FreightCasts

Live from Chattanooga, Tennessee, hosts Craig Fuller and Julie Van de Kamp broadcast from the Future of Rail Symposium to break down the latest shifts transforming the freight and logistics industry. In this episode, Craig and Julie dive deep into the critical role of freight rail as the backbone of the American industrial economy. They discuss recent market shifts, safety technology investments, regulatory updates, and why AI-driven data center expansion and energy sector growth are creating massive opportunities for rail networks. Plus, they examine the ongoing fallout from recent legal precedents impacting freight brokers and trucking liability. Later in the episode, Zach Strickland (Head of Freight Market Intelligence) sits down with FreightWaves rail and intermodal expert Stuart Charles to dissect the latest SONAR market data. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The trucking industry just entered a new era...and "we didn't know" may no longer be enough. After the Montgomery v. Caribe decision, brokers are facing unprecedented scrutiny over how they select motor carriers. Then came another massive Texas verdict involving Home Depot and C.H. Robinson, raising new questions about broker liability, negligent selection, and whether every catastrophic truck crash is now a lawsuit waiting to happen. At the same time, freight fraud and cargo theft continue to explode, costing the industry hundreds of millions of dollars every year. Identity theft, stolen MC numbers, double brokering, cargo theft rings, and organized fraud are forcing carriers, brokers, and load boards to rethink how freight moves across America. In this episode of Brake Check, Charles Gracey sits down with TIA President & CEO Chris Burroughs, former TIA Chairman Jeff Tucker, and Truckstop General Counsel Lynsey Pickenpaugh for one of the most important conversations in trucking this year. Inside this episode: What Montgomery v. Caribe really changed The legal impact of the latest Texas nuclear verdict Is every broker now exposed to negligent selection lawsuits? Why 92% of carriers have no federal safety rating Should FMCSA define what a "safe carrier" is? The future of broker liability How modern freight fraud actually works Identity theft, stolen MC numbers, and cargo theft What Truckstop is doing to stop fraud before it starts The one mistake carriers and brokers can't afford to make Whether you're a truck driver, owner-operator, carrier, freight broker, safety director, attorney, shipper, or fleet executive, this episode explains what has changed, what hasn't, and what every transportation professional needs to understand before the next load moves. The rules are changing. The lawsuits are getting bigger. The fraudsters are getting smarter. Are you ready? Join the conversation in the comments: Should FMCSA define what makes a carrier "safe," or should the industry remain responsible for making that decision itself? #Trucking #Freight #BrokerLiability #FreightFraud #CargoTheft #Transportation #FMCSA #TruckingNews #OwnerOperator #FreightBroker #Logistics #BrakeCheck #CDL #SupplyChain #MotorCarrier #TruckingIndustry ⁠Follow the Brake Check Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Freight Waves Today, hosts Craig Fuller and Julie Van de Kamp break down one of the most transformative developments in recent logistics history: a staggering $640 million nuclear judgment involving C.H. Robinson that has sent shockwaves through the brokerage industry and freight markets. Plus, we explore how AI data center expansion is reshaping flatbed and bulk capacity, the latest trends in last-mile retail delivery, and a custom tech solution built specifically for truck drivers! Dennis McCaffrey, SVP of Enterprise Sales at RXO, drops by to share war stories from the early days of ExpressOne and XPO. He breaks down how RXO scaled into the 3rd largest freight broker, the power of managed expedite platforms, and what the next 12–18 months look like for capacity. Hackathon Winner Spotlight: RateSafe: Hackathon winner Sean Conley (VPA & Director of Business Development at Vantage Logistics) introduces RateSafe—an app built using Sonar’s API that cuts through the noise to tell drivers what not to book based on personalized operating costs and home-time expectations. Last-Mile Delivery & Retail Trends: Jake Stein, VP of Retail Growth at Burke, breaks down the shift from ultra-fast delivery to extreme reliability, multi-carrier last-mile orchestration, and the realistic timeline for drone delivery. The "Capacity Tax" & AI Data Centers: Blake Ezell, VP of Customer Success & Support at IntelliTrans, joins to challenge the market recovery narrative. Discover how hyperscale AI data center construction is quietly consuming massive amounts of flatbed and bulk capacity—creating a bidding war for specialized freight. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? with Malcolm Harris and Michael Vincent! On today’s show, we’re diving into the biggest headlines shaking up supply chains, trailer leasing traps, and a complete shift in how LTL shipper performance is measured. What we cover in this episode: Headlines: The massive $600M nuclear verdict against C.H. Robinson, a $290M cocaine bust hidden in Ecuadoran banana shipments, cartel business fronts, and the latest biweekly logistics layoff roundup. Trailer Leasing Realities: Ed Behnen (SVP of Sales at Premier Trailer Leasing) drops by the studio to talk about avoiding the "low rate" lease trap, fighting off Facebook Marketplace equipment scams, and leveraging telematics to protect your assets. Flipping the LTL Scorecard: Lance Healy (Co-Founder & CEO of FreightFAX) breaks down how FreightFAX is turning the tables by scoring shippers instead of carriers on a 900-point scale, tracking dwell times, claim rates, and "freight karma." Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor - GNOSIS FREIGHT Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This jam-packed episode of FreightWaves Today covers major industry-shaking news, featuring a massive nuclear lawsuit judgment against C.H. Robinson, key updates across intermodal rail,yard security technology, and last-mile logistics. The show opens with the fallout from a $604 million nuclear lawsuit verdict handed down in Dallas County Court against C.H. Robinson and motor carrier Lupus Superior following a fatal multi-vehicle pileup in Mississippi. Cassandra Gaines, Founder of Carrier Assure, and FreightWaves journalist John Kingston join to analyze what this landmark post-Montgomery decision means for freight brokers nationwide. Later in the show, the hosts speak with Paul Svindland (CEO of Mallory Alexander and former CEO of Celadon) about his career navigating distressed supply chain companies, before exploring yard security, booming rail earnings, and the impact of the housing slowdown on last-mile delivery. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Malcolm and Mike dive deep into the latest freight news, supply chain trends, and game-changing logistics technologies. Special guest Dr. Danielle Dean, Head of Engineering at Gather AI, joins the show to break down how physical AI and autonomous systems are transforming warehouse management. Physical AI in the Warehouse: Dr. Danielle Dean joins the show to discuss Gather AI's platform, digital twins, and how autonomous drones and vision-based forklift cameras are revolutionizing inventory tracking without replacing workers. Cracking Down on Staged Crashes: A new Senate bill proposes up to 20 years in federal prison for staging commercial truck accidents—will it actually curb fraud schemes? Pharmaceutical Tariff Talk: Examining the potential impact of proposed tariffs on generic medicines and what shifting production back to the U.S. means for supply chains. Housing Market vs. Heavy Delivery: How a cooling housing market is impacting the big-and-bulky last-mile freight market. Major Cross-Border Drug Bust: Breaking down "Project Bay"—a $139M broker-style illegal smuggling operation shut down in Canada. ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ ⁠Visit our sponsor - GNOSIS FREIGHT⁠ ⁠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, we kick things off by examining a strategic acquisition that signals a massive shift in how financial services companies are approaching the independent carrier market. Freight factoring firm BasicBlock has officially acquired TrueNorth, an AI dispatcher and free loadboard platform, dramatically expanding BasicBlock's service offerings beyond traditional financing. By integrating TrueNorth's centralized invoice tracking, fuel, insurance, compliance and load-searching tools, BasicBlock gains critical data and operational capabilities to support its broader vision of building a comprehensive financial ecosystem around trucking customers. Next, we discuss one of the largest nuclear verdicts in trucking history and the massive implications for the brokerage sector. A Dallas jury delivered a verdict of approximately six hundred four million dollars in a case stemming from a fatal March 2021 crash that killed three people, with defendants including logistics giant C.H. Robinson and carrier Lupus Superior. Legal sources say a court rejecting the FMCSA satisfactory rating as a valid defense is a major concern for the brokerage industry in the post-Montgomery legal landscape, and C.H. Robinson plans to appeal. Finally, we explore how Tesla is ramping up commercial vehicle production as part of what executives are calling the company's largest investment cycle ever. Austin-based Tesla reported second-quarter revenue of twenty-eight point two four billion dollars, up twenty-six percent year over year, while highlighting major progress on launching production of the Tesla Semi Class 8 electric truck at its Nevada manufacturing facility. The Nevada Tesla Semi factory remains on schedule, with full production expected to begin later this year as capital expenditures more than doubled to support the aggressive expansion. Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stuart Chirls joins the show to discuss whether or not intermodal’s growth rate is sustainable. ⁠Follow the Freightonomics Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the freight market finally turning a corner? On today’s episode of FreightWaves Today, Craig Fuller and Julie Van de Kamp break down a massive week of Q2 earnings, major rail updates, and supply chain headlines! We sit down with Josh Phelan, CVP of Operations at J.B. Hunt, to discuss driver constraints, cost inflation, contract vs. spot rate momentum, and why this cycle might look very different for carriers big and small. Plus, FreightWaves' own Todd Maiden breaks down Knight Swift’s massive Q2 earnings beat. And Paul Tonsager, CEO & Founder-Integrated Multi-Modal Solutions, LLC talks industry growth. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The trucking crackdown is here. The question is...will your company survive it? FMCSA has rewritten the playbook. CSA has undergone its biggest overhaul in years. English proficiency enforcement is back in force. DataQs are more important than ever. And freight fraud has exploded into one of the biggest threats facing carriers today. One bad inspection. One stolen identity. One double-brokered load. One compliance mistake. That's all it takes to turn a profitable trucking company into tomorrow's cautionary tale. In this episode of Brake Check, Charles Gracey sits down with two industry experts who have worked both sides of enforcement. Rob Carpenter, VP of Compliance at TruckSafe, shares what carriers need to know about FMCSA audits, driver qualification files, freight fraud, identity theft, double brokering, compliance, and protecting your business before criminals or regulators...show up at your door. Then John Seidl, former Wisconsin State Motor Carrier Trooper and FMCSA Investigator, explains what inspectors are really looking for during roadside inspections, how the new CSA scoring system affects carriers, how English proficiency enforcement is playing out in the real world, and how DataQ challenges can remove violations that never should have been written in the first place. In this episode: The biggest FMCSA and CSA changes every carrier needs to know What inspectors are actually looking for roadside How to survive an FMCSA audit Driver qualification file mistakes that can cost you The freight fraud scams targeting carriers today Identity theft, double brokering, and fictitious pickups explained How to protect your authority and your business How DataQs really work and when you should fight a violation The inspection mistakes that destroy CSA scores Practical compliance strategies every fleet can use today Whether you're an owner-operator, small fleet, safety director, dispatcher, broker, or trucking executive, this episode delivers practical advice you can put to work immediately. If you're serious about protecting your business, lowering risk, and staying ahead of the next enforcement wave, this is one episode you can't afford to miss. Subscribe to FreightWaves for more trucking news, carrier insights, and industry-leading conversations. ⁠Follow the Brake Check Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most carriers think their recruitment problem is a marketing problem. Post the ad. Get the calls. Fill the seat. Move on. Christian Martinez has managed over 65 owner-operators at Voyager Nation out of Mulberry, Florida — and he'll tell you straight up that recruitment is the easy part. The hard part is everything that comes after somebody signs on. He started at the bottom. Loading trucks. Warehouse operations. Port logistics. Last-mile delivery. Recruiting. Fleet acquisitions. He worked his way through nearly every level of this industry before landing in operations management — which means when he talks about why owner-operators leave, he's not guessing. He's watched it happen from every angle. The trucking industry spends millions trying to find drivers. It spends almost nothing figuring out why they leave. And most small carriers running two, three, five trucks are making the same mistakes the big fleets made twenty years ago — just on a smaller budget with less room to absorb the damage. This episode is about what actually keeps an independent contractor running your freight. Not the sign-on bonus. Not the percentage. The things that determine whether an owner-operator calls you a partner or a problem — and what that decision costs you either way. Follow The Long Haul Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we kick things off by examining a major milestone in the autonomous trucking race as Pittsburgh-based Aurora Innovation ⁠launched its second-generation driverless hardware across ten commercial freight routes⁠ in the U.S. Sun Belt. Unlike its first-generation trucks, the new fleet is built to run with no passive observer at all, erasing what one Morgan Stanley analyst called "one of the last remaining asterisks around the technology." Engineered for a one-million-mile operating life and designed for volume production rather than pilot-scale trials, Aurora is leaning heavily on manufacturing partner Roush, which is targeting an annual production run-rate of one thousand trucks by year-end. Meanwhile, the nation's largest truckload carrier is declaring that a structural recovery is finally here. Knight-Swift Transportation ⁠reported second-quarter adjusted earnings per share of sixty-three cents, smashing consensus by twelve cents⁠ and coming in twenty-eight cents higher year-over-year. CEO Adam Miller credited aggressive regulatory enforcement by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Department of Transportation for forcing out non-compliant capacity and creating what the company called a "rapid progression in truckload market conditions." Contract rates climbed throughout the quarter, with revenue per loaded mile accelerating from low-single digits in April to eight percent in June, while Knight-Swift's tender rejection rate was twice the industry average. Finally, over on the rails, CSX is riding a powerful volume rebound to beat Wall Street expectations. The Jacksonville-based Class I railroad ⁠reported second-quarter revenue of three point nine four billion dollars, up ten point one percent year-over-year⁠, while earnings per share came in at fifty-four cents, beating analyst consensus estimates by four point two percent. Carload volumes improved by six point one percent, a dramatic swing from just zero point one percent growth a year ago, with intermodal traffic surging across CSX's eastern U.S. network. Free cash flow swung dramatically from negative one hundred fifteen million dollars in the second quarter of twenty twenty-five to positive six hundred eighty-seven million dollars this quarter. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of FreightWaves Today covers key developments across logistics, freight technology, and the industrial economy: Key Episode Highlights & Topics Industry News & AI Breakthroughs: The hosts review major headlines, including JB Hunt's partnership with startup Overroot to deploy AI-led freight execution platform agents across millions of loads. They also examine Forward Air's nonbinding agreement to retain 50% to 75% of a crucial $250 million account (believed to be NVIDIA) that was at risk due to customer diversification, alongside MARAD's agreement with the Port of Long Beach to test small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs). Modal Shifts & Bulk Logistics with Circle Logistics: Nicholas Schipe, Director of Premium Transportation at Circle Logistics, discusses automotive expedited shipping, intermodal conversions, and chemical/liquid bulk freight. He highlights how supply disruptions, port downtimes, and domestic energy production trends (like wastewater and transformer oils) drive modal shifts between rail and truckload. AI and Automation in Warehousing: Andre Luecht, Global Strategy Lead for Transport & Logistics at Zebra Technologies, details how "physical AI," mobile devices, and environmental sensors (e.g., tracking temperature, shock, and ripening gases) empower frontline warehouse workers. He explains how smart assistants give frontline workers instant access to tribal knowledge and standard operating procedures. AAR Rail Data Analysis: The hosts break down the latest Association of American Railroads (AAR) weekly report, pointing to overall volume growth (up 3.4% total traffic, 3.8% intermodal) as a strong indicator of industrial momentum. They contrast solid U.S. demand with declines in Canadian auto parts and commodities tied to trade policy uncertainties. Class 8 Truck Orders & Used Market Dynamics: Chris Ciolino (Industrials Analyst from Bloomberg Intelligence) shares insights on strong Class 8 truck orders and dealer sentiment. He notes that while order backlogs are full through early 2027, much of the volume represents replacement demand ahead of EPA 2027 regulations rather than aggressive fleet expansion, due in part to driver shortages, engine pricing, and tariff impacts. Earnings & Financial Trends with Triumph: Aaron Graft, CEO and Founder of Triumph, breaks down their spectacular Q2 earnings. He reports a 26% increase in average invoice size in their factoring business and highlights why this tight, supply-driven freight market feels structural rather than short-lived. He also discusses operational efficiencies, their 65% market touch in brokered freight, and the rapid 49% growth of their LoadPay digital wallet product. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Malcolm Harris and co-host Michael Vincent kick off a packed Wednesday edition of the "fastest forty-five minutes of freight". The hosts open with lighthearted banter comparing the intense summer heat and humidity in Chattanooga versus Texas before diving into current news, industry headlines, and deep-dive discussions with two featured guests. Industry Headlines CDL Safety Blitz Crackdowns: The hosts discuss recent multi-state commercial vehicle inspection blitzes (in states like Arizona and Nebraska) that placed dozens of trucks and drivers out of service. Michael argues that despite these enforcement drives, statistical data shows commercial drivers remain among the safest demographics on the road, questioning the underlying motivations behind the blitzes. In Memoriam – Alan Adler: The hosts pay tribute to award-winning journalist Alan Adler, who passed away. They reflect on his legacy as a pioneer in freight media, creator of the Truck Tech newsletter, and a dedicated humanitarian. Featured Guests Dave Rimkus | Head of Global Supply Chain Decarbonization, Schneider Electric (SE Advisory Services) Supply Chain Decarbonization & Scope 1–3: Dave discusses how large multinational companies are working to decarbonize. He notes that 80–95% of a company’s emissions typically lie outside its "four walls" within upstream suppliers and logistics (Scope 3). Addressing Choke Points & Risk: Using AI tools like "Sarah" (Resource Advisor), Dave's team tracks environmental choke points, energy grid instability, and supply chain dependencies to build resilience and avoid costly disruptions. Practical Efficiency: Dave highlights how simple efficiency steps—such as route optimization, reducing deadhead miles, truck aerodynamics, and preventative maintenance—offer immediate cost savings and carbon reductions without requiring massive new expenditures. Phil Brink | Head of Fraud Media, FreightWaves Rising Cargo Theft & Fraud: Phil details the growing sophistication of organized crime in supply chains. Bad actors no longer rely solely on dockworker tips; they use AI, stolen identities, fictitious paperwork, and fraudulent carrier profiles to steal high-value loads. Human-Level Vetting & Collaboration: Phil argues for stronger human-level carrier verification (DMV-backed ID checks, biometric links, and GPS tracking) rather than relying on surface-level documentation. He emphasizes the urgent need for better collaboration and shared tech standards between brokers and shippers to catch fraud before trucks are loaded. ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ ⁠Visit our sponsor - GNOSIS FREIGHT⁠ ⁠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, we kick things off by examining a major AI breakthrough that could fundamentally transform freight execution across North America. J.B. Hunt Transport Services has partnered with a startup to publicly launch an AI-led freight execution platform following a year-long co-design process. The platform leverages AI agents to automate shipment coordination, reading live data, detecting exceptions, and managing customer communications while working within carriers' existing systems. Overroute's technology is now deployed across J.B. Hunt's business units, with AI agents working behind the scenes on millions of loads. Meanwhile, Forward Air just pulled off a critical rescue of a massive customer relationship that nearly sank the entire company. The logistics provider secured a deal to keep at least half of a $250 million account that had threatened to pull all of its business back in May. Forward's shares had plummeted over forty percent following the warning that it might lose a customer responsible for ten percent of its annual revenue, and the potential loss also foiled its plan to sell the company. Shares of Forward Air surged nineteen percent in early trading following Tuesday's announcement. Finally, we explore how the nation's busiest container port is about to become the testing ground for nuclear-powered maritime operations. The U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration will sign the first-ever agreement with the Port of Long Beach to test small modular reactors for commercial vessels and other potential port uses. Separately, Bluecore Energy, a startup headquartered at the Port of Long Beach, announced it has raised ten million dollars to develop floating, barge-mounted reactors to power ports and eventually cargo ships. Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rates are finally climbing... so why are trucking companies still struggling to make money? ATRI just revealed the highest operating cost in trucking history: $2.336 per mile. Diesel is pushing $5 a gallon AND SOME ARE WORRIED MAY HIT $6. Insurance keeps climbing. Maintenance isn't getting cheaper. So where is the money actually going? In this episode of Brake Check, we expose the hidden costs draining carrier profits and separate the technology that's delivering real ROI from the expensive hype that's emptying wallets. First, FreightWaves Enterprise Trucking Analyst Thomas Wasson joins us fresh off the Supply Chain AI Symposium to break down the freight market, exploding operating costs, AI, and the tools that can actually make carriers more profitable. Then, FOX Business contributor and energy expert Phil Flynn explains what's really driving diesel prices, whether another fuel spike is coming, and how smart fleets can stay ahead instead of getting blindsided at the pump. If you own trucks, manage a fleet, dispatch freight, or simply want to know where the trucking economy is headed next...This is the episode you can't afford to miss. Topics covered: Why trucking costs hit a record $2.336 per mile Where carrier profits are really disappearing AI that saves money—and AI that's just hype Freight rates vs. operating costs Diesel price forecasts and fuel strategy What small fleets need to survive the rest of 2026 Brake Check. No fluff. Just the truth that moves trucking ⁠Follow the Brake Check Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bryan Tyson has spent the last 18 years building brokerage operations, mentoring thousands of freight brokers, and leading teams responsible for tens of thousands of shipments. In this episode of FreightWaves Fraud Watch, we discuss how freight fraud has evolved, why technology alone isn't enough to stop it, and the mindset that separates transportation professionals who consistently protect freight from those who become victims. Bryan shares lessons from nearly two decades in the industry, explains why "trust but verify" has become essential, and offers practical insights for brokers, carriers, and shippers navigating today's rapidly changing fraud landscape. If you move freight, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we kick things off by examining a massive escalation in the U.S.-Canada trade fight as President Trump announced sweeping fifty percent tariffs on roughly twenty billion dollars worth of Canadian imports scheduled to take effect in thirty days. Using an obscure authority from the Tariff Act of 1930, the new duties will apply even to goods that qualify under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, prompting Ontario's premier to demand reciprocal measures if the tariffs take effect. Next, we explore a high-stakes legal battle heading for oral arguments this fall as federal agencies prepare to defend the FMCSA's controversial restrictions on non-domiciled commercial driver's licenses in the D.C. Court of Appeals on September 15. Petitioners argue the February rule will render ineligible ninety-seven percent of noncitizens who currently hold a CDL, broadly prohibiting asylum seekers, refugees, and DACA recipients from obtaining licenses even though they are legally authorized to work in the United States. Finally, we cover a new threat to a critical shipping corridor as Houthi rebels in Yemen declared a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia at the Bab al-Mandab Strait at the southern end of the Red Sea. This escalation comes just as major container carriers had recently announced a return of scheduled services to the key route connecting Asia with Europe and North America, raising the risk of wider disruption in a region that is strategically vital for global energy exports and maritime traffic. Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this action-packed episode of FreightWaves Today, hosts Julie Van de Kamp and Malcolm Harris break down the biggest stories impacting global supply chains, cross-border commerce, and freight fraud.From escalating military conflict in the Strait of Hormuz to billion-dollar federal fraud busts and deep dives into freight market economic trends, we've got you covered! The Strait of Hormuz & Legal Liability Nitsana Darshan-Leitner (Founder & President, Shurat HaDin / Israeli Law Center) joins the show for a discussion on Iranian missile strikes on oil tankers, legal recourse for shipowners, international sanctions, and military blockades. Verified: $1B Cargo Theft Ring & CDL Fraud Crackdown Philip Brink (Head of Fraud, Media, and Education at FreightWaves) unpacks the FBI’s $1B international cargo theft network, the DHS/DOT crackdown on 75 fraudulent CDL training schools, and Indiana State Police interdictions. Freight Economy Data & AI Infrastructure Bubble? Dr. Jason Miller (Supply Chain Professor, Michigan State University) on why AI data center buildouts are driving electrical/steel freight, whether an AI CapEx bubble is forming, and capacity forecasts through 2027. Digital Broker Liability & Carrier Vetting in Court Cassandra Gaines (Founder & CEO, Carrier Assurer) breaks down how broker technology and unmanaged data can be used in court, mitigating nuclear lawsuits, double-brokering traps, and shipper liability at the guard shack. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The boys are back in the building! Join Malcolm Harris and Michael Vincent as they dive into the latest industry news, headlines, and expert insights on this edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? In This Episode 5 Minutes in Freight (Headlines): A major $2.1M cocaine bust involving tractor-trailers in Florida. ArcBest restructuring and 2% workforce/terminal door consolidation. Military CDL skill waivers and veterans in trucking. DHS and DOT investigating 75 CDL training schools for suspected fraud. Special Guests Tarek Alaruri – Co-Founder & CEO of StuutTariq drops by to break down how AI and automation are transforming accounts receivable (AR) in logistics. From his background in wrestling to running tech that reduces overdue invoices by up to 40%, Tarek shares how Stuut is helping brokers and carriers get paid faster and streamline their operations. John Scott – Operations Manager at Atlanta Container and TrailerCalling in all the way from Turks and Caicos, John joins the show to discuss the growing demand for storage space in supply chain operations. He breaks down how flexible, month-to-month trailer and container rentals help businesses stay adaptable across different verticals—from construction to retail ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ ⁠Visit our sponsor - GNOSIS FREIGHT⁠ ⁠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 #WithSONAR! In this episode, we're exploring Granular Flatbed Market Intelligence, one of SONAR's newest enhancements that gives you market-level visibility into flatbed demand and capacity across 86 freight markets. Save this to your 'My Dashboards' here: https://sonar.surf/sharepage/d07a6fcc-f382-40b3-a768-5bb7e07fa0d0 In this episode, we'll cover: 📈 Market-level flatbed volume across 86 markets 🚛 Flatbed tender rejection trends by market 🗺️ Interactive treemaps and heat maps to quickly identify demand hotspots 📊 How to identify markets with tightening capacity before rates move 💰 Combining flatbed market intelligence with SONAR's lane-level spot rates 🎯 Using these insights to improve pricing, routing, and market targeting decisions These datasets are available in both Chart and Map views, as well as within your custom dashboards, giving you a powerful way to visualize and act on market changes in real time. 📩 Have questions? Reach out to [email protected] or your Account Manager. 💡 Subscribe for more quick SONAR insights! #freight #freighttech #gosonar #sonar #softwareasaservice #logistics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we kick things off by examining a massive milestone for North American cross-border commerce as ⁠Mexico remained the United States' largest overall trading partner in May⁠, recording $87.23 billion in two-way trade. Trade between the U.S. and Mexico surged 17.06% year-over-year, fueled by $33.05 billion in U.S. exports and $54.18 billion in imports, with the port of entry in Laredo, Texas, remaining the nation's busiest international trade gateway. Next, we shift over to the air cargo sector where United Airlines is riding a massive wave of disruption-driven pricing power straight to the bank. The carrier's ⁠cargo revenue surged 22.6% to $527 million in the second quarter⁠ as it benefited from a sharp rise in air cargo rates related to disruptions from the Iran war and the strongest volumes since the Covid-fueled boom in 2020. Higher yields were the main contributor, with global shipping space on aircraft falling more than 12% in the Middle East due to ongoing war risks. Finally, we explore a major bet on American shipbuilding coming to the Texas coast as autonomous maritime technology company ⁠Saronic selected the Port of Brownsville for Port Alpha, a planned $3 billion-plus next-generation shipyard⁠ that will dramatically expand U.S. shipbuilding capacity while creating up to 10,000 jobs in South Texas. The software-defined facility will focus on building autonomous maritime vessels for commercial and defense applications, initially occupying 835 acres with room to expand to nearly 4,400 acres. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another jam-packed episode of FreightWaves Today! In today's broadcast, we break down the latest shifting dynamics across the logistics, freight, and supply chain industries. From major LTL restructuring news and federal crackdowns on CDL fraud to exclusive expert insights on AI and global geopolitics, we’ve got everything you need to stay ahead of the curve.We dive deep into ArcBest’s massive rebranding and workforce optimization, look at why the mid-July "summer doldrums" aren't as weak as they seem, and discuss the future of purpose-built, sovereign AI models in logistics. Finally, in our Freight Expectations segment, we debate the real economic impact of the ongoing conflict in the Strait of Hormuz and break down the unprecedented $1.5 trillion U.S. defense budget.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to never miss an update on the freight economy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to another highly anticipated episode of Freight Expectations! This week, Craig and Matt dive deep into the massive, real-time shifts hitting global supply chains, trade policies, and military spending. First, they break down the unfolding aftermath of the IEEPA (International Economic Emergency Powers Act) tariffs. With billions of dollars already refunded to importers, the hosts debate what this means for the American economy—and whether everyday consumers will ever see a dime of that money back. Craig shares a personal story of dealing with international shipping tariffs firsthand, while Matt explains how to navigate the government’s new refund portal before the window closes. Later in the episode, the conversation shifts to the high-stakes geopolitics of the Strait of Hormuz and the ongoing conflict with Iran. Matt and Craig engage in a fiery debate over the true health of the US consumer. Is energy volatility about to sap consumer demand, or is the US economy uniquely positioned as a global energy powerhouse to treat this disruption as an industrial stimulant? Finally, they unpack the staggering new $1.5 trillion US defense budget proposal, the rising threat of asymmetric drone warfare, why the military is spinning up a brand-new anti-drone branch, and what the US must do to ensure its manufacturing supply chain is ready for future global adversaries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to another hilarious, high-energy Friday edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? In this episode, hosts Malcolm Harris and Michael Vincent break down the wild world of logistics, cover the craziest headlines making waves in the freight industry, and dive deep into major changes hitting cross-border and summer highway infrastructure. In This Episode: The $1 Billion Cargo Theft Ring: We look into the shocking extradition of a Texas man from Qatar facing massive federal conspiracy charges linked to a massive five-year criminal empire. The Counterfeit Postage Scheme: How an operation involving fraudulent labels led to tens of millions of parcels being shipped from China and a $150M revenue loss for the USPS. Wildfires & Air Quality: How poor AQI across major hubs like Chicago affects the industry. Logo Contest Alert! Enter the "Chubby Face Logistics" logo contest for a chance to win $1,500. Submissions close tomorrow at 12 PM Eastern! Send entries to [email protected]. Special Guests:• Omar Kari – CEO of Logicbroker Omar joins the show to break down the highly anticipated opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Ontario and the US. He shares vital insights on how this new artery will change dynamic routing, carrier allocation, and why companies need to digitize their systems to conquer cross-border customs before their trucks ever hit the border.