For more on Advanced Trucking’s industry tips and their experience hauling with HAQM, see the insights they shared in our carrier panel at RelayCon 2024.
Originally from Kurdistan, Bayar Palani calls his family’s story “the epitome of the American dream.” He came to the United States at 10 years old, and his family eventually settled in Gainesville, Virginia. It’s now the base for his company, Advanced Trucking, which he’s grown over his 15 years in the industry. In this interview, we talk to Bayar about how his family’s journey inspired his entrepreneurial spirit, and how working with HAQM Relay has provided growth opportunities.
Tell us about your family’s values. How did they shape your approach to business?
My family made a difficult decision to leave everything behind in search of a better life and a safer future for us. Starting from zero shaped a lot of who I am today. Being the oldest of six kids, I had a front row seat to my father’s journey. Watching him struggle to relocate our family to a new country, not knowing the language, not knowing what the future held, but still pushing forward every day. He came to this country with $500 to his name.
That left a big impact on me. He instilled in me a strong work ethic, the importance of family, and a no-excuse mentality. No matter how hard life gets, you keep going for the people you love. But through it all, he led with strength and sacrifice. And I carried those values with me in everything I do.
How did you get started in trucking?
I got into trucking because of my dad. He was a dump truck driver. I drove alongside him for about five years, and decided to purchase my own truck back in 2015. That’s what makes my relationship with my drivers even better, because my drivers all know that I used to drive myself at one point.
What inspired you to start Advanced Trucking?
I’ve always had the drive to create something of my own, but the real turning point was when I became a father. The birth of my daughter gave me a different kind of motivation, a deeper one. She became my why. I wanted to build something that could one day give her a strong foundation and options in life. The vision of building a business not just for myself, but for my family and their future is what pushed me to start Advanced Trucking.
How has HAQM Relay helped you grow?
I started working with HAQM Relay in 2018 when I had just two trucks. Today, we’re operating 18 trucks, and a big part of that growth comes from the convenience, the structure, and the technology Relay provides.
I love how mobile and accessible it is. I can manage the business from anywhere, and my drivers benefit just as much because it simplifies their job. It’s truly a program built for growth.
“HAQM Relay puts me in a position to provide other opportunities for the drivers in my community. That means a lot to me.”
What type of work do you haul with HAQM Relay?
We typically book the 37-hour contract blocks—our company has built its system around that type of work over the years. We haul mostly drop-and-hook. You pick up HAQM’s trailer, you drop it, and that’s the end of it. Relay’s load board also gives me the opportunity to filter loads based on the type of load I’m looking for, down to the T. For example, reefer loads.
How does the Relay app make the job easier?
It’s simple and intuitive, made with the drivers in mind. One of the best features is the truck GPS. It takes the guesswork out of navigating and it helps drivers stay on track. But what really stands out to me is that it’s always evolving. You can tell there’s a team behind the app that’s constantly working to improve the experience. That kind of innovation makes a big difference in the industry.
What keeps you going?
My kids, my family, and the responsibility I have to my drivers and their families. As a business owner, I don’t take that lightly. I know that what I’ve built is creating opportunities for others. And that’s something I hold close to my heart. It’s not just about profits. It’s about a purpose. Every day I wake up knowing I have people counting on me. And that drives me to give everything I’ve got.
What are your hopes for the future of your company?
To keep scaling and to keep growing. I want to make it to a point where I own my own terminal, my own building, my own shop. And hire a full staff of employees where I can have 50 trucks or 100 trucks or 200 trucks. HAQM Relay is one of the tools we will continue to use as we work towards these goals.
Want in on the growth?
Bayar Palani’s story shows what’s possible when drive meets opportunity. Whether you’re looking to grow your fleet or maintain steady work, Relay offers the loads, tools, and support to help you achieve your business goals.
Ready to write your own success story? Start your application on your desktop or in our app on iOS or Android. But first, check out Relay’s carrier requirements to make sure HAQM is the right fit for your business.
Disclaimer: HAQM does not tender loads through any third-party load boards. Any HAQM loads posted on third-party load boards will only be tendered directly to approved and onboarded carriers via the Relay web portal or Relay mobile app. If you are interested in hauling loads for HAQM, sign up and book directly on relay.haqm.com.
