Driving Forward Together: Mercer’s Tyler Johnston and Truckstop.com Lead the Way at MATS
At Mercer Transportation, we recognize that collaboration and open dialogue are key to evolving our industry—and this year’s Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) was the perfect stage for that conversation. Our own Director of Operations, Tyler Johnston, joined forces with industry expert Brent Hutto for a dynamic presentation that not only shared crucial insights on navigating today’s market conditions but also showcased the power of genuine networking and collaborative growth.
A Legacy of Transparency and Expertise
For several years now, Tyler Johnston has been a familiar face at MATS, sharing his extensive knowledge and paving the way for Mercer’s reputation as a trusted leader in the transportation market. In a session focused on building and maintaining strong relationships with brokers, Tyler Johnston, alongside Brent Hutto, fielded a myriad of insightful questions from owner-operators and fleet owners. Their shared expertise shined through as they discussed how data-driven decisions and transparent communication can empower companies to negotiate smarter, become more profitable, and ultimately thrive in an ever-evolving market.
Enhancing Value Through Collaboration
Our presentation at MATS was more than just a talk—it was a testament to the value we place on cultivating industry relationships. Partnering with Truckstop.com, a pioneer in transportation technology and freight matching solutions, added another vital layer to our discussion. Since its inception in 1995 as the first load board on the internet, Truckstop.com has been instrumental in empowering transportation professionals with real-time rates, negotiation tools, and logistics solutions. Their commitment to connecting carriers, brokers, and shippers resonates with Mercer’s own mission of bridging communication gaps and fostering transparency.
Brent Hutto’s contributions were particularly noteworthy. As a Senior Advisor at Truckstop.com and a seasoned leader with an impressive industry background—from addressing the Senate Transportation Committee to being featured in supply chain publications like the Harvard Business Review—Brent brought a wealth of knowledge that enriched the discussion. Together, Tyler and Brent delivered a presentation that illustrated how leveraging technology and open collaboration can streamline operations and add tangible value to businesses throughout the industry.
Innovating Through Networking and Brainstorming
One of the highlights of the session was the interactive Q&A segment, where real-world challenges and opportunities were discussed openly. The audience of owner-operators and fleet owners had the chance to engage directly with our speakers, gaining insights into strategies for effectively managing broker relationships and staying ahead of market trends. It is through these candid exchanges that Mercer Transportation and our partners continue to innovate—constantly brainstorming and adapting to drive operational excellence.
The session underscored our commitment to continuous improvement. At Mercer, we’re not just focused on maintaining our fleet—we’re dedicated to growing our network and finding new ways to add value in every aspect of the trucking industry. Whether it’s integrating cutting-edge technology from partners like Truckstop.com or fostering a culture of transparency and collaboration, we’re always moving forward together.
Looking Ahead
Our presence at MATS is a reflection of Mercer Transportation’s ongoing dedication to nurturing industry relationships and exploring innovative solutions. By collaborating with industry stalwarts like Truckstop.com, we’re not only strengthening our own operations but also contributing to the overall growth and success of the transportation market. As Tyler and Brent reminded us during their engaging presentation, the best way to navigate current challenges—and future opportunities—is by working together, sharing knowledge, and continually striving for excellence.
Stay tuned as we continue to build these strong connections and pave the way for a brighter, more profitable future in transportation. Let’s keep the conversation going—together we can drive the industry forward!
If you’re interested in reading more about Mercer, click on the link to get more stories and learn more!