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In this episode of The Daily, we explore why Transport Capacity Services is betting on Monterrey to manage the surge in nearshoring activity and cross-border complexity. As manufacturing investment floods northern Mexico, stricter customs enforcement and driver regulations threaten to tighten freight capacity significantly by 2026. To support these long-term trade flows, Union Pacific is developing a massive industrial park near Houston, while developers repurpose facilities like a former Waco bottling plant for distribution. Meanwhile, market distress has forced Standard Forwarding Freight to cease operations after 91 years, signaling how the downturn is punishing leveraged operators. Consolidation continues to reshape the rail sector as GATX and Brookfield complete their acquisition of Wells Fargo's rail leasing portfolio in a multibillion-dollar joint venture. On the technology front, telematics provider Motive has filed for an IPO, underscoring how software is becoming core infrastructure for fleets facing thin margins. Severe weather is also impacting operations, with Winter Storm Ezra triggering FMCSA hours-of-service waivers across 20 states and prompting warnings for truckers east of I-35 to stay off the roads. Finally, we discuss unconfirmed reports that China may be converting a cargo ship into a missile launcher, a development that could fundamentally alter global supply chain security. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of FreightWaves Daily, we analyze why the freight market has shifted into panic mode with rejection rates doubling and spot rates climbing significantly. We break down the perfect storm of weather, holiday demand, and regulatory crackdowns that are rapidly removing carrier capacity from the road. We then turn to the escalating constitutional showdown in California, where the state plans to reissue 17,000 non-domiciled CDLs despite federal warnings. The FMCSA has threatened to withhold highway funding or even decertify the state's entire commercial licensing program if officials proceed with the plan. In rail news, Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have filed a historic application to create America's first transcontinental railroad, uniting western and eastern networks. This massive merger aims to convert interline lanes to single-line service, potentially shifting millions of truckloads off the highway and onto the tracks. The U.S. Postal Service is making a desperate pivot by opening its last-mile network to retailers and logistics companies in a bid to stave off insolvency. This strategy allows shippers to bid on volume and pricing for same-day or next-day delivery using the USPS infrastructure. Facing a 1,500% surge in organized crime, industry leaders are pressuring lawmakers to pass legislation that federalizes the fight against cargo theft. The proposed bill would lower the threshold for federal intervention and create a coordination center to track transnational criminal rings. Finally, we cover Maersk's recent test transit through the Red Sea and RPM Freight's strategic acquisition to enter the luxury vehicle transport market. Volatility is baked into the 2026 landscape, so tune in to understand how these shifts impact your supply chain planning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of FreightWaves Daily, we analyze why the freight market has shifted into panic mode with rejection rates doubling and spot rates climbing significantly. We break down the perfect storm of weather, holiday demand, and regulatory crackdowns that are rapidly removing carrier capacity from the road. We then turn to the escalating constitutional showdown in California, where the state plans to reissue 17,000 non-domiciled CDLs despite federal warnings. The FMCSA has threatened to withhold highway funding or even decertify the state's entire commercial licensing program if officials proceed with the plan. In rail news, Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have filed a historic application to create America's first transcontinental railroad, uniting western and eastern networks. This massive merger aims to convert interline lanes to single-line service, potentially shifting millions of truckloads off the highway and onto the tracks. The U.S. Postal Service is making a desperate pivot by opening its last-mile network to retailers and logistics companies in a bid to stave off insolvency. This strategy allows shippers to bid on volume and pricing for same-day or next-day delivery using the USPS infrastructure. Facing a 1,500% surge in organized crime, industry leaders are pressuring lawmakers to pass legislation that federalizes the fight against cargo theft. The proposed bill would lower the threshold for federal intervention and create a coordination center to track transnational criminal rings. Finally, we cover Maersk's recent test transit through the Red Sea and RPM Freight's strategic acquisition to enter the luxury vehicle transport market. Volatility is baked into the 2026 landscape, so tune in to understand how these shifts impact your supply chain planning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week's guests are my two DAT iQ colleagues: Ken Adamo, Chief of Analytics, and Dean Croke, Principal Analyst. This is our annual end of the year podcast where we revisit our predictions from last year, discuss the major issues of the current year, and take our best guesses as to what will happen next year. We did not do that well in our annual predictions for 2025 - we all expected dry van spot rates to increase by anywhere from 3 to 12% when in fact they dropped by more than 2%. Tariff uncertainty and weak demand were noted as the primary culprits. Ken aptly described 2025 as "a long protracted sigh." Dean expressed the surprising influence of social media on regulatory policy, as a questionable TikTok video led to an executive order and strengthened FMCSA policy regarding English language proficiency and CDL standards. This led to predictions that 2026 will bring a gradual recovery mainly due to the exodus of capacity rather than any increase in demand. The conversation concludes with predictions for 2026 dry van spot rates, with forecasts ranging from an increase of 3% to 10% by the end of the year. Let's see how we do! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Welcome back to WHAT THE TRUCK?!?. Host Malcolm Harris returns for a year-end episode packed with critical insights on freight fraud, cargo theft, trucking finance, and what the industry needs to watch heading into 2026. This episode features four powerhouse guests tackling the biggest risks and opportunities facing trucking and logistics today: DZ Patterson, Director of Investigative Services at Travelers, breaks down the realities of modern cargo theft, including strategic theft, GPS spoofing, fake breakdown scams, and how shippers, brokers, and carriers can harden their supply chains through better communication, layered security, and smarter verification. Andrey Chabanov and Trevor Hoffman from Wellspring introduce a high-yield savings platform built specifically for truck drivers and working Americans. Drawing from real-world trucking experience, they explain how drivers can protect their cash from inflation, improve liquidity, and build smarter emergency and business savings without lockups or minimums. Dale Prax, Strategic Fraud Advisor at Truckstop and Founder of FreightValidate, delivers a deep dive into freight fraud, carrier identity verification, FMCSA enforcement, and the real-world scams impacting brokers and owner-operators. He outlines where fraud is headed next, why collaboration and transparency matter, and what practical steps carriers can take today to protect themselves. The episode also covers key industry headlines, including supply chain reform efforts in Washington, ongoing layoffs impacting freight demand, and why cash discipline and operational efficiency remain critical in the current market. If you're a driver, broker, shipper, or logistics professional, this is a must-watch conversation to close out the year informed and prepared for what's next. Watch on YouTube Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome back to WHAT THE TRUCK?!?. Host Malcolm Harris returns for a year-end episode packed with critical insights on freight fraud, cargo theft, trucking finance, and what the industry needs to watch heading into 2026. This episode features four powerhouse guests tackling the biggest risks and opportunities facing trucking and logistics today: DZ Patterson, Director of Investigative Services at Travelers, breaks down the realities of modern cargo theft, including strategic theft, GPS spoofing, fake breakdown scams, and how shippers, brokers, and carriers can harden their supply chains through better communication, layered security, and smarter verification. Andrey Chabanov and Trevor Hoffman from Wellspring introduce a high-yield savings platform built specifically for truck drivers and working Americans. Drawing from real-world trucking experience, they explain how drivers can protect their cash from inflation, improve liquidity, and build smarter emergency and business savings without lockups or minimums. Dale Prax, Strategic Fraud Advisor at Truckstop and Founder of FreightValidate, delivers a deep dive into freight fraud, carrier identity verification, FMCSA enforcement, and the real-world scams impacting brokers and owner-operators. He outlines where fraud is headed next, why collaboration and transparency matter, and what practical steps carriers can take today to protect themselves. The episode also covers key industry headlines, including supply chain reform efforts in Washington, ongoing layoffs impacting freight demand, and why cash discipline and operational efficiency remain critical in the current market. If you're a driver, broker, shipper, or logistics professional, this is a must-watch conversation to close out the year informed and prepared for what's next. Watch on YouTube 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 Daily, we unpack a confusing market signal where domestic trucking capacity is tightening due to carrier attrition despite soft demand. Meanwhile, oversupply in the ocean freight market is causing carriers to lose pricing power as vessels return to the Suez Canal. We also explore how upcoming 2026 customs reforms in Mexico aim to crack down on duty evasion but will drastically increase liability for customs brokers. These changes represent a significant shift in trade governance that could reshape cross-border manufacturing compliance. New analysis of FMCSA data reveals a shocking safety gap, showing that midsize trucking fleets have significantly higher crash rates per driver than their larger competitors. This discovery raises critical questions about how shippers should approach carrier vetting to mitigate outsized risk profiles. In executive news, industry titan Brad Jacobs steps down from XPO and GXO to focus his energy on building his new venture, QXO. Additionally, Ryder System announces a leadership transition as CEO Robert Sanchez prepares to retire after doubling the company's revenue during his tenure. Finally, we discuss how Orderful's new AI-powered platform, Mosaic, aims to eliminate the decades-old headache of manual EDI mapping. This innovation promises to cut integration times from months to weeks for global supply chains. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, we'll break down the hottest trends in the freight market right now, from seasonal capacity crunches driving reefer rates to two-year highs, to why brokers and carriers must price based on regional market conditions instead of guessing in the spot market! Dive in today to know why tender rejection rates need context, how historical freight data helps avoid false market optimism, what the proposed ROUTE Act could mean for expanding the future truck driver pipeline without compromising safety, the FMCSA's ongoing chameleon carrier problem, and why better enforcement and insurance accountability matter for industry safety! Resources / References https://www.overdriveonline.com/regulations/article/15774069/new-bill-would-allow-under21-truck-drivers-to-cross-state-lines-with-limitations https://www.freightwaves.com/news/has-fmcsas-decade-old-chameleon-carrier-system-been-running-on-autopilot https://www.overdriveonline.com/business/article/15774033/trucking-markets-sluggish-even-amid-seasonal-spikes-capacity-hits
In this episode of The Daily, we unpack a confusing market signal where domestic trucking capacity is tightening due to carrier attrition despite soft demand. Meanwhile, oversupply in the ocean freight market is causing carriers to lose pricing power as vessels return to the Suez Canal. We also explore how upcoming 2026 customs reforms in Mexico aim to crack down on duty evasion but will drastically increase liability for customs brokers. These changes represent a significant shift in trade governance that could reshape cross-border manufacturing compliance. New analysis of FMCSA data reveals a shocking safety gap, showing that midsize trucking fleets have significantly higher crash rates per driver than their larger competitors. This discovery raises critical questions about how shippers should approach carrier vetting to mitigate outsized risk profiles. In executive news, industry titan Brad Jacobs steps down from XPO and GXO to focus his energy on building his new venture, QXO. Additionally, Ryder System announces a leadership transition as CEO Robert Sanchez prepares to retire after doubling the company's revenue during his tenure. Finally, we discuss how Orderful's new AI-powered platform, Mosaic, aims to eliminate the decades-old headache of manual EDI mapping. This innovation promises to cut integration times from months to weeks for global supply chains. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transport Topics is the news leader in trucking and freight transportation. Today's briefing covers November Class 8 truck orders, an indictment in New York involving CDLs, and a court delay on a challenge to FMCSA's interim rule on non-domiciled CDLs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
This episode explores the high-stakes balancing act logistics companies face as they navigate internal optimization against a backdrop of external chaos. We begin by analyzing the sharp drop in benchmark diesel prices as domestic refineries ramp up production, though experts warn of a potential oil super glut by 2026. In the cold chain sector, Lineage is combatting excess capacity by rolling out its LinOS system to generate $110 million in efficiency gains through automation. Meanwhile, the automotive logistics space sees strategic consolidation as RPM acquires PARS to create a comprehensive vehicle lifecycle platform that includes driveaway and titling services. Technological advancements continue as Daimler Truck and Torc Robotics integrate short-range LiDAR to bring autonomous freightliners to the North American market. However, carriers must remain vigilant on compliance, as the FMCSA has revoked 62% more ELDs this year, threatening immediate shutdowns for fleets using banned devices. Corporate governance takes center stage with the affirmed 20-year sentence for Slync.io's founder, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of fiduciary trust in freight tech. Finally, we examine the supply chain risks emerging from threatened tariffs on Mexico tied to a dispute over water deliveries that is already impacting Texas agriculture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode explores the high-stakes balancing act logistics companies face as they navigate internal optimization against a backdrop of external chaos. We begin by analyzing the sharp drop in benchmark diesel prices as domestic refineries ramp up production, though experts warn of a potential oil super glut by 2026. In the cold chain sector, Lineage is combatting excess capacity by rolling out its LinOS system to generate $110 million in efficiency gains through automation. Meanwhile, the automotive logistics space sees strategic consolidation as RPM acquires PARS to create a comprehensive vehicle lifecycle platform that includes driveaway and titling services. Technological advancements continue as Daimler Truck and Torc Robotics integrate short-range LiDAR to bring autonomous freightliners to the North American market. However, carriers must remain vigilant on compliance, as the FMCSA has revoked 62% more ELDs this year, threatening immediate shutdowns for fleets using banned devices. Corporate governance takes center stage with the affirmed 20-year sentence for Slync.io's founder, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of fiduciary trust in freight tech. Finally, we examine the supply chain risks emerging from threatened tariffs on Mexico tied to a dispute over water deliveries that is already impacting Texas agriculture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A federal appeals court has granted a request to hold the lawsuit regarding non-domiciled CDL restrictions in abeyance while the agency reviews public comments. This decision temporarily halts the interim final rule, meaning the FMCSA gets time-out on CDL crackdown and nearly 200,000 trucking jobs remain protected under previous standards for now. Beyond the courtroom, industry experts argue that a focused English-language crackdown exposes how cheap labor and CDL fraud are remaking trucking by revealing a "new ecosystem" of transient foreign drivers. Grace Maher of OTR Solutions explains that drivers from Eastern Europe and Asia are suppressing freight rates by entering the market temporarily to undercut prices before returning home. In infrastructure news, the Indiana port expands barge steel capacity at Jeffersonville by 40% to accommodate consistent double-digit growth and strong demand. Indiana River & Rail Terminals has leased a fourth building, raising their total storage capacity to 350,000 square feet to better serve multimodal customers. Finally, stay tuned for a new episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? airing live at noon on FreightWaves TV with Malcolm Harris. If you miss the live broadcast, you can catch the replay on the FreightWaves YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A federal appeals court has granted a request to hold the lawsuit regarding non-domiciled CDL restrictions in abeyance while the agency reviews public comments. This decision temporarily halts the interim final rule, meaning the FMCSA gets time-out on CDL crackdown and nearly 200,000 trucking jobs remain protected under previous standards for now. Beyond the courtroom, industry experts argue that a focused English-language crackdown exposes how cheap labor and CDL fraud are remaking trucking by revealing a "new ecosystem" of transient foreign drivers. Grace Maher of OTR Solutions explains that drivers from Eastern Europe and Asia are suppressing freight rates by entering the market temporarily to undercut prices before returning home. In infrastructure news, the Indiana port expands barge steel capacity at Jeffersonville by 40% to accommodate consistent double-digit growth and strong demand. Indiana River & Rail Terminals has leased a fourth building, raising their total storage capacity to 350,000 square feet to better serve multimodal customers. Finally, stay tuned for a new episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? airing live at noon on FreightWaves TV with Malcolm Harris. If you miss the live broadcast, you can catch the replay on the FreightWaves YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What's the real cost of fraud, and how do we finally shut the door on the criminals exploiting the transportation industry? In this episode, Chris Burroughs breaks down how the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) is stepping up with a new fraud hotline that connects 2,000 members directly to the FBI, helping track patterns, tighten data collection, and speed up responses to cargo crime! We also dig into how organized crime takes advantage of weak FMCSA oversight, why boosting the broker bond matters, the push for enforcement under MAP-21, the role industry advocacy plays, why unregulated dispatch services are becoming a serious risk, the ongoing broker transparency debate, and the need for consistent standards across the board! About Chris Burroughs Chris Burroughs is the President and CEO for the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA). He brings over 18 years of Congressional affairs experience to TIA. As the former Vice President of Government Affairs for TIA, he led the Government Relations department including the legislative, regulatory, PAC, and internal policy committee functions. Chris served as the staff liaison for the Highway Logistics Conference, the Intermodal Logistics Conference, and several other policy committees within TIA. Chris additionally served on the Board of Directors for the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) as the Subcommittee Chairman of Industry Advisory Subcommittee and sole representative of the 3PL industry. During his time on Capitol Hill, Chris gained invaluable knowledge of the legislative process. He began his career working on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee in 2006 and then later the House Natural Resources Committee. In 2009, Chris joined the Twenty-First Century Group, a bipartisan government affairs firm, as their Director of Government Affairs. In this position, Chris advocated on behalf of multiple clients involved in the transportation, telecommunications, health care, tax, and defense arenas. Additionally, he represented TIA on their issues of interest on Capitol Hill. Chris lives in Gainesville, Virginia with his wife Stacey and children Kelly, Christopher, and Connor. Chris earned a BS degree in Political Science from Shepherd University located in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.
