FreightCasts

Chameleon carriers.
Shut down one DOT number.
Open another.
Same trucks. Same players. New identity.
In this episode of Brake Check, we expose how some carriers are exploiting loopholes to dodge accountability  and how that behavior impacts insurance rates, broker trust, and the reputation of every honest operator on the road.
We break down:
• What a “chameleon carrier” really is
• How DOT number resets happen
• The safety and insurance consequences
• Why compliant small carriers pay the price
• What enforcement agencies are doing about it
• How brokers and technology platforms are fig...

Aftertreatment failures don’t usually show up as one big catastrophic bill — they show up as downtime, repeat derates, misdiagnosed parts, and decisions made under financial stress.

In this episode of The Long Haul Podcast, I sit down with RJ Bordner to break down the real-world economics of aftertreatment from the perspective small carriers actually live with. We talk about post-warranty realities, OEM versus aftermarket tradeoffs, inventory delays, technician variability, and why “good enough” often ends up being the most expensive choice.

This is not a product conversation.This is a decision-quality conversation for owner-operators and smal...

Norfolk Southern and CMA CGM have announced a partnership to launch a new "truck-like" intermodal service connecting the Port of Los Angeles to key Midwest markets. This door-to-door option utilizes high-cube containers to offer the flexibility of trucking while reducing emissions through the rail network.

Federal investigators are cracking down on safety violations with a massive sting operation targeting sham CDL training schools across the United States. The FMCSA has issued notices to more than 500 providers accused of using unqualified instructors and fast-tracking unprepared drivers onto the road.

FedEx is signaling a major shift in...

Malcolm kicks off the show with a look at current headlines, including UPS’s optimization plan to close 22 sortation centers and the FMCSA’s crackdown on CDL non-compliance in Illinois. The segment also highlights rising cargo theft data, noting that California and Texas accounted for 58% of US incidents in 2025. Headlines are followed up with two great interviews.

Robert Nathan, Co-founder and CEO of Envoy AI, shares insights from his 20-year career that began in the warehouse and led to building a top-50 freight brokerage. He emphasizes the need for a shift toward human-centric technology, specifically building “carrier copilo...

A new report reveals that California and Texas accounted for more than half of all U.S. cargo theft incidents last year, with electronics remaining a top target for criminals. Thieves are increasingly utilizing deceptive pickup tactics to steal loads, a trend experts warn is expected to accelerate through 2026.

The massive merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern faces another delay as the railroads plan to refile their application with federal regulators later this spring. This postponement comes amidst growing political pressure and concerns from state attorneys general that the deal could stifle competition and raise prices.<...

On this episode of Loaded and Rolling, host Thomas Wasson sits down with Steve Oliver of Taylor and Martin to unpack how shifting freight rates, tariff uncertainty, and lower diesel prices are reshaping the new and used truck markets. They explore how auction activity offers real-time insight into freight trends, why equipment scarcity is driving values higher, and how small and midsize fleets are positioning themselves for growth as optimism returns. Oliver also shares details on Taylor and Martin’s expanding auction footprint, major fleet dispersals, and a newly launched engine protection plan designed to give buyers added confidence in...

Is trucking entering a new era?

In this episode of Brake Check on FreightWaves, we examine two forces shaping the future of freight workforce development and legal accountability.

First, Lindsey Trent of the Next Generation in Trucking Association joins us to discuss the mission of the next generation in trucking. Are we finally fixing the pipeline? What are we getting right  and where are we still missing the mark?

Then we turn to the Supreme Court ruling in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC with Shannon Everett of American Truckers United.

W...

In this episode, we cover the major consolidation in ocean shipping as Hapag-Lloyd agrees to⁠ acquire ZIM Integrated Shipping Services⁠ in a deal valued at $4.2 billion. This acquisition includes the creation of a new entity to manage security-critical vessels and is expected to be finalized by the end of the year.

We also discuss the growing political opposition to the proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern. A coalition of attorneys general is calling on the Department of Justice⁠ to intervene in the deal⁠, arguing that the creation of a rail behemoth will harm competition and drive up...

