In Episode 15 of The Miles and Mentors Podcast, host Alex Powers sits down with Jeff Swenson, founder of Linehaul Station. Jeff discusses his vision to transform trucking terminals across the nation, offering a fresh and dignified experience for drivers. With a unique background in real estate, Jeff shares how he identified the outdated state of trucker facilities and developed a solution that provides safe, comfortable, and fully equipped stops for truckers—far beyond the typical truck stop.

Jeff's Linehaul Station model introduces a new approach with shared-space terminals, complete with private lounges, maintenance services, and secure parking. His goal is to create a welcoming environment that enhances drivers’ well-being, improves operational efficiency, and addresses the challenges of driver shortages and retention.

Episode Timestamps

• 01:10 – Jeff's journey into logistics and the idea behind Linehaul Station

• 05:30 – The current state of driver lounges and the need for improvement

• 12:45 – Membership benefits and code of conduct at Linehaul Station

• 20:00 – How shared-space terminals support smaller carriers

• 25:40 – Expanding driver recruitment and retention through improved facilities

• 30:15 – Sustainable practices and the future of electric trucks

• 39:50 – Long-term vision for Linehaul Station and nationwide expansion

Guest Contact Info
Jeff Swenson
Linehaul Station
Website: www.linehaulstation.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-swenson-2744606/

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Stay connected with The Miles and Mentors Podcast for more impactful episodes! Follow us on social media for real-life advice and insights from industry professionals who have “put in the miles” and are here to mentor you.

Website: www.milesandmentorspodcast.com
Facebook: facebook.com/milesandmentors
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast

In Episode 14 of The Miles and Mentors Podcast, Alex Powers sits down with Kameel Gaines, CEO of Rig on Wheels, a recruitment and retention agency in the trucking industry. Kameel shares her remarkable journey, from starting her business solo to building a diverse, inclusive team dedicated to matching drivers with the right companies. She reflects on the early days, including the sacrifices made to keep her business thriving, and delves into the crucial topics of driver recruitment, retention, and diversity initiatives that elevate the trucking industry.

Throughout the episode, Kameel offers valuable insights on how she navigated the challenges of growing a business, the importance of matching the right drivers to the right companies, and why diversity and inclusion are essential for industry growth. This episode is filled with actionable advice and inspiration for drivers, recruiters, and anyone interested in making a lasting impact within the trucking and logistics space.

Episode Timestamps:
01:00 – Introduction to Kameel Gaines and Rig on Wheels
04:15 – What brought Kameel to the trucking industry
07:30 – Overcoming challenges as a solo entrepreneur
12:45 – The importance of building the right team
16:20 – Matching drivers to company culture for long-term success
22:05 – Kameel’s perspective on diversity, equity, and inclusion in trucking
28:45 – The impact of mentorship on driver retention
32:10 – Advice for new drivers on building a sustainable career
36:00 – Kameel’s approach to mentorship and the value of community

Guest Contact Info: Kameel Gaines
Rig on Wheels

Phone: (281) 968-3100
Website: https://www.rigonwheels.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kameel-gaines-rig-on-wheels/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RigOnWheels

Discover More About The Miles and Mentors Podcast
Stay connected with The Miles and Mentors Podcast for more inspiring episodes! Follow us on social media to hear from industry professionals who have “put in the miles” and are here to mentor you.

Website: www.milesandmentorspodcast.com
Facebook: facebook.com/milesandmentors
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast

In Episode 13 of The Miles and Mentors Podcast, Alex Powers interviews Tierra Allen, also known as "The Sassy Trucker." Known for her powerful presence across TikTok and YouTube, Tierra shares her inspiring journey from nursing to trucking and the unique challenges she has faced as a female driver. With a mission to mentor others, Tierra opens up about how social media helped her overcome the isolation of long-haul driving and connect with a community of aspiring truckers.

Tierra discusses what it’s like to break stereotypes, the safety concerns unique to women in the industry, and her long-term goals to build her own business and encourage more women to pursue careers in trucking. This episode is filled with powerful advice for both new and experienced drivers, as well as anyone looking to take control of their career path.

