Harlen, Iowa, resident Jim Behrens’ 2005 Freightli

Overdrive Staff

Oct 5, 2011

Harlen, Iowa, resident Jim Behrens’ 2005 Freightliner Classic XL rarely leaves his corn and soybean farm. The truck is powered by a 640-hp Caterpillar and a 13-speed transmission.

MRL Transport owner Mark Ledford today hauls direct freight outbound for customers in part built from his years of ownership of another fleet, since sold after years of growth. MRL in some ways is Ledford's effort to right-size a business for his life today.

Right-sizing for management: MRL Transport owner Mark Ledford hits five trucks

Ledford got his start trucking after working a dock where his manager said Ledford would never drive truck. Not only would he drive, he'd grow a fleet well beyond 30 trucks before selling out. MRL Transport is his second turn in the barrel, and Ledford's hit a profitability sweet spot.

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Small-biz trucking success, with family assist: The woman behind owner-operator Jason Shelly

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FMCSA, other agencies update timelines for bevy of in-progress regs

The Small Fleet Championship's title belts are on the line for this year's competition, both to be delivered to a final winner in two categories after the final round October 23 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Meet Overdrive's 2025 Small Fleet Champ semi-finalists

Garmin Dash Cams - Powerful & Discreet - Capture every detail with Garmin Clarity HDR optics, premium HD, and wide 140 degree view.

Garmin Dash Cams - Powerful & Discreet - Capture every detail with Garmin Clarity HDR optics, premium HD, and wide 140 degree view.

Small-biz trucking success, with family assist: The woman behind owner-operator Jason Shelly

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