Brake Check

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

No studio. No script. No safe answers. This episode of Brake Check wasn’t filmed in a quiet room...it went down LIVE at the Broker Carrier Summit in Kansas City… where brokers, carriers, regulators, and tech companies all showed up in the same place… and finally had to face each other. And when that happens? Things get REAL. We’re talking: The growing divide between brokers and carriers What the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is actually doing (and not doing) The truth about enforcement, training, and pay Tech companies promising solutions… but are they fixing anything? And the one thing this industry STILL refuses to admit This isn’t a panel. This isn’t PR. This is what happens when the walls come down and the conversations get uncomfortable. If you’ve ever wondered: - Why trust is completely broken in trucking- Why the same problems keep getting worse- And what it actually looks like when the industry tries to fix itself… This is the episode you don’t skip. Welcome to Brake Check Real trucking talk for real trucking people. No fluff. No spin. Just the truth. Follow the Brake Check Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows

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

Most small fleets and owner-operators won’t fail because they can’t drive… they’ll fail because they’re operating 2026 trucking with 2016 tools. In this special Brake Check episode from the Freightwaves Small Fleet & Owner-Operator Summit 2026, we expose how smart carriers are fighting back with AI, better freight strategy, faster operations, and real-world survival tactics. If your truck is moving but your money isn’t… this show is for you. On Today’s Episode: Truckstop.com breaks down their acquisition of Wize Load and what it means for carriers looking for smarter freight, better tools, and more opportunity. Hey Bubba reveals how AI can help you: Stop bleeding money on empty miles Automate paperwork, billing & check calls Stay ahead of breakdowns Recruit drivers smarter Respond to customers faster—even behind the wheel Truckpedia explains why most trucking companies use AI like Google… while smart carriers use it to increase profit, efficiency, and speed. International Towing & Recovery Museum joins us for a powerful conversation on preserving trucking history, honoring roadside heroes through the Wall of the Fallen, and supporting families through the Survivor Fund. Plus: roadside safety, distracted drivers, Move Over law failures, and why too many industry professionals never make it home. No fluff. No spin. No fake gurus. Just real trucking talk for real trucking people. Subscribe for more hard-hitting freight content, trucking news, and industry truth. Follow the Brake Check Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows #Trucking #OwnerOperator #SmallFleet #BrakeCheck #Freight #Logistics #TruckingNews #AI #Truckstop #Dispatch #CDL #BusinessGrowth

Today on Brake Check, we’re tackling one of the most talked-about and most misunderstood issues in trucking: Driver recruiting. Some say it’s never been harder. Others say the industry just hasn’t adapted. But here’s the real question… - Are we actually short on drivers… -Or are we just failing to recruit and retain, the right way? Because while companies scramble to hire, the headlines tell a different story Incidents, accountability gaps, and a system that keeps pushing drivers out faster than it brings them in. We break it all down with: Josh Mecca (Grammar Logistics) – Recruiting, retention, and building smarter supply chains Rebecca Anderson (Transland) – Talent pipeline, culture, and the future of driver hiring What drivers actually care about right now Why recruiting strategies are falling flat How retention is the real battlefield What the next generation of drivers expects (and why most carriers are missing it) And the hard truth about what happens if nothing changes Inside this episode: We also hit the headlines from a shocking bus incident to the growing questions around accountability in companies like C.H. Robinson and ask:How do you recruit drivers into a system they don’t trust? Then we close it out with a wild autonomous truck moment that proves one thing: You can bring in all the tech you want…but without drivers, and without fixing the foundation none of it works. No fluff. No spin. Just real trucking talk. Sound off in the comments: Is this a driver shortage, good job shortage … or a recruiting failure? #Trucking #DriverRecruiting #CDL #FreightWaves #BrakeCheck #Logistics #TruckDrivers #SupplyChain #DriverShortage #Recruiting Follow the Brake Check Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows

Today on Brake Check, we’re ripping the cover off one of the most controversial topics in trucking—lease purchase programs. They promise: $10,000  in 6 weeks $2,000 take-home pay A brand-new truck The American Dream Is that $2K net actually guaranteed… or just a projection? Who really controls the truck and the insurance payout? Where does the maintenance and tire money go? What happens when the truck breaks down and payments don’t stop? And is “walk away lease” really what it sounds like… or something else entirely? Reported failure rates as high as 90%+ Rising operating costs Contracts built with risk stacked on the driver But drivers are asking a different question… Why are so many walking away with nothing? We put a major carrier in the hot seat and asked the questions nobody wants to answer: We also bring in real industry data: *** Plus mystery guest appearance for the hard stop question of the day *** No fluff. No spin. Just the truth everyone needs before they sign on the dotted line. If you’re thinking about lease purchase… watch this first. Drop your experience in the comments.......good or bad. Let’s put real stories behind the numbers. #truckingexposed #leasepurchase #hurricanexpress #brakecheck #freightwaves #ooida #fightingfortruckers Follow the Brake Check Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows

Today’s Brake Check is pulling no punches. After the 60 Minutes trucking exposé where SuperEgo got super busted, we’re digging deeper into what’s really happening behind the scenes and why so many drivers and carriers are getting crushed while still running hard. This episode breaks down: The schemes and bad actors hurting the entire industry Why “doing it right” matters more than ever with the Bennett Family of Companies The REAL cost of operating a truck in today’s market, fuel, maintenance, and profit margins How smart operators stay afloat while others go broke What the team at BridgeHaul is doing to help carriers operate smarter and survive rising costs This isn’t fluff. This is the truth about trucking in 2026. If you’re a driver, owner-operator, or fleet...this is one episode you can’t afford to miss. Watch, share, and drop your thoughts in the comments....what’s REALLY breaking trucking right now? Follow the Brake Check Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows

Most truckers don’t go broke because they can’t find freight…they go broke because of one decision—and it can cost you $100,000 or more.On this episode of Brake Check, we break down the $100K mistake truckers keep making—and how to beat it.We kick things off with Purple Wave Auctions to talk about how smart operators are buying trucks the RIGHT way—without getting buried in payments or upside down before they even get rolling.Then we bring in Super Trucker Justin Martin to expose the truth behind lease purchase programs—how they work, why so many drivers fall for them, and why they can leave you stuck, stressed, and starting over. If you’re thinking about becoming an owner-operator… this is a MUST WATCH. Follow the Brake Check Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows

Is trucking safety improving… or are we just being told it is?In this episode of Brake Check, we bring two powerful perspectives together to break down what’s really happening in the industry right now.First, we sit down with Anthony Triggs to talk about safety from the front lines....what’s working, what’s failing, and what drivers and carriers need to understand in today’s evolving landscape.Then, we dive into the story behind Big Rig Nation with Patrick....covering the origin, the mission, the battle that shook things up, and the fallout that followed.In this episode: The current state of trucking safety Where enforcement and reality don’t always align The story behind Big Rig Nation and its rapid rise What really happened during the conflict and what came after What this all means for the future of trucking This isn’t surface-level conversation.It’s real talk about safety, accountability, and the voices shaping this industry.No fluff. No spin. Just the truth behind the wheel. Follow the Brake Check Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows

What happens when policy meets pavement?In this episode of Brake Check, we bring you both sides of one of the most controversial issues in trucking today.First—Jorge, a truck driver and DACA recipient, shares his story as new CDL crackdowns threaten his livelihood, his future, and everything he’s built behind the wheel.Then—we sit down with the CEO of GenLogs, a company using real-time data and intelligence tools to expose freight fraud, cargo theft, and ELD manipulation across the country.Two perspectives. One industry.We break down: The real-life impact of CDL enforcement on working drivers The rise of freight fraud and organized cargo theft Whether enforcement is fixing the problem—or missing it entirely What the future of trucking looks like if both trends continue This isn’t about picking sides. It’s about understanding what’s really happening.Because while some drivers are being pushed out…Others are gaming the system.And the question is—who’s actually being held accountable? Follow the Brake Check Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows

In this high-energy episode of Brake Check Live on FreightWavesTV, host Charles Gracey takes listeners to the heart of the trucking industry: the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) in Louisville, Kentucky. The episode captures the vibrant atmosphere of the event, where industry leaders, government officials, and drivers converge to discuss the future of American freight.Key Highlights• Federal Oversight and Safety Reform: Gracey sits down with U.S Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FMCSA Administrator Derek Bars to discuss a major “clean up” of the trucking industry. Secretary Duffy outlines a commitment to rooting out fraud, corruption, and “bad actors”.• Policy and Enforcement: The administration representatives detail new initiatives including Operation Safe Drive, which focuses on aggressive enforcement of existing rules, English proficiency requirements for drivers, and cracking down on “chameleon carriers” and fraudulent CDL schools.• The Rise of AI in Freight: Gabe from Hey Bubba discusses the shifting perception of Artificial Intelligence in trucking. He explains how AI is moving from a theoretical concept to a practical tool designed to automate mundane tasks, allowing drivers and carriers to focus on building deeper human relationships.• Streamlining Recruitment and Operations: Lickin Street from Tenstreet explores the current “bullish” market sentiment and the importance of simplifying the driver application process through their “one-stop-shop” platform and Job Store.• Technology and Feedback Loops: Todd from Truckstop.com highlights the value of “boots on the ground” feedback from drivers to refine products. He also teases upcoming AI integrations and features like Load Boost to help brokers and carriers connect more efficiently.The Vision for the FutureThe episode concludes with a passionate address from Secretary Duffy, who emphasizes that the current administration is moving at a “different pace” to prioritize safety and ensure that trucking remains a prestigious and viable way for Americans to support their families.Whether discussing the “shoveling of microphones” on the trade show floor or the complexities of federal law, this episode provides a comprehensive look at an industry in the midst of a significant technological and regulatory transformation. Follow the Brake Check Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows

Host Charles Gracey takes Brake Check on the road to Louisville for an exclusive look inside "Mercertown"—the sprawling, multi-block downtown headquarters of Mercer Transportation. In this episode, we explore the recipe for success that has sustained the company for nearly 50 years by focusing on the people behind the trucks. Follow the Brake Check Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows

ICE agents are now showing up in major U.S. airports… and it’s raising serious questions across the transportation industry as it should...could we be next.Reports confirm that ICE and federal agents have been deployed to multiple airports nationwide amid staffing shortages and growing security concerns. But this isn’t just about airports…It’s about what comes next, and could it work.On today’s episode of Brake Check, we break down two major issues shaping the future of trucking:First, Matthew Leffler dives into the bigger question: With ICE activity increasing in transportation hubs like airports… could trucking be next? What does that mean for carriers, hiring practices, compliance, and legal exposure?Then, Danielle Spinelli joins us to talk fraud and “gen logs”—how bad actors are manipulating compliance systems and putting the entire supply chain at risk. Topics Covered: ICE presence in U.S. airports and what’s driving it Fraud and manipulated logs in trucking Legal risks tied to enforcement and compliance Immigration policy and its potential impact on trucking What drivers, carriers, and fleets need to be ready for This isn’t speculation. This is where transportation, policy, and enforcement collide in real time.The question is simple… if it’s happening in airports today… what happens tomorrow in effort to protect the highways? Follow the Brake Check Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows

This isn’t just another trucking story.This is what happens when a broken system finally meets real consequences.On this episode of Brake Check, we take a hard look at Dalilah’s Law — a piece of legislation born out of a devastating tragedy involving a non-domiciled CDL driver that forever changed a young girl’s life and a family’s future.This conversation goes beyond headlines.We’re joined by Bryce Mongeon of OOIDA, breaking down why one of trucking’s most respected advocacy groups is supporting this bill and what it actually means for drivers, carriers, and enforcement moving forward.Then we hear directly from Marcus Coleman, Dalilah’s father ... a voice no one in this industry should ignore. This is not policy theory. This is real life. Real consequences. Real accountability.We dig into:The failures in the current CDL and enforcement systemHow non-domiciled licensing is being exploitedWhat Dalilah’s Law aims to fix and where it may fall shortWhy this moment could reshape compliance, safety, and accountability in truckingThis episode is about more than regulation.It’s about responsibility.The question is simple:Do we fix the system now… or wait for the next tragedy?This is Brake Check.No fluff. No filters. Just the truth.#fmcsa #usdot #dot #laws #trucking #truckingnews #nondomiciled  #cdl

Is the trucking industry fixing its problems… or just covering them up? In this episode of Brake Check, we dig into the real issues shaping the future of trucking in 2026  and what they mean for drivers, carriers, and the entire supply chain.Joining us today: David Owen (NASTC) Kendra Cimmino (InformData) Christina Tattory (InformData) We break down three critical conversations happening right now across the industry: CDL Reform & Driver Pipeline Are we lowering the bar to move freight faster? Or building a stronger, safer next generation of drivers? Compliance Pressure on Small Carriers New regulations and enforcement are stacking up but are smaller fleets being pushed out while larger players adapt? The Shift to Continuous Driver Monitoring From MVR delays to hidden violations, we expose the visibility gaps that fleets can’t afford to ignore and how real-time data is changing risk management. This is not surface-level trucking talk. This is the reality behind the policies, the data, and the decisions shaping the road ahead. If you’re a driver, fleet owner, recruiter, or industry leader ... this is a conversation you need to hear. Subscribe for more real, unfiltered trucking conversations: FreightWaves & Brake Check Drop your thoughts in the comments: Are we improving safety… or just creating more risk? #Trucking #CDL #Freight #Logistics #SupplyChain #OwnerOperator #FleetManagement #Transportation #BrakeCheck #FreightWaves Follow the Brake Check Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows

Is the trucking industry being pushed to the brink?On this episode of Brake Check, we dive straight into the issues drivers, carriers, and industry leaders are talking about but rarely hear addressed without filters.First, Gord Magill joins the show to break down the degradation of trucking as we know it and what he exposes in his new book about how the industry has evolved ...and not always for the better. From regulatory shifts to structural changes in the business of freight, we examine whether the foundations of trucking are quietly eroding.Then Shannon Everett of American Truckers United climbs into the cab to talk about something drivers across the country are watching closely: Delilah’s Law. We dig into what the legislation aims to accomplish, who is supporting it, who is opposing it, and what it could mean for the future of drivers in America. When policy, politics, and profit collide, who actually pays the price?Finally, Paul Gibson joins the conversation to bring it back to the people behind the wheel. While analysts and economists debate the freight cycle, drivers are living the reality every day. We talk about how drivers are feeling right now, what they’re seeing in settlements, and where the industry may be failing the very people who keep freight moving.This episode connects the dots between policy, freight economics, and the real-world impact on drivers and carriers. If you care about the future of trucking, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Guests in this episode Gord Magill – Author and trucking industry analystShannon Everett – American Truckers UnitedPaul Gibson – Broker-Carrier Summit/ Host of the Freight BreakTopics Covered • The changing structure of the trucking industry• Delilah’s Law and trucking policy debates• Freight market swings and driver sentiment• The impact of politics and regulation on truckers• What carriers and the industry may be missingSubscribe for more conversations about trucking, freight markets, regulations, and the future of the industry. Follow the Brake Check Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows

Today on Brake Check, we take a break from the headlines and dive into something just as important .... the culture of trucking.Truck shows have long been the heartbeat of the industry. They’re where drivers bring pride in their rigs, companies reconnect with the people behind the wheel, and the trucking community comes together to celebrate the profession.Joining the show today:Toby Young — Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) The largest trucking event in North America and the gathering place for the entire industry.Tony Justice — Country music artist, trucker and founder of Large Cars & Guitars One of the fastest-growing truck shows in the country celebrating trucks, music and community.Evan Steger — Bennett Family of Companies Leader behind the Stars, Stripes & White Lines truck show honoring drivers and trucking heritage.We talk about:• The history of American truck shows • Why trucking culture still matters • Why companies should support these events • How truck shows help preserve the pride of the profession • What the future of trucking culture looks likeBecause trucking isn’t just freight and logistics.It’s community. It’s pride. And it’s a culture worth protecting. Follow the Brake Check Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows

The trucking industry is facing pressure from every direction .... the courtroom, the criminal underworld, and regulators.In this episode we break down a major U.S. Supreme Court case that could redefine broker liability and determine whether freight brokers can be sued for negligent carrier selection after crashes.If the Court expands liability, it could reshape how freight is matched, how carriers are vetted, and how insurance markets price risk across the industry.We also dive deep into the growing crisis of freight fraud and cargo theft, speaking with investigative journalist Phillip Brink, the new head of Fraud Media & Education at FreightWaves and CEO of The Bannon Report. Brink exposes how organized crime rings are infiltrating the freight marketplace and how scammers are impersonating legitimate carriers to steal high-value loads.Plus, Dale Prax of FreightValidate and Truckstop.com joins the show to discuss regulatory compliance issues including UCR enforcement, the implications of the Supreme Court case, and what carriers and brokers should be doing right now to protect themselves.Topics include:• The Supreme Court case that could change broker liability• Negligent carrier selection and the future of freight brokerage• How cargo theft rings are professionalizing their operations• The rise of freight fraud and identity theft in trucking• Compliance issues every carrier should understand• What the industry must do to restore trust in the freight marketplaceTrucking is changing fast  and the consequences are reaching the highest court in the country.This is Brake Check, the industry wake-up call. Follow the Brake Check Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows

Today on Brake Check Live (3/3/26), we tackle two forces reshaping trucking from the inside out: artificial intelligence and driver recruiting.First up, Tapan joins us to introduce Hey Bubba, the AI-powered dispatcher aiming to fix what’s broken in traditional dispatch operations. Is AI about to replace human dispatchers? Or is it the efficiency tool carriers didn’t know they needed? We dig into what’s failing in dispatch today, what Hey Bubba is designed to solve, and what comes next.Then we shift gears with Tommy Valenzuela, Transport Topics Recruiting Professional of the Year from Hansen & Adkins. From life behind the wheel to leading recruiting efforts at a high level, Tommy shares his path, what this award truly means, and — more importantly — what’s actually working (and not working) in today’s driver recruiting environment.Dispatch. Recruiting. Technology. Accountability. The future of trucking talent.This isn’t theory. This is the operational reality carriers are living every day.Brake Check is the industry wake-up call and its here in a hard stop style today. Follow the Brake Check Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows

Brake Check LIVE in Nashville | Standing With Trucking’s Boldest VoicesBrake Check went live in Nashville at Recruit & Retain by Conversion Interactive, standing shoulder to shoulder with some of the boldest and brightest leaders shaping the future of trucking.This wasn’t about buzzwords.It wasn’t about recycled conference talking points. It was about real conversations with the people building smarter recruiting systems, stronger retention strategies, and sustainable safety cultures inside today’s fleets.Together, we tackled the questions that matter:Is trucking truly getting safer?How do we recruit without creating churn?What does meaningful retention actually look like in today’s freight cycle?How do technology, training, and leadership align to build long-term strength?This live episode brought carrier leaders, recruiting experts, and industry operators into one direct, forward-focused conversation about raising standards, improving outcomes, and protecting the people who keep freight moving.Brake Check is built to elevate the discussion — not tear it down. It’s a hard stop when needed, and a platform for progress when it counts.If you are a carrier, recruiter, executive, or decision-maker serious about improving the industry, this episode delivers insight worth your time.This is Brake Check.Carrier-focused. Driver-aware. Industry-forward.Subscribe for direct conversations with the leaders moving trucking ahead. Follow the Brake Check Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows

Brake Check Live, we break down three developments every carrier should be watching closely. FMCSA has issued mandatory directives surrounding non-domiciled CDLs ... a move designed to restore licensing integrity, but one that could reshape compliance exposure overnight. At the same time, the insurance market continues to reveal cracks in what was once considered trucking’s last failsafe. Are carriers being judged by performance ... or by association?And finally, federal authorities have launched a multi-state sting targeting sham CDL training operations. If training has been scaled without accountability, what does that mean for sustainable safety?Joining the panel: Rob Carpenter Brandon Wiseman Truck Safe ConsultingThis is not a recap of headlines. This is a drivers lived experience, carrier-focused breakdown of risk, liability, and operational consequences.Brake Check is the industry wake-up call. Follow the Brake Check Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows

Chameleon carriers.Shut down one DOT number.Open another.Same trucks. Same players. New identity.In this episode of Brake Check, we expose how some carriers are exploiting loopholes to dodge accountability  and how that behavior impacts insurance rates, broker trust, and the reputation of every honest operator on the road.We break down:• What a “chameleon carrier” really is• How DOT number resets happen• The safety and insurance consequences• Why compliant small carriers pay the price• What enforcement agencies are doing about it• How brokers and technology platforms are fighting backFeaturing conversations with:• Lewie Pugh, EVP of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association• Dan Lindsey from the Broker Carrier SummitThis isn’t about attacking small carriers.It’s about protecting honest ones.Because a new DOT number should not be a reset button.If you run clean, this conversation matters to you. #Trucking #FreightNews #DOT #CarrierCompliance #BrokerCarrier #SupplyChain #BrakeCheck Follow the Brake Check Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows

Is trucking entering a new era? In this episode of Brake Check on FreightWaves, we examine two forces shaping the future of freight workforce development and legal accountability. First, Lindsey Trent of the Next Generation in Trucking Association joins us to discuss the mission of the next generation in trucking. Are we finally fixing the pipeline? What are we getting right  and where are we still missing the mark? Then we turn to the Supreme Court ruling in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC with Shannon Everett of American Truckers United. We break down:• What the ruling actually means • Whether broker immunity is narrowing • Insurance and liability ripple effects • The impact on small carriers • Non-domiciled CDL concerns • Whether this strengthens accountability  or destabilizes freight This episode connects the next generation entering trucking with the legal framework they’re stepping into. Because when liability shifts, capital shifts. When capital shifts, freight shifts. Welcome to Brake Check. Follow the Brake Check Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows

Charles is on the floor for day 3 of Manifest. He talks to: - Fred Ligouri from Freightliner - Danielle Chaffin from Revenova - Whitney Cowell and Bobbie Kelley from Knight-Swift - Brian Lewis from Wabash - Richie Daigle from Tive - Krist Forrest from Genlogs - Jacob Brazier from Tel - Mason Cole from Slip robotics - Ben Marks from Optimal Dynamics

Host Charles Gracey takes the show on the road to Manifest in Las Vegas, the epicenter of logistics and supply chain innovation. In Part 1 of our “Live From Manifest” series, Charles hits the showroom floor to catch the pulse of the industry and sit down with the heavy hitters shaping the future of freight.In This Episode:Market Insights with Craig Fuller: The Founder and CEO of FreightWaves joins us to discuss why he is “so bullish” on the 2026 freight market. Craig breaks down high-frequency data, the return of carrier pricing power, and why he believes 2026 will be “epic” for truckers.Legal Landmines with Matthew Leffler: “The Armchair Attorney” weighs in on the critical importance of maintenance, the dangers of non-compliance in the supply chain, and whether Doctor Doom could resist the One Ring.Solving the Scheduling Struggle: Tom Curee, President of Qued, explains how they are tackling the “it sucks” reality of appointment scheduling to bring connectivity and efficiency to the dock.Industry Advocacy with Dale Prax: The freight veteran from Freight Validate and Truckstop.com dives deep into the fight against fraud, the need for better driver retention, and why the industry must band together to create the supply chain that drivers actually deserve.Whether you’re a carrier, broker, or shipper, this episode is packed with the optimism, raw data, and “common sense” solutions you need to navigate the road ahead.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss Part 2!

In this episode of Brake Check, we’re getting into what’s really going on in freight right now — and yeah, things are finally getting interesting again. Charles Gracey sits down with JP Hampstead from FreightWaves to break down why the truckload market is suddenly way more volatile than what we’ve seen the past couple years. Winter storms, rising tender rejections, tightening capacity, spot rates heating up — we explain what all of that actually means without the fluff. If you’ve been wondering whether this market shift is real or just another fake-out, this conversation puts it into plain English. We also dig into earnings and outlooks from major carriers like Old Dominion, Heartland, and CFI, talk inventory levels, tariffs, and why some shippers are trying (and failing) to lock in last year’s rates. The big question: is this finally a sustainable rebound, or are we setting up for another crash? Then we shift to the people side of trucking with Kevin Hall, CEO of CDLLife. We talk driver recruiting, why drivers are being way pickier right now, what a “quality driver” actually means, and why respect matters more than most job ads want to admit. If you recruit drivers, manage drivers, or are a driver, this part hits home. And to wrap it up, Malcolm Harris jumps in for some real talk on the current freight temperature, broker vs carrier perspectives, and why relationship-based freight might finally be making a comeback. Markets, money, drivers, relationships — it’s all in here.

This episode of Brake Check asks the question the trucking industry keeps dodging: Who actually benefits from the way this system is built, and who’s left paying the price? We kick things off with Tim Crawford, CEO of Tenstreet, breaking down the real people trends shaping trucking today. From hiring shifts and workforce pressures to what carriers and fleets need to be watching right now, Tim cuts through the noise and lays out what’s ahead in a freight market that’s anything but stable. Then we bring in Lewie Pugh, Executive Vice President of OOIDA, to tackle the growing disconnect between drivers and carriers. We dig into who benefits from that divide, what legislation is coming, and...most importantly...how drivers and small carriers can actually get involved instead of being talked over. And then we shift gears. Danielle Chaffin joins the show to expose a serious question facing the industry:  Why is the Department of Defense moving freight with non-domiciled drivers and unverified carriers and what does that mean for safety, security, and accountability? No pie charts. No PowerPoints. No sanitized narratives. This is real trucking talk with real trucking people...calling out broken systems, asking uncomfortable questions, and demanding accountability where it’s long overdue. If you care about the future of trucking, this is a conversation you can’t afford to miss. Welcome to Brake Check.