Episode Timestamps:

• 01:15 – Tierra’s journey from nursing to trucking

• 04:10 – Overcoming gender stereotypes in a male-dominated industry

• 08:05 – Using social media to combat isolation and connect with others

• 12:20 – Safety tips for female truck drivers

• 16:30 – The challenges of balancing content creation with life on the road

• 20:45 – Tierra’s five-year plan and goals for the future

• 25:50 – Thoughts on technology’s impact on the trucking industry

• 29:30 – The value of mentorship and Tierra’s role as a mentor for other female drivers

• 33:15 – Advice for those considering a career in trucking

Guest Contact Info: Tierra Allen
“The Sassy Trucker”

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SassyTruckerr
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sassy.trucker
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSassyTrucker
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sasssy.trucker

Discover More About The Miles and Mentors Podcast Stay connected with The Miles and Mentors Podcast for more inspiring episodes! Follow us on social media to hear from industry professionals who have “put in the miles” and are here to mentor you.

Website: www.milesandmentorspodcast.com
Facebook: facebook.com/milesandmentors
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast

In Episode 12 of The Miles and Mentors Podcast, Alex Powers interviews Rob Carpenter, an expert in transportation, risk management, and compliance. Known as “The DOT Guy,” Rob shares his journey from driver to fleet owner, broker, and compliance adviser. He provides invaluable advice for drivers, fleet owners, and transportation companies on building defensible risk programs, managing capital, and navigating regulatory challenges.

Rob discusses the importance of understanding the full business side of the transportation industry, the capital requirements often overlooked by new fleet owners, and how to protect businesses from potential risks through continuous monitoring and compliance strategies. He shares his thoughts on technology’s role in optimizing fleet operations and highlights the critical need for mentorship at every stage of a logistics career.

This episode is packed with actionable insights for those navigating the complexities of the trucking industry, whether you're a new driver, a fleet owner, or someone managing compliance at scale.

Episode Timestamps:
01:20 – Rob’s journey from driver to fleet owner, broker, and compliance adviser
04:15 – The realities of managing capital as a fleet owner
08:35 – The importance of risk management and compliance in the trucking industry
12:45 – Key steps to developing a defensible risk program for new fleet owners
16:25 – How telematics and fleet intelligence systems can optimize operations
20:30 – Managing compliance for multi-DOT numbered fleets
25:15 – Tips for new drivers on career growth and safety
28:40 – The future of transportation: Autonomous trucks and safety compliance
33:10 – Rob’s key takeaway from a personal experience that shaped his approach to compliance

Guest Contact Info:
Rob Carpenter
Truck Safe Consulting

Websites:
https://trucksafe.com/
https://carpentercompliance.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-carpenter-cds-cdm-e-74500977/

Discover More About The Miles and Mentors Podcast
Stay updated with The Miles and Mentors Podcast for more insightful episodes! Follow us on social media to never miss an episode. We bring you real-life advice and insights from industry professionals who have put in the miles and are here to mentor you.

Website: www.milesandmentorspodcast.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/milesandmentors
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast

Interested in being a guest on the show or sponsoring an episode? Reach out to us at milesandmentors@gmail.com. Join us on this journey and become part of a community dedicated to growth and success in the logistics and trucking industry.

In Episode 11 of The Miles and Mentors Podcast, we sit down with Matt Anness, President of Operations at Trio Incorporated, to discuss his fascinating path through the logistics industry. Matt shares his expertise in offshore staffing solutions, the evolution of his career, and the vital importance of documenting processes for company growth. He dives into how his company stabilizes high turnover and streamlines operations for trucking companies, brokerages, and beyond.

Matt touches on his early challenges in transitioning to logistics, the lessons he learned from drivers, and the need for businesses to embrace change. He also shares practical insights on scaling from an owner-operator to a larger fleet, the importance of mentorship, and the power of putting processes on paper to ensure success. Whether you're a new owner-operator or managing a fleet, Matt’s deep understanding of the logistics world provides valuable guidance for growth and efficiency.

Join us for a conversation packed with actionable strategies, industry insights, and advice on leveraging offshore staffing to scale operations and improve business efficiency.

