How to Build a Successful Freight Brokerage from Scratch

Most people who start freight brokerages don't start as CEOs. Liz Wayne started as a receptionist at a trucking company. In this episode of The Journey Podcast, Will Jenkins sits down with Liz — Founder and CEO of Able Transport Solutions — to talk through a career built entirely from the ground up, shaped by curiosity and the willingness to figure things out without a blueprint.

Liz traces her path from early operations roles in trucking through the organizational changes that pushed her toward entrepreneurship, to the moment she decided to build something on her own. She's honest about what it actually takes to stand up a freight brokerage sales team — not just hiring, but creating an environment where people can actually perform — and the hard lessons that come with doing it without a playbook.

The conversation also covers Liz's involvement in the Women in Logistics Committee and why industry organizations matter for freight brokers who want to grow their networks, stay current on market shifts, and find community in an industry that can feel isolating when you're building something independently.

This episode is a practical look at freight brokerage entrepreneurship — the real version, not the highlight reel.

Learn more about building and scaling freight brokerages through Journey's consulting services, or explore The Freight Academy for structured freight brokerage training.