533: Navigating The Freight Downturn, with TSG Fleet

Trace Haggard of TSG Fleet talks about the freight downturn; what 2026 will bring; converting what you already own into opportunity; & building partnerships. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: [04.07] A re-introduction to Trace and TSG Fleet. [05.07] An overview of the prolonged freight recession: where it started, the factors driving it, and the impact on the industry. "During the pandemic, the smartest brains in the industry were saying: "It's ecommerce forever, now!" We were proven wrong again, and fleets took another big hit. They had to pull back, but had all this equipment. There were more trucks, trailers, and containers than there was freight to move." [09.14] Why businesses weren't prepared for just how long the freight recession has lasted. [11.54] What the freight recession has meant for TSG Fleet, and how it led Trace to look at his business in a different way to review what was and wasn't working, and pivot. "We lost track of what we were founded on." [19.28] The evolution of technology in fleet management, and what TSG's investment in maintenance and repair visibility solutions means for customers. [24.58] How TSG converted what they already own into their next big opportunity, why communication and collaboration is critical, and the importance of challenging the status quo to position for the future and identify new opportunities, without huge investments in time and money. "It all starts with constant communication with our customers, and always being willing to collaborate." [27.52] TSG's approach to creating impactful, long-lasting strategic partnerships. "The key is to talk less and listen more!" [31.25] Trace's advice for other businesses, looking at their operations in a tough landscape, for how to start identifying opportunities to pivot. "Figuring out 'how did we get here?' was the eye-opener for me." [33.33] What businesses with aging assets need to do next to keep their fleet moving, when budgets and new equipment availability are tight and replacement lead times are long. [36.30] The future for TSG Fleet, and what we can expect from the market in 2026. "There's been a huge surge in volumes in domestic freight. Usually, when the tide changes and we're on an upward swing, we see a lot more port activity and we haven't seen that yet. But that could be tariff uncertainty. I'm optimistic." RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED: Head over to TSG Fleet's website now to find out more and discover how they could help you too. You can also connect with TSG and keep up to date with the latest over on LinkedIn, or you can connect with Trace on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more from TSG Fleet, check out 431: Fleet Logistics Made Easy, with TSG Fleet. Check out our other podcasts HERE.