Bulkloads Podcast

Jared Flinn

A trucking podcast that covers all aspects of bulk freight trucking. Hosted by Jared Flinn, owner of multiple trucking-related businesses. Jared brings on a new guest weekly to discuss technology, innovation, safety & compliance, insurance, trucking success stories, and much more related to the bulk freight trucking industry. This podcast hits on all aspects of the industry, our audience includes bulk haulers, shippers, brokers, merchandisers, farmers, and more. Check out our related businesses for bulk freight: BulkLoads - www.bulkloads.com Bulk Insurance Group - www.bulkinsurancegroup.com Smart Freight Funding - www.smartfreightfunding.com Transportation Management (TMS) - https://www.bulktms.com/ Permitting- https://www.bulkloads.com/tools/permitting/

  1. 1D AGO

    BLP 363: The $500K Lesson: Inside Blackwell Trucking's Pivot to Hopper Freight

    Watch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xnLyii6krVg   What does it take to run a four-generation family business through cotton, cattle, pipeline restoration, AND a 7-truck hopper fleet — all at the same time? This week we sat down with Bob Blackwell and his son-in-law Jared Reaves at Blackwell Trucking in Wayne, Oklahoma. Three generations of Blackwells have worked this land. Bob started chasing pipeline restoration jobs 25 years ago when one came across his field — and built Blackwell Trucking on the side just to keep his own equipment moving. Then the last four years took a swing at them. Pipeline work went quiet. Solar customers walked off with over half a million dollars of unpaid work. Flatbed rates collapsed. And the family that had survived everything from boll weevils to a 1970s farm bankruptcy was looking for a way forward. Then Jared heard a podcast in his pig barn that changed everything. In this conversation we get into the full picture: how pipeline restoration actually works, why Bob won't buy stockers, the brutal economics of cattle and cotton, why he calls solar "a shell game," the wreck-truck rebuild, the engine that came apart in the shop, the role of faith in their business, and the very human moments behind the family's "GIG, GAP" philosophy — God Is Good, God Always Provides. If you're a carrier wondering whether there's a more consistent path than flatbed, a shipper looking for hard-working family operators, or a farm-and-ranch family trying to figure out the next chapter — this episode is for you. ▶ Find consistent hopper and bulk freight: https://bulkloads.com?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Blackwell+Podcast ▶ Are you a shipper looking for family carriers like the Blackwells? https://bulkloads.com?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Blackwell+Podcast ▶ Subscribe wherever you listen: Apple, Spotify, YouTube CHAPTERS 00:00 — Meet the Blackwells: 3 Generations on the Same Land 00:55 — How a Pipeline Across Bob's Field Started Everything 02:30 — Why They Started Blackwell Trucking 03:00 — Today: 7 Trucks, Goal of 10 04:34 — The Podcast in the Pig Barn That Changed Everything 05:30 — Why Hoppers Are More Consistent Than Flatbed 06:00 — Working with Chris & Michael at RFG 06:50 — The End Game: Cutting Out the Middleman 07:30 — "It's a Turtle Race" 08:00 — Cattle, Wildfires, and What Bad Land Management Looks Like 09:30 — The Engine That Came Apart in the Shop 10:00 — What Pipeline Restoration Actually Is 12:53 — Inside a 100-Mile Pipeline Project 13:30 — The $500,000 Solar Disaster 14:30 — "Solar is a Shell Game" 17:30 — Three Generations of Blackwells 18:00 — Why Bob Won't Buy Stockers 20:40 — The 8-Cent Brangus Lesson That Changed His Cattle Operation 22:00 — When Bob Got Into Rodeo Stock 23:30 — Where He Markets His Cattle Today 25:40 — Cattle Prices: Then vs. Now 28:20 — Cotton Country: How an Entire Region Dried Up 29:30 — Milo, Sorghum, and Fallow-Ground Decisions 31:42 — "The Only Difference Between Farming and Vegas..." 32:30 — Why Weather Is 95% of the Business 33:30 — What They Do for Fun: Lake Murray 34:30 — How Jared Got Here: Saint Louis → Mizzou → Bartlett → Springfield 37:00 — Why Joplin Stockyards Surpassed Oklahoma City 38:30 — "The Wealthiest Companies Got Wealthy off the Backs of Farmers" 39:50 — Why Cotton Doesn't Pencil Anymore 41:00 — The Peanut Program and Government Subsidies 43:00 — The Soybean Crop That Paid for His Son's Birth 45:30 — Why Equipment Payments Don't Work Anymore 46:30 — Converting Cropland to Bermuda Grass 47:04 — How Faith Holds the Whole Operation Together 48:30 — "GIG. GAP. God Is Good. God Always Provides." 48:50 — The Check-in-the-Mail Moments CONNECT WITH BLACKWELL TRUCKING Wayne, Oklahoma CONNECT WITH BULKLOADS Website: https://bulkloads.com?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Blackwell+Podcast #BulkLoads #FamilyTrucking #HopperFreight #AgTrucking #PipelineRestoration #CattleBusiness #SmallBusinessAmerica #TruckingPodcast

