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A full trailer load of freight podcasts from FreightWaves and American Shipper. Enjoy shows like the award-winning What the Truck!?! podcast, For Freight’s Sake, FreightWaves Insiders, Fuller Speed Ahead, FreightWaves LIVE: An Events Podcast, American Shipper Port Report and more with one click of t…

FreightWaves


    • Jun 1, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 29m AVG DURATION
    • 5,555 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The FreightCasts podcast is an absolute gem in the world of freight and logistics. As someone who works in the industry, I can confidently say that this podcast has quickly become my go-to resource for keeping up with the latest news and information.

    One of the best aspects of The FreightCasts podcast is the quality of its content. The hosts are knowledgeable and experienced professionals who bring a wealth of expertise to each episode. They cover a wide range of topics, from market trends to regulatory changes, and they do so in a way that is both informative and engaging. The discussions are well-researched and thought-provoking, providing listeners with valuable insights into the industry.

    Another standout feature of this podcast is its timeliness. The hosts seem to have their fingers on the pulse of the freight market, delivering up-to-the-minute news and analysis. Whether it's discussing the impact of a recent geopolitical event or providing updates on emerging technologies, The FreightCasts podcast keeps listeners informed about what's happening in real-time.

    While there are countless reasons to love The FreightCasts podcast, there are a few areas where it could improve. One aspect that sometimes falls short is the production quality. Occasionally, there are audio issues or background noise that can be distracting for listeners. While it doesn't detract from the overall value of the content, it can be a minor annoyance at times.

    In conclusion, The FreightCasts podcast is an invaluable resource for anyone involved in the freight and logistics industry. With its high-quality content and timely updates, it serves as both a source of information and inspiration for professionals looking to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving field. Despite some minor production issues, this podcast remains an essential listen for anyone seeking to expand their knowledge and stay informed about all things freight-related.



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    Latest episodes from FreightCasts

    Atlas Air Buys Into Air Atlanta, UPS Mexico Heavy Freight, & Nussbaum Driver Pay Hike | The Morning Minute

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2026 3:46


    In this episode, we kick things off with a massive strategic move in the air cargo sector as Atlas Air, the world's largest Boeing 747 freighter operator, acquires a forty-nine percent stake in Iceland-based Air Atlanta and purchases its fleet of fourteen widebody aircraft through Titan Aviation Leasing. The partnership strengthens Atlas's ability to provide freight service at a time when many large freighters are nearing retirement and manufacturers cannot increase production fast enough. Next, we explore how UPS is rolling out a major service upgrade specifically designed for cross-border industrial shippers as the logistics giant launches time-definite heavy freight air service between the US and Mexico on its own aircraft for the first time. With one-day, two-day and three-day options launching in August, this move supports UPS's broader strategy to deemphasize low-margin parcel business and focus on high-value goods and complex supply chains like automotive. Finally, we cover a clear signal that the driver labor market is heating back up as Illinois-based Nussbaum Transportation announces driver pay increases and a first-ever profit sharing plan, becoming the first carrier to publicly disclose such a move in what appears to be an emerging industry trend. The National Transportation Institute confirmed that multiple fleets have quietly reported pay increases in recent weeks, driven by surging hiring challenges in the second quarter. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Keynote: Jesse Elison, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration | FFS26

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2026 45:50


    Keep up with Live FreightWaves Events Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Why Traffic Hellholes Rank HIGHER for World Cup Freight Resiliency | WHAT THE TRUCK?!?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2026 53:39


    Welcome to a historic Friday edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Not only is this our massive 100th episode with host Malcolm Harris, but it also marks the official birth and kickoff of What the Truck Studios West out of North Fort Worth, Texas with Michael Vincent! The content and the vibes are only getting better, so buckle up for the fastest 45 minutes in freight.In this episode, we tackle the latest hard-hitting headlines shifting the industry before diving into two incredible interviews you won't want to miss. Joe Ezzo (Product Management, Trimble Transport & Logistics): Joe bridges the gap between freight optimization and the ultimate workforce fuel—coffee! As the founder of Third Day Coffee, he breaks down the volatile geopolitical factors impacting diesel fuel prices and explains how Trimble's new optimization logic acts as a “cost thermostat” to eliminate wasteful empty miles and deadhead time for fleets. Mike Branch (VP of Data & Analytics, Geotab): With Geotab connected to over 6 million commercial vehicles globally, Mike's team analyzed billions of data points to rank the 16 World Cup host cities on how drastically the tournament will disrupt commercial freight. Find out why Boston grabbed the #1 spot, why Mexico City surprised the data team with its resilience, and why Toronto landed flat at the bottom of the list. ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ ⁠Visit our sponsor - TAYLOR AND MARTIN⁠ ⁠Subscribe to the WTT newsletter⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠More FreightWaves Podcasts⁠ #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    STB Accepts UP-NS Merger Conditionally, Maersk Fined $1.9M, & Hub Group CFO and COO Exit | The Morning Minute

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2026 3:08


    In this episode, we kick things off in Washington, where federal regulators have conditionally accepted the massive Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger application, but with major strings attached. The Surface Transportation Board accepted the merger paperwork Thursday, but only on the condition that the railroads submit significantly more information across nine distinct areas of concern by July twenty-seventh. Shares of both companies fell about five percent on the news, while the two Class I railroads argue the proposed transcontinental network will eliminate handoffs, convert two point one million truckloads to rail annually, and kickstart reindustrialization across a sprawling fifty-three thousand-mile network. We also explore how the ocean carrier Maersk is paying a hefty price for billing the wrong parties. The company has agreed to pay a one point nine million dollars civil penalty to the Federal Maritime Commission over detention charges that were billed to third parties who had not agreed to Maersk's bills of lading, service contracts, or tariffs. Under the settlement, Maersk agreed to stop the practice entirely, amend its U.S. tariff rules to strictly limit the definition of "merchant," and provide refunds and waivers to impacted third parties. Finally, we cover the major leadership shakeup at Hub Group following a massive accounting error that continues to reverberate. The logistics company announced Thursday that its chief financial officer and chief operating officer have both departed the company, though both will remain available on a consulting basis during the transition. The exits come as Hub Group is forced to restate results for twenty twenty-three and twenty twenty-four, on top of a previously flagged seventy-seven million dollars understatement of purchased transportation expenses for the first three quarters of twenty twenty-five. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Level of concern | Freightonomics

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2026 26:33


    Broker liability will invariably change the transportation landscape, but it is still unclear as to what that means heading into the strongest shipping (volume) month of the year.   Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Trucking's Soft Market Is a WAR | Who Survives What Comes Next? | Brake Check

