FreightCasts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this episode of Brake Check, we're coming to you LIVE from day two of the Tenstreet User Conference, and we're tackling the massive elephant in the room: AI. Everybody is talking about it, but what does practical AI actually mean for the industry? Charles Gracey hits the showroom floor to cut through the buzzwords and sit down with the heavy hitters shaping the future of freight and driver recruiting. First up, Charles is joined by Steve Brown, CRO of Tenstreet, to break down the highly-anticipated "Tenstreet Assistant." We're not talking about replacing the human element—we're talking about removing the mindless data entry and spreadsheet tracking so recruiters can get back to what matters: building real relationships with drivers. Then, Linnette Torres, Director of Compliance and Recruiting at CPC Logistics, drops in to give us a boots-on-the-ground look at the private fleet sector. Linnette shares CPC's impressive driver benefits, the gritty reality of recruiting in today's unpredictable market, and what it's really like to beta-test these new AI tools. Finally, Charles catches up with Kevin Hall, CEO of CDLLife. They dig into how data intelligence is mapping out the actual driver journey, the critical difference between passive and active job seekers, and why carrier recruiting budgets are finally starting to open back up as the market shifts. No fluff. No spin. Just real conversations about: What "real AI" actually looks like for carriers in 2026 Why the human touch will never be replaced in trucking Surviving the unpredictability of today's driver market No pie charts; No PowerPoints; No sanitized narratives. This is real trucking talk with real trucking people... calling out broken systems, asking uncomfortable questions, and demanding accountability where it's long overdue. If you care about the future of trucking, this is a conversation you can't afford to miss. ⁠Follow the Brake Check Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we kick things off by examining a major compliance crackdown that has shaken up the electronic logging device market. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration revealed that a staggering 67 devices have been revoked since January 2025, with two more manufacturers just added to the list for failing to meet minimum technical requirements. Carriers currently using these revoked devices face a tight deadline to switch to compliant ELDs or risk being placed out of service after the sixty-day grace period expires on July 7, 2026. Next, we explore the electric vehicle sector where Tesla's long-awaited Semi has just landed a blockbuster deployment order. Listen in to learn how WattEV ordered 370 Tesla Semi trucks in what will become California's largest single electric truck deployment, with more than 300 units operating under a joint program with the Port of Oakland. To support this massive fleet, WattEV plans to open truck-charging stations equipped with Tesla's Megawatt Charging System chargers that can add 300 miles of range in about thirty minutes. Finally, we unpack the Southeast's most ambitious infrastructure project as Georgia Ports outlined a nearly $5 billion self-financed investment plan to add five new big ship berths and support a projected 54 percent growth in container throughput. Researchers at Georgia Tech found that routing cargo through Savannah saves shippers more than $1,000 per container when delivering to key inland markets compared to West Coast gateways, cementing the port's dominance as the Southeast's logistics gateway of choice. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Zac Rogers comes on to discuss the April LMI and the fastest expansion of the spread between transportation prices and capacity in the index's history. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many small carriers think they have a driver problem. They don't. They have a messaging problem… a positioning problem… and a clarity problem. In this episode of The Long Haul Podcast, Adam sits down with Elijah Cramer — who built his career inside driver recruiting before moving into tech and working directly with carriers to improve hiring and retention This conversation breaks down: Why driver recruiting is still broken for small fleets What drivers actually care about vs what carriers think they care about Why “we treat drivers like family” isn't working anymore How small fleets can compete without big budgets And how to fix your hiring problem without wasting money If you're struggling to hire or keep drivers… this one is going to challenge how you think. ⁠Follow The Long Haul Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we kick things off by examining a major freight broker navigating a brutally tough first quarter but projecting a significant turnaround ahead. RXO released its earnings Thursday morning, reporting a first-quarter adjusted EBITDA of just six million dollars, down sharply from twenty-two million dollars a year earlier. Despite compressed margins, the company aggressively shifted its strategy by increasing its spot mix to thirty-three percent of volume, helping produce what RXO described as the largest sequential increase in gross profit per load