Building a Fleet from Scratch in the U.S. with Bek from Bek Logistics | Ep 51

In Episode 51 of Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast, we sit down with Bek (Heidi Dean Shamsi), founder of Bek Logistics, to explore an extraordinary journey of resilience, reinvention, and entrepreneurship in trucking. Originally from Uzbekistan, Bek immigrated to the United States in his 50s and started over by building a multi-truck operation from scratch. With a background in agricultural transport and international logistics, he brings a unique global perspective to the U.S. freight landscape.

Bek shares how he transitioned from exporting produce across Central Asia to launching a compliant, efficient, and mission-driven fleet in America. His story highlights the real barriers immigrants face when entering the trucking industry and how he overcame them with grit, discipline, and a deep belief in the American entrepreneurial promise. From understanding cross-border customs to navigating U.S. regulatory paperwork, Bek breaks down the systems and strategies that helped him go from a single truck to a growing fleet.

The episode explores the practical side of fleet ownership, including how to manage compliance, pay drivers on time, handle misidentification in legal cases, and choose factoring solutions that align with your cash flow. Bek also offers grounded advice for company drivers looking to become owner-operators. He emphasizes the importance of patience, attention to detail, and learning the business before attempting to scale.

One of the most compelling parts of the conversation centers on driver health. Bek opens up about the physical challenges truckers face and why he is developing a new app called Truckers Health to promote wellness on the road. From long hours behind the wheel to chronic back and neck pain, Bek’s experience as both a driver and a fleet owner has inspired him to create a tool that rewards drivers for taking care of their bodies, not just their loads. He invites listeners to contribute to the development of this solution by completing his driver health survey.

We also discuss the power of mentorship and community. Bek credits much of his success to guidance he received from both sides of the world and highlights the value of community groups among Uzbek drivers in the United States. Whether through Telegram chats or industry connections, Bek encourages all drivers to seek support and share what they learn.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone building a business from the ground up. Whether you are an immigrant chasing opportunity, a driver thinking about buying your first truck, or a small fleet owner aiming to grow with integrity, Bek’s story is a powerful reminder that success is possible with discipline, vision, and heart.