Fuller Speed Ahead

FreightWaves

Fuller Speed Ahead is FreightWaves CEO Craig Fuller's deep dive interview show with top thought leaders in trucking, freight, supply chain, and FreightTech. Also available on FreightWavesTV

  1. 07/11/2025

    Generation Grit Part 3: Vegas Gambles & Financial Fixes

    Welcome back to Fuller Speed Ahead: Generation Grit! In this gripping third installment, Craig Fuller continues his conversation with his father, Max Fuller, pulling back the curtain on the dramatic mid-1970s era of the family’s trucking empire. This episode is packed with incredible stories from a period of rapid change in American logistics: - Interstate Expansion: Discover how the completion of the interstate system opened up new frontiers for nationwide freight. - Max’s Early Hustle: Hear how a young Max started his own side trucking business, strategically competing for loads and learning the ropes. - Old School Operations: Get a fascinating glimpse into the days of “punch card” computers, manual truck tracking, and the immense trust placed in drivers. - Clyde’s High Stakes: Max reveals his father Clyde’s heavy gambling habits and how his trips to Las Vegas impacted the company’s finances. - The Secret Slush Fund: Learn how Max, as a young accounting student, secretly managed the company’s books and confronted his explosive father to save the business from financial ruin! - Deregulation Anticipation: Understand the excitement and opportunities brought by the impending Motor Carrier Act of 1980. This is a raw, honest, and often hilarious look at the challenges and triumphs of building a trucking dynasty. Max’s financial ingenuity and Clyde’s unforgettable character shine through in this must-watch episode. Don’t miss this crucial chapter in the Fuller family’s “Generation Grit” saga! Follow the Fuller Speed Ahead Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    29 min
  2. 07/04/2025

    Generation Grit Part 2: The 17-Year-Old Trucking Tycoon

    Welcome back to Fuller Speed Ahead: Generation Grit! In Part 2 of our captivating interview, Craig Fuller continues his conversation with his father, Max Fuller, unraveling more incredible stories from the family's deep roots in the trucking industry. This episode picks up where we left off, diving into the aftermath of Clyde Fuller's (Craig's grandfather) notorious legal battles and his ingenious, often audacious, methods for building a trucking empire in a heavily regulated era. Max shares: The surprising twist of the Athens Express company, and how Max's mother bravely navigated its unexpected debt. Clyde's clever pivot to the leasing business and how he continued to find "gray areas" to operate, even after his co-op was shut down. The astonishing tale of Max, at just 17 years old, becoming the registered owner of Southwest Motor Freight – a "shell company" used to acquire precious ICC authority and expand the family's reach across the country. A fascinating glimpse into the "Wild West" logistics of the 1970s, where trucks literally changed door signs mid-route to switch operating authorities! The pivotal moment Max faced an ICC commissioner, interrogated about his role in the rapidly growing, unconventional business. This episode is packed with personal anecdotes, strategic maneuvers, and the sheer grit that defined the early days of American trucking. Discover how the Fuller family navigated legal loopholes and built a network against all odds. Don't miss this thrilling continuation of a true trucking dynasty's origin story! Stay tuned for Part 3 next week as the saga continues! #FullerSpeedAhead #GenerationGrit #TruckingHistory #Logistics #SupplyChain #FreightWaves #FamilyBusiness #MaxFuller #ClydeFuller #ICC #TruckingLegends #Freight #TruckingIndustry #Entrepreneurship #americanhistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    23 min
  3. 06/27/2025

    Generational Grit Part 1: Clyde Fuller & The Dawn of Trucking

    Step back in time to the formative years of the logistics industry! In this episode of “Fuller Speed Ahead,” host Craig Fuller sits down with his father, Max Fuller, to unearth the incredible, often wild, history of their family’s journey in trucking.Part 1 dives deep into the legend of Clyde Fuller – Craig’s grandfather and a true pioneer of long-haul trucking. Max paints a vivid picture of the “Wild West” days before and during the heavily regulated era of the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC). Discover how Clyde, a charismatic “hell-raiser,” navigated a complex landscape, from hauling chickens with one truck to cleverly leveraging “shipper co-ops” to grow his business, often pushing the boundaries of the law. You’ll hear captivating stories about: - The early, highly profitable days of trucking and the respected role of drivers. - The challenges of gaining ICC authority and how Clyde found “gray areas” to operate. - The dramatic real-life events, including a controversial “quickie divorce” and a memorable run-in with a lawyer that landed Clyde (technically) in jail. - How Clyde’s audacious personality shaped his approach to business and life. -This is more than just industry history; it’s a raw, unfiltered look at the grit, determination, and colorful characters that built the foundation of modern logistics. Don’t miss this fascinating glimpse into the origins of a trucking empire! Stay tuned for Part 2 next week, where the story continues! Follow the Fuller Speed Ahead Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    28 min

About

Fuller Speed Ahead is FreightWaves CEO Craig Fuller's deep dive interview show with top thought leaders in trucking, freight, supply chain, and FreightTech. Also available on FreightWavesTV