in more than three years. Looking ahead, the broker is forecasting a much stronger second quarter with adjusted EBITDA expected to land between twenty-seven million dollars and thirty-seven million dollars. Next, we explore the trade sector where billions of dollars in tariff refunds are finally beginning to flow through a newly launched federal portal. U.S. Customs and Border Protection rolled out its Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries tool, known as CAPE, on April twentieth within the Automated Commercial Environment portal. The digital platform is processing claims far more efficiently than anticipated, with refunds potentially arriving in early May. However, a massive readiness gap is emerging, as CBP estimates roughly forty-six billion dollars in refunds is currently stalled for importers that have not completed ACH refund authorization or established proper portal access. Finally, we cover a controversial regulation governing commercial driver's licenses as a federal court denied a request to block the rule for non-domiciled drivers on Tuesday. A three-judge panel in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia denied a motion seeking to stay enforcement of FMCSA's rule, which became effective March sixteenth and specifies that non-domiciled CDLs are available only to H-2A, H-2B, and E-2 visa holders, excluding asylum seekers, asylees, DACA recipients, refugees, and people with temporary protected status. While the stay was denied, the combined cases will move forward with petitioners' briefs due June fifteenth and oral arguments expected in September. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to a packed Wednesday edition of What The Truck?!? Hosts Malcolm Harris and Michael Vincent are back on the set for a family reunion-style episode featuring industry heavyweights and groundbreaking tech. First, the "Nostradamus" of freight, Ryan Schreiber (CGO of Metafora), joins the show to tackle a fascinating new trend: the Ozempic effect on logistics. We dive into whether GLP-1 medications are actually making truckloads lighter and how shifting consumer preferences—from "junk food" to whole foods—are fundamentally altering freight volumes and produce seasons. Then, we welcome back a familiar face, Kaylee Nix, now Head of Communications at Bot Auto. Kaylee breaks down their historic achievement: delivering America's first fully humanless commercial truckload on a public highway. We get into the nitty-gritty of "Transportation as a Service" and why they consider themselves a trucking company first and a tech company second. ⁠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

No studio. No script. No safe answers. This episode of Brake Check went down LIVE at the Tenstreet User Conference in Las Vegas. Executives from all over freight came together to look at the latest industry trends and what is happening out on the road. The freight recession might finally be over. But as rates climb and the market shifts to benefit carriers and drivers, the real challenges are just getting started. From drivers getting pushed into unregulated markets to well-intentioned laws making job hunting harder, we talk to the people building the tech and pulling the strings. We break it all down with: • Kevin Nadeau & Tom Resz (Tenstreet)The shifting market, the Job Store, and driver retention. • Scott Fierman (HireRight)The DAC employment history file and building a better partnership with drivers. • Meghan Gleason (⁠TruckersReport.com⁠) Job board traffic, the Hammer app, and finding the right fit. • Carlo Solórzano (Driver IQ) – The Don't Get Played podcast and AI streamlining the industry. This is what happens when you get everyone in the same room to talk about what's actually working—and what's broken. Welcome to Brake Check. Real trucking talk for real trucking people. No fluff. No spin. Just the truth. ⁠Follow the Brake Check Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we kick things off by examining a critical early bellwether for the logistics sector as GXO Logistics posts double-digit revenue growth in the first quarter, easily topping Wall Street expectations. The Greenwich-based contract logistics giant reported revenue of three point three billion dollars, up nearly eleven percent year over year, while swinging back to profitability with five million dollars in net income compared to a ninety-five million dollar loss a year earlier. CEO Patrick Kelleher highlighted record commercial pipeline momentum and the company's aggressive push into AI, automation and robotics to drive efficiency across strategic growth sectors. Next, we head to the mid-Atlantic port sector where Tradepoint Atlantic and MSC break ground on a massive Baltimore container terminal that developers hope will fundamentally reshape intermodal shipping in the region. The partners plan to invest one point two billion dollars to build the one hundred sixty-eight-acre Sparrows Point Container Terminal on the site of a former Bethlehem Steel mill, creating annual capacity of more than one million containers with berthing for two ultra-large vessels and seven ship-to-shore cranes. The terminal's first berth is scheduled for completion by two thousand twenty-eight, with full build-out