Tyler Johnston shares how Mercer Transportation has grown and sustained one of the country's most driver-centric models. He'll cover how operational discipline, technology adoption, and a commitment to owner-operator success have shaped their approach to fleet management at scale.

FreightWaves CEO Craig Fuller sits down with the 'OG' of trucking technology, Scott Moscrip, founder and CEO of Truckstop. Returning from retirement to lead the company he started over 30 years ago, Moscrip shares his unique perspective on the evolution of transportation technology and his mission to empower small carriers.

Jason Schaftlein talks about how McLeod Express has built a reputation for reliability and driver loyalty. He'll share the leadership decisions, operational habits, and people-first mindset that separate thriving small carriers from those just getting by.

Thomas Wasson sits down with OOIDA President Todd Spencer to confront the most pressing legislative issues facing owner-operators today. Is the trucking industry truly suffering from a 'driver shortage,' or is the real crisis rooted in a broken training pipeline? Spencer sounds off on CDL schools, English-language proficiency enforcement, and the push for Delilah's Law.

Ingrid Brown brings a unique perspective as both a driver and an operations manager. She'll talk about what drivers actually need, what gets in their way, and how that firsthand experience leads to smarter decisions on the operations side.

Billie Tomic draws on her consulting background to help owner-operators and small carriers get a handle on the business side of things. From financial planning and compliance to building systems that actually hold up as you grow, she covers what they don't teach you in the cab.

Join FreightWaves’ John Kingston for an exclusive fireside chat with David Owen, President of the National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC). In this engaging session, Owen pulls back the curtain on the state of the long-haul trucking industry, sharing exactly how the most resilient small carriers are surviving—and thriving—in a volatile economy.

In this fireside chat, Charles Gracey and CEO Marcia Taylor discuss Bennett Family Company’s journey from a 15-truck fleet with $500 to a global powerhouse. Marcia credits their success to a foundation of faith and the dedication of three generations of family. Growth was driven by niche specialization and listening to customers, such as expanding into the crane business to meet specific needs. Marcia advises small fleets to strictly know their costs and prioritize financial stability over aesthetics like "chrome," which doesn't pay the bills. She distinguishes building a "business" from just having a "job" through purpose and culture. Despite challenges like litigation and tight margins, Marcia remains bullish on the industry’s future.