Ira Strum, like many in the industry, became an independent owner-operator after several years of driving for larger companies. He entered the trucking industry in 2017 to provide for his family and has since hauled a variety of goods from beer to potatoes. Ira works with a few brokers as "regulars” and enjoys being able to see the country, meet interesting folks along the way, and earn a living for him and his loved ones.
Prior to trucking, Ira graduated from Syracuse University and worked in sales. When he and his wife learned they were going to have their first child, Ira decided to switch careers as a way to increase his income. He quickly became an owner-operator to maximize revenue and now drives throughout the country, working with various brokers and shippers. As an owner-operator with one truck, Ira keeps a close eye on his expenses and "chases rates” however he can, knowing it all adds up and affects his take-home income.
Ira is unabashedly "all about the Benjamins” and uses Relay because it offers lower rates at many of the independent truck stops he likes to visit. He also loves that he can double-down or even triple-down with the cost savings – receiving up to $1.00 off per gallon, earning cash-back savings from his credit card, and loyalty points from the truck stop!
Relay's fuel codes add to Ira's bottom line and enable him to better provide for his family. With a 200-gallon tank, he's been able to save hundreds of dollars at the pump and compound those savings further with additional rewards.