#103 – 34-Year-Old Entrepreneur Builds Million Dollar Fuel Transport Company

Early Life:

Hard work and dedication can lead to great rewards. This is shown in the story of Mike Stewart, who worked hard and eventually became a successful businessman. Born and raised in California, he saw his father driving a truck as a child, which inspired him to want to drive one someday. Stewart’s goal in life was to become a mechanic, and he did so by working as a diesel technician for UPS. He enjoyed his job but, unfortunately, was laid off and had to shift gears to truck driving.

 

Stewart started driving trucks at 23 for CR England, a company that provided transportation services. While working there, he was able to purchase his own truck and another one six months later. He eventually sold both trucks and came home from over the road. At that point, he went to a local company in Bakersfield to haul fuel. Stewart recalled that he fell in love with the work after that.

 

Stewart worked for six months at the company and quickly learned the program. He then worked for another company for five years, first as a driver and then as a manager. Stewart says he worked hard for that company and always wanted the best for it. He wanted his company to be better than others. Perhaps, they did not believe in themselves.

 

Instead, he started his own company—the Reliant tank division. The company was established in 2017. Over the years, he has moved from hauling fuel and gas to HAZMAT. He now has a fleet of nine trucks and fifteen trailers.

 

Interaction with TN’H:

In an interview with Truck N Hustle, Stewart explained why he chose to work for CR England despite his father being an owner-operator in the trucking industry. He said this because he wanted to avoid favoritism and learn more about how things run within such a company. He also gave the audience suggestions for using the trucks and making money from their operation under the trucking company.

 

Stewart chose to work as a fuel hauler because it’s one of the highest-paying local jobs one can get out the gate. Hazmat and hauling fuel may not be as popular topics, but Stewart made it his mission to educate those interested in the information. HAZMAT is an acronym for hazardous materials that need special attention. They’re typically found in shipping or manufacturing areas. They include acids, bases (like alkaline batteries), organic peroxides like bleach, and moissanite, which can be explosive if they come into contact with water. With all these dangers out there, it makes sense why Stewart had so much information about what your average person might not already know: how do you recognize one? How do I protect myself?

 

For those interested in becoming fuel haulers, Stewart offers advice on how to approach the profession. He cautions against taking shortcuts and urges readers to learn how to triple-check their work. Stewart took the time to explain every detail of how fuel is transported and treated, ensuring everyone understood. This episode really covers everything you need to know about this fascinating topic!

 

Final Thought:

In his last thought, Mike Stewart said the wittiest thing to everyone. He referenced this famous phrase, “If you can’t beat them, join them.” and said, “If I can’t join you, I’m going to beat you.”

 

He ended the interview on a positive note, saying that everyone should live life to its fullest and dream big.

 

To know more about fuel hauling, Please view the Video Below

 

Episode Timeline

[skipto time=2:59]2:59 – Early life. [/skipto]

[skipto time=31:51] 31:51 – The successor of the business.[/skipto]

[skipto time=34:01]34:01 – Finding customers. [/skipto]

[skipto time=1:14:17]1:14:17- International customer. [/skipto]

[skipto time=2:21:35]2:21:35- How does the company grow. [/skipto]

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About The Host

rahmel - how to start a trucking company

Rahmel Wattley

The creator & host of Truck N’ Hustle, is a renowned personality in the trucking & logistics industry who hosts podcasts with the reputed & successful trucking entrepreneurs to share the knowledge required to start & sustain the logistics business!

Mike Stewart

Mike started his driving career at 23 followings in his father's footsteps, who also is a tenured driver. He began working for CR England as a company driver but quickly became an owner-operator seeing the high earning potential. Things with CR England, would not last long. Although Mike built up to 2 trucks, he got frustrated with the industry and sold them both.

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