Spotlight On Success
For many drivers and aspiring entrepreneurs, building a trucking business begins with a simple but intimidating question: What’s the next step? On a recent episode of the Success in Trucking Podcast, we sat down with Marcellus Serpa to explore what that step looked like for him and how it led from a single truck to a 25-truck fleet.
Marcellus didn’t come into trucking the traditional way. Originally from Brazil, he had no CDL, no driving experience, and no family ties to the industry. What he did have was early exposure to logistics operations and a mindset rooted in planning. Before committing to ownership, Marcellus spent significant time researching the industry and building a business plan designed for long-term growth, not quick wins.
That plan became his roadmap. Today, Marcellus operates a 25-truck fleet with Panther Premium Logistics, a service of ArcBest, running primarily team operations. Instead of competing in crowded freight lanes, he made a deliberate choice to specialize, focusing on government loads, high-value freight, and specialized shipments where preparation, compliance, and execution matter most.
Why Partnerships Matter in Trucking Business Ownership
One of the biggest lessons Marcellus shared is how dramatically things change when you are the business owner. Company drivers often have built-in buffers when something goes wrong. Owners don’t.
“When you’re running your own business, you have a lot to lose,” Marcellus explained. Breakdowns, cash flow challenges, and unexpected setbacks are part of the journey, and without a safety net, things can quickly snowball.
After meeting Expediter Services at a fleet owners meeting, Marcellus turned to ES for truck financing and ongoing support. “The major benefit of partnering with ES is having a high level of support at a very low cost,” he said. “It’s a safety net for when things go wrong, and they will.”
Plotting Your Path to Trucking Business Ownership
Marcellus reinforced a reality familiar to many listeners of the podcast: driving is only one piece of the puzzle. Operations, planning, and problem-solving are what ultimately move a business forward, regardless of your background or experience level.
Want to hear the full conversation? Tune in to Marcellus Serpa’s episode of the Success in Trucking Podcast to learn more about his journey and strategy.
If you’re considering ownership or thinking about growing your fleet, the Expediter Services team is ready to help you explore your options, call us at (877) 349-9303 to start the conversation.