#189. 3 Things I was Dead Wrong About When I Started

#189. 3 Things I was Dead Wrong About When I Started

From Haulin Assets by Motor Carrier HQ

February 19, 2026 · 25 min · Episode 191

About this episode

The episode discusses three major misconceptions about starting a trucking business and the lessons learned from rapid growth and market challenges.

In this episode of Haulin Assets 2.0, we look back at the rapid growth from 1 truck to 12 in just 2.5 years—right before the freight market flipped. What seemed like momentum quickly turned into hard lessons. This episode breaks down the three biggest assumptions that didn’t hold up and how they reshaped the way the business runs today. Top 3 Things I Got Wrong 1. Direct shipper relationships would be easy to land.I thought showing up and doing great work would be enough. In reality, most shippers don’t change carriers unless they have to—and it can take dozens of conversations just to get a shot. 2. Being financially conservative was the main key to success.Important? Absolutely. But it’s not even top three. Strategy, relationships, and timing matter just as much—if not more. 3. Broker freight could carry us long term.Maybe as an owner-operator. Not if you want to grow. Market cycles expose that weakness fast. What’s Changed After growing too fast heading into a freight downturn, the approach shifted: slower, controlled growth, bringing on a partner, and building smarter through market volatility. What to Expect from Haulin Assets 2.0 More energy. More entertaining content. More…

Topics covered

  • business growth
  • freight market
  • entrepreneurship
  • strategy
  • relationships

Keywords

  • trucking
  • business strategy
  • market volatility
  • financial management

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