FreightCasts

The truckload spot market erupted this week as the Serbian news called for drivers to stay off the roads amidst ICE raids. Rates jumped despite weak demand. Dr. Zac Rogers gives the latest LMI report and the import market stabilizes. ⁠Follow the Freightonomics Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ocean container rates on the ⁠eastbound Trans-Pacific are falling by double digits in a surprise move from China carriers⁠ ahead of new US port fees. The ship tax, which begins next week, charges China-owned or operated ships $80 per net tonnage for each voyage to the U.S. and could cost major players like Cosco and OOCL as much as $2.1 billion in 2026. Autonomous trucking company ⁠Kodiak AI just debuted on the NASDAQ⁠ after successfully combining with Ares Acquisition Corporation II, resulting in a $2.5 billion valuation for the newly public company. Kodiak secured more than $275 million in funding through this de-SPAC transaction, which CEO Don Burnette noted marks an inflection point for the industry as self-driving technology matures toward commercial deployment. Additionally, the ⁠Senate confirmed David Fink⁠, a former Pan Am Railways president and fifth-generation railroader, to lead the Federal Railroad Administration. President Trump nominated Fink, stating he would "deliver the FRA into a new era of safety and technological innovation". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Long Haul, Adam sits down with Garrett Allen to talk about the one thing that brokers, shippers, and carriers say they value — but few actually use to make better decisions: data. Garrett unpacks how small fleets can use their own performance metrics to create stronger partnerships, land dedicated lanes, and rise above the noise in a market full of volatility and skepticism. We dig into trust-building, performance proof, bid season, and why data transparency is the future of reliable freight — whether you're a one-truck authority or scaling up to 10. This one is about earning freight, not just chasing it. ⁠Follow The Long Haul Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your reefer unit was completely silent and produced zero emissions? What if your trailer could tell you it needed a repair weeks before a breakdown ever happened? The future of transport refrigeration is here, and it's quieter, smarter, and more efficient than ever before.In this episode, Thomas Wasson sits down with a team from Thermo King to pull back the curtain on the groundbreaking technologies changing the game for fleets. We're talking about the shift to all-electric power and the incredible rise of intelligent, connected trailers that offer a 360-degree view of your assets. How can this technology prevent costly downtime, protect valuable cargo, and improve your bottom line? Tune in to find out how the industry is getting a massive upgrade. ⁠Follow the Truck Tech Podcast⁠⁠ Other FreightWaves Shows⁠  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Malcolm Harris is back with another powerhouse lineup on What The Truck?!? This episode dives deep into the latest freight market volatility, data-driven decision-making, and the innovations shaping the future of logistics. Guests: David Spencer, VP of Market Intelligence at Arrive Logistics — breaks down rate volatility, market disruptions, and how Arrive's data models are adapting to regulatory shifts. Zach Strickland, Head of Freight Market Intelligence at SONAR — explains the sudden spot rate surges, capacity crunches, and what the data really says about supply-side pressure. Matt “Future Man” McLelland, VP of Sustainability & Innovation at Covenant — shares how Covenant is investing in green tech, alternative fuels, and the “messy middle” of decarbonization. From the recent DOT regulation shake-up to how shippers and carriers can stay ahead of uncertainty, this episode covers it all — strategy, innovation, and the people driving change in freight. ⁠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

Dry van rates are surging nationwide, despite weak trucking volumes and low tender rejections, an inversion that points to hard supply contraction driven by behavioral reactions to immigration enforcement efforts. We also analyze the broader, longer-term metrics from the Logistics Managers' Index, which recorded a September reading of 57.4, marking the seventh consecutive month the index has remained below its all-time average. This confirms slow, steady growth rather than a roaring expansion, and for the third straight month, a "negative freight inversion" occurred where transportation capacity grew faster than transportation pricing. In Washington, Derek Barrs was officially confirmed as the eighth administrator of the FMCSA, a move that industry groups like the American Trucking Associations and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association had been anxious to see confirmed. Furthermore, new research links truck drivers who violate English language proficiency rules to significantly higher safety risks—with inspections involving an ELP violation having two and a half times the number of total non-ELP violations—though the study cautions this is a correlation and not direct causation. We provide a quick carrier pulse check confirming ongoing market pressures, highlighted by San Diego-based Epic Lightning Fast Service LLC permanently closing operations and laying off 116 employees by the end of October due to persistent challenging market conditions. However, there is positive news in the LTL space, as Daylight Transport was named the top overall LTL carrier for the second consecutive year and Old Dominion Freight Line was recognized as the top national carrier for the 16th straight year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Suez Canal anticipates a recovery following potential Middle East resolutions, with the waterway's chief indicating that plans to end the conflict in Gaza should pave the way for a substantial return of global shipping traffic in 2025. Attention turns to domestic freight as the Association of American Railroads (AAR) releases its latest analysis. September rail volumes reflect the uneven pace of the US economy, prompting a guarded assessment for consistent tailwinds in rail movement.. Finally, we look at legal implications for government-backed logistics entities as the US Supreme Court is set to hear a potentially far-reaching case. The high court will consider whether the US Postal Service can be sued for allegedly deliberately withholding mail from a resident. Catch the day's lineup on FreightWaves TV, featuring new episodes of Sense Per Mile, WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, and Truck Tech. Additionally, make sure you head over to live.freightwaves.com, as we are less than two weeks away from F3: Future of Freight Festival. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Loaded and Rolling, we're joined by Dean Marris, Chief Data Science Officer, and Craig Marris, Chief Sustainability Officer at EROAD, to discuss the intersection of sustainability and artificial intelligence in the trucking industry. They explore how fleets can leverage technology to navigate the "messy middle" of transitioning to more sustainable practices while maintaining profitability. Topics covered in this episode include: Digital Twin Simulation: Learn how fleets can use digital twins to test and de-risk the transition to alternative fuels and electric vehicles before making significant investments. AI for Efficiency: Discover how AI is helping to reduce waste in the supply chain, from minimizing empty miles to preventing food spoilage in reefers. Safety Innovations: Hear about the latest in AI-powered multi-camera systems that are improving driver safety by reducing blind spots and preventing collisions. The Power of Data Sharing: Understand why collaboration and data sharing between carriers, shippers, and OEMs are crucial for achieving industry-wide sustainability and safety goals. ⁠⁠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 the cross-border landscape between the U.S. and Canada. Our guest, Keith Matthews President and CEO of NAD Logistics, breaks down trends in trade and other cross border struggles. 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

Several critical developments are pointing toward a rising cost of uncertainty across the logistics landscape. Analysts are trimming expectations for the back half of the year, with Morgan Stanley significantly cutting earnings per share estimates for most truckload and less-than-truckload carriers due to high shipper uncertainty and continuing industrial contraction.. A major regulatory shift occurred when the U.S. Court of Appeals overturned a key Federal Maritime Commission rule regarding detention and demurrage fees, a ruling analyzed in Demurrage dilemma: court overturns FMC's trucking rule. Specifically, the court found the FMC rule that categorically blocked demurrage charges against motor carriers to be "arbitrary and capricious," potentially opening the door for drayage carriers, who often lack leverage, to be billed for these terminal fees once again. Equipment costs are set to rise after President Trump announced a new 25% tariff on imported medium- and heavy-duty trucks starting November 1st, as reported in Trump to impose 25% tariff on trucks starting Nov. 1. Since the U.S. imports the majority of these trucks from Mexico, the tariff could significantly raise the total cost of ownership for U.S. fleets, potentially slowing down equipment replacement cycles, even if vehicles nominally fall under the USMCA agreement. North of the border, Canada Post is facing a severe labor crisis linked to its deep financial struggles, having incurred losses of $2.7 billion since 2018, leading to a crucial update in Canada Post reduces contract offer to striking workers, warns of job cuts. The postal operator rescinded a $500 to $1,000 signing bonus and is proposing to eliminate lifetime job security for urban employees while aiming to downsize the workforce through attrition, buyouts, and early retirement to facilitate needed modernization. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump's expansion of tariffs, which includes a new ⁠25% duty on imported medium and heavy-duty trucks⁠ is set to begin November 1st. This decision follows a federal probe under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act and is aimed at protecting U.S. manufacturers like Peterbilt and Kenworth. The broadcast also covers the escalating labor situation at Canada Post, which has presented a scaled-back offer to ⁠50,000 striking mail carriers⁠ that increases the likelihood of job cuts. The company's proposed collective bargaining agreement no longer includes a signing bonus due to its deteriorating financial position and plans to eliminate lifetime job security provisions for urban unit employees. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Transportation has issued an emergency federal order leading to ⁠California and Oregon suspending the issuance of non-domiciled CDLs⁠. This crackdown follows an FMCSA audit that found widespread non-compliance, including that more than 25% of California's non-domiciled CDLs were improperly issued. Don't miss the upcoming FreightWaves TV programming, including ⁠Loaded and Rolling⁠ and ⁠Check Call⁠. You can also join the leaders shaping the future of freight at the F3: Future of Freight Festival in Chattanooga, Tennessee, which is just two weeks away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of FreightWaves' What The Truck?!?, host Malcolm Harris dives into how technology is quietly reshaping the freight world. From AI-powered visibility to smarter dock operations, this show takes you under the hood of innovation in logistics. Guests: Wesley Montague, CEO & Founder of ShipItPro — shares how his platform is tackling freight damage and cargo claims head-on, saving shippers billions through proactive tech and smarter communication across the supply chain. David Mendelson, Chief Product Officer at Super Dispatch — talks scaling logistics tech, the evolution of SuperPay, and how invisible AI is making carriers' lives easier (and getting them paid faster). Headlines: - ⁠U.S. DOT halts non-domiciled CDLs — what it means for illegal operators⁠ - ⁠USPS carrier shot by Amazon driver raises questions about delivery safety⁠ - ⁠Red Sea tensions impact global trade routes amid Gaza peace talks⁠ - ⁠Derek Bars confirmed as new FMCSA chief, signaling tighter regulatory focus⁠ ⁠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

