FreightCasts

The freight market is living a double life. On one hand, the domestic market is hitting the brakes, defined by shrinking truckload capacity and regulatory friction. On the other, global players and specialized sectors are flooring the accelerator on massive investments.
In this episode, we dissect this "market schizophrenia". We look at how a 32% drop in new tractor builds and stricter enforcement of driver language rules are tightening the screws on capacity. We also explore the massive strategic investments happening in global air cargo, AI-driven safety tech, and specialized healthcare logistics.
But as fleets fight for volume...

For-hire trucking capacity is contracting significantly due to a 32% reduction in tractor builds (taking equipment below replacement levels) and stricter FMCSA English Language Proficiency enforcement, which could affect up to 10% of the driver pool.

Despite shrinking capacity, freight rates are only seeing marginal spot market improvements of 1-2%, failing to keep pace with 3% inflation, due to volume volatility and broader macroeconomic risks. Regulatory friction is also widespread, as a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking the California Air Resources Board from enforcing its Clean Truck Partnership against major OEMs (like Daimler, PACCAR, and Volvo). This legal...

A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction stopping the California Air Resources Board from enforcing the Clean Truck Partnership against truck manufacturers. This block occurred because a state court lawsuit filed by CARB seeking OEM compliance was viewed by the federal court as an attempt to enforce potentially preempted zero emissions standards, particularly since Congress withdrew the EPA waivers that allowed the Advanced Clean Truck rule to go into effect.

UPS has completed the acquisition of Canadian logistics provider Andlauer Healthcare Group for $1.6 billion in cash. Michael Andlauer, AHG's founder and CEO, will now lead UPS Canada...

FreightWaves Founder and CEO Craig Fuller joins host Malcolm Harris for an unfiltered look at what he calls “the busiest news week in trucking history.” They break down why the ATA’s so-called “driver shortage” is a myth, how unqualified drivers and lax regulations have shaken the industry, and why the freight brokerage world is facing its toughest market in years. Craig also dives into Secretary Duffy’s crackdown on noncompliant carriers, the coming shakeout in freight, and how trucking leaders can restore integrity—and profitability—to the road ahead.

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Host Malcolm Harris kicks off a spooky edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? live from Chattanooga, Tennessee, diving into some of the biggest stories shaping trucking and logistics.

First up, OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh joins the show to react to Secretary Duffy’s fiery comments on driver qualification standards and language proficiency. Lewie breaks down the long-running myth of the “driver shortage,” calling it a cover for low pay, poor training, and unsafe working conditions. He lays out OOIDA’s priorities—from codifying DOT rules into law to passing the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act—and challenges lawmake...

Host Malcolm Harris kicks off a spooky edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? live from Chattanooga, Tennessee, diving into some of the biggest stories shaping trucking and logistics.

First up, OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh joins the show to react to Secretary Duffy’s fiery comments on driver qualification standards and language proficiency. Lewie breaks down the long-running myth of the “driver shortage,” calling it a cover for low pay, poor training, and unsafe working conditions. He lays out OOIDA’s priorities—from codifying DOT rules into law to passing the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act—and challenges lawmake...

The Department of Transportation is escalating its battle against "CDL mills" accused of certifying unqualified drivers, promising to eliminate unsafe operators and investigate fleets that hire them. This heightened regulatory enforcement is already leading to a significant capacity shakeout in the truckload market, which could potentially overshadow Schneider’s tough Q3 earnings report.

DOT Secretary Sean Duffy is expanding driver enforcement to shippers who load up rigs, warning that companies must ensure truck drivers meet federal English language proficiency rules or face substantial penalties. This focus on language compliance follows the sidelining of more than 7,000 truckers reportedly fo...

Transportation Secretary Shawn Duffy announced a major new initiative this week, ramping up efforts to crack down on fraudulent CDL mills and unsafe drivers after increased roadside inspections led to over 7,000 service violations. The Department of Transportation is now focusing on the integrity of the certification process and plans to investigate both driver training programs and trucking companies that hire drivers with questionable credentials, holding them accountable for safety standards.

LTL carrier XPO continues to defy the soft market cycle, reporting significant margin improvement in its LTL segment during the third quarter. The company achieved an 82.7% operating...

SONAR's Director of Freight Market Intelligence Zach Strickland sits down in studio with JP to discuss macroeconomic data around the American manufacturing economy, industrial production, and employment.

