AN AMERICAN TRUCK DRIVER

This week we are joined by Steve Vest and Woflgang Wendland. The conversation will be about who is controlling the freight market - carriers or brokers? Steve is the owner of Nationwide Equipment Transportation. Wolfgang is a former owner/operator. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ribbon Blog: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/blog DRIVE FOR US: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/drive-for-us iTunes Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blue-ribbon-podcast/id1031752967

We are going to talk about how to survive as an owner/operator in the current and future markets. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ribbon Blog: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/blog DRIVE FOR US: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/drive-for-us iTunes Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blue-ribbon-podcast/id1031752967

I got an email from Audrey Walleser, a PhD candidate in American Law and Policy who has 25 years of professional experience in constitutional law, political structure, statutory authority, and regulatory integrity. She had quite a bit to say about the Constitutionality of the AFFTRA and its goals to set minimum rates and driver pay in the Trucking industry. She is going to join me to walk through the civic process for movements like this and explain how to get things done through the government. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ribbon Blog: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/blog DRIVE FOR US: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/drive-for-us iTunes Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blue-ribbon-podcast/id1031752967

This week we are joined by Annique Lesage, a broker from Small World Ventures, and Francisco Landeros, owner of Dogstar Logistics, LLC. This is going to be a conversation between three people who are successful in their operations. The desired outcome is for carriers and drivers to learn about the market and how to operate their businesses at the highest level. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ribbon Blog: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/blog DRIVE FOR US: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/drive-for-us iTunes Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blue-ribbon-podcast/id1031752967

Tonight we will have an update on the Blue Ribbon Platform Division. Phridays with Phil are always informative and entertaining. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ribbon Blog: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/blog DRIVE FOR US: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/drive-for-us iTunes Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blue-ribbon-podcast/id1031752967

Lots of things to talk about this week. Are the brokers taking too much? Should the government set minimum rates for carriers and pay for drivers? We will talk it over. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ribbon Blog: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/blog DRIVE FOR US: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/drive-for-us iTunes Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blue-ribbon-podcast/id1031752967

It's time for the monthly financial report. We will break down the latest numbers and give you an update on the fleet. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ribbon Blog: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/blog DRIVE FOR US: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/drive-for-us iTunes Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blue-ribbon-podcast/id1031752967

It's been five years since we covered this topic in depth. When I made the first video, I did not have the experience and understand that I do now. We are going to go deep and provide an in depth breakdown of where the money comes from and how it is divided between the tractor, the trailer, the agents and Landstar. Don't miss this one. We are hopefully going to put this to bed once and for all. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ribbon Blog: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/blog DRIVE FOR US: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/drive-for-us iTunes Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blue-ribbon-podcast/id1031752967

This week we are joined by Jeremy McClure aka Red Beard on TikTok. He specializes in commercial insurance and we're going to answer all your questions (and mine) about Trucking Insurance. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ribbon Blog: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/blog DRIVE FOR US: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/drive-for-us iTunes Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blue-ribbon-podcast/id1031752967

I've had a lot of discourse on social media this week talking about taxes and business structure. It's been frustrating because there a lot of people that believe things that are simply and demonstrably untrue. We are going to talk about the BASICS of setting up a business, especially a Trucking business, and we are going to get the calculator out (Our friend the BSE9000) and let it speak for itself. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ribbon Blog: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/blog DRIVE FOR US: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/drive-for-us iTunes Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blue-ribbon-podcast/id1031752967

Many are led to path of self-employment because they seek an opportunity to escape the limitations that come with being employed by someone. We must recognize that an employer holds all the risk that an employee does not. When you start a business, you take on that risk and you must recognize it and respect it. This episode is going to be about us redefining our mission to help save owner/operators from failure. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ribbon Blog: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/blog DRIVE FOR US: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/drive-for-us iTunes Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blue-ribbon-podcast/id1031752967

On June 16, 2025 we received the devastating news that our good friend Carl Bonecutter passed away after long battle with a lung disease. We paid our respects at his funeral, but we would like to take this opportunity for all of the Blue Ribbon folks whose lives (and trucks) were touched by Carl to come together and share some laughs (and certainly some tears) and pay honor to this amazing man who was taken from us all too soon. Carl LOVED working on trucks, and it will forever be our testimony that there was no one better at it. Join us as we honor his memory and share the stories of why we loved him so much. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ribbon Blog: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/blog DRIVE FOR US: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/drive-for-us iTunes Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blue-ribbon-podcast/id1031752967

