Today we’d like to introduce you to Alesha Olvera.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
Back in 2020, when the world went a bit crazy, I was presented with what seemed to be a crazy idea. My fiancé wanted to operate a small, family trucking company. Armed with only a background in business, I offered to take on a minor role. Before we knew it, I was running our company full-time and had fallen in love with the trucking industry. “I pride myself and my company in my ability to solve my customers’ freight problems to the fullest extent. This is accomplished by keeping my customer base on the small side, making sure we are the right fit for their specific needs.” Every day since I have been committed to working the ins and outs of everything in freight transportation, from the side of a motor carrier business owner with compliance and safety regulations to uphold, I make pick-ups and deliveries myself in the truck. The “everything in between” became more and more intriguing. Which, in turn, led to me opening my very own freight brokerage!
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been relatively smooth so far?
The freight industry has its challenges. Unfortunately, it is almost an industry standard for new brokers to have a challenging 1-2 years when starting. Establishing credit to have qualified carriers work with me is a hurdle. Creating relationships with new carriers and new customers requires patience as well.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a female sole proprietor working in a mainly male-dominated field. My day-to-day work involves researching the market areas across the country to provide competitive rate quotes for my customers, customer acquisition-involving emails/calls and more research, guiding drivers through routes and any difficulties, compliance work, accounting/bookkeeping, creating marketing materials, checking in on current customers, improving my online and social media presence, continuous learning throughout the freight world and of course, miscellaneous paperwork all day! My customer service level sets me apart from other freight brokers. I am more personable and knowledgeable than many of my counterparts, as I own a small trucking company. I am very proud of my ability to give fair rate quotes, as my overhead is much lower than most. I am very passionate about the new “tiny home movement and shipping container homes,” as my primary niche is in the transportation of shipping containers.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Be likable! Be friendly, be direct! I give 100% attention to anyone I network with and allow open discussions about this industry, where many people would charge for this knowledge base. I find it helpful to keep in touch with people who have helped me and vice versa, even when it’s just to check-in.
Contact Info:
- Website: activefreightsolutionsllc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/activefreightsolutions/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/alesha-olvera-84bb9935
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@afs.brokerage.cle?_t=8lxujDMccJi&_r=1
