’s pioneering fractionalized yard management services to bring drop-and-hook capabilities to more carriers and eliminate detention time in logistics.

If you're a truck driver, fleet owner, or logistics entrepreneur, this trucking podcast delivers valuable insights on business resilience, technology, and the future of yard management.

📍 00:01:24 – Blake’s start in trucking and what led him to the industry 📍 00:05:29 – Dropping out of college and becoming a driver to pay off debt 📍 00:07:58 – Transitioning from owner-operator to building a trucking company 📍 00:09:38 – Scaling a fleet to 20 trucks and $4M revenue—before losing it all 📍 00:11:24 – The hard lessons from bankruptcy and rebuilding from scratch 📍 00:13:56 – The idea behind NoDwell: making drop-and-hook accessible to all 📍 00:17:35 – How fractionalized yard management services can change logistics 📍 00:21:12 – The power of mentorship and the importance of industry networking 📍 00:26:48 – Why truckers and fleet owners must adapt to technology to stay competitive

Blake Lappan is a logistics entrepreneur and founder of NoDwell, Inc., a company revolutionizing yard management by making drop-and-hook more accessible to small and mid-sized carriers. With nearly two decades in trucking—first as a driver, then as a fleet owner, and now as a tech innovator—Blake brings a unique, hands-on perspective to solving inefficiencies in the supply chain.

🔗 Learn More: 🌍 NoDwell, Inc. – https://www.spotontms.com/ 💼 Connect with Blake on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/endtheliveload2025/ 📺 Watch on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@blakelappan8421

🌐 Podcast Website – https://milesandmentorspodcast.com/ 📘 Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/milesandmentors 🔗 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast

📢 Enjoying this trucking podcast? Hit LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more insights from trucking & logistics mentors!

💡 Want to Be Featured? Are you a leader in the logistics industry with a story to share? Reach out at [email protected].

Thousands of individuals with a criminal record struggle to find stable jobs—but what if trucking could be the answer?

In this episode, James Hazelton of FreeWorld shares how his organization is transforming lives by helping justice-impacted individuals earn their CDL and secure long-term careers in trucking. As an advocate for second-chance hiring, James dives into the barriers former inmates face, the power of mentorship, and how companies can benefit from hiring motivated drivers ready for a fresh start.

Whether you're an industry leader, an employer, or someone looking for an inspiring story of resilience, this episode delivers eye-opening insights into trucking’s role in reducing recidivism and building stronger communities.

• 00:01:24 – How James unexpectedly found his way into trucking.
• 00:03:07 – The mission of FreeWorld and how they help formerly incarcerated individuals.
• 00:04:28 – The role of mentorship and community in driver success.
• 00:07:49 – James’ diverse experience in trucking: driver, recruiter, operations, and beyond.
• 00:10:40 – The biggest hiring challenges second-chance drivers face.
• 00:12:42 – How FreeWorld supports new drivers with training, stipends, and job placement.
• 00:17:22 – The driver retention problem and how it affects hiring strategies.
• 00:19:34 – The need for more skilled diesel mechanics and FreeWorld’s expansion plans.
• 00:21:30 – How mentorship shaped James' career and personal growth.
• 00:27:12 – Advice for truckers: safety, employer research, and career planning.
• 00:31:24 – How employers can get involved in second-chance hiring through FreeWorld.

James Hazelton is a trucking industry professional and passionate advocate for second-chance employment. As a key representative of FreeWorld—a nonprofit dedicated to helping formerly incarcerated individuals launch careers in trucking—he works to connect drivers with employers who believe in giving people a second chance.

With experience in operations, recruiting, safety, and business development, James provides valuable insight into how trucking can be a powerful tool for reducing recidivism and creating sustainable career paths.

🌍 Learn more about FreeWorld: https://www.joinfreeworld.com 📧 Contact James Hazelton: [email protected] 🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameshazelton

🚛 Get expert insights from trucking and logistics leaders who have “put in the miles” and are here to mentor you!

🌐 Podcast Website: https://www.milesandmentorspodcast.com 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milesandmentorspodcast 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/milesandmentorspodcast

🎧 Watch & Listen: 📺 YouTube: https://youtu.be/UhOtnD5kFk8 🎙 Listen on your favorite podcast platform!

Are you a leader in trucking or logistics with an inspiring story to share? Let’s talk! Reach out to us at [email protected].

Can Smarter Tech Fix Trucking’s Biggest Challenges? The logistics industry is evolving fast—but outdated systems still slow down carriers and brokers. Could AI-powered TMS technology be the key to streamlining operations and boosting efficiency?

In this episode, Nick Darman, Founder & CEO of Alvys TMS, shares his entrepreneurial journey and how his company is reshaping the future of transportation management. From launching a trucking company in college to building an innovative logistics platform, Nick dives into the role of AI, automation, and data-driven decision-making in solving inefficiencies across the industry.

Whether you're a carrier, broker, or entrepreneur, this episode delivers game-changing insights into the future of logistics technology and how to stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.

