From a Microbiology Degree to Running a Brokerage Abroad | Stacey Grove on Behind The Wheelhouse

In this episode of Behind the Wheelhouse on Trucker Talk Radio, Stacey Grove, president of Workhorse Logistics, joins Justin to share how a microbiology degree, a chance meeting at a gym, and a leap of faith abroad led him to build a thriving freight brokerage from scratch.Stacey breaks down why he deliberately carved out a niche in import-export container freight, the segment most brokers avoid because of its complexity, and how leaning into that underserved market helped him survive COVID, outlast the dry van boom-and-bust cycle, and build a loyal customer base that keeps sending him business five years in. He also walks through the hard lessons: stolen loads, billing mistakes with NVOCCs, and why doing a little extra work on the front end saves you from chasing disaster on the back end.The conversation gets into the fraud problem hitting trucking from every angle like chameleon carriers, fake rate cons, low-quality overseas dispatchers undercutting owner-operators, and why Stacey believes the barrier to entry for bad actors is dangerously low. He makes a strong case for better vetting habits, building relationships with trusted carriers first, and treating owner-operators like the business owners they actually are.They close out looking at the future: AI, automation, shorter freight legs, and the shift away from the classic over-the-road model. Stacey's take is optimistic, the drivers who increase their value and adapt will thrive, and the opportunity in specialized, relationship-driven logistics has never been bigger.Chapters0:00 Intro1:11 Stacey's Background & Florida Roots2:49 From Verizon to Trucking4:30 Moving Abroad & Launching Workhorse Logistics6:52 The Florida Freight Market7:46 Why Import-Export Container Freight11:52 Word of Mouth Over Cold Calls13:56 Growing the Business15:42 Billing, Collections & Taking Ownership17:12 Broker Transparency & Going the Extra Mile20:16 Fraud in Trucking23:50 Vetting Carriers & Spotting Scammers26:56 Low Barrier to Entry & Bad Actors27:13 Owner-Operators as Business Owners30:58 The Future of Logistics & Automation36:34 The Changing American Trucker36:51 How to Reach Stacey38:37 Sponsor Mentions & OutroFollow Us!X: https://x.com/trucktalkradioIG: https://instagram.com/truckertalkradioTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@truckertalkradioFollow Stacey GroveLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-grove-50960065/Website: https://work-horse-logistics.comemail: [email protected] by Ready AppThe driver-verification platform protecting brokers, carriers, and shippers from identity fraud, onboarding risks, and unsafe hires.Learn more at: https://ready-app.comSupport GreyCross.orgA 501(c)(3) supporting families affected by roadway tragedies across America.Donate at: https://greycross.org#truckertalkradio #behindthewheelhouse #truckingpodcast #freightbrokerage #importexport #containertransportation #truckingfraud #owneroperator #logisticsbusiness #supplychain #freightindustry #trucking #workhorselogistics #truckinglife #cdldrivers #freightmarket #truckingnews