Talking Transports

Intermodal freight remains a vital but cyclical component of US supply chains, even as prolonged softness in trucking and rail markets pressures margins and balance sheets. In this Talking Transports podcast, STG Logistics CEO Geoff Anderman joins Bloomberg Intelligence’s Lee Klaskow to discuss the company’s proactive Chapter 11 restructuring and strategy to strengthen its financial foundation amid one of the longest freight downturns in recent history. Anderman details how STG’s asset-based intermodal fleet, drayage network and port-centric logistics footprint support resilience despite market volatility. He also addresses regulatory tightening, rail service, the proposed UP–NS merger, weather disruptions, disciplined cost control and targeted technology investments as the company prepares for an eventual freight recovery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Freight demand remains uneven, but ArcBest is betting on integration and technology to drive long-term growth. In this Talking Transports podcast, ArcBest CEO Seth Runser joins Bloomberg Intelligence’s Lee Klaskow to discuss the company’s evolution from a traditional less-than-truckload into a multibillion-dollar integrated logistics provider. Runser outlines how managed transportation is gaining traction, why dynamic pricing and AI-enabled tools are improving efficiency and how $175 million in annual tech investment supports customer retention and productivity. He also addresses supply-side tightening from regulatory enforcement, union labor dynamics and EV pilots and how ArcBest is positioning for the next freight upcycle despite economic uncertainty. Runser became CEO at the start of the year, capping a 19-year career at the company that began in its management-trainee program.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Escalating US–Israeli strikes on Iran have injected fresh volatility into global energy and shipping markets, pushing Brent crude toward $80 a barrel and sending very large crude carrier spot rates sharply higher. About 20% of global oil and 25% of LNG flows transit the Strait of Hormuz, making the region critical to global trade. In this Talking Transports podcast, Bloomberg Intelligence’s Lee Klaskow convenes BI’s defense, energy, and shipping analysts to assess how the conflict could reshape oil prices, tanker rates, container flows, and broader freight markets. The discussion explores the emerging geopolitical risk premium in oil, insurance-driven tanker disruptions, continued Red Sea diversions and second-order impacts on rail, trucking, air freight and defense contractors. The key question being whether volatility remains a risk premium or becomes a true supply shock.  See {BI IRAN<GO>} for BI’s comprehensive global research on the Iran War. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Railroad freight remains a critical but often overlooked backbone of the economy, even as uncertainty clouds capital investment decisions. Railcar orders have moderated amid tariff concerns and cautious shipper spending, yet Greenbrier’s backlog remains strong, underscoring resilient underlying demand. In this Talking Transports podcast, Greenbrier CEO Lorie Tekorius joins Bloomberg Intelligence’s Lee Klaskow to discuss the company’s strategy to balance cyclical new railcar manufacturing with expanding recurring revenue from leasing and services. Tekorius outlines margin expansion through footprint optimization, steel sourcing discipline and insourcing initiatives, while addressing tariffs, inflationary pressures, rail consolidation and the long-term opportunity to increase freight rail’s share of the transportation pie.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Supply chain technology adoption is shifting from pilots to measurable gains in productivity and margins. In this episode of the Talking Transports podcast, Bloomberg Intelligence’s Lee Klaskow shares conversations from the floor of Manifest conference in Las Vegas, where innovation — not freight volumes — dominated. Vendors spotlighted AI agents for less-than-truckload workflows, robotics for e-commerce packaging, autonomous trucking, corrugate solutions to cut waste and reverse-logistics platforms to speed up resale readiness. C.H. Robinson cited 95% automation of LTL missed pickups, while robotics firm Ultra targets a $2–$3 billion packaging automation opportunity. Last-mile startup GoFo is challenging FedEx and UPS with lower-cost DSP models, while autonomous trucking firm Bot Auto is prioritizing cost-per-mile economics before scaling.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI’s growing appetite for power is quietly reshaping freight demand, creating new opportunities for transportation providers serving the oil and gas industry and its supporting infrastructure. In this Talking Transports podcast, Pinch Transport President Thomas Massalone joins Bloomberg Intelligence’s Lee Klaskow to discuss a niche corner of the freight market: flatbed less-than-trucking serving every major oil and gas basin in the US and Canada. Unlike traditional LTL carriers such as Old Dominion or XPO, Pinch’s demand is more tied to oil prices than to the ISM manufacturing index. Massalone also provides insight into how consolidation has strengthened specialized carriers, helping mitigate inflationary pressures and combat fraud, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing the company’s brokerage and drayage businesses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Market participants and investors appear optimistic that federal initiatives can drive out slack trucking capacity and ignite a prolonged rate recovery. The Bloomberg Intelligence