Tell Me Everything | Logistics Freight Podcast

WAIT… Someone could potentially HACK your truck?!We’re not just talking about someone stealing your password. We’re talking about hackers potentially accessing your ELD, manipulating location data, and even creating risks for safety-critical systems on your truck.Welcome back to Fraud Girl Fridays on the Tell Me Everything Podcast!This week, we’re coming to you from Long Beach, California, at the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) Cybersecurity Conference!I’m joined by Anne Zakos, Cybersecurity Research Engineer at NMFTA, who literally spends her time finding vulnerabilities in trucking technology to figure out how we can better protect commercial vehicles.And let me tell you… I had NO IDEA how vulnerable some of this technology could potentially be!WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT:CAN ELDs BE HACKED?How electronic logging devices (ELDs) and telematics systems can introduce cybersecurity vulnerabilities into commercial trucks, including potential manipulation of location data and hours-of-service records.WHAT IS ELD WHITE LABELING?Did you know multiple ELD brands could actually be using the SAME underlying technology? Anne explains how white labeling works, why it matters for cybersecurity, and how vulnerabilities and FMCSA revocations can affect related devices.COULD HACKERS ACTUALLY STOP A TRUCK?We discuss how compromised devices could potentially provide access to safety-critical vehicle systems, including braking components. These are potential risks, not confirmed attacks discussed in this episode.HOW CAN CARRIERS PROTECT THEIR TRUCKS?What trucking companies, fleet managers, and owner-operators should be asking their ELD and telematics providers about cybersecurity practices.DOES HOW YOU CONNECT YOUR ELD MATTER?Absolutely! Anne explains why the physical connection matters, including the difference between diagnostic ports and the more secure RP1226 connector.CYBER-ENABLED CARGO THEFTHow cybersecurity vulnerabilities, digital deception, and compromised technology can create opportunities for freight fraud and cargo theft.TRUCK CYBERSECURITY ASSESSMENT TOOL (TCAT)NMFTA helped develop TCAT, a training device that allows fleet technicians and IT teams to learn how to assess cybersecurity vulnerabilities in commercial trucks.NMFTA CYBERSECURITY RESOURCESNMFTA provides cybersecurity research, educational resources, and industry initiatives designed to help transportation professionals understand and prevent emerging threats.NMFTA Cybersecurity:https://nmftacyber.comCybersecurity Research:https://nmfta.org/standards/cybersecurity/researchTruck Cybersecurity Assessment Tool (TCAT):https://nmfta.org/news/bring-cybersecurity-into-the-shop-with-tcatWe also discuss NMFTA’s Telematics Security Requirements Matrix (TSRM), which helps carriers evaluate telematics providers, and the Freight Fraud Prevention Hub, which brings the industry together to combat freight fraud.THE BIG TAKEAWAY?Cargo theft prevention isn’t always about physically securing your freight. Sometimes the vulnerabilities start with the technology we trust every single day.As trucks become increasingly connected, understanding cybersecurity risks is becoming just as important as traditional transportation security.THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!Tallgrass Freight Co.Looking for a new home as a freight broker or agent?Email: [email protected] Vegas | February 8-10Come hang out with Fraud Girl in Las Vegas at one of the biggest supply chain and logistics conferences of the year!Get $200 OFF your registration:https://manifestvegas.com/TME

What if adding LTL freight to your brokerage could be one of the easiest ways to grow your business, land new shippers, and become more valuable to your existing customers?In this episode of Tell Me Everything, we’re coming to you from Kansas City with Jacob Ward of Tallgrass Freight Co. to break down everything you need to know about Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipping.And when I say break it down, I mean REALLY break it down.I’ve spent years in the freight brokerage industry, but LTL has always been one of those things I understood on the surface without really knowing the ins and outs. So I asked Jacob, who has 23 years of experience in LTL transportation, to explain it all.We get into how LTL actually works, how freight brokers can start selling it, what shippers are looking for, and why adding LTL to your services could open doors you didn’t even know existed.We also talk about what Tallgrass Freight Co. is building behind the scenes, including its new LTL platform, direct carrier relationships, and tools designed to make quoting, managing margins, and shipping LTL easier for freight agents.WHAT WE COVER:• LTL 101: What is less-than-truckload shipping, and how does it work?• LTL vs. FTL: Understanding the differences and opportunities for freight brokers.• How to start selling LTL freight, even if you’ve only worked in full truckload.• Why LTL can be an easier way to get your foot in the door with new shippers.• How to find niche shippers and grow alongside their businesses.• Understanding freight classes, NMFC codes, density calculations, and product catalogs.• Common LTL shipping mistakes that lead to freight claims and unexpected charges.• Why packaging matters when freight moves through multiple terminals.• The benefits of working with regional LTL carriers.• How Tallgrass Freight Co. is building its LTL technology, carrier network, and agent education programs.• Why becoming a supply chain problem solver is more valuable than simply selling freight rates.ABOUT TALLGRASS FREIGHT CO.Tallgrass Freight Co. is expanding its LTL capabilities with a new platform designed to help independent freight agents quote shipments, manage margins, access competitive carrier rates, and better serve their customers.With a focus on education, technology, and agent support, Tallgrass is helping freight agents expand their service offerings and grow their businesses.Interested in learning more about becoming a Tallgrass Freight Co. agent?Email: [email protected] ME AT MANIFEST!Manifest is one of my favorite supply chain and logistics conferences, bringing together professionals across freight brokerage, trucking, warehousing, technology, and global transportation.I’ll be there in Las Vegas this February!Visit my website for a $200 discount code: www.manifestvegas.com/tme

