Trucking for Millennials PDQ America

In this insightful episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Kevin Rutherford, a respected voice in the trucking industry and host of Trucking Business & Beyond with a wealth of experience in business training, finance, and health within the trucking sector. Kevin shared his unconventional wisdom on succeeding in the trucking business, emphasizing the importance of adopting a contrarian mindset to avoid common pitfalls that many new entrants face.
Key Takeaways: Contrarian Mindset: Kevin advises looking at what 80-90% of people are doing in the trucking business and doing the opposite. He points out that most new businesses fail because they focus too much on the operational aspects like driving and delivering, rather than the business side of things.
Timing in Business: According to Kevin, the best time to start a business is when you are ready, regardless of the market conditions. He suggests that starting during a market downturn can actually be beneficial, as it forces you to create a robust business plan from the outset.
Building Business Skills: Kevin stresses the importance of acquiring business skills before entering the trucking industry. He believes that not everyone should be a business owner and that proper preparation is crucial.
The Let's Truck Tribe: Kevin also talked about his community, the Let's Truck Tribe, which is built on strong connections and shared values among its members. He highlighted the importance of building a tribe where each member feels valued and connected.
Personal Insights and Stories: Kevin shared personal anecdotes about his journey, including his challenges with public speaking and how he overcame them to host his own radio show. He also recounted the circumstances that led to his departure from Sirius XM, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining integrity and authenticity in his broadcasts.
Music and personal interests also came up during our conversation, revealing Kevin's preference for classic rock over country music, despite our initial banter about country artists.
This episode is not just for those in the trucking industry but for anyone interested in the intricacies of starting and running a successful business. Kevin's approach to education and community building through his platform and his emphasis on learning and personal development are universally applicable.

In this episode, Aaron and Nolan dive into their recent experience at the TIA (Transportation Intermediaries Association) Capital Ideas Conference in sunny Phoenix, Arizona. It PDQ America's their first time attending, and we wanted to share our insights and takeaways from this event, which is a significant gathering for freight brokers like us.
You'll hear us discuss our initial impressions, about the venue, what we learned, the networking that we had and the value of personal and professional development. 
 

In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Alex Mai of Mutha Trucker News, a prominent figure in the trucking industry with a massive following across various social media platforms. Alex shared his incredible journey from being a disillusioned Walgreens employee to becoming one of the most recognized voices in trucking.
Key Takeaways: Embracing Opportunities: Alex's story is a testament to seizing opportunities, even when they seem daunting. His decision to leave a stable job at Walgreens to pursue trucking under his uncle's guidance was a pivotal moment that set the stage for his future success.
Finding Your Niche: Alex emphasized the importance of listening to your audience and delivering content that resonates with them. He found his stride in providing trucking news and updates, which garnered more engagement than his personal vlogs.
Building Relationships: A core theme of our conversation was the significance of building genuine relationships rather than transactional ones. Alex believes in providing value without expecting immediate returns, which has helped him forge lasting connections in the industry.
Content Creation Insights: For those looking to make their mark in the digital space, Alex advises being data-driven and consistently analyzing which content performs best. He also stresses the need to enjoy what you're doing to avoid burnout.
Platform Recommendations: When asked about the best platforms for gaining traction in the trucking industry, Alex highlighted the importance of understanding where your audience is most active and engaging with them there.
Alex's Business Ventures: T-Shirt Company: Alex discussed his involvement with a t-shirt company that caters to truckers, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to diversify his income streams.
Mother Trucker News: Alex's dedication to trucking news has made him a go-to source for updates within the trucking community, solidifying his role as an influencer.
Personal Insights: Alex shared personal stories, including the rejection he faced early on from other influencers and how it shaped his approach to collaboration and support within the community.
He also touched on the challenges of balancing his personal life with his demanding schedule as a content creator and business owner.
Conclusion: Our conversation with Alex Mai was not only inspiring but also packed with practical advice for anyone looking to make an impact in the trucking industry or any field through social media. His journey is a reminder that with passion, hard work, and a focus on building genuine relationships, success is within reach.
Remember to subscribe to the Trucking for Millennials podcast for more insightful discussions with industry leaders like Alex Mai.