It's the battle you've all been waiting for. Chris, Phil and Blake are going to have it out over the idea that old trucks (1999-2007) are better than old trucks. Who will win? (It's Chris, by the way) All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ribbon Blog: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/blog DRIVE FOR US: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/drive-for-us iTunes Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blue-ribbon-podcast/id1031752967

In this episode, we're going talk about what it takes to build and maintain a profitable fleet and tips on how you can make a better impression on potential customers and employers. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ribbon Blog: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/blog DRIVE FOR US: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/drive-for-us iTunes Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blue-ribbon-podcast/id1031752967

There is a lot of speculation about what is going to happen to the market with the threat of tariffs. Blake and Chris are going to discuss what they think is going to happen and how to prepare yourself for it. All of our Links: https://beacons.ai/blueribbonlogistics Pittsburgh Power: https://pittsburghpower.com Podcast Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/podcast Blue Ribbon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueribbonlogistics Blue Ribbon Website: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com Blue Ribbon Blog: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/blog DRIVE FOR US: https://www.blueribbonlogistics.com/drive-for-us iTunes Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blue-ribbon-podcast/id1031752967

Setting yourself apart in the trucking market requires a combination of exceptional service and clear communication. Building a reputation for reliability and excellent customer service is crucial; ensure timely deliveries and maintain open lines of communication with customers, brokers and agents. By consistently delivering value and prioritizing customer satisfaction, your trucking business can carve out a distinctive niche in a competitive market.

2024 was a rough year for everyone and every industry. Too many trucks, not enough loads, low rates, parts shortages and out of control inflation. In this episode we are going to break down the Top 5 trucks in the Blue Ribbon fleet and show you exactly how much each one made. We will also reveal who the #1 driver was for 2024. His numbers are pretty astounding. We may even convince him to come on the show and talk about his experience. Join us as we deep dive into the numbers.

On tonight's podcast, we will share significant details about the future of Blue Ribbon and the podcast.

Larry and Chris are together in Hurricane for a new driver orientation. We will discuss the election and its effects on the Trucking economy.

A lot of Landstar drivers have been contacted in the last few months by someone who has access to a LOT of data that they should NOT have access to. The scammer is trying to get fuel card numbers under the guise of there having been an accident to they can steal the fuel money. There isn't a lot that can be done to stop the calls. We are going to talk about what can be done to stop the theft.

Lease Purchase. Lease a Truck. Lease to a Carrier. There seems to be way too much confusion about what a lease is and what it is not. We are going to clear this up on this episode.

This is going to be a big episode. We have some numbers from the last 90 days that we are going to share with you about our operation, and the results are fascinating. Tune in while we breakdown three months of data to the penny and show you how we are making a profit in 2024.

Chris got hung up in the shop doing a wheel seal, so this episode was canceled and then un-cancelled when he ran out of parts. Rocky Rockefeller from N Florida MD Alignment jumped on and we had a good talk about truck suspensions.

There is nothing wrong with offering reasonable criticism of a service, product or person. What is NOT reasonable is criticizing from absolute ignorance. We will dive into it this evening.

You know we end up with some wild shop stories, and we have another one for you tonight. We will also catch up what is happening at the new shop and more.

SINCE THE EPISODE WAS PUBLISHED, THE OPENING DATE OF THE MD ALIGNMENT SHOP HAS BEEN CHANGED TO JUNE 17, 2024

We're back from MATS and the 2024 Blue Ribbon Awards Banquet, We will catch you up on what we've been up to and our experience in Louisville.

Larry is off this week. Landstar Heavy Haul BCO Phil Frese will be joining us to talk all things Heavy Haul and Platform. Get your questions ready!

Larry had a medical procedure today, so he is at home resting. Justin Martin from Freightwaves will be joining us.

$10,000 for a FUEL FILTER???? We took a truck to a shop this week to diagnose a problem. We were given a $10,000 estimate to replace the turbo and the EGR cooler. We didn't trust the diagnosis so we brought the truck 700 miles back to West Virginia. What did we find? A $35 fuel filter that needed replaced.

There is no escaping hard work to succeed in business. Short cuts don't work.