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Heather and Cory Browning didn’t have a five-year plan for building a trucking business. They didn’t have every step mapped out. They didn’t have a perfectly timed business plan or a clear vision of exactly where they would end up. As Heather put it, “We didn’t even have gravel on our path, it was little more than a dirt road.” What they did have was more than 25 years of combined experience in trucking, a willingness to keep working and a belief that there had to be a better way. How Do Drivers Move From Trucking Experience to Business Ownership? The Brownings had already experienced what they thought should have been success in the trucking industry, only to run into many of the same traditional roadblocks that can make turning hard work into long-term business ownership so difficult. When they found Expediter Services, they saw a different possibility, but they didn’t immediately jump in. Cory took the time to build a relationship with ES. One of the things that stood out to him was what wasn’t happening. No one was pushing him to make a decision. That mattered. Instead of being told they needed to act now, Cory was given the opportunity to learn more, ask questions and figure out whether ES was right for them. Eventually, when the timing felt right, he went home and approached Heather. Even then, their journey wasn’t an overnight transformation. It took roughly two years for everything to come together. That patience ultimately led them to the Path to Ownership program, a program Heather viewed as their last shot at creating the successful trucking business they had been working toward. The ES Path to Ownership (PTO) program is designed to help qualified professional drivers build toward truck ownership while gaining real-world experience operating their own trucking business. They took that shot. How the Path to Ownership Program Helped Them Build Their Trucking Business Recently, Heather and Cory completed the PTO program and took ownership of their truck, turning years of experience and persistence into something tangible, a business they could truly call their own. For Heather, one of the most valuable parts of the program was that ownership wasn’t simply something they were preparing for. They were already learning how to do it. “It’s easy to work because by the time the program ends, you’ve already been doing it for a year,” she emphasizes. And maybe that is what makes their story so compelling. The Brownings didn’t start with a paved road. They started with a dirt road, built it up one step at a time, and have found success on their own terms. What Can Other Aspiring Truck Owners Learn From Their Story? They learned. They adjusted. They waited when they needed to wait and moved when the time was right. And eventually, that road led them exactly where they wanted to go. If you are interested in building your own trucking business, reach out to the Expediter Services team to learn more about the opportunities available through ES and how you can begin creating your own path to ownership. Then hear the story straight from Heather and Cory in their full conversation on the most recent episode of the Success In Trucking Podcast.

There are very few universal truths in trucking, but the fact stands that it is one of the few industries that accepts all paths, backgrounds, and experience. Attitude, aptitude, and the right kind of support can put you on the road to success, regardless of starting point. And for Mike and Becky Tucker, getting into trucking, and eventually becoming business owners, wasn’t exactly a straight line. From Manufacturing to Trucking Coming from the manufacturing industry, the Tuckers decided to test the waters in trucking and see where it could take them. After some early experiences that nearly convinced them to leave the industry altogether, they found Expediter Services and discovered a path that gave them something they were looking for: the freedom to build a business of their own. Through ES’s Path To Ownership program, Mike and Becky were able to take that next step toward truck ownership while having a team behind them to help navigate the process. And that independence is one of the things they value most. “You make every decision, ES is just there to back you up,” Mike says. Building a Trucking Business Together Through the course of their journey Mike and Becky have found a rhythm that works well for them. Like most successful teams, they recognize each other’s strengths and allow each other to take the lead on various parts of the business. The freedom and flexibility being the thing that ultimately set them on the road to fleet ownership. But being independent doesn’t mean going it alone. The Tuckers regularly tap into ES’s support teams and the larger ES community for help with everything from maintenance to industry discounts and general business strategy. Having access to people who understand trucking gives them another resource as they continue learning and growing. “They let you run your business how YOU want to run your business,” Becky says. That balance of independence and support has become a big part of the Tuckers’ experience with ES. They have the flexibility to make their own decisions, but they also have a community they can lean on when they need advice, resources or a little extra direction. Growing From Truck Ownership to Fleet Ownership Ready to explore what business ownership could look like for you? Expediter Services offers a variety of opportunities and resources designed to help aspiring fleet owners take the next step. Learn more about the programs, support and opportunities available through ES and see how you can get started on your own path to ownership. Want to hear more of Mike and Becky’s story? Catch their full conversation on the Success In Trucking podcast, where they share more about their journey into trucking, building their business and what they’ve learned along the way.

For many drivers and aspiring entrepreneurs, building a trucking business begins with a simple but intimidating question: What’s the next step? On a recent episode of the Success in Trucking Podcast, we sat down with Marcellus Serpa to explore what that step looked like for him and how it led from a single truck to a 25-truck fleet. Marcellus didn’t come into trucking the traditional way. Originally from Brazil, he had no CDL, no driving experience, and no family ties to the industry. What he did have was early exposure to logistics operations and a mindset rooted in planning. Before committing to ownership, Marcellus spent significant time researching the industry and building a business plan designed for long-term growth, not quick wins. That plan became his roadmap. Today, Marcellus operates a 25-truck fleet with Panther Premium Logistics, a service of ArcBest, running primarily team operations. Instead of competing in crowded freight lanes, he made a deliberate choice to specialize, focusing on government loads, high-value freight, and specialized shipments where preparation, compliance, and execution matter most. Why Partnerships Matter in Trucking Business Ownership One of the biggest lessons Marcellus shared is how dramatically things change when you are the business owner. Company drivers often have built-in buffers when something goes wrong. Owners don’t. “When you’re running your own business, you have a lot to lose,” Marcellus explained. Breakdowns, cash flow challenges, and unexpected setbacks are part of the journey, and without a safety net, things can quickly snowball. After meeting Expediter Services at a fleet owners meeting, Marcellus turned to ES for truck financing and ongoing support. “The major benefit of partnering with ES is having a high level of support at a very low cost,” he said. “It’s a safety net for when things go wrong, and they will.” Plotting Your Path to Trucking Business Ownership Marcellus reinforced a reality familiar to many listeners of the podcast: driving is only one piece of the puzzle. Operations, planning, and problem-solving are what ultimately move a business forward, regardless of your background or experience level. Want to hear the full conversation? Tune in to Marcellus Serpa’s episode of the Success in Trucking Podcast to learn more about his journey and strategy. If you’re considering ownership or thinking about growing your fleet, the Expediter Services team is ready to help you explore your options, call us at (877) 349-9303 to start the conversation.

For Expediter Services community members Maxwell Belin and Jalyssa Campbell, trucking isn’t just a career, it’s family. Growing up around drivers, both Maxwell and Jalyssa saw firsthand how the industry could provide stability and opportunity. Following in the footsteps of family members they both spent time behind the wheel of buses, but eventually found themselves wanting more control over their time, income, and future. Trucking offered that next step, one they decided to take together. From Family Roots to the Trucking Industry As a brother-sister team with Forward Air, they’ve built a rhythm that goes beyond simply sharing miles. Alternating driving shifts, they keep each other moving forward, literally and figuratively. While their time together in the cab may be brief between handoffs, their bond shows up in the trust, humor, and support they bring to the road every day. Why They Left a Traditional Lease Purchase Program That support became even more important after a tough experience in a traditional lease-purchase program early in their journey. Facing inconsistent income and financial strain, they made the decision to step away, but not alone. Through a connection on the road, they discovered ES and its Path to Ownership (PTO) program, giving them a second chance to pursue their goals the right way. By taking advantage of ES’s “try it before you buy it” approach, Maxwell and Jalyssa rebuilt their confidence and their business. Today, they enjoy consistent earnings, operational support during challenges, and the flexibility to prioritize family when it matters most. What “Never Stand Alone” Looks Like on the Road Their story is a powerful reminder of what it means to Never Stand Alone. Whether it’s family in the passenger seat or a community backing you every mile, success in trucking is stronger when it’s shared. Ready to start your own journey? Learn how the ES Path to Ownership program can help you start and grow your trucking business with real support every mile. And to hear Maxwell and Jalyssa tell their story in their own words, tune in to the full episode of the Success In Trucking Podcast.

Making the leap from company driver to owner-operator or fleet owner is one of the most exciting, and demanding, moves in a trucking career. In the latest episode of the Success in Trucking Podcast, Expediter Services sat down with Leah Shaver, President and CEO of the National Transportation Institute (NTI), to talk candidly about what drivers should expect when they decide to take control of their future. Shaver emphasizes that too many drivers focus on the view from the top without mapping the route to get there. “It’s like climbing Mt. Everest,” she stresses. “But in this case, you are the sherpa, the climb is long, and the hill is steep.” Company drivers often have built-in safety nets if something goes wrong. As an owner operator, those protections disappear, which makes planning, not just ambition, essential to making the climb sustainable. The Financial and Professional Reality of Ownership One of the first waypoints is understanding the financial shift ahead. Moving from a steady paycheck to pay-for-work-performed changes how you think about cash flow, especially when taxes, insurance, and equipment costs enter the picture. Benefits that once came standard, like health insurance or time off, become part of the planning you need to do before you ever start the ascent. Another critical checkpoint is your professional history. “Fleets don’t just evaluate the truck; they evaluate the driver behind the wheel,” she highlighted during the conversation. Safety records, qualifications, and work history all travel with you, and in today’s risk-conscious environment, they carry significant weight. A strong safety record helps clear the path forward, while gaps or red flags can make the climb steeper than expected. Charting Your Course to Ownership Owning the wheel is possible, but success starts with knowing the climb ahead and surrounding yourself with the right support system. Expediter Services members have access to tools designed to reduce risk and build confidence, like try-before-you-buy programs, fully vetted partner motor carriers, and financing options that focus on attitude, aptitude, work history, and work ethic, not just credit score. Tune in to this episode of the Success in Trucking Podcast at the top of this article to hear the full discussion, and explore the rest of the “Are You Ready to Own the Wheel?” series for real-world guidance from industry leaders who understand what it takes to make the journey from driver to owner. To learn more about owner-operator programs and ownership options, call (877) 349-9303 to speak with our team.

What does it take to become a successful fleet owner in today’s trucking industry? We asked Andy and Linda Dixon to answer that question in this edition of the podcast. Andy and Linda have been part of the ES Community for several years and they have built their small company into a small fleet of nine trucks. Through this episode, Andy and Linda provide a wealth of sound advice for anyone considering getting started as owner-operators and owning your own fleet. This discussion is highlighted with Andy and Linda sharing their thoughts on how the support they have received from being a part of the ES Community has helped them to grow their business. Whether you’re an aspiring owner-operator or an experienced fleet owner, the insights shared in this episode can help as you look at future possibilities within the industry.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this edition of the podcast, we will be revisiting the July 15th webinar event that ES hosted. The session was entitled Strategies & Support You Need To Achieve Long-Term Success In Trucking. David Withers, the Senior Director of Operations & Recruiting at ES, provided a number of insights on what’s happening in today’s market that can help owner-operators, independent contractors and fleet owners during the webinar. Leah Shaver, the President and CEO of the National Transportation Institute, served as the moderator of the webinar. As you’ll hear, the conversation that Leah had with David covered several key topics of interest for trucking entrepreneurs, including how building a strong support network, staying prepared, and trusting the process play key roles in placing independent contract drivers and owner-operators in a position to thrive.