On this episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Malcolm kicks things off with the latest headlines in freight, from ELD enforcement updates and cross-border truck exports to major M&A moves and labor tensions shaking up the industry.

First up, Craig Leinauer breaks down the biggest mistakes companies make when filing cargo claims — from late reporting and poor documentation to misunderstanding shipment value and contract liability — and shares practical steps to avoid costly insurance headaches.

Next, Jennifer Karpus-Romain joins the show to talk about the evolving role of sales and marketing in transportation. She dives into how...

On today’s FreightWaves Morning Minute, we examine the legal battle brewing over New York City's renewed effort to license final-mile delivery giants like Amazon. Supporters argue the Delivery Protection Act creates necessary accountability, while critics warn of years of litigation regarding interstate commerce.

In maritime news, Hapag-Lloyd is in advanced negotiations to acquire Israeli carrier Zim in a deal valued at over $3.5 billion. However, the potential acquisition has sparked backlash, including strikes by ZIM employees concerned about job losses.

Finally, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance has announced the dates for International Roadcheck 2026, which will ta...

Online grocery has exploded from just 2% of orders ten years ago to nearly 20% today but the cold chain hasn’t caught up. On this episode of Running on Ice, host Mary O’Connell sits down with Hanson Li, CEO of Peltier Technology, to talk about the growing complexity at the edge of the cold chain, where products leave controlled environments and enter the chaos of curbside pickup, DoorDash deliveries, and last-mile handoffs. From ice cream tempering to curbside fulfillment bottlenecks, they break down: - Why small and mid-sized cold shippers are stuck in the “middle gap” - How online grocery...

On this episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Malcolm breaks down the biggest trucking and freight headlines of the week, from CDL regulations and cross-border trade to cargo crime and market volatility driven by AI claims. First guest Noi Mahoney joins the show to unpack Canada–U.S. tariff developments, wage theft issues impacting drivers in Canada, rising cargo theft trends, and ongoing layoffs and bankruptcies across the trucking industry. Later, Norita Taylor discusses the mission and impact of the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, highlighting critical financial assistance and free health and wellness programs designed to support drivers during il...

In today's episode, we discuss how investors are cutting ties with DP World following revelations about the CEO's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Two major funds have already suspended capital deployment until the company addresses the situation.

Meanwhile, a legal dispute over port terminals in Panama is escalating, with CK Hutchison threatening action against Maersk and local authorities. The conflict arose after Panama's Supreme Court voided contracts for strategic terminals at both ends of the canal.

Finally, we look at a surge in cargo crimes across North American freight lanes, including cyber-assisted thefts of high-value goods...

Broker transparency has become one of the most emotionally charged topics in trucking — and for good reason. Small carriers feel boxed out, brokers feel misunderstood, and the conversation often collapses into extremes instead of solutions.

In this episode of The Long Haul Podcast, I sit down with Chris Jolly, better known as The Freight Coach, to slow the conversation down and unpack what transparency actually means in today’s freight market.

We talk about power dynamics, trust gaps, what carriers are really asking for, where brokers draw their lines, and why shouting “full transparency” hasn’t moved th...

Charles is on the floor for day 3 of Manifest. He talks to: - Fred Ligouri from Freightliner - Danielle Chaffin from Revenova - Whitney Cowell and Bobbie Kelley from Knight-Swift - Brian Lewis from Wabash - Richie Daigle from Tive - Krist Forrest from Genlogs - Jacob Brazier from Tel - Mason Cole from Slip robotics - Ben Marks from Optimal Dynamics

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Federal regulators have finalized strict new standards for non-domiciled CDLs which will limit license eligibility to holders of specific work visas. Critics warn this move to close safety loopholes could eventually push nearly 200,000 drivers out of the market.

Revised government data indicates the industry is facing a much sharper decline in trucking jobs than previously estimated, with losses exceeding 125,000 positions since the peak. Despite a rise in warehouse employment, the numbers confirm the true depth of the recent freight recession.

