Inside The Freight: Craig McGraw on Navigating the Heavy Transport Industry

In this episode of The Boardroom Buzz, Jeremy and Jason Julio interview Craig McGraw, Vice President of Trans American Trucking and Warehouse, a New Jersey-based family business founded in 1976 that specializes in logistics, warehousing, and heavy/oversize freight transport. McGraw explains how the company evolved from port container work into moving massive machinery—up to 300,000 pounds on 19-axle trailers—serving industries like nuclear plants and fast-growing data center construction. He describes the relationship-driven nature of sales, frequent travel and industry conferences, and how projects are awarded and managed. The conversation covers scaling limits tied to equipment costs and lead times, operational headaches like high insurance, “nuclear verdicts,” staged accidents, permitting complexity, and the role of political advocacy for trucking infrastructure and permit harmonization. McGraw also discusses community involvement through Seton Hall programs, Team Walker, and the YMCA, and shares views on AI, autonomous trucks, and power demands for data centers. Learn about: Oversize Freight Reality How Trans American Started What They Haul TodayOversize Road ChallengesFamily Roles and TeamBreaking Into Heavy HaulSales Built on RelationshipsSeton Hall and MentoringGrowth to $35M RevenueWarehousing and Real EstateFleet Size and Industry ScaleInsurance Politics and RiskFraud Accidents and CamerasCommunity Boards and VolunteeringLocations and Scaling StrategyData Centers and Global FreightCustoms Delays, AI Future and AI Permit PlanningFamily Legacy LeadershipService Reputation CultureLeading the Sales Team Ready for boardroom-level help with your own business? • Grow, sell, or exit your service company with Potomac: https://www.potomaccompany.com Connect with the hosts: • Blue Collar Twins – Jason & Jeremy Julio: https://bluecollartwins.com Connect with Paul: • Paul Giannamore – Managing Director & M&A advisor at Potomac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgiannamore