Freight at Scale: What It Really Takes to Win in Logistics

In this episode of the Driving Forward Podcast, Nate sits down with John Leach, CEO of FLS Transportation Services, a $600M logistics powerhouse that’s quietly become one of the top 3PLs in North America. John’s journey didn’t start in freight. He spent years leading in telecom, then helped build the commercial machine at Coyote Logistics before stepping in to lead FLS. That diverse background shaped the way he runs a freight company, with a focus on transparency, execution, and building a culture of ownership. We’re going to dig into how those lessons translated into real growth at FLS.

This isn’t just a story about freight, it’s a masterclass in leadership through evolution. We’re talking about scaling operations, integrating technology, and why culture is still the most underleveraged asset in transportation. Whether you’re leading a brokerage, running a fleet, or trying to future-proof your transportation business, this episode delivers insight that’s hard-earned and immediately useful. If you’re serious about 3PL growth, freight strategy, or just want to learn from someone who’s lived it across industries, don’t miss this one.

00:00 Intro
03:40 From Telecom to Freight: A Lesson in Volatility
08:55 Data, Profitability, and Building with Intent
14:40 Cross-Border Strategy & Market Stability
20:00 Culture Shift at FLS: From Siloed to Collaborative
33:27 Freight Tech: Innovation vs. Noise
42:30 Advice for Small Logistics Companies
45:00 More on Cross-border
49:00 Final Thoughts: Legacy, Integrity & Freight Leadership