Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast

We're bringing back a standout episode from Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast featuring Will Hopkins, co-founder of BlackBox Logistics. In this conversation, Will Hopkins shares how a job dispatching trucks gave him the foundation to launch BlackBox Logistics, a full-scale brokerage that started with no backup plan and grew to over 40 employees in just four years. From throwing hay bales on a horse farm to dispatching in a sweltering Alabama room during COVID, Will's journey is a testament to hustle, resilience, and finding purpose in every odd job along the way. He also opens up about the tough lessons of scaling a company, the importance of partnership, and why dispatching taught him to love the grind. If you missed this the first time, now's your chance to hear how Will turned an unconventional path into a fast-growing brokerage built on trust, teamwork, and a dispatch mindset.

We're bringing back one of the most insightful and heartfelt episodes from Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, featuring none other than Kevin Rutherford, Owner and Presenter of Let's Truck. Kevin's story isn't just about surviving business, it's about transformation. From nearly going bankrupt with 11 trucks and zero accounting system to becoming the trusted voice for thousands of owner-operators across North America, Kevin shares why real advice in trucking is rare, how to tell the difference between hype and help, and why he chose to build a business that teaches others to avoid his mistakes. If you missed this the first time, now's the time to hear how Kevin turned debt, failure, and hard-earned lessons into a movement.

We're bringing back one of the most meaningful episodes from Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, featuring Toby Young, President of Exhibit Management Associates. In this conversation, Toby Young shares what it takes to grow the largest trucking show in America while staying rooted in family, purpose, and hands-on leadership. From stuffing envelopes as a teenager to leading an organization that hosts over 70,000 attendees each year, Toby shares decades of hard-won insight into why trucking is a relationship business, why education, not just entertainment, is the future of industry events, and how legacy and innovation can thrive in a family-run operation. Whether you're an owner-operator or an exhibitor, Toby's story proves that staying relevant starts with staying connected. If you missed this the first time, now's your chance to discover how Toby turned one week in March into trucking's most valuable annual tradition.

We're bringing back one of the most talked-about episodes from Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, featuring Joel Morrow, CEO of Alpha Drivers Testing & Consulting. In this conversation, Joel shares what it takes to build a trucking career around efficiency, time value, and operational clarity, and why fuel and speed management are make-or-break levers for today's fleets and owner-operators. From growing up in a family-run recycling business to leading innovation at Ploger Transportation, Joel shares decades of hard-won insight into why gross doesn't matter if your net is bleeding, and why the “driver shortage” is a pay structure problem. If you missed this the first time, now's the time to catch up.

We're bringing back one of the most iconic episodes from Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, featuring Henry Albert, President of Albert Transport. In this conversation, Henry shares how professionalism, process, and persistence helped him build a freight business from the ground up, without ever hauling for anyone else. From cold-calling customers to building 38 direct relationships, to achieving over 10 miles per gallon in fuel efficiency, this episode is a crash course in how to do it differently and do it better. If you missed this conversation the first time, now is the perfect time to tune in.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Shelley Simpson, the President and CEO of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc, one of the most influential transportation companies in North America. They discuss Shelley's journey from an hourly customer service rep to a top leadership role at J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc., reflecting on the pivotal moments that shaped her career. Shelley discusses the company's commitment to innovation, the importance of great leadership, and how J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. is leveraging technology to create the most efficient transportation network in North America and supports its 33,500 employees, including its dedicated truck drivers.

We're bringing back one of the most motivating and strategy-packed conversations from Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, featuring Seretha Willingham, CEO of SJW Logistics. From her start in the military and corporate America to launching SJW Logistics during a global pandemic, Seretha shares six sharp, hard-earned tips for building a sustainable logistics company. Whether you're thinking about starting your own trucking business or looking to pivot and grow what you already have, this is an episode you'll come back to again and again. If you missed this conversation the first time, now is the perfect time to tune in.