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2026 47:10


    The trucking industry is at a breaking point. Spot rates are crushed. Small carriers are disappearing. Brokers and carriers are battling over transparency, pricing, and survival while AI and automation are rapidly changing the game. On this episode of Brake Check, we bring together a hard-hitting roundtable discussion on the real future of trucking: Why carrier attrition is accelerating Whether the “market cycle” excuse is finally dead The truth about broker margins and transparency What load boards MUST become to survive How AI is already reshaping trucking operations What owner-operators need to do RIGHT NOW to survive the next 2 years Who actually benefits when small fleets disappear No fluff. No corporate talking points. Just real conversations about where trucking is headed — and who may not make it there. If you're a driver, owner-operator, broker, fleet owner, or anyone who cares about the future of freight, this is the conversation the industry needs to have. Subscribe to Brake Check for real trucking talk from the front lines of freight. Guests: Dan Lindsey & Paul Gibson from the Broker Carrier Summit Dale Prax with FreightValidate Nate Johnson with GLCS John Howland with⁠ Truckstop.com⁠ Jessica Dotson with Triumph Jacob Thomas with BridgeHaul #Trucking #Freight #OwnerOperator #Logistics #TruckDrivers #FreightBroker #CDL #SupplyChain #AI #SpotMarket #LoadBoards #BrakeCheck ⁠Follow the Brake Check Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Why Most Small Carriers Never Touch Military Freight | The Long Haul

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2026 51:23


    Military freight is one of the most misunderstood corners of trucking. Most owner-operators hear about Department of Defense freight and immediately assume: it's impossible to access, only big fleets can get it, or the system is too complicated to understand. But the reality is deeper than that. In this episode of The Long Haul Podcast, Adam sits down with Philip Nenadov, CEO of Military Freight Consultants, to break down how military freight actually works, why the system operates under a completely different standard, and what small carriers misunderstand most about getting involved. This conversation digs into: Why military freight demands tighter compliance Why most carriers struggle to qualify The difference between transactional freight and trusted freight How the DoD views risk and carrier accountability Why discipline matters more than truck count And what the broader trucking industry can learn from military logistics This is not a sales episode. It's a real discussion about standards, structure, and what separates professional carriers from everyone else. ⁠Follow The Long Haul Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Amazon E-Cargo Bikes Expand, Trucking Credit Woes Persist, & Motive Unveils AI Stack | The Morning Minute

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2026 3:49


    In this episode, we kick things off by examining Amazon's aggressive push into urban micromobility with a ten-month e-cargo bike pilot program in Washington, D.C. deploying up to fifteen battery-powered bikes through independent delivery partners. This marks Amazon's second U.S. pilot following Brooklyn in 2024, and builds on a global network that delivered 170 million packages via micromobility in 2024 across more than forty-five cities worldwide. Meanwhile, a sobering reality check from the banking sector reveals that stronger freight rates haven't translated into healthier carrier balance sheets at BMO, one of the largest lenders to trucking. Gross impaired loans stood at $417.2 million U.S. dollars, while allowances for credit losses climbed to $86 million from $57 million a year earlier, signaling continued financial stress across the carrier segment despite recent market improvements. Finally, we explore how fleet technology provider Motive is betting that artificial intelligence can solve the industry's most persistent operational headaches with its new AI Dashcam Plus and Atlas assistant unveiled at Vision 26 in Nashville. The dashcam combines telematics and cameras into a single unit powered by a Qualcomm AI processor capable of running over thirty AI models simultaneously, while Atlas scans safety, compliance and fuel data to generate morning briefings and draft personalized driver messages, saving fleets an average of twenty hours per week. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Stopping the Freight Fraud Explosion Before Prime Day's June Surge | WHAT THE TRUCK?!?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2026 46:21


    Welcome to another jam-packed edition of What The Truck, the fastest 45 minutes in freight! Host Malcolm Harris is holding down the fort today to bring you three incredible, heavy-hitting conversations with top leaders across the logistics and supply chain landscape. MoniKa Joshi, Product Marketing at Amazon Relay, drops by to discuss how Relay is combatting the exploding issue of freight fraud by building trust and security directly into the carrier experience. She shares insights on their screening processes , the Safety Rewards Program (and how you can get a free dashcam) , and how carriers can position themselves right now to maximize volume for Prime Day, which hits early this year in June! Geoff Anderman, CEO of STG Logistics, gives us a look behind the curtain at what it takes to lead through one of the toughest freight environments in recent memory. Fresh off a consensual restructuring that slashed the majority of the company's debt, Jeff shares masterclass insights on resilient leadership , the future of capacity , and what it truly means to operate as North America's only true “port-to-door” containerized freight provider. Sean Mitchell, VP of Customer Operations at Gather AI, closes out the bullpen to tackle the massive $1.7 trillion problem plaguing supply chains: the warehouse reality gap. Learn how Gather AI is turning standard forklifts and autonomous drones into active data platforms , fixing inventory inaccuracies at the source, and helping companies bypass the hidden “AI trust tax”. ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ ⁠Visit our sponsor - TAYLOR AND MARTIN⁠ ⁠Subscribe to the WTT newsletter⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠More FreightWaves Podcasts⁠ #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    House Passes Major Trucking Bill, Ontario Training Audit Failures, & Supreme Court CDL Ruling | The Morning Minute

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2026 4:11


    In this episode, we kick things off by examining a sweeping piece of legislation that just cleared its first major hurdle on Capitol Hill. The House Transportation and Infrastructure committee has overwhelmingly approved the BUILD America 250 Act by a decisive sixty-two to two vote, drawing rare bipartisan praise from both OOIDA and the American Trucking Associations. Two provisions in the sprawling, thousand-plus-page bill are generating particular attention from truckers: mandatory bathroom access at facilities where drivers are delivering or loading cargo, and expanded funding for commercial vehicle parking under an improved version of Jason's Law, which is named after a driver murdered in 2009 while parked at an abandoned gas station. Next, we head north to examine a damning government audit that's exposing widespread failures in commercial driver training oversight. Ontario Auditor General Shelley Spence's office sent undercover secret shoppers to six truck driving schools, uncovering shocking compliance gaps where two private career colleges provided only fifty-nine and eighty-one hours of training, well below the province's mandatory minimum of one hundred three point five hours. The audit also revealed that Ontario's Ministry had never inspected fifty-four of the province's two hundred sixteen registered private career colleges offering Entry Level Training as of March 2025, despite industry groups warning officials as early as 2017 that stronger compliance measures were desperately needed. Finally, we cover a high-profile interstate legal battle over commercial driver licenses and immigration. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court rejected Florida's attempt to sue California and Washington over the issuance of CDLs to immigrants who are not legally authorized to be in the United States. The case stemmed from a deadly crash on Florida's Turnpike in August 2025 involving a truck driver from India who held a valid CDL issued by California, with Florida's Attorney General seeking an injunction barring the two states from issuing licenses to applicants who are not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. The court's refusal to hear the case leaves existing CDL licensing rules in California and Washington intact. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Trucking's New Divide: Adapt… or Die | Brake Check