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Zach Strickland of Freightonomics sits down with two expert guests: Henry Byers, Director of Pricing at KCH Transportation, and Jared Flinn, Co-Founder and Operating Partner at BulkLoads, to dissect the diverging paths of the freight market and the red-hot bulk market.
The conversation covers critical dynamics impacting the industry, including:

The Great Freight Recession continues its relentless purge in the carrier sector, claiming Illinois-based VIB Trans, a 29-truck carrier, as the ⁠latest casualty to file for Chapter 11 amid deeply depressed spot rates and relentlessly high operating costs⁠. This pain is accelerating due to an 18% drop in freight volumes coupled with immense overcapacity, driven by 310,000 new trucks and 200,000 new CDLs added to the system since 2019.

Strategic experts are anticipating the ⁠Largest capacity purge in history coming⁠ as new regulations tighten enforcement around non-domiciled CDLs and ELP requirements. This regulatory squeeze could eliminate up to 600,000 active drivers from the system...

The push for fleet electrification is running into a massive roadblock: the grid. Thomas Wasson is joined by Tyler Phillipi, CEO of Optigrid, to discuss the immense challenges of infrastructure, grid strain, and the costly delays facing fleets trying to go electric. Tyler dives into the technology behind their new all-in-one charging solution, the Orange Juicer, a battery-integrated DC fast charger that avoids massive construction projects and long waits for utility upgrades. They explore how this "best in a box" approach is helping fleets get the juice they need, stay online, and make the transition to electric a reality.<...

In this follow-up episode of The Long Haul, Adam sits back down with Tyler Harden of TTN Fleet Solutions to dig deeper into one of the toughest realities in trucking — what happens when your truck breaks down and the clock’s ticking against you.

Adam also talks to Natasha Sanders, Senior Business Coach for the Amazon Freight Partner Program.

They unpack how Amazon is building opportunities for entrepreneurs and CDL drivers alike — from launching small trucking companies under the AFP umbrella to offering stable, local driving careers with consistent pay and benefits.We’ll talk about what...

VIB Trans, an Illinois-based carrier with 29 trucks, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy amidst the long-running "Great Freight Recession" .

Brokerage giant C.H. Robinson showed robust profitability for the third quarter, which sent its shares soaring 20% right after the earnings release . The company saw income from operations jump 22.6% and adjusted gross profit for its core North American Surface Transport segment rise 5.6% year-over-year .

We examine the tentative agreement reached between UPS and the U.S. Postal Service to resume last-mile parcel delivery for UPS’s low-cost Ground Saver shipping service . This strategic move is part of a mu...

Host Malcolm Harris kicks off this midweek edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? with headlines shaking up the logistics and freight world. From Craig Fuller’s fiery critique of the ATA’s backpedal on the “driver shortage” narrative to breaking news of an Amtrak–truck collision in San Antonio, Malcolm dives deep into the week’s hottest topics.

He then welcomes Clayton Griffin, President of OTR Solutions, to discuss how broker-carrier relationships, payment terms, and trust shape long-term stability and growth in the trucking industry. Clayton shares new data showing OTR’s carriers are 20% more likely to survive beyond their first year...

The freight market is at a "pivotal moment" as shifting industry narratives meet long-overdue regulatory action and the harsh realities of a capacity glut. Hear how the ATA executed a stunning tactical retreat on their decades-long "truck driver shortage" claim, now admitting the problem is a "shortage of quality drivers" rather than quantity.

This retreat coincides with federal regulators moving to fix a self-created crisis: the DOT issued an emergency rule restricting non-domiciled CDLs that were improperly granted to at least 200,000 non-U.S. residents since March 2019. This massive influx of drivers fueled the "Great Freight Recession," yet...

Truckload carrier ⁠Pamt Corp. books another loss in Q3⁠, reporting a net loss of $5.6 million for the third quarter, marking its fourth consecutive net loss in a market that continues to hammer the freight industry. The company's consolidated revenue dropped 18% year-over-year, and its truckload unit reported a tough 106.7% operating ratio, exacerbated by its high reliance on the tariff-hampered auto industry.

In contrast, ⁠Flatbed trends buttress Landstar amid dry van slump⁠, as the company reported strong flatbed volumes even though dry van freight demand remains soft. Landstar reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.22, just one cent shy of consensu...

In this episode, FreightWaves’ Thomas Wasson sits down with Tio Tom, VP of Safety at Performance Food Group, to explore how one of America’s largest food distributors is transforming fleet safety. From combating distracted driving to detecting fatigue through AI, PFG’s data-driven approach has cut collision risks by more than 50%. Learn how technology, coaching, and compassion are reshaping safety across the industry.

