Golden Key Express runs 33 trucks hauling reefer freight at $2.15 a mile. In this episode, Pargat Baidwan shares how he scaled smart, reduced costs, and built a profitable fleet in 2025’s tough trucking market. 

🔴𝗗𝗢𝗡’𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗨𝗕𝗦𝗖𝗥𝗜𝗕𝗘!🔴

𝗚𝗘𝗧 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗘𝗗

🌍 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: https://www.bobtail.com/

🌍 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝘂𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴: https://www.bobtail.com/contact-us/

🌍 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝘂𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗱: https://www.bobtail.com/fleet-card/

🌍𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝘂𝗽 for This Week In Trucking's 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿: http://www.bobtail.com/newsletter 

✅In our 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿, we break down the hottest freight markets by equipment type, plus interviews with carriers sharing their real cost per mile and PROFITS.  http://www.bobtail.com/newsletter 

𝗝𝗢𝗜𝗡 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬

📸 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺:   bobtailcapital

Bobtail is a financial services company dedicated to helping carriers manage cash flow, fuel expenses, and operations efficiently. Founded by trucking families to help truckers, Bobtail offers factoring, fuel savings, and load management solutions tailored for small trucking businesses. We host in-depth conversations with carriers and industry experts, breaking down real company numbers and sharing valuable insights to help trucking businesses succeed.

If you have any questions regarding our services, such as factoring or fleet card, please send us an email at [email protected] 

#trucking #owneroperator #truckingbusiness #truckingindustry #truckinglife #boxtruckbusiness #hotshottrucking #truckingtips #truckingInsights #freighttrends #dieselprices #diesel #fuelupdate #truckerpodcast #truckingpodcast #podcast #trucker

Tune in on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

 Founder of Downeast Shipping LLC, Jason shares how he built a profitable trucking business in 2025 — keeping his cost per mile below $1.70, and surviving one of the toughest freight markets in years. Learn how small carriers can adapt, stay profitable, and grow smarter.

🔴Stay ahead of new regulations and freight trends, 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀.🔴

𝗚𝗘𝗧 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗘𝗗
🌍 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: https://www.bobtail.com/
🌍 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝘂𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴: https://www.bobtail.com/contact-us/
🌍 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝘂𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗱: https://www.bobtail.com/fleet-card/
🌍𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝘂𝗽 for This Week In Trucking's 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿: http://www.bobtail.com/newsletter 

✅In our 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿, we break down the hottest freight markets by equipment type, plus interviews with carriers sharing their real cost per mile and PROFITS.  http://www.bobtail.com/newsletter 

𝗝𝗢𝗜𝗡 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬
📸 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺:   bobtailcapital

Bobtail is a financial services company dedicated to helping carriers manage cash flow, fuel expenses, and operations efficiently. Founded by trucking families to help truckers, Bobtail offers factoring, fuel savings, and load management solutions tailored for small trucking businesses. We host in-depth conversations with carriers and industry experts, breaking down real company numbers and sharing valuable insights to help trucking businesses succeed.

If you have any questions regarding our services, such as factoring or fleet card, please send us an email at [email protected] 

#trucking #owneroperator #truckingbusiness #truckingindustry #truckinglife #boxtruckbusiness #hotshottrucking #truckingtips #truckingInsights #freighttrends #dieselprices #diesel #fuelupdate #truckerpodcast #truckingpodcast #podcast #trucker 

Tune in on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

 Stop Losing Money to Freight Scams — Carrier Tips for 2025

Freight fraud and double brokering are exploding across the trucking industry in 2025, costing carriers thousands in lost revenue and reputation. In this episode of This Week in Trucking, Amy talks with Robert “Pedro” Peterson from Synergy Freight about how to spot fake loads, verify brokers, and protect your authority from scams. Learn how fraudsters are evolving, what red flags to look for in rate confirmations and BOLs, and how tools like Freight Validate and factoring can help small carriers stay profitable and secure. Perfect for owner-operators, dispatchers, and small fleets looking to stay safe and profitable in today’s freight market.

🔴𝗗𝗢𝗡’𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗨𝗕𝗦𝗖𝗥𝗜𝗕𝗘!🔴

𝗚𝗘𝗧 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗘𝗗
🌍 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲:  https://www.bobtail.com/
🌍 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝘂𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴: https://www.bobtail.com/contact-us/
🌍 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝘂𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗱: https://www.bobtail.com/fleet-card/
🌍𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝘂𝗽 for This Week In Trucking's 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿: http://www.bobtail.com/newsletter 

✅In our 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿, we break down the hottest freight markets by equipment type, plus interviews with carriers sharing their real cost per mile and PROFITS.  http://www.bobtail.com/newsletter 

Visit Freight Validate: https://www.freightvalidate.com/

𝗝𝗢𝗜𝗡 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬
📸 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺:   bobtailcapital

Bobtail is a financial services company dedicated to helping carriers manage cash flow, fuel expenses, and operations efficiently. Co-founded by Gurvir Singh, Bobtail offers factoring, fuel savings, and load management solutions tailored for small trucking businesses. We host in-depth conversations with carriers and industry experts, breaking down real company numbers and sharing valuable insights to help trucking businesses succeed.

If you have any questions regarding our services, such as factoring or fleet card, please send us an email at [email protected] 

#broker #freightbroker #trucking #owneroperator #truckingbusiness #truckingindustry #truckinglife #boxtruckbusiness #hotshottrucking #truckingtips #truckingInsights #freighttrends #dieselprices #diesel #fuelupdate #truckerpodcast #truckingpodcast #podcast #trucker 

Tune in on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

 Insurance is one of the biggest expenses for small carriers and new trucking authorities in 2025, sometimes $15,000 to $30,000 a year. In this episode of This Week in Trucking, we sit down with insurance expert Matt Planeta, VP at Heffernan Insurance Brokers, to break down how premiums are set and what you can actually do to lower them.

We cover:

- The real cost of trucking insurance in 2025 for new authorities and small fleets
- Why some carriers pay $15K a year while others pay over $30K
- The biggest factors that raise premiums (CSA scores, driver records, equipment type, and cargo)
- How to negotiate at renewal and avoid surprise spikes
- Why working with a trucking-focused insurance broker matters
- Long-term strategies for keeping insurance affordable while staying compliant

If you’re a small carrier, owner-operator, or just starting your own authority, this episode will give you practical steps to cut costs, protect your business, and improve profitability.

🔴DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE!🔴


👉 Sign up for This Week In Trucking's FREE newsletter! We break down the hottest freight markets by equipment type, plus interviews with carriers sharing their real cost per mile and PROFITS. http://www.bobtail.com/newsletter 

GET STARTED
🌍 Our website: https://www.bobtail.com/
🌍 Sign up for factoring:  https://www.bobtail.com/contact-us/
🌍 Sign up for a fleet card: https://www.bobtail.com/fleet-card/

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
📸 Instagram:  bobtailcapital


LISTEN TO THE SHOW
🔊Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6moRZOj4JaLFtML2HHxjqU?si=f4ea27a6a81742aa 
🔊Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-trucking/id1744194419 

ABOUT US
Bobtail is a financial services company dedicated to helping carriers manage cash flow, fuel expenses, and operations efficiently. Co-founded by Gurvir Singh, Bobtail offers factoring, fuel savings, and load management solutions tailored for small trucking businesses. We host in-depth conversations with carriers and industry experts, breaking down real company numbers and sharing valuable insights to help trucking businesses succeed.

If you have any questions regarding our services such as factoring or fuel card, please send us an email at [email protected] 

#trucking #insurance #insurancetips #insurancecoverage #insuranceagent #truckinginsurance #owneroperator #truckingbusiness #truckingindustry #truckinglife #boxtruckbusiness #hotshottrucking #truckingtips #truckingInsights #freighttrends #dieselprices #diesel #fuelupdate #truckerpodcast #truckingpodcast #podcast #trucker 

Tune in on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

🔴DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE!🔴

Sign up for This Week In Trucking's FREE newsletter! We break down the hottest freight markets by equipment type, plus interviews with carriers sharing their real cost per mile and PROFITS. http://www.bobtail.com/newsletter 

GET STARTED
🌍 Our website: https://www.bobtail.com/
🌍 Sign up for factoring:  https://www.bobtail.com/contact-us/
🌍 Sign up for a fleet card: https://www.bobtail.com/fleet-card/

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
📸 Instagram:  bobtailcapital



LISTEN TO THE SHOW
🔊Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6moRZOj4JaLFtML2HHxjqU?si=f4ea27a6a81742aa 
🔊Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-week-in-trucking/id1744194419 

ABOUT US
Bobtail is a financial services company dedicated to helping carriers manage cash flow, fuel expenses, and operations efficiently. Co-founded by Gurvir Singh, Bobtail offers factoring, fuel savings, and load management solutions tailored for small trucking businesses. We host in-depth conversations with carriers and industry experts, breaking down real company numbers and sharing valuable insights to help trucking businesses succeed.

If you have any questions regarding our services such as factoring or fuel card, please send us an email at [email protected] 

#trucking #owneroperator #truckingbusiness #truckingindustry #truckinglife #boxtruckbusiness #hotshottrucking #truckingtips #truckingInsights #freighttrends #dieselprices #diesel #fuelupdate #truckerpodcast #truckingpodcast #podcast #trucker
 

Tune in on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

 How to Build a Profitable Intermodal Trucking Business in 2025

In this episode of This Week In Trucking, host Caroline interviews Corisa Carter, owner of CM Transportation and founder of the Charleston Trucking Expo. Corisa shares her journey from the finance and customer service industry to becoming a leader in trucking. They discuss the operations and challenges of running a successful trucking company, including how Corisa supports her drivers, the impact of tariffs, and the unique business model that has sustained her for over 14 years. The episode also highlights the Charleston Trucking Expo, an event aimed at educating and supporting the trucking community. Corisa's passion for mentoring and sharing knowledge stands out in this inspiring conversation.

🔴DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE!🔴

Sign up for This Week In Trucking's FREE newsletter! We break down the hottest freight markets by equipment type, plus interviews with carriers sharing their real cost per mile and PROFITS. http://www.bobtail.com/newsletter 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check out the Charleston Trucking Expo: https://charlestontruckexpo.com/

Tickets to the Charleston Sept 20th Expo: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/charleston-trucking-expo-drivers-appreciation-and-community-day-tickets-1347292962519
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GET STARTED
🌍 Our website: https://www.bobtail.com/
🌍 Sign up for factoring:  https://www.bobtail.com/contact-us/
🌍 Sign up for a fleet card: https://www.bobtail.com/fleet-card/

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
📸 Instagram:  bobtailcapital

Chapters: 
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:40 Carissa's Journey into Trucking
02:05 Starting CM Transportation
03:25 Owner Operator Insights
10:35 Intermodal Freight Operations
14:41 Insurance and Risk Management
19:46 Business Model and Mentorship
21:36 Mastering the Business Model
23:57 Navigating Tariffs and Their Impact
28:09 Adapting to Market Changes
31:34 Building Strong Relationships
33:56 Lessons Learned and Advice for New Entrepreneurs
36:08 Charleston Trucking Expo: A Community Initiative
39:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

ABOUT US
Bobtail is a financial services company dedicated to helping carriers manage cash flow, fuel expenses, and operations efficiently. Co-founded by Gurvir Singh, Bobtail offers factoring, fuel savings, and load management solutions tailored for small trucking businesses. We host in-depth conversations with carriers and industry experts, breaking down real company numbers and sharing valuable insights to help trucking businesses succeed.

If you have any questions regarding our services, such as factoring or fuel card, please send us an email at [email protected] 

#trucking #owneroperator #truckingbusiness #truckingindustry #truckinglife #boxtruckbusiness #hotshottrucking #truckingtips #truckingInsights #freighttrends #dieselprices #diesel #fuelupdate #truckerpodcast #truckingpodcast #podcast #trucker #intermodalcontainers #intermodals #intermodalfreight #intermodaltrucking 

Tune in on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

 Welcome to This Week In Trucking! In this episode, Caroline sits down with Jamie Hagen, owner of Hellbent Express, for a deep dive into the real numbers and realities of running a trucking business in today’s market.

Jamie shares his journey from being a lifelong driver to building a fleet, discusses the challenges of 2020, and breaks down the true costs of operating trucks, including equipment, insurance, fuel, maintenance, payroll, and more. 

Learn how Jamie navigates tight profit margins, sources and retains great drivers, manages safety and compliance, and adapts to industry changes.

🔴DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE!🔴

Have questions for Jamie or want to share your own experiences? Drop them in the comments below! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more real-world trucking business content.

👉Sign up for This Week In Trucking's FREE newsletter! We break down the hottest freight markets by equipment type, plus interviews with carriers sharing their real cost per mile and PROFITS. ✅ http://www.bobtail.com/newsletter 

⏰ Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction & Welcome
00:19 – Jamie’s Background & Hellbent Express Story
01:05 – Starting a Trucking Business in 2020
02:25 – Fleet Size, Equipment, and Freight Types
03:36 – Surviving Market Ups and Downs
05:30 – Cost Breakdown: Trucks, Trailers, and Insurance
07:19 – Recruiting & Retaining Drivers
10:24 – Dispatching, Safety, and Wearing Many Hats
13:31 – Factoring, Payroll, and Owner Compensation
16:00 – Fuel, Maintenance, and Managing Expenses
19:00 – Parking, Compliance, and Hidden Costs
21:36 – Profit Margins & Real Numbers
23:58 – Advice for New Owner-Operators
27:25 – The Importance of Mental Health & Resilience
29:00 – Final Thoughts & How to Ask Jamie Questions

GET STARTED
🌍 Our website: https://www.bobtail.com/
🌍 Sign up for factoring:  https://www.bobtail.com/contact-us/
🌍 Sign up for a fleet card: https://www.bobtail.com/fleet-card/

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
📸 Instagram:  bobtailcapital


ABOUT US
Bobtail is a financial services company dedicated to helping carriers manage cash flow, fuel expenses, and operations efficiently. Co-founded by Gurvir Singh, Bobtail offers factoring, fuel savings, and load management solutions tailored for small trucking businesses. Caroline Asiala, Bobtail’s marketing manager, hosts in-depth conversations with carriers and industry experts, breaking down real company numbers and sharing valuable insights to help trucking businesses succeed.

If you have any questions regarding our services such as factoring or fuel card, please send us an email at [email protected] 

#trucking #owneroperator #truckingbusiness #truckingindustry #truckinglife #boxtruckbusiness #hotshottrucking #truckingtips #truckingInsights #freighttrends #dieselprices #diesel #fuelupdate #truckerpodcast #truckingpodcast #podcast #trucker #Transportation #Logistics #HellbentExpress #ThisWeekInTrucking 

Tune in on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Revolutionizing Trucking with Repower: Flexibility and Efficiency in Trailer Sharing

In this episode of Weekend Trucking, host Caroline dives deep into the innovative world of trailer sharing with Repower. Joined by guests Patrick and Matt, they discuss how Repower's on-demand trailer network enhances flexibility and efficiency for owner-operators and small fleets. The conversation touches on the benefits of trailer sharing, navigating market volatility, and the importance of insurance and reliability. Learn how Repower is transforming the trucking industry by enabling carriers to adapt quickly to market changes and maximize their operations. Tune in for insights, success stories, and a special discount code for listeners!

🔴DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE!🔴

BOBTAIL'S DISCOUNT WITH REPOWR
Discount code: bobtail10 for 10% off! 

Visit: https://www.repowr.com/

Sign up for This Week In Trucking's FREE newsletter! We break down the hottest freight markets by equipment type, plus interviews with carriers sharing their real cost per mile and PROFITS. http://www.bobtail.com/newsletter 

Tune in on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

 Inside the Logistics Industry: Fighting Freight Fraud with Jeff Dickinson

Welcome to this episode of Weekend Trucking! Join us as we dive deep into the logistics industry with Jeff Dickinson, President and CEO of RGTX Logistics Solutions. Jeff shares his journey from roofing to logistics, the importance of practical experience, and how to combat freight fraud through his Freight Fraud Task Force. Learn about the industry's challenges, innovative solutions like TWIC cards, and how to ensure integrity in freight. Don't miss this educational and insightful conversation!

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:28 Jeff's Journey into Logistics

01:12 Challenges and Learning in Logistics

02:01 Freight Fraud and the Task Force

04:38 Strategies to Combat Freight Fraud

15:50 TWIC Cards and Accountability

20:45 Advice for New Carriers

23:25 Mandatory Pre-Check Inspections

23:53 Shocking Statistics on Truck Safety

24:28 The Importance of Enforcing Fines

25:57 Systemic Issues in the Trucking Industry

27:01 Responsibility and Pre-Check Inspections

28:55 Vetting Carriers and Ensuring Compliance

30:46 Challenges with Fraudulent Activities

35:03 The Role of Technology in Tracking

36:39 Advice for Small Carriers

38:52 Ethics and Transparency in Shipping

43:21 Final Thoughts and Call to Action 

Tune in on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

 Essential Compliance Tips for Trucking: Expert Insights with Brandon Wiseman

In this episode of 'This Weekend Trucking,' host Caroline welcomes transportation attorney and President of Truck Safe Consulting, Brandon Wiseman. With extensive experience in helping both large and small carriers navigate compliance and safety, Brandon shares valuable insights on topics ranging from understanding DOT regulations to handling accidents and avoiding common compliance mistakes. He also addresses the challenges faced by smaller carriers, the importance of proper hiring practices, and upcoming regulatory changes, including the Medical Certification Integration Rule and English Language Proficiency enforcement. Tune in for practical advice to help trucking businesses stay compliant and safe on the road.

🔴DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE!🔴

👉GET WEEKLY UPDATES! Sign up for the This Week In Trucking newsletter! We break down the hottest freight markets by equipment type, plus interviews with carriers sharing their real cost per mile and PROFITS. ✅http://www.bobtail.com/newsletter

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:27 Compliance Tips for Owner Operators
01:42 Common Compliance Questions and Issues
03:11 Personal Conveyance Guidelines
04:50 Common Compliance Mistakes
08:28 Accident Documentation and Reporting
11:26 Preventing Accidents: Key Strategies
16:22 Speed Limiters Debate
19:29 Federal Rulemaking Process and Compliance Cadence
21:31 Highway Accident Litigation and Driver Hiring Practices
22:05 Insurance Rates and Risky Hiring Decisions
22:42 Challenges Faced by Smaller Carriers
24:31 Hiring Drivers: Trust vs. Qualifications
26:39 Role of Former Drivers in Recruitment and Regulation
30:44 Medical Certification Reporting Changes
35:31 English Language Proficiency Rule
41:29 Continuous License Monitoring and Compliance Advice
43:29 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

 

Tune in on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify!