Maria Ramos, Ramos Freight LLC

Maria runs a one-truck dry van operation focused on disciplined load selection and weekly financial reviews. Her system is built around speed, consistency, and staying audit-ready without overcomplicating the business.

Owner-Operator (1 Truck) Orlando, FL 8 Years in Business

Interview Q&A

1. What software do you use to run your trucking company?

I use Motive for logs and tracking, QuickBooks for finances, and Truckstop for load visibility. Keeping it simple helps me stay consistent.

2. What’s your best tip for new owner-operators?

Do not chase gross revenue. Track cost per mile every week and turn down loads that do not protect margin.

3. How do you stay organized for compliance?

I keep a monthly checklist for medical card, consortium status, and drug testing paperwork. I review it every Friday.

4. How do you handle maintenance planning?

I block maintenance windows before they become emergencies and set budget reserves each month for tires, brakes, and downtime.

5. What helps you avoid costly mistakes?

I document every recurring task and use templates for invoices, paperwork, and dispatch notes so nothing depends on memory.

6. What advice do you have for scaling from one truck?

Standardize your process first. If dispatch, billing, and compliance are not clean at one truck, they become chaos at two trucks.