What if surviving in trucking was not just about grit, but about getting smart, staying prepared, and protecting your reputation?
In this episode of Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast, Steve Vest, founder of Nationwide Equipment Transportation, shares lessons from over 20 years in freight. From starting out as an owner-operator to becoming a successful freight broker and social media educator, Steve explains what it takes to build a lasting business in today’s chaotic logistics world.
He breaks down the real risks new carriers face, why so many fail early, and how to avoid getting blacklisted or buried in debt. Steve also discusses the rise of fraud, how tech is transforming the industry, and why mentorship and financial discipline are essential if you want to scale responsibly.
Whether you are stepping into your first truck or building out your fleet, this episode delivers real-world advice to help you plan smarter, grow stronger, and stay in the game.
Like what you hear? Be sure to like, subscribe, and share the show with others in the trucking world.
🎧 Episode Timestamps
📍 00:00:00 – Meet Steve Vest and his journey from trucking roots to brokerage
📍 00:02:47 – How Steve found logistics by accident and built a career
📍 00:03:33 – What has changed in trucking over the last 20 years
📍 00:04:20 – From burnout to loving the work again through tech
📍 00:06:08 – Going viral on TikTok and sharing real freight education
📍 00:07:08 – Why most owner-operators fail without a real plan
📍 00:08:22 – Carrier411, reputation damage, and how to avoid it
📍 00:10:41 – Why patience beats shortcuts in building your business
📍 00:12:46 – Financial survival and the cost of skipping due diligence
📍 00:14:11 – MC numbers, DOT setup, and safety programs that matter
📍 00:16:15 – The power of in-person events like the Broker-Carrier Summit
📍 00:17:18 – Breaking myths about broker profit margins
📍 00:20:11 – The real meaning of “owner” in owner-operator
📍 00:22:15 – Why your reset hours are a chance to build your future
📍 00:24:07 – Red flags brokers watch when evaluating new carriers
📍 00:26:17 – Smart growth, factoring traps, and money mistakes
📍 00:29:25 – Learning from past crashes and financial failure
📍 00:31:43 – Fraud warning signs and how to protect your authority
📍 00:34:06 – AI, automation, and the future of brokerage
📍 00:36:51 – How free mentorship in Kansas City changed Steve’s business
📍 00:39:12 – Final advice for new fleet owners: build before you launch
🎙 About Our Guest
Steve Vest is the founder of Nationwide Equipment Transportation, a Kansas City-based freight brokerage that specializes in moving machinery and equipment via van and flatbed across the United States. A former owner-operator, Steve has combined his experience in trucking and logistics to educate small carriers and brokers on how to navigate the industry, avoid scams, and grow legitimate businesses through transparency and smart planning.
Website: https://www.nationwidetrans.com
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@natequiptrans
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vest-59b11069
🔗 Follow Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast
Website: https://milesandmentorspodcast.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milesandmentors
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MilesandMentors
🎤 Want to be a guest or sponsor the show?
Miles and Mentors is more than a podcast. It is a movement of real stories, tactical advice, and mentorship to help the next generation of freight leaders succeed.
Reach out at: milesandmentors@gmail.com
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