FreightCasts

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

Welcome back to another hilarious, high-energy Friday edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? In this episode, hosts Malcolm Harris and Michael Vincent break down the wild world of logistics, cover the craziest headlines making waves in the freight industry, and dive deep into major changes hitting cross-border and summer highway infrastructure. In This Episode: The $1 Billion Cargo Theft Ring: We look into the shocking extradition of a Texas man from Qatar facing massive federal conspiracy charges linked to a massive five-year criminal empire. The Counterfeit Postage Scheme: How an operation involving fraudulent labels led to tens of millions of parcels being shipped from China and a $150M revenue loss for the USPS. Wildfires & Air Quality: How poor AQI across major hubs like Chicago affects the industry. Logo Contest Alert! Enter the "Chubby Face Logistics" logo contest for a chance to win $1,500. Submissions close tomorrow at 12 PM Eastern! Send entries to chubbyfacelogistics@soapcreekcap.com. Special Guests:• Omar Kari – CEO of Logicbroker Omar joins the show to break down the highly anticipated opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Ontario and the US. He shares vital insights on how this new artery will change dynamic routing, carrier allocation, and why companies need to digitize their systems to conquer cross-border customs before their trucks ever hit the border.• Rob Abbott – VP of Corporate Strategy at Fleetworthy Rob brings the heat (and an accidental air horn!) to talk about summer construction season, low-clearance bridges, and major traffic diversions like the massive freeway shutdown in Louisville. He explains how Fleetworthy is utilizing GPS and in-cab notifications to give drivers real-time, virtual sign alerts to prevent costly incidents, bridge strikes, and route navigation issues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former General Mills Transportation Procurement Manager Ben Peterson joins the show to discuss how the market looks from a shipper's point of view and what strategies are available to them in easy and tough markets.  ⁠Follow the Freightonomics Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of FreightWaves Today features a comprehensive breakdown of the major industry earnings reports that shook the market, with a primary focus on JB Hunt's impressive quarterly performance. Key discussion topics include: Earnings Analysis: Beyond JB Hunt, the hosts discuss the bullish outlook from Prologis and the tightness in industrial warehouse capacity, indicating a shift in supply chain geography toward the center of the country. M&A in Freight: Eddie Zakowski and Spencer Tenney provide expert insight into the current mergers and acquisitions landscape. They debate the challenges private equity faces when entering the asset-heavy trucking market versus the relative success found in specialized freight niches (e.g., bulk, chemical). Industry Trends: The segment covers the impact of the Montgomery decision on carrier liability, the state of the spot market, and how capacity constraints are influencing shipper behavior and carrier recruitment. Freightonomics: Zach Strickland and Ben Peterson conclude the show by analyzing the Pricing Power Index (PPI), discussing how shippers can improve their "shipper of choice" status through facility efficiency, load leveling, and improved payment strategies. Viral Coverage: The hosts touch on recent real-world disruptions, including the harrowing video of a CN Rail train crew escaping wildfires in Ontario, Canada, and the broader impact of extreme weather on air quality and logistics operations. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jerry Murphy has a felony on his record. He was a raging alcoholic — his words, not mine. Working part-time to drink full-time. He had his own motorcycle shop once and drank it into the ground, and he'll tell you straight up whose fault that was. Then he got sober. Six years now. He built a trucking company out of Circleville, Ohio from two trucks scraping by on the load board into an operation his drivers call home. And this past June, he closed on something most small carriers only talk about — he bought a trucking company that's been running for 40 years, from an owner who chose Jerry over every bigger check he could've taken, because he trusted Jerry to take care of his people. But here's what nobody watching from the outside knew. While that deal was sitting in limbo, Jerry lost his brother. And the man who had rebuilt his whole life found himself in the darkest place he'd been since he put the bottle down. Sleeping past his alarm for the first time in years. Walking away from the jiu-jitsu classes he loved to teach. Carrying something he couldn't name. He didn't drink. Not once. He didn't even think about it. Months later, he signed the papers on the biggest move of his life.This is a conversation about what rock bottom actually looks like, what it takes to climb out more than once, and why the hardest fight isn't building the business — it's believing you deserve what you built. If you're carrying something right now and telling everybody you're fine, this episode is for you. ⁠Follow The Long Haul Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's really happening inside FMCSA? In this exclusive episode of Brake Check, FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs joins us for a candid conversation about the issues shaping trucking today. No press releases. No prepared statements. Just the questions America's truckers and carriers have been asking. We discuss MOTUS....why FMCSA believed the industry needed it, the challenges during rollout, what went wrong, what's been fixed, and where the platform is headed next. We also tackle freight fraud, identity