How a young entrepreneur combined humble beginnings, strong community ties, and the knowledge of permitting laws to build a grain transportation business.
Daniel Stutzman is, in many ways, a typical farm kid. He grew up in Morenci, a small agricultural town known for being the southernmost city in Michigan, with a population of 2,270. After graduating from the local high school in 2012, he earned a business degree from Siena Heights University, a nearby private Catholic school.
Following graduation, he returned to work on the family grain hauling business, assuming a 50-50 ownership capacity. Over a number of years, he transitioned to full ownership. Today, Outlaw Grain Transport LLC hauls grain and feed throughout southeast Michigan, northeast Ohio, and east Indiana, with a fleet of five semis, three hoppers, and two aluminum dumps.
Answering the Call
Stutzman makes it clear that Outlaw Grain Transport would not exist without supportive partnerships—both professional and personal. “Before I had the privilege to do this full-time, I worked at an automotive dealership. My wife, Macy, and I had our son Owen, and I was really hammering down and trying to grow the company while working. It was a stressful time, but with the support of my wife and her amazing family, we got through it. The reality is, the only reason I was able to quit and focus on the business is because my wife has a great job. That made me put the wheels to the pavement and get this thing moving. If she didn’t have the job that she did, I could not have started this company and let it get to where it is.”
Next came the professional partnerships. Gerald Grain Center Inc., a farmer-owned cooperative in northwestern Ohio, is the company’s primary contractor, although there is no contractual obligation. “In the ag world, a handshake goes a long way,” he says confidently. “The reason the Toledo market appealed to me so much was because now I live just outside of Blissfield, MI, which means we have easy access to the Toledo market.”
Two years and two semi-hopper trailers later, Stutzman was receiving a lot of calls from Toledo-based businesses like The Andersons and Luckey Farmers. That prompted him to expand in order to serve the Toledo market.
Finding the Perfect Spot
At this point, Stutzman needed a place to park his growing fleet of trucks, which now included three 2020 Kenworth T880 trucks, a 2015 Mack CXU613, and a 2019 Tempte Hopper. “They’re automatic trucks; we do not have manual trucks. The reason I like automatics is that over the years they’ve gotten much better. Ten or fifteen years ago, automatic trucks were inferior, but technology has improved, and so has the automatic transmission,” he explains. “It also allows my driver to focus on the road, where his attention needs to be, instead of shifting gears.”
“I needed to find a place close to the homes of my drivers because I didn’t want them to have a long commute before a day of hauling grain.” Grieser Transportation, a family-owned and operated, full-service transportation company, was ideal. “Once I saw the beautiful, gated facility, I knew we had a place to park the trucks.” Stutzman rented some lot space and has been grateful ever since.
More than a place to park, Grieser provides service repairs, including everything from basic services to major engine work, as well as fuel. “We have a nice home hub, and if a tire goes out or when we need fuel, we’re taken care of.” Stutzman appreciates that both Gerald Grain Center and Grieser have been so supportive of what he refers to as a relatively small company.
“I’m 30 years old, and I have a lot to learn. These are really good people who know a lot about the longevity of different trucks, fuel prices, and business in general. They don’t have a direct stake in my business, but they have been such an invaluable source for me and my crew to talk to.”
In addition to practical support, the relationships he has built with these partners have fostered a sense of community and trust. “Knowing we have a reliable place to service and fuel our trucks, as well as knowledgeable people to turn to for advice, has been crucial for our operation,” Stutzman says. “Their support allows us to focus on growing the business and serving our clients without worrying about the logistical challenges.”
Playing by the Rules
Navigating complex regulations can be challenge but Stutzman takes the opposite approach. “I take pride in understanding Ohio’s permitting system, enabling us to legally transport larger loads,” says Stutzman. Utilizing Ohio’s permitting laws, Outlaw Grain can transport 37 tons of soybean meal, compared to the standard legal load of 25 tons. “By permitting my drivers for specific routes, we ensure compliance and efficiency,” Stutzman explains. It also builds relationships, especially when you’re able to help a locally owned elevator like Grelton take front loads. By investing in a core fleet and utilizing his permitting knowledge,
Stutzman has built a small yet mighty grain transportation business by investing in a variety of truck and trailer combinations, (pictured above) each serving specific purposes:
A 2020 Kenworth T880 paired with a 2021 MAC Aluminum dump (pictured above) represents the fleet’s largest trailer. This setup benefits from Ohio permitting laws, allowing it to haul more tonnage and bushels. Powered by a Cummins engine with an automatic transmission, both the truck and the aluminum dump were acquired at the company’s inception.
A 2020 Kenworth T880 is matched with a 2019 Tempte Hopper, providing a standard yet highly efficient configuration. Equipped with a Cummins engine and automatic transmission, both units were purchased at the company’s outset.
Another 2020 Kenworth T880 is coupled with a 2025 Trailstar Aluminum Dump, the newest addition to the fleet. This setup aims to replicate the performance of the other aluminum dump configuration. Like the others, it features a Cummins engine and automatic transmission, with the truck acquired at the company’s founding and the trailer purchased just last week.
A 2020 Peterbilt 579 is teamed up with a 2024 Tempte Hopper, offering another standard but efficient setup. Both units feature a Cummins engine and automatic transmission, with the truck procured in 2022 and the hopper added last October.
The fleet also includes a 2015 Mack CXU613 paired with a 2019 Tempte Hopper, representing the oldest truck in the lineup. Despite its age, this combination has performed admirably. Powered by an MP8 engine and equipped with an automatic transmission, the truck was acquired in 2021, while the trailer was obtained at the company’s inception.
People Over Profit
With the support of his family, a team of skilled drivers, and partnerships with Gerald, Grelton, and Griesers, Stutzman is confident he can navigate any challenge. As Outlaw Grain Transport continues to expand, he remains committed to maintaining these essential relationships and building on the trust and community that have been key to his success.