Episode Timestamps:
01:07 – Matt’s journey from unemployment to the logistics industry
03:30 – Founding Trio Incorporated and focusing on stabilizing high turnover
06:45 – The importance of outsourcing and how it benefits logistics companies
09:30 – Early challenges as an account manager at TAFS
12:00 – Learning from drivers and evolving roles in logistics
15:20 – The importance of mentorship and asking the right questions
18:45 – Scaling a trucking company: Documentation and process efficiency
22:15 – Building a scalable offshore staffing model for logistics
25:40 – Advice for new trucking companies: Planning, identity, and customer base
29:00 – The impact of technology and automation in the future of logistics
33:30 – Final thoughts: Urgency, mentorship, and embracing change

Guest Contact Info: Matt Anness, Trio Incorporated
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-anness-9219672b/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mytrioservicesinc
Website: https://www.mytrioservices.com/

Discover More About The Miles and Mentors Podcast
Stay updated with The Miles and Mentors Podcast for more insightful episodes! Follow us on social media to never miss an episode. We bring you real-life advice and insights from industry professionals who have put in the miles and are here to mentor you.

Website: www.milesandmentorspodcast.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/milesandmentors
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast

Interested in being a guest on the show or sponsoring an episode? Reach out to us at milesandmentors@gmail.com. Join us on this journey and become part of a community dedicated to growth and success in the logistics and trucking industry.

Scaling New Heights in Logistics | Dushawn Falls | Ep 10

In Episode 10 of The Miles and Mentors Podcast, we sit down with Dushawn Falls, the founder of Greenfalls Logistics, to dive deep into his remarkable journey from truck driver to logistics business owner. Dushawn shares his insights on scaling a trucking company, transitioning into brokerage, and the vital lessons he’s learned along the way.

Dushawn talks about the importance of planning your career trajectory, understanding the value of networking, and learning how to build sustainable business models in logistics. He offers candid advice for aspiring truck drivers and business owners, explaining the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including the decision to shift from an owner-operator role to launching a freight brokerage. Whether you're an experienced driver or just starting out, Dushawn's perspective on navigating the trucking industry and business growth is invaluable.

Join us for a conversation filled with actionable tips, lessons on resilience, and the entrepreneurial mindset that has helped Dushawn achieve success in logistics.

Episode Timestamps: 01:10 – Dushawn’s journey from truck driver to logistics business owner

03:45 – Starting in the trucking industry and bypassing college

06:30 – Challenges in early career: Being away from family and learning the ropes

09:45 – Scaling from owner-operator to a trucking company

12:00 – Transitioning from trucking to freight brokerage

15:20 – The importance of mentorship and networking in the logistics industry

18:00 – Building a scalable business model in logistics

20:45 – Advice for aspiring truck drivers and logistics entrepreneurs

23:15 – Key lessons learned: Cash flow, letting go of underperforming employees, and staying humble

26:30 – Why Dushawn shifted to brokerage and how it helped him grow faster

29:00 – Final thoughts: The power of mentorship, resilience, and building relationships

Guest Contact Info: Dushawn Falls, Greenfalls Logistics
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dushawn-falls-129b2a221
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dushawn_falls
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dushawnfalls
Website: https://www.greenfallslogistics.com/

Discover More About The Miles and Mentors Podcast

Stay updated with The Miles and Mentors Podcast for more insightful episodes! Follow us on social media to never miss an episode. We bring you real-life advice and insights from industry professionals who have put in the miles and are here to mentor you.

Website: www.milesandmentorspodcast.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/milesandmentors
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast

Interested in being a guest on the show or sponsoring an episode? Reach out to us at milesandmentors@gmail.com. Join us on this journey and become part of a community dedicated to growth and success in the logistics and trucking industry.

In this episode of The Miles and Mentors Podcast, we sit down with David Stepsky, business development expert at Simple Forwarding. David shares his unique journey from debt consolidation to logistics, highlighting the often misunderstood role of freight forwarding and its vital place in the supply chain.

