POLL: What was your level of mechanical experience when you started as an owner-op?

Aug 21, 2017

loves-maintenance

Clifford C. Hay Inc. owns six trucks, with four operating on a day-to-day basis. Some of the small fleet's trucks are shown here parked up in front of the fleet's current shop in Cobleskill, New York.

Rising from the ashes: Small fleet Clifford C. Hay Inc. thrives 15 years after devastating fire

After taking over the family business in 1999 as a one-truck operation, Clifford Hay II built the fleet to the six trucks and 30 trailers it has today, showing plenty resiliency and commitment to customers. His fleet's a 2025 Small Fleet Champ semi-finalist.

Jackson Brosmore

Don't judge the next-generation book by its cover: CDL training for the future

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

Screenshot 2025 09 09 At 4 11 21 Pm

FMCSA cancels sexual assault study 'focused on DEI' and 'transgender ideology'

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

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

Partners in Business Issue Cover