FreightCasts

Economic concerns persist, but the truckload market appears unconcerned as fuel prices soar. ⁠Follow the Freightonomics Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Every year thousands of drivers and trucking companies head to the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) in Louisville, Kentucky.And every year… most of them make the same mistake.They spend three days looking at custom trucks, collecting free hats, and walking the floor without a plan.But for small carriers and owner-operators, MATS can be one of the most valuable business opportunities of the entire year — if you approach it the right way.In this solo episode of The Long Haul Podcast, Adam breaks down how to actually use the show to grow your trucking business.We’ll cover:• How to prepare before you arrive• The vendors you should actually talk to• How to use the education sessions to your advantage• The networking opportunities most people miss• And the biggest mistakes owner-operators make at truck showsBecause if you’re going to spend the time and money to attend MATS, you should leave with more than pictures of shiny trucks.You should leave with knowledge, connections, and opportunities that help your business grow. Follow The Long Haul Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The US Postal Service is proposing a historic 8% fuel surcharge on parcel products to combat rising transportation costs fueled by the war in Iran. This unprecedented move aims to help the agency manage skyrocketing gasoline and diesel prices while transitioning to a sustainable long-term pricing model. In the logistics sector, intense union pressure has forced UPS to walk back a massive $150,000 driver buyout program across 13 states. The Teamsters union successfully argued that these lucrative separation agreements bypassed regional contracts, stalling the company's efforts to eliminate 30,000 jobs amid falling parcel volumes. Finally, a new real-world freight study by the North American Council for Freight Efficiency is challenging conventional wisdom regarding commercial powertrains. While traditional diesel trucks shattered expectations by hitting 11.5 miles per gallon, electric vehicles like the Tesla Semi proved their long-term viability by completing a 460-mile trip on a single charge. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this “hump day” edition of WHAT THE TRUCK, host Malcolm Harris takes the wheel solo while co-host Michael Vincent is on vacation. The episode dives deep into the “black hole” of the supply chain—the yard—and explores the evolving landscape of logistics recruiting and company culture.KEY TOPICS & SEGMENTS:• Modernizing Yard Logistics: Darin Brannan, CEO of Terminal Industries, discusses the shift from traditional Yard Management Systems (YMS) to advanced Yard Operating Systems. He explains how Terminal Industries uses AI and computer vision to eliminate paperwork and streamline processes, aiming to solve the “gate math” problem that often leads to massive traffic jams and wasted time for truckers.• The Future of Logistics Talent: Ryan Paul, President of Logitalent joins the show to discuss the past, present, and future of logistics recruiting. The conversation covers the importance of people and culture in the 3PL and brokerage space, as well as how companies are navigating a changing workforce. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor - JJ KELLER 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 today's episode, we explore how FedEx is making a major play for the highly competitive same-day delivery market without using its own trucks. By securing a strategic partnership with the final-mile platform OneRail, the parcel titan aims to match merchants directly with local couriers to challenge Amazon, Walmart, and UPS. Next, we navigate the recent turbulence on Wall Street as Hub Group faces a formal deficiency notice from NASDAQ regarding its delayed 2025 financial results. This delay was expected after the transportation management giant discovered a $77 million accounting error, but Hub Group reassures investors that its cash position and operating cash flows remain unaffected. Finally, we delve into how the rapid rise of artificial intelligence is fundamentally reshaping the freight brokerage workforce. Following a 29% reduction in total headcount over the past two years, C.H. Robinson's recent voluntary buyouts highlight the company's aggressive push to replace manual tasks with automation to boost operating margins. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

In this episode of Freight Expectations, hosts Craig Fuller and Matthew Leffler dive into a mix of viral legal battles and high-stakes global trade disruptions. The show opens with a critique of the Afroman court case, where the hosts highlight the "pathetic" performance of police officers as witnesses following a raid on the rapper’s home that resulted in significant property damage but no criminal charges. The legal discussion then shifts to a somber analysis of a recent $22 million verdict against Total Quality Logistics (TQL). Matthew Leffler details the tragic wrongful death case involving Chelsea Walsh, whose infant died shortly after birth following TQL’s alleged refusal to accommodate a doctor-ordered bed rest during her high-risk pregnancy.The second half of the episode features maritime expert Dr. Sal Mercogliano, who provides a harrowing report on the current blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Sal reveals that approximately 3,200 ships and 20,000 seafarers are currently trapped in the Persian Gulf, with some vessels reportedly running out of essential supplies like food and water. The conversation explores the economic fallout of the crisis, including insurance