In this Greatest Hits episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, Jessica Dotson, Director of Business Development and Account Management at Multi Service Fuel Card, shares how her husband's decision to become a truck driver changed their lives, and launched her into a multi-faceted career in trucking. From the struggles of being a trucker's spouse to mastering back-office ops, brokerage, and fuel management, Jessica's story is both heartfelt and informative.

We're bringing back one of the most powerful and timeless conversations from Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, featuring Ingrid Brown, Member, Board of Directors at Women In Trucking Association Ingrid shares her journey as a woman in the transportation industry, highlighting the integral role her parents played in her journey, why drivers need to help one another, and why you should always have a backup plan. Ingrid's journey in the trucking industry is one of resilience, grit, and adaptability. If you missed this conversation the first time, now is the perfect time to tune in.

We're bringing back one of the most inspiring and timeless conversations from Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, featuring Ellen Voie, Founder of the Women In Trucking Association. Ellen shares how a vision to create space for women in trucking grew into a global organization that's breaking barriers for women drivers and leaders. From fighting for gender data to building a brand that celebrates success, Ellen's journey is filled with lessons that are just as relevant today, especially for anyone trying to lead change in a harsh industry. If you missed this conversation the first time, now is the perfect time to tune in.

We're bringing back one of the most inspiring and timeless conversations from Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, featuring Nicole Glenn, Founder and CEO of Candor Logistics Management. Nicole shares how an unexpected opportunity launched her into trucking, what it took to start her own company, and how she's driving innovative frozen freight solutions today. From building trust in the high-stakes world of expedited shipping to leveraging creative thinking for complex logistics problems, Nicole's journey is filled with lessons that remain just as relevant today. If you missed this conversation the first time, now is the perfect moment to tune in.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Daniel Linss, Editor/Art Director with 10-4 Magazine, and Tim Sieben, TFK Show Manager with 10-4 Magazine, one of the most recognized publications in the trucking industry. They discuss the magazine's origins, its mission to highlight the trucking lifestyle, and how it has evolved over the past 31 years. From covering iconic trucks and industry news to creating a space for truckers to share their stories, 10-4 Magazine has become more than just a publication, it's a community. Daniel and Tim share their journey into the trucking media space, the challenges of running a magazine, and the importance of preserving trucking culture.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Lewie Pugh, Executive Vice President of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA). They discuss trucking advocacy, regulations, and business profitability. Lewie shares how OOIDA has stood up for truckers for over 50 years, the ongoing battles with Washington D.C., and why truckers must take control of their industry. They dive into understanding the impact of regulations like ELDs, business strategies, and rate transparency to ensure profitability as an owner-operator.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Lewie Pugh, Executive Vice President of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA). They discuss Lewie's journey from growing up around trucking in Ohio to becoming an advocate for truckers on Capitol Hill. From his early days driving for Schneider to owning his own trucking business, Lewie shares the pivotal moments that shaped his transition into leadership at OOIDA. They delve into the importance of industry relationships, the fight for truckers' rights, and why advocacy matters more than ever.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Shelli Austin, President of InTek Freight and Logistics. They discuss Shelli's unconventional journey from theater technology to becoming a leading voice in intermodal logistics. Shelli shares how her passion for creativity and problem-solving has driven her success in the transportation industry. They dive into the complexities of intermodal shipping, the importance of strong business partnerships, and why passion is essential in logistics.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Garrett Steenblik, VP of Business Development at TRXCKWRLD and founder of Trucker's Body Shop. They discuss Garrett's 200-pound weight loss journey as a truck driver and how it fueled his passion for improving trucker health, developing accessible healthcare solutions, and building a 665,000-member trucking community while promoting fitness, telehealth, and industry-wide change.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Robert Bain, Senior Consultant & Director of Partnership at GLCS, Inc. They discuss Robert's inspiring journey from a competitive athlete to a logistics industry leader, the power of mindset, the role of technology in freight, and the importance of building authentic connections between brokers and carriers.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Kristy Knichel, President and CEO of Knichel Logistics. They discuss her inspiring journey from managing pizza shops at 18 to leading a $100M logistics business. Kristy opens up about the lessons she learned from working with her father, navigating the challenges of a family business, and how perseverance and leadership have shaped her path to success.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Chris Burroughs, the newly appointed President & CEO of the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA). They discuss the vital role of relationships in advocating for the transportation industry, the rise of fraud affecting brokers and carriers, key challenges facing the sector today, and the importance of carrier safety reform to ensure a more reliable and efficient supply chain.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Lisa Haubenstock, VP of Vice President of Product, Risk & Compliance Solutions, and Joel Franke, Director of APIs and Data Products at Truckstop. Together, they unpack the growing challenges of fraud in the freight industry and share actionable insights on how brokers, carriers, and shippers can protect themselves. From real-time data analysis to building trust-based relationships, this episode is packed with strategies to stay ahead of bad actors in a $1 trillion industry.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Kevin Rutherford, Owner and Presenter of LetsTruck. They explore big-picture thinking in freight, navigating freight market cycles, and the transformative role of AI in trucking. Kevin shares actionable advice on managing fixed costs, fostering strategic partnerships, and leveraging challenges like fraud and regulation to gain a competitive edge. This presents insights into how trucking businesses can prepare for a prosperous 2025.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Drew Herpich, Chief Commercial Officer at Nolan Transportation Group (NTG) & Transportation Insight (TI). They discuss the keys to building strong relationships in the freight industry, transitioning into leadership, and genuinely understanding carriers. Drew shares his journey from dropping business cards at truck stops to leading a major logistics company through strategic growth and mergers.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Will Jenkins, Founder & CEO of Journey and Investor & Partner at Shipper CRM. They discuss Will's path from college athlete to freight industry innovator, the importance of building strong company cultures, and how proper training and recruitment can transform trucking businesses.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Todd Amen, President and CEO of ATBS, and Adam Wingfield, Founder & Managing Director of Innovative Logistics University. They discuss essential tax strategies for trucking companies, smart business growth tactics, and how carriers can prepare for upcoming economic changes in the freight industry.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Ilya Denisenko, owner of ICV Express. Join them as they discuss transitioning from culinary arts to trucking, building a successful freight operation in a challenging market, and the importance of continuous learning in the transportation industry.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Chris Jolly, founder of The Freight Coach and freight brokerage owner. They discuss the evolution of freight brokerage, the importance of authentic relationships in the industry, and how discipline trumps motivation in building lasting success.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Steve Cox, the President of Steam Logistics. Join them as they discuss creating a successful team dynamic, the complexities of freight forwarding, and the importance of adapting to market changes.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Melanie Patterson, founder and Managing Director of Integrity Global Logistics. Join them as they discuss opportunities in government contracting, the role mentorship plays in the industry, and the importance of adaptability.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Liz Wayne, Founder and CEO of Able Transport Solutions INC. Join them as they discuss Liz's journey from single mom to successful entrepreneur, the challenges of starting a freight brokerage, and her insights on growth and leadership in the industry.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Jay Gustafson, Executive Vice President of Brokerage Operations at Echo Global Logistics. They discuss Jay's unique career path from aspiring chef to logistics leader, the importance of technology in freight brokerage, and valuable insights for industry professionals.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Dan Doran, Director of Business Development for Diamond Transportation System Inc. Join them as they discuss the challenges of industry deregulation, Dan's career journey, and the importance of networking.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Kevin Rutherford of LetsTruck and Henry Albert of Albert Transport. Join them as they discuss the secrets to profitability in the trucking industry, from strategies to reduce costs and maximize fuel mileage, to ways of understanding the profitability of each load.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Craig Fuller, founder and CEO of FreightWaves. Join them as they discuss the need for real-time information in the industry, the creation of the Sonar data platform, and Craig's career journey.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Shannon Currier, the Director of Philanthropy at the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund. Join them as they discuss the fund's mission, the assistance they provide, and the positive impact they have on drivers' lives.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Matthew Leffler, President of Armchair Attorney and Brandon Minert, President of United Commercial Insurance. Join them as they discuss the world of nuclear verdicts and their impact on the transportation industry, including the legal and insurance aspects surrounding these high-value cases, and how small carriers can protect themselves and navigate the complex landscape.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Shawn Rasmor, Principal Product Manager at Truckstop. Join them as they explore the escalating threat of freight fraud in the trucking industry, emphasizing the need for technology and human intelligence to combat it effectively. They highlight strategies for early detection, prevention, and collaboration among industry players to safeguard businesses and build trust in the market.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Beau King, Senior Director of Global Markets at FreightWaves. Join them as they discuss pricing strategies, freight market insights, and building relationships with carriers.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Kathy Fulton, Executive Director of the American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN). Join them as they discuss how ALAN supports disaster relief efforts in the supply chain and transportation industry.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Jessica Dotson, Director of Business Development and Account Management at Multi Service Fuel Card. Join them as they discuss the benefits of using fuel cards, the importance of having operational savings, and valuable advice for truckers looking to start their own business.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Ingrid Brown, Owner and Principal of Rollin' B. Join them as they explore her journey as a woman in the transportation industry, highlighting the integral role her parents played in her journey, why drivers need to help one another, and why you should always have a backup plan.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Will Hopkins, Founder of BlackBox Logistics. Discover the history of BlackBox Logistics, the challenges of starting a business, and the reality of transitioning from dispatching to brokerage.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Ed Burns, CEO of Burns Logistics. Join them as they discuss Ed's journey to taking over the helm of his family business from his father, stopping off to discuss the ups and downs of his entrepreneurial career and Burns Logistics' unique business model.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Cathy Roberson, Founder and President of Logistics Trends & Insights LLC. Join them as they discuss the current trends and insights in the logistics industry, including the de minimis rule, how to engage with data when interacting with news sources, and technology's impact on the industry.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Sarah Ruffcorn, the President of Trinity Logistics. Together they explore building relationships with carriers, the challenges and benefits of evaluating and implementing technology in the industry, and why leadership is a constant learning process.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Chad Eichelberger, President of Reliance Partners. Join them as they discuss Chad's journey through freight insurance, touching on how he managed the 2008 recession at Access America, helped to scale Reliance Partners, and what insurance agencies are looking at when working with freight brokers.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Samuel Bissonnette, a Canadian owner-operator. Join them as they discuss Samuel's journey in the trucking industry, the challenges faced in the current market, and the heartwarming story of how he was reunited with his dog, Denver.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Lindsey Trent, the President and co-Founder of the Next Generation in Trucking Association. Together they discuss the importance of career technical education, and promoting trucking as a positive career choice to young people, and explore the work of Lindsey's company, the Next Generation in Trucking Association.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Tyler Johnston, the Director of Operations at Mercer Transportation. Together they explore the importance of building strong relationships between carriers and brokers in the trucking industry, the need for effective communication and negotiation skills in order to maximize profits and efficiency, and the role of technology in improving processes and decision-making for brokers.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Timothy Dooner, WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Host & Producer at FreightWaves and SiriusXM. Together, they explore Timothy's journey from starting a podcast to becoming an influential figure in the freight industry. They delve into the evolution of his podcast, "What the Truck?!?" and how it grew from a single day to multiple episodes per week, driven by audience demand and sponsorships. They also discuss the importance of authenticity and consistency in content creation, highlighting the challenges and rewards of building a brand in the freight space.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Paul Jaroslawski, President and Founder of Freight Caviar and co-founder of Shipper CRM. Together, they explore Paul's background in transportation, the challenges of running a media business, and the importance of building relationships and focusing on quality content in business.

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Trey Griggs, Founder and CEO of BETA Consulting Group. Together, they explore Trey's journey through sales and freight brokerage to founding his own business, and his advice and strategies on turning customers into fans.