We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brice Bebout. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brice below.

Hi Brice, thanks for joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

My plan at the beginning of 2023 was to start my own transportation company and haul on the side while still hauling hogs most of the week for a different company. However, I needed a different truck, as my old F250 was getting up there in miles and was not quite enough for some of the things I was planning to haul in the next 12 months. So, after a lot of research and scrolling, I settled on F350 dually to give me the best chance at getting right to work and being able to haul bigger, heavier trailers if the opportunity arose. I dropped my semi off at the shop after work on Monday for some engine work, took a trip to Oklahoma on Wednesday to purchase a new to me pickup to start my hauling business and by Friday I was unemployed because the company did not want to pay for the repairs on the semi and already had it sold.
I went from working for someone to save money to get things started, to working on my own overnight. I put every dime into buying that truck and then I had to hit the ground running. I made it work because it had to work.
The following week, I was off to the races. I started with word of mouth advertising by letting my inner circle know that Nightlatch Transportation was happening much sooner than previously thought. Friends started tagging me on Facebook “In Search of Transport” posts, I hauled horses for friends and also started hauling campers from manufacturers to dealerships. I made an Instagram and Facebook to work on building an identity. My first post was of that truck hooked to the trailer somewhere off of I-90 in South Dakota heading to pick up my first official horse.
Since then, I have been picking up steam on clients. It has not been easy getting here, but this is what I want to do. I love driving truck. I love horses. It makes me happy to see clients happy, and it makes me even happier to be the reason horses have a good experience on the road and arrive in good condition and spirits at their destination.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Technically, I am a 4th generation truck driver and my Dad did over the road while I was growing up. In the Marines Corps, I was a Motor Transport Operator and advanced to being a Wrecker Operator my second year of enlistment until I got out. I’ve driven a variety of trucks, from my first Ford Danger Ranger to an LVSR, and hauled an even bigger list of products, from hogs to meat to tropical plants (complete with tree frogs) to pack mules to future Grand Prix jumpers. I specialize in hauling equines across the lower 48. For any horse/pony/mule/donkey that needs moved across town or the country, I provide a safe, comfortable ride to where ever the animal needs to go.
I strive to provide a top tier service to the horses I haul, and also to their owners. The trailer is bedded with large flake shavings so there’s plenty of cushion, but they’re not blowing around making the air dusty, hay bags never run empty and are always refilled, water is on board at all times and is changed if it gets too warm or gross, and most importantly, if I can haul horses in a box, loose, I will. That way they can put their heads down to clear their airways and stand how it’s most comfortable for them. Second most important, I always keep peppermint treats on board and give the passenger(s) a couple when we stop for fuel or a rest break.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

I’ve always seemed to be the guy hauling for friends and family. From getting out of the Marine Corps and hauling everything across the country in a livestock trailer, to hauling our personal horses to Montana for a move and then being the chosen chauffer to haul to trailheads and lessons. Then hauling back to Iowa for another move. If there’s somewhere to go or something needs to go somewhere, I’m the one driving. And not because I always jump in the driver’s seat, but people appreciate that I’m a safe driver, take my time and can read conditions really well. Winters don’t play around out here.
I already had the trailer because we have horses, but adding the F350 dually was the next step to building the business. After jumping in with both feet, having my first repeat client that was not a friend or friend of a friend was an unbelievable feeling.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Communication is key. Being upfront and honest about timelines, pricing and the experience the animals traveling will have is paramount. When I have inquiries about pricing, I take the time to create a formal quote on a company letterhead that includes the route, price, paperwork needed for the animals (depending on the state) and any necessary additional details. It shows that I take my business seriously and answers a lot of questions upfront. That’s one way I work to build trust with clients. I have also made a habit of leaving a couple business cards at every facility I visit and with every equine professional I encounter; trainers, farriers, vets.

Another strategy I’ve employed is sharing my travels on social media. Seeing is believing for most humans, so I want to do my part to show people what I’m up to.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @nightlatchtransportation
• Facebook: Nightlatch Transportation
• Other: nightlatchtransportation@gmail.com

Image Credits
Holding the horse’s head is by Emilie Kristoff of Kristoff Photography, instagram @emkristoffphoto In front of the semi and sitting on the horse drinking from the creek is by Erica Bebout, instagram @ericabebout Adjusting the bridle and putting on chaps is by Tim K., instagram @timkvp I took the rest of the pictures.