Leading Through the Freight Storm: Kyle Kottke on Lessons Learned

When the freight market won’t let up, you listen to the folks who’ve lived it. Nate Johnson sits down with Kyle Kottke, General Manager and third-generation co-owner of Kottke Trucking, for a real, unscripted conversation between two industry veterans who’ve seen it all.Kyle stepped into leadership at just 18 and has spent decades helping steer his family’s nearly 90-year-old company through shifting markets, economic pressure, and the everyday challenges of the road. Together, he and Nate explore what it takes to lead with resilience, build strong teams, and stay steady when the industry gets shaky.Driver turnover, rate pressure and freight demand may come up but this one’s really about experience, perspective, and staying grounded in what works.Whether you're running a fleet or driving one, tune in for hard-earned advice, lessons learned the long way, and a few laughs along the road.