    50 min
  2. APR 28

    From a Coin Flip to 750 Trucks: Inside the 75-Year Wayne Transports Empire

    Check this episode out on our YouTube: https://youtu.be/hc33VvhAS_I   In 1950, a teenager who'd dropped out of school to save the family farm bought one truck and started hauling gasoline. Today, Wayne Transports runs 750+ trucks, moves nearly 290,000 loads a year, and posts driver turnover rates a fraction of the industry average. In this episode, we sit down with the next generation of Wayne ownership to unpack the full story — the Korean War tragedy that almost ended the company before it started, the bank loan that gave it its name, the move from Milaca to Rosemount that unlocked decades of growth, and how the family handed the president's chair to a non-family member for the first time in company history… one month before COVID hit. We also get into the operational side: the AI tools rebuilding their dispatch floor, the camera + safety stack keeping their fleet on the road, the acquisition playbook that's added 35 trucks a year, and why their turnover sits at 18% while the rest of the industry burns through drivers at 60-90%. If you run a fleet, drive for one, or want to understand how a real American trucking dynasty actually gets built — this one is for you.  🚛 Need freight? BulkLoads connects shippers and carriers across the bulk space — find your next load at https://www.bulkloads.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Wayne+Podcast ⏱ TIMECODES / CHAPTERS 00:00 — Meet the next generation of Wayne ownership 00:35 — Handing the presidency to the first non-family member (Jason Bucci) 01:37 — One month in, COVID hits: 86 drivers laid off overnight 02:30 — "If you can't keep it in the black, I'm coming back" — Wayne's mandate 03:00 — Memories of Grandpa Wayne, cinder blocks, and card games 05:00 — The 8th-grade coin flip that started everything 06:30 — Hauling cattle to the South Saint Paul Stockyards 07:30 — The Korean War tragedy that almost ended the company 08:11 — The bank loan, the collateral form, and how "Wayne Transports" got its name 09:08 — Building the Malacca shop and the 1979 move to Rosemount 09:45 — Deregulation in 1980 and the growth that followed 10:24 — From 250 trucks (2007) to 750+ today 12:07 — Why Rosemount? The Flint Hills Resources advantage 13:30 — Fleet breakdown: petroleum, chemical, dry bulk, asphalt, ag 15:58 — Company drivers vs. independent contractors — the right ratio 17:30 — 40-year drivers and what loyalty actually looks like 18:50 — The tech stack: Samsara, TMW Suite, Avion AI, Idelic safety 21:16 — Why customer demand forced the technology shift 22:30 — The "Traction" book and building a real culture 23:29 — How Wayne keeps turnover at 18% while the industry runs 60-90% 26:01 — Beyond trucking: Miko Maintenance, real estate, renewables 28:36 — The acquisition playbook — 30+ trucks added in a single year 31:00 — How Wayne finds (and earns) acquisition deals #Trucking #FamilyBusiness #BulkFreight #FleetManagement #BulkLoads #TruckingPodcast #TankerTrucking What surprised you most — the coin flip that started it all, the Korean War twist, or the 18% turnover number? Drop a timestamp + reaction below 👇 🚛   Looking for loads? BulkLoads has you covered → https://www.bulkloads.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Wayne+Podcast   Check out our companies! BulkLoads - https://www.bulkloads.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Wayne+Podcast Insurance - https://www.bulkinsurancegroup.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Wayne+Podcast Factoring - https://www.smartfreightfunding.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Wayne+Podcast Transportation Management (TMS) - https://www.bulktms.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Wayne+Podcast Bulk Freight Insights: https://www.bulkfreightinsights.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Wayne+Podcast