targeted for two thousand thirty. Finally, we explore the geopolitical battle brewing over strategic canal infrastructure as Panama's bidding process for seized container terminals appears stacked against U.S. companies, according to a source familiar with the matter. After Panama's Supreme Court invalidated Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison's concessions to run terminals at Balboa and Cristobal—key transshipment hubs connecting Asia-Americas trade routes—the government seized control and assigned temporary operating rights to APM Terminals while preparing a new concessions process. Despite President Trump's stated intentions for significant U.S. presence at the canal, American companies like SSA Marine and Ports America are not expected to score well under Panama's evaluation criteria. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we kick things off by examining Union Pacific's massive eighty-five billion dollar acquisition of Norfolk Southern and the railroad's newly disclosed conditions for walking away from the deal. UP has made clear it will abandon the merger if the Surface Transportation Board orders widespread trackage rights or line sales as approval conditions, though it would accept a requirement to spin off one duplicative main line between Kansas City and St. Louis. If burdensome conditions trigger Union Pacific's exit, it will owe Norfolk Southern a staggering two point five billion dollar breakup fee. Meanwhile, out on the water, a critical geopolitical milestone unfolded in one of the world's most strategic maritime chokepoints. A Maersk ro-ro carrier became the first U.S.-flag vessel to safely exit the Strait of Hormuz under American naval protection after months in the Persian Gulf. The Alliance Fairfax, operated by Farrell Lines and part of the Maritime Security Program, completed the high-stakes transit at a fraught time as the U.S. and Iran exchanged threats amid a fragile ceasefire. Finally, we explore Amazon's aggressive expansion into third-party logistics as the e-commerce giant officially rebranded its freight and fulfillment services under the unified Amazon Supply Chain Services umbrella and opened them to all businesses. Backed by over eighty thousand trailers and one hundred freighter aircraft, the move transforms Amazon into a direct competitor to traditional carriers, with early clients including Procter & Gamble and American Eagle Outfitters. Wall Street reacted sharply, sending UPS stock down nine point five percent on fears of massive disruption to the freight transportation industry. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this FreightWaves Special Report, FreightWaves contributor Rob Carpenter sits down with FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs to discuss the state of the trucking industry exactly 12 months after President Trump's executive order.Administrator Barrs provides a candid "report card" on the agency's progress, emphasizing that while they have seen successes, there is still a lot of work left to do to achieve sustainable, long-term growth. The two discuss the FMCSA's commitment to rooting out "bad actors" to elevate the trucking profession, the realities of the government rulemaking process, and the ultimate goal of the agency: reducing fatalities and making our highways safer.Key Topics Covered:- The 12-Month Report Card: Assessing the successes and the remaining work needed following the executive order.- Enforcement Posture: Why consistent enforcement and weeding out bad actors is vital for compliant carriers.- State Partnerships (MCSAP): How the FMCSA works with state agencies to ensure uniform training and enforcement across the country.- Safety First: The personal and professional drive to reduce highway fatalities and ensure crash victims' lives are not lost in vain.- The Wheels of Government: Administrator Barrs explains why the regulatory process takes time and why following the legal framework is necessary to create rules that hold up in court. Keep up with Live FreightWaves Events Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Monday, May 4th edition of What the Truck?!?, hosts Malcolm Harris and Michael Vincent dive into major industry shifts, ranging from Amazon's massive logistics expansion to the growing fragility of global oil supply chains. Amazon Opens the Gates: Amazon is officially opening its entire logistics network—including freight distribution and parcel shipping—to businesses of all sizes. Michael Vincent notes this solidifies Amazon as a major logistics threat to incumbents like FedEx and UPS. The “Yellow” Omen: The hosts discuss a superstitious pattern in transportation: asset-heavy companies using the color yellow often face grim futures. They note the recent closure of Spirit Airlines, which ceased operations this past weekend after 43 years. Mass Layoffs in Alcohol Distribution: Republic National Distributing Company is planning widespread layoffs, impacting thousands of workers across Texas, Florida, and other major markets as they restructure and transfer assets. Tech & Crime: * Kodiak AI is accelerating its hardware production in partnership with Bosch to industrialize autonomous driving. Ronald joins the show to discuss the “fragility” of the global supply chain amidst surging oil prices and geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Special Guest: Ronald Kleijwegt | CEO of Vinturas 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

In this episode of Freight Expectations, Craig and Matt debate who belongs to the most hated profession in America: lawyers, journalists, or academics. As a media CEO, Craig takes some heat, but Matt somehow represents all three. Beyond the self-deprecation, they unpack a baffling $81 million nuclear verdict where the jury completely cleared the truck driver of negligence but still hammered the motor carrier. Matt explains the wild legal maneuvers behind the scenes and how these massive rulings are driving double-digit insurance hikes across the industry. They also tackle the USPS's operational panic as the ban on non-domiciled CDL drivers takes effect, and how AI might actually fuel an increase in trucking lawsuits by making legal research cheaper for plaintiff attorneys.Finally, Craig delivers a deep dive into how logistics win wars. From WWII production to America's current manufacturing boom, they explore how US energy dominance and a weaponized dollar are shifting global alliances. Follow the Freight Expectations Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to WithSONAR! In this episode, we're introducing SONAR Situation Reports (SITREPS)—a new way to break down what's happening across freight markets and, more importantly, why it matters. Inside SITREPS, you can: Get a quick overview of current market situations and key takeaways Explore a library of reports covering major freight disruptions and trends Dive into SONAR datasets and real-time metrics tied to each event Analyze impacts by region, commodity, and market segment Understand potential outcomes, risks, and operational implications Download reports as shareable PDFs for internal alignment Whether you're preparing for strategy conversations, aligning teams, or responding to market disruptions, SITREPS help you move from data to decision with confidence.

In this episode, we kick things off by examining a Kentucky congressman's demand to permanently ground an aging cargo jet following a catastrophic Louisville crash that killed fourteen people. Representative Morgan McGarvey has officially petitioned the FAA to permanently shut down the entire McDonnell Douglas MD-11 fleet after UPS Flight 2976's left engine detached during takeoff, igniting a fire and slamming the aircraft into buildings. While UPS has retired its remaining twenty-eight MD-11s, FedEx is ramping up preparations to reactivate all twenty-seven of its MD-11 freighters as soon as the FAA lifts its current flight ban. Next, we explore the truckload sector where multimodal transportation provider Schneider National is aggressively targeting significant rate recovery during the current bid season with price renewals at the highest levels since 2021. Management is explicitly seeking mid- to high-single-digit one-way contract rate increases and double-digit increases with transactional shippers, as pricing at those accounts fell the most during the prolonged downturn. Finally, we head to the Gulf Coast where Port Houston has secured a forty-eight-million-dollar federal grant through the U.S. Maritime Administration to expand and modernize its Bayport Container Terminal. The project will support construction of a new container yard and exit gate designed to increase capacity by about four hundred forty thousand TEUs, reduce chronic truck congestion, and save millions of hours over the life of the project. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is up everybody, welcome back to What the Truck?!? The freight recession is officially over as demand builds into the summer, but a tightening market means the old procurement playbook is completely broken. In this episode of WTT for May 1, 2026 , we sit down with Ciaran Doherty, Founder and CEO of Loadar, to expose a hard truth: the era of shipper leverage is ending. He breaks down why traditional RFP cycles are failing in a tight market and how capacity exiting and rising fuel costs are forcing a massive shift. If you are a shipper still relying on a loose-market strategy, you are going to bleed cash. Then, we uncover the silent margin killer draining fleets dry: bad routing. Ronak Amin from HERE Technologies drops in to reveal how static maps and inefficient routes are causing extra miles, wasted fuel, and blown ETAs. He brings the math to prove it, including a real-world example of how a 200-van fleet in Chicago could uncover nearly $100,000 in potential savings just by optimizing their location data. Plus, we are diving into the latest industry headlines:• The FBI is late to the cargo theft epidemic, but the industry isn't.• A Kentucky congressman is pushing the FAA to permanently shut down MD-11 aircraft.• The STB chairman and industry leaders headline the Future of Rail Symposium to discuss the supply chain rail network. ⁠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