00:01:12 – Nick’s journey from Moldova to the U.S. and his first steps in trucking. 00:02:30 – How he launched a trucking company in college to support his family. 00:07:10 – Lessons from finance that shaped his approach to logistics. 00:12:45 – Why Nick founded Alvys TMS and how it solves inefficiencies. 00:18:20 – What makes Alvys TMS unique: hybrid architecture and marketplace features. 00:24:08 – The role of AI in TMS and how automation enhances efficiency. 00:29:00 – Nick’s vision for the future of logistics and empowering carriers.

Nick Darman is the Founder & CEO of Alvys TMS, a cutting-edge transportation management system designed to optimize operations for trucking companies, freight brokers, and shippers. With nearly two decades in logistics and finance, Nick’s expertise in data-driven technology solutions has helped carriers scale and improve efficiency. His passion for innovation and problem-solving makes Alvys TMS a leader in modern logistics technology.

🌍 Learn more about Alvys TMS: https://www.alvys.com 🔗 Connect with Nick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ndarman/

🚛 Get expert insights from trucking and logistics leaders who have put in the miles and are here to mentor you!

🌐 Podcast Website: https://www.milesandmentorspodcast.com 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milesandmentorspodcast 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/milesandmentorspodcast

🎧 Watch & Listen: 📺 YouTube: [Insert YouTube link if available] 🎙 Listen on your favorite podcast platform!

🚛 Want to Be Featured? Are you a trucking or logistics leader with an inspiring story to share? Let’s talk! Reach out at 📧 [email protected].

How Does Military Experience Shape a Career in Logistics? Many veterans transition into logistics after serving in the military, but few take it as far as Robert "Pedro" Petersen—from Army Motor Transport Operator (88M) to logistics media influencer.

In this episode, Pedro, co-host of The Logistics Lounge Podcast, shares his 19-year journey in logistics, from driving and fleet management to mentorship and industry media. He dives into how technology, AI, and storytelling are shaping the future of logistics, and why mentorship is critical for long-term success.

Whether you're a veteran exploring trucking, a logistics professional looking for career inspiration, or just someone eager to learn about industry media, this episode is packed with insights, experience, and real-world advice.

00:00:50 – Pedro’s start in logistics as a Motor Transport Operator (88M) in the Army. 00:05:30 – Transitioning from driving to office-based logistics roles. 00:12:15 – The rise of media in logistics and how The Logistics Lounge was born. 00:18:45 – Why mentorship is essential in logistics. 00:22:10 – Predictions for the future of logistics and how technology will shape it.

Robert "Pedro" Petersen is a logistics veteran with nearly two decades of industry experience. From his Army service as a Motor Transport Operator (88M) to founding The Logistics Lounge podcast with Hunter Woodfin, Pedro has dedicated his career to solving logistics challenges, mentoring others, and amplifying industry voices through media.

🌍 Learn more about The Logistics Lounge Podcast: 🔗 https://www.logisticsloungeshow.com/ 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-logistics-lounge

🔗 Connect with Pedro on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-petersen4588486257/

🚛 Get expert insights from trucking and logistics leaders who have put in the miles and are here to mentor you!

🌐 Podcast Website: https://www.milesandmentorspodcast.com 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milesandmentorspodcast 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/milesandmentorspodcast

🎧 Watch & Listen: 📺 YouTube: [Insert YouTube link if available] 🎙 Listen on your favorite podcast platform!

🚛 Want to Be Featured? Are you a trucking or logistics leader with an inspiring story to share? Let’s talk! Reach out at 📧 [email protected].

What Does It Take to Build a Successful Career in Freight? From bus dispatching to freight brokerage, Matt Dahl has navigated a unique path in the logistics industry. But how did a background in public transportation lead to a leadership role in freight agent recruiting?

In this episode, Matt, Director of Agent Recruiting at HD Ships and co-host of Two Dogs, One Pod, shares how his diverse experiences shaped his career, the importance of mentorship, and why technology and social media are transforming logistics.

Whether you're a freight agent, owner-operator, or someone looking to break into logistics, this episode is full of actionable insights on relationship-building, contract awareness, and long-term success.

00:00:39 – Matt's journey from bus dispatcher to freight brokerage. 00:04:08 – The chaotic similarities between bus and freight dispatching. 00:08:34 – The importance of reading the fine print in logistics contracts. 00:12:03 – How podcasts and social media are influencing the logistics industry. 00:18:13 – How technology is shaping the future of freight. 00:20:10 – Advice for aspiring owner-operators and fleet owners.

Matt Dahl is a logistics leader, problem-solver, and mentor with a passion for helping freight agents succeed. As Director of Agent Recruiting at HD Ships, Matt is responsible for bringing in top-tier 1099 freight agents, helping to shape the next generation of logistics talent. He is also the co-host of Two Dogs, One Pod, a podcast featuring insights from industry professionals and covering the latest trends in logistics.

