Commitment and consistency, two hallmarks of marriage, are also keys to becoming both a team driver and an owner-operator. Commitment and consistency are also two of the first words that came to mind when we were talking with Jennifer and Marcus Collier about how they met, teamed up, eventually married, and finally found their way into the ES community through Forward Air.
Jennifer and Marcus Collier
Year they Joined ES: 2022
ES Community Carrier: Forward Air
Service Coordinator: David Neese
Fun Facts: The Collier family consists of 3 girls, 4 boys, and an incredible support network.
The Collier’s commitment to each other is a perfect reflection of their ability to work together day in and day out, helping one another through the good days and the bad. The similarities between teaming and being married are not lost on Jennifer, who believes that “team driving is marriage.”
After spending time driving for an owner operator, the Colliers decided to rejoin Forward Air in March 2022, and make the jump into ownership with Expediter Services. Their goal was simple – to find stability and consistency for their blended family of nine.
For the Colliers, the Path To Ownership was an easy decision. They knew that if they had the right support system, a dedicated route, and a carrier that had their back, they could make it work, no matter the challenges on the road ahead.
As you will hear in our most recent Spotlight On Success, the Colliers regard their decision to join the ES family as “the best decision we have ever made…besides marriage.”
We are proud to have Jennifer and Marcus Collier as part of the ES Community and are delighted to continue supporting them in their Success in Trucking.
Jennifer and Marcus Collier
Our March Spotlight On Success shines on Jennifer and Marcus Collier. In this most recent episode, you will hear the Collier’s story of commitment and consistency in both marriage and business, and how both have flourished as a part of the ES Community.
If you’re inspired by the Collier’s story and want to grow your trucking business, contact the ES team or call (877) 349-9303, option 4 and let us help support your company with expertise in financial services and technology, relationship lending, and general business support.
Lease purchase programs have developed a reputation for being the trucking equivalent of The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly over the past few years. While they offer a lower barrier to entry than going to a dealership, many programs are a double-edged sword that can quickly turn an owner operator’s dream into a nightmare.
Like any business decision, the process of choosing a lease purchase trucking program should be done with clear eyes, an open mind, and an understanding of the potential pitfalls that might be right around the corner. At the end of the day, we want you to have the best information available so that you can make the business decision that fits your needs and goals as an owner operator.
5 Things to Consider When Evaluating Lease Purchase Programs
The truth is that not all lease purchase programs are created equally, and they should each be evaluated based on objective criteria. Here five things to consider before choosing your lease purchase provider.
1. Program Success
Before we get into the meat of the conversation, one of the first questions that you should ask every lease purchase program is their track record of success. There is an enormous difference in a 1% completion rate versus 50% or higher.
Success isn’t entirely dependent on the carrier, or provider, but it can be an early indicator of support networks, quality of equipment, and a properly structured financial plan for program participants. Before asking what kind of equipment someone offers, don’t be afraid to ask how successful their drivers are and how likely they are to complete the program. It can be more telling than you might realize.
2. Qualification Process
Step foot in any dealership, and you can expect a 10% to 20% down payment, assuming you have good credit. That is a major hurdle for owner operators that are just getting started. One of the biggest reasons lease purchase programs have exploded in popularity over the last few years is because they break down these traditional barriers and create a streamlined Path To Ownership.
Take stock of the qualifications for each provider to ensure that you find the program that is most suitable for you and your business. Don’t jump at the first opportunity, this is one time where doing your homework will pay off in the long run.
3. Financing and Terms
If the dollars don’t make sense, you will be behind the eight ball from day one. Many programs get you in the door with the no money down hook, but then gloss over all the nuts and bolts of the lease purchase program.
Most will provide base details such as weekly payments, length of term, and end of lease options. Very few are willing to pull back the curtain and show you the numbers that actually impact the likelihood of success within the program.
As you dig into the numbers be sure to ask for details on the cost of funds (interest rate or fees), example amortization schedules, and the total cost of the vehicle (including markups). You need to look at total cost of ownership and if you are building equity and creating wealth. Don’t be afraid to walk away from a deal if these basic questions are not answered with transparency.