David dives into the complexities of freight forwarding, clarifying common misconceptions and explaining how his team manages the intricate process of moving goods from point A to point B without owning any ships or trucks. He also addresses industry challenges, including dealing with unreliable carriers, navigating the impact of tariffs, and avoiding the pitfalls of double brokering. David offers valuable insights on why understanding the details and building trust are crucial in logistics, especially for new drivers and carriers.

Join us as David breaks down the essentials of freight forwarding, offers advice for navigating the industry’s hurdles, and shares his perspective on the future of logistics. Whether you're a new driver looking to understand your role in the larger supply chain or an industry veteran, David's expertise and straight-to-the-point advice provide a valuable roadmap.

Episode Timestamps:

01:00 – David’s background: From debt consolidation to logistics
02:45 – What is freight forwarding? Clearing up common misconceptions
05:19 – The importance of price vs. value in the logistics industry
07:30 – Understanding the connection between carriers and freight forwarders
09:16 – Challenges in the industry: Unreliable carriers and the hidden costs
11:01 – Fraud and double brokering: What you need to know
13:15 – Advice for carriers and common industry hurdles
15:30 – The future of logistics: Trends and what to expect in the next decade
18:05 – The impact of tariffs on freight forwarding and the market shift away from China
20:40 – Key takeaways for new drivers and how freight forwarding supports them
23:30 – Final thoughts: Trust, communication, and the details that matter

Guest Contact Info:

David Stepsky, Simple Forwarding
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/david-stepsky-0338a91b2
Schedule a Call: www.calendly.com/davidsletstalk/let-s-chat

Company Website: www.simpleforwarding.com

Discover More About The Miles and Mentors Podcast

Stay updated with The Miles and Mentors Podcast for more insightful episodes! Follow us on social media to never miss an episode. We bring you real-life advice and insights from industry professionals who have put in the miles and are here to mentor you.

Website: www.milesandmentorspodcast.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/milesandmentors
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast

Interested in being a guest on the show or sponsoring an episode? Reach out to us at milesandmentors@gmail.com. Join us on this journey and become part of a community dedicated to growth and success in the logistics and trucking industry.

Episode 8: Shifting Gears: From Trucking to YouTube with Gary Thompson

In this episode of The Miles and Mentors Podcast, we sit down with Gary Thompson, a former truck driver turned YouTube producer. Gary shares his incredible journey from over a million clean accident-free miles on the road to his transition into producing car audio content on YouTube after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

With roots in trucking that began in 2012, Gary’s career took him through CRST, TransAm, and RBX Trucking, where he worked as both a company and lease driver. He opens up about the realities of life on the road, offering practical advice for new drivers, including the importance of time management, staying safe and legal, and why leasing can be a double-edged sword for inexperienced drivers. Now, Gary has shifted his focus to his YouTube channel, Audio Enthusiasts, where he shares his passion for car audio systems with a growing community.

Join us for this insightful episode as Gary reflects on his years in trucking, discusses the challenges and rewards of the industry, and offers valuable mentorship for those just starting their journey behind the wheel. Whether you’re a veteran driver or new to the industry, Gary’s experience and down-to-earth perspective will inspire you.

Episode Timestamps:

01:00 – Gary’s start in trucking and family roots in the industry
03:50 – Transition from warehouse work to driving school at CRST
06:15 – Life as a company driver vs. lease driver: Gary’s experience
08:30 – Managing the stress of paperwork, regulations, and life on the road
10:45 – Practical advice for new drivers: Safety, legalities, and staying ahead
13:00 – The importance of time management and finding parking on the road
15:45 – Gary’s shift from trucking to YouTube after a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis
18:00 – Car audio passion: Gary’s YouTube channel, Audio Enthusiasts
20:15 – Final thoughts: Embrace the journey and the challenges ahead

Discover More About The Miles and Mentors Podcast

Stay updated with The Miles and Mentors Podcast for more insightful episodes! Follow us on social media to never miss an episode. We bring you real-life advice and insights from industry professionals who have put in the miles and are here to mentor you.

• Website: www.milesandmentorspodcast.com

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/milesandmentors

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast

Interested in being a guest on the show or sponsoring an episode? Reach out to us at milesandmentors@gmail.com. Join us on this journey and become part of a community dedicated to growth and success in the trucking industry.