Podcast: Building Success Through Hard Work, Adaptability, and Teamwork with Steve Cox

The freight transportation industry isn’t just a cog in the global economy—it’s the driving force behind it. It serves as the backbone for trade, ensuring that goods move efficiently and effectively from producers to consumers. 

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto sits down with Steve Cox, the President of Steam Logistics, to talk about what it takes to build a winning team, navigate the challenges of freight forwarding, and adapt to an industry in constant motion.

The grind behind success

Breaking into trucking can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re starting with nothing but a phone, a desk, and a dream. That’s exactly how Steve Cox began his journey. With only one fresh-out-of-college teammate by his side, Steve hustled to find customers—fueled by the weight of a mortgage and the responsibility of supporting his family.

His advice? Prepare to hit walls and keep going. “You have to run 100 miles an hour into a brick wall, back up, and do it again,” Steve shares. This mindset isn’t just for beginners—it’s for anyone in trucking, whether you’re a driver, carrier, or broker. The industry is full of hurdles, but success is reserved for those who push forward.

What helped Steve stand out was his focus on building a strong culture early on. He set clear expectations, led by example, and showed his team the power of hustle—literally running across the office, even for quick breaks. This determination paid off, growing Access America from a two-person operation to a 150-person powerhouse with $220 million in sales in just seven years.

For Steve, success comes down to persistence, adaptability, and creating a team that shares the same drive.

Adapting to an ever-changing industry

Trucking is unpredictable, and success often depends on how well you can handle change. When faced with a sudden shift in market dynamics, recognizing the need to adapt can mean the difference between thriving and merely surviving.

Steve knows this firsthand. In January 2023, a shifting market forced his team to pivot. They acted quickly and decisively —working to protect the company’s bottom line and also the livelihoods of its employees. 

Adapting isn’t just about survival; it’s about thriving. Whether it’s recalibrating operations, optimizing routes, or reshaping strategies, the ability to pivot keeps trucking companies ahead of the curve. Open communication and transparency are key—when everyone’s on the same page, teams can tackle changes together.

In today’s fast-paced freight market, those who embrace agility have the edge. As Steve’s story shows, staying flexible isn’t just a smart strategy—it’s essential for staying competitive.

Leading without ego

Strong leadership is essential in trucking. But for Steve, effective leadership isn’t about micromanaging or taking credit—it’s about stepping back and putting the team first. He calls this approach “loosening the collar,” creating a relaxed, ego-free environment where collaboration and innovation are invited.

Ego-free leadership builds resilience. It’s about ensuring that, no matter what challenges come, the entire team—drivers, dispatchers, and office staff—is ready to roll up their sleeves and find solutions. For trucking companies facing market shifts like declining freight volumes, this kind of culture isn’t just nice to have—it’s a necessity.

To hear more about Steve’s experience, listen to this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.