FreightCasts

Craig and Julie cover the entire supply chain spectrum in this packed episode! GEODIS CEO Laura Ritchey recaps her first year leading the company, while John Brooks introduces the new WOW Supply Chain Activity Index from Warehouse on Wheels. Plus, Sope Creek Capital's Kevin Nolan breaks down recent earnings and freight trends, Port of LA Executive Director Gene Seroka celebrates a record-breaking month, and FreightWaves' Eric Kulisch unravels the mystery of a ghost fleet of unbranded cargo planes. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Loaded and Rolling, host Thomas Wasson is joined by Sean Dehan, Vice President of Strategy and Corporate Development at Truckstop. Together, they dive deep into the changing landscape of the freight industry, exploring how brokers and carriers can navigate a post-Montgomery world, fight rising freight fraud, and adapt to shifting market dynamics. ⁠Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Global Protection Corp., the company behind ONE® Condoms, never expected a routine shipment to become a $1.7 million cargo theft. The company wasn't hacked, yet it still became the victim of a sophisticated cyber-enabled scheme that forever changed how it approaches supply chain security. In this episode of Fraud Watch, Ryan Findling and Milla Impola share their story, the lessons they learned, and why they believe verification over speed is one of the strongest defenses against modern cargo theft. Questions for the Global Protection team? Contact them at info@globalprotection.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Brake Check! In this episode, Charles sits down with industry leaders to cut through the fluff, break down current market trends, and deliver real trucking talk. Michael Kroul (CEO of KTI) discusses navigating spot rates, building long-term carrier relationships, and the role of legal risk management and AI in modern freight brokerage. Tyler Johnston (GM of Operations at Mercer Transportation) breaks down the true cost of operating in 2026, the myth of the “Freight Super Cycle,” and why consistency outperforms chasing rates. ⁠Follow the Brake Check Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we kick things off by examining a manufacturing surge that's creating serious momentum across the freight landscape. July's Institute for Supply Management Manufacturing PMI jumped to 55.6, the highest reading since May 2022 and well ahead of analyst expectations. This manufacturing recovery is showing up directly in ⁠less-than-truckload volumes, with four publicly traded LTL carriers reporting tonnage up 2.6 percent year over year⁠ in the second quarter, and preliminary July results showing even stronger growth at 5.1 percent year over year. Next, we discuss a major driver misclassification case as ⁠drayage drivers who hauled for STG Logistics in New Jersey are eligible for a piece of a more than $2.2 million payout⁠ following the settlement. The suit, which dates back to 2023, was the first filed under a 2021 New Jersey law targeting employers who misclassified full-time workers as independent contractors. Eligible drivers can receive a lump sum based on their earnings from January 2017 to the present. Finally, we explore how a strategic investment is expanding global widebody cargo capacity as ⁠Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings completed its transaction to take a 49 percent stake in Iceland-based Air Atlanta⁠, the all-cargo carrier and lessor announced on Monday. As part of the deal, Atlas subsidiary Titan Aviation acquired fourteen widebody freighter aircraft owned by Air Atlanta and leased them back, while Air Atlanta's CEO and vice presidents acquired a 51 percent controlling interest in the operating companies. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Craig and Julie have a jam packed show to start of the week! FreightWaves Finance Editor, Todd Maiden, starts things off talking railroad earnings. He breaks down how major carriers like Schneider National handily beat expectations, signaling the early stages of a capacity-constrained rate recovery. Schneider captured double-digit rate increases on contract renewals during Q2. Zak Andersoe, Chief of Staff and VP of Corporate Relations at BNSF, outlined why the railroad strongly opposes the proposed merger between Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS). He explains how the merger creates an unprecedented level of market power (over 50% market share in the combined entity), which BNSF argues will ultimately raise prices and reduce competition for shippers—particularly bulk and carload shippers who lack competitive alternatives. Trent Broberg, CEO of FullBay, highlighted key trends and operational pressures across heavy-duty maintenance shops. Brian Fielkow, EVP of Risk Resources at Acrisure, detailed how safety directly drives productivity and enterprise value. Alex Tabarrok, Chair in Economics at George Mason University, presented findings from a white paper on autonomous vehicle (AV) adoption and opposition. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to WithSONAR! In this episode, we break down SONAR's latest Peak Season SITREP and highlight the key datasets you should be monitoring to stay ahead of changing market conditions. From capacity and demand to imports and spot rates, we'll walk through the indicators shaping the second half of the year and show you where to find them in SONAR. Check out the Peak Season SITREP here: https://sonar.surf/sitreps?tab=peak-season-capacity-convergence Save the charts to your 'My Dashboards' here: https://sonar.surf/sharepage/02389c4e-62ea-46f9-bdf4-debd22243c1f In this episode, you'll learn: How current capacity conditions compare to previous years Why tender rejections remain one of the most important leading indicators What freight volumes, fuel prices, and Port of Los Angeles imports are signaling for Q4 Which regions are experiencing the greatest market pressure How spot and contract rates are trending heading into peak season

Welcome to a Monday edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? with your hosts Malcolm Harris and Michael Vincent! We are officially kicking off August with a wild ride through the latest freight news and diving into the future of logistics tech with two incredible guests. Malcolm and Mike run through a mind-boggling roundup of recent freight crime and poor decisions: $20M Smuggling Bust: Customs officers at the Calexico Port of Entry seized 1,002 pounds of cocaine hidden under the wooden floorboards of a flatbed hauling rebar. Discount Store Heist: The California Highway Patrol recovered more than $500,000 in stolen cargo merchandise from a discount retail store in Rialto. Million-Dollar Truck Theft Ring: Two men were arrested in South Carolina after stealing 13 semi-trucks and 3 trailers over the course of three years. Bud Light Bumper Cars: A driver in a 2022 Freightliner crashed into nine stopped vehicles in Erie, PA, and allegedly fled the scene on foot while carrying a case of Bud Light. USPS Lottery Theft: A Florida mail carrier was arrested for stealing a resident's mail and cashing their $2,600 winning lottery ticket. Louisiana CDL Bribery: A massive bribery scheme was uncovered where over 120 people paid around $5,000 each to obtain fraudulent CDLs with the help of corrupt DMV employees The Innovators: AI in Logistics Paul Singer (Co-founder & CEO, FleetWorks): Coming hot off being named a Forbes Next Billion-Dollar Startup, Paul joins the show to discuss how FleetWorks is revolutionizing the industry. Leveraging his experience at Uber Freight, Paul explains how their AI agents (Chet and Sophia) help brokers and carriers automatically match freight, negotiate rates, and handle unstructured communications via phone, email, or text. Amir Haas (Founder & CEO, Eagle): Amir breaks down how Eagle is digitizing and securing manual freight yards. By automating gate check-ins with AI, they are stopping fake licenses, catching damaged or empty trailers, reducing dwell time, and saving facilities an average of $500,000 a year on labor costs. ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ ⁠Visit our sponsor - GNOSIS FREIGHT⁠ ⁠Subscribe to the WTT newsletter⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠More FreightWaves Podcasts⁠ #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we kick things off by examining how Schneider National is aggressively pushing rates higher in a tight capacity environment. The Green Bay-based carrier handily beat second-quarter expectations and raised its full-year outlook, declaring that ⁠the truckload market is only in the early stages of rate recovery⁠ as it captures double-digit increases on contract renewals. Next, we explore the autonomous trucking sector where Aurora Innovation is spelling out exactly what its driverless technology will cost carriers. The Pittsburgh-based developer reported a second-quarter loss of two hundred seventy million dollars and ⁠detailed the per-mile pricing behind its two distinct business models⁠, targeting different revenue ranges for its transportation-as-a-service and driver-as-a-service offerings. Finally, we cover the rapidly evolving enterprise artificial intelligence landscape as a leading CEO argues that ⁠the competitive battleground has shifted away from model quality entirely⁠. Speaking at the Supply Chain AI Symposium in Chicago, Reindeer's founder explained that large language models are becoming commoditized and that the real edge now lies in the maintenance layer—detecting when workflows drift and adjusting agents without costly engineering intervention. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The freight industry is facing one of its biggest legal challenges ever. Craig Fuller and Matt Leffler analyze the $604 million C.H. Robinson verdict, unpack the court's borrowed employee finding, explore why brokers across the country are calling the case an existential threat, and examine what comes next as the decision heads toward appeal. ⁠Follow the Freight Expectations Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a action-packed Friday episode of FreightWaves Today! Host Craig Fuller, Julie Van de Kamp, and guest host Max Fuller dive deep into the latest earnings releases, critical market shifts, and major legal developments rocking the supply chain industry. In this episode, we cover: Spotlight on ArcBest: President & CEO Seth Runser joins the show to discuss ArcBest's impressive Q2 performance, signs of an early demand recovery, their strategic rebranding (consolidating Molo and Panther), and the launch of the new ArcBest View platform. Freight Market Deep Dive: A breakdown of 5 key market pillars—from capacity exits and durable spot rates to shifting driver recruiting dynamics. C.H. Robinson & Earnings Roundup: Senior Editor John Kingston drops by to unpack C.H. Robinson's earnings call, headcount reductions, and the lingering overhang of recent litigation. Legacy Carriers & Market Supercycle: Covenant Logistics Founder & CEO David Parker sits down to discuss Covenant's transition away from one-way OTR, driver market constraints, rising insurance burdens, and why we might be in the early stages of a freight supercycle. Freight Expectations: Transportation attorney Matt Leffler breaks down the massive $604M Lupus Superior nuclear verdict against C.H. Robinson, the legal concept of vicarious liability/co-employment, and why this case represents an existential threat to the freight brokerage model. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the fastest 45 minutes in freight! On this end-of-July edition of What the Truck?!?, hosts Malcolm Harris and Michael Vincent break down the latest industry headlines and sit down with top leaders in supply chain technology and fleet operations. In this episode: Headlines & Legal Dramas: A breakdown of the latest updates surrounding the Louisiana staged-accident scam and attorney Vanessa Motta's denied request for a new trial. Plus, a look at the fallout from high-profile broker liability cases and nuclear verdicts. Reinventing Freight with Tech & EVs: Sami Khan, Co-Founder and CEO of Novoia, joins the show to discuss how AI, electrification, and autonomous hub-and-spoke models are reshaping over-the-road freight. He shares real-world performance data on their Tesla Semis and explains how AI is freeing up dispatchers to focus on high-value tasks. Tackling the Technician Shortage: Matt Trapp, VP of Operations at Cox Fleet, stops by to talk about the real challenges facing fleet maintenance. Learn how Cox Fleet is recruiting the next generation of tech-savvy mechanics—including military veterans—and why leadership is the key to technician retention. ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ ⁠Visit our sponsor - GNOSIS FREIGHT⁠ ⁠Subscribe to the WTT newsletter⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠More FreightWaves Podcasts⁠ #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we kick things off with a massive equipment theft bust as law enforcement officers across the Carolinas recovered ⁠thirteen semi-trucks, three trailers, and two motor vehicles worth over one million dollars⁠ during an ongoing Florence County investigation. Two North Carolina men face grand larceny and conspiracy charges for allegedly stealing nine commercial motor vehicles between November 2022 and October 2025, with the eighteen-vehicle recovery highlighting the critical importance of fast reporting and secure parking controls. Next, we explore the less-than-truckload sector where ⁠XPO delivered record-breaking second-quarter results that crushed Wall Street expectations⁠ with adjusted earnings per share of one dollar and seventy cents. The Greenwich-based carrier's LTL unit posted a seventy-nine point nine percent adjusted operating ratio, three hundred basis points better year-over-year, with management declaring the industry is still in the early innings of a multiyear double-digit rate growth cycle. Finally, we cover how ⁠Saia's softer full-year margin outlook sent shares tumbling twelve percent⁠ in midday trading Thursday despite delivering better-than-expected quarterly earnings. The Johns Creek carrier now expects to hit the lower end of its guidance range, with the addition of thirty-three new service centers since 2022 dragging on margins as these fresh facilities still trail the legacy network with operating ratios in the low-ninety percent range. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Malcom and Julie are live from the Westin in downtown Chattanooga at the Univar Solutions Carrier Kickoff Event. Key Segments & Highlights Rob McRae (VP of Transportation, Univar Solutions): Explains the strategy behind Univar's Carrier Kickoff and why investing in face-to-face relationships with carriers—especially in the specialized chemical and liquid bulk space—creates long-term reliability and market protection. Details what it takes to be awarded "Shipper of Choice," including driver engagement, internal talent recruitment, and maintaining disciplined, service-focused carrier scorecards. Brad Hadley (VP of National Accounts, Saia LTL Freight): Analyzes the industry shift of shipments moving from truckload to less-than-truckload (LTL) as truckload capacity tightens and rates rise.Highlights Saia's capital investments, terminal expansions, and their internal "Dock-to-Driver" training program designed to develop CDL drivers from within. Brian Riley (VP of National Account Sales, Arrive Logistics): Breaks down the "trilogy" relationship between shippers, carriers, and service providers. Discusses how shippers can navigate tightening capacity, handle lower-volume "tail" lanes, and adopt proactive contract adjustments to avoid volatile spot market pricing. Ben Caplenor (EVP of Operations, LRT Solutions): Shares insights on operational growth, prioritizing service and safety amidst industry headwinds, and how smaller carriers can leverage cost-effective technology to free up team bandwidth. Tyson Wimberly (SVP of Sales & Revenue Management, Covenant Logistics): Discusses Covenant's evolution into a full-service logistics organization, its focus on alternative fuel sustainability, and the critical importance of predictable scheduling and fair pay for professional truck drivers. ⁠⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can trucking survive if diesel hits $6 a gallon? And if it does...will AI be the difference between staying profitable and shutting the doors? On this episode of Brake Check, we tackle two of the biggest forces reshaping trucking today. Senior Market Analyst Phil Flynn of The PRICE Futures Group breaks down where diesel prices are really headed, what could send fuel above $6 per gallon, how geopolitics, refinery capacity, and oil markets impact every load you haul, and what fleets should be doing before the next price spike....not after it. Then, Ava Davis from Alvys separates AI fact from fiction. Every software company claims to have AI....but what's real, what's hype, and what actually saves carriers time and money? We dig into AI-powered dispatch, fraud detection, operations, automation, and the tools that are giving smart fleets a competitive edge. Inside this episode: Could diesel really hit $6? Where oil prices are headed through the end of 2026. The biggest risks to fuel prices. What every fleet should watch before buying fuel. The truth about AI Fake AI vs. real AI. How AI is changing the workforce. The smartest moves carriers can make to protect their margins. Whether you're an owner-operator, fleet owner, dispatcher, broker, or trucking executive, this episode delivers practical insights you can use to prepare for what's coming next. The question isn't whether trucking is changing. The question is whether your business will change fast enough to survive it. Subscribe to Brake Check for unfiltered conversations with the people shaping the future of trucking. ⁠Follow the Brake Check Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join the Craig and Julie as they dive deep into a jam-packed Wednesday broadcast covering the latest Q2 earnings, market trends, rail updates, and freight technology! In This Episode: Market Dynamics & Q2 Earnings Overdrive: The hosts unpack earnings season highlights across the supply chain, analyzing surging revenue metrics, tight capacity, and how asset-based carriers like Werner Enterprises, Night-Swift, and Old Dominion (posting an unheard-of 70.1 operating ratio!) are navigating the market recovery. Trailer Optimization with Repower: Chris Hines, CEO of Repowr ("The Trailer Whisperer"), discusses the launch of TOP (Trailer Optimization Platform). Learn how automating execution layers and managing trailer pools helps carriers eliminate empty miles, improve driver retention, and stop revenue leak. Inside an Employee-Owned Fleet: Brent Nussbaum, CEO of Nussbaum Transportation, shares why transitioning to an ESOP in 2018 transformed their culture, maintained an impressive ~30% turnover rate, and created sustainable growth. Plus, a look at how Nussbaum is leveraging their new pricing technology, BidRight. Rail Industry & STB Merger Updates: Bill Stevens, Editor of Trains Magazine, drops in for the weekly Association of American Railroads (AAR) report. The team breaks down carload and intermodal trends, along with key takeaways from the "Future of Rail" symposium regarding Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern's proposed transcontinental merger. OEM Market Analysis: Chris Versace (Chief Investment Officer at Tematica / Portfolio Manager at TheStreet Pro) analyzes transport stocks, UPS's restructuring struggles against Amazon Flex, and PACCAR's strong demand outlook amidst the impending EPA 2027 emissions pre-buy. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to a Wednesday edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? — the fastest 45 minutes in freight! Hosts Malcolm Harris and Michael Vincent break down the biggest news and trends across the supply chain, from high-stakes freight security to the future of electric fleet infrastructure. On This Episode: Tragic Rail Container Smuggling Incident: The hosts cover a disturbing story reported by FreightWaves' Phil Brink regarding seven migrants who tragically lost their lives inside a sealed rail container in Texas and the 11 defendants facing life sentences. They analyze the criminal smuggling networks, carrier liability, and differences between maritime and rail security regulations. EV Infrastructure Realities with EV Realty: Patrick Sullivan, Co-Founder & CEO of EV Realty, joins the show to discuss what it actually takes to support commercial electric trucks. He breaks down the industrial real estate and power grid challenges facing fleet electrification, why drayage and regional routes are leading adoption, and how data drives fleet hub locations. Tackling Freight Fraud with Cipher & Row: John Nolan, Co-Founder, CEO, and Chief Systems Architect at Cipher & Row, stops by to discuss the escalating issue of freight fraud. He explains how AI-driven packet scanning, carrier vetting, and timestamped audit trails help brokers protect themselves against reincarnated carriers and compliance risks. ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ ⁠Visit our sponsor - GNOSIS FREIGHT⁠ ⁠Subscribe to the WTT newsletter⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠More FreightWaves Podcasts⁠ #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Live from Chattanooga, Tennessee, hosts Craig Fuller and Julie Van de Kamp broadcast from the Future of Rail Symposium to break down the latest shifts transforming the freight and logistics industry. In this episode, Craig and Julie dive deep into the critical role of freight rail as the backbone of the American industrial economy. They discuss recent market shifts, safety technology investments, regulatory updates, and why AI-driven data center expansion and energy sector growth are creating massive opportunities for rail networks. Plus, they examine the ongoing fallout from recent legal precedents impacting freight brokers and trucking liability. Later in the episode, Zach Strickland (Head of Freight Market Intelligence) sits down with FreightWaves rail and intermodal expert Stuart Charles to dissect the latest SONAR market data. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The trucking industry just entered a new era...and "we didn't know" may no longer be enough. After the Montgomery v. Caribe decision, brokers are facing unprecedented scrutiny over how they select motor carriers. Then came another massive Texas verdict involving Home Depot and C.H. Robinson, raising new questions about broker liability, negligent selection, and whether every catastrophic truck crash is now a lawsuit waiting to happen. At the same time, freight fraud and cargo theft continue to explode, costing the industry hundreds of millions of dollars every year. Identity theft, stolen MC numbers, double brokering, cargo theft rings, and organized fraud are forcing carriers, brokers, and load boards to rethink how freight moves across America. In this episode of Brake Check, Charles Gracey sits down with TIA President & CEO Chris Burroughs, former TIA Chairman Jeff Tucker, and Truckstop General Counsel Lynsey Pickenpaugh for one of the most important conversations in trucking this year. Inside this episode: What Montgomery v. Caribe really changed The legal impact of the latest Texas nuclear verdict Is every broker now exposed to negligent selection lawsuits? Why 92% of carriers have no federal safety rating Should FMCSA define what a "safe carrier" is? The future of broker liability How modern freight fraud actually works Identity theft, stolen MC numbers, and cargo theft What Truckstop is doing to stop fraud before it starts The one mistake carriers and brokers can't afford to make Whether you're a truck driver, owner-operator, carrier, freight broker, safety director, attorney, shipper, or fleet executive, this episode explains what has changed, what hasn't, and what every transportation professional needs to understand before the next load moves. The rules are changing. The lawsuits are getting bigger. The fraudsters are getting smarter. Are you ready? Join the conversation in the comments: Should FMCSA define what makes a carrier "safe," or should the industry remain responsible for making that decision itself? #Trucking #Freight #BrokerLiability #FreightFraud #CargoTheft #Transportation #FMCSA #TruckingNews #OwnerOperator #FreightBroker #Logistics #BrakeCheck #CDL #SupplyChain #MotorCarrier #TruckingIndustry ⁠Follow the Brake Check Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Freight Waves Today, hosts Craig Fuller and Julie Van de Kamp break down one of the most transformative developments in recent logistics history: a staggering $640 million nuclear judgment involving C.H. Robinson that has sent shockwaves through the brokerage industry and freight markets. Plus, we explore how AI data center expansion is reshaping flatbed and bulk capacity, the latest trends in last-mile retail delivery, and a custom tech solution built specifically for truck drivers! Dennis McCaffrey, SVP of Enterprise Sales at RXO, drops by to share war stories from the early days of ExpressOne and XPO. He breaks down how RXO scaled into the 3rd largest freight broker, the power of managed expedite platforms, and what the next 12–18 months look like for capacity. Hackathon Winner Spotlight: RateSafe: Hackathon winner Sean Conley (VPA & Director of Business Development at Vantage Logistics) introduces RateSafe—an app built using Sonar's API that cuts through the noise to tell drivers what not to book based on personalized operating costs and home-time expectations. Last-Mile Delivery & Retail Trends: Jake Stein, VP of Retail Growth at Burke, breaks down the shift from ultra-fast delivery to extreme reliability, multi-carrier last-mile orchestration, and the realistic timeline for drone delivery. The "Capacity Tax" & AI Data Centers: Blake Ezell, VP of Customer Success & Support at IntelliTrans, joins to challenge the market recovery narrative. Discover how hyperscale AI data center construction is quietly consuming massive amounts of flatbed and bulk capacity—creating a bidding war for specialized freight. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? with Malcolm Harris and Michael Vincent! On today's show, we're diving into the biggest headlines shaking up supply chains, trailer leasing traps, and a complete shift in how LTL shipper performance is measured. What we cover in this episode: Headlines: The massive $600M nuclear verdict against C.H. Robinson, a $290M cocaine bust hidden in Ecuadoran banana shipments, cartel business fronts, and the latest biweekly logistics layoff roundup. Trailer Leasing Realities: Ed Behnen (SVP of Sales at Premier Trailer Leasing) drops by the studio to talk about avoiding the "low rate" lease trap, fighting off Facebook Marketplace equipment scams, and leveraging telematics to protect your assets. Flipping the LTL Scorecard: Lance Healy (Co-Founder & CEO of FreightFAX) breaks down how FreightFAX is turning the tables by scoring shippers instead of carriers on a 900-point scale, tracking dwell times, claim rates, and "freight karma." Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor - GNOSIS FREIGHT Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This jam-packed episode of FreightWaves Today covers major industry-shaking news, featuring a massive nuclear lawsuit judgment against C.H. Robinson, key updates across intermodal rail,yard security technology, and last-mile logistics. The show opens with the fallout from a $604 million nuclear lawsuit verdict handed down in Dallas County Court against C.H. Robinson and motor carrier Lupus Superior following a fatal multi-vehicle pileup in Mississippi. Cassandra Gaines, Founder of Carrier Assure, and FreightWaves journalist John Kingston join to analyze what this landmark post-Montgomery decision means for freight brokers nationwide. Later in the show, the hosts speak with Paul Svindland (CEO of Mallory Alexander and former CEO of Celadon) about his career navigating distressed supply chain companies, before exploring yard security, booming rail earnings, and the impact of the housing slowdown on last-mile delivery. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Malcolm and Mike dive deep into the latest freight news, supply chain trends, and game-changing logistics technologies. Special guest Dr. Danielle Dean, Head of Engineering at Gather AI, joins the show to break down how physical AI and autonomous systems are transforming warehouse management. Physical AI in the Warehouse: Dr. Danielle Dean joins the show to discuss Gather AI's platform, digital twins, and how autonomous drones and vision-based forklift cameras are revolutionizing inventory tracking without replacing workers. Cracking Down on Staged Crashes: A new Senate bill proposes up to 20 years in federal prison for staging commercial truck accidents—will it actually curb fraud schemes? Pharmaceutical Tariff Talk: Examining the potential impact of proposed tariffs on generic medicines and what shifting production back to the U.S. means for supply chains. Housing Market vs. Heavy Delivery: How a cooling housing market is impacting the big-and-bulky last-mile freight market. Major Cross-Border Drug Bust: Breaking down "Project Bay"—a $139M broker-style illegal smuggling operation shut down in Canada. ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ ⁠Visit our sponsor - GNOSIS FREIGHT⁠ ⁠Subscribe to the WTT newsletter⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠More FreightWaves Podcasts⁠ #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we kick things off by examining a strategic acquisition that signals a massive shift in how financial services companies are approaching the independent carrier market. Freight factoring firm BasicBlock has officially acquired TrueNorth, an AI dispatcher and free loadboard platform, dramatically expanding BasicBlock's service offerings beyond traditional financing. By integrating TrueNorth's centralized invoice tracking, fuel, insurance, compliance and load-searching tools, BasicBlock gains critical data and operational capabilities to support its broader vision of building a comprehensive financial ecosystem around trucking customers. Next, we discuss one of the largest nuclear verdicts in trucking history and the massive implications for the brokerage sector. A Dallas jury delivered a verdict of approximately six hundred four million dollars in a case stemming from a fatal March 2021 crash that killed three people, with defendants including logistics giant C.H. Robinson and carrier Lupus Superior. Legal sources say a court rejecting the FMCSA satisfactory rating as a valid defense is a major concern for the brokerage industry in the post-Montgomery legal landscape, and C.H. Robinson plans to appeal. Finally, we explore how Tesla is ramping up commercial vehicle production as part of what executives are calling the company's largest investment cycle ever. Austin-based Tesla reported second-quarter revenue of twenty-eight point two four billion dollars, up twenty-six percent year over year, while highlighting major progress on launching production of the Tesla Semi Class 8 electric truck at its Nevada manufacturing facility. The Nevada Tesla Semi factory remains on schedule, with full production expected to begin later this year as capital expenditures more than doubled to support the aggressive expansion. Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stuart Chirls joins the show to discuss whether or not intermodal's growth rate is sustainable. ⁠Follow the Freightonomics Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the freight market finally turning a corner? On today's episode of FreightWaves Today, Craig Fuller and Julie Van de Kamp break down a massive week of Q2 earnings, major rail updates, and supply chain headlines! We sit down with Josh Phelan, CVP of Operations at J.B. Hunt, to discuss driver constraints, cost inflation, contract vs. spot rate momentum, and why this cycle might look very different for carriers big and small. Plus, FreightWaves' own Todd Maiden breaks down Knight Swift's massive Q2 earnings beat. And Paul Tonsager, CEO & Founder-Integrated Multi-Modal Solutions, LLC talks industry growth. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The trucking crackdown is here. The question is...will your company survive it? FMCSA has rewritten the playbook. CSA has undergone its biggest overhaul in years. English proficiency enforcement is back in force. DataQs are more important than ever. And freight fraud has exploded into one of the biggest threats facing carriers today. One bad inspection. One stolen identity. One double-brokered load. One compliance mistake. That's all it takes to turn a profitable trucking company into tomorrow's cautionary tale. In this episode of Brake Check, Charles Gracey sits down with two industry experts who have worked both sides of enforcement. Rob Carpenter, VP of Compliance at TruckSafe, shares what carriers need to know about FMCSA audits, driver qualification files, freight fraud, identity theft, double brokering, compliance, and protecting your business before criminals or regulators...show up at your door. Then John Seidl, former Wisconsin State Motor Carrier Trooper and FMCSA Investigator, explains what inspectors are really looking for during roadside inspections, how the new CSA scoring system affects carriers, how English proficiency enforcement is playing out in the real world, and how DataQ challenges can remove violations that never should have been written in the first place. In this episode: The biggest FMCSA and CSA changes every carrier needs to know What inspectors are actually looking for roadside How to survive an FMCSA audit Driver qualification file mistakes that can cost you The freight fraud scams targeting carriers today Identity theft, double brokering, and fictitious pickups explained How to protect your authority and your business How DataQs really work and when you should fight a violation The inspection mistakes that destroy CSA scores Practical compliance strategies every fleet can use today Whether you're an owner-operator, small fleet, safety director, dispatcher, broker, or trucking executive, this episode delivers practical advice you can put to work immediately. If you're serious about protecting your business, lowering risk, and staying ahead of the next enforcement wave, this is one episode you can't afford to miss. Subscribe to FreightWaves for more trucking news, carrier insights, and industry-leading conversations. ⁠Follow the Brake Check Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most carriers think their recruitment problem is a marketing problem. Post the ad. Get the calls. Fill the seat. Move on. Christian Martinez has managed over 65 owner-operators at Voyager Nation out of Mulberry, Florida — and he'll tell you straight up that recruitment is the easy part. The hard part is everything that comes after somebody signs on. He started at the bottom. Loading trucks. Warehouse operations. Port logistics. Last-mile delivery. Recruiting. Fleet acquisitions. He worked his way through nearly every level of this industry before landing in operations management — which means when he talks about why owner-operators leave, he's not guessing. He's watched it happen from every angle. The trucking industry spends millions trying to find drivers. It