In this episode, we kick things off by examining the latest quarterly results from a major multimodal carrier that signal improving fundamentals in the truckload market. Listen in to learn how Schneider National exceeded Wall Street expectations with better-than-expected earnings and revenue growth despite disruptive winter weather and fuel volatility. The company's strong execution on cost discipline and productivity initiatives allowed it to capitalize on a structurally healthier freight environment marked by ongoing supply rationalization. Next, we explore a blockbuster development in autonomous trucking as Aurora Innovation and Hirschbach Motor Lines dramatically expand their partnership to deploy 500 driverless trucks powered by Aurora's virtual driver technology. With deliveries beginning in 2027, this massive fleet expansion will generate an estimated 500 million autonomous miles and establish a multi-year revenue stream worth hundreds of millions of dollars for Aurora under its innovative Driver as a Service model. Finally, we unpack a puzzling paradox in the ocean freight sector where trans-Pacific container rates continue climbing despite traditionally low seasonal demand due to the ongoing Strait of Hormuz blockade by U.S. forces. The Persian Gulf crisis has sent oil prices to record highs and pushed diesel well over $5 per gallon, keeping ocean freight costs elevated during what is normally the weakest pricing period of the year following the post-Lunar New Year lull. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Freight markets are reacting in real time to global disruption, seasonal uncertainty, and mounting regulatory pressure. Fuel volatility tied to the Iran conflict continues to ripple across transportation, driving cost swings and network disruption. At the same time, April is proving to be a transitional (and potentially misleading) moment in the freight cycle, with seasonal patterns colliding with a still-fragile market. - How the Iran conflict is impacting fuel, capacity, and global freight flows - Whether April is a true inflection point—or just a seasonal speed bump - What to expect from Roadcheck and how enforcement could tighten capacity - Early signals on summer freight demand and market direction - The key risks and opportunities shaping the road ahead Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone wants to own a truck. Very few understand what comes after. In this episode of The Long Haul Podcast, Adam sits down with Pamela Polyak — a third-generation transportation owner who took over her family's asset-based operation at the start of 2020 and has spent years helping small carriers navigate compliance, operations, and growth This conversation breaks down: Why most new authorities are unprepared for what ownership actually requires The massive gap in back-office knowledge The compliance mistakes that quietly shut carriers down The difference between driving a truck and running a company And what it really takes to build something that lasts If you think owning a truck means you're running a business… this episode will challenge that. ⁠Follow The Long Haul Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No studio. No script. No safe answers. This episode of Brake Check wasn't filmed in a quiet room...it went down LIVE at the Broker Carrier Summit in Kansas City… where brokers, carriers, regulators, and tech companies all showed up in the same place… and finally had to face each other. And when that happens? Things get REAL. We're talking: The growing divide between brokers and carriers What the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is actually doing (and not doing) The truth about enforcement, training, and pay Tech companies promising solutions… but are they fixing anything? And the one thing this industry STILL refuses to admit This isn't a panel. This isn't PR. This is what happens when the walls come down and the conversations get uncomfortable. If you've ever wondered: - Why trust is completely broken in trucking- Why the same problems keep getting worse- And what it actually looks like when the industry tries to fix itself… This is the episode you don't skip. Welcome to Brake Check Real trucking talk for real trucking people. No fluff. No spin. Just the truth. 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 with a historic technological breakthrough as Houston-based Bot Auto has officially completed the first fully humanless, over-the-road commercial truckload in American history. The autonomous tractor hauled commercial freight 231 miles across Texas without a safety driver, remote operator, or in-cab observer, achieving a remarkably low cost per mile of just $1.89 compared to the industry average of $2.26. Bot Auto operates as a trucking carrier using its Transportation as a Service model with a fleet of 12 tractors and owned and leased trailers. Next, we explore the less-than-truckload sector where XPO is absolutely crushing Wall Street expectations and aggressively winning profitable market share with first-quarter earnings that beat consensus by 13 cents. The Greenwich, Connecticut-based logistics giant reported consolidated revenue of $2.1 billion, up 7% year over year and significantly ahead of analyst forecasts. XPO's LTL unit posted an impressive 83.9% adjusted operating ratio, defying normal seasonal deterioration patterns and improving 200 basis points year over year. Finally, we cover the regulatory battle over the proposed transcontinental rail mega-merger as Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern submitted an amended merger application to the Surface Transportation Board after their initial filing was rejected as incomplete in January. The revised application now projects the combined railroad will shift 2.1 million truckloads annually from highway to rail, saving shippers an estimated $3.5 billion per year, and will require 1,200 net new union jobs by the third year of the merger. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to another high-octane episode of What the Truck?!? with your host, Malcolm Harris, and the man with the plan, Michael Vincent. We're diving deep into the headlines shaping the supply chain and sitting down with industry heavyweights to talk strategy and technology. In This Episode: The Utah Nuclear Verdict: We break down the record-breaking $81 million verdict in Utah following a tragic 2018 accident. We discuss the details of the retrial, the driver's questionable background, and what this “nuclear verdict” means for the future of trucking insurance and case law.   The GLP-1 Effect: Are weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy shrinking freight volumes? We examine a study suggesting that nearly 851,000 truckloads have been removed from the food and beverage market due to shifting consumer habits.   FedEx & the MD-11: FedEx is preparing to reactivate its MD-11 fleet to reclaim lost capacity. We debate whether the pressure to save millions during peak season is leading to a rush past safety protocols.   The Freight FBI: A CDL driver goes MIA with a hauler full of vehicles from the Port of Brunswick. We look at the ongoing search for Gonzalez and the missing cargo. Matt joins us to talk about navigating the “preseason” of the market. He emphasizes that while the freight recession may be easing, the winners will be those who hunker down on strategy rather than chasing volume at any margin. He also shares why his “why” always comes back to the way organizations treat their people.   The “Iceman” himself breaks down the digitalization of the cold chain. We discuss how real-time telematics and predictive insights are allowing fleets to know two weeks in advance if a reefer unit might fail—saving those precious avocados and temperature-sensitive GLP-1 medications before they ever hit the road. Guests: Matthew Darnell Caine | Caine Strategic Advisors Dominic Hand | Thermo King ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ ⁠Visit our sponsor - TRUCKSTOP⁠ ⁠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 episode 4 of the Fraud Watch podcast, Phil Brink sits down with Dale Prax, Strategic Fraud Advisor for ⁠Truckstop.com⁠, to break down what's happening behind the scenes as industry leaders head to Washington, DC to meet with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and members of Congress on May 14th. The conversation centers on a core issue driving cargo theft and freight fraud today: identity. It is not a lack of regulation, but a failure to verify who is actually operating inside the system. They discuss how bad actors exploit gaps in onboarding and registration and why enforcement has fallen behind. They also cover what changes could actually make a difference. From stronger identity verification and TWIC requirements to better data sharing across vetting platforms, this episode outlines what real solutions could look like and why this moment matters. If you want to understand where freight fraud starts and what it will take to stop it, this is the conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we kick things off by examining one of the industry's premier less-than-truckload carriers as Old Dominion Freight Line reported first-quarter earnings that beat Wall Street consensus by 9 cents. Revenue of $1.33 billion came in $20 million ahead of consensus and above the top end of management's guidance range. Despite tonnage declining 8% year over year, the company delivered a remarkably strong 76.2% operating ratio, roughly 200 basis points better than implied guidance. Next, we explore the escalating liability crisis that continues to plague the trucking industry. An $81 million jury award in Utah against Allied Building Products is being called the largest civil verdict ever awarded in that state. The case stemmed from a tragic December 2018 incident in which an Allied day cab struck and killed a 12-year-old boy in a crosswalk. Following the retrial verdict, the two sides reached a confidential settlement that was fully covered by insurance, but the award joins a growing body of massive nuclear verdicts that demonstrate just how severe trucking liability exposure has become. Finally, we head to the East Coast to examine how the Port of Virginia is investing $1.4 billion to solidify its position as America's most modern container gateway. Interim CEO Sarah McCoy revealed that the facility has increased container volume 20% to 3.4 million TEUs since 2021, lifting it to sixth place among all American container hubs. The port's Gateway Investment Program includes channel deepening to 55 feet—the deepest in the country—and new ultra-large container vessel cranes that are expected to commence operations in June. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We went LIVE from OOIDA headquarters in Grain Valley with Lewie Pugh for one of the realest trucking conversations you'll hear all year. How did OOIDA get started? Why are Hours of Service still broken? Have ELDs helped… or made things worse? Why are drivers still underpaid? And was the so-called “driver shortage” ever real… or was it used to flood the market and suppress wages? This episode pulls no punches. We break down: The truth about HOS rules Why ELD mandates still frustrate drivers Driver pay vs industry profits Training standards and CDL concerns The “driver shortage” narrative Why so many truckers feel the system is stacked against them No fluff. No spin. Just real trucking talk from inside OOIDA HQ.Subscribe for more hard-hitting freight news, trucking truth, and voices that matter. #Trucking #OOIDA #ELD #HOS #DriverPay #CDL #Freight #Truckers #CharlesGracey #BrakeCheck ⁠Follow the Brake Check Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we kick things off by examining a puzzling phenomenon in cross-border logistics where capacity appears plentiful on paper but remains brutally tight in practice. According to Uber Freight's senior vice president overseeing cross-border operations, the real constraint isn't a lack of drivers overall but rather a critical shortage of drivers who meet increasingly stringent compliance and security standards. With northbound demand into the U.S. running two to three times higher than southbound flows and uncertainty around the upcoming USMCA review slowing nearshoring investment, carriers are struggling to reposition equipment fast enough to keep pace with U.S.-bound freight. Shifting gears to the rails, we examine how rail technology giant Wabtec delivered a powerful start to 2026 with solid execution across both its freight and transit divisions. First quarter revenue grew 13% to $2.95 billion while adjusted earnings per share surged 18.9% to $2.71, driven by a 52.5% jump in equipment sales from higher locomotive deliveries and a remarkable 75.7% increase in digital sales fueled by strategic acquisitions. On the strength of these results, Wabtec raised its full-year adjusted earnings per share guidance by 20 cents at the midpoint, projecting growth of 16.5% for 2026. Finally, we unpack the contrasting fortunes at a major Canadian transportation company where TFI International's Truckload sector improved while its LTL division struggled in the first quarter. TFI handily beat Wall Street expectations with non-GAAP earnings per share of 69 cents—8 cents above consensus—as its Truckload segment posted a 14.32% jump in operating income and adjusted EBITDA growth exceeding 4%. However, the less-than-truckload division saw its combined operating ratio deteriorate 220 basis points to 95.3% and operating income decline 35.12%. Despite the mixed performance, management issued strong second quarter guidance, projecting adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.50 to $1.60—more than double the first quarter result. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Monday edition of What the Truck, hosts Malcolm Harris and Michael “The Dude” Vincent dive into the latest headlines shaking up the supply chain world, starting with the legal showdown between New York's Attorney General and the federal government over CDL funding. The duo breaks down the sophisticated new “Trojan Driver” cargo theft scam and discusses the recent wave of trucking bankruptcies, debating whether these failures stem from a poor economy or irresponsible growth. They also explore the shifting landscape of marijuana scheduling and its complex implications for mandatory drug testing in safety-sensitive transportation roles. Later in the show, the hosts are joined by Loki Cheema (Founder and CEO) and Alex Krutchten (Chief Growth Officer) of Hemut. Cheema shares his incredible journey from homelessness to industry leader, explaining how his gritty background inspired a technology firm dedicated to empowering truckers. The Hemut team discusses their hands-on approach to implementing AI and automation, emphasizing that technology should serve as a tool to help human operators succeed rather than a means to replace them. ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ ⁠Visit our sponsor - TRUCKSTOP⁠ ⁠Subscribe to the WTT newsletter⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠More FreightWaves Podcasts⁠ #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did the freight industry establishment intentionally sell out the American truck driver? In this episode of Freight Expectations, FreightWaves Founder & CEO Craig Fuller and "The Armchair Attorney" Matthew Leffler dive into the harsh realities behind Craig's recent New York Times op-ed. They break down how the "perpetual driver shortage" myth was engineered to lower barriers to entry, ultimately driving down wages and destroying the middle-class dream of trucking. Plus, Matt lays out his highly unpopular 3-step plan to fix highway safety, and the guys unpack a wild conspiracy theory regarding the C.H. Robinson Supreme Court case. Follow the Freight Expectations Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we kick things off by examining a high-stakes legal showdown as