John Elliott (Founder of Load One) on Trucking, Tech, and Leadership

In this episode of **OnAir with Airfreight.com**, host **Kevin Carpenter** sits down with **John Elliott**, founder and executive chairman of **Load One**, to talk about building one of the country’s leading expedited freight carriers and what it takes to stay competitive in a fast-changing industry. John walks through his unusual path into trucking, starting with a family legacy in transportation, a college degree in aviation management, and an early career that eventually brought him back to freight. He shares how Load One began as a regional truckload carrier before a series of decisions — including one persistent employee bringing him an expedite opportunity — pushed the company into the expedited freight space. The conversation covers: - John’s family history in trucking and how it shaped his career - Why Load One initially focused on regional freight and low-hanging opportunities - How a hands-on leadership style helped the company grow - The role of technology in improving driver experience, operations, and customer service - Why Load One built its own software instead of relying on standard industry platforms - How AI and automation are changing trucking operations - A hard-earned lesson about cargo insurance and subrogation - John’s perspective on the current state of trucking, freight cycles, and carrier failures - What it looks like to transition leadership while still staying involved John also reflects on what matters most after decades in the industry: building the right team, giving back, and helping shape trucking for the long term. **Key takeaways** - Staying close to drivers and staff builds trust and culture. - Technology can be a major differentiator when service levels are similar. - Trucking remains cyclical, and strong operators win by managing costs and cash flow. - Leadership transitions work best when they are intentional and gradual. - Long-term industry impact includes service, advocacy, and giving back. **Notable moments** - The story of how Load One entered expedited freight - Why John believes owning software and data creates a strategic advantage - The insurance lesson that became an expensive but important wake-up call - John’s view that trucking affects the whole economy **About the guest** **John Elliott** is the founder and executive chairman of **Load One**, a major expedited freight carrier based in Taylor, Michigan. He is also a former vice president of the American Trucking Associations and former chairman of the Truckload Carriers Association.