4. Equipment Selection
Truck preference is like picking a flavor of ice cream, each fleet owner has their favorite and we aren’t here to convince you that Peterbilts are better than Freightliners or Volvos or vice versa. What is important to note as you get deeper into the decision-making process is separating out programs that offer good versus bad or new versus used worn out equipment.
Used equipment in the lease purchase trucking world should be properly evaluated under a microscope. Many vehicles are older fleet vehicles that carriers are looking to offload without fully refurbishing or repairing properly. Although they might come with a lower price tag, repairs and downtime could quickly add up, offsetting any price benefit.
Leveraging new equipment and or fully refurbished equipment helps to stack the deck in your favor. Not only is newer equipment more reliable, but they are also backed by warranties that prevent you from being on the hook when repairs are needed.
5. Ongoing Support
Ongoing support can easily be an afterthought. In truth, it should be a top priority for every person thinking about entering a lease purchase agreement. Having a network in place to help you when the chips are down can be the difference in success or failure.
As you explore options, ask about any maintenance programs, deferment process, vendor network, and additional services (or discounts) with a fine-toothed comb. Some program providers are more hands on than others and having a support network is critical for business success.
Path To Ownership With ES
ES goes to great lengths to make sure we check every box to help you be successful. We look at several factors before extending an invitation into our lease purchase program. We value attitude, aptitude, work ethic, and work history. We make sure it is a good fit for everyone. Our goal is help LIFT up your business. Connect with our team online or by phone at (877) 349-9303, option 4 and learn why with ES in your corner, you will Never Stand Alone.
March Madness has finally arrived and the conversation around the ES office as of late has been how the infamous tournament is incredibly similar to being an owner-operator or fleet owner. Both are full of highs and lows, grit and determination, and teams rising above expectations. Here are the similarities that has our office buzzing.
Build Your Resume
No two owners are the same. Like every team in the tournament, drivers need to build their skills and their resume over time. They will face adversity throughout the process and must show flexibility and resilience. The good news is that you don’t have to be a blue blood to make it to the dance.
Survive and Advance Mentality
“Survive and Advance” – a phrase that you hear every year as would-be upsets push contenders to the brink.
The secret to making a deep run is the same with running your fleet. You have to be cool under pressure and work diligently to set yourself up for success. Approach it with a business-like mindset and expect that occasional setbacks will happen along the way. The last thing that you want is to rest your business on a buzzer beater.
Get In the Paint
We all love a perimeter shooter that gets hot and starts draining threes, but it is only part of the game. You have to be willing to get in the paint and do work. They might not make SportsCenter, but over time developing fundamentals will help you build your business and create a foundation for success that will last a lifetime.
Cinderella Stories
Who doesn’t love a good Cinderella story? Someone coming out of nowhere to shock the world. This is probably one of our favorite analogies at ES, because the truth is that ANYONE can make it in this industry with the right pieces in place.
Take a look at any of the recent Cinderella teams that made deep runs and they all share common traits with the ES community – Attitude, Aptitude, Work Ethic, and Work History. They build their resume, and with the right approach and a solid support system they are able to succeed.
Having a Solid Bench Matters
Speaking of support systems, every team that makes it to the Final Four has one thing in common – great bench play. Owner-operators and fleet owners are the stars of the show, but even the best need a breather, or get into foul trouble at times.
At ES, we don’t want to be the star player. We want to be the complimentary piece that can help you drain that three and get to the board for that important rebound. With ES on your bench, you will NEVER STAND ALONE.
Just like a bench player, ES is here when you need us! If there are areas in your business that you feel like you need some extra support, we’re here to help, reach out to us at (877) 349-9303 or connect with us to discuss our programs available to you including
Each year on March 8th the world comes together for International Women’s Day to celebrate the achievements of women across the globe and help them push for rights and continued progress. At ES we are proud to stand by the women in the trucking industry and help LIFT up those that work in the driver’s seat as well as behind the scenes.
What is International Women’s Day?
