This fireside chat recap is from FreightWaves’ Small Fleet & Owner-Operator Summit on Wednesday.
FIRESIDE CHAT TOPIC: Conquering obstacles in today’s trucking
DETAILS: Ken Kaelin, president of Bottomley Enterprises in Mount Airy, North Carolina, joins Ingrid Brown, host of FreightWaves’ AMERICA on 18 Wheels, in a fireside chat to talk about trucking in the economy today. They address the rising costs of operations, recruiting and retention problems all small fleets and owner-operators face today. Bottomley Enterprises is a 120-plus fleet that is growing, and you’ll find out how it is overcoming obstacles to success.
SPEAKERS: Ken Kaelin, president of Bottomley Enterprises, and Ingrid Brown of AMERICA on 18 Wheels
BIO: Kaelin has served as Bottomley Enterprises’ president since 2019. Previously, he has held sales leadership roles at transportation companies including Schnedier National, Saia Inc. and Con-way Freight.
KEY QUOTES FROM KAELIN
On rising costs of equipment from OEMs:
“[The prices] really don’t look the same despite having the same vehicle being delivered. Same thing for the trailer, refrigeration units and any of the components, those parts that need to be replaced or repaired.”
On recruiting and retention:
“When thinking of recruiting [problems], I used to fire out of my mouth, ‘driver recruiting’ but I think it’s now all recruiting needs. To have the best talent, whether that’s the person in the driver seat, dispatch seat, customer service, back office, you name it, there is a unique strategy that needs to be developed by every leader in every company. That is making sure you are giving the best possible experience.”
On advice to fleet executives in turbulent times:
“First, have no fear. Secondly, believe in yourself. Lastly, know your costs more than anyone else. When you have those things, you have the best chance for success.”
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