Are you watching the freight market shift beneath the holiday noise and prepared for the regulatory shakeups shaping 2026? Listen to the real trends driving today's trucking industry, from holiday-masked rate movements and tightening December capacity to diesel prices putting pressure on operating costs. Let's also talk about why the FMCSA's overhaul of ELD approvals and the removal of nearly 3,000 fraudulent CDL schools are raising the bar for safety, compliance, and long-term carrier competitiveness, the impact of rising tariffs, new port fees, and legal uncertainty on heavy equipment shippers, and how weather disruptions and elevated tender rejections are signaling potential rate increases heading into early 2026! Resources / References https://www.ttnews.com/articles/dot-cdl-mills-crackdown https://www.joc.com/article/tariff-costs-data-center-demand-create-mixed-outlook-for-roro-shippers-in-2026-6127099 https://www.freightwaves.com/news/inside-dots-new-eld-approval-overhaul-what-changed-and-why-it-matters
10 Roads Express will shut down operations and end its USPS contracts. This wind-down represents the largest trucking failure since Yellow, removing thousands of trucks from the road following severe revenue losses. We also examine the stark divergence in global shipping, where Asia-US container rates fell 32% in a single week due to overcapacity. Conversely, Asia-Europe rates have surged effectively by 40% as carriers navigate complex security issues in the Red Sea. On the regulatory front, the DOT is cracking down on safety standards by kicking 3,000 truck driver trainers off its registry for failing to meet new federal requirements. Additionally, the FMCSA has introduced a new ELD approval overhaul to combat the "ghost driver" fraud that contributed to fatal crashes. Finally, we discuss the confusion surrounding commercial licensing after a federal court intervened in the legal battle regarding non-domiciled CDLs. While the court stayed the FMCSA's emergency rule, uncertainty remains as many states are reluctant to issue credentials to the 200,000 affected drivers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10 Roads Express to shut down operations, end USPS contracts and terminate its postal agreements by late January. The major mail hauler plans to complete its remaining service obligations despite a recent history of labor disputes with the Teamsters. The episode also covers Inside the Amazon-Teamsters showdown: What's next?, highlighting a union victory for drivers in Kentucky alongside legislative battles in New York,. Additionally, federal proceedings at the NLRB continue to assess whether Amazon should be classified as a joint employer for delivery drivers. In regulatory news, the DOT kicks 3,000 truck driver trainers off registry for failing to meet federal service standards. The FMCSA has placed thousands more on notice regarding potential noncompliance issues involving falsified data and curriculum failures. Tune in to FreightWaves TV later today for new episodes of Check Call and Loaded and Rolling. Listen to this brief update to stay ahead of the most critical stories shaping the freight and logistics industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10 Roads Express to shut down operations, end USPS contracts and terminate its postal agreements by late January. The major mail hauler plans to complete its remaining service obligations despite a recent history of labor disputes with the Teamsters. The episode also covers Inside the Amazon-Teamsters showdown: What's next?, highlighting a union victory for drivers in Kentucky alongside legislative battles in New York,. Additionally, federal proceedings at the NLRB continue to assess whether Amazon should be classified as a joint employer for delivery drivers. In regulatory news, the DOT kicks 3,000 truck driver trainers off registry for failing to meet federal service standards. The FMCSA has placed thousands more on notice regarding potential noncompliance issues involving falsified data and curriculum failures. Tune in to FreightWaves TV later today for new episodes of Check Call and Loaded and Rolling. Listen to this brief update to stay ahead of the most critical stories shaping the freight and logistics industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10 Roads Express will shut down operations and end its USPS contracts. This wind-down represents the largest trucking failure since Yellow, removing thousands of trucks from the road following severe revenue losses. We also examine the stark divergence in global shipping, where Asia-US container rates fell 32% in a single week due to overcapacity. Conversely, Asia-Europe rates have surged effectively by 40% as carriers navigate complex security issues in the Red Sea. On the regulatory front, the DOT is cracking down on safety standards by kicking 3,000 truck driver trainers off its registry for failing to meet new federal requirements. Additionally, the FMCSA has introduced a new ELD approval overhaul to combat the "ghost driver" fraud that contributed to fatal crashes. Finally, we discuss the confusion surrounding commercial licensing after a federal court intervened in the legal battle regarding non-domiciled CDLs. While the court stayed the FMCSA's emergency rule, uncertainty remains as many states are reluctant to issue credentials to the 200,000 affected drivers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett chats with Lewie Pugh, Executive Vice President of Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), to discuss major issues impacting the trucking industry. Topics include the challenges and controversy around non-domicile CDL holders, changes and enforcement of English proficiency rules for drivers, industry safety standards, and ongoing regulatory updates from Washington. Listeners will learn about the risks these issues pose to highway safety, why higher standards and stricter oversight are needed, and how advocacy and grassroots involvement can make a difference. The episode emphasizes the importance of proactive engagement in trucking policy, the critical role organizations like OOIDA play for drivers and owner-operators, and so much more.Key topics in today's conversation include:Welcome and Introduction to the Podcast's Focus on Trucking (0:12)Lewie Returns to Discuss Industry Updates (3:55)Regulatory Action and FMCSA's New Administrator (6:55)Non-Domicile CDLs Explained and Their Risks (7:15)Fraud and Lax Entry Requirements in Trucking (14:33)Dangers of Lax Standards and the Need for Proactive Safety (17:55)English Proficiency Rules and Communication Challenges (19:26)Enforcement of English Rules and Out-of-Service Details (23:45)Industry Capacity, Economic Forecasts, and Tariffs (25:48)Technology and State-by-State CDL Enforcement Issues (28:07)How to Get Involved With OOIDA and Advocacy (29:26)Membership, Discounts, and Supporting the Industry (31:42)Appreciation for Truckers and Thanksgiving Plans (35:08)Holiday Traditions, Family, and Parting Thoughts(36:25)Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Welcome to the daily market update focusing on critical friction points that are reshaping the supply chain. We examine the accelerated federal crackdown, including Border Patrol turning back two Mexican truckers in Arizona, and how tech firms like Highway are responding with new broker screening features for non-domiciled CDL drivers. While new compliance technology risks reducing available trucking capacity, potentially pushing spot market freight rates up, the industry is simultaneously enduring a massive labor contraction across the entire sector. Over 11,900 workers were laid off in five weeks due to diverse factors like slower electric vehicle adoption at General Motors and a national cattle shortage leading to major plant closures at Tyson Foods. On the international front, Maersk has denied setting any fixed timeline for a Red Sea return, stating safety remains their top priority, which ensures continued reliance on longer, more expensive shipping routes around Africa. Amidst these challenges, the industry is responding with data-driven initiatives like the FMCSA to poll 'several thousand' drivers on truck parking and groundbreaking rail decarbonization using a new deal to take carbon out of the LA-Long Beach harbor railroad. Mentioned Articles: Border Patrol turns back two Mexican truckers in Arizona Highway's new feature allows brokers to screen carriers with non-domiciled CDL drivers Layoffs slam transport, logistics, manufacturing sectors ahead of the holidays Maersk: No timeline for Red Sea return FMCSA to poll 'several thousand' drivers on truck parking New deal to take carbon out of LA-Long Beach harbor railroad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to the daily market update focusing on critical friction points that are reshaping the supply chain. We examine the accelerated federal crackdown, including Border Patrol turning back two Mexican truckers in Arizona, and how tech firms like Highway are responding with new broker screening features for non-domiciled CDL drivers. While new compliance technology risks reducing available trucking capacity, potentially pushing spot market freight rates up, the industry is simultaneously enduring a massive labor contraction across the entire sector. Over 11,900 workers were laid off in five weeks due to diverse factors like slower electric vehicle adoption at General Motors and a national cattle shortage leading to major plant closures at Tyson Foods. On the international front, Maersk has denied setting any fixed timeline for a Red Sea return, stating safety remains their top priority, which ensures continued reliance on longer, more expensive shipping routes around Africa. Amidst these challenges, the industry is responding with data-driven initiatives like the FMCSA to poll 'several thousand' drivers on truck parking and groundbreaking rail decarbonization using a new deal to take carbon out of the LA-Long Beach harbor railroad. Mentioned Articles: Border Patrol turns back two Mexican truckers in Arizona Highway's new feature allows brokers to screen carriers with non-domiciled CDL drivers Layoffs slam transport, logistics, manufacturing sectors ahead of the holidays Maersk: No timeline for Red Sea return FMCSA to poll 'several thousand' drivers on truck parking New deal to take carbon out of LA-Long Beach harbor railroad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this Thanksgiving edition of Third & Long, Adam Wingfield and co-driver Kaylee Nix break down one of the biggest stories shaking the trucking world: California's CDL compliance battle with the FMCSA, the threat of losing $158 million in federal funding, and the lawsuits claiming civil rights violations. This episode goes deep into the political tension between state and federal authority, how these policies affect small carriers and owner-operators, and what the fallout could mean for the industry moving forward. We cover: FMCSA vs. California — federal funding, compliance failures, and courts stepping in Civil rights lawsuit — why non-domiciled CDL holders say the rules are unfair Public perception of drivers — including the viral “low-skilled job” debate Real-world industry impact — hiring, safety, insurance, and the future of driver qualifications The massive training gap — 63,000 CDL schools but only 3,000 federally compliant What shippers must do next — and whether this opens a door for small carriers Along the way, Adam shares real stories from the road, what it really takes to safely operate 80,000 lbs of equipment, and why the idea that trucking is “low-skilled” couldn't be further from the truth. Whether you're a small carrier, an industry insider, or someone who wants to understand what's really happening behind the headlines, this conversation is one you don't want to miss. Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new drop. Sign up for the newsletter for deeper insights Follow The Long Haul Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Malcolm Harris brings a stacked lineup diving into e-commerce logistics, fleet operations, and the growing impact of AI across the supply chain. Headlines: Malcolm breaks down the latest in freight, including FMCSA bond enforcement, driver shortages affecting farm labor, Maersk's relocation to Charlotte, 3PL marketing ROI insights, and rising cargo theft trends. Featured Guests Carlos Barbosa — VP of E-commerce Solutions, ePost Global Carlos shares insights from ePost Global's new report analyzing 20 million international shipments, revealing why multi-carrier strategies outperform single-carrier setups by 37%. He explains how speed, reliability, cost stability, and AI-driven decision-making are shaping the future of cross-border e-commerce. Zach Cellar — Operations Manager, Ploger Transportation Zach talks about how adopting AI-powered planning transformed their fleet operations. He discusses: -21%+ increase in load volume -Higher driver satisfaction & better scheduling -Reduced manual planning -Improved retention and recruiting -A must-watch for fleets exploring AI adoption. Ben Marks — Senior Solutions Leader, Optimal Dynamics Ben breaks down how Optimal Dynamics serves as the decision layer for trucking fleets—optimizing planning, increasing efficiency, and allowing dispatchers to focus on higher-value work. He also shares how fleets can evaluate AI partners and prepare for the future of automated operations. 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
Malcolm Harris brings a stacked lineup diving into e-commerce logistics, fleet operations, and the growing impact of AI across the supply chain. Headlines: Malcolm breaks down the latest in freight, including FMCSA bond enforcement, driver shortages affecting farm labor, Maersk's relocation to Charlotte, 3PL marketing ROI insights, and rising cargo theft trends. Featured Guests Carlos Barbosa — VP of E-commerce Solutions, ePost Global Carlos shares insights from ePost Global's new report analyzing 20 million international shipments, revealing why multi-carrier strategies outperform single-carrier setups by 37%. He explains how speed, reliability, cost stability, and AI-driven decision-making are shaping the future of cross-border e-commerce. Zach Cellar — Operations Manager, Ploger Transportation Zach talks about how adopting AI-powered planning transformed their fleet operations. He discusses: -21%+ increase in load volume -Higher driver satisfaction & better scheduling -Reduced manual planning -Improved retention and recruiting -A must-watch for fleets exploring AI adoption. Ben Marks — Senior Solutions Leader, Optimal Dynamics Ben breaks down how Optimal Dynamics serves as the decision layer for trucking fleets—optimizing planning, increasing efficiency, and allowing dispatchers to focus on higher-value work. He also shares how fleets can evaluate AI partners and prepare for the future of automated operations. 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 U.S. freight market is grappling with a massive security crisis as cargo theft surges 29% in Q3 driven by organized crime targeting electronics and high-value pharmaceuticals. We analyze how carriers must implement comprehensive security measures and establish clear policies to ensure truck cameras succeed in litigation, especially regarding how crucial video retention rules are. The logistics industry faces a dramatic regulatory shift as the FMCSA's tighter bond enforcement looms over freight brokers in 2026, taking full effect on January 16, 2026. These new rules mandate immediate operating authority suspension for bond shortfalls and require BMC-85 trust funds to be solely cash or cash-equivalent assets, accelerating market consolidation among poorly capitalized 3PLs. Agricultural supply chains are under threat due to regulatory confusion, detailed in the crackdown on foreign truckers that threatens US farm labor, as states inadvertently pause CDL issuance for essential H-2A farm workers. Industry groups are urgently pushing the FMCSA to clarify this existing H-2A exemption and extend similar CDL exemptions to J-1 visa workers due to their vital seasonal role in custom harvesting. We also cover the operational crunch in air freight, as UPS compensates for lost use of grounded MD-11 cargo jets after the mandatory grounding of its MD-11 fleet following a deadly crash. UPS is mitigating this peak season capacity gap by wet leasing supplemental lift from partners like Cargojet and Amerijet, alongside reconfiguring its ground network. Finally, we discuss the major strategic footprint change as Maersk relocates its North American HQ to Charlotte, moving its headquarters from New Jersey to North Carolina. This relocation involves a $16 million investment and 500 new jobs, driven by Charlotte's affordability and growing talent pool. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The U.S. freight market is grappling with a massive security crisis as cargo theft surges 29% in Q3 driven by organized crime targeting electronics and high-value pharmaceuticals. We analyze how carriers must implement comprehensive security measures and establish clear policies to ensure truck cameras succeed in litigation, especially regarding how crucial video retention rules are. The logistics industry faces a dramatic regulatory shift as the FMCSA's tighter bond enforcement looms over freight brokers in 2026, taking full effect on January 16, 2026. These new rules mandate immediate operating authority suspension for bond shortfalls and require BMC-85 trust funds to be solely cash or cash-equivalent assets, accelerating market consolidation among poorly capitalized 3PLs. Agricultural supply chains are under threat due to regulatory confusion, detailed in the crackdown on foreign truckers that threatens US farm labor, as states inadvertently pause CDL issuance for essential H-2A farm workers. Industry groups are urgently pushing the FMCSA to clarify this existing H-2A exemption and extend similar CDL exemptions to J-1 visa workers due to their vital seasonal role in custom harvesting. We also cover the operational crunch in air freight, as UPS compensates for lost use of grounded MD-11 cargo jets after the mandatory grounding of its MD-11 fleet following a deadly crash. UPS is mitigating this peak season capacity gap by wet leasing supplemental lift from partners like Cargojet and Amerijet, alongside reconfiguring its ground network. Finally, we discuss the major strategic footprint change as Maersk relocates its North American HQ to Charlotte, moving its headquarters from New Jersey to North Carolina. This relocation involves a $16 million investment and 500 new jobs, driven by Charlotte's affordability and growing talent pool. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dive into the proposed rail mega-merger of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, which Republican legislators warn threatens to raise consumer costs, reduce competition, and create "captive shippers". This controversial deal would combine systems controlling nearly 45% of all U.S. rail tonnage across 43 states, raising serious questions about long-term service reliability and inflationary pressure on American households. The trucking market remains in a recession due to a collapse in demand and a significant industrial recession, confirmed by indices like the SONAR Outbound Tender Volume Index (OTVI). Despite low demand, the market could face a radical supply shock if estimates hold true that new immigration enforcement targeting foreign-born drivers could remove 16%, or over 600,000, of the current driver population, potentially strengthening freight rates by late next year. We also examine the FMCSA's new pilot program testing flexible sleeper berth split options, such as 6/4 and 5/5 hours, designed to provide more flexibility for truckers. Safety groups like OOIDA and the TCA are cautioning regulators about a high potential for driver coercion, insisting on strict safeguards and anonymous reporting methods to ensure that discretion belongs solely to the driver. Postmaster General David Steiner is driving a "U-turn" strategy at the USPS, re-emphasizing last-mile delivery services for big shippers like UPS and Amazon to grow revenue by leveraging the agency's unique national network]. While the goal is to stop revenue decline, critics worry this move risks cannibalizing USPS's own products and empowering competitors by handling the toughest delivery segment for them. We also briefly touch on the regulatory back-and-forth seen internationally, such as the now-suspended U.S. fees on Chinese ships, which analysts warned would ultimately burden U.S. agricultural exporters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dive into the proposed rail mega-merger of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, which Republican legislators warn threatens to raise consumer costs, reduce competition, and create "captive shippers". This controversial deal would combine systems controlling nearly 45% of all U.S. rail tonnage across 43 states, raising serious questions about long-term service reliability and inflationary pressure on American households. The trucking market remains in a recession due to a collapse in demand and a significant industrial recession, confirmed by indices like the SONAR Outbound Tender Volume Index (OTVI). Despite low demand, the market could face a radical supply shock if estimates hold true that new immigration enforcement targeting foreign-born drivers could remove 16%, or over 600,000, of the current driver population, potentially strengthening freight rates by late next year. We also examine the FMCSA's new pilot program testing flexible sleeper berth split options, such as 6/4 and 5/5 hours, designed to provide more flexibility for truckers. Safety groups like OOIDA and the TCA are cautioning regulators about a high potential for driver coercion, insisting on strict safeguards and anonymous reporting methods to ensure that discretion belongs solely to the driver. Postmaster General David Steiner is driving a "U-turn" strategy at the USPS, re-emphasizing last-mile delivery services for big shippers like UPS and Amazon to grow revenue by leveraging the agency's unique national network]. While the goal is to stop revenue decline, critics worry this move risks cannibalizing USPS's own products and empowering competitors by handling the toughest delivery segment for them. We also briefly touch on the regulatory back-and-forth seen internationally, such as the now-suspended U.S. fees on Chinese ships, which analysts warned would ultimately burden U.S. agricultural exporters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A Delaware bankruptcy court has cleared the path for the final liquidation of Yellow Corp.'s estate, which will distribute as much as $700 million to creditors, but the order could face an appeal from Yellow's largest equity holder, MFN Partners. We discuss the poor third-quarter results for ocean carrier CMA CGM, which saw group net income fall 72.6% year-over-year and revenue drop 11.3%. The carrier attributed this downturn to geopolitics, trade tensions in the U.S., and a corresponding slowdown in maritime activity, though it noted an improvement quarter-over-quarter after trade between the U.S. and China picked back up. Finally, truck safety advocates are strongly opposing the FMCSA's proposed pilot program that would allow drivers to pause their 14-hour on-duty period for up to three hours, essentially extending the work window to 17 hours. While the FMCSA claims the allowance would mitigate excessive detention times and improve working conditions, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety argue the initiative is dangerous and misguided. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Starting with tech rollouts, Trimble bets big on AI to fix trucking's workflow bottlenecks. It debuted its new cloud-native, modular, AI-powered Transportation Management System (TMS), designed as a single intelligence center for enterprise operations. New AI agents, such as the Order Intake Agent, automate administrative tasks like data extraction from emails and PDFs, potentially eliminating manual review for up to 90% of standard orders. Efficiency is also the core strategy behind major network redesigns at FedEx, who is focused on prioritizing high-quality B2B business and sectors like high-tech freight and healthcare logistics, while using generative AI to predict classification codes to simplify cross-border trade execution. In contrast, global maritime operator CMA CGM profit collapses on ocean ‘slowdown'. reported a staggering 72.6% decline in net income, yet maintained volume growth (up 2.3%) due to its agility in redeploying assets to counter Red Sea disruptions and volatility. On the regulatory and legal front, a Delaware bankruptcy court approved Judge Oks Yellow Corp.'s final liquidation plan, clearing the path to distribute up to $700 million to creditors, crucially classifying employee claims for PTO and sick time as priority for payment. Meanwhile, truck safety advocates strongly oppose the FMCSA's proposed pilot program, detailed in Safety group opposes extending truckers' workday, which would allow truck drivers to pause their 14-hour on-duty window for up to three hours, arguing the agency should instead study detention time directly. Managing constant risk is essential, as evidenced by the U.S.-flag barge Brooklyn Bridge running aground in the Bahamas after a tow wire failed and subsequently being looted, highlighting the vulnerability of routine operations to external factors. The defining trait of a successful logistics operation today is agility built on automation; technology is no longer a differentiator but a necessary cost for maintaining margins and compliance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Starting with tech rollouts, Trimble bets big on AI to fix trucking's workflow bottlenecks. It debuted its new cloud-native, modular, AI-powered Transportation Management System (TMS), designed as a single intelligence center for enterprise operations. New AI agents, such as the Order Intake Agent, automate administrative tasks like data extraction from emails and PDFs, potentially eliminating manual review for up to 90% of standard orders. Efficiency is also the core strategy behind major network redesigns at FedEx, who is focused on prioritizing high-quality B2B business and sectors like high-tech freight and healthcare logistics, while using generative AI to predict classification codes to simplify cross-border trade execution. In contrast, global maritime operator CMA CGM profit collapses on ocean ‘slowdown'. reported a staggering 72.6% decline in net income, yet maintained volume growth (up 2.3%) due to its agility in redeploying assets to counter Red Sea disruptions and volatility. On the regulatory and legal front, a Delaware bankruptcy court approved Judge Oks Yellow Corp.'s final liquidation plan, clearing the path to distribute up to $700 million to creditors, crucially classifying employee claims for PTO and sick time as priority for payment. Meanwhile, truck safety advocates strongly oppose the FMCSA's proposed pilot program, detailed in Safety group opposes extending truckers' workday, which would allow truck drivers to pause their 14-hour on-duty window for up to three hours, arguing the agency should instead study detention time directly. Managing constant risk is essential, as evidenced by the U.S.