Hell Bent on Efficiency: Jamie Hagen on Smarter Trucking & MPG

What does it take to run a truck that averages 10 MPG when most hit 6.5? Jamie Hagen, owner of Hell Bent Xpress, joins Nate on Driving Forward to share how he built a South Dakota fleet known for its all-Mack lineup, impressive fuel efficiency, and driver-first culture. Jamie’s trucking story started early riding with his dad at 3, getting his CDL at 18, and buying his first truck at 21. Today, he runs a growing fleet that’s “hellbent” on smart spec’ing, fuel economy, and treating drivers right. In this conversation, Jamie and Nate cover:Why he runs an all-Mack fleet and how he squeezes maximum efficiency out of every AnthemThe fuel-saving strategies every trucker and fleet can use to cut costsHis philosophy on driver treatment and why retention beats gimmicky recruitmentThe role of technology and data in the future of truckingWhether you’re an owner-operator, fleet manager, or trucking enthusiast, this is real talk from someone who’s lived the highs and lows of the road and found smarter ways to run.