What does it actually take to build a freight business in today’s market, and why do so many give up too soon?

In this episode of Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast, Chris Jolly, founder of Freight Coach Logistics and host of The Freight Coach podcast, breaks down what it means to build with intention, survive the downturns, and create value that lasts in this industry.

Chris shares how his father's legacy as a 40-year owner-operator shaped his mindset, what most brokers are still getting wrong, and why mentorship—not hype—is the real path to growth. Whether you're launching a brokerage, scaling a fleet, or just trying to keep your business moving, this episode is packed with real-world advice and operational clarity.

If you're an owner-operator, aspiring broker, or industry pro trying to get traction, this one delivers.

🎧 Episode Timestamps 📍 00:01:41 – Why Chris launched The Freight Coach and what’s broken in freight media 📍 00:02:50 – Growing up in a trucking family and how it shaped his path 📍 00:04:06 – “Work with your brain, not your back” and other dad wisdom 📍 00:06:25 – Why industry change must come from within 📍 00:10:27 – Core values at Freight Coach Logistics: Do the right thing 📍 00:11:55 – Standard operating procedures every broker should follow 📍 00:13:01 – What carriers should expect from a real partnership 📍 00:15:01 – Why brokers must specialize, not generalize 📍 00:17:19 – $60 billion in flatbed and why most are missing the opportunity 📍 00:21:00 – Building long-term carrier relationships during down markets 📍 00:22:37 – Why cash flow is non-negotiable for business survival 📍 00:24:11 – How factoring fits in a real financial strategy 📍 00:28:11 – How to trim expenses when the budget gets tight 📍 00:31:11 – The difference between real mentorship and online noise 📍 00:35:00 – Creating space for voices beyond the top 10 percent 📍 00:36:23 – What good mentorship actually looks like 📍 00:40:45 – Starting a brokerage today: what no one wants to say 📍 00:44:00 – The "add five" mindset that keeps his sales engine running 📍 00:45:01 – Industry outlook for 2026 and why interest rates matter

🎙 About Our Guest Chris Jolly is the founder of Freight Coach Logistics and host of The Freight Coach podcast. With nearly 20 years of experience in transportation and deep roots in a multigenerational trucking family, Chris offers no-nonsense insight into brokerage operations, driver relations, and what it really takes to succeed in freight.

🔗 Connect with Chris Website: https://www.thefreightcoach.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/

🔗 Follow Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast Website: https://milesandmentorspodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milesandmentors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/miles-and-mentors-podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MilesandMentors

🎤 Want to be a guest or sponsor the show? Miles and Mentors is a platform for real stories, practical guidance, and meaningful mentorship across the trucking industry. 📧 Reach out at: [email protected]