Meanwhile, Amazon is moving fast to expand same-day pharmacy delivery by 80% to cover nearly 4,500 cities...

In this episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, host Malcolm Harris dives into the latest headlines and industry shifts defining the logistics landscape in early 2026. The episode features two deep-dive conversations with experts representing different facets of the supply chain—from the driver’s seat to the executive suite.

Frontline Perspectives with Avante Jackson: Known as CDL Shorty, Jackson shares his journey as a heart transplant recipient turned instructor. He discusses the critical need for driver mentorship, the realities of the current pay and respect gap, and his advocacy for improved safety standards like underride guards.

Stra...

The Teamsters union has filed a lawsuit to block a new driver choice program at UPS, calling the voluntary buyouts an illegal move to eliminate jobs. Union leaders argue the plan violates their contract, while the company maintains the program is voluntary and necessary to cut costs.

A trucking company has agreed to a settlement regarding a deaf driver who was refused employment despite being qualified. Wilson Logistics will pay $50,000 and must implement new training and hiring procedures to comply with the ADA.

CSX is making a major investment in its fleet by signing a $670...

Host Charles Gracey takes the show on the road to Manifest in Las Vegas, the epicenter of logistics and supply chain innovation. In Part 1 of our “Live From Manifest” series, Charles hits the showroom floor to catch the pulse of the industry and sit down with the heavy hitters shaping the future of freight.
In This Episode:
Market Insights with Craig Fuller: The Founder and CEO of FreightWaves joins us to discuss why he is “so bullish” on the 2026 freight market. Craig breaks down high-frequency data, the return of carrier pricing power, and why he believes 2026 will be “epic...

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is looking to secure exports with a proposed rule mandating electronic data filing for all vessel cargo before it leaves port. This digital update replaces an outdated paper system to help officials better intercept high-risk shipments containing contraband like weapons or narcotics.

In leadership news, the Truckload Carriers Association has named Jim Mullen as the organization’s next president. The former FMCSA chief brings decades of regulatory experience to the role and will succeed retiring president Jim Ward this April.

Samsara is modernizing fleet safety with the launch of an...

WHAT THE TRUCK?!? is back with a packed Monday edition

Kicking off the show, Malcom sits down with Jane Jazrawy, CEO of CarriersEdge and creator of the Best Fleets to Drive For® program, to break down what top-performing fleets are doing right in 2026, how driver expectations are changing, and why culture, safety, and stability matter more than ever.

Then, Malcom is joined in studio by Joe Feeney of TMC Transportation and President of the Chattanooga Supply Chain Association. Joe talks leadership, logistics, the future of Chattanooga as a freight hub — and of course, a little fun...

Welcome back to WithSONAR! In this episode we’re diving into Supply Chain Intelligence (SCI)—our shipper-focused network analysis tool designed to help you cut costs, reduce risk, and gain more control over your transportation network. What you’ll learn in this episode: Where to find SCI in SONAR and how to get access A walkthrough of the Summary View with spend, market comparison, risk, and opportunity insights How to use the Network View to identify challenging DCs and priority markets Lane-level analysis with rate comparisons, lane scores, and market difficulty Multi-modal insights with intermodal volume trends (when available) Risk...

Craig Fuller and Matthew Leffler dig into the most important—and most misunderstood—topics in freight. From market cycles and carrier bankruptcies to regulation, labor, and industry history, Freight Expectations connects today’s headlines with the forces that actually drive transportation.

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On today’s show, we discuss the major deal in which a consortium led by FedEx has agreed to acquire InPost in a transaction valued at nearly $9.2 billion. This acquisition will give FedEx a significant foothold in the European e-commerce market by granting access to a massive network of automated parcel lockers.

We also cover the latest developments at the Port of Jacksonville, where Southeast Toyota Distributors has opened a new $145 million vehicle processing center. The modern facility on Blount Island features on-site rail and truck loading capabilities aimed at increasing processing capacity to nearly 430,000 vehicles annually.

