Talking Transports

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.

The outlook for the global container rates isn’t encouraging for fleet owners, with supply expected to outpace demand next year. The Trump administration’s protectionist policies are only complicating matters for the industry. In this Talking Transports podcast, Peter Sand, Xeneta’s chief analyst, joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to share his outlook for the liner market. The backdrop will weigh heavily on rates in 2026, with spot declines outpacing longer-term decreases. Though not Xeneta’s main scenario, a reopening of the Suez Canal would increase capacity by about 10-15%, putting additional pressure on rates. Sand also talks about USTR and China port fees, air-freight markets, emerging trade lanes and his love for death metal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tepid demand, weak rates and rising costs are just some of the challenges facing the North American truckload market. Carriers and drivers also face subpar infrastructure, rising fraud and stricter emission standards. In this Talking Transports podcast, Jim Ward, president of the Truckload Carriers Association, joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence’s senior transportation and logistics analyst, to discuss how the trade group is working to ease these burdens. They also discuss how Trump administration actions affect non-domiciled commercial driver licenses and English proficiency enforcement. Ward touches on electric and autonomous vehicles, road user fees, parking shortages and his pending retirement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Geopolitical tensions are stoking investor interest in shipping stocks as supply-demand dynamics turn more favorable for tanker and dry-bulk operators heading into 2026. Global containerliners, however, face a tougher outlook, with freight rates struggling to find support amid capacity growth outpacing demand. In this bonus episode of the Talking Transports podcast Bloomberg Intelligence senior freight transportation and logistics analyst Lee Klaskow hosts a panel with Fredrik Dybwad of Fearnley Securities and Kristoffer Barth Skeie of Arctic Securities. The analysts discuss rates, trade tensions, emissions goals, order books and their top investment ideas across the global marine shipping industry. The panel was recorded at a Bloomberg Intelligence event during London International Shipping Week on Sept. 16.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tanker and dry-bulk operators are positioned to weather freight-market volatility into next year. Supply-demand dynamics favor tankers, while dry bulk is having a better-than-expected 2H on higher thermal-coal demand. That was underscored at a Bloomberg Intelligence event in London, where BI senior analyst Lee Klaskow sat down with Scorpio Tankers President Robert Bugbee and Star Bulk President Hamish Norton for this Talking Transports episode. Geopolitical events pose significant headline risks for both markets. Tanker demand looks promising on increased production from OPEC+ and the backpedaling of various US regions’ environmental and emissions regulations. The supply picture also appears more supportive for dry bulkers, with steadily rising port congestion and about 20% of operational vessels nearing 15-year inspections. We also discuss USTR fees, emissions and supply-demand dynamics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South American markets and their emerging economies are giving logistics companies growth opportunities through near-shoring, free-trade zones and rising bulk-export demand. In this Talking Transports podcast, Morten Johansen, DP World Americas’ executive vice president and chief operating officer, joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to discuss how the company is positioned to benefit as an end-to-end logistics provider in the region. Many ports in South America are operating at high utilization rates, which could accelerate automation and expansion initiatives. Johansen also talks about expansion opportunities in the Dominican Republic and Brazil, building out its freight-forwarding and contract logistics businesses and how 2026 might shape up.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The global container shipping market faces three key themes heading into next year: the impact of tariffs on trade flows and demand, structural overcapacity and carriers’ financial resilience, with strong balance sheets buying time to manage near-term risks. In this Talking Transports podcast, Stephane Kovatchev, Bloomberg Intelligence senior cyclical-industrials credit analyst, moderates a panel with Moody’s Daniel Harlid and Fitch Ratings’ Raman Singla examining the outlook for the global containerliner market through a credit lens. Overall, the tone was cautious on container shipping’s 2026 credit metrics. The panel took place at a Bloomberg Intelligence event during London International Shipping Week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The global barge industry, a roughly $140 billion market, is critical for moving bulk commodities that fuel economic growth. Freight includes petroleum and related products, coal and agricultural goods. In this Talking Transports podcast, Jason Aristides, OpenTug’s CEO and co-founder, joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to share how the company is bringing visibility and predictability to the fragmented industry through its AI-fueled platform. This should help both shippers and asset owners make more informed decisions, drive productivity and improve returns. Aristides also talks opportunities for modal share growth, his entrepreneurial journey, infrastructure investments and how he gravitated to the industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It takes more than just good relationships and customer service to be a successful freight brokerage in today’s technology-focused world. In this Talking Transports podcast, Robert Bain, director of partnerships and senior consultant at GLCS, joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to share what freight brokers will need to be successful in the ever-changing landscape. Bain shares his three principles to succeed in the industry: extreme ownership, customer experience and free cash flow. Getting these pillars right can create a flywheel effect as brokers reinvest in their businesses to drive more growth. The conversation also covers trucking conditions, basic technology requirements and how smaller brokers can remain competitive. He also shares he applies the lessons learned as the strongest man in logistics to the freight-brokerage industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some brokers are generating strong organic growth despite the tepid freight environment. Expansion can come from a strong service offering, lower costs to serve and shippers’ tendency to reduce the number of providers when trucking capacity is loose. In this episode of the Talking Transports podcast, Matt Pyatt, Arrive Logistics CEO and co-founder, joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to explain how the company grew its truckload brokerage business 35% year over year in a challenging freight economy. Pyatt also discusses leaning on technology for productivity gains and driving costs per load down beyond the 40% achieved over the past 36 months. The conversation also covers consolidation, opportunities, challenges and fraud in the freight brokerage industry, as well as the importance of being relentless in business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The pace of the truckload-rate recovery could be driven by the Trump administration’s focus on the enforcement of English-language proficiency (ELP) requirements, its pause on trucker work visas and the strength of this year’s peak season. In this Talking Transports podcast, Derek Leathers, Werner Enterprises’ chairman and CEO, joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to share what could be around the corner for trucking. ELP enforcement on the state and national level might affect 5-15% of truckers, according to Leathers. He also reflects on the pending Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, EPA engine mandates, the impact of the US’ more protectionist policies on freight demand and how he opted for the open road over a job on Wall Street.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The right pricing strategy can make or break margins on less-than-truckload shipments, especially amid weak demand. In this episode of Bloomberg Intelligence’s Talking Transports podcast, SMC³ President and CEO Andrew Slusher joins BI’s senior transportation and logistics analyst Lee Klaskow to explain how the company’s technology-driven tools help shippers, carriers and brokers make informed decisions on rates, costs, transit times and emissions. They discuss trends in the LTL industry — from dynamic pricing and sustainability to market uncertainty, consolidation and FedEx Freight’s planned spinoff. Slusher also shares insights on leadership, innovation, AI’s potential impact on transportation and his shift to trucking from aviation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Focusing on scale and productivity helps freight brokers offset weak demand and rates, protect margins and position for growth. In this Talking Transports podcast, Drew Wilkerson, chairman and CEO of RXO, joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to share how the company is navigating the current challenging freight environment and looking ahead for when the market eventually turns. Wilkerson provides insights into the benefits and integration of the Coyote Logistics purchase from UPS in September. He expects the freight-brokerage industry to continue to consolidate from the current top nine brokers, which account for over 50% of volume. Wilkerson also touches on AI’s impact on its business, the importance of its customer-centric culture and how the broker is dealing with the uncertain times.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.