Throwback: Owner/Operator Rag to Riches

In this throwback episode of Get a Load of This podcast, Join hosts Cameron Pechia, and Thomas Comstock in this episode of Get a Load of This podcast, as they discuss an owner/operator success story with Justin Robbins of 3 Peaks Logistics LLC. They discuss the process of starting a new company as well as how one can be profitable and change their lives within a year.

Episode Highlights:

• Justin discusses his background and how he got into the trucking business. (2:36)
• Justin shares a few of the struggles he had as when he was younger, before getting his CDL. (6:11)
• Justin mentions what his CB handle would be if he had one. (17:11)
• Justin discusses the steps he took to ensure he had the resources to start his own business. (22:59)
• According to Justin, one of the mistakes many drivers make is staying in an area to wait for a load that simply pays for their way back while missing out on several days of revenue in a hot zone. (25:15)
• Justin believes one thing he always encourages drivers to do is to adapt to their location and find out what product is moving from where they are. (26:58)
• Justin explains that any failures or setbacks he experiences just turn into motivation. (28:53)
• Justin explains how, like him, when someone begins a business as an owner-operator, they are generally in the red the first year (33:02)
• Justin explains why he registered 3 Peaks Logistics as an LLC and why business cards registered as an LLC should not be mixed with personal expenses. (33:59)
• Justin recommends that new drivers communicate with other drivers since they could learn something useful from the discussion. (37:57)
• Justin recommends a good tax company and a drug program to new owner-operators. (44:32)
• Justin recommends the drivers to acquire their identification cards from as many places as possible. (56:15)

Key Quotes:

• “One thing I always tell drivers, adapt to your location, find out what product is moving from where you're at, and what you're trying to do.” - Justin Robbins
• “I've been lucky enough to where every move I've made has been forward. I just got that mindset to where I'm not going to be stagnant and I refuse to take steps backwards.” - Justin Robbins
• “Don't go buy yourself a pair of shoes with your business card because once you start mixing your personal with your business, the LLC is out the window.” - Justin Robbins

Resources Mentioned:

• 3 Peaks Logistics LLC
• Cameron Pechia
• Thomas Comstock
• Ryan Young
• Valley Trucking Insurance