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Dry Van on highway — Brenda Simmons case study
Case Study

Brenda Simmons

Dry Van Dispatch Case Study: Emergency contract loss recovery — loaded within 6 hours

53' Dry VanSoutheast

Dry VanRevenue IncreaseSoutheast

Brenda Simmons: Emergency contract loss recovery — loaded within 6 hours

A dry van owner-operator facing financial crisis after her single dedicated retail shipper abruptly cancelled her contract was loaded with a backhaul automotive parts run within 6 hours of contacting Grow Trucking. Over the following two weeks, Grow Trucking rebuilt her entire book of business with four new broker relationships across retail, beverage, and medical supplies, increasing her rate from $2.00/mile to $2.85/mile and eliminating her dangerous 100% dependency on a single client.

The Challenge

Brenda was a dedicated carrier for a single retail shipper who abruptly cancelled her contract during a demand slowdown. With no backup brokers and a lease payment due in 10 days, she was in financial crisis. She called Grow Trucking with a single request: get me loads now.

Grow Trucking's Solution

Within 6 hours of onboarding, Grow Trucking had Brenda loaded with a backhaul automotive parts run from Charlotte to Nashville. Over the following two weeks, we rebuilt her entire book of business with four new broker relationships across retail goods, beverage distribution, and medical supplies — providing lane diversity so she would never again rely on a single shipper.

Southeast Dispatch Strategy & Route Optimization

I-85 West to I-26 to I-40 West. Grow Trucking arranged a fuel discount through our fleet fuel program at 8 stops on this corridor, saving Brenda $0.14/gallon — meaningful on a lane she now runs 3x per week.

Results at a Glance

MetricBefore Grow TruckingWith Grow Trucking
Time to First LoadIn crisis, 0 loads6 hours after onboarding
Shipper Dependency100% one client4 active broker relationships
Rate per Mile$2.00/mile$2.85/mile
Weekly Revenue$6,000$8,550
Fuel Savings/YearNo program$2,900/year

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can Grow Trucking get loads for drivers in an emergency situation?
Brenda was in financial crisis with a lease payment due in 10 days after her single shipper cancelled her contract. Within 6 hours of onboarding with Grow Trucking, she was loaded with a backhaul automotive parts run, demonstrating our ability to provide immediate load access for drivers facing emergency situations.
Why is relying on a single shipper dangerous for owner-operators?
Brenda was 100% dependent on one retail shipper who abruptly cancelled during a demand slowdown, leaving her with zero income. Grow Trucking rebuilt her business with four broker relationships across automotive, retail, beverage, and medical supplies, providing lane diversity that protects against single-client risk.
What is the typical rate increase when transitioning from dedicated carrier to multi-broker model?
Brenda was earning $2.00/mile as a dedicated carrier for one shipper. After Grow Trucking diversified her broker relationships across multiple industries, her rate increased to $2.85/mile — a $0.85/mile increase that added $2,550 per week in revenue while providing business stability.
Does Grow Trucking provide fuel discount programs for Southeast corridor lanes?
Yes. Through our fleet fuel program, we arranged fuel discounts at 8 stops on Brenda's I-85/I-40 corridor route, saving her $0.14/gallon. On a lane she now runs 3 times per week, this translates to $2,900 in annual fuel savings.

Ready to Increase Your Dry Van Revenue Like Brenda Simmons?

Get a free consultation and find out what Grow Trucking'sSoutheast dispatch strategy could do for your operation.