Chris Polk | Blue Ribbon Logistical Solutions | Ep 3

In this episode of Miles and Mentors, Chris Polk from Blue Ribbon Logistical Solutions shares his journey through the trucking industry and the hard lessons he learned along the way. With decades of experience as a driver, owner-operator, and now fleet manager, Chris provides a no-nonsense breakdown of what it takes to run a profitable trucking business and avoid the mistakes that cause so many owner-operators to fail.

Chris entered the trucking industry in 1997 at the age of 21, not knowing what to expect. Like many new drivers, he spent years jumping from company to company, trying to find the right fit. After leaving trucking for several years, he returned in 2007 and eventually became an owner-operator, leasing a truck from Anderson Trucking Service before purchasing his own and signing on with Landstar. However, despite being a high-earning driver, he ultimately failed as a business owner due to poor financial planning and a lack of understanding about cost management.

Determined to figure out what went wrong, Chris meticulously reviewed his past financial records, realizing that his downfall wasn’t caused by brokers, regulations, or the market—it was the result of his own decisions. This realization changed his approach entirely, leading him to rebuild his career with a renewed focus on financial discipline and business strategy.

Now, as a fleet manager at Blue Ribbon Logistical Solutions, Chris helps aspiring owner-operators avoid the same pitfalls. He and his team run an 18-month apprenticeship program designed to teach drivers not just how to operate a truck, but how to run a profitable business. The program covers everything from financial management and cost per mile analysis to customer service and contract negotiation.

A key point in the discussion is the misconception that owning a truck automatically means financial freedom. Chris warns that many drivers make the mistake of leasing or purchasing a truck without understanding the full cost of ownership. He emphasizes the importance of tracking expenses, planning for maintenance, and treating trucking as a business, not just a job.

Chris also tackles common myths in the industry, such as the belief that brokers are the enemy or that government regulations are solely to blame for trucking struggles. He argues that success in trucking is about taking full responsibility for one’s business and making informed, strategic decisions rather than looking for external factors to blame.

Looking ahead, Chris sees blockchain technology playing a significant role in reshaping freight transactions, while automation and AI will continue to influence logistics operations. However, he remains skeptical of the widespread implementation of autonomous trucks, believing that human expertise will remain critical in the industry for the foreseeable future.

For new drivers and aspiring business owners, Chris offers blunt but valuable advice: pay cash for CDL training, avoid automatic transmission restrictions, and commit to staying at your first company for at least a year to gain experience. He stresses that trucking is not an easy career, but for those willing to put in the effort, it offers unmatched opportunities for financial success and independence.

If you are starting a trucking business or growing your fleet and need expert guidance, reach out to us today—our industry expert partners can help you make the right decisions for long-term success.