4th Generation Trucker Running a Family Legacy Business | Ep 34

In this episode of The Miles and Mentors Podcast, host and guest dive deep into the lived experience of Jason Reed, President and CEO of Reed Fuel and Trucking, a fourth-generation family-run business operating out of Eugene, Oregon. With a legacy that dates back to 1940, Jason shares his unique upbringing in the trucking industry, where he was groomed from the age of six to take the reins of the company. Throughout the episode, he offers a rare, unfiltered look into the inner workings of a 40-truck fleet that runs 24/7, double-shifting every vehicle to meet the nonstop demands of hauling residuals from local sawmill operations. This is more than just a logistics podcast—it is a practical education for anyone in or entering the trucking business, whether you’re a current CDL school student, an aspiring owner operator, or a seasoned fleet owner.

Jason breaks down the day-to-day responsibilities of managing a mid-sized fleet, highlighting the importance of operational planning, financial forecasting, and preventive maintenance. He explains how his company successfully transitioned out of flatbed operations during the 2008 recession and focused solely on high-demand chip hauling, becoming a reliable partner in an unforgiving supply chain environment. Listeners will gain valuable insights into what it takes to not only sustain but grow a trucking business without cutting corners—something especially important for new trucking business owners navigating unpredictable markets.

He also discusses modern challenges such as driver recruitment, managing newer truck technologies, emissions issues, and adapting to changing work ethics. His hands-on leadership style, combined with a sharp understanding of business fundamentals, makes this episode a powerful resource for anyone looking to build a sustainable, service-oriented fleet. Jason emphasizes the need to know your numbers, maintain transparent relationships with customers and banks, and implement standard operating procedures even when you’re a one-truck operation. This episode serves as a mentorship session packed with hard-earned lessons and strategic advice that listeners won’t find in a textbook. If you’re serious about growing in the trucking industry, this is a must-listen.