What REALLY happens after a business gets hacked? And did you know some ransomware criminals actually have CUSTOMER SERVICE departments to help victims recover their stolen data?Welcome back to Fraud Girl Friday on the Tell Me Everything Podcast!In this episode, Danielle Spinelli sits down with Patterson Cake, Director of Incident Response at Black Hills Information Security, live from the NMFTA Cybersecurity Conference in Long Beach, California.We’re going beyond cybersecurity prevention and getting into what happens AFTER a cyberattack. From ransomware negotiations and stolen data to criminals targeting children’s hospitals, Patterson shares what it’s really like responding to some of the most devastating cyber incidents.And trust me, some of these stories are absolutely WILD.THE BUSINESS OF CYBERCRIMECybercriminals aren’t always operating alone in a dark room somewhere. Some ransomware groups function like actual businesses, complete with recognizable names, payment negotiations, customer support, and even services designed to help victims recover their encrypted files.But here’s the catch: Paying the ransom doesn’t guarantee your business is safe.Patterson explains how ransomware groups operate, why they target certain businesses, and how double extortion allows criminals to demand payment not just to restore systems, but to prevent stolen information from being publicly exposed.WHEN CYBERATTACKS BECOME LIFE-THREATENINGOne of the most shocking moments in this conversation involves Patterson’s experience responding to a ransomware attack against a children’s hospital.When the attackers were informed that children’s lives could be at risk, their response was simple: Pay the ransom faster.It’s a reminder that cybercrime isn’t just about stolen money or compromised data. Sometimes the consequences are much bigger.WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH FREIGHT FRAUD AND CARGO THEFT?Everything.In the transportation and logistics industry, cyberattacks can create opportunities for strategic cargo theft, identity fraud, fraudulent pickups, and financial losses.A compromised email account can give criminals access to legitimate conversations, shipment details, pickup information, and trusted business relationships.And sometimes the email that tricks you really DOES come from someone you know. The problem? Their account has already been compromised.THE BIGGEST TAKEAWAY?Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT problem. It’s a business risk, a financial risk, and in the logistics industry, a supply chain security risk.Whether you’re a freight broker, trucking company, shipper, or business owner, understanding how cybercriminals operate is one of the first steps toward protecting your business.ABOUT FRAUD GIRL FRIDAYCONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: PATTERSON CAKEWant to learn more about cybersecurity, ransomware prevention, or how to protect your business from cyber threats?Patterson Cake is the Director of Incident Response at Black Hills Information Security, where he specializes in helping organizations navigate cyberattacks, ransomware incidents, and cybersecurity crises.Connect with Patterson and explore the cybersecurity education and resources available through Black Hills Information Security.Connect with Patterson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattersoncake/Learn more about Black Hills Information Security: https://www.blackhillsinfosec.com/

Is 2026 the year the freight industry finally hits the RESET button?Between major freight brokerage consolidation, rising insurance costs, cargo theft, changing shipper expectations, and increasing broker liability, the transportation industry is experiencing some significant changes.On this episode of Tell Me Everything, host Danielle Spinelli sits down with longtime logistics industry friend Chris Sonnek, who brings eight years of freight brokerage experience, to talk about what’s REALLY happening in trucking and logistics in 2026.And honestly? Some of these changes might be exactly what the industry needed.We’re talking about everything from the C.H. Robinson and RXO acquisition news to why freight brokers need to rethink carrier selection, why shippers are demanding more transparency, and why rising freight rates aren’t necessarily a bad thing.WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT:The C.H. Robinson & RXO News: What could major freight brokerage consolidation mean for technology, automation, carriers, and customers?2026: The Freight Market Reset: After years of extreme market swings, are we finally seeing the industry return to a healthier balance?Carrier Vetting & Cargo Theft: Why knowing WHO is actually picking up your freight has become more important than ever.The Montgomery Ruling & Broker Liability: Why freight brokers are taking another look at their carrier selection procedures, documentation, and risk management practices.The Freight Brokerage Training Problem: Have we become too dependent on technology while forgetting how to actually train the next generation of freight brokers?Freight Rates, Fuel & Insurance: Why higher transportation costs aren’t always bad and how insurance premiums could reshape the trucking industry.Relationships Over Transactions: Why successful freight brokers are becoming supply chain partners instead of simply finding trucks and quoting rates.Technology & Automation: Where AI and logistics technology can make a difference—and why technology alone won’t solve every problem.THE BIG QUESTION:Is 2026 just another challenging year in freight, or is it the beginning of a much-needed industry reset?Chris and Danielle share their perspectives on what’s changing, what needs to change, and what freight brokers, motor carriers, and shippers should be thinking about as we head into 2027.Whether you’re a freight broker, trucking company owner, carrier sales representative, logistics executive, or shipper, this conversation is for YOU.HEADING TO MANIFEST VEGAS?Tell Me Everything listeners can save $200 on registration.Manifest brings together shippers, freight brokers, carriers, and supply chain technology leaders for networking, education, and industry conversations.Grab your discount through the Tell Me Everything website:www.tellmeeverythingpod.com/manifest-discountTHANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR — TALLGRASS FREIGHT CO.Looking for a new home for your freight brokerage business? Tallgrass Freight Co. supports independent freight agents looking to grow their businesses.Learn more email: [email protected]

What if hackers were inside your freight company’s email for MONTHS, and nobody knew?Cybercriminals aren’t just stealing passwords anymore. They’re watching conversations, learning how your business operates, and waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.And when it comes to freight fraud and cargo theft, that’s a BIG problem.In this episode of Tell Me Everything, Danielle Spinelli (aka Fraud Girl) sits down with Melanie Padrone, VP of Strategic Growth at IT Architects, cybersecurity risk strategist, and host of the Mission Secure Podcast.Coming to you from the NMFTA cybersecurity conference in Long Beach, California, we’re diving into the side of freight fraud that doesn’t get nearly enough attention: CYBERSECURITY.Because sometimes cargo theft doesn’t start at the loading dock. It starts in someone’s inbox.WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT:• HACKERS HIDING IN YOUR EMAIL: How cybercriminals access business emails, change inbox rules, impersonate employees, and quietly collect information.• PHISHING & BUSINESS EMAIL COMPROMISE: Why AI-powered phishing attacks are becoming more convincing and employees remain a major cybersecurity vulnerability.• RANSOMWARE ATTACKS: What happens when hackers lock down your systems, steal your data, and demand payment?• CYBERSECURITY IN TRUCKING: Why freight brokers, trucking companies, logistics providers, and shippers need to take cybersecurity seriously.• VENDOR SECURITY: Are your technology providers actually protecting your data? What happens when THEY get hacked?• AI & DATA PROTECTION: Who owns your data? How long is it stored? Could your information be used to train AI models?• EMPLOYEE TRAINING: Why annual cybersecurity training isn’t enough and how ongoing education can help prevent attacks.• INCIDENT RESPONSE: If your systems went down at 2 a.m., would your team know what to do?• FREIGHT FRAUD & CARGO THEFT: How compromised emails and weak cybersecurity practices create opportunities for criminals targeting freight.MEET OUR GUESTMelanie Padrone. tMelanie helps businesses, particularly in trucking and transportation, strengthen their cybersecurity defenses and prepare for potential attacks.https://youtu.be/y4g25fITBcc?si=5JpvabUq1FYBONzETHANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!TALLGRASS FREIGHT CO.A proud sponsor of Tell Me Everything Podcast! Tallgrass Freight Co. is a freight brokerage focused on strong relationships and reliable transportation solutions. Learn more: https://tallgrassfreight.comMANIFEST 2027Tell Me Everything is proud to partner with Manifest, bringing together the people, technology, and ideas shaping the future of supply chain and logistics. Explore Manifest and our partner offers: https://www.tellmeeverythingpod.com/manifest-discountABOUT TELL ME EVERYTHINGHosted by Danielle Spinelli, aka Fraud Girl, Tell Me Everything brings you real conversations about transportation and logistics. From cargo theft and freight fraud to cybersecurity, carrier vetting, and supply chain innovation, we’re talking about the issues impacting our industry. Subscribe for more episodes of Tell Me Everything and Fraud Girl Friday! Website: https://www.tellmeeverythingpod.com