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2026 46:37


    The trucking industry changed fast. Freight strategy changed. Liability changed. Driver expectations changed. Technology changed. But a whole lot of fleets, brokers, and logistics companies kept operating like it was still 2015. On this episode of Brake Check, Charles dives into the growing pressure reshaping trucking right now — from freight relationships and broker exposure to legal risk, carrier vetting, and the operational mistakes that are quietly putting companies in dangerous positions. Because in today's market, weak processes don't stay hidden very long anymore. Joining the show: Jason Schaftlein Craig Helmreich Topics include: Why trucking's liability landscape just shifted The growing pressure on brokers and carriers FMCSA safety ratings & carrier vetting Re-brokering risks most companies overlook Why documentation matters more than ever Freight strategy in a tightening market The operational gaps exposing weak fleets fast What smart companies are already changing in 2026 No fluff. No corporate spin. No fake trucking motivation speeches. Just real trucking talk for real trucking people. If you run freight, manage risk, broker loads, operate trucks, or lead a fleet — this conversation matters. #Trucking #Freight #Logistics #Brokerage #TruckDrivers #CDL #FreightBroker #Transportation #BrakeCheck ⁠Follow the Brake Check Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Stord Raises $250M, $49M Nuclear Verdict in Texas, & Phillips Connect Names New President | The Morning Minute

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2026 4:14


    In this episode, we kick things off by examining a massive late-stage funding round that's positioning a fast-growing logistics specialist to take on Amazon's e-commerce dominance. Atlanta-based Stord announced it has raised $250 million in Series F venture capital funding that values the company at $3 billion, doubling its valuation in just twelve months. The new funds will go towards launching Stord Labs, a development hub aimed at rapidly building and deploying agentic AI, robotics and advanced automation by leveraging data from real orders coming through the company's live operating system. Meanwhile, a Texas jury has handed down a staggering nuclear verdict against a trucking company that may no longer even be in business. Last week in Ector County, Texas, a jury awarded $49 million against Texas-based carrier OPG Logistics and driver Biorkys Sanchez Fernandez following a January 2025 crash that killed 29-year-old Steffan Mick. The attorney for OPG reportedly said the company was no longer in business even as a defense was mounted, and with a defendant whose very existence is in doubt, the massive question remains just how much the Mick family will ultimately be able to collect. Finally, we cover a major leadership move at a smart trailer technology company that signals the freight industry's fundamental shift toward connected and autonomous operations. California-based Phillips Connect announced that Mark Wallin, the principal architect of its technical roadmap and customer strategy, has been named president and general manager. Wallin joined Phillips Connect in January 2024 as general manager and senior vice president of product, and has spent the past eighteen months reshaping how the company approaches the market by expanding platform capabilities while lowering barriers to adoption. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Live with FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs | Freight Expectations

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2026 67:45


    In this highly anticipated live studio episode of Freight Expectations, hosts Matt and Craig sit down in Chattanooga with a massive figure in the trucking world: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Administrator Derek Barrs! Known for his hands-on leadership style and deep respect for the trucking community, Administrator Barrs joins the show to discuss his personal “why” behind commercial vehicle enforcement and the aggressive steps his administration is taking to reform the industry. From a major enforcement crackdown to leveraging cutting-edge tech, this episode dives deep into how the FMCSA plans to enhance safety, protect legitimate drivers, and root out fraud. We tackle the hot-button issues facing supply chains today, including the newly rolled-out Modus registration system, which Barrs notes will effectively “close the front door” on chameleon carriers and bad actors through strict identity verification. We also break down the ongoing crackdowns on English language proficiency standards, self-certified ELDs, and the shocking data behind International Road Check Week out-of-service rates. If you have diesel in your blood, you cannot afford to miss this incredibly transparent, deep-dive interview with the man regulating our nation's highways. Follow the Freight Expectations Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The DOJ Just Unsealed a Global Shipping Conspiracy (And Why It's 6 Years Late)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2026 47:02


    It is a packed Friday edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? with your hosts, Malcolm Harris and Michael Vincent! From vintage football gridiron history to heavy-hitting supply chain breakdowns, this episode dives deep beneath the surface of the industry. Here is what is on deck for this episode: The Forgotten LA Football Team: Malcolm rocks a rare 1947 Los Angeles Dons throwback jersey, sparking a trip down memory lane looking into the history of the AAFC. Global Container Conspiracy: The guys break down the massive Department of Justice indictment targeting four major Chinese shipping container manufacturers over a massive global price-fixing and output-restriction conspiracy. Beat the Burden: STG Logistics CEO Jeff Anderson is locked in for Monday to discuss the company emerging from its prepackaged Chapter 11 reorganization plan and slashing 90% of its debt load. Under the Hood of the Equipment Market: Steve Oliver, VP of Sales and Marketing at Taylor and Martin, joins the set to discuss how quickly owner-operators are jumping back into buying equipment, managing trust and fraud in a wild market, and what to expect for the rest of 2026. Leaving Money on the Table?: Lisa Bradford from UHY Consulting stops by to drop some major compliance knowledge regarding “Tariff Refund Day,” navigating the ACE portal, and how manufacturers are missing out on getting their cash back ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ ⁠Visit our sponsor - TAYLOR AND MARTIN⁠ ⁠Subscribe to the WTT newsletter⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠More FreightWaves Podcasts⁠ #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Trucking Insurance Costs Soar, Echo Broker Case Remanded, & Rail Safety Bill Advances | The Morning Minute

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2026 3:38


    In this episode, we kick things off by examining the brutal reality of commercial trucking insurance as premiums have surged at double the rate of inflation while insurers themselves operate deep in the red. The American Transportation Research Institute documents an average annual premium increase of eight point three percent between twenty seventeen and twenty twenty-five, with smaller fleets bearing the heaviest burden at a staggering twenty point three cents per mile. Next, we explore the seismic shift in broker liability law as a major case previously won by Echo Global Logistics has been sent back to a lower court following the Supreme Court's landmark Montgomery decision. This unanimous ruling opens the door for brokers to be held liable for negligent hiring, and plaintiff attorneys are already aggressively screening catastrophic trucking cases for broker involvement at intake. Finally, we shift over to the rails to discuss the fierce battle over a Trump-backed safety measure as the Association of American Railroads slams the Railway Safety Act's inclusion in a major transportation funding bill. The legislation mandates two-person crews and stronger inspections, prompting railroad leaders to call out what they describe as hypocrisy for locking yesterday's operating models into federal law while simultaneously creating a framework for autonomous trucks. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The State of Freight Webinar: From Roadcheck Week to Summer 2026 Outlook