truckload peer group is up 18% year to date vs. a 1% gain for the broader index. In this episode of Talking Transports, USA Truck CEO and co-owner George Henry joins BI’s Lee Klaskow to examine the early signs of structural tightening in the truckload market. Henry outlines the company’s asset-heavy strategy, with a growing emphasis on dedicated freight, safety-led operations and disciplined spot exposure. The pair also discuss the opportunities that come with being a private, stand-alone company, rate expectations, technology-fueled productivity, inflation and the story behind USA Truck’s logo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Knight-Swift’s CEO Adam Miller joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst for a fireside chat at SMC3’s JumpStart 2026 Conference in Atlanta on this episode of Talking Transports podcast. Miller explains why the company is better positioned following the near-completion of its national less-than-truckload network, with scale, flexibility and diversification supporting a renewed focus on margin recovery and network density before further LTL expansion. He also shares views on the truckload cycle, potential federal supply-side support, autonomous trucking, railroad consolidation and how his mentor Kevin Knight shaped his accountability-driven leadership style.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rising “nuclear verdicts,” broker liability and landmark court cases are reshaping the economics of trucking and logistics. In this Talking Transports podcast, Matthew Leffler, managing member of Armchair Attorney, joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to unpack the legal forces affecting freight markets. Leffler explains the surge in nine-figure verdicts, the Supreme Court case that could redefine broker liability and why outdated insurance minimums are straining carriers and insurers alike. He also discusses broker transparency, tariffs and emergency powers, rail consolidation and how court decisions may influence capacity, rates and risk across the supply chain, along with the story behind his signature red jacket.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Geopolitical developments from the US, increased protectionist policies, Red Sea risks and regional wars have created a climate of unprecedented uncertainty for the global containerliner industry. In this Talking Transports podcast, Joe Kramek, the president and CEO of the World Shipping Council joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to discuss what the global industry is doing to move ahead of headwinds. Decarbonization remains paramount for the WCS despite the International Maritime Organization postponing a vote to adopt its Net-Zero Framework (NZF) until October. And how avoiding to pay rent pushed him into a long and gratifying maritime career. maritime career.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Technology investment is no longer a luxury for supply chains, as it has become essential just to survive, let alone thrive. In this Talking Transports podcast, project44 founder and CEO Jett McCandless joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to discuss how AI is transforming global supply chains from reactive to autonomous. McCandless explains how project44’s decision intelligence platform uses AI and multi-agent workflows to help shippers and logistics providers analyze disruptions, optimize responses and act in real time across all modes. He shares why “decision speed” now matters more than transit speed, how visibility must evolve beyond alerts, and why 2026 will mark a turning point as companies demand hard returns from AI investments. McCandless also offers his outlook on nearshoring, geopolitics, freight markets and the leadership lessons learned from returning project44 to founder mode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Global freight markets face another challenging year from geopolitical tensions, uncertain trade policies and slack capacity. In this episode of the Talking Transports podcast, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst Lee Klaskow shares how 2026 may play out for North American trucking, railroad and freight brokerage markets, as well as the global parcel and shipping sectors. An acceleration in the rate of capacity leaving the truckload market could ripple across less-than-truckload, freight brokerage and railroad industries, setting up for a better year than 2025. Technology-driven productivity investments could help offset a tepid demand backdrop and support improved margins. Supply growth is expected to outpace containerliner demand, which will weigh on rates and earnings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Geopolitical tensions, a fractured regulatory landscape and shifting trade patterns are reshaping the maritime industry in ways not seen in decades. In this episode of the Talking Transports podcast, maritime historian and former merchant mariner, Sal Mercogliano, joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to break down the forces redefining global shipping. Mercogliano discusses the risks surrounding the Red Sea and Suez Canal, the rise of the shadow fleet and the challenges facing the IMO’s ambitious decarbonization goals. He also examines US shipbuilding ambitions, Jones Act reform and the critical role of the Merchant Marine in national security. Mercogliano shares insights from his seafaring career, his academic work and his popular YouTube channel, offering a wide-angle perspective on the future of maritime trade.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The advent of artificial intelligence and machine learning has opened a new era of productivity gains for freight brokers, capacity owners and shippers. Supply chains are still in the early stages of adopting these tools, creating significant opportunities over the next several years. In this episode of the Talking Transports podcast, Augment CEO and co-founder Harish Abbott joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to discuss how AI is reshaping the freight industry. Abbott outlines how Augie, Augment’s AI teammate, automates end-to-end brokerage workflows — from order to cash — while improving service levels and reducing costs. He also reflects on the challenges of scaling AI talent, the importance of change management, and how his early career at Amazon sparked his passion for fixing logistics’ inefficiencies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump administration’s policies could have profound effects on the marine shipping industry that go well beyond US shores. In this Talking Transports podcast, former US Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Louis Sola joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to discuss the shifting landscape of US maritime policy. Sola shares insights on shipbuilding challenges, tariff impacts, chokepoint vulnerabilities and the importance of strengthening national security through a resilient supply chain. He also reflects on restarting the cruise industry during Covid-19, his work combating sanctions evasion and his new role advising clients on trade, energy and infrastructure. Sola talks about how his time in the US Army put him on the path toward a career in transportation, which has included selling luxury yachts, and his time in public service.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The North American freight market is soft, with excess capacity and uncertainty in manufacturing, retail and housing weighing on demand. In this episode of Talking Transports, ArcBest Chairman and CEO Judy McReynolds joins Bloomberg Intelligence’s senior transportation and logistics analyst, Lee Klaskow, to discuss how the company is navigating the prolonged freight recession. McReynolds shares how ArcBest is leveraging technology, AI and data to drive efficiency — from route optimization to dock automation — and how acquisitions like MoLo have strengthened its integrated logistics network. She also reflects on her career, the lessons she’s learned and offers advice to future executives, especially women entering transportation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marine cargo ports serve as the conduits connecting global and regional economies, and their ability to run efficiently can be felt near and far. In this Talking Transports podcast, American Association of Port Authorities’ (AAPA) Vice President of Government Relations John Bressler, joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to unpack the policies shaping US seaports and what his trade organization is doing to push for more federal infrastructure funding. Bressler also discusses rail consolidation, shipbuilding incentives, tariffs and automation, stressing balance between efficiency, labor and security. With ports investing in decarbonization, dredging and digitalization, he says smarter infrastructure and collaboration will keep America’s maritime network competitive and resilient.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rising insurance costs have been a major headwind facing the trucking markets and things might not improve anytime soon. Insurance premiums could grow by double digits for another year in 2026 due to increased litigation and fraud, along with fewer companies writing trucking policies. In this Talking Transports podcast, Reliance Partners’ co-founder and CEO Andrew Ladebauche and Thom Albrecht, the company’s chief revenue officer, join Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to discuss the state and outlook of the trucking-insurance market. The conversation also delves into strategies for mitigating costs, the need for reform and better regulatory practices to ensure safety and sustainability in transportation, as well as why many fraudsters are apparent fans of Tommy Tutone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The transportation and logistics M&A market may be quiet, but there are still pockets of strength. In this episode of Talking Transports, Tenney Group CEO Spencer Tenney joins Bloomberg Intelligence’s senior analyst Lee Klaskow to discuss what kinds of deals are getting done and how technology is becoming a key differentiator for freight brokers. They also touch on valuations, seller motivations and why next year could bring market stabilization, smarter deals and fresh opportunities for owners ready to adapt — or exit — before the next freight cycle turns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More and more women are entering the trucking industry, but remain underrepresented. They account for only about 10% of truck drivers and 4% in technician roles. In this Talking Transports podcast, Jennifer Hedrick, president and CEO of the Women in Trucking Association (WIT), joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to discuss what the organization is doing to attract more women into the trucking industry, from the driver’s seat to the C-suite. Access to safe parking and more focused gender amenities would go a long way toward making over-the-road truckling more appealing for women, she says. Hedrick also discusses the association’s work in Washington, DC; members’ outlooks on trucking; outreach programs; and even style advice, suggesting I should rock a red tuxedo at WIT’s upcoming Accelerate Conference.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.