Join Craig Fuller and freight tech veteran Prasad Gollapalli (Founder of Trucker Tools and Queued) as they dive deep into the brutal competition and market dynamics shaking up the load board ecosystem. #FreightTech #LoadBoards #Trucking #DAT #Highway #TruckStop #Logistics #SupplyChain #FreightRecession #Entrepreneurship Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The U.S. Department of Transportation issued an emergency order on September 26th mandating that states immediately stop issuing or renewing non-domiciled commercial learner's permits and CDLs, targeting licenses often held long after their legal authorization to be in the U.S. had expired. This crackdown follows a nationwide Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration audit that linked at least five fatal crashes this year to improperly issued licenses. Industry analysis predicts a significant surge in bankruptcies especially among small and mid-size carriers who built their business models on skirting the law by using non-compliant labor willing to run severe hours-of-service violations. Capacity issues are also global, as ongoing geopolitical uncertainty keeps ocean carriers away from the critical Suez Canal choke point. Maersk's CEO, Vincent Clerc, stated that shipping firms are unlikely to return until security is “reliably restored” due to unacceptably high risks to crews and vessels. This continued rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope has caused container revenue for the Suez Canal Authority to plummet by as much as 60%, locking in elevated costs and longer transit times across the entire global supply chain. Connecting these domestic compliance costs and global operational headwinds, Werner CEO Derek Leathers recently characterized freight rates as "stably horrible" for years in the address, noting that potential tariffs on Class 8 trucks made in Mexico could further inflate equipment costs and cap future capacity. Ultimately, this market reset is being structurally guaranteed not by a sudden demand boom, but by the simultaneous removal of illegal low-cost capacity domestically and persistent geopolitical risk that maintains a high operational cost ceiling globally. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we dive into the adaptability of the food distribution industry to temperature tracking. Our guest, Per Mange, CEO and founder of Surfact, breaks down the intricacies of the food distribution network and what's next for additional temperature-controlled industries. 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

In part 5 of Fuller Speed Ahead: Generational Grit, Craig Fuller sits down with trucking legend Max Fuller for a raw look at his career. Max shares shocking stories from his early days working for his father, Clyde Fuller, in the 1970s—including using questionable tactics to keep the business afloat and Max's bold move to defy his father's low-profile approach to branding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a jam-packed Friday on WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Host Malcolm Harris is joined in the Chattanooga studio by the one and only Dr. Phil of Trucking, Charles Gracey!  They're breaking down the biggest headlines and getting real about the state of the industry. First up, a bombshell legal story: The Supreme Court is stepping in to clarify broker and carrier liability once and for all. FreightWaves Editor at Large John Kingston calls in to explain how this ruling could reshape how brokers are held accountable and what it means for YOU. We want to hear your thoughts on this—tweet the show! Then, Charles Gracey gets candid about his wild journey—from the Navy to culinary school (he was a professional cake decorator!) to becoming a driver and now the voice of “Trucking Sense” on SiriusXM. He's dropping unfiltered truths on driver recruiting, why authenticity is everything, and what he would change about trucking with a magic wand. ⁠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

The core issue involves whether the safety exception of the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act (F4A) shields brokers, like C.H. Robinson, from negligent hiring claims, a question that has caused conflicting decisions across federal circuits. Brokers view this as fundamental to their business model and urgently need the Supreme Court to provide clarity on where the lines are drawn for their legal protection. Turning to infrastructure, the Port of Los Angeles, the busiest U.S. import gateway, has announced plans for a massive new container terminal called the Pier 500 project. This undertaking includes two berths and 3,000 feet of wharf across 200 acres, intended to accommodate ultra-large container ships such as the MSC Irina, which can carry over 24,000 TEUs. This expansion, which is expected to take about 10 years to complete, highlights the significant time required for major port infrastructure to keep pace with the increasing size of global shipping vessels. In the financial sector, we examine Moody's affirmation of Echo Global Logistics' corporate family debt rating at B3, which is considered deep into non-investment grade territory. Despite the persistently challenging freight trucking environment, Moody's held the company's outlook at stable, anticipating that cost saving actions will help offset margin pressure tied to soft freight rates. While leverage remains high, expected to be slightly below 7X debt/EBITDA this year, Echo maintains steady earnings and adequate liquidity. A surprising tech hurdle impacting EV adoption is revealed in a new report showing that nearly one-third of charging attempts fail, leaving the actual First-Time Charge Success Rate (FTCSR) stuck at 71%, despite high charger uptime statistics. This issue stems primarily from fragmentation in the multiple software systems—including the vehicle, charger, and payment network—that must perform a perfect digital handshake to initiate a charge. Furthermore, success rates drop significantly after about three years because older charging stations often cannot be updated to support newer charging protocols.  