FreightWaves NOW

The industrial economy flashes a warning sign as CSX reports a dip in revenue and pivots back to a strategy of strict cost discipline. Executives cite subdued demand as the primary driver for abandoning previous growth targets in favor of efficiency. In the brokerage sector, the sudden collapse of the R&R Family of Companies serves as a brutal cautionary tale about rapid expansion and cash burn. Former employees reveal how failed acquisitions and maintenance costs spiraled into a crisis that left drivers stranded. Legal risks for 3PLs escalate after a Texas court rules Landstar is fully liable for a $23 million accident verdict, overturning a previous jury decision. This ruling intensifies the stakes for an upcoming Supreme Court decision on broker liability regarding the federal preemption of state negligence claims. On the infrastructure front, Congress advances a spending package that includes a record $200 million for truck parking to improve safety and retention. Meanwhile, the adoption of electric trucks gets a boost through a new charging partnership aimed at achieving cost parity with diesel on major freight corridors. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Friday edition of the Morning Minute, Isaiah Buchanan reports on a major legislative win for drivers as the House passes a spending bill that dedicates $200 million to truck parking. This first-of-its-kind line item now heads to the Senate, where lawmakers are racing against a January 30 government shutdown deadline. A Texas court has delivered a massive blow to Landstar System, ruling that the company must pay 100% of a $23 million accident verdict rather than the 15% originally assigned by a jury. The freight giant intends to vigorously appeal the judgment, which has already caused the company to lower its earnings expectations for the quarter. The episode also explores a pivotal upcoming Supreme Court case regarding whether federal law preempts state negligence claims against freight brokers. The Department of Justice argues that allowing these lawsuits would create a patchwork of liability standards, while advocates fear preemption leaves a dangerous gap in safety accountability. Finally, listeners are invited to catch a new episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? featuring Malcolm Harris, airing at noon on FreightWaves TV. If you miss the live broadcast, the full episode will be available for streaming on YouTube. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode analyzes a massive shift in the logistics landscape as Echo Global Logistics moves to acquire ITS Logistics in a deal creating a $5.4 billion combined entity. We discuss why this merger signals a strategic pivot toward asset control as the industry anticipates a future market turn. Attention then turns to the Southeast, where logistics leaders are bracing for Winter Storm Fern and its potential to freeze critical supply chain arteries. The forecast is drawing concern across the industry as conditions threaten to mirror the disruptions seen during the historic 2021 Texas freeze. We also break down the latest financial results from Knight-Swift, which reported a quarterly loss but signaled optimism for margin improvement in 2026. Management believes that exiting weaker players will help correct the market balance, even as rail networks also prepare for severe weather disruptions. On the international front, CMA CGM has reversed its course on returning to the Red Sea, choosing to divert ships around Africa due to safety risks. This decision highlights the ongoing volatility in global shipping lanes and the resulting inflationary pressures on transit times and fuel. Finally, we explore significant regulatory updates, including the Trump administration’s support of C.H. Robinson in a Supreme Court case that could define broker liability. We also look at the FMCSA’s long-awaited rollout of the Motus registration system, designed to finally crack down on chameleon carriers and industry fraud. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode, we discuss the major announcement that Echo Global Logistics is acquiring ITS Logistics to create a combined entity valued at over $5.4 billion. Leadership indicates this merger will enhance their AI capabilities and expand solutions for complex supply chains. We also look at the forecast for Winter Storm Fern, which threatens to paralyze transportation networks across more than 30 states this weekend. Logistics experts warn that heavy ice and snow could trigger ground stops at critical hubs and cause shipment delays of up to 48 hours. Finally, we break down why Knight-Swift's Q4 earnings missed the mark after the trucking giant reported a net loss. The company faced margin pressure across all business segments due to restructuring charges and a difficult market environment. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The trucking market is defying the typical post-holiday slump, with data showing high tender rejections instead of the usual January hangover. Rapid inventory contraction suggests shippers may soon rush to restock, keeping spot rates elevated. However, this boom attracts "chameleon carriers" who utilize magnetic placards to swap identities and bypass safety regulations. Industry experts warn that recent federal notices downplay the severity of this rampant carrier identity theft The problem is exacerbated by the rise of instant-issue insurance platforms, which have removed critical barriers to entry for dangerous operators. This lack of vetting coincides with a surge in nuclear verdicts, leaving the public exposed due to outdated [federal liability minimums]. Financial volatility is also hitting large asset-based carriers, leading the R&R Family of Companies to divest its logistics units to the CJK Group. This sale comes on the heels of the [sudden shutdown of Taylor Express], highlighting liquidity issues in the sector. Competition is heating up elsewhere as the U.S. Postal Service begins soliciting bids from retailers to fill their last-mile delivery networks. By selling reserved capacity, the agency intends to [challenge private carriers] for e-commerce volume. Innovation continues to reshape the landscape, demonstrated by autonomous railcars in Michigan that operate without traditional locomotives. This technology promises to make short-haul rail profitable, potentially luring freight away from trucks. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we break down new data revealing that organized crime rings are keeping cargo theft levels near record highs across North America. We discuss how these sophisticated groups are increasingly targeting rail corridors and exploiting security gaps during freight handoffs. Next, we look at the Postal Service's bold strategy to transform its last-mile network by requiring retailers to bid for delivery space. Postmaster General David Steiner hopes this premium product approach will generate billions in revenue to help offset recent financial losses. Finally, the Port of Long Beach is preparing for a massive cargo surge with plans to double container volume to 20 million units by 2050. Officials are fast-tracking nearly $2 billion in rail projects to triple capacity and turn the Southern California hub into a zero-emissions powerhouse. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we analyze how Maersk’s decision to restart Red Sea transits is flooding the global market with capacity and driving down ocean rates. This shift could release significant tonnage back into circulation, effectively erasing the pricing power carriers gained during the disruptions. Domestic markets are showing a strange contradiction, as the Cass Truckload Linehaul Index climbs even while shipment volumes hit cycle lows. This anomaly sits alongside sobering data showing that inflation-adjusted trucking rates have dropped 27% compared to 2020, leaving many carriers financially exhausted. We also dive into the "stagecoach robbing era" of freight fraud, where digital identity theft allows criminals to steal billions without consequence. States are fighting back with measures like Tennessee Bill 1587, which proposes massive fines for employers who knowingly allow unlawful commercial vehicle operations. Finally, the discussion turns to the Supreme Court battle involving Flowers Foods, which could fundamentally change labor liability by exempting last-mile drivers from mandatory arbitration. A ruling against the bakery giant may unleash a flood of class-action litigation regarding worker classification and pay. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Alex Quarles opens the show with a look at a new Tennessee bill imposing strict penalties on carriers that employ undocumented drivers. The legislation mandates automatic notifications to federal immigration authorities and establishes a $1 million minimum in damages for accidents involving unlawful operators. Federal regulators have halted consolidation plans as the Surface Transportation Board rejected the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern merger application for being incomplete. While rival railroads have praised the decision, the companies now have until February 17 to notify the board of their plans to submit the missing market share data. Defying the usual post-holiday slump, the trucking market is holding steady in January with tender rejection rates hitting nearly 10%, the highest level since 2022. Spot rates remain elevated at $2.62 per mile as capacity tightens in key hubs like Chicago, signaling a strong start to 2026 for the industry. Tune in this afternoon at 2 p.m. for a new episode of Loaded and Rolling with Thomas Wasson. Later today, catch the latest Freight Expectations featuring founder Craig Fuller and Armchair Attorney Matthew Leffler for more industry commentary. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we explore the paradoxical freight environment of early 2026, where strategic cost management drives success for industry giants while others face immediate collapse. We analyze how J.B. Hunt achieved a Q4 earnings beat through internal discipline, even as the broader market offers mixed signals on demand. The distress in the market is palpable, evidenced by the abrupt closure of Taylor Express that left drivers stranded without fuel or pay. We also discuss the layoffs at Smoky Mountain Logistics, proving that even specialized Amazon partners are not immune to the industry's financial squeeze. On the strategic front, we examine why Titanium Transportation is going private with a significant stock premium to escape the pressures of public reporting. The conversation also shifts to innovation, highlighting how RoadOne’s investment in the Tesla Semi demonstrates the growing viability of vertically integrated electric trucks. Finally, we uncover the systemic regulatory failures surrounding the upcoming trial of Dartanyan Gasanov, a key figure in the chameleon carrier network responsible for the tragedy that killed seven Marines. This segment serves as a stark reminder of the deadly risks that persist when unsafe operators slip through the cracks of federal oversight. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's FreightWaves Morning Minute, J.B. Hunt exceeded fourth-quarter earnings expectations by implementing aggressive cost cuts even as revenue dipped slightly. Management noted that cost management drove the Q4 beat at J.B. Hunt amid signs that the truckload market began tightening late last year. In transaction news, Canada’s Titanium is going private with a 40%+ bump in stock price, offering shareholders a significant premium and immediate liquidity. This all-cash deal allows the company’s fleet to navigate current financial challenges away from the public markets. Meanwhile, investigators found that the part that broke in the UPS cargo jet crash had a history of failure regarding a specific bearing assembly. The NTSB reported that Boeing warned operators of this defect in 2011 but did not classify it as critical to flight safety. Finally, a new episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? airs today featuring a look at high-stakes logistics with G10 Fulfillment. The segment will cover the complexities of being an Amazon-approved hazmat shipper. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we explore strategic capacity management as Abilene Motor Express being absorbed into Swift signals Knight-Swift's focus on long-term efficiency over brand diversity. We also analyze market resilience as the LTL pricing index hits new high in Q4, contrasting strong LTL yields against a truckload sector that is only showing tentative signs of recovery. Legal risks take center stage as C.H. Robinson makes its legal written case before SCOTUS on broker liability, arguing that the F4A safety exemption does not impose negligence liability on brokers. On the regulatory front, we discuss how the DOT to use AI to go after illegal truckers is transforming artificial intelligence from an operational tool into a weapon against fraud and compensation erosion. Technological fragility is exposed in our breakdown of How Verizon's Cellular Outages Expose Trucking’s Technology Achilles’ Heel, revealing the liability risks of cloud-dependent ELDs during infrastructure failures. Finally, we look at positive global news as Maersk returns to Red Sea with India-US service, shaving a week off transit times by resuming Suez Canal routes. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Department of Transportation is deploying artificial intelligence to enforce regulations against companies hiring illegal foreign drivers. This new initiative aims to identify fraud regarding non-domiciled CDLs that officials warn are driving down wages for American truckers, as detailed in DOT to use AI to go after illegal truckers. Southeastern Freight Lines is expanding its reach south of the border through a new partnership with Fletes Mexico Carga Express. The move is designed to streamline less-than-truckload shipments between the U.S. and Mexico with real-time tracking and faster customs clearance, according to Southeastern Freight Lines joins regional carriers moving into Mexico trade. A recent industry report indicates that parcel shipping rates have reached record highs driven by a proliferation of blanket surcharges. Even as fuel prices have declined, carriers hiked fuel surcharges significantly year-over-year to maintain revenue, a trend analyzed in Proliferation of parcel delivery surcharges drives up shipping rates. Finally, a new episode of The Long Haul features an interview with a non-domiciled CDL holder sharing his perspective on the regulatory crackdown. This is your daily update on the freight market for Thursday, January 15th. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of FreightWaves Daily, we explore the paradox shaping the current truckload market, where federal regulators are offering specific cost relief while simultaneously tightening overall capacity. We break down how Feds slash compliance costs for fuel haulers by restoring a critical marking exception and greenlighting video inspections to save the industry millions. Our analysis delves into the Five State of Freight takeaways, showing that current market strength is being driven by capacity contraction rather than demand. With inventory levels hitting historic lows, the industry must prepare for a potential bullish restocking cycle despite soft manufacturing numbers. We also examine the intense regulatory pressure facing carriers, including the ongoing battle over non-domiciled CDL holders that is effectively shrinking the available driver pool. Additionally, we discuss the escalating legal risks as the Louisiana staged truck accident indictment widens to include shocking charges of witness tampering and murder conspiracy. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the FreightWaves Morning Minute, we discuss the Department of Transportation's decision to drop its appeal regarding highway funding for sanctuary states, even as Secretary Sean Duffy shifts tactics to target non-domiciled CDL compliance as detailed in Trump Administration Waves White Flag on Transportation Funding Immigration Fight, But the War is Far From Over. Despite this legal concession, the administration is using compliance audits to withhold funding over English language standards and license requirements, a move that threatens to impact nearly 200,000 immigrant drivers. We also analyze the latest economic data showing inflation has accelerated with a 2.7% rise for the year, a trend explored in Consumer Price Index reports continued hikes in 2025. Rising costs for shelter, food, and energy are driving this increase, while transportation capacity has simultaneously plummeted to its lowest level since 2021. Additionally, the federal government is calling on industry experts to help identify the most critical physical and digital impediments to commerce, according to Feds seek input on solving supply chain bottlenecks. This new Request for Information aims to guide federal research and technology investments through 2030 to ensure goods move more smoothly across the nation's infrastructure. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us for today's freight roundup as we explore the financial maneuvers and technological breakthroughs transforming the logistics landscape. This episode dives into how activist investor Ancora has carved out a niche in the transportation sector, driving leadership shakeups at major companies like Norfolk Southern and Forward Air to boost shareholder returns. We also analyze the 2025 holiday rush, where large parcel carriers significantly improved on-time delivery rates despite facing higher volumes than the previous year. Data reveals that the U.S. Postal Service achieved the largest performance jump, while UPS maintained the highest overall reliability during the peak season. In technology news, we discuss a major milestone in electric infrastructure where Purdue University achieved the first U.S. wireless charging of a heavy-duty truck traveling at highway speeds. This innovative system delivered 190 kilowatts of power to a moving vehicle, a breakthrough that could eventually allow for smaller batteries and increased cargo capacity. Looking at cross-border trade, we profile a Mexican-built logistics startup, WeShip, which has set its sights on U.S. expansion after rapid growth in its home market. The company aims to compete in the concentrated American parcel sector by leveraging software designed by former e-commerce operators to solve real-world shipping pain points. Finally, we address developing concerns in the brokerage space as the R&R Family of Companies faces uncertainty amid executive departures and reports of payment delays. Industry sources warn of potential operational disruptions across the Pittsburgh-based group's subsidiaries, including R&R Express, alongside signals of credit tightening. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s FreightWaves Morning Minute, we discuss Allegiant Air’s $1.5 billion acquisition of Sun Country Airlines, a merger heavily supported by Amazon through the addition of two extra cargo jets. This strategic move allows the combined company to leverage year-round cargo revenue to offset the seasonality of leisure travel, with cargo earnings expected to top $215 million this year. In technology news, researchers at Purdue University have successfully demonstrated the ability to wirelessly charge a heavy-duty truck while it travels at highway speeds. By delivering 190 kilowatts of power through pavement-embedded coils, this breakthrough could drastically reduce the need for massive EV batteries and allow carriers to haul more freight. STG Logistics has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, utilizing a pre-negotiated deal to eliminate nearly $1 billion in debt while securing $150 million in new capital. Company leadership insists this is a restructuring rather than a liquidation, aiming to use the fresh funding to support operations and emerge from the process in approximately five months. Finally, tune in to FreightWaves TV for a state of freight webinar with Craig Fuller and Zack Strickland to help navigate the 2026 market. Following that, a new episode of Loaded and Rolling features Thomas Wasson discussing the intersection of AI and human expertise in fleet management. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Daily, FreightWaves investigates a startling report on national security, detailing Dragon in the Cab: How China Quietly Embedded Itself in American Trucking. We discuss the growing concerns regarding unvetted drivers hauling military freight and the specific vulnerabilities found within U.S. port infrastructure. In major corporate news, we cover the return of a legacy fleet to private domestic ownership as Former, current USA Truck execs acquire TL carrier from DSV. Conversely, we analyze a severe financial crisis in the last-mile sector, looking at the factors behind Last mile provider FAST Group's post-merger meltdown. The industry's financial volatility is further highlighted by the news that STG Logistics files Chapter 11, charts path forward. We also touch on regulatory and labor enforcement, including a whistleblower victory where a Texas carrier ordered to pay more than $100K to fired driver and a security-related contract cancellation where USPS insourcing forces Denver contractor to layoff 700 workers. Finally, we examine critical economic indicators showing a shift in supply chain strategies as Warehouses empty in December. This segment explores how historic lows in inventory levels may force shippers back into a reactive, just-in-time operating environment for the year ahead. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the FreightWaves Morning Minute, we discuss how activist investor Ancora carves out a niche in the transportation sector by forcing shakeups at major companies like C.H. Robinson and CSX. Ancora director Conor Sweeney highlights the firm’s strategy to drive returns by replacing leadership and restructuring boards at underperforming logistics giants. We also analyze recent trade statistics showing that while global demand grew, U.S. container traffic fell in November due to ongoing trade tensions. Import volumes in North America dropped nearly 4% for the eighth consecutive month, sharply contrasting with double-digit growth seen in regions like sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, the show covers the latest employment figures as truck transportation jobs remained flat in December, hitting their lowest point in four and a half years. This stagnation in the trucking sector is accompanied by a significant drop in warehouse jobs, which have plummeted by over 150,000 from their peak in 2022. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us for a deep dive into the "SELF DRIVE Act" of 2026, a bipartisan bill aiming to dismantle state-level regulatory patchworks for autonomous trucking. This legislation promises legal certainty for cab-less truck designs and establishes a national safety data repository to replace fragmented reporting mandates. We also analyze the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's plan to restore the 30-day automatic emergency relief window for hours-of-service rules. This reversal addresses the uncertainty and delays caused by the previous 14-day limit during recent disasters like the Key Bridge collapse and regional hurricanes. The conversation shifts to a critical compliance failure in North Carolina, where a DOT audit revealed that over half of commercial licenses issued to foreign drivers were illegal. The state now faces a potential $50 million funding loss and decertification of its CDL program if immediate corrective actions aren't taken. On the business front, we cover the acquisition of Dart Transit by Avkha Equity Holdings, marking the end of nine decades of family ownership for the Minnesota-based carrier. Additionally, we look at the revolving door at the Federal Maritime Commission as longtime Chief of Staff Mary Thien Hoang departs for a partner role at a D.C. lobbying firm. Finally, we explore why analysts have upgraded American Airlines and Sun Country, citing a robust recovery in air travel and resilient cargo operations. Sun Country’s hybrid model and partnership with Amazon are highlighted as key drivers for substantial free cash flow projections. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the FreightWaves Morning Minute, we discuss how the 2026 AV bill a game changer for heavy trucking aims to replace a patchwork of state regulations with a unified federal framework for autonomous vehicles. The legislation would allow driverless, cab-less trucks to move from testing tracks to interstate commerce, marking a major shift for the industry. The new year has started on a rough note, as Layoffs, bankruptcies batter U.S. logistics and manufacturing at start of 2026 with over 2,200 workers losing their jobs in just the first few weeks. Rising operating costs and shrinking demand have forced widespread restructuring and Chapter 11 filings across the supply chain sector. Finally, we look at why Prolonged post office closures focus of House bill, forcing the USPS to create a transparent database for service suspensions. Tune in for these stories and a look at today's lineup on FreightWaves TV, including new episodes of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? and Running on Ice. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices