The moniker of this 1992 Peterbilt 379 was its pre

Oct 12, 2011

The moniker of this 1992 Peterbilt 379 was its previous owner’s CB handle. Jack Handy, who was known as the Shanghai Rooster, passed the truck down to his grandson, current owner Shawn Carroll, who converted it to a tandem dump in 2006, when it also received a full frame repainting and many chrome accessories. The truck has a 13-speed transmission and a 425-hp Caterpillar. Carroll hauls sand and gravel.

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.

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

Trucks Cars Highway Adobe Stock 180348823

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

BlueParrott S650-XT Bluetooth Headset

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

More episodes »

The Business Manual for Owner-Operators

Overdrive editors and ATBS present the industry’s best manual for prospective and committed owner-operators. You’ll find exceptional depth on many issues in the Partners in Business playbook.

Access the Playbook