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2026 67:32


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

    Drivers Aren't Leaving Trucking… They're Leaving YOU | Brake Check

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2026 52:33


    The trucking industry keeps talking about a “driver shortage”… But what if the real problem is the industry itself? On this episode of Brake Check, Charles Gracey dives headfirst into the recruiting and retention crisis ripping through trucking right now — why drivers are leaving, why some fleets can't keep seats filled, and why the companies winning in 2026 are doing things very differently than the rest of the industry. We also tackle the shifting legal and operational pressure hitting freight as carriers, brokers, and fleets try to survive one of the most volatile eras trucking has seen in years. Featuring: Tim Norlin from ⁠Roehl Transport⁠ David Lowry from ⁠Bennett Family of Companies⁠ The truth about the “driver shortage” Why trucking struggles to retain drivers The recruiting tactics fleets still get wrong Why lead-gen culture changed trucking Flatbed demand & the freight market outlook The growing pressure on brokers and carriers What fleets MUST do to survive the next phase of trucking Topics include: No fluff. No corporate spin. Just real trucking talk for real trucking people.If you're a driver, carrier, broker, dispatcher, recruiter, or fleet owner… this is the conversation the industry needs right now. #Trucking #DriverShortage #TruckDrivers #Freight #OwnerOperator #CDL #BrakeCheck  #Recruiting #Retention Follow the Brake Check Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Freight Doesn't Kill Most Carriers — Cash Flow Does | The Long Haul

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2026 31:30


    Most trucking companies don't fail because freight disappears. They fail because cash flow breaks first. In this episode of The Long Haul Podcast, Adam sits down with Michael Bunton to discuss one of the most overlooked realities in trucking: cash flow management. Michael's background is unique — from professional baseball with the Chicago Cubs organization to human performance coaching before entering transportation finance and working directly with small carriers across the Southeast. This conversation breaks down: Why profitable carriers still go out of business The dangerous cash flow cycle many small fleets ignore Why emotional decision-making destroys margins The hidden operational costs small carriers overlook What owner-operators misunderstand about factoring And why discipline matters more than revenue This episode is not about promoting factoring. It's about understanding how trucking businesses survive. ⁠Follow The Long Haul Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    FMCSA Revokes 12 ELDs, Zim's $86M Loss, & Fleetworthy Debuts Unified Platform | The Morning Minute

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2026 4:07


    In this episode, we kick things off with a massive compliance crackdown hitting the trucking industry, as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration added twelve electronic logging devices to the revoked list in the largest single-day event since May 2025. All twelve failed to meet minimum technical requirements, bringing the total to seventy-nine devices removed since January 2025 at an aggressive pace of nearly five per month. If you're running any of these devices, you have until July 20th to replace them with a compliant ELD or face citations and out-of-service violations. Over in the ocean shipping sector, we explore how ZIM Integrated Shipping Services posted a net loss of $86 million in the first quarter, a massive reversal from $296 million in net income one year earlier. The Israeli liner, set to be acquired by Germany's Hapag-Lloyd, saw revenues slump 30 percent to $1.4 billion as its average freight rate per TEU crashed 26 percent to just $1,310, reflecting a softer freight rate environment and weaker demand. Finally, we cover the evolving world of fleet technology as Fleetworthy unveiled three major platform enhancements at its Customer Roadshow event in Austin, including a unified cross-platform login, Centralized Vehicle Management, and the debut of the FleetworthyGO mobile app. These upgrades create a single source of truth for vehicle information across Fleetworthy's various products, allowing fleets to manage compliance, toll management, permitting, and weigh station bypass activities from one centralized platform. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Einride's Ohio AV Deployment, Volvo's 2027 D13 Engine, & BNSF Ops Chief Out | The Morning Minute

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2026 3:49


    In this episode, we kick things off by examining autonomous trucking's major geographic expansion as Einride deploys cabless electric trucks in Ohio in partnership with EASE Logistics. This proof-of-concept deployment represents a significant shift beyond the Sun Belt, bringing SAE Level 4 autonomous technology to the industrial Midwest for the first time. Operating between warehouses in Marysville, the project is part of Ohio and Indiana's Truck Automation Corridor initiative to evaluate real-world impacts on safety and freight efficiency. Next, we explore the equipment sector where Volvo Trucks North America has unveiled a completely redesigned D13 engine engineered to meet 2027 EPA standards taking effect January 1st. The next-generation powerplant slashes nitrogen oxide emissions by a staggering eighty-three percent and particulate matter by fifty percent, making it Volvo's cleanest engine ever. With compacted graphite iron block construction, a higher compression ratio, and innovative fourteen-wave piston design, the engine delivers up to 540 horsepower while fundamentally redefining heavy-duty performance and environmental compliance. Finally, we cover a sudden leadership shakeup at the western Class I railroad as BNSF's chief operations officer departed after just five months in the top operations role. Matt Garland, a twenty-five-year BNSF veteran who took the COO position on January 1st, has been replaced by Craig Morehouse, who will now oversee the entire operations organization. The abrupt transition comes as Berkshire Hathaway's new leadership pushes BNSF to further improve its operating ratio and operational performance. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    “See You In Court” — Brokers Are Panicking, MOTUS Is Live & Trucking Changed Overnight | Brake Check

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2026 45:35


    The trucking industry just got hit from every direction. The Supreme Court dropped a broker liability ruling that has brokers, carriers, and insurance companies scrambling. MOTUS is officially live and already changing the compliance game. And while all of that unfolds, Washington is pushing a new Highway Bill that could reshape freight, enforcement, and trucking operations for years to come. In other words… the rules just changed. On this episode of Brake Check, Charles  sits down with Matthew Leffler along with Brandon Wiseman and Rob Carpenter from TruckSafe to break down: What the SCOTUS broker liability ruling REALLY means Why plaintiff attorneys are paying attention How MOTUS changes compliance overnight The mistakes fleets are already making What small carriers need to do NOW And whether trucking is heading toward accountability… or absolute legal chaos No fluff. No corporate spin. No “everything is fine” conference room nonsense. Just real trucking talk for real trucking people. If you're a broker, carrier, fleet owner, dispatcher, safety director, or driver… this is the episode you cannot afford to miss. #Trucking #SCOTUS #BrokerLiability #MOTUS #FMCSA #Freight #OwnerOperator #TruckDrivers #BrakeCheck ⁠Follow the Brake Check Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    $240B Transportation Bill, BNSF-UP Rate War Explodes, & Cargo Fraud Schemes Surge | The Morning Minute

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2026 4:07


    In this episode, we kick things off in Washington, where the U.S. House of Representatives has just unveiled the BUILD America 250 Act, a sprawling federal surface transportation reauthorization package. This massive legislation allocates $240 billion in authorized and direct funding for trucking, rail, aviation, and ports, including a historic $102 billion investment in passenger and freight rail—the largest federal rail commitment since Amtrak's creation—along with $110 billion for roads and bridges, $17 billion for port upgrades, and $25 billion for airport modernization. Debate on the bill begins Thursday, just months before the current authorization expires in September. Shifting gears to the rails, we examine a brutal rate war erupting between two Class I giants as they battle for freight customers in front of federal regulators. Union Pacific has filed a 129-page complaint with the Surface Transportation Board alleging that BNSF Railway hiked reciprocal switching charges by as much as 472 percent at locations where UP recently won or grew business from BNSF customers. UP claims BNSF canceled longstanding unit grain train switching rates and forced customers to pay nearly triple the cost under merchandise train rates, while BNSF has rejected entire unit train shipments this month, allegedly to make UP service noncompetitive and drive shippers back to BNSF. Finally, we unpack the evolving threat landscape in supply chain security as traditional cargo theft tactics give way to far more sophisticated criminal operations. While overall theft incidents declined to 574 in the first quarter of 2026, deceptive pickup fraud schemes using fake identities and forged credentials jumped 31 percent year over year, with nearly half of those fraud incidents occurring in California. Electronics remained the most frequently targeted cargo at 17 percent of all incidents, while auto and parts thefts surged 142 percent from Q4 2025, prompting warnings from security experts that organized criminal networks are heavily investing in fraud infrastructure that traditional security measures like padlocks simply cannot stop. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Why Spot Rates Just Spiked 5.5% (And the Supreme Court Storm Coming Next) | WHAT THE TRUCK?!?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2026 52:34


    Welcome to a jam-packed Monday edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? with your hosts Malcolm Harris and Michael Vincent! Today, we are breaking down the biggest headlines hitting the supply chain, talking rock & roll snubs, and sitting down with three incredible industry experts to tackle everything from highway financial nightmares to explosive fleet growth. Travelers' Stephen Brasher reveals that 83% of motor carriers have experienced excessive towing rates. He outlines the critical steps to negotiate inflated invoices, demand itemized bills, and avoid devastating insurance coverage gaps. While legacy players were panicked by volatile equipment values, Avery Tomek shares how a “deal of a lifetime” allowed him to buy 200 lightly used trucks at an absolute fire-sale price—fueling rapid, unprecedented growth. John Weisblatt breaks down how NextPass is bringing interoperability to North American toll roads by replacing outdated windshield transponders with smart, plate-reading camera tech. ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ ⁠Visit our sponsor - TAYLOR AND MARTIN⁠ ⁠Subscribe to the WTT newsletter⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠More FreightWaves Podcasts⁠ #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Carrier Safety Dashboard: Track Safety Trends Faster

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2026 7:08


    Welcome back to WithSONAR! In this episode, we're walking through the new Carrier Safety Dashboard—a centralized view of FMCSA crash, carrier, and inspection data designed to help you better understand safety trends and operational risk across the transportation market. You can access the Carrier Safety Dashboard Here: https://sonar.surf/fmcsa-dashboard Inside the dashboard, you'll be able to: Monitor crash trends including fatal, injury, hazmat, and tow-away incidents Analyze monthly crash patterns and state-level activity View carrier population and concentration data across interstate, intrastate, and hazmat carriers Identify where capacity is most concentrated for specific carrier types Track inspection and violation trends by state and inspection level Dive deeper into out-of-service (OOS) violations and enforcement activity

    5,100+ Freight Layoffs, $7M Florida Theft Ring, & MicroVision's Luminar Deal | The Morning Minute

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2026 4:10


    In this episode, we kick things off by examining a brutal wave of workforce cuts hitting the U.S. supply chain sector. More than 5,183 freight-related workers have been affected by shutdowns, restructurings, and contract losses spanning at least twenty states across logistics, manufacturing, and transportation. The largest single reduction came from California-based FreshRealm, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after disruptions tied to a 2025 listeria outbreak, with major cuts at third-party logistics operators and automotive parts manufacturers also contributing to the staggering totals. Next, we explore how Florida law enforcement has dismantled a massive organized theft ring in an investigation known as Operation D-Fence. Authorities arrested fourteen people and estimate that roughly $7 million in proceeds moved through the criminal enterprise over the last year, with the operation allegedly functioning like a business complete with theft crews, transportation networks, centralized storage locations, and online resale channels targeting major retailers and construction sites across Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Finally, we unpack how the wreckage of the autonomous driving boom is being repurposed into a new generation of commercial trucking safety technology. MicroVision secured Luminar's assets for $33 million after the company's bankruptcy, gaining production programs with Volvo, an ASIC design team in Colorado Springs, and world-class validation facilities in Orlando. For fleet operators, the value proposition translates directly to cost-per-mile savings, with advanced driver-assistance systems delivering substantial accident cost avoidance and some insurers offering up to twenty percent reduced premiums. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Freight's Legal Earthquake: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means | Freight Expectations

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2026 59:32


    Craig and Matt are joined by freight strategist Ken Adamo to break down the Supreme Court's landmark ruling in F4A Montgomery and what it means for brokers, carriers, insurers, and shippers across the country. The conversation dives into the legal and operational fallout of the decision, including broker liability, negligent carrier selection, insurance market reactions, and why many believe the freight industry has entered a completely new era. The panel explores the uncomfortable reality that most carriers don't have formal safety ratings, the growing burden now placed on brokers to determine “safe” carriers, and how rising insurance costs could reshape the industry through consolidation, higher barriers to entry, and inflationary pressure on freight rates. ⁠Follow the Freight Expectations Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The 9-0 SCOTUS Ruling That Just Changed Freight Forever | WHAT THE TRUCK?!?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2026 59:57


