FreightCasts

Host Thomas Wasson dives into a packed episode featuring Steve Gold, CEO of Truckers Network Association, on the evolving driver job market, training quality, and where the best opportunities are for new and experienced CDL holders. FreightWaves economist Michael Rudolph breaks down fresh CPI data, the Fed's next moves, consumer spending trends, and what it all means for freight demand. Plus, headlines on California's clean truck lawsuit, DEF rules, autonomous trucking developments, and the upcoming Future of Freight Festival. ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ ⁠Visit our sponsor⁠ ⁠Subscribe to the WTT newsletter⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠More FreightWaves Podcasts⁠ #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Waabi announced the appointment of former Uber Freight CEO Leor Ron as its new COO, signaling a major transition from research and development to commercialization and scale. This strategic move aims to accelerate Waabi's journey towards a driver-out milestone by year-end and expand partnerships with industry giants like Volvo and Uber Freight. The US and China have extended a pause on higher tariffs for goods from each country until November 10th, narrowly avoiding proposed increases. This extension maintains the US levy on Chinese imports at 30% and China's tariff on American products at 10%, allowing for continued negotiations on key trade issues. Freight tech company GoodShip also announced a successful Series B funding round, securing $25 million to advance its AI-driven freight management platform. This platform has already proven its value for enterprise shippers, helping clients significantly reduce transportation costs by 3-5% and decrease late shipments by 20%. Tune into FreightWaves TV today for a new episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? at noon, with a replay available later. Don't forget to get your tickets for the upcoming F3 event (Use code MORNINGMINUTEF325 for $900 off) and register for the crossborder logistics summit in early September, both offering valuable insights and networking opportunities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we dive into the world of Hauler Hub. Our guest Sam Agyemang, VP of Business Development and Sales at ITF Group, breaks down how they're trying to bring the transportation industry up to the 21st century and improve tech where it's actually needed. For more information, subscribe to ⁠Check Call the newsletter⁠ or the podcast. ⁠Follow the Check Call Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Current tariff policies and economic uncertainties are profoundly reshaping the U.S. freight and manufacturing industries. A significant surge in U.S. container imports in July, nearing record highs and driven notably by a 44% month-over-month recovery from China, is largely attributed to importers "front-loading" shipments. This strategic move is a response to the end of the "de minimis" exemption for imports under $800 and ongoing uncertainty regarding various tariffs, including a temporary 30% rate on some Chinese goods and new reciprocal tariffs affecting over 90 U.S. trade partners. Despite this import boom, Trans-Pacific spot rates have plummeted, falling 62% from the Far East to the U.S. West Coast since June 1st, a paradox driven by significant global overcapacity and potentially muted consumer demand, which carriers attempt to counter through increased blank sailings, contributing to congestion at Chinese ports. Experts now view tariffs as a "new normal" for businesses, a permanent fixture influencing market dynamics. Consequently, the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates forecast a 5.6% decrease in U.S. import cargo volume for 2025, primarily due to tariffs leading to higher consumer prices and reduced demand. Domestically, the manufacturing and trucking sectors are experiencing weakness, with heavy-duty truck sales hitting multi-year lows due to trade policy shifts and a lack of clarity on future emissions regulations, deterring companies from making significant investments. While there are "green shoots" of slight pickup in order activity, manufacturers anticipate needing to adjust prices for 2026 truck orders due to rising costs partly from these same tariffs on components. This environment underscores how trade policy has become a primary driver in the market, making precise calculation of "total landed costs"—factoring in these new baseline tariffs—critical for supply chain professionals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Teamsters Union and UPS reached a resolution early this morning that successfully averted a strike at several key locations. Despite resolving grievances and a local contract dispute, relations remain tense as the Teamsters navigate buyout offers and alleged contract violations, with the union prepared to set up strike lines in multiple states. Forward Air unveiled their second-quarter earnings, where the company missed expectations with a net loss of $20.4 million, which was worse than the consensus estimate. Revenue saw a 4% year-over-year decline but increased 1% from the first quarter, and no update was provided on the ongoing strategic review that could potentially lead to the company's sale. Echo Global Logistics announced its acquisition of fellow 3PL FreightSaver, a California-based company founded in 2014 by Ryan Renne and Buster Schwab. FreightSaver specializes in truckload, less-than-truckload (LTL), expedited, and specialized shipments; Echo's CEO stated that FreightSaver's customer-centric, tech-enabled business complements Echo's strengths and accelerates its ability to deliver value through managed transportation. Finally, the podcast highlights upcoming content on FreightWaves TV, including Check Call and Loaded and Rolling. Listeners are encouraged to register for the F3: Future of Freight Festival using a special code and also for the Crossborder Logistics Summit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of What the Truck?!?  dives into the latest in freight science, technology, and market dynamics. MIT FreightLab's Angie Acocella shares research on shipper–carrier relationships, ghost lanes, and index-based pricing, revealing how data-driven strategies can improve procurement and market resilience. Later, Grace Sharkey from Orderful discusses modernizing EDI through API integrations, faster onboarding, cost reduction, and new AI-powered tools like their GS1 label maker. Plus, headlines on UPS driver buyouts, container booking declines, truck sales slumps, and autonomous trucking innovations. ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ ⁠Visit our sponsor⁠ ⁠Subscribe to the WTT newsletter⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠More FreightWaves Podcasts⁠ #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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In this episode of The Long Haul, Adam sits down with Todd Waldron, Vice President of Carrier Experience at Truckstop and former CEO of Q Carriers, to unpack what the next chapter of load boards really looks like. This isn't a fluff piece about digital freight. Todd's sat in the chair, run the trucks, and now helps shape one of the industry's most-used platforms. The conversation digs into Truckstop's 30th Anniversary Carrier Survey—what the data really says about where things are going—and explores new features like Private Loads, the Authority Age Filter, and Load Popularity designed to help small carriers win smarter. If you've ever felt like the load board game was stacked against you, this episode shows you what's changing—and how to use it to your advantage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

RXO's recent earnings report⁠ (First look: some small signs of improvement sequentially and year-on-year at RXO - FreightWaves), which shows little significant movement compared to last year and the previous quarter, despite their CEO noting good execution in a soft freight market. The ⁠planned US-Mexico rail route advances with the release of a crucial environmental report⁠ (Planned US-Mexico rail route advances with environmental report - FreightWaves). This critical step forward for the Green Eagle Railroad aims to enhance connectivity and efficiency in North American freight movement. Hear about a major strategic move in air cargo logistics as ⁠DHL proactively extends its long-term dedicated transport contract with Cargojet⁠ (DHL moves early to renew Cargojet contract until 2033 - FreightWaves), underscoring their confidence and commitment to robust air freight capabilities.  Plus, don't miss details on upcoming FreightWaves TV content and information on the F3 event in October. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode Brandt Hastings, ABB E-mobility's Chief Commercial Officer joins us to talk about the case for megawatt charging and why it's different than CCS and why it's critical for electrified long haul, last-mile and 24/7 operations ⁠Follow the Truck Tech Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this action-packed episode of What The Truck?!, host Thomas Wasson dives into the latest headlines in freight, logistics, and supply chain—starting with a surprise camera discovery under his desk and rolling straight into serious topics like AV simulation and trade tariffs. First up: Dr. Adam Campbell from Gatik reveals Arena, their next-gen simulation platform for autonomous trucks. Learn how they're combining high-fidelity physics and NVIDIA's world models to safely scale AV deployment. Then: Susan Williams, owner of Kalalou, shares her company's real-world struggle with ballooning tariffs—and pitches a game-changing "Employee Profit Share Tax Credit" that could save American jobs and the holiday season. Plus:- LMI index dips in July- FMCSA's Sue Lawless joins Scopelitis- DHL & de minimis worries- Cold storage hits capacity slump ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ ⁠Visit our sponsor⁠ ⁠Subscribe to the WTT newsletter⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠More FreightWaves Podcasts⁠ #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Air Lease has cancelled its order for Airbus A350 freighter jets⁠, a move driven by ongoing development delays and a strategic shift to focus on passenger aircraft.  A new legislative proposal that could significantly alter the landscape of U.S. maritime trade by ⁠opening U.S. shipping lanes to foreign allies⁠. This bill proposes 5-year Jones Act exemptions, allowing foreign companies to temporarily operate their vessels in America's highly protected coastal trades.  ⁠DHL  is anticipating a notable impact on its financial performance due to a new U.S. de minimis policy⁠. The company projects that the recent crackdown on tariff-free trade for inexpensive overseas packages could potentially trim its overall profit by as much as 3%.  Be sure to tune into FreightWaves TV later today for new episodes of What the Truck and Truck Tech, and don't forget to sign up for F3, happening October 21st and 22nd in Chattanooga, Tennessee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Thomas Wasson live from the Samsara Beyond event in San Diego as he dives deep into the future of fleet and facility management with industry leaders. This episode features insightful conversations with Ryan Powell from Velociti and Dennis Collins from Maxim Craneworks, exploring how technology is transforming heavy-duty operations and driving significant improvements in safety and efficiency. ⁠Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast ⁠⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we dive into what it takes to make an agile supply chain. Our guest, Vic Chynoweth, CEO of Tempo breaks down how companies can better prepare themselves for the unexpected and move forward as an organization when it comes to supply chain disruptions. For more information, subscribe to ⁠Check Call the newsletter⁠ or the podcast. ⁠Follow the Check Call Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PrimeFlight Aviation has successfully acquired Stratair's cargo handling business, marking a strategic expansion for PrimeFlight and a divestment for Saltchuk Aviation as it downsizes its air cargo footprint. A major legal development has concluded as a judge officially signed off on the settlement in the biometrics case involving Lytx, bringing to an end a long-standing matter closely watched for its implications on data privacy and employee rights.  New legal proceedings are underway following last year's tragic Baltimore bridge collapse, with the owner and operator of the container ship now suing the vessel's builder. This lawsuit alleges a defective design led to the power loss that caused the disaster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason Roberts, SVP of Digital Enablement at Mode Global, sits down in the studio with JP to talk about how freight brokerage's business models and technology have changed since the pandemic, and puts it in the context of Chattanooga's freight scene. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Thomas Wasson celebrates his birthday by diving into the wild world of freight! In this jam-packed episode of What The Truck, we cover the skyrocketing rise in cargo theft with Scott Cornell of Travelers Insurance, who breaks down the alarming 1475% surge in strategic thefts. Then, we lift off with Dennis Collins from Maxim Crane Works to explore how telematics and AI are transforming crane operations. Finally, we vibe with live-streaming autonomous trucks from Aurora, complete with lo-fi beats. Plus, breaking freight news, industry updates, and what to expect from upcoming FreightWaves events. It's a loaded episode—don't miss it! Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Significant concerns surround the proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger, which could leave major intermodal customers like J.B. Hunt, Schneider, and STG Logistics without coast-to-coast single-line service benefits. Intermodal analysts predict these companies may need to swap rail partners in the East to adapt to the new competitive landscape, with J.B. Hunt potentially shifting to CSX.  The episode also highlights BNSF Railway's strong financial performance in the second quarter of 2025, where its pre-tax earnings rose by 11.5% to $2 billion. This gain was driven by lower operating costs, despite a decrease in average revenue per car due to factors like lower fuel surcharges.  Furthermore, learn about the unfortunate closure of TGS Transportation, a California trucking company, after 40 years in business. This difficult decision was primarily influenced by the challenging market conditions currently facing the trucking industry.  Tune in to hear all these freight industry updates and more, including a preview of today's WHAT THE TRUCK?!? episode on FreightWaves Television. Catch the replay on SiriusXM channel 146 at 6 p.m. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, host Thomas Wasson teams up with special guest Malcolm Harris of Axle Logistics to dig into the wild world of freight brokerage. From declining freight volumes and tightening driver availability to game-changing mergers in the rail industry, they break down the state of the supply chain with insight and humor.Also joining the show is Will Jenkins, CEO and founder of Journey, who shares his playbook for building high-performing brokerage teams, why training is essential to retention, and how success is defined across recruiting, consulting, and carrier partnerships.Expect honest takes on tough markets, real stories from the trenches, and laughs along the way. Whether you're a broker, a driver, or just freight-curious, this episode is a full load. Watch on YouTube Check out the WTT merch store Visit our sponsor Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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In this episode, we dive into the world of mobile refrigeration units. Our guest, Dany Gaviria, National Sales Manager at Polar King Mobile, breaks down the unique ways Polar King makes refrigeration and freezer solutions easy on the go.  