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In this episode, we dive into the world of loardboards. Our guest, Brent Hutto, Senior Advisor for ⁠Truckstop.com⁠, breaks down the evolution of load boards and how they became synonymous with fraud in the industry but they aren’t that bad when used properly. For more information, subscribe to ⁠Check Call the newsletter⁠ or the podcast. 

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DAT, a subsidiary of Roper Technologies, is evolving into an automated, AI-powered freight marketplace, a transformation discussed by executives at the FreightWaves F3 and on the Roper earnings call. This strategic shift is predicated on a series of key acquisitions, including the Convoy tech stack, Trucker Tools, and Outgo, which aim to build capabilities across the entire freight automation workflow, promising savings of $100–$200 per load. 

We dive into the immediate crisis caused by federal attempts to restrict non-domiciled CDLs, a pool that has added over 200,000 licenses since 2019, contributing to the "Great Freight Recession". The U.S. Postal Ser...

The US and China have reached a framework for a new trade agreement, potentially averting the threatened 100% tariff on Chinese imports, even as the U.S. has raised tariffs on Canada by 10%.

Accucold has launched a new dual compressor combination refrigerator and freezer designed specifically for the life science, healthcare, and pharmaceutical sectors. These new models, available in two widths, feature independent temperature control across multiple compartments and include user-focused safety features like audible and visual alarms that alert users to temperature excursions, power loss, or door openings.

The freight industry is closely monitoring the...

Jack Kennedy is the co-founder and CEO of Platform Science. Previously, Jack was the President of Qualcomm Enterprise Services. Prior to Qualcomm, Jack served at News Corp where he held roles as the Executive Vice President of News Corp Digital Media, Executive Vice President of Fox Interactive Media, and Senior Vice President of Fox Network Group.

During this period, Jack oversaw activities leading the digital transition of News Corp from a traditional media company into a “digital first” organization. During his tenure, he was part of the joint Fox/NBC Universal team that created the joint venture now...

Don has over 20 years of experience in the transportation and logistics sector, with proven success in advancing digital transformation, forging key industry collaborations, and leading growth strategies. Before joining Transflo, he held senior leadership roles at Knight-Swift Transportation and FreightVana, where he drove innovative solutions and cultivated lasting partnerships.

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This week on What The Truck?!?, Malcolm Harris kicks off a loaded four-piece Monday special with powerhouse guests and big industry takes. FreightWaves’ own Craig Fuller returns fresh off an epic F3 and unloads on the ATA’s “driver shortage” myth, calling for accountability and smarter policy to protect veteran drivers and restore safety across the roads.

Next up, Craig Leinauer of Travelers digs into the rising broker liability crisis — from contract traps to AI-enhanced cargo theft and cluster scams — and shares critical steps brokers can take to protect their business.

Then, Dan Cicerchi, GM and VP of Tr...

Salvage experts successfully concluded operations at Hong Kong International Airport after an AirACT Boeing 747-400 cargo jet skidded off the North Runway and into the sea. The team recovered key components, including the tail section, an engine, landing gear, and the flight data recorder, following the accident that tragically killed the two occupants of a security car struck by the plane.

This episode conducts a deep dive into two critical market dynamics: the immediate, costly friction building at the U.S.-Mexico border due to the MVE compliance rules, and the paradoxical deepening capacity crunch within the...

Yannik Thomas is Vice President, Network Design & Optimization at Norfolk Southern.

Norfolk Southern is one of the nation’s premier transportation companies, moving approximately 7 million rail shipments each year across 19,300 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia. NS serves every major container port in the eastern US and operates the most extensive Intermodal network in the East.

Yannik is responsible for designing NS’ network and service products to provide reliable and efficient service to rail shippers. He also leads technology investment and product management across Transportation and Intermodal Operations. He previously held leadership role...

A leading authority on China’s economy and financial system, Leland is the co-founder and CEO of China Beige Book International.
Leland is a frequent commentator on media outlets such as CNBC, Bloomberg TV & Radio, CNN, BNN, BBC, and FOX Business, and he has served as a guest host of two of the financial world’s top morning news shows, CNBC Squawk Box and Bloomberg Surveillance. His work is featured regularly in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post, TIME, New Yorker, The Atlantic, Forbes, Foreign Policy, The Hill, and South China Morning Post.
Before co-f...