    32 min
  3. APR 21

    The Heavy Haul Operator Riding the AI Data Center Wave

    Watch episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QILNrGk8Sfs He started with one truck at 18 years old — and went bankrupt within a year. Most people would have quit. Kendal Mast didn't. Today, KM Wood Products runs 60+ trucks, hauls some of the heaviest freight in the country, and has quietly become one of the biggest players in AI data center freight — with 65% of their entire fleet dedicated to it. But the road here wasn't straight. Kendal rebuilt this company from zero multiple times, survived COVID with his family living in the truck, fired his entire driver pool to save key contracts, and learned million-dollar lessons the hard way. This is one of the most raw, honest conversations we've had on the BulkLoads Podcast. If you're an owner-operator, a small fleet owner, or just someone trying to build something real — this one's for you. 🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode   ⏱ TIMECODES 00:00 — Starting with one log truck at 18 01:02 — Switching to wood chips and surviving early failure 01:33 — Going OTR, hiring owner operators, and pivoting to flatbed 02:24 — COVID hits — lays everyone off and starts over with his family in the truck 03:05 — How he rebuilt to 60 trucks 04:11 — The partner situation that nearly destroyed key contracts 07:01 — Fleet breakdown: RGN, step deck, tanks, and heavy haul 08:02 — The 99-load gas plant project that changed his entire strategy 09:32 — Why he only chases projects with 20+ loads 10:56 — Oversized and super load regulations explained 12:43 — How permitting works state to state 14:18 — Managing fuel costs and surcharges in heavy haul 16:16 — Why the freight market is finally turning in 2026 17:00 — AI data centers driving 65% of their freight volume 19:01 — Moving MARTA tram cars into Atlanta 20:19 — How he connected with Jesse Bounds and 10-4 Coaching 22:26 — The two biggest things he learned from coaching 24:33 — Growth mindset — the plan to reach 100+ trucks 26:24 — Trailer rental and freight brokerage as side revenue 27:26 — How word of mouth and showing up wins more business than load boards 29:36 — Faith, peace, and giving it to God 31:23 — His 5am morning routine: sauna, Bible app, and prayer 33:07 — His biggest weakness as a leader 34:39 — Biggest mistakes: wrong accountant and a million-dollar lease deal     About BulkLoads: BulkLoads is the #1 bulk freight marketplace connecting carriers and shippers across the country. Whether you're hauling grain, fertilizer, heavy haul, or anything in between — we help you find the freight that fits your operation. 👉 Start finding loads today at BulkLoads.com #BulkLoads #Trucking #HeavyHaul #DataCenterFreight #OwnerOperator #TruckingPodcast #FreightMarket #Flatbed #KMWoodProducts   Check out our companies! BulkLoads - https://www.bulkloads.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=KM+Podcast Insurance - https://www.bulkinsurancegroup.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=KM+Podcast Factoring - https://www.smartfreightfunding.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=KM+Podcast Transportation Management (TMS) - https://www.bulktms.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=KM+Podcast

    37 min
  4. APR 7

    She Never Planned to Run It — Now She Leads 140 Trucks | Julie Andrich of Autumn Transport

    Watch the YouTube Video Here: https://youtu.be/t4i4jJeppwM Julie Andrich didn't grow up planning to run a trucking company. But when her father — a city kid who taught himself farming, failed his way into freight, and built Autumn Transport from a single truck in 1980 — passed away in 2015, Julie stepped into the seat. Now president of a 140-unit bulk carrier out of Woodbury, Minnesota, she shares the full story: where it started, how it grew, and what it means to carry on something bigger than yourself. In this episode, Julie and Jared cover the gritty origin story, the owner-operator model that fueled four decades of growth, and the leadership lessons that still echo through the building today. 🔔 Subscribe for more bulk trucking stories, industry insight, and carrier spotlights. 📦 Learn more about BulkLoads → https://www.bulkloads.com   ⏱️ Chapters: 0:00 – Intro 0:02 – How Autumn Transport Started: A City Kid Tries Farming 1:21 – One Truck, One Banker, One Chance 2:02 – From Harvest Trucking to a Real Business 3:09 – What Kind of Guy Was Lol Andrich? 4:40 – Julie's Path Into the Company (She Didn't Plan It) 8:55 – Dispatching, Max, and Getting Street Cred with Drivers 14:29 – Growth from 75 Units in '95 to 140 Today 16:57 – The Transition: When Julie Took the Helm 21:48 – Playing Offense, Not Defense 23:55 – Finding the Right People: Values Over Experience 26:13 – A Day in Julie's Life 29:36 – What the Next 20 Years Look Like 31:29 – What Keeps Her Up at Night (Nuclear Verdicts) 33:07 – Faith, Peace, and Running a Business 34:16 – Lol's Lolisms: Wisdom from Her Father 37:20 – Julie's Mom: Still Running Payroll   BulkLoads - https://www.bulkloads.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Autumn+Podcast BulkLoads Permitting - https://www.bulkloads.com/tools/permitting/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Autumn+Podcast Bulk Insurance Group - https://www.bulkinsurancegroup.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Autumn+Podcast Smart Freight Funding - https://www.smartfreightfunding.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Autumn+Podcast BulkLoads TMS - https://www.bulktms.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Autumn+Podcast

    39 min
  5. MAR 2

    How One Truck Puts $50,000 in Your Pocket Every Year

    Check out the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ow6f_ZQ813I   Eric Glidewell, owner of JP Transport, sits down to share the real story behind building a 45-truck cement hauling operation from scratch — with no trucking background and no blueprint to follow. In this episode, Eric breaks down: The "$50K per truck" formula he uses to measure profitability How he grew from 2 trucks in 2009 to 45 trucks across the Midwest Why reputation in cement hauling is everything (and what "on time" actually means) The role faith played in how he leads his drivers and runs his business How bonus depreciation became a key tool for scaling fast What he'd tell his younger self if he could go back Whether you're an owner operator, a small fleet owner, or just someone building something from nothing — Eric's story is one you don't want to miss. 🎧 Subscribe to BulkLoads for more real conversations with operators, owners, and industry veterans in the bulk trucking world. #BulkHauling #TruckingBusiness #OwnerOperator #CementHauling #BulkLoads   Timestamp:   00:00 "Investing vs. Spending Perspective" 05:49 "New Cement Business Opportunity" 09:00 Scaling Success Through Reputation 09:53 Reliable Cement Hauling Reputation 14:41 Concrete Trucking Support Insights 16:17 Localized Pricing Strategies 22:12 Winter Challenges and Recovery 25:12 Switch to Buying New Trucks 26:19 Business Relationships and Loyalty 31:19 Faith and Resilience in Business 33:20 "Prioritizing God Over Business" 39:11 "Driver Pay and Customer Rates" 40:26 Building Pride Through Honest Work 45:50 "Put Christ First, Always" 47:48 "Still Fighting Like Everyone"

    48 min
  6. FEB 23

    The Most Valuable 30 Minutes for Running a Trucking Company

    Watch the video on our YouTube: https://youtu.be/Iv9GTvypqdc 109,000 new trucking companies entered the market in 12 months.  That's 300 new competitors per day. So the real question isn't "Is trucking competitive?" It's: How do you win anyway? This is the BEST trucking advice we've captured over the past few years — condensed into one powerful 30-minute masterclass for owner-operators and fleet owners who want to stay profitable, stay booked, and build something that lasts. Inside this video, experienced operators break down: ✅ Why SAFETY must be the foundation of your company (or you're built on sand) ✅ How to avoid going out of business during slow freight markets ✅ The truth about cost per mile (most truckers calculate it wrong) ✅ Why cheap tires actually cost you MORE money  ✅ How to manage cash flow before it's too late ✅ Why balancing your checkbook monthly could save your company ✅ The difference between being busy and being profitable ✅ How diversification protects you when a major customer disappears ✅ Why trust & reputation beat marketing ✅ The difference between a "driver" and a true professional You'll also hear hard-earned lessons about: Growing too fast Insurance mistakes Underestimating accounting Seasonal trucking challenges Fuel efficiency strategies Working on your business vs. just in it This isn't theory. This is real-world trucking experience from operators who've survived downturns, fires, rate swings, and market crashes. If you're serious about building a trucking company that lasts longer than the next freight cycle — this video is for you. 🔔 Subscribe for real-world trucking insights: We share stories, strategies, and lessons from the people actually building successful operations. #trucking #owneroperator #smallfleet #truckingbusiness #dumptrucking #freight #logistics #cdldriver #truckerlife #businessadvice Clip 1 - Sam Watts, 10-4 Truck Insurance https://youtu.be/n0LhfBtkgHE?si=0RnnEuAe9RVJzade Clip 2 - Mike Bennet, Eagle Logistics https://youtu.be/MOqg_2ycTcI?si=M5ANI13XBkN9HO9D Clip 3 - Evan Shelley, Truck Parking Club https://youtu.be/C4byWaQ3sy8?si=BJcL_aeEJDFQhbBB Clip 4 - Steve Miller, Reliant Transportation https://youtu.be/umhF7BdpOZQ?si=ibkP2DVpmEG_cIr4 Clip 5 - Brian Kinsey, International Used Trucks https://youtu.be/jm5qACtGyAM?si=hQgKyV0IuKUec4y4 Clip 6 - Roger Zima, Foltz Trucking https://youtu.be/SKNaFnwK6go?si=oegWh058xEKtVp5B Clip 7 - Mark Walker, Transland https://youtu.be/IZytshzWfcs?si=auCc2C_9cYSSUPKk Clip 8 - Matt Gibbs, Ozarko Tire https://youtu.be/O33DuglTye8?si=EOfdEoKlwWiTV0hz Clip 9 - Jesse Bounds, Bounda Hay https://youtu.be/D6bFidG8Tr8?si=WNQt2JKWsrvWo9GH Clip 10 - Justin Sturgill, Justin Sturgill Trucking https://youtu.be/iVDGEBf-w5c?si=_y5dW6r_Fykn8g9i Clip 11 - Jesse Runions, Ben R Brown Trucking https://youtu.be/L9FL7QckbVk?si=K0I08nAci1mXrOmF Clip 12 - Earl Martin Jr., ERM Trucking https://youtu.be/7beLHlc1pGk?si=YMeBedkQQI3Yz7xj Clip 13 - Brad & Jason Hammes, Hammes Trucking https://youtu.be/lHLKMYyEdRw?si=QpZtQsQIsQAUvwXu Clip 14 - Austin Hammen, AH Trucking https://youtu.be/T1uMLzYvSP8?si=VfTvV_3WROyLmUR3 Clip 15 - Woody Bogler, Woody Bogler Trucking https://youtu.be/UaTIT9atRss?si=jLv8RhEDWmEKzF75 Timestamp: 00:00 "Trucking Success Starts with Safety" 04:47 "Planning Ahead for Efficiency" 08:15 "Efficient Used Truck Strategy" 10:13 "Truck Driver's Perspective" 14:06 "Tire Tracking for Cost Reduction" 16:57 "Challenges of Understanding Accrual Accounting" 22:12 DIY Truck Maintenance Tips 24:29 Building Trust in Business 27:36 "Working on the Business" 29:53 Family Farms Facing Decline   . . . Check out our companies! BulkLoads - https://www.bulkloads.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Best_of_Trucking_Advice Insurance - https://www.bulkinsurancegroup.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Best_of_Trucking_Advice Factoring - https://www.smartfreightfunding.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Best_of_Trucking_Advice Transportation Management (TMS) - https://www.bulktms.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Best_of_Trucking_Advice Permitting- https://www.bulkloads.com/tools/permitting/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Best_of_Trucking_Advice

    30 min
  7. 12/22/2025

    Do you actually know what the Department of Ag does?

    Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn joins Jared for a deep dive into the realities of modern farming, livestock operations, rural policy, and how government programs actually impact producers on the ground. Whether you're a farmer, livestock producer, trucker, ag student, grain hauler, or rural leader, this episode gives you a front-row seat to the conversations shaping agriculture today. Chris shares her personal story of growing up in Missouri ag, running a diversified family farm, and balancing life between Jefferson City and the home operation. She breaks down federal aid programs, drought relief, weights & measures, livestock transportation rules, and how technology has transformed production agriculture in the last 20 years. If you want to understand where Missouri agriculture is right now — and where it's headed — this episode is a must-watch. 🔥 TOPICS COVERED • The role of the Missouri Department of Agriculture • How federal disaster & bridge payments actually work • Challenges facing today's farmers: land access, financing, regulations, labor • Missouri's diverse ag landscape: cattle, row crops, cotton, peanuts, poultry & more • The future of family farms and generational transition • Technology's impact on modern farming • How MoDOT & Ag collaborate on trucking weight limits and hauling regulations • Livestock transportation, inspections, and state-federal partnerships • How small farms can use "Missouri Grown" for marketing & business growth • The rising age of farmers — and what the next generation needs 🚜 WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR ✔️ Farmers & ranchers ✔️ Agriculture students (FFA & 4H shout-out!) ✔️ Truckers and bulk haulers serving the ag industry ✔️ Missouri rural advocates & policymakers ✔️ Anyone who wants to understand real-world agriculture 🏆 ABOUT CHRIS CHINN • Missouri Director of Agriculture since 2017 • Lifelong farmer & livestock producer • Operates a diversified hog, cattle, corn, soybean & hay operation • Advocate for rural communities, youth programs, and practical regulatory reform 📌 RESOURCES MENTIONED Missouri Department of Agriculture 👉 https://agriculture.mo.gov Missouri Grown Program 👉 https://agriculture.mo.gov/mogrown   Timestamp: 00:00 "Balancing Farm Life and Opportunity" 05:29 "Diverse Agriculture Across Regions" 09:11 Supporting Next-Gen Farmers' Access 10:19 "USDA Bridge Payments Explained" 14:29 "Missouri Transportation Collaboration Explained" 18:27 Balancing Controversy in Agriculture 23:00 Evolving Family Farm Legacy 24:36 "Missouri Grown: Supporting Local Farms"   Tickets for 2026 Bulk Freight Conference: https://www.bulkfreightconference.com/?utm_source=Libsyn&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=MDA   BulkLoads: https://www.bulkloads.com/?utm_source=Libsyn&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=MDA Smart Freight Funding: https://www.bulkloads.com/tools/quick-pay/?utm_source=Libsyn&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=MDA Bulk TMS: https://www.bulktms.com/?utm_source=Libsyn&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=MDA Insurance: https://www.bulkloads.com/tools/insurance/?utm_source=Libsyn&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=MDA Permitting: https://www.bulkloads.com/tools/permitting/?utm_source=Libsyn&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=MDA

    27 min
  8. 10/30/2025

    BLHow Iowa 80 Truck Stop Became a Haven for Drivers Across the Nation

    In this episode, Jared Flinn sits down with Ben Huston from the Iowa 80 Group — home of the World's Largest Truck Stop — to talk about the incredible history behind Iowa 80, how the company supports America's truck drivers, and what makes their locations in Walcott, IA, Joplin, MO, and Kenly, NC a home away from home for drivers across the country. Ben shares stories from his journey in the trucking world, the legacy of the Moon family who started it all, and what it takes to run a truck stop with 900 parking spaces, 24 showers, and nine restaurants — all designed with drivers in mind. Plus, hear about the exciting new partnership between BulkLoads and Iowa 80 offering major fuel savings (up to 70–80¢/gallon) through the BulkLoads Fuel Card, along with discounts at Truckomat washouts and CAT Scale locations nationwide. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/onji5492wbg 🚛 Topics Covered: The history and growth of Iowa 80 and the Truckers Jamboree Why safe, legal truck parking matters now more than ever Iowa 80's approach to trucker comfort, amenities, and safety The BulkLoads Fuel Card partnership and exclusive savings The importance of driver relationships and community in trucking Hopper bottom washouts and the challenges of keeping them certified 🎙️ Guest: Ben Huston, Iowa 80 Group 📍 Locations: Walcott, IA | Joplin, MO | Kenly, NC 💬 Host: Jared Flinn, BulkLoads #Trucking #BulkLoads #Iowa80 #TruckersJamboree #FuelCard #TruckStop #TruckerLife #Transportation #Logistics #BulkHauling 2026 Bulk Freight Conference: https://2026bulkfreightconference.eventify.io/t2/tickets/FB5585,A56D8E?affiliation=web&utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=I-80_Podcast   Timestamp: 00:00 "Affordable Model Production Challenges" 03:15 "Teen's Journey into Trucking" 08:05 "Driver-Friendly Truck Stop Focus" 09:33 "Ultimate Truck Stop Experience" 14:51 Truck Stop Planning Essentials 18:54 Fuel Savings Program Partnership 20:07 TA Petro Partnership Progress 25:01 Driver Preferences Over Fuel Savings 27:26 "Kinley Truck Stop Acquisition" 31:52 "Truck Show and Education" 33:41 Massive Joplin Truck Show 36:36 Certified Washouts for Hopper Bottoms 41:50 Hopper Washout Compliance Challenges . . . Check out our companies! BulkLoads - https://www.bulkloads.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=I-80_Podcast Insurance - https://www.bulkinsurancegroup.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=I-80_Podcast Factoring - https://www.smartfreightfunding.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=I-80_Podcast Transportation Management (TMS) - https://www.bulktms.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=I-80_Podcast Permitting- https://www.bulkloads.com/tools/permitting/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=I-80_Podcast Fuel Card- https://bulkloadsfuel.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=I-80_Podcast

    44 min
4.8
out of 5
38 Ratings

About

A trucking podcast that covers all aspects of bulk freight trucking. Hosted by Jared Flinn, owner of multiple trucking-related businesses. Jared brings on a new guest weekly to discuss technology, innovation, safety & compliance, insurance, trucking success stories, and much more related to the bulk freight trucking industry. This podcast hits on all aspects of the industry, our audience includes bulk haulers, shippers, brokers, merchandisers, farmers, and more. Check out our related businesses for bulk freight: BulkLoads - www.bulkloads.com Bulk Insurance Group - www.bulkinsurancegroup.com Smart Freight Funding - www.smartfreightfunding.com Transportation Management (TMS) - https://www.bulktms.com/ Permitting- https://www.bulkloads.com/tools/permitting/

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