Trucking Business

Trucking Business Success Stories [2025]

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Updated: April 26th, 2025

Looking for a business idea that moves industries? Consider starting a trucking business. At its core, this venture involves owning and operating trucks to transport goods across local, regional, or national routes. A trucking business serves as the backbone to countless industries by ensuring timely deliveries of everything from consumer goods to industrial materials.

Embarking on this journey requires more than just purchasing vehicles; you’ll need to navigate the landscape of logistics management, compliance with transportation laws, and efficient route planning. Investing time in learning about freight logistics software and building relationships with shippers can provide a competitive edge.

For those who crave a sense of impact and the lure of new horizons, the trucking business offers the chance to be at the heart of commerce. Whether you start with just one truck or a small fleet, it's an endeavor that can grow with dedication and strategic planning.

In this list, you'll find real-world trucking business success stories and very profitable examples of starting a trucking business that makes money.

1. Sant Lines ($1.2M/year)

Mikael Sant's journey towards founding Sant Lines began with a fortuitous suggestion from a friend while he was working in Texas as a moisture inspector. His friend, who had a family in the trucking industry, recognized Mikael's aptitude for logistics and urged him to explore the field. Intrigued by the potential earnings and steady demand, Mikael returned home and began to research the trucking business extensively, utilizing platforms like YouTube to gather insights and understand the market.

He invested $32,000 in his first truck found on Facebook Marketplace, using his savings accumulated from a landscaping business he'd run since the age of 12. Mikael negotiated diligently to ensure he got a good deal, even bringing his dad along for a second opinion. After his initial purchase, he continuously refined his business plan, including setting aside 20% of his revenue for maintenance and unexpected expenses, informed by ongoing industry research and feedback.

Mikael faced several challenges early on, from dealing with high insurance costs to managing breakdowns and even experiencing theft from a driver. However, he stayed resilient and learned valuable lessons, such as the importance of thorough research, prudent financial management, and the necessity of building a reliable team. His ability to leverage digital platforms for branding and recruitment further strengthened the foundation of Sant Lines.

How much money it makes: $1.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $32K
How many people on the team: 7

How 19-Year-Old Mikael Sant Built a $1.2M/Year Trucking Empire

A 20-year-old entrepreneur from Pasco built a successful trucking company from scratch, quickly scaling from one to five trucks through strategic investments, robust social media marketing, and impressive revenue hitting $159,000 in just three months.

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1. Sant Lines ($1.2M/year)

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