Spotlight News

Connect, Learn, and Improve at The Expedite Expo

June 21, 2023

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – June 21, 2023 – In 4 weeks, the expedited freight community will come together to connect, learn, and help one another improve at the annual Expedite Expo in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Running July 21-22, the Expo is unlike any other event in trucking.

expedite expo

Serving as the only expedite-focused conference, the two-day event offers owner-operators and fleet owners the opportunity to connect with vendors and others in the expedited space. Each day, industry experts will host a variety of workshops geared toward helping owners improve their businesses.  

Expediter Services (ES) will once again serve as presenting sponsor of the event, and we are excited to connect with the members of our community and introduce those that aren’t familiar with all the advantages of our various programs.

In addition to our booths, #418 for ES and #606 for ES Truck Sales, ES will host the annual IN-SITE Dinner on Friday, July 21st at 5:30 PM EST. The evening event allows community members to connect and features members of the ES executive management team, industry experts, and other ES community members on stage where they will share their stories and insights.

Leah Shaver, President & CEO of the National Transportation Institute (NTI), will join Jason Williams and Jeff Tacker of Expediter Services, where they will provide updates on the state of the industry, outlooks for the remainder of 2023, and share data that can help owner-operators and fleet owners improve their bottom line.

Leah spoke about the event in a recent podcast with the Expediter Services team, stating that the event is one of the best opportunities to connect with the men and women that drive this industry forward. Catch the full conversation before the Expo, then connect with Leah Shaver at the ES booth and hear her thoughts at the annual IN-SITE dinner.

2023 IN-SITE Dinner – Hosted by Expediter Services
Friday July 21, 2023 @ 5:30PM

The IN-SITE Dinner is FREE to event attendees, but registration is required as space is limited.

2023 Expedite Expo
Friday July 21, 2023 to Saturday, July 22, 2023
Register Here for the Expedite Expo → https://www.expediteexpo.com

Registration is FREE! Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and connect with industry professionals.

About ES:
Expediter Services is a full service one-stop support and financial technology company offering independent contract driver programs and owner-operator programs to the industry through our partner carriers. When you are with ES you NEVER STAND ALONE and are supported and presented with opportunities from our wholly owned subsidiaries: Expediter Contract Driver Services, Expediter Equipment Finance, Expediter Truck Sales, Expediter Management Services, and Expediter Insurance Services. We accomplish this by offering opportunity and support programs that help contractors obtain SUCCESS IN TRUCKING!

Stay up-to-date with the Success In Trucking Podcast.
Along with the latest news and happenings from ES, the podcast features interviews with industry experts as well as members of the ES community. Each episode will weigh in on pressing topics and provide insights & tips, all in an effort to help you run your business more effectively and efficiently.

Join Leah Shaver at The IN-SITE Dinner at the Expo July 21st

June 9, 2023

Spend five minutes with Leah Shaver and you will quickly realize that she has spent her entire career in the trucking industry, and she is incredibly passionate about helping drive the industry forward at every level. 

Leah will be the first to tell you that she is here “for the people,” and it is evident in everything that she does. Her dedication to serve the front line workers of the industry is second to none, and one of the reasons she has become an integral part of the ES team over the past 6 years.

Since 2017, Leah has helped the ES team continue to build our community, providing hard data and insights that only a career working with truck drivers, owner-operators, and fleet owners can provide.

Beyond ES, her expertise has been instrumental in shaping the industry that we all love, where she serves as a conduit between the men and women that are behind the wheel, and the decision makers at both the state and federal levels.

Leah joined us on our most recent podcast and shared a little about her story, insights, and what she is looking forward to in the latter half of 2023. 

The Expedite Expo, where ES serves as the presenting sponsor, and IN-SITE Dinner at the Expo hosted by ES are at the top of her list as she will join the ES leadership team both in the booth and on stage. For Leah, these opportunities to engage with and personally thank the trucking professionals that keep our nation moving forward are things that cannot be taken for granted.

If you’d like to learn more from Leah in-person about the state of the industry and what sets ES apart, join ES at the IN-SITE Dinner at the Expedite Expo July 21st in Fort Wayne, IN. The events are FREE but space is limited, so register today!

We are proud to have Leah as part of the ES Community and are delighted to continue supporting her and the National Transportation Institute in their role in the trucking industry.

Hear Part 1 of Leah’s Story

Serving as a mother to a toddler, President & CEO of the National Transportation Institute, radio host, and more is just another day in the life of Leah Shaver. Her passion for the trucking industry shines in every conversation, and we are lucky to have her as part of our team. Learn more about Leah’s story, the Expedite Expo & IN-SITE Dinner at the Expo and her expectations for the coming months in our most recent Spotlight. 

Catching Up With Leah Shaver, Part 2

In this edition of the podcast, we will be bringing you Part 2 of our conversation with Leah Shaver, the President and CEO of the National Transportation Institute. You’ll hear Leah discuss the IN-SITE Dinner and some of the directions she plans to take for her time as a speaker at the event. We also talk about her recent interview with the Director of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. In the final section of the podcast, we talk about being a first-year Mom and her son’s first birthday.

Stay up-to-date with the Success In Trucking Podcast. Along with the latest news and happenings from ES, the podcast features interviews with industry experts as well as members of the ES community. Each episode will weigh in on pressing topics and provide insights & tips, all in an effort to help you run your business more effectively and efficiently.

listen to podcast

Spotlight On Success: DeShawn Henry and Russell Jones

May 23, 2023

“More control and less stress” probably aren’t the first two things that come to mind when someone mentions becoming a first-time owner-operator. However, for DeShawn Henry and Russell Jones, these were the catalysts that have pushed them from day one.

Their story, like so many within the ES community, is one of perseverance and they are proof that you don’t have to have decades of driving experience to be successful as an owner-operator or fleet owner. With the right mindset and a great support system, anyone can flourish.

Spotlight On Success: DeShawn Henry and Russell Jones


Time in the Trucking Industry: Russell 4 years; DeShawn 3 years

Year they Joined ES: 2021

ES Community Carrier: FedEx Custom Critical

Service Coordinator: Patrick Bertrand

Fun Facts: Both DeShawn and Russell became owner-operators after 20+ years in industries outside of trucking.

Some are born into the trucking industry, and others find their place behind the wheel after decades in other industries. For DeShawn it was the medical field, and for Russell, it was managing large teams at Fortune 500 companies.

While these might not be the typical starting points for owner-operators, the knowledge and experience they gained in their respective fields have been invaluable as they launched their business in trucking. As COVID-19 ramped up, both saw the need for a career change that would allow them to maintain control while also reducing stress. The road was calling and they were ready to run.

After spending a couple of years as company drivers, they were introduced to the ES Path To Ownership™ program by a trusted friend. DeShawn describes it as the feeling of “family” when they walked through the door. They knew that having a support system in place as they got started was essential, and for them the choice to join the ES community “just felt right.”

18 months later, they are well on their way to growing their fleet as a shining example of how anything is possible when you have the right tools and a great attitude.

In our most recent Spotlight On Success, DeShawn and Rusell share their story and experience and show that the path to success can take many different roads.

If you’re interested in learning more about DeShawn & Russell’s story, they will be on-site at the Expedite Expo July 21st-22nd with the ES Team at Booth 418 as well as sharing their story at the Trucking 101 workshop at the Expo. Register today for the Expedite Expo and the IN-SITE Dinner at the Expo hosted by ES to discover new career opportunities, make valuable connections, and hear from some of the brightest minds in the industry as well as people like DeShawn & Russell who are part of the ES Community.

We are proud to have DeShawn and Russell as part of the ES Community and are delighted to continue supporting them in their Success in Trucking.

DeShawn Henry and Russell Jones

This Spotlight On Success shines on DeShawn Henry and Russell Jones. In this most recent episode, you will hear how there are many roads that can lead someone to a successful career as an owner-operator.

If you’re inspired by DeShawn and Russell’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.

Expediter Services to Serve as Presenting Sponsor At Expedite Expo 2023

May 11, 2023

As the presenting sponsor of the event, Expediter Services (ES) will be highly visible at the Expedite Expo. ES will also be hosting the IN-SITE Dinner at the Expo, a special event that will look at current conditions in the trucking industry and the opportunities offered through Expediter Services.

Expedite Expo

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – May 11, 2023 – Each year the expedited trucking industry comes together over two days at the Expedite Expo to connect, share insights, and learn. Once again, the Expediter Services team will be the event’s presenting sponsor. Our roots are in the expedited sector of the trucking industry, and we are honored to help the men and women that drive the nation forward connect and grow. This year’s Expedite Expo will run July 21-22 at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum located in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.

The Expo as it is better known, is a FREE event – open to the public – that highlights the expedited freight community. The Expediter Services team will be front and center at Booth 418, and we encourage all event attendees to stop by, connect, and get first-hand knowledge on all of the advantages that Expediter Services offers the expedite community at large – including ES Truck Sales and ES Equipment Finance.

On Friday evening, join the Expediter Services team at the annual IN-SITE Dinner. FREE tickets for the dinner are available, however seating is limited. Details and registration information are linked below.

2023 IN-SITE Dinner – Hosted by Expediter Services
Friday July 21, 2023 @ 5:30PM
Register Here → https://essuccessintrucking.com/insite-at-the-expo/

“We’ve been the presenting sponsor for several years and we’re so proud to be back this year. The ability to connect with such a wide variety of owner-operators, fleet owners, motor carriers and vendors that ALL operate within the expedited freight industry is like nothing else you see in trucking,” said Jeff Tacker, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Commercial Officer for ES. “For the Expediter Services team, these two days allow us to connect with our community members, get valuable feedback, and provide educational opportunities for the expedited community at large. It is something that we look forward to every year.”

For contractors, this expedite-focused event is a tremendous opportunity to meet up with old friends, make some new ones, connect with motor carriers, and get the information that you need to be successful in trucking. Each day, multiple 30-minute workshops are held with industry veterans and experts from industry leading companies making this one of the best events for owner-operators and fleet owners.

RSVP NOW

Other highlights of the event include:

Educational Sessions

8:30 am to 12:00 noon both Friday, July 21, and Saturday, July 22

Morning sessions during Expedite Expo are divided into 30-minute workshops to help drivers, owner-operators, and fleet owners find success in the expedite industry. Led by industry experts and veterans, these workshops offer valuable insights and information each year.

The Future of the Trucking Industry
Saturday, July 16, 1:00 PM – The Future of Trucking
Moderator: Brandon Baxter Speakers: John Elliot, Load 1; Dave Schaller, NACFE 

The trucking industry is rapidly growing, changing, and evolving. Whether you are a fleet owner, owner-operator, or navigating the road ahead starts with understanding the challenges that everyone will face so that you may plan accordingly and have the best chance of success.

Registration is Free! Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and connect with industry professionals.
To register visit expediteexpo.com

About ES:
Expediter Services is a full service one-stop support and financial technology company offering independent contract driver programs and owner-operator programs to the industry through our partner motor carriers. When you are with ES you NEVER STAND ALONE and are supported and presented with opportunities from our wholly owned subsidiaries: ES Equipment Finance, ES Truck Sales, and ES Management Services. We accomplish this by offering opportunity and support programs that help contractors obtain SUCCESS IN TRUCKING!

Stay up-to-date with the Success In Trucking Podcast.
Along with the latest news and happenings from ES, the podcast features interviews with industry experts as well as members of the ES community. Each episode will weigh in on pressing topics and provide insights & tips, all in an effort to help you run your business more effectively and efficiently.

listen to podcast

Seeing Red? 4 Red Flags of Traditional Lease Purchase Programs

April 28, 2023

Whether you are already an owner-operator or fleet owner and are looking to add equipment, or you are a driver looking to make the leap to being an owner-operator, you undoubtedly have a big decision to make. It is safe to assume that if you are reading this, you are probably exploring traditional lease purchase programs as they offer a low barrier to entry and immediate access to a truck.

Before you jump into a lease purchase agreement, explore all your options. Along the way, ask the hard questions because at the end of the day, it is your business, and a decision of this magnitude deserves due diligence.

The fact is that there are a number of different programs in the marketplace to choose from, some of which could be the right fit for you and your business. Sadly, there are also programs that do not place the operator’s interest above their own and navigating the potential traps has become more difficult in recent years.

As you evaluate different programs keep in mind these potential red flags.

4 Red Flags of Traditional Lease Purchase Programs

Older Equipment

On the surface there are several benefits to purchasing older equipment. Lower overall cost, lower insurance premiums, and a shorter term are frequently the biggest selling points. However, older equipment may have more frequent repairs and higher maintenance costs associated with ownership. New, late-model and fully refurbished equipment is backed by a warranty and is much less likely to spend time in the shop. If your truck is constantly broken, it can turn your business upside down quickly.

Additionally, many traditional lease purchase programs were built as a way for motor carriers to offload older fleet equipment. Instead of selling equipment back to the dealership, they make a better profit margin by putting it in their lease purchase fleet.

Hidden Costs

$0 down programs aren’t difficult to find in the lease purchase world. The idea behind most is to reduce traditional barriers like a steep down payment and the need for a high credit rating. Keep in mind that all lease purchase companies are in the business of making money. Many traditional lease purchase providers recoup the money that would be paid as a down payment through over-inflated truck values and additional fees.

It is important to remember that $0 down is only applicable on the front end of the lease. The backend could look very different with excessive balloon payments and few – if any – options to finance the remainder owed.

As you do your research, don’t be afraid to walk away from a program that refuses to pull back the curtain and give you all the financial details that you need to make an informed decision.

Lack of Support

There is no ‘I’ in owner-operator or fleet owner. Having a support network in place when you’re new to owning a truck or something doesn’t go as expected is a must, but the industry is littered with LP programs that offer little to no external support for their community.

If you are unsure of the questions to ask, simply reach out to the operators that are part of each LP provider’s community. If a program will not provide references within their own fleet of operators, that should be considered a major warning flag. 

Undefined Path to Success

How do you know you will be successful in a lease purchase program? For many operators, entering a lease purchase program is a leap of faith. They assume they will get enough miles to pay their weekly truck note. While hope can sometimes move mountains, it might not keep your business running for long or put food on the table, much less pay for braces, college, or your daughter’s wedding.

Take the time to find a lease purchase provider that works with you to ensure that you can succeed in their program. Few things are worse than agreeing to a high truck payment only to find out that you cannot generate enough miles to stay above water. Having a well-defined roadmap will help you prepare for the transition from driver to owner-operator, or owner-operator to fleet owner.

Success in Trucking With ES

ES matches owner-operators in the ES Community with the motor carrier partner that best fits the goals for your business. At ES, our goal is to provide a well-defined roadmap that is transparent, backed by a great support network, with the best equipment available to help you find your Success in Trucking.

To learn more about the ES Lease Purchase Program, connect with our recruiting team now or call us at (877) 349-9303, option 4.


Recent Posts

Spotlight Archives by Year

Search by Carrier:

Be in the KNOW

Subscribe to stay up to date on latest news and information from us!