New York Attorney General Letitia James files a lawsuit against the Department of Transportation to block the withholding of approximately $73 million in federal highway funding from the state. The federal government claims New York improperly issued commercial driver's licenses to non-domiciled individuals and is demanding revocation, while Governor Kathy Hochul pushes back hard, calling the action political payback. Next, we explore a major acquisition in the logistics technology sector as Descartes Systems Group announced it has acquired Pittsburgh-based fleet safety solutions provider Idelic for $28 million in cash. Idelic's AI-powered platform brings a massive dataset to the table, including over 40 billion miles of driving data and more than 400,000 accident reports, designed to predict driver risk and optimize safety training interventions across fleets. Finally, we cover a strategic expansion in freight infrastructure leadership as the Coalition for America's Gateways and Trade Corridors voted to add GATX Corporation's Wes Lujan to its board of directors for a three-year term. Lujan, vice president of Government and Industry Affairs for the railcar and locomotive lessor, will bring critical private-sector perspective as the coalition guides federal investment and policy decisions during the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization debates in Congress. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this fireside chat, Charles Gracey and CEO Marcia Taylor discuss Bennett Family Company's journey from a 15-truck fleet with $500 to a global powerhouse. Marcia credits their success to a foundation of faith and the dedication of three generations of family. Growth was driven by niche specialization and listening to customers, such as expanding into the crane business to meet specific needs. Marcia advises small fleets to strictly know their costs and prioritize financial stability over aesthetics like "chrome," which doesn't pay the bills. She distinguishes building a "business" from just having a "job" through purpose and culture. Despite challenges like litigation and tight margins, Marcia remains bullish on the industry's future Keep up with Live FreightWaves Events Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a Friday edition of What the Truck, and host Malcolm Harris is riding “solo dolo” to break down a massive week in freight, from the 2026 NFL draft excitement to the front lines of cargo security. The Battle Against Freight Fraud: Dale Prax, Strategic Fraud Advisor at Truckstop and founder of FreightValidate, joins the studio to discuss a landmark shift in industry collaboration. Five months after Dale called for vetting platforms to stop operating in silos, he's heading to the USDOT headquarters to meet with FMCSA leadership Inventory Agility for SMBs: Barry Kukkuk, CTO and co-founder of Netstock, breaks down why small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) are the backbone of the economy, yet often struggle with “dusty boxes”—having too much of what doesn't sell and too little of what does. The First National Portable Cold Storage Platform: James Armstrong, SVP of Emerging Business at Seacube Container Leasing, discusses their recent acquisition of Martin Container. ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ ⁠Visit our sponsor - TRUCKSTOP⁠ ⁠Subscribe to the WTT newsletter⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠More FreightWaves Podcasts⁠ #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Billie Tomic draws on her consulting background to help owner-operators and small carriers get a handle on the business side of things. From financial planning and compliance to building systems that actually hold up as you grow, she covers what they don't teach you in the cab. Keep up with Live FreightWaves Events Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most small carriers believe they're compliant. Until they're not. And by the time they find out… it's already too late. In this episode of The Long Haul Podcast, Adam sits down with Brandon Wiseman of Trucksafe & Childress Law, a legal expert with nearly 20 years of experience in DOT safety, compliance, and accident exposure. This isn't a surface-level compliance conversation. This is about what actually happens when things go wrong.We break down: The biggest compliance mistakes small carriers make Why many fleets think violations don't matter The real consequences of non-compliance during an accident How enforcement is changing across the industry And the hard truth about what DOT compliance really means If you're running trucks and treating compliance like a checklist, this episode may change how you look at your entire operation. ⁠Follow The Long Haul Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join FreightWaves' John Kingston for an exclusive fireside chat with David Owen, President of the National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC). In this engaging session, Owen pulls back the curtain on the state of the long-haul trucking industry, sharing exactly how the most resilient small carriers are surviving—and thriving—in a volatile economy. Keep up with Live FreightWaves Events Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices