Cutting Detention Time for Good | Blake Lappan | NoDwell, Inc. - Spot On | Ep 26

In this episode of Miles and Mentors, Blake Lappan, founder of Spot On TMS and No Dwell, shares his journey in the trucking and logistics industry, emphasizing the lessons learned from success and failure. Blake’s career began in 2004 when he left college to become a truck driver, a decision driven by financial necessity and a deep-seated fascination with trucking. Over six years, he accumulated nearly a million miles, primarily hauling refrigerated freight and intermodal loads.

His entrepreneurial journey started with a spotting service in Kansas City, assisting truckers navigating challenging underground warehouse caves. This small venture evolved into a trucking company, growing to 20 trucks and $4 million in revenue. However, lacking awareness of the volatility of the spot market, Blake’s business collapsed when rates plummeted. He faced bankruptcy, an experience that reshaped his approach to business and financial risk management.

Determined to rebuild smarter, he restructured his company with a focus on efficiency, reducing his fleet while maintaining the same revenue levels. This pivot led to the development of No Dwell, a technology-driven solution aimed at improving yard management and reducing dwell time for truckers and shippers. The platform facilitates shared spotting services in industrial parks, enabling smaller facilities to adopt drop-and-hook operations without the high costs of dedicated spotter trucks.

Blake also highlights the importance of mentorship, acknowledging that a lack of guidance contributed to his initial business struggles. Now, he actively seeks and benefits from mentorship, emphasizing the power of networking, mindset shifts, and continuous learning. His story underscores the value of adaptability, resilience, and strategic problem-solving in the logistics industry.

Throughout the episode, Blake offers invaluable insights on entrepreneurship, efficiency in trucking, and overcoming limiting beliefs. His experiences serve as a compelling guide for owner-operators and logistics professionals looking to scale their businesses while avoiding common pitfalls.