Big game energy is in the air, so you already know WHAT THE TRUCK?!? is coming in hot. Malcolm kicks things off breaking down the biggest headlines in freight and logistics, then brings out a true triple threat for this episode.

Justin Turner joins to talk about what shippers, brokers, and sales teams are really dealing with right now and how companies can actually execute in a tough market. Matthew Leffler, the Armchair Attorney himself, gets into carrier liability, fraud, maintenance issues, and what operators need to watch out for in 2026. And to round it out, Abe...

New financial data indicates the freight market may finally be flipping as shippers pay significantly more to move the same volume of goods. This shift in pricing power is creating a painful squeeze for brokers like RXO, who saw their margins crushed to just 1.2% this quarter.

The pressure is also forcing legitimate capacity out of the market, with recent Chapter 11 filings from Quickway Transportation and Robert Bearden Trucking removing hundreds of drivers from the road. While honest fleets fold, a deadly chameleon carrier network has been exposed for dodging regulations and operating dangerous equipment under multiple identities.<...

This episode of the FreightWaves Morning Minute highlights FedEx's plans for a massive infrastructure upgrade at its Memphis World Hub to support e-commerce growth. The proposed "Project Hercules" involves a new 1.6 million-square-foot automated sort center that will connect to existing facilities.

In Washington, Republican lawmakers are urging the Surface Transportation Board to apply stricter scrutiny to pending rail mergers. They argue that regulators must reject any consolidation deals that fail to demonstrate clear, tangible benefits for shippers and the public.

Finally, the podcast reports that a digital marketplace for truck parking has rapidly expanded to 4,000...

Credit isn’t the problem in trucking—misunderstanding it is.

In this episode of The Long Haul Podcast, I sit down with Gerri Detweiler, to break down how credit really works for owner-operators and small fleets.

This isn’t a conversation about products or approvals. It’s about how personal credit, business credit, and cash flow collide in real life—and why too many carriers end up trapped instead of empowered.

If you’ve ever wondered why “good revenue” still feels like financial stress, this episode is for you.

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Dr. Zac Rogers comes on to discuss the impact so the holidays and winter weather on the most recent Logistics Managers’ Index and supply chains.

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This episode begins by uncovering a⁠ tragic collision in Indiana⁠ that exposed a network of "chameleon carriers" hiding in plain sight. We explore how these operators⁠ ⁠dodge safety regulations by constantly shapeshifting their corporate identities to evade federal oversight.

Next, we examine the financial landscape as⁠ Old Dominion Freight Line⁠ prepares for a potential market recovery in 2026. Their leadership believes the⁠ ⁠stars are finally aligning for an uptick in manufacturing and freight volumes later this year.

The conversation then turns to a⁠ massive legal blow against Sysco⁠, where a jury awarded $52 million to drivers who faced retaliation fo...

In this episode of Brake Check, we’re getting into what’s really going on in freight right now — and yeah, things are finally getting interesting again.

Charles Gracey sits down with JP Hampstead from FreightWaves to break down why the truckload market is suddenly way more volatile than what we’ve seen the past couple years. Winter storms, rising tender rejections, tightening capacity, spot rates heating up — we explain what all of that actually means without the fluff. If you’ve been wondering whether this market shift is real or just another fake-out, this conversation puts it into plai...

In today's episode, we cover a massive legal victory for truck drivers as a California jury awards over $50 million in a whistleblower lawsuit against food giant Sysco. The verdict addresses allegations of retaliation against workers who reported unsafe conditions and falsified records, sending a strong message about corporate accountability.

We also look at new regulatory updates where the FMCSA has established specific geographic "safe zones" for drivers struggling with English proficiency. These exceptions near the border will prevent drivers from being placed out of service for language violations, though citations will still be issued.

Finally...

On this episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Malcolm is joined by Rob Carpenter, Frankie Bates, and Diarmaid O Connor for a wide-ranging conversation on the forces shaping freight in 2026.

Rob Carpenter dives into trucking’s biggest pressure points, including the driver shortage debate, freight fraud, market accountability, and where trucking, brokers, and shippers are headed next. Then, broadcasting from across the pond, Frankie Bates and Diarmaid O Connor of Prodensus break down why so many U.S. multinationals are centralizing freight procurement in Ireland, why RFPs are still painfully inefficient, and how AI is transforming — and challenging — freigh...

In this episode, we break down how Uber Freight posted flat Q4 results but finally achieved breakeven profitability through disciplined cost measures. We also discuss the company's pivot toward autonomous trucking as a long-term strategy to drive higher asset utilization.

On the asset-based side, we analyze why losses continue at Heartland Express as the carrier navigates costly fleet integrations and a soft market. Despite recording its tenth consecutive net loss, the company’s improving operating margins offer a glimmer of hope for a turnaround.

Regulatory news takes center stage as the EPA targets truck engine ma...

In a major shift for global trade, shipping giants Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd are returning to the Red Sea route under naval protection. This decision marks a turning point after months of diversions around Africa due to regional instability.

Despite a difficult quarter, Heartland Express sees a path to recovery by focusing on improved operating margins. Company executives believe that integrating recent acquisitions and tightening costs will position the fleet for success later this year.

Legal developments are also in focus as a long-running lawsuit involving Werner Enterprises nears a final settlement. The deal addresses claims...

Trucking isn’t just a job—it’s a craft, a culture, and a way of life. In this episode of Loaded and Rolling, host Thomas Watson sits down with journalist and lifelong trucker Gord McGill to unpack how deregulation, automation, government policy, and the “driver shortage” narrative have transformed trucking over the past few decades—and not for the better. Drawing from McGill’s upcoming book End of the Road: Inside the War on Truckers, the conversation explores declining wages, rising safety risks, forced churn, and the erosion of driver skill and pride. It’s a candid, sometimes uncomfortable lo...

This episode of Brake Check asks the question the trucking industry keeps dodging:

Who actually benefits from the way this system is built, and who’s left paying the price?

We kick things off with Tim Crawford, CEO of Tenstreet, breaking down the real people trends shaping trucking today. From hiring shifts and workforce pressures to what carriers and fleets need to be watching right now, Tim cuts through the noise and lays out what’s ahead in a freight market that’s anything but stable.

Then we bring in Lewie Pugh, Executive Vice P...

The freight recession may finally be over as January transportation metrics reveal a market in firm expansion territory. With the overall index hitting 59.6, a convergence of tightening capacity and rising rates suggests the cycle has officially turned.

Regulatory pressures are squeezing the driver pool just as Werner Enterprises settles an 11-year-old lawsuit regarding driver wages. This $18 million payout underscores the rising floor for labor costs in an increasingly constrained environment.

On the demand side, a surge in Japanese machine tool orders points to a manufacturing rebound later this year. North American orders jumped nearly 30%, signaling...

Host Isaiah Buchanan kicks off this Tuesday edition with a significant legal victory for NFI CEO Sidney Brown. An appellate court has affirmed the dismissal of criminal charges against the executive regarding real estate development rights in Camden, New Jersey.

Next, the show examines how robust consumer spending is leading retailers to adopt leaner inventory strategies. While this shift is softening ocean shipping demand, it is expected to drive up domestic truckload rates and tender rejections in the near term.

In FreightTech news, startup GenLogs has secured $60 million in Series B funding to expand its...

In this episode, Malcolm breaks down the latest industry headlines before welcoming Scott Pecoriello of WeatherOptics to unpack the real-world freight impacts of major winter storms. Helaine Rich of ePost Global joins to explain why cross-border returns are becoming a critical revenue-protection strategy in global ecommerce. Next, Akash Patel of Yellow Brick Academy and Yellow Brick Transport shares how niche markets like auto transport create new pathways into logistics—and how the industry can drive second chances and entrepreneurship. The episode wraps with Nate Veeh discussing new data on truck parking challenges and what it means for safety and in...