Success In Trucking Podcast Powered By ES

Expediter Services
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Powered By ES, a leader in ownership opportunities and capacity solutions within the trucking industry, the Success In Trucking Podcast offers helpful insights and valuable perspectives for owner-operators, independent contractors and fleet owners.

  1. APR 14

    How to Build a Trucking Fleet: Andy and Linda Dixon’s Ownership Journey

    Fleet ownership rarely follows a straight line. In a recent interview, we sat down with Andy and Linda Dixon of A&L Trucking LLC to talk about their winding journey into trucking and how persistence, planning, and partnership helped them build a nine-truck fleet. Andy’s introduction to trucking was anything but traditional. He started his career as a plumber before taking a job delivering auto parts in a van. Looking for ways to increase revenue, he moved into a box truck, learning the business side of trucking as he went.  He entered Expediter Services’ Path to Ownership program with his brother, and while the business showed early success, circumstances changed when his brother became sick. Andy found himself running the operation largely on his own. At the time, Linda was still working as a teacher, supporting Andy while balancing her own career. When Linda retired, the Dixons made a deliberate decision to approach trucking differently. Instead of reacting to opportunities, they created a plan. Partnering with Expediter Services, Andy and Linda set a clear goal: grow to five trucks in five years. Today, A&L Trucking oversees a fleet of nine trucks, a reflection of steady, intentional growth. Using the Right Resources to Grow a Trucking Business For the Dixons, working with ES was about more than just financing. “The level of service is way beyond what any carrier provides for their community members,” Andy emphasized. From day one, they felt supported by ES’s Never Stand Alone philosophy, a commitment they say played a key role in their success and a promise that they’ve extended to their own drivers. Their advice to drivers considering ownership is straightforward and grounded in experience. You don’t need unlimited startup capital, but you do need a solid plan and the humility to take advice. Mistakes will happen, and when they do, don’t be afraid to pivot. Andy and Linda Dixon’s story is proof that there’s more than one on-ramp into fleet ownership. What matters most is learning from the past, planning for the future, and surrounding yourself with partners who want to see you succeed. Want to hear the full conversation? Tune in to Andy and Linda Dixon’s interview as part of the Success in Trucking Podcast, series to hear more about their journey and lessons learned along the way. Building a successful trucking fleet doesn’t happen by accident, it starts with the right strategy and the right support. If you’re considering fleet ownership or thinking about your next step, the Expediter Services team is here to help you explore your options. Reach out to ES today at (877) 349-9303 to start a conversation about what your path to ownership could look like.

    27 min

  2. MAR 2

    From Driver to Owner: Ready to Get Your Finances in Gear? The Trucker CFO Can Help!

    Building a Strong Financial Foundation for Owner-Operator Success In our next installment of the Are You Ready To Own the Wheel? series, we’re talking about a topic that can make or break your success as an owner-operator—your finances. To round out the series, Colton Lawrence, The Trucker CFO, joined the Success In Trucking Podcast to dig into what it really takes to build a strong financial foundation for your business. Shift Your Mindset: From Driver to Business Owner For Colton, the first step is the most important, you first have to shift your mindset. “It’s more than just driving,” he says. “You’re running a business now.” That shift changes how you think about everything from planning and budgeting to how you handle the unexpected. Because in trucking, the unexpected is guaranteed. Rates change, repairs happen, and no two weeks look exactly the same. That’s why having a plan, and sticking to it, is so important. Create a Business Plan That Drives You Forward Once you’re thinking like an owner operator, it’s time to time to think through and formulate your business plan. What do you want to accomplish in your first year? Where do you want to be in five? What type of equipment am I going to run? Where will I find loads? Having those answers upfront gives you direction when things get tough. From there, it’s about structure and preparation. This includes choosing the right business entity, setting money aside for maintenance, and planning for quarterly taxes. It might not sound exciting, but that kind of preparation helps you stay steady when the road gets bumpy. “Too many drivers treat it like a job,” Colton says. “The successful ones plan, adapt, and learn.” Think Long-Term: Trucking Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint Rather than treating it like a sprint, consider your business journey a marathon. Yes there should be milestones, and you should celebrate small victories, but like everything in trucking there will be ebbs and flows. Starting your own trucking business is a big step, but with the right plan, the right mindset, and the right support system, the sky is the limit. If you feel that you are ready to forge ahead, connect with the ES team at (877) 349-9303 to learn about the programs and opportunities available to our community members. Catch the full conversation with Colton Lawrence, The Trucker CFO, on the latest episode of the Success In Trucking Podcast, including Colton’s do’s and don’ts for first time owner operators.

    27 min

  3. FEB 16

    From Driver to Owner: Making Smart Equipment Decisions in Today’s Trucking Market

    Why the Equipment You Choose Matters If you’re thinking about taking the next step toward ownership, one of the biggest choices you’ll make is the equipment you run. As Danny Vernon, Director of Truck Sales at Expediter Services (ES), shared in the latest Success in Trucking Podcast episode, that decision can shape your business long before you even turn the key. “The truck you choose, and how you choose to finance it, can make or break your success as an owner-operator,” Danny explained. “Get it right, and you’re setting yourself up for stability. Get it wrong, and the costs can start eating at your profits before you ever hit the road.” The Financial Realities of Truck Ownership In today’s market, that’s especially true. Open-market financing for equipment is tougher than ever, with higher barriers to entry such as strict credit requirements and 20–25% down payments. Danny points out that for many, it’s not as simple as walking into a dealership and driving off the lot. “If you don’t have an established relationship, those doors can be hard to open,” he said. That’s where ES comes in. How Expediter Services Opens the Door to Ownership Through ES Truck Sales and our many programs, including our Path to Ownership (PTO) program, non-traditional lease purchase program, and traditional financing, we’ve built the relationships that give operators access to equipment and financing opportunities that might otherwise be a long stretch or completely out of reach. Our approach is built on relationship lending. ES takes the time to understand your business goals, your experience, and where you want to go. It’s about finding a path that works for you and then traveling with you; not just checking a box on a credit form. For more insight on how market conditions impact owner-operators, check out our post on Navigating the Current Freight Market: Tips for Owner-Operators and Small Fleet Owners. This episode also features a helpful FAQ discussion that answers some of the most common questions aspiring owners have about purchasing and financing equipment. If you’re ready to explore ownership, don’t go it alone. Connect with our team at (877) 349-9303 to learn more about our many programs designed to help drivers like you take the next step with confidence and support every mile of the way.

    37 min

  4. JAN 28

    Making 2026 A Year of Opportunity Within Today’s Trucking Landscape

    For our first episode of 2026, we spent some time talking about new starts in a new year as well as what’s happening within today’s trucking landscape. Our guest is David Withers, the Senior Director of Operations and Recruiting at ES. As you will hear, we focused our conversation with David by discussing opportunities for change where you have a strong sense of control, and making sure that you are well positioned for your best success in trucking.

    27 min

  5. 12/15/2025

    Own the Wheel: What Are The Initial Considerations To Make The Transition To Truck Ownership?

    With this episode of the podcast, we are beginning a special series designed to help anyone thinking about moving into truck ownership or expanding your current fleet. We will be bringing you expert perspectives from both the team at ES and vendors who are a part of the ES Community who will be helping us to explore the wide range of considerations that are a part of making the transition into truck ownership and starting your trucking business. For Part 1, ES Senior Director of Operations and Recruiting David Withers joins us to discuss what you need to consider when first thinking about making the transition to become an owner-operator.

    34 min

  6. 09/15/2025

    Celebrating National Truck Driver Appreciation Week

    Each September, the trucking industry pauses to shine a light on the men and women who keep America moving. National Driver Appreciation Week is more than just a date on the calendar, it’s a chance to recognize the incredible contributions professional drivers make every day. At Expediter Services (ES), we are especially proud to honor the members of our community who exemplify hard work, resilience, and dedication. Professional drivers are the backbone of the U.S. economy. As Jason Williams, President and CEO of ES, shared recently on the Success In Trucking Podcast, this week “brings visibility to one of the most important professions in the national economy.” From stocking grocery shelves to delivering critical supplies, drivers play a role in nearly every aspect of daily life. And yet, their job is far from easy. Trucking means working in an environment that changes constantly. Drivers face shifting schedules, long hours, unpredictable weather, and the unique challenges of coordinating with shippers, receivers, and the general public. Despite all of this, they continue to deliver, literally, for the rest of us. That dedication is exactly why, as Jason emphasized, “Driver Appreciation Week is not just a marketing scheme. It is a meaningful opportunity to stop and say thank you.” At ES, we echo that gratitude wholeheartedly. We know the sacrifices that go into a life on the road, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that the members of our community Never Stand Alone. Whether through equipment, services, or ongoing support, our mission has always been to stand shoulder to shoulder with independent contractors, owner-operators, and fleet owners as they navigate the demands of this industry. We invite you to hear more from Jason Williams by listening to his full conversation on the Success In Trucking Podcast. His words offer perspective, gratitude, and a reminder of just how vital drivers are, not only during this week of recognition, but every single day. From all of us at ES: Thank you, drivers. You keep America moving, and you Never Stand Alone.

    22 min

  7. 07/31/2025

    ES Working To Help Entrepreneurs Pursue Their Dreams Despite Market Conditions

    Jeff Tacker from the ES Leadership Team returns to the podcast to continue the conversation on facing the challenges found in today’s trucking market. Jeff serves as the Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Commercial Officer for ES, and he dedicates time on this episode of the podcast to encourage listeners to take action and pursue their dreams in trucking. Jeff talks to us in detail on how the programs at ES are specially designed to provide support for the members of the ES Community. Jeff notes that challenges in trucking are inevitable but manageable. He also shares that it’s important to maintain hope during tough times. As you will hear, Jeff’s experience inside and outside the trucking industry has taught him that resilience is crucial for overcoming obstacles in business, and Jeff shares that success in trucking requires preparation and action. We close the conversation by talking with Jeff about the joy he finds in helping others succeed in their trucking journeys.

    25 min

  8. 07/28/2025

    A Safe Harbor in a Shifting Industry: How ES Is Helping Owner-Operators and Fleet Owners Navigate Tough Times

    Jeff Tacker joins us for this edition of the Success in Trucking Podcast. Part of the company’s Senior Leadership Team as the Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Commercial Officer for ES,  Jeff discusses the challenges faced in today’s market by owner-operators, independent contractors, and small fleet owners in the trucking industry. As you will hear, Jeff offers a number of helpful insights as he walks through the current state of the trucking market and the importance of having a community that can support you as you work to move your trucking business forward. Jeff also discusses the roles of effective cash flow management strategies and effective cost management when operating a trucking business. In talking about what ES can bring to the table for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, Jeff notes the mission of ES is to provide resources and a supportive network for those in the trucking business, helping them navigate tough times and achieve success.

    24 min
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Powered By ES, a leader in ownership opportunities and capacity solutions within the trucking industry, the Success In Trucking Podcast offers helpful insights and valuable perspectives for owner-operators, independent contractors and fleet owners.

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