Finally, the podcast addresses accelerating investment in e-commerce fulfillment, driven by consumers still ordering large items online. Walmart recently announced plans to build a $300 million fulfillment center in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, specifically designed to handle bulky online orders like furniture. This massive 1.2 million square-foot facility is expected to open in 2027, underscoring the ongoing need for specialized infrastructure in the supply chain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Port of Los Angeles, which handled 10.3 million TEUs in 2024 and forms the busiest U.S. container gateway with Long Beach, plans to build a brand new terminal to accommodate the world's largest container ships. The new Pier 500 project will comprise two berths and 3,000 feet of wharf on 200 acres of land along the Pier 400 channel, with LA currently seeking proposals for a pre-development agreement regarding financial feasibility and other requirements.  In legal news, former Surface Transportation Board member Robert Primus filed a federal lawsuit challenging his August 27th dismissal by President Trump, who removed him without giving a reason. Primus, the sole STB member to vote against the 2023 Canadian Pacific-Kansas City Southern merger, claims his firing violated the law requiring STB members to be removed only for causes like neglect of duty or malfeasance, and he is suing the President, STB Chairman Patrick Fuchs, and the STB.  Walmart announced plans to build a $300 million fulfillment center in Kings Mountain, near Gastonia, North Carolina, which will be a 1.3 million square foot facility expected to open in 2027. This new center is designed to help Walmart serve customers faster, potentially shipping large items, while creating 300 jobs supported by a potential $4 million state job development grant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brooks Mendenhall of Astronomy Magazine joins host JP Hampstead for a conversation about SpaceX's unique approach to manufacturing the Starship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode conducts a deep dive into the current volatility of the freight market, focusing on how agility is the critical metric for survival and success. Using recent ATBS data, we analyze how successful owner-operators are improving their net income, despite rising fixed costs, especially maintenance, by maintaining stability and focusing on calculating their contribution margin. New tariffs on imported heavy-duty trucks are expected to curb new truck orders, leading to a predicted rise in used truck prices due to scarcity. Meanwhile, on global ocean lanes, Asia-to-US West Coast container rates dropped another 15% last week, forcing carriers to blank about 13% of scheduled sailings to stabilize rates amidst ongoing trade risk . Not all global movement is weak, as the Port of Savannah stands out, having handled over 534,000 TEUs in August, due in part to infrastructure adaptation like the new fast-track routing system. We also cover the major policy fight concerning the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger, which BNSF argues will hurt competition and service, while the merging parties claim it will boost volume with single-line options. In transportation technology, Einride achieved the world's first cabless electric fully autonomous cross-border delivery between Sweden and Norway, proving that autonomous systems can manage complex international regulatory requirements through digital integration. Conversely, the ongoing Canada Post strike is presented as a case study in failing to adapt with workers resisting modernization, leading to private carriers scooping up quickly diverted parcel volumes and the postal service's market share plummeting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport just opened an 80,000 square foot airside warehouse designed for non-express general cargo, marking the first completed project at the new CVG Global Logistics Park. This dedicated area for cargo activity separates it from passenger traffic to increase efficiency, and it exists alongside the primary U.S. air hubs for Amazon Air and DHL Express.  The Port of Savannah shows resilience against trade war fears, handling 534,037 TEUs in August, which is a 9% year-over-year increase and the third highest volume in its history. Although container volumes were robust, totaling over 1.01 million TEUs fiscal year to date, the Port of Savannah did see a decline of 14.3% year-over-year in autos and machinery shipments.  We discuss the bleak outlook for the still-waging Canada Post battle, as industry analysts suggest mail carriers on strike are actively jeopardizing their own jobs. Analysts argue that the striking carriers' demands prevent Canada Post from undertaking necessary restructuring needed to modernize and win back parcel customers who have already fled to courier companies.