• Rob Abbott – VP of Corporate Strategy at Fleetworthy Rob brings the heat (and an accidental air horn!) to talk about summer construction season, low-clearance bridges, and major traffic diversions like the massive freeway shutdown in Louisville. He explains how Fleetworthy is utilizing GPS and in-cab notifications to give drivers real-time, virtual sign alerts to prevent costly incidents, bridge strikes, and route navigation issues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former General Mills Transportation Procurement Manager Ben Peterson joins the show to discuss how the market looks from a shipper’s point of view and what strategies are available to them in easy and tough markets.  ⁠Follow the Freightonomics Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of FreightWaves Today features a comprehensive breakdown of the major industry earnings reports that shook the market, with a primary focus on JB Hunt’s impressive quarterly performance. Key discussion topics include: Earnings Analysis: Beyond JB Hunt, the hosts discuss the bullish outlook from Prologis and the tightness in industrial warehouse capacity, indicating a shift in supply chain geography toward the center of the country. M&A in Freight: Eddie Zakowski and Spencer Tenney provide expert insight into the current mergers and acquisitions landscape. They debate the challenges private equity faces when entering the asset-heavy trucking market versus the relative success found in specialized freight niches (e.g., bulk, chemical). Industry Trends: The segment covers the impact of the Montgomery decision on carrier liability, the state of the spot market, and how capacity constraints are influencing shipper behavior and carrier recruitment. Freightonomics: Zach Strickland and Ben Peterson conclude the show by analyzing the Pricing Power Index (PPI), discussing how shippers can improve their "shipper of choice" status through facility efficiency, load leveling, and improved payment strategies. Viral Coverage: The hosts touch on recent real-world disruptions, including the harrowing video of a CN Rail train crew escaping wildfires in Ontario, Canada, and the broader impact of extreme weather on air quality and logistics operations. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jerry Murphy has a felony on his record. He was a raging alcoholic — his words, not mine. Working part-time to drink full-time. He had his own motorcycle shop once and drank it into the ground, and he'll tell you straight up whose fault that was. Then he got sober. Six years now. He built a trucking company out of Circleville, Ohio from two trucks scraping by on the load board into an operation his drivers call home. And this past June, he closed on something most small carriers only talk about — he bought a trucking company that's been running for 40 years, from an owner who chose Jerry over every bigger check he could've taken, because he trusted Jerry to take care of his people. But here's what nobody watching from the outside knew. While that deal was sitting in limbo, Jerry lost his brother. And the man who had rebuilt his whole life found himself in the darkest place he'd been since he put the bottle down. Sleeping past his alarm for the first time in years. Walking away from the jiu-jitsu classes he loved to teach. Carrying something he couldn't name. He didn't drink. Not once. He didn't even think about it. Months later, he signed the papers on the biggest move of his life.This is a conversation about what rock bottom actually looks like, what it takes to climb out more than once, and why the hardest fight isn't building the business — it's believing you deserve what you built. If you're carrying something right now and telling everybody you're fine, this episode is for you. ⁠Follow The Long Haul Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's really happening inside FMCSA? In this exclusive episode of Brake Check, FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs joins us for a candid conversation about the issues shaping trucking today. No press releases. No prepared statements. Just the questions America's truckers and carriers have been asking. We discuss MOTUS....why FMCSA believed the industry needed it, the challenges during rollout, what went wrong, what's been fixed, and where the platform is headed next. We also tackle freight fraud, identity verification, randomized MC numbers, enforcement, recent high-profile commercial vehicle crashes, and what FMCSA believes the industry must do to improve safety while protecting legitimate carriers. Inside this episode: Why FMCSA built MOTUS in the first place The real story behind the rollout What FMCSA learned from early issues What's been fixed—and what's still improving How MOTUS is changing freight fraud prevention Identity verification vs. authority verification Recent truck crashes and the future of safety enforcement What truckers and carriers should expect from FMCSA moving forward Whether you're an owner-operator, fleet owner, safety director, broker, or professional driver, this conversation offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from the person leading the agency responsible for commercial motor vehicle safety in America. If you want honest conversations with the people shaping the future of trucking, subscribe to FreightWaves and never miss an episode of Brake Check. Because understanding the rules is one thing... Understanding where they're headed is another. ⁠Follow the Brake Check Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we kick things off by examining the powerful momentum shift toward the rails that's creating massive growth opportunities for the nation's largest intermodal player. J.B. Hunt Transport Services just reported a blockbuster second quarter, with intermodal volumes jumping ten percent year-over-year and significantly outpacing the broader market. Eastern intermodal volumes surged sixteen percent year-over-year, driven by conversion activity at levels the company has not seen in more than a decade, while revenue of three point five billion dollars crushed analyst expectations. Next, we explore a high-stakes legal battle in federal court where truck manufacturer Navistar defeated a sixteen point five million dollar lawsuit over delayed deliveries during the pandemic-era supply crunch. A Michigan jury sided with Navistar on Monday, rejecting breach of contract and fraud claims brought by GLS LeasCo and Central Transport, and concluding the company was not liable for damages related to the delayed delivery of one thousand one hundred International tractors ordered in twenty twenty-two. Finally, we head to the Midwest where a major Wisconsin carrier is partnering with Tesla to evaluate the electric Semi in dedicated Chicago operations. De Pere-based Paper Transport Inc., which has logged over eighty-seven million miles using compressed and renewable natural gas, is assessing the battery-electric truck in an environment where predictable routes and consistent mileage provide ideal conditions for real-world testing as Tesla ramps toward volume production this year. Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows J.B. Hunt Intermodal Surge, Navistar Wins Delivery Lawsuit, & Tesla Semi Chicago Pilot | The Morning Minute Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to a special edition of FreightWaves Today, broadcast LIVE from the Supply Chain AI Symposium in Chicago! 🚛🤖 Craig Fuller and Julie Van de Kamp co-host this special live edition from one of the premier gatherings of logistics, transportation, and artificial intelligence leaders. Together, they welcome some of the industry's top innovators to separate AI hype from reality and explore how artificial intelligence is already reshaping freight, transportation, and supply chain operations. Featuring conversations with executives from across the logistics ecosystem, this episode dives into where AI is creating measurable ROI today, where companies are still struggling, and what organizations need to do to successfully implement AI at scale. From enterprise adoption and autonomous workflows to TMS evolution, document automation, appointment scheduling, and the future of human-AI collaboration, this episode is packed with practical insights for carriers, brokers, shippers, and technology providers alike. Featured Guests Eric Rempel – Chief Innovation Officer, Redwood Val Marchevsky – Uber Freight Jett McCandless – Project44 Alyssa Norcross – Revenova Megan Orth – C.H. Robinson David Bell – CloneOps In this episode: * Is AI a bubble—or the biggest technology shift in decades? * Why AI isn't replacing logistics professionals as fast as many think * The biggest mistakes companies make when implementing AI * How to measure real ROI from AI initiatives * Why clean, connected data is still the foundation of successful AI * AI's growing impact on TMS platforms and enterprise software * The future of SaaS in an AI-driven world * How logistics companies are using AI for document processing, workflow automation, appointment scheduling, and customer service * Why change management—not technology—is often the biggest obstacle to AI success * Human-in-the-loop AI and why judgment still matters * Building AI-ready organizations and preparing employees for the future of work * What brokers, carriers, and shippers should look for when evaluating AI vendors * The next frontier of AI across freight and supply chain operations Whether you're leading digital transformation, evaluating AI vendors, building logistics software, or simply trying to understand where the industry is headed, this special live edition of FreightWaves Today delivers valuable insights from the executives putting AI to work across the global supply chain today. #FreightWaves #FreightWavesToday #SupplyChain #SupplyChainAI #ArtificialIntelligence #Logistics #FreightTech #Transportation #Trucking #Automation #EnterpriseAI #Redwood #UberFreight #Project44 #CHRobinson #CloneOps Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 10 of Fraud Watch, Phil Brink sits down with Sergeant Jeff Gordon of the Phoenix Police Department, Detective Curtis Peery of the Coconino County Sheriff's Office, and Eduardo Castillo, Global Transportation Security Manager and retired Phoenix Police detective, for a conversation about the evolution of cargo theft and freight fraud. Drawing on firsthand investigative experience, they discuss why organized criminal groups continue to target the transportation industry, how their tactics are changing, why Arizona has become a hotspot for these crimes, and what brokers, carriers, shippers, and law enforcement can do together to better protect the nation's supply chain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we kick things off with a sobering snapshot of the freight industry's ongoing financial pain. Four companies are eliminating nearly 250 jobs at logistics and distribution facilities across New Jersey, North Carolina, Illinois, and California, while ⁠nine transportation and logistics-related companies have recently sought bankruptcy protection⁠. The largest announced workforce reduction involves Fusion Transport, a New Jersey logistics provider planning to lay off seventy-nine employees at its Piscataway facility effective October first, while bankruptcy filings continue to pile up across multiple freight segments. Next, we shift over to the agricultural freight sector, where a strategic acquisition is dramatically expanding access to specialized livestock hauling services. Springfield, Missouri-based BulkLoads announced Monday that it has ⁠acquired Livestock Network, an online load board and community serving the livestock transportation industry since 2000⁠. Livestock Network members will now gain access to BulkLoads' broader ecosystem of products, including Smart Freight Funding for freight factoring, Bulk Insurance Group, BulkTMS transportation management software, and Bulk Freight Insights market intelligence. Finally, we unpack a staggering shift in driver compensation as ⁠the Truck Driver Pay Index surged by 13.5 percent in just two months⁠. Jointly calculated by AscendTMS and Superior Trucking Payroll Services, the index hit 170.04 in June, up from 150.83 in April — easily the highest two-month gain in the history of the index, which has been calculated since 2020. With a typical lag of four to six months between higher spot rates and driver pay, experts suggest more increases are likely in the coming weeks and months. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Based on the episode transcript, here's a YouTube description that highlights the biggest stories and guest interviews while optimizing for search. The global supply chain is facing another major test as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue to evolve. On today's FreightWaves Today, Craig Fuller and Joey discuss the latest developments after President Trump reverses course on a proposed transit fee and instead announces a blockade targeting Iranian trade. What does it mean for oil prices, diesel costs, ocean shipping, and the broader freight market? Joining the show: 🚛 Syd Brown, CEO of NFI * Why NFI exited the one-way truckload business * How dedicated fleets and warehousing transformed the company into a $3.8 billion logistics powerhouse * Why driver shortages are returning * The impact of freight fraud and stricter carrier enforcement * Why safety investments are becoming a competitive advantage * How shippers are responding as freight capacity tightens 🌍 Stuart Chirls, FreightWaves International Reporter * Breaking down the latest developments in the Strait of Hormuz * What a potential blockade means for global trade * Rising ocean freight rates and supply chain disruptions * Why importers are front-loading freight ahead of additional uncertainty * The growing importance of alternative shipping routes through the Middle East 🤖 Jake Dettmer, SVP of Product at Optimal Dynamics * Using AI to optimize freight acceptance before dispatch * Why maximizing revenue matters more than minimizing empty miles * Forward-looking fleet optimization strategies * The future of AI-powered trucking operations * Is AI in logistics entering a bubble—or just getting started? ⛽ John Kingston, FreightWaves Energy Expert * Weekly diesel price update * How geopolitical tensions are impacting fuel markets * What trucking companies should expect from diesel prices in the weeks ahead 🌊 Captain Rahul Khanna, Global Head of Marine Risk Consulting at Allianz Commercial * How geopolitical tensions are reshaping global maritime risk * The insurance industry's perspective on disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz * The biggest threats facing global shipping today * How shipping companies are preparing for increased security and operational risks * What cargo owners, carriers, and logistics providers should watch as global trade routes evolve * Why marine risk has become one of the most critical factors in supply chain resilience 📰 Top stories covered: * Project44 splits into two companies with the launch of LSP44 * AI-native logistics technology and the future of transportation management * Risinger Brothers driver classification lawsuit receives class-action status * Freight market conditions continue tightening * Driver recruiting challenges return as regulatory enforcement increases * Intermodal volumes continue climbing * Why shippers may soon face higher transportation costs Whether you're a carrier, broker, shipper, owner-operator, or logistics technology leader, this episode breaks down the biggest freight, supply chain, transportation, and economic stories shaping the industry today. Subscribe for daily freight market analysis, supply chain news, trucking updates, logistics technology, AI insights, and exclusive interviews from the industry's leading experts. #FreightWaves #Trucking #Logistics #SupplyChain #Freight #Diesel #OilPrices #Project44 #AI #Transportation #Shipping #TruckingNews #FreightMarket #NFI #SupplyChainAI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Artificial intelligence isn't replacing truckers. It's giving smart carriers an advantage. In this episode of Brake Check, we separate real technology from industry hype and show how AI is helping carriers make better decisions, fight freight fraud, and run more profitable businesses. First, Dale Prax from ⁠Truckstop.com⁠ and FreightValidate pulls back the curtain on the latest freight fraud schemes, identity theft, fake MC numbers, and the tools carriers can use to protect themselves before a load ever moves. Then Jacky Zhao, Senior Director of Technology Innovation at ⁠Truckstop.com⁠, introduces AVA—the freight industry's first voice-native AI carrier assistant. Learn how voice-powered AI can help owner-operators and fleets search freight, check rates, and stay productive without taking their eyes off the road. Inside this episode: How freight fraud is evolving in 2026 The biggest identity verification mistakes carriers make The newest scams targeting trucking companies How Truckstop is fighting fraud What AVA actually does—and why it's different from the AI hype How AI can help carriers work smarter without replacing drivers Where trucking technology is headed next The future belongs to carriers that adapt—not because AI is replacing truckers, but because technology is becoming a competitive advantage. If you're serious about protecting your business, staying ahead of fraud, and running a smarter operation, subscribe for more episodes of Brake Check on FreightWaves. ⁠Follow the Brake Check Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we kick things off by examining the massive strategic restructuring at project44 that splits the visibility giant into two distinct businesses. The company is separating into project44, which will serve enterprise shippers as a decision intelligence platform, and LSP44, a newly launched AI-native infrastructure business built exclusively for logistics service providers. LSP44 launches with day-one profitability and processes a staggering seven hundred six million carrier events daily across four continents. Next, we explore a significant development in the legal arena as a driver misclassification lawsuit against Illinois-based Risinger Brothers Transfer gains class action status. The drivers allege that Risinger misclassified them as independent contractors rather than employees, and that wage deductions for truck payments, insurance, fuel, and maintenance left some drivers earning below minimum wage for all hours worked under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Finally, we break down a strategic infrastructure project in the Middle East as DP World plans a new UAE port near Fujairah to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. The new container terminal would lessen dependence on the UAE's Port of Jebel Ali and route cargo through the Gulf of Oman instead. This move comes amid heightened regional tensions and President Trump's recent suggestion that the U.S. seize control of the critical chokepoint and charge vessels a toll for passage. Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another Monday edition of FreightWaves Today! Hosts Craig Fuller and Julie Van de Kamp are back in the studio to break down a massive week for the logistics and transportation sectors. As the market continues its recovery, we tackle the latest geopolitical escalations impacting global shipping routes, preview the start of Q2 earnings season with JB Hunt, and look at how artificial intelligence is transforming truck financing and historical transactional standards like EDI. Featured guests: Tobias Waldeck – Chief Revenue Officer at Daimler Truck Financial Services. Tobias gives his perspective on exiting the longest freight recession on record, normalizing truck replacement cycles, and the booming flatbed activity driven by AI data center infrastructure. Kevin Bangston – CEO of Daimler Truck Finance. Kevin discusses the shifting ecosystem of captive truck financing, navigating final EPA emissions rulings, and utilizing AI for administrative relief and analytic predictability. Mark Vitner – Chief Economist at Piedmont Crescent Capital. Mark shares insights on the strengthening manufacturing sector, GDP growth forecasts for the second half of the year, inventory replenishment cycles, and the unique challenges facing the current housing market. Christopher Versace – Chief Investment Officer & Thematic Strategist at Tematic Research. Christopher analyzes logistics stocks, hyperscaler CapEx spends, chip demand, and why structural shifts in heavy truck orders keep him bullish heading into the Q2 earnings cycle. Erik Kiser – CEO & Founder of Orderful Technologies. Fresh off a $35 million funding round with Koch Disruptive Technologies, Eric highlights how Orderful is utilizing AI models to completely disrupt and automate traditional EDI onboarding experiences. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another action-packed Monday edition of What the Truck! Hosts Malcolm Harris and Michael Vincent are back to unpack the latest supply chain news, upcoming events, and the technological revolutions hitting global logistics. In this episode, we dive deep into the unexpected places importers are actually losing money after containers hit the port, and why the yard remains one of the least digitized aspects of the supply chain in 2026. Plus, we preview the upcoming Supply Chain AI Symposium in Chicago! Featured guests: Steven Dodola – CIO and Owner of Dodola Global Logistics. Steven joins the show to break down the costly handoffs at the port, navigating demurrage and detention, and how freight forwarders are utilizing tools like Claude Code and AI to streamline operations. Jake Coppinger – CEO & Co-Founder of Yardflow by Freight Roll. Jake talks about the massive gaps in yard management digitization, the hurdles facing truck drivers, and the impending shift toward autonomous trucking. Casey Larkin – Co-Founder of Yardflow by Freight Roll. Casey dives into standardizing workflows across fragmented carrier networks, eliminating paper dependency, and building the "digital brain" required to run the automated yard networks of the future. ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ ⁠Visit our sponsor - GNOSIS FREIGHT⁠ ⁠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, we kick things off with a major escalation in the Middle East that's sending shockwaves through global energy markets and ocean shipping. Iran on Saturday attacked a feeder container ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz, setting the seven-thousand-TEU GFS Galaxy ablaze and forcing the crew to abandon ship. Iran over the weekend declared the strait closed to vessel traffic and expanded missile and drone attacks across the region, pushing Brent crude up about twelve percent, European natural gas up nearly seventy percent, and U.S. gasoline futures up roughly ten percent since late last week. Next, we explore the automotive sector where Toyota is making a massive three-point-six-billion-dollar bet on Texas manufacturing with a stunning expansion in San Antonio. The Japanese automaker is shifting production of its popular Tacoma pickup from Baja California, Mexico, to San Antonio as part of an investment that will double the size of its Texas manufacturing campus and create two thousand new jobs over the next four years. Finally, we break down how Wall Street is raising the bar for trucking carriers heading into second-quarter earnings season. Deutsche Bank analyst Richa Harnain is forecasting mainly beats across her transportation coverage, with less-than-truckload carriers leading the charge. She expects median earnings-per-share growth of fifteen percent year-over-year for the second quarter and twenty-one percent for the third quarter, marking a meaningful improvement from the three percent increase the group recorded in the first quarter. Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A $104 million nuclear verdict against Mesilla Valley Transportation has the trucking industry asking one question: Could this happen to anyone?Matt and Craig break down the landmark case, explain why jury awards continue to skyrocket, and discuss what it means for carriers, brokers, insurers, and shippers moving forward. The conversation also dives into the EPA's latest emissions rule changes, why modern diesel trucks have become so expensive to maintain, and a brand-new trailer rental scam targeting truckers through Facebook and WhatsApp. Plus, Matt and Craig discuss cargo theft, organized crime, and why legislation like CORCA continues to stall in Washington despite broad bipartisan support. ⁠Follow the Freight Expectations Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s Friday, and while the domestic spot market is hitting a bit of a post-holiday summer lull, the freight industry at large is facing massive structural, legislative, and tech shifts. In this episode of FreightWaves Today, hosts Craig Fuller and Julie Van de Kamp sit down with top industry analysts and experts to break down the biggest headlines moving the market this week. We dive deep into a jaw-dropping $104 million nuclear jury verdict against Mesilla Valley Transportation, unpack the EPA’s newly finalized 470-page NOx emissions regulations, and discuss reports that tech giant Trimble is planning to sell off its transportation division. Plus, maintenance and legal expert Matt Loeffler stops by for Freight Expectations to sound the alarm on a sophisticated new type of trailer leasing fraud emerging on social media. Featured guests: Lee Klaskow (Senior Transportation Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence): Joins us to break down Wall Street's red-hot interest in truckload and LTL stocks, why the current capacity correction feels more structural than cyclical, and what to expect from the upcoming Q2 earnings season. Bart De Muynck (Founder, Bart De Muynck LLC): Weighs in on reports that Trimble is looking to divest its transportation unit. We discuss why European software like Transporion often struggles to gain a foothold in North America, and how modern architecture and real-time AI solutions are shifting the enterprise software landscape. Matt Leffler (The Armchair Attorney): Returns for Freight Expectations to dissect the legal mechanics of the massive $104M verdict, how cross-border carriers manage equipment safety, the heavy technical/cost burden of the EPA's new diesel aftertreatment regulations, and a dangerous new asset scam hitting independent truckers. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another wild Friday edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? In this episode, hosts Malcolm Harris and Michael Vincent break down the biggest money headlines hitting the supply chain, global logistics, and over-the-road trucking sectors. From devastating nuclear verdicts to massive $11M cargo recoveries and sneaky border smuggling tactics, we dive deep into the volatile state of logistics. Plus, Noel Glasgow (VP of Sales for WEX’s OTR Business) stops by to unpack the mechanics of fuel fraud and how carriers can protect their margins against surging fuel prices. ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ ⁠Visit our sponsor - GNOSIS FREIGHT⁠ ⁠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, we kick things off by examining a strategic financial comeback landing at precisely the right moment for the intermodal sector. STG Logistics has emerged from Chapter 11 protection after slashing its funded debt by approximately ninety percent and securing one hundred fifty million dollars in fresh capital from Fortress, Fidelity and Invesco. The timing couldn't be better: intermodal is currently thirty-one percent cheaper than over-the-road truckload service, helping drive an eight percent year-over-year increase in total intermodal traffic on U.S. Class I railroads during the second quarter. Next, we explore a major wrongful death verdict sending shockwaves through the truckload sector. An El Paso jury has awarded one hundred four million dollars against Mesilla Valley Transportation and one of its drivers following a fatal crash in twenty twenty where an MVT driver and company trainer fell asleep at the wheel, causing his tractor-trailer to drift onto the shoulder and strike a parked box truck, killing co-driver Orlando Robles who was asleep in the sleeper berth. The jury awarded Robles' son twenty million dollars in compensatory damages and seven point five million dollars in punitive damages, with the overall verdict totaling one hundred four million dollars for the surviving family. Finally, we unpack a costly contractual bind forcing the U.S. Postal Service to fly mail it would rather send by truck. According to a report from the agency's Office of Inspector General, postal officials are spending more than intended because minimum volume commitments under its UPS air cargo contract prevent shifting more pieces to cheaper surface transportation. The percentage of First-Class mail traveling by air skyrocketed from two percent in October twenty twenty-four to fifty percent by March twenty twenty-five, directly contradicting the Postal Service's broader strategy to shift volume to trucking contractors and save money. Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The trucking market hit its summer peak and is showing no signs of slowing down despite a fairly stagnant/not recessive economy aside from AI driven investment. Dr. Zac Rogers discusses the latest LMI report. ⁠Follow the Freightonomics Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to FreightWaves Today! In this jam-packed episode, we break down why the freight market is showing intense resilience during a typical holiday lull and look ahead at what could be the next massive freight super cycle. From massive rail network mergers to the latest macro-economic strains shifting supply chains, we’ve got the data, the insights, and the expert perspectives you need to stay ahead of the curve. Anne Reinke, President & CEO of the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA), joins the show to discuss why domestic intermodal is booming, tackling data fragmentation via AI, and battling the disturbing rise of mid-transit cargo theft. Chris Wofford, Managing Partner of Wofford Advisors, weighs in on the return of private equity, capital deployment, asset vs. asset-light valuations, and whether structural changes are driving an industry consolidation "barbell." Zach Strickland is joined by Dr. Zach Rogers to unpack the latest Logistics Managers' Index (LMI) data. Discover the widening divide between large and small firms, inventory stocking trends, and why transportation utilization has hit its highest rate expansion in eight years. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before a truck gets shut down... Before the lawsuit... Before the six-figure insurance renewal... Before the FMCSA audit... The warning signs are almost always there. The problem? Most carriers don't see them until it's too late. On this episode of Brake Check, we tackle one of the biggest questions in trucking today: Why do 93% of carriers fail an FMCSA audit with at least one violation—and what are the safest fleets doing differently? Joining us are two experts who see trucking safety from completely different angles. Ann Wasson, Founder of Wasson Consulting Group and Certified Director of Safety, breaks down what FMCSA auditors are really looking for, the HOS and ELD mistakes carriers make every day, the compliance failures that fuel nuclear verdicts, and how to prepare before regulators ever come knocking. Then Sam Watts, Director of Safety & Loss Control at Ten Four Truck Insurance and founder of Wattsmen Diesel House, explains why safety isn't just about avoiding violations—it's about lowering insurance costs, building a culture drivers actually believe in, coaching instead of punishing, and why too many fleets mistake paperwork for protection. Inside this episode: Why only 7% of carriers pass an FMCSA audit clean The biggest compliance mistakes hiding in plain sight What FMCSA's data is already saying about your fleet HOS & ELD mistakes that trigger enforcement The truth about safety culture vs. compliance theater What insurance companies really look for before writing coverage Why some fleets keep paying higher premiums—and don't realize they're causing it Coaching drivers instead of chasing violations The maintenance shortcuts that become expensive roadside inspections How to protect your business before an audit, crash, or lawsuit forces you to Whether you run one truck or one thousand, this episode could save you from your next audit, your next claim, or your next insurance renewal. Subscribe for more FreightCasts, trucking news, and real talk from the front lines of the trucking industry. ⁠Follow the Brake Check Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Debon Sims — DJ — got his CDL in 2018 and bought his first semi-truck in 2019 after getting out of a lease-purchase program. What the intake form doesn't say is what came before that.DJ has been incarcerated. He knows what it feels like to have the system count you out. He also knows what it feels like to decide that the count doesn't matter. He landed an Amazon contract early on. Lost it. Spent years grinding load boards and chasing freight that barely covered his costs. And then three years ago he did something most carriers only talk about — he walked away from broker dependency and secured a direct waste-hauling contract that changed not just his revenue, but how he sees the entire business. This is a conversation about what it actually takes to build something when the world has already decided what you are. About treating trucking like a business when everybody around you is treating it like a job. About finding consistent freight in an industry that makes you earn every relationship you get. If you've ever been told you were done — by a system, by a market, by a bad decision — this episode is for you. ⁠Follow The Long Haul Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we kick things off with an exclusive look inside the massive rail merger that could reshape the U.S. economy. During the July Fourth weekend celebration in Philadelphia, FreightWaves spoke with Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena and Norfolk Southern CEO Mark George about their pending merger alongside the iconic Big Boy No. 4014 steam locomotive. As the Surface Transportation Board begins its formal review, the executives remain highly optimistic about approval despite extensive regulatory hurdles ahead. Meanwhile, a potentially groundbreaking New York City law targeting Amazon and its Direct Service Providers has gone quiet for the summer, but sources say significant changes may be brewing. The proposed Delivery Protection Act shows no action since an April public hearing as amendment season unfolds behind closed doors. The legislation would prohibit subcontracting deliveries and require all last-mile workers to be directly employed by facility operators, though backers appear open to changes including a possible joint employer structure. Finally, we explore Mexico's trucking industry as it faces a brutal driver shortage that's threatening cross-border trade and domestic freight movement. A new survey by the International Road Transport Union reveals that fourteen percent of commercial driver positions in Mexico are sitting vacant, the second highest rate among eighteen markets surveyed. With roughly ninety thousand trucks currently sitting idle due to the shortage, and that figure potentially climbing above one hundred eight thousand by 2028, the crisis poses a critical threat to manufacturers and exporters that depend on road transportation. Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Freight Racing Day! It’s Wednesday, which means we are diving deep into the massive waves of data shaping the industrial economy. From the newly released Logistics Managers Index (LMI) to record-breaking rail reports, we are breaking down everything you need to know about the current, highly robust state of the freight market. In this episode, we address major industry shifts—including the brutal California regional operating environment that led to the sudden shutdown of Mountain Valley Express. We also dive into the rising complexities of "digital secondary accidents" and how legal engineering is targeting transportation brands online. Finally, we analyze the booming numbers in the raw materials sector and head over to the Middle East for a crucial geopolitical update on the Strait of Hormuz. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices