Today we highlight Brent Hanslovan Trucking, an Oregon-based owner-operator who’s busy making a big impact.
Sports often provide a metaphor for business and work. Oregon-based owner-operator Brent Hanslovan, a former pitcher for his West Albany, Oregon high school baseball team, says whatever success he had was because his teammates had his back. “Whether it was the couple of times I was close to a no-hitter, or a few shutouts, there were always my teammates behind me making plays, helping me be successful.
Small Business Owner-Operators
According to a recent article in Freightwaves, small carriers and owner-operators comprise a majority of our nation’s carrier base. Indeed, those with six tractors or less make up 86% of all carriers, according to recent FMCSA data. The headline describes small owner-operators as the “lifeblood” of transportation during market downturns.
Brent Hanslovan Trucking
Brent’s company fits the bill. In business for nineteen years, Brent Hanslovan Trucking specializes in hauling grass seed, lumber, and frozen food. It consists of two semi-tractors, two flatbed trailers, and two refrigerated trailers. Brent and his one other employee are the drivers.
Brent’s former high school baseball team having his back mirrors Brent’s approach to managing his business. “Helping my shippers by being on time, doing what I say, keeping them and their customers informed, and supplying them with their delivery information in a timely manner is how I roll,” said Brent. “In return, my customers treat me right. They supply me with the information and the ‘heads ups’ that are so important. It’s true collaboration.” While on the road, Brent practices a teamwork approach with road safety, too.
“I’m always looking out for the other people out there on the road who aren’t necessarily paying attention,” he said. “I’ve seen a lot of stuff over the years. There are too many examples I’ve experienced where attention to safety on my part avoided an accident.”
Driver Safety
Brent and his employee driver hold monthly safety meetings. “We talk about specific incidents where we avoided trouble and what we learned,” he reported. “We keep up with safety regulations and how we can be compliant.”
Brent focuses much of his business on flatbed lumber loads. “It might sound strange, but the lumber loads are more labor intensive. For me, that’s a benefit. I get a good bit of exercise loading and unloading.” His other driver hauls the frozen food loads. “Then there are the seed loads in season,” he said. “Those are good loads to have, too.”
Customer Service
Brent takes care of his customers, and they take care of him in return. One of his best customers is Weyerhaeuser, the Seattle-based timberlands and wood products company. Consistently conscientious and diligent, Brent serviced Weyerhaeuser through a freight broker. He was surprised when a shipping manager at a Weyerhaeuser facility engaged him, as he was picking up a load. “He asked me if I wanted a more formal direct relationship with them,” said Brent. “He said they were impressed by my professionalism, punctuality, and attention to their SOPs and details. Normally I would not solicit work from a broker’s customer or accept a casual offer,” he continued. “However, Weyerhaeuser was insistent over time, and I accepted. They’ve been a great customer. They are good communicators, and that reinforces my service commitment to them.”
Prospering as a small owner-operator has its challenges. What keeps Brent in trucking? “I enjoy driving, being in the truck, turning on the music and relaxing, although always being aware of my surroundings and what’s going on. Maybe it was more fun when I was younger, but I still get a kick out of it.”
Success in Small Business Trucking
The sales side of his owner-operator business is a natural fit for a people-person like Brent. “When I drive to new places, or travel on my own on vacation, and I see a place I wouldn’t mind hauling to, I know how to spot businesses that would be shipping or receiving freight. I walk in, introduce myself, and talk face-to-face with them. I leave a business card and see if we can do business together.”
Brent is proud of his profession and his contributions toward the success of others. “There was a construction site I delivered to over several weeks,” he related. “They needed some product badly at the construction site and called me late Friday afternoon. I initially said I could get it to them Monday, but they said they needed it Saturday to stay on schedule. They had workers on site, and if the job was on a standstill, their people would be getting paid for sitting around. I made it happen.” Providing exceptional service is an attribute Brent possesses as a small business owner. Countless other independent owner-operators who comprise 86% of all carriers nationwide undoubtedly share this commitment to great service with Brent.
“Brent is the type of owner-operator that we want on the road,” commented ClearConnect Solutions’ Product Specialist, Nick Rice. “Putting others first, but at the same time busting his butt to make sure he gets the job done efficiently, but most importantly, in a safe manner.”
During the early years of Brent Hanslovan Trucking, Brent was on the road four nights per week. Over the years he has managed his business to provide him with the comforts of being home every night. “I enjoy being home. I go to the gym. I visit with my nieces and nephews. I get to watch their soccer and baseball games. It’s a big part of my life.”
“Small fleet owner-operators make up a huge percentage of the drivers on the road,” said Nick Rice.
“They’re really the backbone of the transportation industry, and Brent is the exact type of driver we want all drivers to be. His detailed attention to safety and alertness on the road has helped him all these years and hopefully for many more. Cheers and a big thank you to Brent for his hard work and setting a good example for all truckers and drivers.”