spends almost nothing figuring out why they leave. And most small carriers running two, three, five trucks are making the same mistakes the big fleets made twenty years ago — just on a smaller budget with less room to absorb the damage. This episode is about what actually keeps an independent contractor running your freight. Not the sign-on bonus. Not the percentage. The things that determine whether an owner-operator calls you a partner or a problem — and what that decision costs you either way. Follow The Long Haul Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we kick things off by examining a major milestone in the autonomous trucking race as Pittsburgh-based Aurora Innovation ⁠launched its second-generation driverless hardware across ten commercial freight routes⁠ in the U.S. Sun Belt. Unlike its first-generation trucks, the new fleet is built to run with no passive observer at all, erasing what one Morgan Stanley analyst called "one of the last remaining asterisks around the technology." Engineered for a one-million-mile operating life and designed for volume production rather than pilot-scale trials, Aurora is leaning heavily on manufacturing partner Roush, which is targeting an annual production run-rate of one thousand trucks by year-end. Meanwhile, the nation's largest truckload carrier is declaring that a structural recovery is finally here. Knight-Swift Transportation ⁠reported second-quarter adjusted earnings per share of sixty-three cents, smashing consensus by twelve cents⁠ and coming in twenty-eight cents higher year-over-year. CEO Adam Miller credited aggressive regulatory enforcement by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Department of Transportation for forcing out non-compliant capacity and creating what the company called a "rapid progression in truckload market conditions." Contract rates climbed throughout the quarter, with revenue per loaded mile accelerating from low-single digits in April to eight percent in June, while Knight-Swift's tender rejection rate was twice the industry average. Finally, over on the rails, CSX is riding a powerful volume rebound to beat Wall Street expectations. The Jacksonville-based Class I railroad ⁠reported second-quarter revenue of three point nine four billion dollars, up ten point one percent year-over-year⁠, while earnings per share came in at fifty-four cents, beating analyst consensus estimates by four point two percent. Carload volumes improved by six point one percent, a dramatic swing from just zero point one percent growth a year ago, with intermodal traffic surging across CSX's eastern U.S. network. Free cash flow swung dramatically from negative one hundred fifteen million dollars in the second quarter of twenty twenty-five to positive six hundred eighty-seven million dollars this quarter. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of FreightWaves Today covers key developments across logistics, freight technology, and the industrial economy: Key Episode Highlights & Topics Industry News & AI Breakthroughs: The hosts review major headlines, including JB Hunt's partnership with startup Overroot to deploy AI-led freight execution platform agents across millions of loads. They also examine Forward Air's nonbinding agreement to retain 50% to 75% of a crucial $250 million account (believed to be NVIDIA) that was at risk due to customer diversification, alongside MARAD's agreement with the Port of Long Beach to test small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs). Modal Shifts & Bulk Logistics with Circle Logistics: Nicholas Schipe, Director of Premium Transportation at Circle Logistics, discusses automotive expedited shipping, intermodal conversions, and chemical/liquid bulk freight. He highlights how supply disruptions, port downtimes, and domestic energy production trends (like wastewater and transformer oils) drive modal shifts between rail and truckload. AI and Automation in Warehousing: Andre Luecht, Global Strategy Lead for Transport & Logistics at Zebra Technologies, details how "physical AI," mobile devices, and environmental sensors (e.g., tracking temperature, shock, and ripening gases) empower frontline warehouse workers. He explains how smart assistants give frontline workers instant access to tribal knowledge and standard operating procedures. AAR Rail Data Analysis: The hosts break down the latest Association of American Railroads (AAR) weekly report, pointing to overall volume growth (up 3.4% total traffic, 3.8% intermodal) as a strong indicator of industrial momentum. They contrast solid U.S. demand with declines in Canadian auto parts and commodities tied to trade policy uncertainties. Class 8 Truck Orders & Used Market Dynamics: Chris Ciolino (Industrials Analyst from Bloomberg Intelligence) shares insights on strong Class 8 truck orders and dealer sentiment. He notes that while order backlogs are full through early 2027, much of the volume represents replacement demand ahead of EPA 2027 regulations rather than aggressive fleet expansion, due in part to driver shortages, engine pricing, and tariff impacts. Earnings & Financial Trends with Triumph: Aaron Graft, CEO and Founder of Triumph, breaks down their spectacular Q2 earnings. He reports a 26% increase in average invoice size in their factoring business and highlights why this tight, supply-driven freight market feels structural rather than short-lived. He also discusses operational efficiencies, their 65% market touch in brokered freight, and the rapid 49% growth of their LoadPay digital wallet product. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Malcolm Harris and co-host Michael Vincent kick off a packed Wednesday edition of the "fastest forty-five minutes of freight". The hosts open with lighthearted banter comparing the intense summer heat and humidity in Chattanooga versus Texas before diving into current news, industry headlines, and deep-dive discussions with two featured guests. Industry Headlines CDL Safety Blitz Crackdowns: The hosts discuss recent multi-state commercial vehicle inspection blitzes (in states like Arizona and Nebraska) that placed dozens of trucks and drivers out of service. Michael argues that despite these enforcement drives, statistical data shows commercial drivers remain among the safest demographics on the road, questioning the underlying motivations behind the blitzes. In Memoriam – Alan Adler: The hosts pay tribute to award-winning journalist Alan Adler, who passed away. They reflect on his legacy as a pioneer in freight media, creator of the Truck Tech newsletter, and a dedicated humanitarian. Featured Guests Dave Rimkus | Head of Global Supply Chain Decarbonization, Schneider Electric (SE Advisory Services) Supply Chain Decarbonization & Scope 1–3: Dave discusses how large multinational companies are working to decarbonize. He notes that 80–95% of a company's emissions typically lie outside its "four walls" within upstream suppliers and logistics (Scope 3). Addressing Choke Points & Risk: Using AI tools like "Sarah" (Resource Advisor), Dave's team tracks environmental choke points, energy grid instability, and supply chain dependencies to build resilience and avoid costly disruptions. Practical Efficiency: Dave highlights how simple efficiency steps—such as route optimization, reducing deadhead miles, truck aerodynamics, and preventative maintenance—offer immediate cost savings and carbon reductions without requiring massive new expenditures. Phil Brink | Head of Fraud Media, FreightWaves Rising Cargo Theft & Fraud: Phil details the growing sophistication of organized crime in supply chains. Bad actors no longer rely solely on dockworker tips; they use AI, stolen identities, fictitious paperwork, and fraudulent carrier profiles to steal high-value loads. Human-Level Vetting & Collaboration: Phil argues for stronger human-level carrier verification (DMV-backed ID checks, biometric links, and GPS tracking) rather than relying on surface-level documentation. He emphasizes the urgent need for better collaboration and shared tech standards between brokers and shippers to catch fraud before trucks are loaded. ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ ⁠Visit our sponsor - GNOSIS FREIGHT⁠ ⁠Subscribe to the WTT newsletter⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠More FreightWaves Podcasts⁠ #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we kick things off by examining a major AI breakthrough that could fundamentally transform freight execution across North America. J.B. Hunt Transport Services has partnered with a startup to publicly launch an AI-led freight execution platform following a year-long co-design process. The platform leverages AI agents to automate shipment coordination, reading live data, detecting exceptions, and managing customer communications while working within carriers' existing systems. Overroute's technology is now deployed across J.B. Hunt's business units, with AI agents working behind the scenes on millions of loads. Meanwhile, Forward Air just pulled off a critical rescue of a massive customer relationship that nearly sank the entire company. The logistics provider secured a deal to keep at least half of a $250 million account that had threatened to pull all of its business back in May. Forward's shares had plummeted over forty percent following the warning that it might lose a customer responsible for ten percent of its annual revenue, and the potential loss also foiled its plan to sell the company. Shares of Forward Air surged nineteen percent in early trading following Tuesday's announcement. Finally, we explore how the nation's busiest container port is about to become the testing ground for nuclear-powered maritime operations. The U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration will sign the first-ever agreement with the Port of Long Beach to test small modular reactors for commercial vessels and other potential port uses. Separately, Bluecore Energy, a startup headquartered at the Port of Long Beach, announced it has raised ten million dollars to develop floating, barge-mounted reactors to power ports and eventually cargo ships. Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rates are finally climbing... so why are trucking companies still struggling to make money? ATRI just revealed the highest operating cost in trucking history: $2.336 per mile. Diesel is pushing $5 a gallon AND SOME ARE WORRIED MAY HIT $6. Insurance keeps climbing. Maintenance isn't getting cheaper. So where is the money actually going? In this episode of Brake Check, we expose the hidden costs draining carrier profits and separate the technology that's delivering real ROI from the expensive hype that's emptying wallets. First, FreightWaves Enterprise Trucking Analyst Thomas Wasson joins us fresh off the Supply Chain AI Symposium to break down the freight market, exploding operating costs, AI, and the tools that can actually make carriers more profitable. Then, FOX Business contributor and energy expert Phil Flynn explains what's really driving diesel prices, whether another fuel spike is coming, and how smart fleets can stay ahead instead of getting blindsided at the pump. If you own trucks, manage a fleet, dispatch freight, or simply want to know where the trucking economy is headed next...This is the episode you can't afford to miss. Topics covered: Why trucking costs hit a record $2.336 per mile Where carrier profits are really disappearing AI that saves money—and AI that's just hype Freight rates vs. operating costs Diesel price forecasts and fuel strategy What small fleets need to survive the rest of 2026 Brake Check. No fluff. Just the truth that moves trucking ⁠Follow the Brake Check Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bryan Tyson has spent the last 18 years building brokerage operations, mentoring thousands of freight brokers, and leading teams responsible for tens of thousands of shipments. In this episode of FreightWaves Fraud Watch, we discuss how freight fraud has evolved, why technology alone isn't enough to stop it, and the mindset that separates transportation professionals who consistently protect freight from those who become victims. Bryan shares lessons from nearly two decades in the industry, explains why "trust but verify" has become essential, and offers practical insights for brokers, carriers, and shippers navigating today's rapidly changing fraud landscape. If you move freight, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we kick things off by examining a massive escalation in the U.S.-Canada trade fight as President Trump announced sweeping fifty percent tariffs on roughly twenty billion dollars worth of Canadian imports scheduled to take effect in thirty days. Using an obscure authority from the Tariff Act of 1930, the new duties will apply even to goods that qualify under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, prompting Ontario's premier to demand reciprocal measures if the tariffs take effect. Next, we explore a high-stakes legal battle heading for oral arguments this fall as federal agencies prepare to defend the FMCSA's controversial restrictions on non-domiciled commercial driver's licenses in the D.C. Court of Appeals on September 15. Petitioners argue the February rule will render ineligible ninety-seven percent of noncitizens who currently hold a CDL, broadly prohibiting asylum seekers, refugees, and DACA recipients from obtaining licenses even though they are legally authorized to work in the United States. Finally, we cover a new threat to a critical shipping corridor as Houthi rebels in Yemen declared a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia at the Bab al-Mandab Strait at the southern end of the Red Sea. This escalation comes just as major container carriers had recently announced a return of scheduled services to the key route connecting Asia with Europe and North America, raising the risk of wider disruption in a region that is strategically vital for global energy exports and maritime traffic. Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this action-packed episode of FreightWaves Today, hosts Julie Van de Kamp and Malcolm Harris break down the biggest stories impacting global supply chains, cross-border commerce, and freight fraud.From escalating military conflict in the Strait of Hormuz to billion-dollar federal fraud busts and deep dives into freight market economic trends, we've got you covered! The Strait of Hormuz & Legal Liability Nitsana Darshan-Leitner (Founder & President, Shurat HaDin / Israeli Law Center) joins the show for a discussion on Iranian missile strikes on oil tankers, legal recourse for shipowners, international sanctions, and military blockades. Verified: $1B Cargo Theft Ring & CDL Fraud Crackdown Philip Brink (Head of Fraud, Media, and Education at FreightWaves) unpacks the FBI's $1B international cargo theft network, the DHS/DOT crackdown on 75 fraudulent CDL training schools, and Indiana State Police interdictions. Freight Economy Data & AI Infrastructure Bubble? Dr. Jason Miller (Supply Chain Professor, Michigan State University) on why AI data center buildouts are driving electrical/steel freight, whether an AI CapEx bubble is forming, and capacity forecasts through 2027. Digital Broker Liability & Carrier Vetting in Court Cassandra Gaines (Founder & CEO, Carrier Assurer) breaks down how broker technology and unmanaged data can be used in court, mitigating nuclear lawsuits, double-brokering traps, and shipper liability at the guard shack. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The boys are back in the building! Join Malcolm Harris and Michael Vincent as they dive into the latest industry news, headlines, and expert insights on this edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? In This Episode 5 Minutes in Freight (Headlines): A major $2.1M cocaine bust involving tractor-trailers in Florida. ArcBest restructuring and 2% workforce/terminal door consolidation. Military CDL skill waivers and veterans in trucking. DHS and DOT investigating 75 CDL training schools for suspected fraud. Special Guests Tarek Alaruri – Co-Founder & CEO of StuutTariq drops by to break down how AI and automation are transforming accounts receivable (AR) in logistics. From his background in wrestling to running tech that reduces overdue invoices by up to 40%, Tarek shares how Stuut is helping brokers and carriers get paid faster and streamline their operations. John Scott – Operations Manager at Atlanta Container and TrailerCalling in all the way from Turks and Caicos, John joins the show to discuss the growing demand for storage space in supply chain operations. He breaks down how flexible, month-to-month trailer and container rentals help businesses stay adaptable across different verticals—from construction to retail ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ ⁠Visit our sponsor - GNOSIS FREIGHT⁠ ⁠Subscribe to the WTT newsletter⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠More FreightWaves Podcasts⁠ #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to #WithSONAR! In this episode, we're exploring Granular Flatbed Market Intelligence, one of SONAR's newest enhancements that gives you market-level visibility into flatbed demand and capacity across 86 freight markets. Save this to your 'My Dashboards' here: https://sonar.surf/sharepage/d07a6fcc-f382-40b3-a768-5bb7e07fa0d0 In this episode, we'll cover:

In this episode, we kick things off by examining a massive milestone for North American cross-border commerce as ⁠Mexico remained the United States' largest overall trading partner in May⁠, recording $87.23 billion in two-way trade. Trade between the U.S. and Mexico surged 17.06% year-over-year, fueled by $33.05 billion in U.S. exports and $54.18 billion in imports, with the port of entry in Laredo, Texas, remaining the nation's busiest international trade gateway. Next, we shift over to the air cargo sector where United Airlines is riding a massive wave of disruption-driven pricing power straight to the bank. The carrier's ⁠cargo revenue surged 22.6% to $527 million in the second quarter⁠ as it benefited from a sharp rise in air cargo rates related to disruptions from the Iran war and the strongest volumes since the Covid-fueled boom in 2020. Higher yields were the main contributor, with global shipping space on aircraft falling more than 12% in the Middle East due to ongoing war risks. Finally, we explore a major bet on American shipbuilding coming to the Texas coast as autonomous maritime technology company ⁠Saronic selected the Port of Brownsville for Port Alpha, a planned $3 billion-plus next-generation shipyard⁠ that will dramatically expand U.S. shipbuilding capacity while creating up to 10,000 jobs in South Texas. The software-defined facility will focus on building autonomous maritime vessels for commercial and defense applications, initially occupying 835 acres with room to expand to nearly 4,400 acres. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another jam-packed episode of FreightWaves Today! In today's broadcast, we break down the latest shifting dynamics across the logistics, freight, and supply chain industries. From major LTL restructuring news and federal crackdowns on CDL fraud to exclusive expert insights on AI and global geopolitics, we've got everything you need to stay ahead of the curve.We dive deep into ArcBest's massive rebranding and workforce optimization, look at why the mid-July "summer doldrums" aren't as weak as they seem, and discuss the future of purpose-built, sovereign AI models in logistics. Finally, in our Freight Expectations segment, we debate the real economic impact of the ongoing conflict in the Strait of Hormuz and break down the unprecedented $1.5 trillion U.S. defense budget.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to never miss an update on the freight economy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to another highly anticipated episode of Freight Expectations! This week, Craig and Matt dive deep into the massive, real-time shifts hitting global supply chains, trade policies, and military spending. First, they break down the unfolding aftermath of the IEEPA (International Economic Emergency Powers Act) tariffs. With billions of dollars already refunded to importers, the hosts debate what this means for the American economy—and whether everyday consumers will ever see a dime of that money back. Craig shares a personal story of dealing with international shipping tariffs firsthand, while Matt explains how to navigate the government's new refund portal before the window closes. Later in the episode, the conversation shifts to the high-stakes geopolitics of the Strait of Hormuz and the ongoing conflict with Iran. Matt and Craig engage in a fiery debate over the true health of the US consumer. Is energy volatility about to sap consumer demand, or is the US economy uniquely positioned as a global energy powerhouse to treat this disruption as an industrial stimulant? Finally, they unpack the staggering new $1.5 trillion US defense budget proposal, the rising threat of asymmetric drone warfare, why the military is spinning up a brand-new anti-drone branch, and what the US must do to ensure its manufacturing supply chain is ready for future global adversaries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices