Show notes
What you’ll hear
He started with one truck at 18 years old — and went bankrupt within a year. Most people would have quit. Kendal Mast didn't. Today, KM Wood Products runs 60+ trucks, hauls some of the heaviest freight in the country, and has quietly become one of the biggest players in AI data center freight — with 65% of their entire fleet dedicated to it. But the road here wasn't straight. Kendal rebuilt this company from zero multiple times, survived COVID with his family living in the truck, fired his entire driver pool to save key contracts, and learned million-dollar lessons the hard way. This is one of the most raw, honest conversations we've had on the BulkLoads Podcast. If you're an owner-operator, a small fleet owner, or just someone trying to build something real — this one's for you.
🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode
⏱ TIMECODES
About BulkLoads: BulkLoads is the #1 bulk freight marketplace connecting carriers and shippers across the country. Whether you're hauling grain, fertilizer, heavy haul, or anything in between — we help you find the freight that fits your operation. 👉 Start finding loads today at https://www.bulkloads.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=KM+Podcast
#BulkLoads #Trucking #HeavyHaul #DataCenterFreight #OwnerOperator #TruckingPodcast #FreightMarket #Flatbed #KMWoodProducts
. . . Check out our companies!
BulkLoads - https://www.bulkloads.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=KM+Podcast
Insurance - https://www.bulkinsurancegroup.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=KM+Podcast
Factoring - https://www.smartfreightfunding.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=KM+Podcast
Transportation Management (TMS) - https://www.bulktms.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=KM+Podcast
Hosted by
Jared Flinn — Founder, BulkLoads
Twenty years of bulk-freight operating experience. Jared sits down weekly with the carriers, brokers, and shippers who actually move the freight — not the pundits who write about it. New episode every Monday.
Questions
Frequently asked
What is "The Heavy Haul Operator Riding the AI Data Center Wave" about?
He started with one truck at 18 years old — and went bankrupt within a year. Most people would have quit. Kendal Mast didn't.
What topics does this episode cover?
This episode covers Starting with one log truck at 18, Switching to wood chips and surviving early failure, Going OTR, hiring owner operators, and pivoting to flatbed, COVID hits — lays everyone off and starts over with his family in the truck, How he rebuilt to 60 trucks, The partner situation that nearly destroyed key contracts, Fleet breakdown: RGN, step deck, tanks, and heavy haul, and The 99-load gas plant project that changed his entire strategy, and more. Use the chapter timestamps to jump to any section.
How long is this episode?
This episode runs about 37 min, and was released Apr 20, 2026.
Where can I listen to "The Heavy Haul Operator Riding the AI Data Center Wave"?
Stream this episode here on bulkloads.com, or find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube — search "The Heavy Haul Operator Riding the AI Data Center Wave" or the BulkLoads Podcast.
Listen
More from BulkLoads Podcast
The $1 Million Bet That Built a Trucking Dynasty
$10,000 to Replace a $300 Part? The Dealership Trap Explained
For This Business, Success isn't Measured in Trucks
Why This 31-Year-Old Says Fancy Trucks Are Killing Owner-Operators
The $500K Lesson: Inside Blackwell Trucking's Pivot to Hopper Freight