🌍 Learn more about Matt and his work: 🔗 Two Dogs, One Pod: https://www.linkedin.com/company/2-dawgs-1-pod 🔗 HD Ships: https://hdships.com/ 🔗 Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-dahl-7b1b1073/ 🔗 HD Ships LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hd-ships/

🚛 Get expert insights from trucking and logistics leaders who have put in the miles and are here to mentor you!

🌐 Podcast Website: https://www.milesandmentorspodcast.com 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milesandmentorspodcast 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/milesandmentorspodcast

🎧 Watch & Listen: 📺 YouTube: [Insert YouTube link if available] 🎙 Listen on your favorite podcast platform!

🚛 Want to Be Featured? Are you a trucking or logistics leader with an inspiring story to share? Or are you interested in sponsoring an episode? Let’s talk! Reach out at 📧 [email protected].

How Do You Go from Trucking to Executive Leadership? The path from behind the wheel to the boardroom isn’t easy, but Colby Varley proves it’s possible. With 14 years in perishable freight, Colby’s journey from driver to Vice President at Advanced Transportation Services, Inc. (ATS) is a story of hard work, strategic growth, and industry leadership.

In this episode, Colby shares how early exposure to agriculture and logistics shaped his career and how relationship-building, continuous learning, and operational excellence have been the cornerstones of his success. If you’re a driver, freight broker, or logistics professional looking to grow in the industry, this episode is packed with real-world strategies for long-term success.

00:00:39 – Introducing Colby Varley: From driver to Vice President. 00:03:09 – The evolution of produce logistics and its industry impact. 00:06:00 – The importance of relationships in perishable freight. 00:10:11 – Key lessons learned through hands-on industry experience. 00:16:14 – Advice for transitioning to owner-operator or fleet owner. 00:22:15 – Insights on patience and sustainable business growth. 00:29:20 – The value of being bilingual in logistics. 00:36:19 – Networking and staying fluid in professional growth.

Colby Varley is a seasoned logistics professional with 14 years of experience in the perishable freight industry. As Vice President and Principal at Advanced Transportation Services (ATS), he blends hands-on trucking experience with strategic leadership to drive innovation and operational excellence. A firm believer in continuous learning and relationship-building, Colby is passionate about mentoring professionals in the logistics sector.

🌍 Learn more about ATS and connect with Colby: 🔗 ATS Website: https://www.AdvancedTransportationServices.com 🔗 ATS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com 📸 ATS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AdvancedTransportationServices

🚛 Get expert insights from trucking and logistics leaders who have put in the miles and are here to mentor you!

🌐 Podcast Website: https://www.milesandmentorspodcast.com 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milesandmentorspodcast 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/milesandmentorspodcast

🎧 Watch & Listen: 📺 YouTube: [Insert YouTube link if available] 🎙 Listen on your favorite podcast platform!

🚛 Want to Be Featured? Are you a trucking or logistics leader with an inspiring story to share? Or are you interested in sponsoring an episode? Let’s talk! Reach out at 📧 [email protected].

What’s the Secret to Thriving as an Owner-Operator? Success in trucking isn’t just about driving skills—it’s about mindset, business acumen, and strategic decision-making.

In this episode, Larry Long, co-founder of Blue Ribbon Logistics, shares his extraordinary journey from multi-business entrepreneur to trucking mentor. He explains how mentorship, financial literacy, and business fundamentals are key to building a sustainable trucking business.

Larry’s "Reset Your Mindset" program is transforming how owner-operators approach success, giving them the tools to think like business owners, not just drivers. If you're a trucker looking to level up or an entrepreneur stepping into logistics, this episode delivers actionable insights to help you succeed.

00:01:08 – Larry Long’s diverse entrepreneurial background. 00:06:40 – Starting from scratch in the trucking industry. 00:15:20 – Finding success through Transport America and Landstar. 00:22:18 – The origins of Blue Ribbon Logistics and its mentorship-driven model. 00:28:45 – Developing the "Reset Your Mindset" program for owner-operators. 00:35:30 – Teaching trucking professionals business fundamentals. 00:44:12 – Why knowing your numbers and customer service are essential. 00:53:40 – Larry’s top advice for aspiring trucking entrepreneurs.

Larry Long is the co-founder of Blue Ribbon Logistics, a mentorship-driven trucking program that equips drivers with the business skills needed to thrive as owner-operators. With decades of experience as an entrepreneur and trucking professional, Larry is passionate about education, financial literacy, and helping others succeed in logistics.

🌍 Learn more about Blue Ribbon Logistics: 🔗 Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com 📧 Contact Larry: [email protected]

🚛 Get expert insights from trucking and logistics leaders who have put in the miles and are here to mentor you!

🌐 Podcast Website: https://www.milesandmentorspodcast.com 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milesandmentorspodcast 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/milesandmentorspodcast

🎧 Watch & Listen: 📺 YouTube: [Insert YouTube link if available] 🎙 Listen on your favorite podcast platform!

🚛 Want to Be Featured? Are you a trucking or logistics leader with an inspiring story to share? Let’s talk! Reach out at 📧 [email protected].