International Women’s Day can be traced back to the early 20th century as women pushed for better working conditions and the right to vote. Annual celebrations began in Europe as early as 1911 and have continued to grow over the last century.
Over the years the event has not only grown in size but also scope, celebrating women’s achievements and increasing visibility as well as serving as a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. Each year, focus expands to include new issues that women face. This year’s theme, Embrace Equity, aims to create dialogue around the world about how true inclusion and belonging requires equitable action.
The beauty of International Women’s Day is that no one organization owns the event, and it is truly a grassroots celebration that the ES team is proud to support. As a sign of solidarity, supporters wear purple on March 8th each year. You can learn more about International Women’s Day here.
Within the trucking industry, the number of female truck drivers has swelled in recent years, today sitting at around 16% of the total driver population. Since 2017, ES has proudly played a role in helping bolster the number of women that have access to truck and fleet ownership through programs like the Women Owned Business Initiative. This initiative has helped create more than 150 women-owned businesses in partnership with the Women In Trucking Association. Today, women make up nearly 40% of the total ES Community.
Never Stand Alone
As a member of the ES community, we are asking that you join us on March 8th to help celebrate and LIFT up the amazing women that keep the trucking industry moving forward. It is just another way we promise that with ES by your side, you will NEVER STAND ALONE.
If you’re interested in learning more about the ES Women In Trucking program or any other programs supported by ES, call our team at (877) 349-9303, option 4 or contact us here.
Attitude, aptitude, and work ethic are cornerstones of the ES Community, and they are the pillars that Cheryl and Andrew Anderson have built their trucking company upon. The Andersons are proof that having a solid foundation for your business, a little know-how, and a strong support system can LIFT you up for success.
Cheryl and Andrew Anderson
Time in the Trucking Industry: 11 Years
Year they Joined ES: 2022
ES Community Carrier: Forward Air
Service Coordinator: David Neese
Fun Facts: The Andersons have always homeschooled their children, and it was their sons that helped give Cheryl the nudge to get her CDL and join Andrew on the road.
In many ways, the story of the Anderson’s, who run MMOB Trucking LLC, is like many husband and wife teams in the industry. After years spent in agribusiness, they were ready for a change, and wanted something that would provide the freedom to build their own business and leave a legacy for their children. The road was calling and the Andersons were ready for the challenge.
After gaining experience as a company driver, and trainer, Cheryl joined Andrew in the truck. The opportunity to get out of a cubicle and build their business their way was a driving factor in choosing to join the ES Community. The Anderson’s vision and experience eventually led them to the Women Owned Business Initiative at ES a year ago and the rest, as they say, was history.
The Andersons describe their start in the Path to Ownership program as “nerve wracking,” but they knew what they brought to the table and knew that they could make it work with the right support system in place. Backed by Cheryl’s experience in finance and marketing, they have branded their business and built their reputation, serving as the captains of their own ship.
As you will hear in our most recent Spotlight On Success, the road hasn’t always been easy for the Andersons, but their positive attitude and a helping hand from the ES Community have allowed them to forge a path and build their legacy.
We are proud to have Cheryl and Andrew as part of the ES Community and are delighted to continue supporting them in their Success in Trucking.
Cheryl and Andrew Anderson
Our February Spotlight On Success shines on Cheryl and Andrew Anderson. In this most recent episode, you will hear the Anderson’s story and how they became the captains of their own ship through hard work and a little help from the ES Community.
On February 14th, ES once again joined forces with Panther Premium Logistics (a service of ArcBest) to bring together an all-star panel during our Valentine’s Day IN-SITE 2023 Webinar event entitled Nothing But Love.
If you’re not in love with your current carrier or are looking to take the next step in your driving career, this webinar is for you!
