“It’s all about going up and down the road,” says

Nov 3, 2011

“It’s all about going up and down the road,” says Ray Crandall of Jefferson, Wis., about this 2005 International 8600 he uses for Milwaukee Delivery Service. “There’s no room for toys.” Hence the “Strictly Business” moniker. The truck is powered by a 425-hp Cummins and a 10-speed transmission, hauling furniture and mail in the Midwest.

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

JBL Live Beam 3 - True wireless noise-cancelling earbuds with stick-closed design and Smart Charging Case™

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

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Pride & Polish

Overdrive’s annual Pride & Polish virtual truck show attracts entries from across the nation showcasing show-quality design, mechanical ingenuity and plenty of trucking-business pride. Find recent-history awards shows, in-depth features about the winners, and more.