Malcolm Harris talks with Alfonso Quijano, CTO of Lean Solutions Group; Richard Bubb, Principal Program Manager at Amazon Relay; and Todd Waldron, Vice President of Carrier Experience at Truckstop.

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In this episode of The Long Haul, Adam sits down with Kristy Knichel, CEO of Knichel Logistics, to talk about what it really takes to build long-term broker-carrier relationships — especially in a market where trust is at an all-time low. Kristy shares what she’s learned leading a woman-owned, family-founded brokerage, how she sees small carriers finding success, and what brokers are actually looking for when they talk about “partnership.”

We dive into legacy, leadership, accountability, and how to survive when the market turns against you. This one’s all about the real relationship work behind the freight.

On this fiery episode of What the Truck?!?, host Malcolm Harris is joined by two incredible guests to tackle the most pressing issues in the freight industry. First up is Bill Catania, CEO of OneRail, who dives deep into the world of AI-driven logistics, discussing the critical importance of authentication, visibility, and resilience against emerging threats like deep fake impersonations and AI-generated phishing attacks.

Then, Michael Caney, Chief Commercial Officer at Highway, joins the show in-studio to break down the complexities of cybersecurity and adaptability. Michael shares invaluable insights on combating double brokering and protecting your supply...

We analyze CSX's recent Q3 earnings, noting that while adjusted operating income fell 8% due partly to a non-cash write-down and export coal decline, the operational story shows significant strength. The railroad is running better than ever, reporting a 1% growth in overall volume fueled by a robust 5% surge in intermodal traffic, alongside key operational improvements like an 8% decrease in terminal dwell time.

Global markets continue to see chaos, as trans-Pacific container freight rates plummet due to overcapacity and worsening US-China trade friction, causing Asia-US West Coast rates to fall to pre-pandemic levels. Furthermore, the UN's International Maritime Organization...

The proposed transcontinental railroad merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern heads toward a shareholder vote on November 14th, as both companies' boards urge investors to approve the historic transaction. Simultaneously, the shipping industry is navigating major disruptions as Ocean freight rates plummet amid China chaos, causing container rates on key transpacific routes to hit two-year lows due to tariffs and declining demand.

We also detail the new legislation introduced in the Senate, which seeks to vacate sentences for mechanics convicted of tampering with heavy-duty truck diesel equipment and remove the EPA's authority over vehicle pollution rules...

Economic Innovation Group researcher Connor O'Brien discusses his research on Ohio's high-tech workforce, the role of immigration in growth, and how to reform the H1-B lottery with JP Hampstead.

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This daily market update dives into the relentless push for efficiency and adaptation across the supply chain, beginning with J.B. Hunt’s third-quarter earnings beat. The multimodal giant saw an 18% jump in earnings per share (EPS), driven not by demand, but by surgical cost control that included stripping out $20 million in costs in Q3 as part of an efficiency program aiming for annual savings greater than $100 million.

We connect this corporate efficiency focus to the road, examining the surprising resilience of owner-operators. Triumph Capital data shows the average factored invoice size for independent owner-operators actually rose by...

In this edition of 3rd and long, Adam Wingfield and Kaylee Nix tag team the mic to unpack the latest headlines shaking up the trucking world. From Trump’s 25% truck tariff to the crackdown on non-domiciled CDL holders, to viral tweets and the toll on immigrant drivers, no topic is off limits.We break down the implications for small carriers, the legal gray areas many are trapped in, and how some operators are trying to climb out of the load board cycle. And yes — we even address being labeled “woke” for standing on the side of fairness. This one’s for the...

The Department of Transportation has announced it is withholding over $40 million in Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program grants from California. This funding cut is a consequence of the state failing to place truck drivers who do not meet the Trump administration’s English Language Proficiency requirements out of service.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services saw an 18% year-over-year increase in earnings per share to $1.76 for the third quarter, a result that strongly exceeded analyst expectations. The company is scrutinizing expense lines and has already removed $20 million in costs during the period as part of a program aiming for an...

This episode of What The Truck?!? dives into major transportation headlines and features two standout guests shaping the logistics landscape.

The show opens with news updates from FreightWaves’ John Kingston, who discusses a spike in Chapter 11 filings across the transportation sector—five in the first two weeks of October alone. Kingston explains the market pressures behind these bankruptcies and highlights companies navigating reorganization rather than closure.

Next, Malcolm explores innovation and visibility in logistics with Beth Young of Velocity, who shares insights on how her company connects technology across fleets and facilities. She discusses advances in AI, auto...

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