Learn about:
The non-traditional Panther Lease Purchase Program Powered by ES
The transparency & focus on success of the driver by both ES and Panther teams that sets this program apart
How Panther’s diverse customer-base allows for consistent freight despite an inconsistent market
The low-barrier process to join the Panther Lease Purchase Program Powered by ES
Expert Panel
Leah Shaver
President & CEO
National Transportation Institute
Jeff Tacker
Chief Operating Officer, Chief Commercial Officer, Executive Vice President
Expediter Services
Colby Lynch
Lease-Purchase Specialist
Expediter Services
Kyle Green
Fleet Supervisor Expedite Operations
Panther Premium Logistics, A Service of ArcBest®
Lisa Whitten
Owner-Operator Recruiter
ArcBest®
If you’re interested in learning more about the Panther Lease Purchase Program Powered by ES or any other programs supported by ES, call our team at (877) 349-9303, option 4 or contact us here.
The video replay from the January edition of the IN-SITE 2023 Webinar Series is now available for viewing. On January 24th, ES presented our first webinar of the year with a free event entitled “New Year, New Business.” The panel discussion featured insightful observations from ES Co-Founder & CEO Jason Williams and David Kessler, Vice President of Expedite Fleet & Operations at ArcBest®. We invite you to watch the video replay of the New Year, New Business edition from the IN-SITE 2023 Webinar Series.
Through the January webinar, our panelists detailed the commitment both ES and Panther have made from the executive level throughout their organizations to support professional drivers for success. Jason and David also covered a number of other topics of interest, including:
A look at freight and the trucking market in 2023
Non-traditional lease-purchase opportunities available through Panther and ES
How the Panther Lease-Purchase Program Powered by ES stands apart from traditional lease-purchase programs
Truck availability and financing for solos and teams
Service and support available to ES Community members
If you’re ready to learn more about the non-traditional lease-to-own program that ES developed in collaboration with Panther, call our ES team at (877) 349-9303, option 4 or contact us here.
February’s IN-SITE Webinar From ES Addresses Important Career Questions Considered By Professional Drivers
Are you feeling the love with your current carrier? Are you currently behind the wheel and thinking about the next step in your driving career? Have you thought about taking the first steps to start your own trucking business? If you have considered any of these questions, the February edition of the ES IN-SITE 2023 Webinar Series can help you explore answers that can lead to future opportunities.
On February 14th, ES once again joined forces with Panther Premium Logistics (a service of ArcBest) to bring together an all-star panel during our Valentine’s Day IN-SITE 2023 Webinar event entitled Nothing But Love.
The February edition of the webinar presented a collection of observations from professional drivers who have entered the Panther Lease-Purchase Program Powered By ES. This webinar also provided insights on how this program, along with the support systems put in place by ES and Panther, is assisting participants in their efforts to realize a greater level of success in trucking.
Expert Panel
Leah Shaver
President & CEO
National Transportation Institute
Jeff Tacker
Chief Operating Officer, Chief Commercial Officer, Executive Vice President
Expediter Services
Colby Lynch
Lease-Purchase Specialist
Expediter Services
Kyle Green
Fleet Supervisor Expedite Operations
Panther Premium Logistics, A Service of ArcBest®
Lisa Whitten
Owner-Operator Recruiter
ArcBest®
Our panelists featured Jeff Tacker, who is the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Commercial Officer, and Executive Vice President of ES. Jeff was joined on the panel by Colby Lynch, a Lease-Purchase Specialist who is a dedicated to working with professional drivers entering the program with Panther.
The February webinar panel also included Lisa Whitten and Kyle Greene. Lisa is an Owner-Operator Recruiter with ArcBest®, while Kyle is the Fleet Supervisor for Expedited Operations.
This edition of the IN-SITE 2023 Webinar Series was moderated by Leah Shaver, the President, and CEO of the National Transportation Institute (NTI), a leader in the trucking industry for tracking company driver and owner-operator compensation history, changes, and benchmarks. Leah, who also serves as a host on SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking Radio Channel 146, is one of the foremost experts in the trucking industry on topics related to compensation, driver recruiting, and driver retention.
The video replay of the February edition of the IN-SITE 2023 Webinar Series will be available soon from ES. We invite you to check the Spotlight News section of our website for the replay of this webinar.
Are you feeling the love with your current carrier? Are you currently behind the wheel and thinking about the next step in your driving career? Have you thought about taking the first steps to start your own trucking business? If you have considered any of these questions, the February edition of the ES IN-SITE 2023 Webinar Series can help you explore answers that can lead to future opportunities.