premiums spiking as high as 5% of cargo value and the potential for a long-term "clamping" of global trade arteries. Follow the Freight Expectations Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we dive into the high seas where shifting trade patterns and geopolitical tensions are completely reshaping global ocean shipping. As major carriers face restricted routes like the Strait of Hormuz, many are aggressively consolidating and diversifying their assets to survive the industry's volatility. We also explore the ongoing federal push to fortify America's maritime infrastructure and secure vital supply chains. Emphasizing that seaports are the backbone of U.S. economic security, Federal Maritime Commission Chair Laura DiBella notes that immediate financial investments in port enhancements are absolutely critical. Finally, we break down the dramatic conclusion of a landmark federal fraud trial in Louisiana involving intentionally staged collisions between passenger cars and commercial trucks. Two personal injury attorneys are now facing up to 20 years in prison for their roles in a billion-dollar extortion scheme that caused statewide commercial insurance premiums to skyrocket. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Monday edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, hosts Malcolm and The Dude are joined by FreightWaves Editor-at-Large John Kingston to break down the explosive conclusion of the “Operation Sideswipe” trial. The discussion centers on the federal conviction of two Louisiana attorneys who orchestrated a massive scheme involving staged tractor-trailer accidents dating back to 2011. Kingston details the dramatic scenes in the New Orleans courtroom, where the verdict led to outbursts from family members and the physical collapse of one of the defendants. The episode also explores the broader impact of this fraud on Louisiana’s soaring insurance rates and the possibility of future civil litigation against those involved.Shifting to market trends, the trio examines the curious stability of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) prices despite extreme volatility in the diesel and crude oil sectors. Kingston explains that while diesel costs have climbed steadily, retail DEF prices at major chains like Pilot Flying J and Love’s have remained flat, likely due to the nature of urea contracts. The conversation touches on the global supply shocks affecting the energy market, including the unprecedented closure of the Strait of Hormuz and its long-term implications for the trucking industry. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor - JJ KELLER 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 walking through the SONAR Excel Add-In, a powerful tool that lets you pull SONAR data directly into your spreadsheets to enhance pricing models, automate reporting, and streamline decision-making. No IT support needed — just download, log in, and start building. What you’ll learn: 📊 Pull SONAR data directly into Excel Access rates, capacity, volumes, and more with customizable date ranges and granularity. ⚡ Single Field Calls Quickly return point-in-time values for any SONAR index — perfect for validating pricing decisions or pulling historical snapshots. 📈 Time Series Data Analyze trends over time with dynamic data pulls for rejections, volumes, and lane-level rate changes. 📉 Data Summaries Simplify large datasets by pulling averages over time — ideal for long-term pricing strategies and benchmarking. 🚛 Lane-Level & RFP Modeling Build multi-lane views with real-time insights on: Capacity conditions Spot vs. contract rate changes Volume trends Lane-level market dynamics 📍 Coverage Guide Integration Incorporate near-term capacity indicators directly into your spot pricing models. Whether you're building RFP strategies, validating rates, or automating reports, the SONAR Excel Add-In gives you the flexibility to bring real-time market data into your existing workflows. 📩 Have questions? Reach out to cs@gosonar.com 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 dive into the fallout from the recent Supreme Court decision striking down emergency tariffs and the resulting administrative chaos for cross-border operators. Companies are now scrambling to navigate the legal gray area as they seek billions of dollars in potential tariff refunds. We also explore the findings from Fullbay's latest industry report, which highlights a severe and systemic commercial technician shortage. As veteran mechanics retire, shop owners are being forced to aggressively hike hourly wages and utilize advanced shop management tech to maintain efficiency. Finally, we discuss why domestic prices for diesel exhaust fluid have remained completely steady despite the escalating war in Iran. Robust domestic production has successfully insulated the North American market from overseas maritime bottlenecks, providing a much-needed sigh of relief for fleet operators battling tight margins. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Friday edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? embraces the spirit of March Madness as hosts Malcolm and The Dude dive into a “fully loaded” show featuring expert insights on the freight market and the future of energy. Episode Highlights: • Market Deep Dive with John Kingston: FreightWaves Editor-at-Large John Kingston joins the show to break down the “State of Freight”. He discusses five major takeaways from recent market data, including a positive outlook for the freight market supported by a 13% tender rejection rate—a significant jump from six months ago. Kingston also provides an “expert” perspective on the impact of infrastructure damage and risk premiums on oil prices following the shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz. • Legal Breaking News: The hosts and Kingston discuss a major legal development involving a $22.5 million jury award in an Ohio pregnancy discrimination case against TQL. • Renewable Energy and Innovation: Scott Brinner and Russ Bouillon from Nopetro Energy join the conversation to discuss their work in the energy sector. The segment highlights their ties to Knoxville and their efforts in the transportation technology space. ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ ⁠Visit our sponsor - JJ KELLER⁠ ⁠Subscribe to the WTT newsletter⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠More FreightWaves Podcasts⁠ #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Freight markets are entering a critical transition point. Rising geopolitical tension in the Middle East is already rippling through global supply chains. Shipping lanes are shifting, fuel prices are rising and carriers across every mode are adjusting capacity and pricing. At the same time, the U.S. freight market appears to be approaching its long-anticipated turning point. Join Craig Fuller and Zach Strickland for this month's State of Freight webinar as we break down the latest data and what it means for shippers, carriers and brokers. We’ll cover: - How the escalating conflict involving Iran is impacting global supply chains - The latest signals around the long-awaited freight market flip - How trucking, ocean, rail and air cargo markets are responding - What the latest data is telling us about capacity, pricing and demand Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, we explore how autonomous trucking technology could generate $9 billion in annual consumer savings by 2035. This new report highlights massive improvements in equipment utilization, alongside significant safety dividends that could prevent hundreds of fatalities each year. Next, we cover Volvo Trucks North America's sweeping $2 billion North American investment program. This massive push features a new $700 million facility in Mexico, as well as a milestone order for 400 new VNL sleepers that are currently delivering a 10% boost in fuel efficiency. Finally, we unpack the details of a heartbreaking legal battle that resulted in an Ohio jury awarding $22.5 million in damages against Total Quality Logistics. The jury found that the company's refusal to grant a pregnant employee's doctor-ordered work-from-home request led to the premature birth and death of her child. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Cargo theft is evolving — and most small carriers aren’t prepared for it.In this episode of The Long Haul Podcast, Adam sits down with Jillian Kossman, Chief Operations Officer at IDScan.net, to break down one of the fastest-growing threats in logistics: identity fraud and fictitious pickups.Modern fake IDs are no longer obvious — and many small carriers, brokers, and shippers simply don’t have the tools or knowledge to detect them.We talk about:• How fake driver identities are being used to steal freight• Why even legitimate drivers can get caught in the middle• The growing financial risk to small fleets• And the uncomfortable truth about how vulnerable the industry really isThis episode isn’t about technology.It’s about understanding the threat before it costs you a load, a customer, or your business. Follow The Long Haul Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, we discuss how a rising robotics company is making waves by adding a former Wabtec CEO to its board. This strategic move brings traditional industry weight to the startup as it develops self-propelled battery-electric rail cars to improve yard efficiency. We also examine the parcel sector, where FedEx plans to close nine delivery centers across New York. This decision is driven by the carrier's ongoing Network 2.0 consolidation strategy, which merges express and ground operations to strip out billions in structural costs. Finally, we highlight a significant trucking safety development now that a bill called Dalilah's Law has received approval from a key House committee. This legislation aims to tighten commercial driver's license issuance by establishing more rigorous federal oversight to keep underqualified applicants off the road. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Skander Mankai of Front joins FreightWaves to discuss how automation is helping teams respond faster, reduce operational friction, and protect margins in volatile freight markets. Keep up with Live FreightWaves Events Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, broadcasting live from the 3PL Summit! Join your hosts, Malcolm Harris and Michael “The Dude” Vincent, as they dive into the biggest headlines and innovations shaping the logistics industry today.In this episode, we sit down with industry experts to explore how technology and data are redefining the freight landscape for brokers and 3PLs.On This Episode:• AI in Sales Coaching: Larkin Ison, Head of Industry Relations at Rilla, joins us to discuss how freight brokers and 3PLs are leveraging AI to coach their sales teams at scale.• Market Intelligence & Data: Mazen Danaf, Principal Economist at Uber Freight, breaks down the current market data and provides an essential Q1 market outlook for 3PLs.• Industry Headlines: We discuss the financial struggles of the US Postal Service, the recent bankruptcy filing of Sparhawk Trucking, and a deep dive into the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse stats regarding marijuana usage among drivers.• The Playbook: A look at Adam Wingfield’s latest insights on the match between America’s 292,000 shippers and the small carrier market. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor - JJ KELLER Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices