This week on the Oakley Podcast, host Jeremy Kellett welcomes Alex Bauta, a Cuban-American owner-operator at Oakley with a military background, who shares his journey from military service to trucking. Alex discusses his methodical approach to becoming an owner operator, emphasizing the importance of treating trucking as a business. He provides detailed insights into maximizing fuel efficiency by maintaining a consistent 62 mph speed, which reduces mental fatigue and improves miles per gallon. Key takeaways include his strategic truck selection, financial planning, the value of working with a supportive company like Oakley Trucking, and so much more. You won’t want to miss this great conversation!
Key topics in today’s conversation include:
- Welcoming Alex to the Podcast (1:56)
- Military Contracts Explained (4:38)
- Skills Gained from Military Service (7:54)
- Alex’s First Truck Experience (14:36)
- Becoming an Independent Contractor (17:23)
- Purchasing a Truck (19:19)
- Understanding Business (21:59)
- Financial Planning (23:17)
- Fuel Costs (25:21)
- Fuel Efficiency Habits (27:20)
- Speed Management (31:50)
- Analyzing Empty vs. Loaded Miles (37:47)
- Average MPG Calculation (38:59)
- Defensive Driving Insights (41:17)
- Relaxed Driving Approach (43:03)
- Advice for Owner-Operators (46:09)
- Alex’s Future Aspirations (47:41)
- Changing the Stigma of Trucking and Parting Thoughts (52:05)
Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com.