On February 14th, ES once again joined forces with Panther Premium Logistics (a service of ArcBest) to bring together an all-star panel during our Valentine’s Day IN-SITE 2023 Webinar event entitled Nothing But Love.
The February edition of the webinar presented a collection of observations from professional drivers who have entered the Panther Lease-Purchase Program Powered By ES. This webinar also provided insights on how this program, along with the support systems put in place by ES and Panther, is assisting participants in their efforts to realize a greater level of success in trucking.
Our panelists featured Jeff Tacker, who is the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Commercial Officer, and Executive Vice President of ES. Jeff was joined on the panel by Colby Lynch, a Lease-Purchase Specialist who is a dedicated to working with professional drivers entering the program with Panther.
The February webinar panel also included Lisa Whitten and Kyle Greene. Lisa is an Owner-Operator Recruiter with ArcBest®, while Kyle is the Fleet Supervisor for Expedited Operations.
This edition of the IN-SITE 2023 Webinar Series was moderated by Leah Shaver, the President, and CEO of the National Transportation Institute (NTI), a leader in the trucking industry for tracking company driver and owner-operator compensation history, changes, and benchmarks. Leah, who also serves as a host on SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking Radio Channel 146, is one of the foremost experts in the trucking industry on topics related to compensation, driver recruiting, and driver retention.
The video replay of the February edition of the IN-SITE 2023 Webinar Series will be available soon from ES. We invite you to check the Spotlight News section of our website for the replay of this webinar.
If you’re ready to learn more about the non-traditional lease-to-own program that ES developed in collaboration with Panther, call our ES team at (877) 349-9303, option 4 or contact us here.
Expert Panel
Leah Shaver
President & CEO
National Transportation Institute
Jeff Tacker
Chief Operating Officer, Chief Commercial Officer, Executive Vice President
Expediter Services
Colby Lynch
Lease-Purchase Specialist
Expediter Services
Kyle Green
Fleet Supervisor Expedite Operations
Panther Premium Logistics, A Service of ArcBest®
Lisa Whitten
Owner-Operator Recruiter
ArcBest®
January Webinar Replay Now Available
The video replay from the January edition of the IN-SITE 2023 Webinar Series is now available for viewing. On January 24th, ES presented our first webinar of the year with a free event entitled “New Year, New Business.” The panel discussion featured insightful observations from ES Co-Founder & CEO Jason Williams and David Kessler, Vice President of Expedite Fleet & Operations at ArcBest®. We invite you to watch the video replay of the New Year, New Business edition from the IN-SITE 2023 Webinar Series.
Through the January webinar, our panelists detailed the commitment both ES and Panther have made from the executive level throughout their organizations to support professional drivers for success. Jason and David also covered a number of other topics of interest, including:
A look at freight and the trucking market in 2023
Non-traditional lease-purchase opportunities available through Panther and ES
How the Panther Lease-Purchase Program Powered by ES stands apart from traditional lease-purchase programs
Truck availability and financing for solos and teams
Service and support available to ES Community members
If you’re ready to learn more about the non-traditional lease-to-own program that ES developed in collaboration with Panther, call our ES team at (877) 349-9303, option 4 or contact us here.
Editor’s Note: ES is launching Spotlight On Success, a monthly series that will be spotlighting ES Community members and their Success In Trucking stories.
As they began to examine options that would move them closer to family, Michelle and Gary Piatt discovered not only a place to call home, but a true community with the kind of support they had never experienced during their time in the trucking industry. In many ways, the story of how Michelle and Gary found their way to the ES Community speaks volumes on how the team at ES treats ES Community members like part of an extended family.
Michelle and Gary Piatt
Time In The Trucking Industry: 18 years
Year They Joined The ES Community: 2011
ES Community Carrier: FedEx Custom Critical
Service Coordinator At ES: David Neese
Fun Facts: Gary and Michelle have referred so many professional drivers to ES without asking for credit for the referral that one of the ES Recruiters handed Gary a set of referral cards a few years ago with his information printed on them.
A little more than a decade ago, the Piatts began planning a move to West Tennessee, which would place them closer to Michelle’s family. Both Michelle and Gary had built up solid resumes as company drivers – with Gary getting his start in trucking after a career as a police officer and Michelle following his lead into the trucking industry.
The Piatts gained the bulk of their experience as over-the-road team drivers for truckload carriers. A few years into the demands of that life, Michelle needed a break from the road and got a position at a hospital. Gary shifted to a trucking opportunity that kept him close to home while they considered what would be next in their lives.
One of the key considerations in making the move to West Tennessee was making sure that Michelle and Gary had a way to support themselves. As they explored the possibilities, they learned about the expedited trucking opportunities through FedEx Custom Critical. Once they got connected with FedEx Custom Critical in 2011, they were then introduced to the team at ES.
As you’ll hear in this Spotlight On Success edition of the Success In Trucking Podcast, Michelle and Gary discovered during their very first load assignment how the entire team at ES lives up to the company motto of Never Stand Alone. The response from the ES Team on that day set the tone for the relationships that Michelle and Gary built inside the ES Community going forward. No matter what might come up as a bump in the road, the Piatts quickly learned that they could trust the team at ES to be at their side and stand with them on every mile of their journey.
Now entering their 12th year as part of the ES Community and driving as part of the FedEx Custom Critical fleet, the Piatts know the move they made to West Tennessee gave them a better home for their family and their careers.
We are proud to have Michelle and Gary as part of the ES Community and are delighted to continue supporting them in their Success in Trucking.
Meet Michelle and Gary Piatt
Our January Spotlight On Success shines on Michelle and Gary Piatt. In this edition of the Success In Trucking Podcast, you’ll hear the story of the Piatts and how they have worked to build a better life for themselves and their family as part of the ES Community.
Panel Discussion will include placing a spotlight on the non-traditional lease-purchase program that Panther Premium Logistics (a service of ArcBest) has developed in collaboration with ES.
On Tuesday, January 24th at 2pm EST, ES will present the first edition of our IN-SITE 2023 Webinar Series with a free event entitled “New Year, New Business.” Our panel will feature ES Co-Founder & CEO Jason Williams and David Kessler, Vice President of Expedite Fleet & Operations at ArcBest®.
Everyone who registers for this webinar will have the option to attend the live event or watch the video replay at your convenience.
During the webinar, you will hear our panelists share the commitment both ES and Panther have made from the executive level throughout their organizations to support professional drivers for success as well as…
The outlook for freight in 2023
Non-traditional lease-purchase opportunities available through Panther and ES
How the Panther Lease-Purchase Program Powered by ES stands apart from traditional lease-purchase programs
Truck availability and financing for solos and teams
Service and support available to ES Community members
This edition of the IN-SITE 2023 Webinar Series will be moderated by Leah Shaver, the President, and CEO of the National Transportation Institute (NTI). Founded in 1995, NTI has earned a reputation as a leader in the trucking industry for tracking company driver and owner-operator compensation history, changes, and benchmarks. Leah, who also serves as a host on SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking Radio Channel 146, is one of the foremost experts in the trucking industry on topics related to compensation, driver recruiting, and driver retention.
If you are interested in finding out more about the programs ES has available including the Panther Lease-Purchase Program Powered by ES, or if you would like to learn more about how ES can support your existing trucking business, please call us at (877) 349-9303, option 4 or connect with us online and a representative will follow up with you soon.
Expert Panel
Leah Shaver
President & CEO
National Transportation Institute
Jason Williams
Co-Founder & CEO
Expediter Services
David Kessler
Vice President of Expedite Fleet & Operations
ArcBest®
December Webinar Replay: The December 13th edition of the IN-SITE Webinar series featured a look inside the support systems that have been set up within ES and at Panther to assist program participants in getting started and how the non-traditional lease-purchase program is designed to position participants to realize their success in trucking. To watch the replay of the IN-SITE Webinar held on December 13th please click here.
ES is proud to have Stoops Freightliner serve as the Title Sponsor for the IN-SITE 2023 Series.