verification, randomized MC numbers, enforcement, recent high-profile commercial vehicle crashes, and what FMCSA believes the industry must do to improve safety while protecting legitimate carriers. Inside this episode: Why FMCSA built MOTUS in the first place The real story behind the rollout What FMCSA learned from early issues What's been fixed—and what's still improving How MOTUS is changing freight fraud prevention Identity verification vs. authority verification Recent truck crashes and the future of safety enforcement What truckers and carriers should expect from FMCSA moving forward Whether you're an owner-operator, fleet owner, safety director, broker, or professional driver, this conversation offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from the person leading the agency responsible for commercial motor vehicle safety in America. If you want honest conversations with the people shaping the future of trucking, subscribe to FreightWaves and never miss an episode of Brake Check. Because understanding the rules is one thing... Understanding where they're headed is another. ⁠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 the powerful momentum shift toward the rails that's creating massive growth opportunities for the nation's largest intermodal player. J.B. Hunt Transport Services just reported a blockbuster second quarter, with intermodal volumes jumping ten percent year-over-year and significantly outpacing the broader market. Eastern intermodal volumes surged sixteen percent year-over-year, driven by conversion activity at levels the company has not seen in more than a decade, while revenue of three point five billion dollars crushed analyst expectations. Next, we explore a high-stakes legal battle in federal court where truck manufacturer Navistar defeated a sixteen point five million dollar lawsuit over delayed deliveries during the pandemic-era supply crunch. A Michigan jury sided with Navistar on Monday, rejecting breach of contract and fraud claims brought by GLS LeasCo and Central Transport, and concluding the company was not liable for damages related to the delayed delivery of one thousand one hundred International tractors ordered in twenty twenty-two. Finally, we head to the Midwest where a major Wisconsin carrier is partnering with Tesla to evaluate the electric Semi in dedicated Chicago operations. De Pere-based Paper Transport Inc., which has logged over eighty-seven million miles using compressed and renewable natural gas, is assessing the battery-electric truck in an environment where predictable routes and consistent mileage provide ideal conditions for real-world testing as Tesla ramps toward volume production this year. Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows J.B. Hunt Intermodal Surge, Navistar Wins Delivery Lawsuit, & Tesla Semi Chicago Pilot | The Morning Minute Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to a special edition of FreightWaves Today, broadcast LIVE from the Supply Chain AI Symposium in Chicago!

In Episode 10 of Fraud Watch, Phil Brink sits down with Sergeant Jeff Gordon of the Phoenix Police Department, Detective Curtis Peery of the Coconino County Sheriff's Office, and Eduardo Castillo, Global Transportation Security Manager and retired Phoenix Police detective, for a conversation about the evolution of cargo theft and freight fraud. Drawing on firsthand investigative experience, they discuss why organized criminal groups continue to target the transportation industry, how their tactics are changing, why Arizona has become a hotspot for these crimes, and what brokers, carriers, shippers, and law enforcement can do together to better protect the nation's supply chain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we kick things off with a sobering snapshot of the freight industry's ongoing financial pain. Four companies are eliminating nearly 250 jobs at logistics and distribution facilities across New Jersey, North Carolina, Illinois, and California, while ⁠nine transportation and logistics-related companies have recently sought bankruptcy protection⁠. The largest announced workforce reduction involves Fusion Transport, a New Jersey logistics provider planning to lay off seventy-nine employees at its Piscataway facility effective October first, while bankruptcy filings continue to pile up across multiple freight segments. Next, we shift over to the agricultural freight sector, where a strategic acquisition is dramatically expanding access to specialized livestock hauling services. Springfield, Missouri-based BulkLoads announced Monday that it has ⁠acquired Livestock Network, an online load board and community serving the livestock transportation industry since 2000⁠. Livestock Network members will now gain access to BulkLoads' broader ecosystem of products, including Smart Freight Funding for freight factoring, Bulk Insurance Group, BulkTMS transportation management software, and Bulk Freight Insights market intelligence. Finally, we unpack a staggering shift in driver compensation as ⁠the Truck Driver Pay Index surged by 13.5 percent in just two months⁠. Jointly calculated by AscendTMS and Superior Trucking Payroll Services, the index hit 170.04 in June, up from 150.83 in April — easily the highest two-month gain in the history of the index, which has been calculated since 2020. With a typical lag of four to six months between higher spot rates and driver pay, experts suggest more increases are likely in the coming weeks and months. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Based on the episode transcript, here's a YouTube description that highlights the biggest stories and guest interviews while optimizing for search. The global supply chain is facing another major test as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue to evolve. On today's FreightWaves Today, Craig Fuller and Joey discuss the latest developments after President Trump reverses course on a proposed transit fee and instead announces a blockade targeting Iranian trade. What does it mean for oil prices, diesel costs, ocean shipping, and the broader freight market? Joining the show:

Artificial intelligence isn't replacing truckers. It's giving smart carriers an advantage. In this episode of Brake Check, we separate real technology from industry hype and show how AI is helping carriers make better decisions, fight freight fraud, and run more profitable businesses. First, Dale Prax from ⁠Truckstop.com⁠ and FreightValidate pulls back the curtain on the latest freight fraud schemes, identity theft, fake MC numbers, and the tools carriers can use to protect themselves before a load ever moves. Then Jacky Zhao, Senior Director of Technology Innovation at ⁠Truckstop.com⁠, introduces AVA—the freight industry's first voice-native AI carrier assistant. Learn how voice-powered AI can help owner-operators and fleets search freight, check rates, and stay productive without taking their eyes off the road. Inside this episode: How freight fraud is evolving in 2026 The biggest identity verification mistakes carriers make The newest scams targeting trucking companies How Truckstop is fighting fraud What AVA actually does—and why it's different from the AI hype How AI can help carriers work smarter without replacing drivers Where trucking technology is headed next The future belongs to carriers that adapt—not because AI is replacing truckers, but because technology is becoming a competitive advantage. If you're serious about protecting your business, staying ahead of fraud, and running a smarter operation, subscribe for more episodes of Brake Check on FreightWaves. ⁠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 the massive strategic restructuring at project44 that splits the visibility giant into two distinct businesses. The company is separating into project44, which will serve enterprise shippers as a decision intelligence platform, and LSP44, a newly launched AI-native infrastructure business built exclusively for logistics service providers. LSP44 launches with day-one profitability and processes a staggering seven hundred six million carrier events daily across four continents. Next, we explore a significant development in the legal arena as a driver misclassification lawsuit against Illinois-based Risinger Brothers Transfer gains class action status. The drivers allege that Risinger misclassified them as independent contractors rather than employees, and that wage deductions for truck payments, insurance, fuel, and maintenance left some drivers earning below minimum wage for all hours worked under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Finally, we break down a strategic infrastructure project in the Middle East as DP World plans a new UAE port near Fujairah to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. The new container terminal would lessen dependence on the UAE's Port of Jebel Ali and route cargo through the Gulf of Oman instead. This move comes amid heightened regional tensions and President Trump's recent suggestion that the U.S. seize control of the critical chokepoint and charge vessels a toll for passage. Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another Monday edition of FreightWaves Today! Hosts Craig Fuller and Julie Van de Kamp are back in the studio to break down a massive week for the logistics and transportation sectors. As the market continues its recovery, we tackle the latest geopolitical escalations impacting global shipping routes, preview the start of Q2 earnings season with JB Hunt, and look at how artificial intelligence is transforming truck financing and historical transactional standards like EDI. Featured guests: Tobias Waldeck – Chief Revenue Officer at Daimler Truck Financial Services. Tobias gives his perspective on exiting the longest freight recession on record, normalizing truck replacement cycles, and the booming flatbed activity driven by AI data center infrastructure. Kevin Bangston – CEO of Daimler Truck Finance. Kevin discusses the shifting ecosystem of captive truck financing, navigating final EPA emissions rulings, and utilizing AI for administrative relief and analytic predictability. Mark Vitner – Chief Economist at Piedmont Crescent Capital. Mark shares insights on the strengthening manufacturing sector, GDP growth forecasts for the second half of the year, inventory replenishment cycles, and the unique challenges facing the current housing market. Christopher Versace – Chief Investment Officer & Thematic Strategist at Tematic Research. Christopher analyzes logistics stocks, hyperscaler CapEx spends, chip demand, and why structural shifts in heavy truck orders keep him bullish heading into the Q2 earnings cycle. Erik Kiser – CEO & Founder of Orderful Technologies. Fresh off a $35 million funding round with Koch Disruptive Technologies, Eric highlights how Orderful is utilizing AI models to completely disrupt and automate traditional EDI onboarding experiences. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another action-packed Monday edition of What the Truck! Hosts Malcolm Harris and Michael Vincent are back to unpack the latest supply chain news, upcoming events, and the technological revolutions hitting global logistics. In this episode, we dive deep into the unexpected places importers are actually losing money after containers hit the port, and why the yard remains one of the least digitized aspects of the supply chain in 2026. Plus, we preview the upcoming Supply Chain AI Symposium in Chicago! Featured guests: Steven Dodola – CIO and Owner of Dodola Global Logistics. Steven joins the show to break down the costly handoffs at the port, navigating demurrage and detention, and how freight forwarders are utilizing tools like Claude Code and AI to streamline operations. Jake Coppinger – CEO & Co-Founder of Yardflow by Freight Roll. Jake talks about the massive gaps in yard management digitization, the hurdles facing truck drivers, and the impending shift toward autonomous trucking. Casey Larkin – Co-Founder of Yardflow by Freight Roll. Casey dives into standardizing workflows across fragmented carrier networks, eliminating paper dependency, and building the "digital brain" required to run the automated yard networks of the future. ⁠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 major escalation in the Middle East that's sending shockwaves through global energy markets and ocean shipping. Iran on Saturday attacked a feeder container ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz, setting the seven-thousand-TEU GFS Galaxy ablaze and forcing the crew to abandon ship. Iran over the weekend declared the strait closed to vessel traffic and expanded missile and drone attacks across the region, pushing Brent crude up about twelve percent, European natural gas up nearly seventy percent, and U.S. gasoline futures up roughly ten percent since late last week. Next, we explore the automotive sector where Toyota is making a massive three-point-six-billion-dollar bet on Texas manufacturing with a stunning expansion in San Antonio. The Japanese automaker is shifting production of its popular Tacoma pickup from Baja California, Mexico, to San Antonio as part of an investment that will double the size of its Texas manufacturing campus and create two thousand new jobs over the next four years. Finally, we break down how Wall Street is raising the bar for trucking carriers heading into second-quarter earnings season. Deutsche Bank analyst Richa Harnain is forecasting mainly beats across her transportation coverage, with less-than-truckload carriers leading the charge. She expects median earnings-per-share growth of fifteen percent year-over-year for the second quarter and twenty-one percent for the third quarter, marking a meaningful improvement from the three percent increase the group recorded in the first quarter. Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A $104 million nuclear verdict against Mesilla Valley Transportation has the trucking industry asking one question: Could this happen to anyone?Matt and Craig break down the landmark case, explain why jury awards continue to skyrocket, and discuss what it means for carriers, brokers, insurers, and shippers moving forward. The conversation also dives into the EPA's latest emissions rule changes, why modern diesel trucks have become so expensive to maintain, and a brand-new trailer rental scam targeting truckers through Facebook and WhatsApp. Plus, Matt and Craig discuss cargo theft, organized crime, and why legislation like CORCA continues to stall in Washington despite broad bipartisan support. ⁠Follow the Freight Expectations Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Friday, and while the domestic spot market is hitting a bit of a post-holiday summer lull, the freight industry at large is facing massive structural, legislative, and tech shifts. In this episode of FreightWaves Today, hosts Craig Fuller and Julie Van de Kamp sit down with top industry analysts and experts to break down the biggest headlines moving the market this week. We dive deep into a jaw-dropping $104 million nuclear jury verdict against Mesilla Valley Transportation, unpack the EPA's newly finalized 470-page NOx emissions regulations, and discuss reports that tech giant Trimble is planning to sell off its transportation division. Plus, maintenance and legal expert Matt Loeffler stops by for Freight Expectations to sound the alarm on a sophisticated new type of trailer leasing fraud emerging on social media. Featured guests: Lee Klaskow (Senior Transportation Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence): Joins us to break down Wall Street's red-hot interest in truckload and LTL stocks, why the current capacity correction feels more structural than cyclical, and what to expect from the upcoming Q2 earnings season. Bart De Muynck (Founder, Bart De Muynck LLC): Weighs in on reports that Trimble is looking to divest its transportation unit. We discuss why European software like Transporion often struggles to gain a foothold in North America, and how modern architecture and real-time AI solutions are shifting the enterprise software landscape. Matt Leffler (The Armchair Attorney): Returns for Freight Expectations to dissect the legal mechanics of the massive $104M verdict, how cross-border carriers manage equipment safety, the heavy technical/cost burden of the EPA's new diesel aftertreatment regulations, and a dangerous new asset scam hitting independent truckers. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another wild Friday edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? In this episode, hosts Malcolm Harris and Michael Vincent break down the biggest money headlines hitting the supply chain, global logistics, and over-the-road trucking sectors. From devastating nuclear verdicts to massive $11M cargo recoveries and sneaky border smuggling tactics, we dive deep into the volatile state of logistics. Plus, Noel Glasgow (VP of Sales for WEX's OTR Business) stops by to unpack the mechanics of fuel fraud and how carriers can protect their margins against surging fuel prices. ⁠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 financial comeback landing at precisely the right moment for the intermodal sector. STG Logistics has emerged from Chapter 11 protection after slashing its funded debt by approximately ninety percent and securing one hundred fifty million dollars in fresh capital from Fortress, Fidelity and Invesco. The timing couldn't be better: intermodal is currently thirty-one percent cheaper than over-the-road truckload service, helping drive an eight percent year-over-year increase in total intermodal traffic on U.S. Class I railroads during the second quarter. Next, we explore a major wrongful death verdict sending shockwaves through the truckload sector. An El Paso jury has awarded one hundred four million dollars against Mesilla Valley Transportation and one of its drivers following a fatal crash in twenty twenty where an MVT driver and company trainer fell asleep at the wheel, causing his tractor-trailer to drift onto the shoulder and strike a parked box truck, killing co-driver Orlando Robles who was asleep in the sleeper berth. The jury awarded Robles' son twenty million dollars in compensatory damages and seven point five million dollars in punitive damages, with the overall verdict totaling one hundred four million dollars for the surviving family. Finally, we unpack a costly contractual bind forcing the U.S. Postal Service to fly mail it would rather send by truck. According to a report from the agency's Office of Inspector General, postal officials are spending more than intended because minimum volume commitments under its UPS air cargo contract prevent shifting more pieces to cheaper surface transportation. The percentage of First-Class mail traveling by air skyrocketed from two percent in October twenty twenty-four to fifty percent by March twenty twenty-five, directly contradicting the Postal Service's broader strategy to shift volume to trucking contractors and save money. Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The trucking market hit its summer peak and is showing no signs of slowing down despite a fairly stagnant/not recessive economy aside from AI driven investment. Dr. Zac Rogers discusses the latest LMI report. ⁠Follow the Freightonomics Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to FreightWaves Today! In this jam-packed episode, we break down why the freight market is showing intense resilience during a typical holiday lull and look ahead at what could be the next massive freight super cycle. From massive rail network mergers to the latest macro-economic strains shifting supply chains, we've got the data, the insights, and the expert perspectives you need to stay ahead of the curve. Anne Reinke, President & CEO of the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA), joins the show to discuss why domestic intermodal is booming, tackling data fragmentation via AI, and battling the disturbing rise of mid-transit cargo theft. Chris Wofford, Managing Partner of Wofford Advisors, weighs in on the return of private equity, capital deployment, asset vs. asset-light valuations, and whether structural changes are driving an industry consolidation "barbell." Zach Strickland is joined by Dr. Zach Rogers to unpack the latest Logistics Managers' Index (LMI) data. Discover the widening divide between large and small firms, inventory stocking trends, and why transportation utilization has hit its highest rate expansion in eight years. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before a truck gets shut down... Before the lawsuit... Before the six-figure insurance renewal... Before the FMCSA audit... The warning signs are almost always there. The problem? Most carriers don't see them until it's too late. On this episode of Brake Check, we tackle one of the biggest questions in trucking today: Why do 93% of carriers fail an FMCSA audit with at least one violation—and what are the safest fleets doing differently? Joining us are two experts who see trucking safety from completely different angles. Ann Wasson, Founder of Wasson Consulting Group and Certified Director of Safety, breaks down what FMCSA auditors are really looking for, the HOS and ELD mistakes carriers make every day, the compliance failures that fuel nuclear verdicts, and how to prepare before regulators ever come knocking. Then Sam Watts, Director of Safety & Loss Control at Ten Four Truck Insurance and founder of Wattsmen Diesel House, explains why safety isn't just about avoiding violations—it's about lowering insurance costs, building a culture drivers actually believe in, coaching instead of punishing, and why too many fleets mistake paperwork for protection. Inside this episode: Why only 7% of carriers pass an FMCSA audit clean The biggest compliance mistakes hiding in plain sight What FMCSA's data is already saying about your fleet HOS & ELD mistakes that trigger enforcement The truth about safety culture vs. compliance theater What insurance companies really look for before writing coverage Why some fleets keep paying higher premiums—and don't realize they're causing it Coaching drivers instead of chasing violations The maintenance shortcuts that become expensive roadside inspections How to protect your business before an audit, crash, or lawsuit forces you to Whether you run one truck or one thousand, this episode could save you from your next audit, your next claim, or your next insurance renewal. Subscribe for more FreightCasts, trucking news, and real talk from the front lines of the trucking industry. ⁠Follow the Brake Check Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Debon Sims — DJ — got his CDL in 2018 and bought his first semi-truck in 2019 after getting out of a lease-purchase program. What the intake form doesn't say is what came before that.DJ has been incarcerated. He knows what it feels like to have the system count you out. He also knows what it feels like to decide that the count doesn't matter. He landed an Amazon contract early on. Lost it. Spent years grinding load boards and chasing freight that barely covered his costs. And then three years ago he did something most carriers only talk about — he walked away from broker dependency and secured a direct waste-hauling contract that changed not just his revenue, but how he sees the entire business. This is a conversation about what it actually takes to build something when the world has already decided what you are. About treating trucking like a business when everybody around you is treating it like a job. About finding consistent freight in an industry that makes you earn every relationship you get. If you've ever been told you were done — by a system, by a market, by a bad decision — this episode is for you. ⁠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 with an exclusive look inside the massive rail merger that could reshape the U.S. economy. During the July Fourth weekend celebration in Philadelphia, FreightWaves spoke with Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena and Norfolk Southern CEO Mark George about their pending merger alongside the iconic Big Boy No. 4014 steam locomotive. As the Surface Transportation Board begins its formal review, the executives remain highly optimistic about approval despite extensive regulatory hurdles ahead. Meanwhile, a potentially groundbreaking New York City law targeting Amazon and its Direct Service Providers has gone quiet for the summer, but sources say significant changes may be brewing. The proposed Delivery Protection Act shows no action since an April public hearing as amendment season unfolds behind closed doors. The legislation would prohibit subcontracting deliveries and require all last-mile workers to be directly employed by facility operators, though backers appear open to changes including a possible joint employer structure. Finally, we explore Mexico's trucking industry as it faces a brutal driver shortage that's threatening cross-border trade and domestic freight movement. A new survey by the International Road Transport Union reveals that fourteen percent of commercial driver positions in Mexico are sitting vacant, the second highest rate among eighteen markets surveyed. With roughly ninety thousand trucks currently sitting idle due to the shortage, and that figure potentially climbing above one hundred eight thousand by 2028, the crisis poses a critical threat to manufacturers and exporters that depend on road transportation. Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Freight Racing Day! It's Wednesday, which means we are diving deep into the massive waves of data shaping the industrial economy. From the newly released Logistics Managers Index (LMI) to record-breaking rail reports, we are breaking down everything you need to know about the current, highly robust state of the freight market. In this episode, we address major industry shifts—including the brutal California regional operating environment that led to the sudden shutdown of Mountain Valley Express. We also dive into the rising complexities of "digital secondary accidents" and how legal engineering is targeting transportation brands online. Finally, we analyze the booming numbers in the raw materials sector and head over to the Middle East for a crucial geopolitical update on the Strait of Hormuz. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to a brand new episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, the award-winning, irreverent supply chain show! Hosts Malcolm Harris and Michael Vincent are back to break down the biggest headlines hitting the logistics and transportation sector this week. On This Episode: HOA Wars & Texas Bound: Co-host Michael Vincent calls in from his brand-new home base in Texas after a grueling 11.5-hour U-Haul drive from Chattanooga. Hear his breakdown of Southern road infrastructure and his final parting words for his former Homeowners Association. The Closure of Mountain Valley Express: The guys discuss the sudden shutdown of regional LTL player Mountain Valley Express and what it says about current market pressures. Reinventing the Back Office with Transvor: Alex Dolles, Founder of Transvor, joins the show to discuss how carriers are rethinking overhead costs by leveraging virtual talent and outsourcing administrative, billing, and dispatch roles to the Philippines and Colombia. The Montgomery Case Deep Dive: National truck crash lawyer and Managing Partner at the Law Firm for Truck Safety, Michael Leizerman, calls in to give an exclusive insider look at the landmark Montgomery lawsuit as it heads back to the Illinois District Court. He clears up major misconceptions about broker liability and negligent selection. ⁠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 the latest developments in the proposed mega-merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern. The two Class I railroads just submitted critical new data requested by the Surface Transportation Board addressing control questions over key interchange terminals and equipment cooperatives. Despite delays in formal review, the partners remain committed to closing their massive eighty-five billion dollar deal by mid-2027. Shifting gears to the parcel sector, we explore how DHL Group raised its full-year earnings forecast after posting remarkable second-quarter results that included a twenty-nine percent jump in pre-tax income. The Germany-based logistics giant attributed the strong performance to favorable demand conditions compared to the tariff-impacted prior year, efficiency savings, and staggering capacity constraints in air cargo driven by the Iran war. Finally, we cover the harsh realities of the freight recession as another LTL carrier confirms it has shut down operations effective July seventh. Mountain Valley Express, a small regional operator with thirteen terminals across California, Arizona, and Nevada, is the latest casualty in a brutal operating environment that has claimed numerous carriers despite aggressive growth plans announced just months earlier. Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this packed episode of FreightWaves Today, hosts Craig and Julie dive deep into the major issues transforming the logistics world right now—from massive international cargo theft rings to the critical deployment of emergency technology in global disaster zones. First, we tackle the latest headlines exposing a staggering $10 million international freight fraud indictment. Then, we explore how freight tech providers are integrating real-time databases to fight identity theft and double brokering at no additional cost. Finally, we cover the financial shifts on the rails as Greenbrier reports a softer second quarter but raises dividends. Featured Guests: Tony Urban – Executive Vice President of Transportation Information Systems at Cass Information Systems. Tony (the "OG" of freight bill processing) shares how Cass leverages its stability as a federally regulated bank to help shippers secure working capital, reduce friction, and build layered security protocols to combat pervasive payment fraud. Vidya Sampath (Senior Product Manager of Disaster Relief) & Jeff Schweitzer (Principal Technical Product Manager for Disaster Relief) – Amazon. The tech and retail giant breaks down how they utilize their massive global footprint, dedicated fulfillment hubs, and rapid-response tech kits to deliver power and communication infrastructure to disaster areas like Venezuela and the Mariana Islands in a matter of hours. John Kingston – Market Expert & Journalist. John breaks down the unprecedented "nutty" crack spread that has blown out to levels never seen before, highlighting a major divergence between collapsing wholesale crude numbers and stubbornly high retail diesel prices. Michelle Livingstone – Supply Chain Veteran & Board Member. Drawing from her decades of leadership at Home Depot and major transportation boards, Michelle talks about the evolution of hurricane response, the massive value of aiming for "Shipper of Choice" status, and the urgent need to empower and bring more women into logistics leadership roles. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every trucking company is buying more technology. The question is...is it actually making your business stronger or creating new ways to lose money? In this episode of Brake Check, we tackle the two biggest technology battles every carrier faces today: Hiring qualified drivers before the competition gets them. Protecting your business from freight fraud, cyberattacks, and costly IT failures. Steve Brown from Tenstreet breaks down how AI, automation, and smarter recruiting are changing driver hiring—and where technology still needs a human touch. Then Jake Persofsky, Founder of Insperia, explains why so many carriers are one cyberattack, ransomware event, or freight fraud scheme away from operational disaster and what you can do today to protect your business. Inside this episode: The fastest way to reduce time-to-hire Where carriers lose the best drivers AI recruiting: what's real and what's hype The biggest freight fraud threats in 2026 Cybersecurity mistakes almost every fleet makes The technology every trucking company should invest in before the market turns How to modernize your operation without breaking what already works Whether you run one truck or one thousand, this conversation could save your company thousands of dollars and maybe your next load. If you believe trucking deserves real conversations instead of sales pitches, subscribe, leave a comment, and share this episode with another carrier. Brake Check. Real trucking. Real operators. Zero fluff. ⁠Follow the Brake Check Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 9 of Fraud Watch, Phil Brink sits down with Joe Ohr, Chief Operations and Technical Officer at the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, for a conversation about trust, technology, and the future of freight security. Joe discusses why some of the industry's oldest assumptions are being challenged, what surprised him most while studying freight fraud, and why he believes the companies that slow down and verify may ultimately have the advantage. The episode also explores the NMFTA's new anonymous Threat Report Portal and why information sharing may be one of the most important tools the industry has in the fight against freight fraud. Learn more at ⁠https://www.nmftathreatportal.com/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we kick things off by examining a massive criminal indictment that reveals the scope of organized freight fraud across the United States. Federal prosecutors have charged eight individuals in an alleged international conspiracy that stole at least ten million dollars in cargo over a three-year period, targeting everything from electronics and liquor to meat and cryptocurrency mining machines. The criminal organization allegedly impersonated legitimate carriers to obtain transportation contracts, then diverted freight and removed tracking devices before selling the stolen goods. Meanwhile, the industry is fighting back against this pervasive fraud threat with powerful new technology tools. We explore how AscendTMS has integrated SearchCarriers into its carrier verification platform, giving freight brokers and shippers access to real-time carrier and broker data at no additional cost. This collaboration is designed to help transportation providers combat freight fraud, double brokering, identity theft and unsafe carrier selection while simplifying due diligence across over sixty-nine thousand companies worldwide. Finally, we shift over to the rails to discuss the challenges facing major equipment manufacturers in a tough market environment. Railcar maker Greenbrier reported weaker second-quarter earnings as lower railcar deliveries weighed on revenue, with earnings per share coming in at just forty-seven cents versus eighty-nine cents in analyst estimates. Despite serious margin pressure, management raised the quarterly dividend by six percent and updated full-year guidance upward, signaling continued confidence in cash generation. Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Freight markets are navigating a post-holiday slowdown while cargo theft, fraud, and fuel prices remain top concerns across the supply chain. In this episode of FreightWaves Today, Craig Fuller and Julie Van de Kamp break down the latest freight headlines, analyze SONAR market data, discuss ocean shipping trends, and explore how AI and identity verification are changing logistics.Featured Guests:Jesús Guerra — President of Energy, The Pilot CompanyJesus discusses the state of the oil and diesel markets, the impact of fuel volatility on trucking, renewable diesel and biodiesel, and how the proposed SEED Act could help reduce fuel costs while strengthening America's energy infrastructure.Brandon Fried - Director, Air Forwarders AssociationBrandon Discusses lessons that the domestic trucking market can learn from air cargo security regimes, the recent changes to IATA's direct airway bill liability, and how Amazon Air Cargo is impacting market competition.Bryan Lewis — CEO, IntellicheckBryan explains why identity verification has become one of the most important tools in the fight against freight fraud. He discusses emerging threats driven by AI-generated fake documents, organized cargo theft, and how verifying the individual taking possession of freight can protect shippers, brokers, and carriers.Pawan Joshi - Chief Strategy Officer, E2open:Pawan Discusses the reality of modern, multi-party supply chains. Pawan details how strategic tracking platforms, active sensors, and rapid event horizons help shippers detect freight disruptions and theft in real-time. 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're walking through the latest enhancements to Batch Rate Intelligence—now upgraded from a simple bulk lane rate lookup tool into a full RFP pricing analysis workspace. With these new enhancements, teams can analyze bids faster, identify margin risk, monitor lane volatility, and make more informed pricing decisions before submitting to customers.

In this episode, we kick things off with a stunning embezzlement case that rocked a Texas freight brokerage when a former controller pleaded guilty to stealing over three point two million dollars from Austin Freight Systems. The thirty-four-year-old fraudster executed one hundred forty-seven payments between October 2023 and March 2025, depositing the stolen funds into personal accounts and funneling over one million dollars through an online gambling platform. Despite the massive theft, the company confirmed it remains financially sound and continues normal operations. Meanwhile, we explore the heated debate unfolding in Washington as the bipartisan CORCA bill advances to the Senate amid controversy over cargo theft data and federal enforcement expansion. The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act passed the House by a massive three hundred forty-eight to sixty margin and would establish a new coordination center within Homeland Security Investigations. Critics argue documented cargo theft represents only a small fraction of freight moved, while supporters maintain current reporting systems capture just one in every ten full truckload thefts nationwide. Finally, we head south to examine a disturbing trend where cargo theft incidents in Mexico are falling but attacks on truckers have turned brutally deadly according to official government statistics and industry reports. While cargo theft investigations dropped twenty-one percent in the first five months of 2026, fourteen truck drivers have been killed in highway attacks as criminal groups deploy increasingly aggressive tactics. Mexico's National Freight Chamber reports robbers are now using firearms and opening fire on drivers rather than waiting for vehicles to stop, with the State of Mexico and the Veracruz-Puebla corridor identified as the nation's most dangerous freight routes. Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Freight Expectations, Craig Fuller, Max, and transportation attorney Matt Leffler challenge one of the trucking industry's biggest myths. They explain why the issue isn't a lack of drivers, but poor compensation, high turnover, and decades of structural changes that have reshaped the freight industry. The conversation expands into the growing shortage of diesel technicians, why skilled trades may be the safest careers in the age of AI, and whether America has undervalued blue-collar work for too long. The team also breaks down several major U.S. Supreme Court decisions, including what they could mean for federal agencies, executive power, transportation policy, and the future of regulation. Follow the Freight Expectations Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The freight market heads into the Fourth of July weekend with strong momentum—and we're breaking down everything you need to know. Craig Fuller and Max Fuller are joined by Matthew Leffler to discuss the latest freight market developments, North American trade, Supreme Court decisions impacting the trucking industry, broker liability, insurance trends, and what they all mean for carriers, brokers, and shippers. In this episode: America 250 and the state of the U.S. economy Why rail data points to a major American manufacturing resurgence The latest trends in trucking demand and freight volumes USMCA, tariffs, and the future of North American supply chains The Supreme Court's Montgomery decision and its impact on broker liability Insurance, tort reform, and what carriers and brokers need to know A look inside the Volvo VISTA World Championship for elite truck technician. Special Guests: Matthew Leffler – Freight attorney and legal analyst Doug Marcello – Attorney, Saxton & Stump Chris Ingram – Service Technician, Beaver Truck Centre and Volvo VISTA World Championship finalist Lewie Pugh - Executive Vice President, OOID ⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices