Building a Recruitment Legacy in Trucking | Ep 14

In this episode of Miles and Mentors, Kameel Gaines, CEO of Rig on Wheels, shares her journey in trucking recruitment and her insights on building a successful career in the logistics industry. With years of experience in sales and recruiting, Kameel has developed a deep understanding of driver hiring, retention strategies, and business growth in trucking.

Kameel’s entry into trucking was driven by her background in sales and a desire to stay in recruitment after being laid off from a corporate job. Although she initially didn’t have a strong connection to the industry, she quickly discovered her passion for it. Starting as a solo recruiter from her living room, she built Rig on Wheels into a full-service recruitment and retention agency.

One of the key themes of the episode is the importance of perseverance and resourcefulness when growing a business. Kameel shares how, in the early days, she took on side work, including driving for Uber, just to fund the leads she needed to keep her business running. She highlights that entrepreneurship requires adaptability, a willingness to take risks, and an understanding that success comes from doing whatever it takes to move forward.

For drivers entering the industry, Kameel advises starting as a company driver rather than immediately becoming an owner-operator. She emphasizes that trucking is a business, and without a solid understanding of the industry, regulations, and financial management, new drivers can quickly find themselves in trouble. Gaining experience on the road before making major financial commitments is essential for long-term success.

Kameel also discusses retention from a company perspective, explaining that hiring the right drivers starts with setting clear expectations. Companies that struggle with turnover often make the mistake of hiring drivers who are not a good fit for their operation. Instead of trying to convince drivers to accept job conditions they are hesitant about, she recommends focusing on those who align with the company’s culture and expectations from the start.

In addition to recruitment and retention, Kameel is a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in trucking. She explains that building diverse teams leads to better decision-making, fresh ideas, and stronger businesses. She also highlights the importance of representation in leadership and decision-making roles, ensuring that different perspectives are considered when shaping the future of the industry.

For those looking to grow in trucking—whether as a driver, business owner, or recruiter—Kameel stresses the importance of continuous education, surrounding yourself with smart and experienced people, and being open to change. Her approach to business is centered on learning, adapting, and always looking for ways to improve.

If you’re 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.