FreightCasts

A severe bomb cyclone is targeting the East Coast, threatening to freeze supply chains just days after a similar crisis left trucks stranded in Louisiana. Drivers and fleets are urged to prioritize safety and understand their rights regarding coercion as winter weather intensifies along critical corridors like I-95. While the physical world battles ice, Wall Street celebrates C.H. Robinson's surging stock price following reports of impressive profit margins. The company credits its "lean AI" strategy for decoupling volume growth from headcount, signaling a fundamental shift in how brokerages manage efficiency. The autonomous sector also sees massive investment as Waabi secures $750 million to expand its "physical AI" technology for both trucking and robotaxis. This funding round supports a major partnership with Uber to deploy thousands of autonomous vehicles, aiming for commercialization by 2027. In the courts, major business groups are backing freight brokers in a Supreme Court case that could redefine liability for trucking accidents. Proponents argue that federal law should shield brokers from state-level negligent hiring claims to prevent a costly patchwork of regulations. On the legislative front, a new bill offers a lifeline for heavy-duty towing operators by addressing restrictive length regulations during recovery operations. The proposed Towing Safety Act aims to clear accident scenes faster and improve roadside safety for first responders. Legal troubles continue for the R&R Family of Companies as new lawsuits allege the firm continued operations and accumulated debt while insolvent. Meanwhile, legacy carrier Schneider prepares for a leadership transition with Jim Filter set to take the helm as CEO this summer. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Small carriers already know why this market hurts — rates are tight, fuel moves fast, and freight isn’t forgiving mistakes. What most don’t fully understand is how small daily decisions quietly compound into big financial outcomes. In this episode of The Long Haul, Adam sits down with Mike Hosted, VP of Sales and Marketing at ATBS, who has spent more than a decade working directly with owner-operators on one thing most avoid: the numbers behind their decisions. This is not a tax episode. This is not a fuel episode. This is a behavior and discipline episode. We talk about why turnover keeps getting mislabeled as a “driver shortage,” why “taking one more load” often hurts more than it helps, and why the grass is rarely greener — it’s just measured differently. If you’re trying to survive — or even grow — in a down market, this conversation is about how people are doing it, not selling you anything. ⁠Follow The Long Haul Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the FreightWaves Morning Minute for January 29, 2026, we look at how logistics providers are adapting to market volatility with creative new trade lanes. DHL Global Forwarding has introduced a hybrid truck-air service that relays goods from China through Uzbekistan to Istanbul, offering a faster alternative to ocean freight for bulky shipments. In carrier news, a trucking giant is preparing for a major change at the top as Schneider announces a leadership transition scheduled for this July. Longtime executive and Marine Corps veteran Jim Filter will succeed Mark Rourke as CEO to guide the company through the evolving freight landscape. Finally, Tesla is highlighting progress on its Semi truck even as the company faces a sharp decline in overall profitability for the year. Executives confirmed that tooling is now in place in Nevada to begin the mass production ramp of the electric class 8 vehicle in early 2026. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Malcolm welcomes Ike Stephens, founder of Bonehead Truckers, for a no-holds-barred conversation on the state of trucking in 2026. From breaking down major freight and supply chain headlines to tackling controversial issues like driver shortages, training standards, safety, and industry accountability, this episode pulls no punches. Ike shares how he built one of trucking’s most influential platforms, why professionalism matters, and where he believes the industry is headed. Candid, opinionated, and deeply rooted in real-world experience—this is a must-listen for anyone serious about freight and trucking. Watch on YouTube Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The freight market is aggressively correcting toward specialization, highlighted by Werner Enterprises' decision to acquire dedicated carrier FirstFleet for $245 million. This strategic move adds over 2,400 tractors to their fleet and secures stable revenue streams in an otherwise volatile sector. While carriers expand, major retailers like American Eagle and Office Depot are pulling the plug on third-party logistics services to refocus on core operations. These companies realized that selling "supply chain as a service" became an operational nightmare that distracted from their primary retail goals. Automation takes a giant leap forward as Gatik launches fully driverless commercial trucking operations in Texas, Arkansas, and Arizona. By removing the safety driver entirely, the company is effectively solving the middle-mile challenge for Fortune 50 retailers moving perishable goods. Efficiency drives major changes at UPS, where the parcel giant plans to eliminate 30,000 jobs while downsizing its network to manage lower Amazon volumes. The company is also modernizing its air capacity by permanently retiring its aging MD-11 fleet in favor of more efficient Boeing 767s following a recent fatal crash. Financial scandals rock the brokerage world as a new lawsuit alleges the R&R Family of Companies continued operating while insolvent, racking up millions in unpaid bills. Court filings claim the founders transferred valuable property to themselves even as lenders urged an orderly wind-down of the business. Finally, regulators have opened a public comment period regarding the controversial under-21 interstate trucking program amid strong industry debate. While large fleets push to extend the pilot to address labor shortages, safety advocates warn of higher crash risks associated with younger drivers. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Major retailers are retreating from the logistics sector as American Eagle and Office Depot pull the plug on their third-party services. This strategic pivot returns focus to core retail operations, forcing thousands of outside brands to find new fulfillment partners. On the technology front, Gatik has reached a major milestone by launching fully driverless commercial trucking operations at scale in North America. These autonomous medium-duty trucks are now executing daily revenue-generating routes across Texas, Arkansas, and Arizona without human intervention. Drivers and consumers are also feeling the pain at the pump as diesel prices surge amid a severe winter cold snap. Refinery disruptions in the Gulf Coast and high heating oil demand have pushed the benchmark up by more than 16 cents in just two weeks. Finally, tune in to FreightWaves TV at noon today for a new episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? featuring Malcolm Harris. If you miss the live broadcast, you can always catch the replay on YouTube. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At Trimble Insight 2025 in New Orleans, FreightWaves’ Thomas Wasson sits down with Brian Mulshine, Senior Director of Product Management at Trimble, to unpack how AI, integrations, and real-time data are reshaping fleet maintenance. From AI-powered road call agents and automated invoice processing to predictive maintenance, OEM deep-linking, and tire failure trends, this conversation dives into how fleets can reduce downtime, slash administrative work, and keep trucks rolling in a tight freight market. A must-watch for fleet operators, maintenance leaders, and anyone focused on keeping equipment profitable. ⁠Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The logistics sector is sending mixed signals in early 2026, with some data pointing to a boom while other indicators suggest fragility. On the growth side, 3PLs are dominating industrial leasing as corporations aggressively outsource their complex supply chains. Financial metrics back up this optimism, with Triumph Financial reporting rising invoice sizes and the addition of major fleets like J.B. Hunt to their network. This consolidation suggests big players are circling the wagons around platforms that provide stability and value. Operational efficiency is also improving, as C.H. Robinson uses AI agents to automate ready-checks and reduce unnecessary return trips by 42%. These technological advancements are helping stabilize networks by cutting out pure waste like fuel and driver time. However, friction remains in the air cargo sector, where Alaska Airlines is dissatisfied with its Amazon contract due to pilot scheduling issues and thin margins. The airline is looking to renegotiate terms or exit the deal as it struggles to optimize utilization between passenger and cargo operations. Regulatory and geopolitical risks are also mounting, highlighted by a court decision denying a reprieve for non-domiciled CDL renewals in California. Furthermore, global trade lanes face renewed uncertainty after Houthis threatened new attacks in the Red Sea, potentially forcing ships back around the Cape of Good Hope. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, we discuss a legal setback for truck drivers in California after a federal judge declined to force the state to resume non-domiciled CDL renewals. The court ruled that intervention could jeopardize millions in federal highway funding, creating a catastrophic risk for the state. Next, we look at turbulence in the air cargo sector as Alaska Airlines signals dissatisfaction with its Amazon contract. Executives indicate that while they are meeting delivery standards, the current operating margins are too thin to be sustainable long-term. Finally, we examine how Smith System is modernizing fleet safety by replacing paper checklists with a digital trainer platform. This new cloud-based tool integrates with telematics to turn one-time training events into a consistent, data-driven safety culture. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Host Malcolm Harris welcomes Mary O’Connell to break down the real-world freight impacts of a major winter storm, from power outages to network disruptions. Then Mark Borchert from Travelers joins to unpack the 2026 freight market outlook, cargo risk, and insurance trends. Wrapping up the show, Grace Sharkey from Orderful brings insights from the retail and tech frontlines, exploring what’s real versus hype in AI, automation, and why modern EDI still matters. It’s a loaded episode packed with market insight, risk awareness, and future-focused conversation.  ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ ⁠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! This week, we’re shifting to Critical Events and showing how you can track real-time weather disruptions directly within SONAR—while you’re already analyzing rates and market conditions. In this session, we’ll walk through SONAR’s weather intelligence tools, powered by our partnerships with WeatherOptics and Everstream, and how they help you proactively manage risk during severe weather events. You’ll learn how to: Access Critical Events under the Risk Management section in SONAR Monitor real-time and forecasted weather disruptions across the U.S. and globally Identify high-impact areas affecting facilities, shipments, and capacity View storms, cyclones, wildfires, earthquakes, and other disruptive events Use radar, traffic, hyperlocal weather, and impact indices to support operational decisions Validate delays, communicate proactively with customers and carriers, and plan ahead Both WeatherOptics and Everstream are included with your SONAR subscription, giving you the tools to stay ahead of disruptions and protect service during volatile conditions. 📩 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

The regulatory battle between Washington and Sacramento reaches a boiling point as the ⁠DOT threatens to strip California of its authority to issue commercial driver's licenses⁠. This unprecedented "nuclear option" escalates beyond the initial dispute over non-domiciled credentials and could leave hundreds of thousands of drivers unable to operate in interstate commerce. On the weather front, the FMCSA has issued a ⁠massive 40-state regional emergency declaration⁠ to assist with relief efforts during Winter Storm Fern. While the Northeast battles snow, the Southeast faces dangerous ice storm conditions that have ⁠left over one million people without power⁠ and grounded thousands of flights. In market news, ⁠FedEx Freight prepares for its spinoff as a standalone company⁠ with a freshly assigned investment-grade credit rating. Meanwhile, Alaska Airlines leverages its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines to ⁠launch new international cargo routes into London and Rome⁠. Finally, analysts predict a ⁠dramatic rise in transportation M&A activity by late 2026⁠, though buyers remain focused on specialized carriers rather than general freight. This recovery favors companies with defensible service models while pure spot market brokerages may continue to struggle. ⁠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 examine the escalating standoff between federal regulators and California that could paralyze the nation's largest trucking workforce. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is threatening to strip the state of its commercial licensing power over safety concerns regarding 17,000 non-domiciled licenses. Markets are also bracing for a major shift, with analysts predicting a dramatic spike in logistics mergers and acquisitions by the end of 2026,. Investors are increasingly favoring specialized tech platforms over generic brokerages, exemplified by Echo Global Logistics' recent move to acquire ITS Logistics. Finally, the nearshoring boom is driving tangible infrastructure investments along the southern border. DSV has broken ground on a massive regional headquarters in Arizona to support growing cross-border trade, joining other industry giants in expanding their footprint to capture Mexico-bound freight. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Friday edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, host Malcolm Harris breaks down the biggest stories shaping freight right now — from Winter Storm Fern threatening major U.S. freight corridors to consolidation moves and rail investments impacting the market. Malcolm is joined by two industry heavy-hitters for a jam-packed conversation covering technology, operations, and money on the ground: Steve Shebuski, VP of Presales at MCA Connect, dives deep into how TMS, WMS, ERP, and Dynamics 365 are transforming distribution, warehousing, and fulfillment. Steve explains where companies get digital transformation wrong, how to orchestrate (not just automate) supply chains, and why clean data, integration, and human judgment still matter — even in an AI-driven future. Kimberly “Kim” Fisk, President of Triumph, brings real-world insight into small carrier financing and cash flow strategy. From instant invoice approval and predictable capital to fraud prevention and back-office automation, Kim explains how fast, reliable access to cash is changing how carriers make decisions, survive tight markets, and plan for long-term growth. ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ ⁠Subscribe to the WTT newsletter⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠More FreightWaves Podcasts⁠ #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Winter weather has been the most disruptive force of nature on transportation in the past few years. The freight market may not be as resilient as it has been.  Follow the Freightonomics 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

Fuel prices just jumped again — up nine cents this week — and for small carriers, that’s not a market trend, that’s a problem. In this episode of The Long Haul, Adam sits down with Zach Buckner, Senior VP of Sales at OTR Solutions, to dig into what really separates good financial partners from the ones who quietly drain your margins. Zach shares his journey from sales executive to senior leadership, the lessons he’s learned from a decade in the factoring space, and why OTR is betting big on transparency, speed, and innovation to support small carriers when the market tightens. This is a conversation between two people who live it — not a sales pitch. If you’re an owner-operator or small fleet trying to manage cash flow and fuel spikes at the same time, this one’s for you. Follow The Long Haul 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