-flag barge Brooklyn Bridge running aground in the Bahamas after a tow wire failed and subsequently being looted, highlighting the vulnerability of routine operations to external factors. The defining trait of a successful logistics operation today is agility built on automation; technology is no longer a differentiator but a necessary cost for maintaining margins and compliance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A Delaware bankruptcy court has cleared the path for the final liquidation of Yellow Corp.'s estate, which will distribute as much as $700 million to creditors, but the order could face an appeal from Yellow's largest equity holder, MFN Partners. We discuss the poor third-quarter results for ocean carrier CMA CGM, which saw group net income fall 72.6% year-over-year and revenue drop 11.3%. The carrier attributed this downturn to geopolitics, trade tensions in the U.S., and a corresponding slowdown in maritime activity, though it noted an improvement quarter-over-quarter after trade between the U.S. and China picked back up. Finally, truck safety advocates are strongly opposing the FMCSA's proposed pilot program that would allow drivers to pause their 14-hour on-duty period for up to three hours, essentially extending the work window to 17 hours. While the FMCSA claims the allowance would mitigate excessive detention times and improve working conditions, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety argue the initiative is dangerous and misguided. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The current intersection of federal regulation and enforcement is creating significant market risk, forcing carriers to exit and fundamentally tightening liability for both carriers and the shippers who hire them. The immediate shockwave comes from California, where the cancellation of 17,000 non-domiciled CDLs—over 9% of the state's for-hire carrier base—is expected to cause substantial capacity constraints and firm up outbound freight rates, signaling national enforcement scrutiny. This episode unpacks the crucial precedent set by California's AB5 enforcement action, which resulted in an $868,000 penalty against three companies, including shipper Costco and 3PL Ryder Last Mile. Ryder and Costco were found jointly liable with the carrier for exercising "direct or indirect control" over drivers, demonstrating that managing drivers like employees results in liability like an employer. We debate whether the current market slump is purely demand-driven or if regulatory fear is driving non-compliant carriers out, causing spot rates to slowly "melt up" despite weak volumes. Further regulatory focus is evident as the FMCSA launches a major study with 60 carriers to analyze the link between driver work schedules, hours-of-service, and crash risk, aiming to inform future HOS restrictions. Shifting focus to logistics investment, the USPS reported a massive $9 billion loss but is executing an urgent, long-term modernization push, including investing nearly $20 billion in automated sorters and new vehicles to attract parcel volume. Finally, we examine the unanimous industry consensus that autonomous trucking is inevitable, with the rapid "J-curve of adoption" expected to hit between 2035 and 2040 as labor and regulatory risks accelerate investment in driverless technology. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Malcolm kicks off the week with energy, industry insights, and a packed lineup of guests who deliver deep expertise across transportation safety, branding, and heavy-haul logistics. Malcolm opens with key headlines impacting the freight world — from upcoming USPS parcel price hikes to fluctuating global trade patterns, ocean carrier earnings, FMCSA's new crash-risk study, and shifting M&A trends in the freight sector. The episode's interviews begin with Chris Isley, Risk Control Specialist at Travelers Transportation, who breaks down the complexities of heavy equipment transportation, load securement standards, DOT compliance, specialized permits, escort coordination, and the safety measures needed to move oversized cargo. His decades of experience inform a detailed look at how fleets can strengthen safety programs, prevent losses, and keep operators protected. Next, Malcolm is joined by Alex Martin-Banzer, Brand Marketing Manager for Western Star and Daimler Truck North America. Alex shares her journey from intern to brand leader, offering an inside perspective on engineering, product strategy, and the storytelling behind one of the industry's most iconic vocational truck brands. She dives into the massive Western Star–supported move of a historic Martin Mars aircraft, reflects on the brand's legacy, and previews upcoming projects and the Star Nation operator experience. The show closes with Kyle Wilkes, Project Manager at Southwest Industrial Rigging, who provides an up-close look at the monumental effort required to transport the enormous Martin Mars bomber fuselage across Arizona — the tallest load ever moved on Arizona highways. Kyle walks through the intense planning, routing, permitting, engineering challenges, electrical coordination, and teamwork needed to pull off one of the most complex heavy-haul feats in recent memory. He also shares career advice, industry trends, and a thoughtful tribute to company founder Harry Baker. 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
Malcolm kicks off the week with energy, industry insights, and a packed lineup of guests who deliver deep expertise across transportation safety, branding, and heavy-haul logistics. Malcolm opens with key headlines impacting the freight world — from upcoming USPS parcel price hikes to fluctuating global trade patterns, ocean carrier earnings, FMCSA's new crash-risk study, and shifting M&A trends in the freight sector. The episode's interviews begin with Chris Isley, Risk Control Specialist at Travelers Transportation, who breaks down the complexities of heavy equipment transportation, load securement standards, DOT compliance, specialized permits, escort coordination, and the safety measures needed to move oversized cargo. His decades of experience inform a detailed look at how fleets can strengthen safety programs, prevent losses, and keep operators protected. Next, Malcolm is joined by Alex Martin-Banzer, Brand Marketing Manager for Western Star and Daimler Truck North America. Alex shares her journey from intern to brand leader, offering an inside perspective on engineering, product strategy, and the storytelling behind one of the industry's most iconic vocational truck brands. She dives into the massive Western Star–supported move of a historic Martin Mars aircraft, reflects on the brand's legacy, and previews upcoming projects and the Star Nation operator experience. The show closes with Kyle Wilkes, Project Manager at Southwest Industrial Rigging, who provides an up-close look at the monumental effort required to transport the enormous Martin Mars bomber fuselage across Arizona — the tallest load ever moved on Arizona highways. Kyle walks through the intense planning, routing, permitting, engineering challenges, electrical coordination, and teamwork needed to pull off one of the most complex heavy-haul feats in recent memory. He also shares career advice, industry trends, and a thoughtful tribute to company founder Harry Baker. 