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Malcolm Harris is joined by two industry leaders for a jam-packed show. This episode is brought to you by Descartes MacroPoint, the industry's best transportation visibility and risk monitoring platform. First, Malcolm speaks with Michael Hain, Director of Product Marketing at Descartes. They dive deep into the latest Descartes Transportation Management Benchmark Study. Hain reveals that a surprising 81% of respondents now see transportation as a competitive weapon and a key customer service differentiator. They discuss the gap between high AI adoption and low full-process automation (only 17%) , and how companies can leverage their existing tech stack to its fullest potential. Hain also explains how Descartes' solutions like MyCarrierPortal and MacroPoint FraudGuard help companies combat the rising risk of cargo theft. Later, Tyler “T-Mont” Montgomery, Chief Commercial Officer at Scout Freight, joins the show. Montgomery shares his excitement for his new role and the vision for Scout Freight to be an agile, core truckload provider that doesn't lose its entrepreneurial spirit. He speaks passionately about the importance of respecting carriers, a value instilled in him by his grandfather, who was also in the trucking industry. Montgomery also discusses the unique logistics ecosystem of “Freight Alley” here in Chattanooga and shares a “What The Truck” moment from his first week on the job involving a 15-foot-tall piece of freight. ⁠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

In this episode of The Long Haul, Adam sits down with Marcus Cooksey, founder and CEO of ⁠Duke.AI⁠ — a tech platform that helps small carriers simplify bookkeeping, automate back-office operations, and stay in control of their numbers without hiring a full accounting team.We talk about the real barriers small trucking companies face when it comes to automation, why AI doesn't have to mean “overcomplicated,” and how tools like ⁠Duke.AI⁠ are designed to meet you where you're at — not replace you. If you've ever said, “I just want something that works,” this episode is your blueprint. ⁠Follow The Long Haul Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's daily update tackles extreme market volatility, starting with the unprecedented regulatory about-face by the California Air Resources Board. ⁠CARB has essentially wiped out the two biggest components of their Advanced Clean Fleets rule⁠, including the High Priority Fleets regulation covering fleets over 50 trucks and rules that were set to bar non-ZEV trucks from port operations. We analyze the looming threat of a federal shutdown,⁠ noting that while essential safety functions like FMCSA roadside inspections and CBP cargo inspections are expected to continue⁠, critical oversight functions will largely cease. Agencies like the Federal Maritime Commission and the Surface Transportation Board, which handles shipping disputes and vital transportation data, will suspend case processing, potentially ⁠leading to increased dwell times at major ports like LA-Long Beach⁠. Moving to efficiency gains, we examine how ⁠AI startup Oatway is tackling the “dirty secret of full truckload”⁠—partially filled trailers—by dynamically matching partial shipments with empty capacity on existing FTL run. This innovation optimizes existing infrastructure using machine learning and ELD data, potentially boosting net annual revenue for carriers by up to 30% while cutting shipper costs by up to 50% compared to traditional LTL. In corporate news, Interstate Personnel Services , the parent company of Paschall Truck Lines, is in⁠ formal talks to acquire J&R Sugar Trucking⁠, which would create a combined fleet of around 2,000 trucks and 5,000 trailers. This merger strategically adds temperature-controlled refrigerated transport capacity to IPS's existing dry van network, highlighting the current premium placed on reefer capacity. Finally, Texas has ⁠halted the issuance of Commercial Driver's Licenses to non-citizens⁠, including DACA recipients and refugees, following a federal directive aimed at tightening commercial licensing rules. Since 2015, Texas has issued almost 52,000 non-domiciled CDLs, and this regulatory move presents an immediate challenge for fleet staffing and recruitment efforts across the state. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

BNSF Railway claims Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern combination will severely hurt competition and service. BNSF's position paper argues that the $85 billion deal will force UP to drive up rates and favor high-density lanes, prompting the railway to urge shippers to contact the Surface Transportation Board with their concerns. Trade tensions are mounting in the trans-Pacific maritime sector as Beijing prepares a regulatory volley in response to U.S. charges on Chinese ships. China amended regulations to allow "necessary countermeasures," potentially including fees on vessels or prohibiting U.S.-service ships from entering or leaving Chinese ports, in retaliation for costly U.S. port fees. Finally, we look at the logistics impact of new U.S. duties on construction and home goods materials. The proclamation introduces a 10% tariff on imported softwood lumber and timber, and a 25% duty on imported kitchen cabinets, vanities, and upholstered wood furniture, all effective starting October 14. Critics caution that these tariffs, which the administration states are aimed at protecting the U.S. wood industry, will inevitably lead to higher costs for American consumers and builders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode Stefan Heck, CEO of Nauto joins us to talk about the technology and processes behind fleet vehicle safety technology and how artificial intelligence and machine learning are changing how fleets handle safety. ⁠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 the new partnership between the NMFTA and OOIDA. Our guest, Joe Ohr, COO AT NMFTA, breaks down their new training series and why cybersecurity is crucial for small to medium-sized carriers as well as enterprise-level carriers. 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

