Podcast: Building a Successful Freight Operation with Ilya Denisenko, Owner of ICV Express

In the trucking industry, success often comes from unexpected places. This episode of Freight Nation features Ilya Denisenko, who traded his chef’s knife for truck keys and built a thriving freight operation. His journey showcases how diverse experience, combined with strategic planning and continuous learning, can lead to success in the competitive world of trucking.

A chef’s journey into freight

Ilya’s roots aren’t in trucking – they’re in the high-pressure kitchens of New York. With degrees from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America and experience running restaurants, he brings a unique perspective to the freight industry. The transition from managing restaurants to operating trucks wasn’t as dramatic as it might seem – both industries demand long hours, efficient operations, and careful attention to profit margins.

The path to owner-operator

Like many successful truck drivers, Ilya followed a strategic progression in the industry. Starting as a company driver with Prime, he gained invaluable experience under an experienced mentor who ensured he learned to navigate every type of delivery situation. From there, he moved to lease operations and gained diverse experience with carriers like Walmart and Atomic Transport, hauling everything from regular freight to specialized heavy loads.

Building a strategic operation

When Ilya launched his independent trucking operation in January 2024, he approached it with the same precision he once applied to running professional kitchens. His strategy included:

• Purchasing a carefully selected used Volvo for $47,000, prioritizing fuel efficiency and reliability
• Maintaining an impressive cost per mile of $1.26, well below industry averages
• Using driving time for education, listening to business and industry podcasts
• Building strong relationships with brokers and carriers through social media and industry events
• Constantly measuring and analyzing performance metrics

Success through smart management

Ilya’s approach to running his trucking business focuses on several key elements that have proven crucial to his success:

1. Cost management: His detailed tracking of expenses, from fuel consumption to maintenance costs, ensures profitable operations even in challenging markets.

2. Relationship building: In an era of increased freight fraud concerns, Ilya has successfully built trust with brokers through personal connections and consistent performance.

3. Continuous learning: Instead of entertainment during his drives, Ilya invests in business education and industry knowledge.

4. Operational excellence: Running a 2020 Volvo VNL with nearly 700,000 miles, he achieves over 9 miles per gallon through careful equipment management.

Looking to the future

Despite being relatively new to independent operations, Ilya is already planning fleet expansion. His vision includes growing while maintaining high operational standards and creating better opportunities for drivers. Drawing from his experience with various carriers, he aims to build a company culture that prioritizes both efficiency and driver satisfaction.

Combining experience and strategy in trucking

Success in trucking comes from more than just driving skills – it requires business acumen, strategic thinking, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Ilya’s journey from culinary arts to freight demonstrates that diverse experience, combined with careful planning and execution, can create a recipe for success in the trucking industry.

Whether you’re a freight broker looking for reliable carriers or a driver considering the path to becoming an owner-operator, Ilya’s story offers valuable insights into building a sustainable and profitable trucking operation in today’s competitive market.