    Buckle up for a high-octane Friday edition of What The Truck?!? as hosts Malcolm Harris and Michael Vincent break down one of the biggest legal bombshells to hit the brokerage industry in years. We're diving deep into the news, the noise, and the rock and roll soul of the freight world. The SCOTUS Verdict: Broker Liability & f4a John Kingston, Editor at Large at FreightWaves, joins the show to dissect the unanimous 9-0 Supreme Court ruling regarding the Montgomery case. We discuss: Why the industry didn't see a unanimous decision coming. How this ruling removes the “iron curtain” of f4a protection for brokers in safety-related lawsuits. The potential “boost” for big brokers like CH Robinson and the massive new vetting burdens facing smaller players. What this means for the future of M&A and skyrocketing insurance rates. Solving the Parking Crisis with AI Joe Caivano and Venu Colli from SpotOS AI and Best Truck Parking join the quad-box to discuss why truck parking can no longer be an afterthought. How SpotOS AI is streamlining operations for facility owners using pattern recognition and real-time data. The Trimble Partnership: Meeting drivers where they are by integrating parking booking directly into GPS systems. How secure, predictable parking reduces driver stress and boosts retention. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor - TAYLOR AND MARTIN Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    SCOTUS Rules 9-0 Against Brokers, Trans-Pacific Capacity Tightens, & Dollar Tree Expands | The Morning Minute

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2026 3:29


    In this episode, we kick things off by examining a landmark Supreme Court decision that fundamentally reshapes liability for the freight brokerage industry. The Court ruled unanimously on Thursday that the safety exception of the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act includes freight brokers, settling conflicting circuit court cases and clearing the way for negligent-hiring claims in state court. The decision in Montgomery versus Caribe Transport II allows C.H. Robinson to return as a defendant when the case is remanded to the Seventh Circuit. Next, we explore the ocean freight sector where carriers are tightening trans-Pacific eastbound capacity by blanking sailings around China's May Day holiday, creating the firmest supply-demand environment of the year. Meanwhile, Houston's containerized cargo volumes are surging as West Coast ports see year-over-year declines, driven by ship canal improvements that now allow larger and heavier vessels to access the Gulf Coast port. Executives expect carriers to hold mid-May general rate increases as tighter vessel supply supports higher pricing heading into summer shipping season. Finally, we cover a massive infrastructure investment to optimize distribution across the Southwest as Dollar Tree opens a one million-square-foot distribution center in Litchfield Park, Arizona. The climate-controlled facility, one of Dollar Tree's largest, will service about seven hundred stores across five states and help move product closer to stores for faster customer delivery. The value retailer now operates nineteen distribution centers supporting over nine thousand stores across North America. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Stop Flying Blind: Turning Freight Market Context into Confident Decisions

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2026 56:14


    Are you navigating your supply chain without a compass? In this episode, Julie Van De Kamp (Chief Marketing and Operations Officer at SONAR) sits down with Stephen Husk (Director of Data Services at e2open) to discuss how their powerful partnership is changing the game for logistics professionals. Freight market volatility can make it incredibly difficult to know if your transportation strategies are actually working. Stephen walks us through how e2open integrates SONAR's real-time market intelligence directly into its platform, giving shippers the exact context they need to evaluate their performance, manage carrier relationships, and secure the best rates. In this episode, we cover: The Power of Benchmarking: How to seamlessly compare your contracted rates against real-time spot market indices without leaving your TMS. Cost Avoidance vs. Cost Savings: Why paying a higher rate doesn't always mean you're losing—and how to prove your strategy is working, even in a tight capacity market. Carrier Compliance & Performance: How to identify underperforming carriers, hold them accountable for rejected tenders, and balance on-time delivery metrics against cost. Real-Time Data Integration: Why looking at post-mortem reporting isn't enough, and how up-to-the-minute market insights can save you from costly routing guide failures. Whether you're a logistics analyst, a supply chain leader, or just looking to stop relying on guesswork, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you leverage your data and take control of your freight spend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Fraud, Empty Bank Accounts & Broken Fleets: The Real State of Trucking in 2026 | Brake Check

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2026 45:12


    The spreadsheets say one thing. The bank accounts say another. On Brake Check, we uncover what trucking companies really feel in 2026...fear, pressure, frustration… and in some cases, flat-out survival mode. With Jessica Dotson from Triumph, we dig into the real emotional state of freight. Then ⁠CloneOps.ai⁠ shows how voice AI may become the next big weapon against freight fraud. And if that's not enough… Home delivery is broken Safety is slipping Competency is being questioned And somebody has to say it Welcome to Brake Check. Real trucking talk for real trucking people. ⁠Follow the Brake Check Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Extinction Event: The Unanimous SCOTUS Ruling That Changes Freight Forever

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2026 38:31


    In this breaking news episode of Freight Expectations, Craig Fuller (Founder & CEO of FreightWaves) and Matthew Leffler (The Armchair Attorney) react in real-time to the most pivotal legal moment in the trucking industry since deregulation. The Supreme Court has issued a unanimous ruling in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC, effectively killing F4A preemption. Freight brokers are no longer shielded by federal law from state negligence lawsuits when they hire unsafe motor carriers. Craig and Matt break down exactly why this "extinction-level event" will fundamentally rewrite the rules of logistics, liability, and the supply chain. In this episode, we cover: The Death of F4A Preemption: What the unanimous SCOTUS ruling means and why it caught the entire legal and freight community off guard. The "Extinction Event": Why this ruling could wipe out 30% to 50% of all freight brokers operating today. The Insurance Nightmare: Why broker liability insurance premiums are predicted to skyrocket by 5x to 10x—if brokers can even secure coverage at all. The Winners and Losers: Why mega-carriers (like Knight-Swift and J.B. Hunt), trial attorneys, and compliance tech companies are positioned to win big, while load boards, small carriers, and small brokers face an existential threat. The Shipper Target: Why major shippers are the next logical target for plaintiff attorneys and why many are already dissolving their private fleets. The Path Forward: The urgent need for congressional intervention, tort reform, and for the FMCSA to step up its safety rating processes. Buckle up. The freight industry will never be the same. ⁠Follow the Freight Expectations Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The Trucking Industry Didn't Break Overnight | The Long Haul

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2026 65:55


    Everybody wants somebody to blame. Brokers. ELDs. Immigration. Mega carriers. The government. The spot market. But what if the problems facing trucking today go much deeper than social media talking points? In this episode of The Long Haul Podcast, Adam sits down with Stephen Ruhe — third-generation trucking operator, Navy veteran, brokerage leader, and trucking history enthusiast — to break down how outdated regulations, industry evolution, and a lack of accountability continue shaping modern trucking today. This conversation dives into: Why modern trucking problems didn't start in 1980 How old regulations still impact carriers today Why social media oversimplifies complex industry issues The relationship between brokers and carriers Why relationships still matter more than technology And why small carriers fail when they spend more time blaming than adapting This episode isn't about nostalgia. It's about understanding how we got here. ⁠Follow The Long Haul Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    FedEx Freight Spinoff, UP-NS Rail Merger Details & NJ Trucking Rules Explained | The Morning Minute