Regulatory whiplash in California as the state effectively held a funeral for the two largest components of the Advanced Clean Fleet Rules, including mandates for high-priority fleets and drayage trucks. Despite the official withdrawal of these mandates by CARB, zero-emission vehicle sales are surprisingly growing in the state, suggesting market momentum is now driven by factors beyond regulatory pressure. The ongoing pricing standoff in the parcel sector, where UPS and FedEx are imposing significant peak season surcharges despite projections for muted demand growth, has heated up. Analysts warn that demanding these high fees in a soft market is short-sighted, leading to a major diversion of volume to alternative carriers like Amazon, Walmart, and independent services like OnTrac. Our brief concludes with the tectonic plates shifting in corporate freight strategy, starting with the massive $85 billion UP-NS merger that is already forcing competitors like CSX to seek its own merger partner after a CEO change. Meanwhile, ArcBest unveiled an ambitious plan to double its adjusted earnings per share by 2028 by targeting a highly optimized, asset-based operating ratio of 87% to 90% through technology and cost controls. Finally, we address the industry's perennial challenge of safety, noting that Wyoming currently tops the list for deadly truck crashes by death rate while Texas leads the nation in total fatalities by volume. These sobering statistics are fueling calls from victim advocates for mandatory safety technology, specifically demanding that all new commercial trucks be equipped with Automatic Emergency Braking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CSX Corp. announced a surprising leadership change, naming Steve Angel as president and CEO, effective last Sunday, succeeding Joe Hinrichs. The move follows activist investor calls for Hinrichs to step down as CSX's metrics trailed other Class I carriers. California has officially gutted the two largest components of its Advanced Clean Fleets rule that would have impacted trucking in the state. This withdrawal was inevitable after the California Air Resources Board yanked its request for an EPA waiver in the face of the imminent Trump administration. New federal data ranks Wyoming as the deadliest state for truck crashes per capita, followed by New Mexico and Mississippi. You can read more about the findings, based on National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data which also noted that Texas ranked first for the overall total number of fatalities. Tune into FreightWaves TV later today for Check Call with Mary O'Connell and Loaded and Rolling with Thomas Watson. Also, remember that we are less than three weeks away from the Future of Freight Festival (F3) in Chattanooga, Tennessee, so register soon to save money off your ticket. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Monday on What the Truck?!?, we're joined by Curtis Spencer, CEO of Bloodhound Tracking Device, a leading innovator in real-time asset tracking solutions for global supply chains. With over four decades of experience in logistics, ports, and intermodal shipping, Curtis shares his journey to launching a tech startup and the lessons he's learned along the way. We'll also cover the latest headlines in the freight world: SCOTUS takes up broker liability as new cases arise that could reshape risk for 3PLs. Cargo theft surges in Q3 along the U.S.-Mexico border as criminals adopt new tactics. A proposed 25% tariff on imported trucks by Trump could raise supply chain stakes. Truck drivers are demanding more money, not more hours. Flexport unveils a tech-driven duty drawback strategy for bigger refunds. Plus, Curtis Spencer discusses the intersection of industrial real estate and supply chain tech, what makes Bloodhound's device and platform different, and the future of tracking with AI, ESG reporting, and blockchain. And as a special What the Truck?!? tradition, we ask Curtis the wildest supply chain disaster story he's seen in his career and how today's tech could have saved 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

Starting with high stakes legal risks surrounding broker liability, we explore the Supreme Court's scheduled conference to discuss whether to grant certiorari on two landmark cases, Cox v. TQL and Montgomery v. Caribe II, which hinges on interpreting the safety exception in the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act (F4A). We shift gears to financial risks, where dry van contract rates have remained stalled and fell only a marginal 0.3% year-over-year as of early September. This flat rate environment is extremely stressful because the average cost to operate a truck has increased 33% since 2019, compared to only a 17% rise in contract rates over the same period, leading to massive carrier attrition. Operational security is also paramount as cargo theft tactics are becoming incredibly sophisticated, with Mexico serving as the epicenter and accounting for 75% of all North American incidents in Q3. Furthermore, we analyze the surprise leadership shift at CSX, where the board named Steve Angel as the new president and CEO, following activist investor pressure over persistent underperformance metrics compared to other Class I carriers. Finally, we cover the ultimate labor battleground: the fight for driver hours and pay, as the FMCSA proposes pilot programs that could allow for up to 17-hour driving windows. Many drivers argue that the solution is not more hours but mandatory federally-mandated detention pay, suggesting compensation should kick in after just 30 minutes of waiting at docks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All eyes are on Washington today as the Supreme Court is scheduled to discuss whether to grant review in two critical broker liability cases under the F4A. The fundamental issue is whether the safety exception, which allows state action for negligence causing physical harm, extends to third-party logistics providers or brokers. The FMCSA's National Consumer Complaint Database modernization, part of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's broader Pro-Trucker Package, has officially gone live with Phase One. This long overdue tech upgrade is mobile-optimized and creates an official federal mechanism for reporting broker complaints, which can directly influence a company's safety ratings and audit priorities. The Surface Transportation Board is seeking more time to review the proposed $85 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern by Union Pacific. The board has proposed a procedural schedule that slightly tweaks the original timeline and grants the Justice Department and Department of Transportation an extra 15 days to file their official comments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Friday edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, host Malcolm Harris is in Chattanooga breaking down the week's biggest headlines and talking with industry titans. First, we dive into the FMCSA's new emergency rule that immediately restricts the issuance of non-domiciled CDLs. Then, we cover President Trump's new tariffs targeting heavy trucks and other goods, which could lead to higher costs for imported trucks and parts. Other topics include Volvo making side curtain airbags a standard feature on all new North American models and a CDL testing scam in Massachusetts. This episode features two incredible guests: Kevin Nolan:  Founder of Nolan Transportation Group (NTG) and the mastermind behind OTR Solutions, Marquee Insurance, PayHawk, and Sope Creek Capital. Kevin joins Malcolm in the studio to discuss everything from building a business and evolving with the industry to their shared love for Atlanta hip-hop. Kevin also gives a preview of the epic after-parties planned for the F3: Future of Freight Festival, including specialty cocktails, an 80s cover band, and live midget wrestling. Brandon Wiseman:  President of Truck Safe Consulting. Brandon provides an expert legal breakdown of the FMCSA's emergency rule on non-domiciled CDLs. He clarifies that while there are an estimated 200,000 such CDL holders, the rule will likely impact a smaller percentage by narrowing eligibility criteria. ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ ⁠Visit our sponsor⁠ ⁠Subscribe to the WTT newsletter⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠More FreightWaves Podcasts⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The biggest global shift is the cancellation of the de minimis rule, which previously offered a duty-free pass for low-value parcels but now adds huge friction by requiring formal customs entries. In response to this turbulence, companies like DHL are pouring millions into compliance, hiring over 880 new customs experts and investing heavily in AI and digital platforms to manage the rising complexity. The U.S. trucking market faces a capacity crisis marked by systemic overcapacity—a 54% surge in for-hire carriers since 2018 compared to only a 1.2% rise in freight volume. This environment has enabled dangerous "chameleon carriers" linked to hundreds of deaths, prompting the FMCSA to issue an emergency rule severely restricting non-domiciled Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs). Carriers must prepare for major cost inflation starting October 2025, when the U.S. is set to slap a new 25% import tariff on heavy-duty trucks, hitting an equipment market already reeling from low orders. Adding to regulatory uncertainty, the Department of Justice is seeking to dismiss California's lawsuit over Congress overturning key EPA waivers, even as Automated Manual Transmissions (AMTs) make driving easier but eliminate the traditional mechanical knowledge defining professional skill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Canadian government announced major reform for Canada Post including the end of most door-to-door delivery and reduced frequency, as part of a turnaround plan for the "insolvent" national carrier. This decision comes as the institution, suffering from an outdated business model and protracted labor disputes, is on track to lose US$1.1 billion this year alone, adding to US$3.6 billion in losses since 2018. Singapore's Seatrium Ltd. has completed the sale of its Texas shipyard at the Port of Brownsville to Karpower Valley LLC for around $50 million. The 240-acre facility supports various offshore and marine engineering projects, and the buyer is an affiliate of Karpowership, the global operator of 50 floating power plants. The Port of San Diego has appointed Matthew Vesby as its new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), tapping into his more than 20 years of public sector experience, including 14 years with the City of San Diego. Vesby will oversee multiple key areas, including Commissioner Services, Human Resources, and IT departments, and is dedicated to supporting staff success.  Stay current on all the biggest trends in transportation and register now for the F3: Future of Freight Festival, happening October 21-22. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The freight economy has been depressed for the past three years. The broader economy has stumbled into stagnation in 2025, but the financial markets have largely ignored it. Zach and Thomas break down why. ⁠Follow the Freightonomics Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A "relentless" surge has happened in U.S-Mexico trade, which reached a staggering $840 billion in 2024 and jumped another 21% year-to-date in 2025. Companies like Echo Global Logistics are capitalizing on this growth, accelerating investment by opening a new office in Monterrey, Mexico, a key hub in the "golden triangle" of manufacturing. Nearshoring significantly enhances supply chain efficiency, cutting transit times from finished product to a U.S. door down to just 24 to 72 hours, far superior to the 14 to 20 days typically needed for freight coming from Asia. Shifting focus to the Pacific ports, we analyze the sharp, "truly historic decline" in U.S. container imports, projected to fall 15.7% for the remainder of 2025, driven by China tariffs and shipment front-loading. This soft volume is "absolutely hammering" the domestic trucking sector, leading to significant cuts in Q3 and Q4 earnings estimates for major asset-based truckload carriers like Schneider and Werner. Small carriers are feeling a "brutal" cash flow crisis, illustrated by the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing of H5 Transport, which relied heavily on factoring to make weekly payroll. Union Pacific's proposed merger with Norfolk Southern is still on, aimed at achieving $1 billion in annual cost savings. We discuss why industry veterans caution that the secured lifetime job protection guarantees for the SMART-TD union might become a "ticket to misery" for employees forced into undesirable work or relocations. Ultimately, navigating the freight industry's future requires adapting to three massive disruptive forces: effectively integrating AI and FreightTech, managing geopolitical shifts and trade policies, and adjusting to changing workforce dynamics due to automation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following the regulatory changes that led to a 30% drop in express volumes from China/Hong Kong, DHL surges customs agent hiring as new tariffs confuse importers. Despite sourcing diversification driving double-digit growth from countries like Vietnam and Mexico, DHL Express is forecasting an unusually muted peak season lift of just 20% to 25%, down significantly from the typical 40% to 50% jump. Domestically, we dive into the contentious legal battle over California's Advanced Clean Trucks Rule (ACT) as the Federal goverment fires back in court over California waiver cancellation. Owner-operators, who face astronomical repair costs like $21,000 for emissions equipment on a $30,000 truck, argue that these standards dramatically drive up operating expenses, leading major associations to back regulatory rollbacks, as noted in Truckers back Trump's emissions rollback at EPA. The soft freight market highlights the intense need for financial agility, illustrated by a recent small carrier filing for Chapter 11, where their lawyer stressed that the cash needed for operations “doesn't generate itself”. This scenario emphasizes why the reliance on factoring services is now a critical lifeline for many smaller outfits struggling in the current economic environment, as detailed in Small carrier's bankruptcy spells out need for factoring. We examine how the annual corn harvest creates a short but lucrative peak season for Midwestern carriers, relying heavily on the FMCSA agricultural commodity exemption to maximize hours and earnings, as explored in How the corn harvest season changes freight networks across the Midwest. Finally, we analyze the structural shifts impacting the rails following the Union Pacific/Norfolk Southern proposed merger, where a union job guarantee meant to secure support is being widely warned against by former executives, as heard in Rail merger: Lifetime job is great “until you are stuck in it”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The U.S. government has filed its arguments in the lawsuit concerning California's claim that Congress was out of line when it yanked EPA waivers allowing policies like the Advanced Clean Trucks rule, a topic covered in Federal goverment fires back in court over California waiver cancellation. Susquehanna Financial Group has significantly cut earnings estimates for asset-based truckload carriers, reflecting soft spot rates, tender rejections, and a muted outlook for peak season. As reported in Truckload earnings estimates cut heading into Q3 reports, the cuts ahead of the third-quarter earnings season ranged from mid-single to low double-digit percentages for carriers including Schneider National and Werner Enterprises. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is recommending that trucks over 10,000 lbs. be equipped with driver monitoring systems, following a report on a 2023 fatal crash linked to trucker inattention. NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy asserted in NTSB to Feds: Require truck-driver monitoring that stronger vehicle safety standards and preventative technologies could have prevented this chain-reaction collision. Tune in later today to FreightWaves TV for an episode of The Long Haul with Adam Wingfield. Remember that you can still take advantage of a $500 deal for general admission to the F3: Future of Freight Festival, which is less than a month away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the constant tension between brokers and carriers just bad communication, or is it a sign of a deeper issue? In this powerful episode of The Long Haul, host Adam Wingfield sits down with Annique Lesage, the freight-savvy broker and coach known for her direct, no-fluff truth bombs on TikTok. Annique shares her incredible journey from handling customs to becoming a successful broker, and opens up about how the industry became her lifeline while escaping an abusive marriage. This isn't your typical broker vs. carrier debate. Annique provides a masterclass in shifting from a transactional, load-by-load mindset to building lasting, profitable partnerships. She breaks down why there's no such thing as "cheap freight," only bad negotiators, and challenges carriers to operate as strategic business owners rather than just drivers. If you've ever felt burned by a broker or struggled to make the industry work for you, this is a conversation you can't afford to miss. ⁠Follow The Long Haul Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thomas Wasson sits down with Jim Connelly, Chief Revenue Officer of Bollinger Motors, to explore the company's recent rebrand following its consolidation with Mullen Automotive. They discuss Bollinger's pivot into the medium-duty EV market, the role of incentives like California's HVIP in fleet adoption, and the challenges of scaling infrastructure. Connelly also shares insights into Bollinger's upcoming B5 and B6 models, the move to a new production facility in Mississippi, and how startups can compete with legacy OEMs in the rapidly evolving commercial EV space. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices