The business of milk hauling is a high-stakes, round-the-clock operation. According to Hunter Bergfeld, the company’s chief operating officer, their trucks run 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to meet the demands of the schedule. Their goal is to get three loads of milk per truck to the plant daily. This requires meticulous scheduling and a commitment to consistency, a lesson learned from the high-pressure environment where even slight delays can impact the entire dairy supply chain.

Quality control is paramount, and the process is far more involved than simply picking up the milk. The article details a strict protocol that drivers must follow at every stop: visually inspecting the milk, measuring it, taking samples, and checking the temperature. The financial risk of a quality failure is significant, as the company once had to buy a $10,000 to $16,000 truckload of milk that was off temperature by a mere one-tenth of a degree. This serves as a stark reminder of the precision and vigilance required to maintain product integrity.

The human element of the business is brought to life through the experience of Scott Gehl, a 53-year-old veteran driver. His role as a “fill-in” driver showcases the flexibility and dedication required to ensure continuous service. The article highlights his daily routine, which starts at midnight and includes stopping at three different farms to collect milk from four tanks. His personal account underscores the personal commitment that goes into the job, from following strict sampling procedures to adhering to tight schedules at the processing plant.