Welcome back to another episode of our podcast, where we dive deep into the world of logistics, leadership, and the personal journeys that shape the industry. Today, we had the pleasure of speaking with Robert Bain, also known as the "Strongest Man in Logistics," a title he earned not just through his physical prowess but also through his resilience and introspective journey during a challenging time.
Key Takeaways: Leadership in Logistics: We discussed the evolving concept of leadership, especially as millennials are stepping into their prime leadership years. Leadership isn't about being the loudest or the most visible on social media; it's about guiding people from one point to another, especially when they can't do it alone.
The Role of Mentorship: Robert emphasized the importance of having mentors like Trey Griggs and others who can offer support and guidance. In an industry as tough as logistics, having a support system is crucial for personal and professional growth.
Coaching and Empowering Women: Robert is passionate about coaching, particularly for women in logistics. He believes in breaking down barriers and ensuring that women's voices are heard and valued in a male-dominated field.
The Importance of Sales Skills: Regardless of one's role in logistics, Robert advises learning how to sell. Sales skills are essential and can't be automated, making them a key differentiator in the industry.
Leadership Development: Robert teaches not just how to lead but also how to lead other leaders. He stresses that the best producers aren't always the best leaders and that leadership is about making everyone around you better.
Broker Carrier Summit: Robert shared his involvement with the Broker Carrier Summit, an event focused on improving communication and relationships between brokers and carriers. The summit excludes shippers to focus solely on the dynamics between these two groups, fostering a better understanding and collaboration.
Personal Stories: Career Beginnings: Robert shared his journey from working with sports cards and memorabilia to the restaurant industry and eventually falling into logistics due to his keen eye for detail and understanding of value.
Physical Strength and Recovery: After a significant injury, Robert found strength and a new perspective, leading to his moniker "Strongest Man in Logistics." He uses his experience to motivate and inspire others in the industry.
Leadership Philosophy: Robert's approach to leadership is grounded in his experiences and the understanding that leadership is multifaceted. He believes in leading by example and empowering others to step into their own leadership roles.
Final Thoughts: This episode was a powerful reminder of the human element in logistics. Leadership, mentorship, and community are the pillars that can drive the industry forward. Robert Bain's story is a testament to the strength and resilience that lies within each of us, and how we can harness it to uplift others and create a more inclusive and effective logistics community.
Remember, whether you're lifting barbells or building business relationships, it's about the legacy you leave and the people you empower along the way. Stay tuned for more insights and stories from the front lines of logistics.

Welcome back to another episode of the Trucker for Millennials podcast. In this episode, we dive deep into the current state of trucking rates, the COVID-19 trucking rates that won't come back, and the recent Francis Scott Key Bridge tragedy.
The State of Trucking Rates Our conversation kicks off with a discussion about the ever-present issue of low rates in the trucking industry. We ponder whether we're waiting for the bottom to hit or if the industry simply fluctuates from one rate spike to another. The consensus seems to be that the golden days of COVID rates are long gone, and many truckers are feeling the pinch, especially those who entered the industry during the pandemic.
MATS Recap We had the pleasure of having Justin Martin on the show, a trucking industry veteran and social media expert. Justin shared his experiences from the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS), highlighting the importance of networking and the value of in-person interactions. He also touched on the FMCSA sessions at MATS, where he had the opportunity to discuss pressing issues like lease purchase programs and the driver shortage myth.
After-Party Insights Justin gave us a glimpse into the after-party scene at MATS, where the real magic happens. These informal gatherings are where industry professionals let their guard down and share insights, frustrations, and future plans. It's a place where you can hear about new ventures and get the inside scoop on the industry.
Baltimore Bridge Tragedy We also discussed the recent catastrophic event where a cargo ship collided with the Baltimore Bridge, causing it to collapse. This incident has led to significant supply chain disruptions, particularly for hazardous materials that were routed through the bridge. We talked about the impact on freight travel in the area and the importance of finding alternative routes.
Conspiracy Theories Lastly, we addressed the conspiracy theories surrounding the bridge tragedy. We emphasized the need for factual information and cautioned against jumping to conclusions without evidence.
That's a wrap for this episode. We covered a lot of ground, from the state of trucking rates to the impact of unexpected disasters on the industry. Stay tuned for more discussions on the pulse of trucking and the people who keep it moving.

In this episode of the Trucker for Millennials podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Jamie Hagen, also known as Hell Bent Hagen, a seasoned trucker and owner-operator who has made significant strides in fuel efficiency and growing his trucking business, Hellbent Xpress. Jamie shared his extensive experience in the trucking industry, starting from when he was just 16 years old, and offered valuable insights into how owner-operators can improve their bottom line through fuel efficiency.
Key Takeaways: Fuel Efficiency: Jamie emphasized the importance of fuel efficiency for owner-operators, noting that it directly impacts their take-home pay. He shared that the national average for fuel efficiency is around six and a half miles per gallon, and anything below that could mean a business is struggling. Jamie himself has achieved an impressive average of 9.2 miles per gallon over the year, even reaching up to 12 miles per gallon on certain hauls.
Equipment Matters: According to Jamie, 70% of fuel efficiency comes from the equipment used. He advises investing in aerodynamic trucks and trailers and considering additional modifications to reduce mechanical and rolling resistance.
Driver Impact: The remaining 30% of fuel efficiency is in the hands of the driver. Jamie suggests that drivers slow down to save fuel, as higher speeds significantly increase fuel consumption.
Growing the Business: Jamie shared his journey from operating four trucks to expanding to twelve with the help of his wife, who manages the back office. He highlighted the importance of compliance, having a good accountant, and the benefits of his partnership with Mack Trucks, which allowed him to secure trucks even during shortages.
Partnership with Mack Trucks: Jamie's relationship with Mack Trucks has been beneficial for both parties. He has been able to provide real-world feedback on their trucks' performance and fuel efficiency, and in return, he has had access to new trucks when they were scarce in the market.
The Race to 11 MPG: Jamie recounted his friendly competition with another trucker, Joel Morrow, to see who could first achieve 11 miles per gallon in their truck. This challenge was turned into a promotional video by Mack Trucks, showcasing their commitment to fuel efficiency.
Conclusion: Jamie Hagen's story is one of passion, dedication, and smart business practices. His focus on fuel efficiency not only saves money but also contributes to a more sustainable trucking industry. For owner-operators looking to improve their operations, Jamie's advice on equipment choice, driving habits, and business management are invaluable. Join us next time for another great episode of Trucker for Millennials, where we continue to explore the ins and outs of the trucking industry.