For more information, subscribe to ⁠Running on Ice the newsletter⁠ or podcast. ⁠Follow the Running on Ice Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, we're diving into the biggest headlines in freight. We'll break down the "Shifting Gears" committee meeting where the ATA, OOIDA, and Teamsters clashed on the future of trucking, including the ATA's controversial push for more teen truckers. We'll also cover the commuter chaos in Cincinnati caused by an oversized load that missed its exit. We've got a great lineup of guests: Adam DeGroot, CEO of DeGroot Logistics and Dock411, is here to talk about the logistics behind supplying Chipotle and what's new with Dock411 and FreightSOS. Garrett Allen, founder of SearchCarries.com and LoadPartners, joins us to discuss the world of carrier vetting and the power of social media in the freight tech space. Chace Barber, founder and CEO of Edison Motors, gives us an update on their explosive growth, the challenges of building in Canada, and their brand new test track. Plus, we'll talk about a rough week for Gen X icons and much more! Watch on YouTube Check out the WTT merch store Visit our sponsor Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NATO has issued a dire warning, stating that global ports face unprecedented cyber threats from state-linked actors, with attacks frequently traced back to Russia, Iran, and China. These sophisticated assaults target critical systems like access control and vessel traffic management, posing a severe risk to global supply chains and military logistics. In rail news, Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have confirmed advanced discussions for a potential merger that would create the first U.S. transcontinental railroad. While no assurance of a final agreement exists, Union Pacific's CEO emphasized that the railroad industry cannot stand still and requires change. On the trucking front, Heartland Express reported its eighth consecutive net loss in the second quarter, totaling nearly $11 million, or 14 cents per share. This performance was worse than analyst expectations and the prior year's loss, despite the company noting some sequential improvement from the first quarter. Looking ahead, FreightWaves TV has new episodes of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? at noon and Running on Ice at 2 PM today. You can also catch the replay of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? this evening on SiriusXM channel 146. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's it really like to ride in a self-driving semi-truck? We go beyond the press releases for an exclusive, in-cab look at Bot Auto's autonomous truck navigating the real-world challenges of Houston, from complex overpasses to busy traffic. Join Thomas Wasson for this special episode of Track Tech Live as he rides along to see the technology in action. The conversation covers more than just the impressive driving; we cover the business philosophy that could define the future of autonomous freight. Discover why Bot Auto's "trucking first" approach, relentless focus on cost-per-mile (CPM), and lean operational strategy set it apart. A huge thank you to the entire team for the access and the insightful conversation! ⁠Follow the Truck Tech Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trucking and logistics company Forward Air is on the verge of a potential acquisition⁠, with several private equity firms, including Clearlake Capital and Apollo Global Management, submitting bids, causing its shares to surge 10%. This interest follows intense pressure from activist investors after the company's heavily contested merger with Omni Logistics, which shareholders criticized for its structure and the large debt burden it placed on Forward. In maritime news, ⁠a historic order has been placed for a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessel to be built at a Philadelphia shipyard⁠, marking the first of its kind in the U.S. in nearly 50 years. This joint-build project by Hanwha Ocean and Hanwha Philly Shipyard aims to comply with new rules proposed by the United States Trade Representative, which are designed to counter China's dominance in shipping and shipbuilding by requiring a percentage of U.S. LNG exports to be transported on U.S.-flagged and crewed vessels. On the railroad front, ⁠CSX reported a decline in its second-quarter profits, with operating income falling 11% and revenue decreasing 3%⁠. Despite these financial setbacks, executives expressed encouragement regarding the railroad's operational recovery during the quarter, highlighting improvements in on-time performance. CSX anticipates overall volume growth for the year, driven by numerous industrial development projects becoming operational and the ongoing conversion of freight from highway to intermodal transport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Long Haul, Adam sits down with Mike Ernst, President of Expedite All and a 25-year freight industry veteran, to talk about one of the most slept-on opportunities in trucking: Small Truckload (STL). From cargo vans to box trucks and straight trucks, STL is on the rise—driven by tight delivery windows, high-value freight, and a shift away from one-size-fits-all shipping. Mike breaks down what STL really is, why it's not just a local play, and how smart carriers can step in now and build consistency in a volatile market. If you're running under CDL or thinking about diversifying your equipment—this episode is your blueprint. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Thomas Wasson is joined by Justin Martin (@supertrucker). We're talking about some of the biggest headlines in freight, including Marten's sale of its intermodal unit to HubGroup, Warren Buffett's denial of BNSF merger rumors, and the ATA's proposal to replace the gas tax with a vehicle registration fee. We're also joined by a great lineup of guests: Steve Sykora, Customer and Partner Acquisition Lead at Bosch in North America, joins us to talk about the Bosch Mobility Platform, the latest trends in fleet maintenance, and how their FleetME solution can help fleets increase revenue. Dr. Gina Anderson, CEO of Luma Brighter Learning, is here to break down how adults learn and how organizations can create training that genuinely changes behavior. Hugo Beltran, CEO of Genesis Equip You, discusses the challenges facing small to midsize fleets and how his company is providing them with tailored financing and high-quality equipment to help them grow. Plus, we'll tell you how you can win a 36-inch Blackstone griddle! Watch on YouTube Check out the WTT merch store Visit our sponsor Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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In today's episode, Jerad Dennis, director of pricing and business intelligence at TA Services joins us to talk about TA's recently released Transportation Trendline report. We dive into how spot rate trends, the impact of weather and seasonality, and what watch as we approach the second half of 2025. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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New reports indicate that ⁠BNSF has hired Goldman Sachs to advise on a potential rail merger⁠, following ongoing merger talks between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern since the first quarter. Publicly held Class One railroads are also scheduled to begin reporting their second-quarter earnings this week. We delve into the US cargo airlines' strong endorsement of the Trump administration's sanctions on Mexico, enacted after ⁠Mexico allegedly violated a 2015 air transport agreement by forcing all cargo carriers to relocate⁠. The U.S. Department of Transportation will now review flight schedules of Mexican carriers and has put European countries on notice for similar potential actions. The episode also highlights the struggles of ⁠small and medium-sized businesses amidst a possible trade war⁠, with some companies adopting new practices like skew normalization to mitigate tariff-related losses. Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka notes that uncertainty has become the new norm, emphasizing how trade policies impact the economy as a whole. Tune in today at 2 PM for a new episode of ⁠Loaded and Rolling⁠ with Thomas Wason on FreightWaves Television. Additionally, mark your calendars for the ⁠Enterprise Fleet Summit ⁠tomorrow and the ⁠Supply Chain AI Symposium⁠ next week on July 30th in Washington D.C.. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On episode 864 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Thomas Wasson is hosting. We catch up with Todd Waldron, vice president of carrier experience at Truckstop.com and look at their recent driver survey, the role AI is playing for truckers today, and celebrate Truckstop's 30 year anniversary. We also dive into the LTL world by unpacking the Synchro LTL Claims Index and talk with Bill Jackson, Founder and the creator of the index about how folks can use it.  Watch on YouTube Check out the WTT merch store Visit our sponsor Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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A new proposed deal could reshape freight railroading, with Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern reportedly in merger talks to create the first true transcontinental railroad. Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, owning Union Pacific's primary competitor BNSF Railway, looms large with over $347 billion in cash, sparking speculation of a bidding war that could involve other major railroads like CSX. We also cover the U.S. moves to restrict Mexican airlines over cargo and competition concerns, threatening the long-standing partnership between Delta and Aeromexico. This action by the Trump administration is a direct response to the Mexican government's mandate forcing all cargo flights from Mexico City's main airport to a more distant new airport, a move the U.S. asserts violates their trade agreement. Finally, get an update on ocean rates falling for the fifth straight week, according to Drewry's World Container Index. The key route from Shanghai to Los Angeles saw rates decrease by 4%, while Shanghai to New York dipped 6%, reflecting what analysts describe as a clear sign of weakening global demand for goods after a volatile spike caused by U.S. tariffs on Chinese products earlier this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On episode 863 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Thomas Wasson and Rob Carpenter dive deep into infrastructure, inspections, inspiration, and sour intensity. Former FMCSA Administrator Jim Mullins kicks things off with an insider's view of Derek Barr's confirmation and what awaits him at an FMCSA now grappling with layoffs, tech transitions, and a weakened workforce. Then, VA Delegate Chad Green joins the show to discuss the spike in teen driver crashes during the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer and the new laws Virginia is enacting to save lives. From there, we pivot to creativity and craftsmanship with Cody McCandless, who walks us through his custom build of the Lacoh Transport Dream Truck, a rolling tribute to freight. Then Ingrid Brown lays down some hard-won wisdom on driver inspections and the top violations of June for Wyoming. We cover how tariffs are souring the costs of Halloween candy. All that plus the FreightTech 100 launch, crash video reaction clips, and more. ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ ⁠Check out the WTT merch store⁠ ⁠Visit our sponsor⁠ ⁠Subscribe to the WTT newsletter⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠More FreightWaves Podcasts⁠ #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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In Part 4 of our Generational Grit Series, FreightWaves Founder and CEO Craig Fuller sits down with his father, Max Fuller, the visionary founder of U.S. Express, for a deeply personal and revealing conversation. Max shares the untold story of his turbulent relationship with his own father, Clyde, an intimidating yet ultimately generous figure who played a pivotal role in Max's early career. Discover how a broken-down car led to an unexpected reconciliation and a life-changing opportunity. But the grit doesn't stop there. Max opens up about the dramatic sale of Southwest Motor Freight, his father's company, and the shocking events that unfolded under a new, deceptive owner. Witness the strategic genius and sheer determination that led Max to walk away from that chaos and, against all odds, lay the foundation for not one, but two trucking powerhouses: U.S. Express and Covenant Transport. This is a raw, honest look at the resilience required to build a legacy in the world of freight. ⁠Follow the Fuller Speed Ahead Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

⁠Union Pacific is reportedly in early-stage talks to acquire Norfolk Southern⁠, its smaller Eastern rival. This potential tie-up would combine the largest publicly held US railroad with NS, bringing together over 60,000 employees and 60,000 miles of track. ⁠David Steiner has officially taken the helm of the US Postal Service as the new Postmaster General⁠, becoming the highest paid chief executive in the agency's history with a salary over $346,000 plus a 50% bonus.  The Canadian government will begin a confidential vote on Monday for ⁠53,000 Canada Post employees to ratify the state-owned company's final contract offer⁠, despite opposition from union leadership. This vote aims to conclude 19 months of negotiations, which included a 32-day strike and recent mail carrier refusal to work overtime, leading to daily operational losses of $7.3 million per day in June. Tune in today for FreightWaves TV's ⁠What the Truck?!?⁠ live at noon, with replays available on SiriusXM channel 146 from 5 to 7 PM. Don't forget to register for the free ⁠Enterprise Fleet Summit⁠ next Wednesday at 9 AM and get your tickets for the ⁠Supply Chain and AI Symposium⁠ in Washington D.C. in about two weeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Zane Hengsperger of NOX Metals / Delta22 tells JP Hampstead about going from tech to steel manufacturing and the rich heritage of automotive manufacturing in Windsor, Detroit, and the Great Lakes region. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An Illinois-based trucking company, Chicago Suburban Express, is scheduled to close its doors on Friday, July 18th. Founded in 1963, the company, also known as CSX, previously offered same-day pickup and truckload shipments across Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and parts of Missouri, employing 41 drivers and operating 33 power units.  Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has announced a new 12-member DOT Advisory Board with the goal of increasing American private investment in national infrastructure projects. Duffy highlighted that while there's a significant opportunity for private capital in infrastructure, much of the current returns are going to foreign investors, and he aims to shift these returns to American investors. Derek Barrs, the nominee for the top position at the FMCSA, testified before Congress, emphasizing how his law enforcement experience will guide his leadership in the agency. He specifically noted his understanding of challenges faced by roadside inspectors when communicating with drivers lacking English proficiency, and pledged to address issues like fraudulent CDLs and other fraud schemes if confirmed.  The episode also promotes upcoming FreightWaves TV programming, including new episodes of Bring It Home with JP Hampstead and The Long Haul with Adam Wingfield. Listeners are encouraged to get tickets for the Supply Chain AI Symposium on July 30th in Washington D.C., and to register for the free Enterprise Fleet Summit virtual event next week. Additionally, nominations for the FreightTech 100 awards are now open, with winners to be announced later in the summer and the FreightTech 25 announced at the F3 festival in October. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices