FreightCasts

40 Episodes
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By: FreightWaves

A full trailer load of freight podcasts from FreightWaves. Enjoy shows like the award-winning WHAT THE TRUCK?!? podcast, Put That Coffee Down, Freightonomics, Fuller Speed Ahead, Great Quarter, Gals and more with one click of the subscribe button. One freight feed to rule them all!

The Evolution of U.S.-Mexico Freight
Today at 9:00 PM

FreightWaves’ Noi Mahoney and JesĂșs Ojeda, head of Mexico Operations for Uber Freight, discuss freight trends in cross-border trade, such as how tariffs and USMCA rules of origin regulations are affecting sourcing strategies across North America

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Truck Tech | Harbinger's $160 million Series C with a hefty Fedex Order
Today at 8:00 PM

In this episode of Truck Tech, we catch up with John Harris, co-founder and CEO of Harbinger to dive into their recent Series C round, their big order with Fedex, and what's been going on in the medium duty EV truck space.

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WHAT THE TRUCK?!? | The Heart of Hauling
Today at 6:27 PM

In this special festive edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, host Malcolm Harris brings you a packed episode live from the 2026 Freight Market Summit.

First, Malcolm sits down with Sarah Abernathy, Director of Marketing and Communications at Kenworth Truck Company. Sarah shares the behind-the-scenes story of one of trucking’s most heartwarming annual traditions: hauling the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree across the country. She discusses Kenworth’s twelve-year partnership with the project, the state-to-state community engagement, and the technology behind the Kenworth T680 that carried this year’s tree, “Silverbell,” from Nevada to Washington, D.C. Sarah also highl...


The Daily | December 10, 2025
Today at 5:17 PM

This episode explores the high-stakes balancing act logistics companies face as they navigate internal optimization against a backdrop of external chaos. We begin by analyzing the sharp drop in benchmark diesel prices as domestic refineries ramp up production, though experts warn of a potential oil super glut by 2026.

In the cold chain sector, Lineage is combatting excess capacity by rolling out its LinOS system to generate $110 million in efficiency gains through automation. Meanwhile, the automotive logistics space sees strategic consolidation as RPM acquires PARS to create a comprehensive vehicle lifecycle platform that includes driveaway and titling services.<...


Keynote: On the Cusp of 2026, a Look Back and Ahead
Today at 3:00 PM

In this keynote, Ryan Hammett, Director of Market Intelligence & Insights at C.H. Robinson joins us to dive into 2025 surprises from spot rate volatility to shipper psychology. We also dive into the year ahead and look at important trends like US-Mexico trade, macroeconomic moves, and how to sift freight signal from the peak season noise.

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The Daily | December 9, 2025
Yesterday at 4:32 PM

In this episode of the Daily, we break down the severe supply chain disruptions occurring as blockades choke Mexico’s border trade as farmers and truckers escalate unrest, stranding thousands of truckloads and causing billions in unrealized exports. We also analyze the market outlook as Morgan Stanley sees a supply-side 'spark' for trucking in 2026, predicting that regulatory crackdowns on drivers will significantly tighten capacity and raise rate floors.

The conversation turns to safety and compliance, highlighting commentary that the trucking industry needs better crash data to fix critical flaws in how carriers are vetted for liability. Simultaneously, re...


WHAT THE TRUCK?!? | Optimizing the Open Road
Last Monday at 6:40 PM

On this episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, host Malcolm Harris dives into a packed lineup covering the latest issues shaping freight, technology, and trucking regulation.

We kick things off with Rudy Nemeth of Veloster Solutions, who breaks down how AI is transforming fleet management through predictive maintenance, smarter safety systems, and advanced route optimization following their recent acquisition of ⁠NextBillion.ai⁠.

Next, Magnus Technologies CEO Matt Cartwright joins the show to talk about the real roots of the driver shortage, why it’s a systemic issue rather than a people problem, and how empathy, communication, and in...


The Daily | December 8, 2025
Last Monday at 3:41 PM

A massive capacity glut is forcing established fleets like James R. Smith Trucking to close their doors. We also look at the sudden collapse of two Minnesota carriers, MinStar Transport and Transport Design Inc., which left 200 drivers out of work overnight.

As legitimate capacity folds, the industry is becoming a regulatory "hellscape" where loopholes allow minimally trained drivers to replace compliant operators. We discuss how these unchecked market dynamics have contributed to a 40% rise in fatal truck crashes and a surge in cargo theft.

State authorities are stepping up enforcement, with Mississippi referring illegal truckers...


Morning Minute | December 8, 2025
Last Monday at 3:10 PM

On today’s FreightWaves Morning Minute, we report on the sudden closure of two Minnesota carriers that has left approximately 200 drivers out of work. MinStar Transport and Transport Design, Inc., both operating under True North Equity Partners, announced they were ceasing operations over the weekend.

We also discuss a crackdown on the southern border where Mississippi is sending illegal truckers to ICE after identifying 85 unauthorized drivers in three months. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith is advocating for stricter federal legislation regarding non-domiciled CDLs and English language proficiency to address these safety concerns.

In legal news, an Ohio tr...


Bring It Home | Building in the Great Lakes w/ Tim Hindes & Alia Abbas
Last Friday at 7:30 PM

Officials from the Great Lakes Economic Development Council talk to JP Hampstead about the opportunities and challenges in driving capital investment into a cross-border region that happens to be one of the world's greatest industrial centers.

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Running on Ice | AI in healthcare and why technical advancements struggle in the healthcare supply chains
Last Friday at 7:00 PM

In this episode, we dive into technical advancements in the healthcare supply chain. Our guest, Archie Mayani, Chief Product Officer at GHX, breaks down the smart ways to introduce AI and move a healthcare supply chain forward in smart and effective way. For more information, subscribe to ⁠Running on Ice the newsletter⁠ or podcast.

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WHAT THE TRUCK?!? | Hustle and Haul
Last Friday at 6:47 PM

In this episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? host Malcolm Harris sits down with three industry leaders to break down the latest trends shaping freight, fleet operations, and the trailer marketplace.

First, Jake Johnson of RTA shares his journey from diesel technician to fleet success manager and explains how data, automation, and smarter technology can reduce downtime, control costs, and improve fleet performance.

Next, Corey Klujsza of RXO unpacks the newest Curve Report with insights into rate volatility, spot vs. contract dynamics, capacity exits, cost pressures, and early signals from peak season. Corey also discusses what...


Morning Minute | December 5, 2025
Last Friday at 3:05 PM

A federal appeals court has granted a request to hold the lawsuit regarding non-domiciled CDL restrictions in abeyance while the agency reviews public comments. This decision temporarily halts the interim final rule, meaning the FMCSA gets time-out on CDL crackdown and nearly 200,000 trucking jobs remain protected under previous standards for now.

Beyond the courtroom, industry experts argue that a focused English-language crackdown exposes how cheap labor and CDL fraud are remaking trucking by revealing a "new ecosystem" of transient foreign drivers. Grace Maher of OTR Solutions explains that drivers from Eastern Europe and Asia are suppressing freight...


The Daily | December 4, 2025
Last Thursday at 4:38 PM

In this episode, we investigate a safety crisis on American highways as industry leaders expose a loophole allowing thousands of fraudulent training providers to operate. We also analyze a pivotal legal battle reaching the U.S. Supreme Court that could redefine whether freight brokers are liable for negligent hiring.

Major U.S. ports are raising alarms that a proposed consolidation of rail carriers could severely reduce competition and threaten infrastructure investments. Simultaneously, agricultural leaders are urging for policy changes to overcome tariffs and regulatory "self-inflicted wounds" hindering trade.

Market data reveals a tightening environment where...


Morning Minute | December 4, 2025
Last Thursday at 3:03 PM

New research from ATRI indicates that ⁠pre-crash negligence, such as substance abuse allegations, is driving a massive increase in jury awards⁠ against trucking companies. This analysis suggests that organizational failures now carry financial multipliers that far exceed those associated with crash severity alone.

In payment news, ⁠Relay Payments has secured a deal with Travel Centers of America⁠, completing its coverage of the "big three" travel center providers alongside Love's and Pilot. This expansion allows the digital payment platform to service fleets of all sizes with a network that now encompasses roughly 90% of the high-flow diesel market.

Finall...


The Long Haul | The Freight Fraud Epidemic – Danielle Spinelli on Cargo Theft, Compliance, and the Truth Behind the Scams
Last Thursday at 3:00 PM

Cargo theft is no longer a random crime — it’s organized, digital, and spreading faster than the industry wants to admit.

In this episode of The Long Haul, Adam sits down with Danielle Spinelli, better known as The Fraud Girl — a veteran broker turned fraud-fighting expert and host of Tell Me Everything. Now with Descartes | MyCarrierPortal, Danielle works on the front lines of vetting carriers, uncovering scams, and helping brokers and shippers stay one step ahead of organized theft rings.

Fresh off a ride-along with the California Highway Patrol’s Cargo Theft Task Force, Danielle gives a...


WHAT THE TRUCK?!? | Cold Chain & The Cold Truth
12/03/2025

Get ready for a jam-packed episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Host Malcolm Harris tackles back-office inefficiencies, the critical world of cold chain logistics, and the "cold truth" about major issues facing the trucking industry today.

On This Episode:

Eliminating Email Brokerage Chaos

Clayton Griffin, President of OTR Solutions, joins the show to discuss why email is an outdated and inefficient primary tool for brokerage operations.

Discover the common manual tasks that bog down back-office teams and slow down post-delivery workflows.

Clayton breaks down the vulnerabilities email creates, including exposure...


The Daily | December 3, 2025
12/03/2025

This episode of FreightWaves Daily unpacks a massive safety crisis involving fraudulent CDL schools, where a regulatory loophole has allowed unqualified drivers to self-certify without state oversight. New enforcement measures are projected to remove nearly 200,000 drivers from the road, creating a high-stakes trade-off between highway safety and available capacity.

State officials and industry leaders are warning that this rapid reduction in the driver pool could severely disrupt supply lines and increase operational costs. We examine the tension between these necessary safety crackdowns and the potential for a severe economic shock.

Shifting to market signals, the...


Morning Minute | December 3, 2025
12/03/2025

Union Pacific has delayed their rail merger filing for its proposed combination with Norfolk Southern until mid-December. The 4,000-page application faces significant opposition from other Class I railroads and shippers concerned about the effects of consolidation.

In automotive news, Michigan-based Bollinger Motors shuts down amid financial woes after missing payroll for at least two periods. The EV truck maker has ceased operations, leaving the future of its parent company, Bollinger Innovations, uncertain as it executes a cost-reduction plan.

Finally, Amazon tests 30-minute delivery in two US cities using urban micro-fulfillment centers to speed up orders...


Check Call | Breaking down the future of parcel shipping
12/02/2025

In this episode, get into the future of parcel shipping. Our guests, Taylor Pawelka, Vice President of Marketing & Alliances at ProShip & Varsity Logistics, and Grace Sharkey, Senior Manager of Comms and PR at Orderful, break down their white paper findings around the future of parcel shipping and what gaps companies are experiencing. For more information, subscribe to ⁠Check Call the newsletter⁠ or the podcast. 

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The Daily | December 2, 2025
12/02/2025

10 Roads Express will shut down operations and end its USPS contracts. This wind-down represents the largest trucking failure since Yellow, removing thousands of trucks from the road following severe revenue losses.

We also examine the stark divergence in global shipping, where Asia-US container rates fell 32% in a single week due to overcapacity. Conversely, Asia-Europe rates have surged effectively by 40% as carriers navigate complex security issues in the Red Sea.

On the regulatory front, the DOT is cracking down on safety standards by kicking 3,000 truck driver trainers off its registry for failing to meet new federal...


Morning Minute | December 2, 2025
12/02/2025

10 Roads Express to shut down operations, end USPS contracts and terminate its postal agreements by late January. The major mail hauler plans to complete its remaining service obligations despite a recent history of labor disputes with the Teamsters.

The episode also covers Inside the Amazon-Teamsters showdown: What’s next?, highlighting a union victory for drivers in Kentucky alongside legislative battles in New York,. Additionally, federal proceedings at the NLRB continue to assess whether Amazon should be classified as a joint employer for delivery drivers.

In regulatory news, the DOT kicks 3,000 truck driver trainers off registry fo...


WHAT THE TRUCK?!? | Haul or Nothing
12/01/2025

In this episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, host Malcolm Harris closes out the first day of December with a full lineup of industry leaders shaping the future of freight, logistics, and AI.

We kick off with Jason Burns, former Vanderbilt wide receiver turned podcaster and last-mile logistics veteran. Jason shares insights from his “Last2First” journey, the evolution of the final-mile sector, and what leaders should prioritize heading into 2026.

Next, Stefan Heck, CEO of Nauto, breaks down how predictive AI is transforming fleet safety. From real-time driver alerts to collision-prevention intelligence, Stefan explains why human + AI c...


Net-Zero Carbon | Choosing the right fuel is like choosing the right tool for the job
12/01/2025

Join host Mary O’Connell as she speaks with Chevron’s Principal Biofuels Scientist, Dave Slade, about the critical shift toward lower carbon intensity fuels! Dave explains why fuel diversity - including renewable diesel, biodiesel (B10, B30, and B100), CNG, and hydrogen - is essential for fleets aiming for net-zero carbon emissions.