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 current intersection of federal regulation and enforcement is creating significant market risk, forcing carriers to exit and fundamentally tightening liability for both carriers and the shippers who hire them. The immediate shockwave comes from California, where the cancellation of 17,000 non-domiciled CDLs—over 9% of the state's for-hire carrier base—is expected to cause substantial capacity constraints and firm up outbound freight rates, signaling national enforcement scrutiny. This episode unpacks the crucial precedent set by California's AB5 enforcement action, which resulted in an $868,000 penalty against three companies, including shipper Costco and 3PL Ryder Last Mile. Ryder and Costco were found jointly liable with the carrier for exercising "direct or indirect control" over drivers, demonstrating that managing drivers like employees results in liability like an employer. We debate whether the current market slump is purely demand-driven or if regulatory fear is driving non-compliant carriers out, causing spot rates to slowly "melt up" despite weak volumes. Further regulatory focus is evident as the FMCSA launches a major study with 60 carriers to analyze the link between driver work schedules, hours-of-service, and crash risk, aiming to inform future HOS restrictions. Shifting focus to logistics investment, the USPS reported a massive $9 billion loss but is executing an urgent, long-term modernization push, including investing nearly $20 billion in automated sorters and new vehicles to attract parcel volume. Finally, we examine the unanimous industry consensus that autonomous trucking is inevitable, with the rapid "J-curve of adoption" expected to hit between 2035 and 2040 as labor and regulatory risks accelerate investment in driverless technology. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Please text us at 559-701-8000 In this episode, we sit down with Rupinder Kaur from Prime Drug Testing to break down the most important aspects of DOT-regulated and non-DOT drug testing for the trucking industry. Rupinder shares her insights on why proper testing is critical for safety, compliance, and protecting carriers from costly violations. We discuss pre-employment screening, random testing pools, post-accident requirements, and how fast, reliable testing helps trucking companies avoid FMCSA penalties. Rupinder also discusses Prime Drug Testing's streamlined process, mobile testing capabilities, and the growing need for trusted testing partners—especially within the Punjabi trucking community. A practical, informative conversation every carrier, owner-operator, and safety manager should hear. #DrugTesting #DOTDrugTesting #FMCSACompliance #DOTCompliance #TruckingCompliance #SafetyFirst #DriverSafety #RandomTesting #PreEmploymentTesting #PostAccidentTesting #ReturnToDuty #Clearinghouse #CDLDrivers #CDLLife #TruckingSafety #OnTheRoadSafety Support the showThank you for listening & please share with your friends and family. Please follow us on SoundCloud, Spotify, or any other major podcast platform.
While the Port of Long Beach saw container volumes drop significantly—imports declined 17.6% and total TEUs fell 14.9% in October 2025 compared to the previous year's record-setting month—the hub remains ahead of its 2024 all-time annual cargo record pace through the first 10 months of 2025. Port officials are anticipating that American consumers will likely see price escalation on goods in the coming months as shippers are expected to pass along the costs of ongoing tariffs and trade policies. In trucking, a major regulatory shift has been halted as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit temporarily stayed the FMCSA's interim final rule heavily restricting non-domiciled commercial driver's licenses. This administrative stay, ordered pending a review of a lawsuit filed by an affected driver, means state agencies can presumably resume issuing and renewing these non-domiciled CDLs. Truckload carrier Werner Enterprises stated at an investor conference that it has hit a baseline capacity and sees "no retreat" from its current dedicated fleet size, despite calling the current downcycle the worst he has seen in 35 years in the industry. Werner's CEO asserted that the duration of the downturn and rising trucking accident rates across the industry may be linked to lower standards on CDL issuance and driver schools, which have contributed to excess capacity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
While the Port of Long Beach saw container volumes drop significantly—imports declined 17.6% and total TEUs fell 14.9% in October 2025 compared to the previous year's record-setting month—the hub remains ahead of its 2024 all-time annual cargo record pace through the first 10 months of 2025. Port officials are anticipating that American consumers will likely see price escalation on goods in the coming months as shippers are expected to pass along the costs of ongoing tariffs and trade policies. In trucking, a major regulatory shift has been halted as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit temporarily stayed the FMCSA's interim final rule heavily restricting non-domiciled commercial driver's licenses. This administrative stay, ordered pending a review of a lawsuit filed by an affected driver, means state agencies can presumably resume issuing and renewing these non-domiciled CDLs. Truckload carrier Werner Enterprises stated at an investor conference that it has hit a baseline capacity and sees "no retreat" from its current dedicated fleet size, despite calling the current downcycle the worst he has seen in 35 years in the industry. Werner's CEO asserted that the duration of the downturn and rising trucking accident rates across the industry may be linked to lower standards on CDL issuance and driver schools, which have contributed to excess capacity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Carrier sentiment is suppressed by a weak rate environment as the market waits for necessary fleet rationalization, highlighted by historic levels of Class 8 oversupply exceeding 90,000 units. The physical evidence of financial distress is staggering, demonstrated by the collapse in trailer prices—with 3-year-old 53-foot dry vans now trading for under $20,000—and the high volume of repossessions dominating used equipment sales, where 158 out of 162 units sold by Ritchie Bros. in Q3 2025 were repossessions. This contraction is bleeding into the tech sector, as evidenced by the Chapter 11 filing of VC-backed freight tech startup Zuum, which listed assets and liabilities between $10 million and $50 million. Importantly, 19 of Zuum's top 20 unsecured creditors are freight brokers, revealing how interconnected the ecosystem is and exposing brokers to significant financial risk from failed tech platforms. Amidst the contraction, the future driver talent pipeline is seeing massive investment, including a 4.9 million earmark secured by Senator Thom Tillis for Southeastern Community College in North Carolina to aggressively expand its truck driver training program. Furthermore, a significant bureaucratic roadblock was temporarily removed when the DC Court of Appeals issued a temporary stay on the FMCSA's non-domiciled CDL rule, halting restrictions while the court reviews a lawsuit against the regulation. We also cover major international policy shifts, including the U.S. Trade Representative suspending Section 301 port fees on China-built cargo ships for one year, a reciprocal move that temporarily eases global trade tensions. Finally, we discuss the sobering update in air cargo capacity, where the FAA temporarily grounded all MD-11 freighters for inspection following a tragic UPS crash in Louisville, impacting major carriers like UPS and FedEx globally. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Carrier sentiment is suppressed by a weak rate environment as the market waits for necessary fleet rationalization, highlighted by historic levels of Class 8 oversupply exceeding 90,000 units. The physical evidence of financial distress is staggering, demonstrated by the collapse in trailer prices—with 3-year-old 53-foot dry vans now trading for under $20,000—and the high volume of repossessions dominating used equipment sales, where 158 out of 162 units sold by Ritchie Bros. in Q3 2025 were repossessions. This contraction is bleeding into the tech sector, as evidenced by the Chapter 11 filing of VC-backed freight tech startup Zuum, which listed assets and liabilities between $10 million and $50 million. Importantly, 19 of Zuum's top 20 unsecured creditors are freight brokers, revealing how interconnected the ecosystem is and exposing brokers to significant financial risk from failed tech platforms. Amidst the contraction, the future driver talent pipeline is seeing massive investment, including a 4.9 million earmark secured by Senator Thom Tillis for Southeastern Community College in North Carolina to aggressively expand its truck driver training program. Furthermore, a significant bureaucratic roadblock was temporarily removed when the DC Court of Appeals issued a temporary stay on the FMCSA's non-domiciled CDL rule, halting restrictions while the court reviews a lawsuit against the regulation. We also cover major international policy shifts, including the U.S. Trade Representative suspending Section 301 port fees on China-built cargo ships for one year, a reciprocal move that temporarily eases global trade tensions. Finally, we discuss the sobering update in air cargo capacity, where the FAA temporarily grounded all MD-11 freighters for inspection following a tragic UPS crash in Louisville, impacting major carriers like UPS and FedEx globally. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The October Logistics Managers' Index data, detailed in the article October LMI shows price increases outpacing capacity growth, shows transportation utilization (57.3) and pricing (61.7) surged, reversing the prior negative freight inversion. This tight market prediction is worsened by the immediate air cargo capacity shock stemming from the UPS MD-11 crash on November 5th, a tragedy covered in LATEST: Death toll in UPS cargo jet crash rises to 7. This incident led to seven confirmed fatalities and resulted in the indefinite closure of the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport and the complete halt of UPS Worldport operations. Regulatory pressure is further squeezing the driver pool through the FMCSA's new non-domiciled CDL rule, which prevents Ukrainian war refugees from renewing legally obtained licenses, a complex issue explored in CDL overhaul tailspins Ukrainian truckers. Meanwhile, labor friction is mounting as the Teamsters union accuses UPS of violating its contract by diverting delivery work to non-union gig drivers at subsidiaries like Roadie and Happy Returns, a conflict covered in Teamsters union to press UPS over Roadie use of gig drivers. Shifting focus to corporate performance, Uber Freight revenue flat in Q3 as company posts strong delivery gains reports the freight unit's Q3 revenue remained flat at $1.31 billion and incurred a loss, even as Uber's overall mobility and delivery divisions saw strong growth and record adjusted EBITDA. Conversely, TFI CEO Alain Bedard anticipates a weak fourth quarter, yet offers a strongly positive long-term outlook, particularly for 2026, due to operational improvements in LTL and potential infrastructure impacts, as detailed in TFI's Bedard sees a stronger 2026 after a weak 4Q. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The October Logistics Managers' Index data, detailed in the article October LMI shows price increases outpacing capacity growth, shows transportation utilization (57.3) and pricing (61.7) surged, reversing the prior negative freight inversion. This tight market prediction is worsened by the immediate air cargo capacity shock stemming from the UPS MD-11 crash on November 5th, a tragedy covered in LATEST: Death toll in UPS cargo jet crash rises to 7. This incident led to seven confirmed fatalities and resulted in the indefinite closure of the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport and the complete halt of UPS Worldport operations. Regulatory pressure is further squeezing the driver pool through the FMCSA's new non-domiciled CDL rule, which prevents Ukrainian war refugees from renewing legally obtained licenses, a complex issue explored in CDL overhaul tailspins Ukrainian truckers. Meanwhile, labor friction is mounting as the Teamsters union accuses UPS of violating its contract by diverting delivery work to non-union gig drivers at subsidiaries like Roadie and Happy Returns, a conflict covered in Teamsters union to press UPS over Roadie use of gig drivers. Shifting focus to corporate performance, Uber Freight revenue flat in Q3 as company posts strong delivery gains reports the freight unit's Q3 revenue remained flat at $1.31 billion and incurred a loss, even as Uber's overall mobility and delivery divisions saw strong growth and record adjusted EBITDA. Conversely, TFI CEO Alain Bedard anticipates a weak fourth quarter, yet offers a strongly positive long-term outlook, particularly for 2026, due to operational improvements in LTL and potential infrastructure impacts, as detailed in TFI's Bedard sees a stronger 2026 after a weak 4Q. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Leveraging Shipper Intent Data to Win More Freight", Joe Lynch and Rob Light, CEO & Co-founder at CarrierSource, discuss how their platform provides the real-time intent signals and AI tools necessary to turn passive interest into high-value revenue. About Rob Light Robert Light is the CEO and a Co-Founder of CarrierSource, the leading review website for brokers and carriers. Rob has been building CarrierSource for the past five years, and prior to that was an early employee at the software review website G2.com. At G2, Rob saw the power of customer reviews and how small businesses could leverage the voice of their customers to compete with the largest companies in the space. He's excited to bring this same opportunity to logistics and transportation. About CarrierSource CarrierSource is revolutionizing the freight industry with real-time Shipper Intent Data and AI-powered Research Agents. For the first time, brokers and carriers can see when a shipper is searching for capacity, viewing competitor profiles, or interacting with their own listing. These signals empower teams to engage high-intent prospects at exactly the right moment, turning passive interest into closed business. With Research Agents, teams can go from shipper intent signal to context to outreach in minutes, bridging the gap between intent and action. CarrierSource is built on top of the first truly two-sided review marketplace. Brokers and carriers can review each other, and shippers can find freight partners through verified reviews, FMCSA safety and insurance data, and detailed company profiles. With over 75,000 reviews across 40,000+ brokers and carriers, CarrierSource is where reputations are built. It's now also where intent turns into revenue. Key Takeaways: Leveraging Shipper Intent Data to Win More Freight Leveraging Shipper Intent Data to Win More Freight", Joe Lynch and Rob Light, CEO & Co-founder at CarrierSource, discuss how their platform provides the real-time intent signals and AI tools necessary to turn passive interest into high-value revenue. Real-Time Shipper Intent is the New Gold: The most critical factor in winning freight is knowing when a shipper is actively in the market. CarrierSource provides real-time signals—such as a shipper searching for capacity or viewing a competitor's profile—allowing brokers and carriers to engage prospects at the precise moment of highest intent. AI Closes the Intent-to-Action Gap: The platform utilizes AI-powered Research Agents to bridge the gap between signal and outreach. This technology ensures that teams can move from identifying an intent signal to gathering necessary context and initiating an informed outreach effort in minutes. Reputation is the Foundation for Conversion: Rob Light's experience at G2 highlights the power of customer voice. CarrierSource is built on a two-sided review marketplace with over 75,000 reviews, establishing that a verified and strong reputation is essential for converting a high-intent prospect into closed business. Democratizing the Competitive Edge: The technology empowers smaller and mid-sized brokers and carriers. By providing access to high-value intent data and leveraging the voice of their customers through reviews, they can effectively compete head-to-head with the largest companies in the logistics space. A Holistic View Wins the Business: Winning freight requires more than just knowing intent; it demands credibility. The platform integrates real-time intent data with essential compliance information, including verified reviews, FMCSA safety data, and insurance details, providing a comprehensive profile for shippers. The Shift to a Proactive Revenue Model: The industry is shifting from a reactive approach (waiting for RFPs) to a proactive one. CarrierSource enables a model where "intent turns into revenue," fundamentally changing the sales motion from passive interest tracking to immediate, targeted engagement. Leverage Reviews to Compete on Par: A core lesson from Rob's previous work is that customer reviews are a powerful tool to level the playing field. By making the voice of the customer central to the partner selection process, brokers and carriers of all sizes can use their established service reputation to secure new freight opportunities. Learn More About Leveraging Shipper Intent Data to Win More Freight Rob Light | Linkedin CarrierSource CarrierSource | Linkedin The Logistics of Logistics Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a positive review, subscribe, and share it with your friends and colleagues. The Logistics of Logistics Podcast: Google, Apple, Castbox, Spotify, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Tunein, Podbean, Owltail, Libsyn, Overcast Check out The Logistics of Logistics on Youtube
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
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
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
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