Steve Vest, founder of Nationwide Equipment Transportation, shares his journey from growing up in a trucking family to running a successful brokerage based in Kansas City. With over 20 years in business, Steve reflects on how the logistics industry has changed dramatically, especially in recent years with the rise of technology, remote work, and fraud. He explains how a viral moment on TikTok unexpectedly expanded his influence and turned him into an educator for newer carriers and owner-operators navigating the early stages of their businesses. Steve emphasizes the importance of planning, reputation management, and long-term thinking when starting in trucking. He offers practical advice on dealing with issues like double brokering, the misuse of Carrier411, and working with factoring companies. Throughout the episode, he warns against growing too quickly without the cash to back it up and stresses the dangers of working with unknown dispatch services that may be involved in fraud. Steve also touches on how AI and automation are already reshaping the logistics landscape and encourages owner-operators to embrace technology rather than avoid it. He advocates for continuous learning through free resources like podcasts and social media and credits mentorship, both giving and receiving, as a key part of his growth. Above all, Steve promotes integrity, transparency, and long-term strategy over shortcuts or quick wins in an industry where mistakes can be costly and lasting.