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The Daily | December 1, 2025
12/01/2025

This week, we examine the unprecedented regulatory storm targeting the U.S. trucking labor market, which combines aggressive DHS I-9 audits with powerful financial enforcement by FinCEN. These federal pressures, including stricter CDL requirements, are accelerating the market capacity correction by forcing thousands of non-compliant drivers out of the industry and stabilizing depressed freight rates.

The air freight sector is simultaneously reeling from a severe, unexpected capacity crunch right at the peak shipping season. We detail why FedEx canceled all MD-11 cargo flights for December following the discovery of fatigue cracks, representing an 8% loss of mainline capacity...


Morning Minute | December 1, 2025
12/01/2025

Overcapacity in the Trans-Pacific container trade lanes nullified November general rate increase plans, causing prices on Asia to US West Coast lanes to drop 32% last week to $1,900 per FEU. We discuss the latest data on falling East Coast rates and the continued emphasis on container shipping challenges, including the potential return of traffic to the Suez Canal route amid Red Sea tensions.

Mexican truckers and farmers have begun removing highway and border blockades after reaching agreements with federal authorities to address concerns over escalating highway insecurity, rising cargo theft, and overdue subsidy payments. These disruptive protests severely...


WHAT THE TRUCK?!? | Lights, A.I., Action
11/28/2025

Day 2 of F3: Future of Freight Festival brings the energy, the insights, and the triple-threat lineup. Host Malcolm Harris goes live from downtown Chattanooga to dive into the evolving world of freight tech, AI, payments, and innovation—straight from the leaders building the future.

Guest #1 — Garrett Wolfe, EVP of Market Strategy, TriumphGarrett breaks down Triumph’s purpose-built, verified freight transaction network, how their data and payments ecosystem powers trust, fraud prevention, and smarter decision-making, and why AI is a tool—not a buzzword—to be deployed when it improves customer outcomes.Guest #2 - Daniel Lucas, VP of Innovation & Bus...


Morning Minute | November 28, 2025
11/28/2025

This episode highlights Airbus kicking its A350 freighter program into high gear, with the prototype finalized and flight tests set for next October, aiming for a late 2027 service entry. Learn how the A350F promises a 40% reduction in fuel consumption and features a massive 175-inch wide cargo door, giving it a significant edge in handling bulky industrial cargo.

We also examine major rail consolidation, specifically the Surface Transportation Board approval of Fortress Investment Group's acquisition of two new regional lines, the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway and the Akron Barberton Cluster Railway. This deal expands Fortress's roster of...


WHAT THE TRUCK?!? | The Ultimate Road Warrior
11/26/2025

Welcome to another episode of What the Truck?! with host Malcolm Harris coming to you remotely from sunny Florida as we head into Thanksgiving weekend! Today’s double-header is packed with breaking news, powerful storytelling, and industry insights you don’t want to miss.

First, FreightWaves insider and investigative journalist Noi Mahoney joins the show to break down some of the biggest headlines in freight:

Major rail merger concerns at BNSF

The halted PFG–US Foods mega-merger

A shocking roundup of recent drug-smuggling busts involving auto parts, produce, and more

How...


The Daily | November 26, 2025
11/26/2025

Welcome to the daily market update focusing on critical friction points that are reshaping the supply chain. We examine the accelerated federal crackdown, including Border Patrol turning back two Mexican truckers in Arizona, and how tech firms like Highway are responding with new broker screening features for non-domiciled CDL drivers.

While new compliance technology risks reducing available trucking capacity, potentially pushing spot market freight rates up, the industry is simultaneously enduring a massive labor contraction across the entire sector. Over 11,900 workers were laid off in five weeks due to diverse factors like slower electric vehicle adoption at...


Morning Minute | November 26, 2025
11/26/2025

We start with major security vulnerabilities, as authorities in the U.S. and Canada are intercepting millions in narcotics cleverly hidden within legitimate shipments, including a $16 million meth bust found in plaster vases. Tune in to hear more about these enforcement actions, where drugs have been concealed in commodities ranging from auto parts and berries to lettuce.

The conversation then shifts to the back office, where new technology is being utilized to fight freight fraud and enhance compliance. We discuss Highway’s new, optional feature that allows brokers to screen out carriers based on whether the primary ac...


The State of Freight: Navigating Trade & Implications of Government Shutdown
11/25/2025

Freight has faced turbulence from every direction: trade tensions, shifting regulations, and a government shutdown. Join JP Hampstead, Strategic Analyst at FreightWaves, and Zach Strickland, Head of Freight Market Intelligence at SONAR for this month's State of Freight, presented by Triumph, as they discuss: - How the capacity crunch is impacting the market for holiday shipping - The latest tariff rulings and their effect on global trade - How the government shutdown influenced freight demand

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The Daily | November 25, 2025
11/25/2025

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The Long Haul | Civil Rights or Compliance — Who’s Really Behind the Wheel?
11/25/2025

In this Thanksgiving edition of Third & Long, Adam Wingfield and co-driver Kaylee Nix break down one of the biggest stories shaking the trucking world: California’s CDL compliance battle with the FMCSA, the threat of losing $158 million in federal funding, and the lawsuits claiming civil rights violations.

This episode goes deep into the political tension between state and federal authority, how these policies affect small carriers and owner-operators, and what the fallout could mean for the industry moving forward.

We cover:

FMCSA vs. California — federal funding, compliance failures, and courts stepping in

Ci...


Morning Minute | November 25, 2025
11/25/2025

The 100-year-old P Judge and Suns Trucking and Warehousing Company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in New Jersey, listing both assets and liabilities between $1 million and $10 million.

The podcast covers the ongoing debate surrounding the proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, which UP CEO Jim Vena advocated for at the RailTrends industry conference. Vena stressed that the United States should not be the only country in North America without seamless rail service, noting that the merger is necessary to enable railroads to compete with the trucking industry.

Strong opposition to the deal comes...


WHAT THE TRUCK?!? | The Cross-Border Catalyst
11/24/2025

Welcome to a special Thanksgiving-week edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?! with your host, Malcolm Harris! Even though he’s out of the studio and home for the holidays, Malcolm is still delivering—like DoorDash—with a jam-packed double feature you won’t want to miss.

Today’s Lineup

John Kingston – Editor-at-Large, FreightWaves

John joins to break down his latest article on what he calls the “jobs apocalypse” hitting logistics. From AI-driven workforce disruption to what’s happening inside Trimble’s panels, he digs into:

Why AI could eliminate thousands of entry-level logistics jobs

...


The Daily | November 24, 2025
11/24/2025

Experts at the Trimble Insight conference are forecasting a "significant reduction" in employment levels as rapidly maturing AI tools become cheaper and more efficient than human workers.

This technological shift is already translating into measurable gains, with companies like C.H. Robinson openly connecting rising profitability directly to a shrinking workforce. However, achieving the full strategic potential of AI requires clean and comprehensive data, meaning much of the current investment is directed toward routine tasks that don't rely on perfect data, such as calling drivers or getting quotes.

Regulation is increasing alongside technological pressure where...


Morning Minute | November 24, 2025
11/24/2025

The container ship ONE Henry Hudson was towed out to anchorage at the Port of Los Angeles after an electrical fire that began onboard while it was berthed was substantially contained. The incident temporarily suspended port operations, closed four of the seven container terminals, and led to a mile-wide safety zone, though no injuries were reported among the 23-person crew.

Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers reached a tentative collective bargaining agreement following over two years of bitter negotiations and strike activity by more than 50,000 mail carriers. The agreement comes as the national mail...


WHAT THE TRUCK?!? | Parcels to Planning: Freight Today
11/21/2025

Malcolm Harris brings a stacked lineup diving into e-commerce logistics, fleet operations, and the growing impact of AI across the supply chain.

Headlines:

Malcolm breaks down the latest in freight, including FMCSA bond enforcement, driver shortages affecting farm labor, Maersk’s relocation to Charlotte, 3PL marketing ROI insights, and rising cargo theft trends.

Featured Guests

Carlos Barbosa — VP of E-commerce Solutions, ePost Global

Carlos shares insights from ePost Global’s new report analyzing 20 million international shipments, revealing why multi-carrier strategies outperform single-carrier setups by 37%. He explains how speed, reliability, cost s...


Morning Minute | November 21, 2025
11/21/2025

A preliminary investigative report has been released by the National Transportation Safety Board regarding the fatal UPS MD-11 freighter crash in Louisville. The report cited fatigue cracks in the left-wing engine mount, which separated shortly after liftoff, leading UPS to continue grounding its remaining MD-11s per FAA guidelines, a situation explored further in "NTSB links fatigue cracks to fatal crash of UPS cargo jet - FreightWaves".

The broadcast also covers Walmart’s impressive Q3 performance, which included a 27% jump in global e-commerce sales and a nearly 70% increase in sales for same-day delivery. Walmart continues to leverage it...