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2026 3:52


    In today's episode, we cover: FedEx Freight Spinoff: We kick things off with the major corporate shakeup at FedEx Corp., whose board of directors has officially approved the spinoff of its less-than-truckload (LTL) unit, FedEx Freight. We discuss the details of the separation, which is set to conclude by June 1, and how the new standalone company will trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "FDXF". UP-NS Rail Merger Application: Next, we head over to the rails to unpack the ongoing regulatory proceedings between Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS). The two Class I railroads have submitted a revised merger application to the Surface Transportation Board (STB), defending it as "comprehensive and complete" after their initial filing was rejected for lacking adequate market-share data and specific merger agreement details. New Jersey's Independent Contractor Rules: Finally, we look at the crucial changes to New Jersey's controversial independent contractor rule impacting truckers. Trucking companies are breathing a cautious sigh of relief as the revised rule removes language that would have classified a worker as an employee simply because the company required them to comply with federal or state safety regulations. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The 52,000 “Illegal” CDLs Fueling Texas' Supply Chain Crackdown | WHAT THE TRUCK?!?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2026 51:54


    Welcome to a jam-packed Wednesday edition of What the Truck, the best 45 minutes in freight! Today, hosts Malcolm Harris and Michael Vincent dive deep into the wildest headlines hitting the supply chain, from hyper-speed deliveries to massive regulatory crackdowns, before bringing on two powerhouse industry leaders. Juan Hernandez Campos (Chief Operating-Officer, Happy Returns, a UPS Company) joins the desk to pull back the curtain on reverse logistics. Juan breaks down why return fraud is a massive multi-headed beast for retailers (affecting nearly 9% of all returns!), how boxless, label-free drop-offs work behind the scenes, and how consolidated freight economics are changing the retail game. Rathna Sharad (Founder & CEO, FlavorCloud) tackles the absolute headache of cross-border commerce. With international sales now making up 40% to 60% of wallet share for top brands, Rathna explains how FlavorCloud leverages an AI-native operating system and a network of 300+ carriers to automate customs, trade compliance, and classification codes seamlessly. In This Episode: Amazon Now Goes Wide: Amazon is expanding its 30-minute delivery promise to dozens of US cities. Logistical masterpiece or an unsustainable driver of instant gratification culture? Key Bridge Collapse Update: Criminal charges are being brought against a Singapore-based ship operator following the tragic 2024 Francis Scott Key Bridge disaster. The Autonomous Vehicle Era: California DMV publishes long-awaited AV regulations for all vehicle classes. Is it a true technological leap forward or just political posturing to keep tech investments from fleeing to Texas? Texas CDL Crackdown: AG Ken Paxton expands statewide enforcement targeting commercial driver training schools and corporate supplier diversity programs. ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ ⁠Visit our sponsor - TAYLOR AND MARTIN⁠ ⁠Subscribe to the WTT newsletter⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠More FreightWaves Podcasts⁠ #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The next phase of cargo theft is already here | Fraud Watch

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2026 41:04


    In this episode of the Fraud Watch podcast, Scott Cornell breaks down a new method where bad actors are getting hired inside legitimate trucking companies to set up theft from within. He explains how these methods are discovered, why they are happening now, and what it means for brokers, carriers, and shippers. The bigger takeaway is not just the method. Theft groups are testing, adjusting, and evolving faster than the industry expects. It is a constant chess game. Awareness is the first move. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Outpost's One-Day Gate Kiosk, BMO Transportation Lending Sale, & CCM Taps New General Counsel | The Morning Minute

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2026 3:41


    In this episode, we kick things off by examining a massive technology leap in truck terminal automation as Outpost unveils its second-generation gate kiosk that deploys in just one day and slashes gate operating costs by up to seventy percent. This marks a seismic shift from traditional automated gate systems that require months of installation work, and the Austin-based company now processes more than three million gate events annually across more than thirty terminals while replacing manual staffing that typically costs twenty-five thousand dollars or more per gate monthly. Next, we explore a major shakeup in the financial sector that will fundamentally reshape trucking lending as BMO's massive transportation lending business is being sold to private equity firm Stonepeak while the bank retains a minority nineteen point nine percent stake. BMO's transportation group is believed to be one of the largest lenders in the trucking business, with a book of business totaling twelve point four two billion Canadian dollars, and the timing has raised eyebrows as the sales process began near the bottom of the freight market's years-long slump while markets are now rapidly strengthening. Finally, we cover a strategic leadership move in the intermodal sector as Consolidated Chassis Management appoints Tara Pellicori as its first-ever general counsel to oversee all legal, regulatory, and compliance matters. Pellicori, who most recently served as director and associate general counsel at Subaru of America, will partner closely with leadership to support aggressive expansion and ensure the Rockaway, New Jersey-based company grows responsibly while delivering value to partners and customers across the intermodal ecosystem. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The Trucking Industry Is Lying to Itself… So We Asked REAL Truckers | Brake Check

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2026 41:30


    Today on Brake Check, live on  FreightWaves⁠, we traded spreadsheets, pie charts, and polished boardroom opinions for something a whole lot more real… The people who actually live this industry. We went LIVE from the legendary Bristol Motor Speedway at the Large Cars & Guitars Truck Show with one mission: Get a real pulse check on trucking in 2026. Because if you really want to know what's happening in freight… You don't ask analysts. You ask drivers. You ask owner-operators. You ask the men and women who actually keep America moving. Today's guests: Max Lacher - Behind the scenes on todays top trucking topics, fuel, optimization and more from performance diesel inc Kim Hartgrave -  Real talk from behind the wheel with no corporate talking points Noah Volz from Truck Parking Club-  Parking, todays tone and more Mike Beatey- Owner-operator truth with zero filters From rates… To parking… To regulations… To what's really broken—and what's finally getting better… This isn't a studio show. This is Brake Check. Live. Loud. Unfiltered. Drop your take in the comments: What's the biggest thing broken in trucking right now? #Trucking #BrakeCheck #Freight #OwnerOperator #CDL #Bristol #TruckingNews #FreightWaves #LargeCarsAndGuitars ⁠Follow the Brake Check Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    CN Rejects UP-NS Merger Plan, Proficient Q1 Earnings Dive, & Kodiak Scales Driverless Fleet | The Morning Minute

