What It Takes to Build a Driver-First Freight Business

The logistics industry can often feel like a numbers game, but Linda Carrion is here to remind us it’s always been about the people, especially the drivers. In this episode, Linda shares how she went from medical assistant to CEO of two freight companies, why her approach to leadership is grounded in empathy, and how local networks like the Propeller Club are changing the business landscape in Jacksonville. Whether you’re building a freight business or just trying to hold on during a tough market, Linda’s story offers real talk and practical advice. Key takeaways: The agent model gave Linda the safety net to grow her business without sacrificing independence. Building trust and transparency with drivers leads to better retention and long-term reliability. Intermodal operations are anything but cookie-cutter and require constant problem-solving. Local organizations like the Propeller Club play a critical role in fostering freight community connections.LINKS:Linda's LinkedInCarry-on Transportation Solutions WebsiteJAXPORT WebsiteTALON Jax WebsitePropeller Club - Port of Jacksonville WebsiteWATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE -----------------------------------------THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!SPI Logistics has been a Day 1 supporter of this podcast which is why we're proud to promote them in every episode. During that time, we've gotten to know the team and their agents to confidently say they are the best home for freight agents in North America for 40 years and counting. Listen to past episodes to hear why.CargoRex is the search engine for the logistics industry—connecting LSPs with the right tools, services, events, and creators to explore, discover, and evolve.Digital Dispatch maximizes and manages your #1 sales tool with a website that establishes trust and builds rock-solid relationships with your leads and customers.