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2026 3:46


    In this episode, we kick things off by examining the escalating regulatory battle over the proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern mega-merger. Canadian National is urging federal regulators to reject the amended application, arguing that the filing still omits critical information needed to assess competitive impacts. CN criticizes the proposed Committed Gateway Pricing program as temporary and highly limited, excluding major traffic categories and applying to less than one percent of U.S. rail traffic. Next, we explore the auto logistics sector where Proficient Auto Logistics reported a brutal first quarter that sent its stock tumbling nearly nineteen percent. Extended automotive plant shutdowns, severe winter weather, and disrupted rail and sea transportation pipelines pushed the company's operating ratio to a staggering one hundred three point four percent. However, management remains optimistic that improved March trends and stronger seasonal factors will stabilize second-quarter performance. Finally, we cover the rapid expansion of autonomous trucking as Kodiak AI posted seventy-four percent quarter-over-quarter revenue growth and expanded its driverless fleet to twenty-eight trucks. The company deployed eight additional fully driverless trucks during the first quarter and accumulated more than twenty-three thousand five hundred cumulative hours of paid operations. Kodiak also secured one hundred million dollars in new financing and launched a partnership with Roehl Transport for regular Dallas-Houston freight lanes. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Dead Monkeys & Mystery Meat: Inside the O'Hare Cargo Chaos | WHAT THE TRUCK?!?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2026 53:17


    This Monday edition of What The Truck?!? focuses on the critical intersections of equipment capital, supply chain security, and the rising tide of freight fraud. Hosts Malcolm Harris and Michael Vincent break down the latest industry headlines before diving into deep-bench interviews with experts in leasing and security. Hooman Yazhari, CEO of TEN, joins the show to discuss why the real story underneath excess trucking capacity is actually about capital efficiency. He explains how leasing allows carriers to move assets off their balance sheets to maintain flexibility in a volatile market while utilizing technology for predictive maintenance. Scott Cornell (LogistIQ Specialist Solutions) and Andrej Drotenko (Verified Carrier) tackle the “asymmetrical warfare” of modern cargo theft. Industry News: The Hantavirus “Clickbait”: The guys debunk recent headlines regarding a hantavirus outbreak, noting its historical context and extremely low case numbers in the U.S.. Oregon's Port Project: A look at the $2.3 billion proposed box hub in Coos Bay and whether it makes logistical sense. Georgia's $5B Bet: Discussion on the Port of Savannah's massive self-financed expansion. The O'Hare Mystery: A bizarre report on the confiscation of thousands of pounds of “mystery meat” and illegal animal carcasses at Chicago O'Hare. ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ ⁠Visit our sponsor - TAYLOR AND MARTIN⁠ ⁠Subscribe to the WTT newsletter⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠More FreightWaves Podcasts⁠ #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The Freight Reckoning: Unsafe Trucks, Broker Lawsuits, & the Collapse of Compliance | Freight Expectations

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2026 78:15


    This week on Freight Expectations, Craig Fuller and Matthew Leffler dive into the hidden forces reshaping the freight industry — from International Roadcheck Week and unsafe equipment on America's highways to the growing legal exposure facing brokers, carriers, and trailer manufacturers. They break down the FMCSA's evolving enforcement priorities, the reality behind trailer maintenance and out-of-service violations, and why one in five inspected trucks still fails safety inspections. The conversation also explores the massive implications of the Montgomery broker liability case, nuclear verdicts against manufacturers like Wabash, and why many freight companies may be dangerously unprepared for what comes next. Plus: AI-powered freight research, GLP-1 drugs reshaping consumer behavior, industrial real estate optimism, and why trailer manufacturers may be the most bearish players in transportation today. ⁠Follow the Freight Expectations Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Wabash Rating Cut Third Time, Trucking Jobs Surge in April, & Forward Air Stock Plummets | The Morning Minute

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2026 3:30


    In this episode, we kick things off by examining the severe financial pressures facing trailer manufacturer Wabash National as Moody's slashes its debt rating for the third time in twelve months, dropping the corporate family rating to B3 on May fifth. The rating agency warns that Wabash's credit metrics will remain at unsustainable levels as trailer shipments have collapsed from over thirteen thousand units quarterly in late 2022 to just over five thousand in Q1 2026, while cash reserves have plummeted from $144.5 million to only $31.9 million. Next, we shift to the labor market, where April delivered a surprising surge of four thousand three hundred new trucking jobs, marking the largest one-month gain since September 2023. This jump is particularly significant following a twelve-month period where employment declined nine times, and industry experts say it reflects growing confidence driven by nearly six months of steady rate improvement and gradually tightening capacity. Finally, we unpack the dramatic collapse at Forward Air, where shares plummeted over forty percent after the company disclosed it is losing a major customer representing approximately ten percent of its $2.5 billion in annual revenue. The customer cited risk management and logistics diversification as reasons for the change, and the loss derailed Forward's take-private efforts, forcing management to pivot toward selling its intermodal unit and two smaller legacy businesses to delever the balance sheet. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Why the FMCSA Just Killed 67 ELDs (and 200,000 CDLs) | WHAT THE TRUCK?!?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2026 50:33


    In this Friday edition of What the Truck, hosts Malcolm Harris and Michael Vincent break down a pivotal week in freight, highlighted by an in-depth discussion with RXO's Chief Strategy Officer, Jared Weisfeld. Weisfeld details RXO's recent earnings and the successful integration of Coyote Logistics, describing the current market as a "supply-driven recovery" where regulatory pressures are forcing capacity out despite soft demand. A major focal point of the conversation is RXO's launch of Agentic AI, a technology designed to automate email spot quotes and increase broker productivity by decoupling volume growth from headcount. The episode also features Kelly Martinez, President of ePost Global, who shares staggering data regarding a 2,400% surge in rerouting activity that has yet to return to baseline levels. Martinez explains how geopolitical tensions and shifting trade policies, particularly new European tariffs, are pushing shippers toward multi-carrier strategies and global drop-shipping to maintain resilience. In the news bullpen, the hosts cover the sharp 40% drop in Forward Air shares following a failed strategic review and the potential loss of a major customer. They also analyze April's trucking job gains of 4,300—noting these figures are influenced by former Yellow Corp employees finding new work—and discuss FedEx's efforts to return MD-11 aircraft to service for short cargo flights. Finally, they highlight the FMCSA's ongoing crackdown on non-compliant ELDs, with 67 devices removed from the registry since January 2025. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor - TAYLOR AND MARTIN Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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