Dr. Zac Rogers comes on to discuss the historic drawdown on inventory levels in December’s LMI. ⁠Follow the Freightonomics Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the U.S. built to make things, or just regulate them? On this end-of-year episode of Bring It Home, JP Hampstead breaks down trillions in manufacturing and industrial investment announcements from 2025, with many tied to direct negotiations with the Trump White House, and what they actually mean for America’s re-industrialization push. JP also dives into a powerful idea from Breakneck: China’s Quest to Engineer the Future by Dan Wang, reviewed by Charles Yang in American Affairs: China as an engineering state and America as a "lawyerly" society. ⁠Follow the Bring It Home Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Daily, we uncover why many freight brokers are structurally losing roughly $19 on every load despite seemingly stable contract rates. We break down the "negative operating leverage trap" detailed in How are Freight Brokers Staying Afloat? that is forcing companies to burn cash while desperately chasing volume. The conversation shifts to the rail sector, where CSX lays off 5% of management staff, furloughs conductors in a move that signals a permanent shift toward leaner operations. These deep cuts reflect a broader industry trend of redrawing profitable baselines amidst challenging economic conditions and declining high-margin traffic. Regulatory pressure is also intensifying, as the DOT strips California of $160M over foreign truckers for failing to revoke thousands of unlawfully issued commercial driver's licenses. This systemic collapse in the state's licensing process threatens to tighten capacity further in the stressed West Coast freight market. We also examine compliance risks, highlighting a case where an air cargo contractor reimburses Postal Service for fraudulent billing after falsifying delivery scans to avoid late penalties. This recurring pattern of fraud underscores the rigorous compliance demands fleets must manage alongside financial pressures. Physical risks are escalating as well, with new analysis on Minneapolis, 1992, and What Fleets Need to Know About the Insurrection Act as state and federal tensions create volatile conditions for urban logistics. Fleet operators are urged to prioritize real-time visibility and safety training to navigate these potential disruptions effectively. Finally, we look at market data where U.S. Bank, DAT launch quarterly truck freight rates report showing that carrier capacity is quietly shrinking while contract rates hold steady. This disconnect raises the critical question of which sector will force a necessary margin reset in the coming year. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Truck drivers don’t need another feel-good message. They want honesty. In this episode of The Long Haul, Adam sits down with Harvey Beech, co-founder of American Truckers United, a third-generation trucking operator who has lived every side of this industry — company driver, small fleet owner, and long-haul carrier. Harvey speaks plainly about what many drivers feel but few are willing to say out loud: how immigration policy intersects with trucking, why wages have been compressed, how safety standards have eroded, and why the sacrifices of seasoned American drivers often go ignored. This is not a political episode. It’s a reality check — from someone who was born into trucking and never left it. ⁠Follow The Long Haul Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the FreightWaves Morning Minute, the U.S. Department of Transportation has officially withheld $160 million in safety funding from California following a dispute over commercial driver’s licenses. The state missed a critical deadline to revoke thousands of licenses issued to foreign drivers, a situation federal officials describe as a systemic collapse of safety protocols. Shifting to the rails, the Surface Transportation Board has introduced a proposal designed to give captive shippers access to competing lines through reciprocal switching. By removing the requirement to prove anti-competitive conduct, this regulatory change aims to foster competition and offer more options to businesses served by a single railroad. Additionally, a new quarterly report from U.S. Bank and DAT warns that a shrinking carrier pool could cause shipping costs to spike rapidly if demand rebounds. The episode wraps up with a preview of today’s FreightWaves TV lineup, featuring discussions on trucker wages, the Logistics Manager Index, and the outlook for manufacturing in 2025. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, host Malcolm Harris kicks off 2026 with a deep, perspective-driven conversation on what’s really happening across the freight and logistics industry beyond the headlines. The show opens with FreightWaves cross-border reporter Noi Mahoney breaking down major policy and trade developments, including tariff delays, shifting duties, and why U.S.–Mexico freight could emerge as one of the biggest stabilizers for trucking in 2026. Noi shares insights on nearshoring, cross-border truckload demand, warehouse implications, Class 8 truck orders, and the risks that could disrupt current momentum. Next, supply chain veteran Mike Eischer, CEO of One World Supply Chain Consulting, joins the show to unpack where inefficiencies hide inside organizations, how companies should think about disruption as the new norm, and where technology is actually making a real-world impact. Mike offers practical guidance on operational discipline, balancing efficiency with reliability, the limits of automation, and why people remain the most important part of any supply chain. The episode wraps with Chase Osborne of First Star Logistics, who dives into the realities of agent recruiting, marketing, and trust in a tight freight market. Chase discusses what agents are really looking for in 2026, how compensation, culture, and back-office support factor into decision-making, and why transparency and infrastructure matter more than flashy commission offers. This episode is packed with actionable insights for carriers, brokers, shippers, and logistics leaders navigating a complex and evolving freight landscape in 2026. 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

In this episode, we dive into some of the ways to expand security in the supply chain and yard automation. Our guest, Mike Grabovica, CEO of Birdseye, breaks down best adoption strategies and when to make improvements as well as ensuring you don’t get left behind. For more information, subscribe to Check Call the newsletter or the podcast.  Follow the Check Call Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we unpack a confusing market paradox where transportation capacity has hit a four-year low even as fleets place massive orders for new equipment. Analysts attribute the surge of over 42,000 Class 8 truck orders to a regulatory pre-buy ahead of 2027 emissions rules rather than a true recovery in freight demand. We also explore how C.H. Robinson is utilizing 30 agentic AI tools to execute "gross margin arbitrage" and respond to quote requests in just 32 seconds. This strategy allows the brokerage to dynamically adjust pricing hundreds of times a day, turning speed directly into expanded margins. The conversation then shifts to the legal hurdles facing autonomous trucking, where liability often hinges on whether a "safer alternative design" existed rather than a comparison to human drivers. Experts warn that this unique product liability standard exposes manufacturers to nuclear verdicts even if their vehicles perform safer than people. Finally, we discuss the push by safety advocates to end the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot for under-21 truckers. Opponents argue the program is dangerous, citing data that drivers aged 19 to 20 are six times more likely to be involved in fatal crashes. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the FreightWaves Morning Minute, the U.S. Postal Service announces plans to phase out contracted drivers holding non-domiciled CDLs due to safety concerns. USPS tightens vetting for immigrant truck drivers explores how this crackdown aligns with broader federal initiatives despite warnings of potential supply chain strain. C.H. Robinson is revolutionizing its operations by deploying custom agentic AI tools to handle millions of tasks and slash quote response times from minutes to seconds. How is C.H. Robinson using AI? Its CFO has a story to tell details how these innovations are driving productivity and allowing for real-time pricing strategy adjustments. As autonomous trucks hit the road, manufacturers face massive financial exposure from product liability lawsuits that focus on safer alternative designs rather than human error. Autonomous trucking faces growing product liability risks, examines the legal challenges and potential for "nuclear verdicts" as technology outpaces the law. Finally, catch a preview of today's WHAT THE TRUCK?!? episode airing at noon with four guests covering diverse logistics topics. Join us for these updates and more on FreightWaves TV. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fleet operations are moving faster than ever — and legacy systems can’t keep up. In this interview from the Trimble Insights Conference, Trimble CEO Rob Painter explains how cloud-based TMS platforms, agentic AI, and connected workflows are helping fleets cut hours of manual work down to minutes. The conversation covers real operational pain points like roadside breakdowns, tender processing, cybersecurity threats, and why AI should quietly solve problems instead of becoming another buzzword. If you run or support trucking operations, this is a must-watch. ⁠Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Daily, we dive into how the Red Sea crisis and early Lunar New Year demand are driving a 20% spike in ocean rates while carriers strategically manage capacity. We also explore the infrastructure collapse at Venezuela's largest container port, where operational delays have stretched from hours to days following political turmoil. Closer to home, we analyze why cross-border freight from Mexico serves as a vital stabilizer for the industry, even as U.S. carriers face a brutal squeeze between low spot rates and high operating costs. Experts warn that pending regulatory restrictions on non-domiciled CDLs could further disrupt the supply and demand balance in 2026. The episode also covers a wave of major consolidation, highlighted by QXO securing a massive $1.2 billion capital injection to roll up the building products sector. We discuss how specialized acquisitions by companies like Stord and Trinity Logistics are reshaping the competitive landscape, making scenario planning essential for shippers. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Tuesday’s FreightWaves Morning Minute, we cover the news that⁠ Jacobs’ QXO gets big investment from group led by Apollo⁠, securing $1.2 billion to consolidate the building product supply chain. This fresh capital empowers the logistics venture to manage a growing asset base within a fragmented ecosystem. Next, we discuss how⁠ Stord buys e-commerce specialist Shipwire from Ceva Logistics⁠ as part of a strategy to rapidly scale its operations. The acquisition provides Stord with 12 new fulfillment centers and access to a global network of 1,000 warehouses. We also report that⁠ Trump delays furniture, cabinet tariffs; scales back duties on pasta⁠, pushing planned hikes on furniture imports back to at least 2027,. The administration simultaneously reduced proposed duties on Italian pasta while keeping the existing 25% duty on furniture in place. Finally, be sure to tune in to FreightWaves TV today for new episodes of ⁠Check Call⁠ and ⁠Loaded and Rolling⁠. These programs will air at 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., respectively. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to WithSONAR! This week, we’re highlighting SONAR’s new Truckload Datasets—an enhancement to the same tender data you already know and trust. In this session, we’ll walk through the four new dataset categories: Volumes (STVI): Expanded market, trailer type, and length-of-haul intelligence—still indexed to 10k from 4/1/2019, but with far greater depth than legacy OTVI Rejections (STRI): A leading indicator for spot rate movement, showing carrier sentiment and capacity tightness at a granular market level Market Share (STMS): Identifies which markets drive the most truckload activity and where network imbalances may create opportunity Tender Lead Time (STLT): Reveals shipper sentiment and capacity expectations, helping you identify markets where support—and opportunity—is emerging These datasets are available today within your Custom Dashboards with your SONAR login. 📩 Have questions? Reach out to cs@gosonar.com or your Account Manager. 💡 Subscribe for more quick SONAR insights every week! #freighttech #freighttech #gosonar #sonar #softwareasaservice #logistics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the first episode of 2026 on WHAT THE TRUCK?!?. Host Malcolm Harris kicks off the new year with an in-depth, no-nonsense conversation with Charles Gracey, often referred to as the “Dr. Phil of trucking,” to break down the biggest issues shaping the freight and trucking industry right now. This episode covers major developments that will impact drivers, carriers, brokers, and industry leaders in 2026, including the federal appeals court ruling against Amazon and what joint-employer accountability could mean for last-mile delivery models. Malcolm and Charles discuss whether this ruling signals a broader shift in labor law, risk allocation, and long-term sustainability for delivery service partners. They dive into why large carrier mergers and acquisitions largely stalled in 2025, exploring indecision, market uncertainty, valuations, and leadership hesitation, and what that means for consolidation in 2026. The conversation also examines leverage in today’s freight market, capacity pressures, driver pay, and why the power balance still isn’t in drivers’ favor. Autonomous trucking takes center stage as California moves closer to allowing testing and deployment of heavy-duty driverless trucks. The discussion addresses safety, cybersecurity, liability, regulatory gaps, and the often-ignored human cost of automation, including what happens to drivers if jobs are displaced. Other key topics include:- Peak season performance and why “best in recent memory” may not mean much- Sudden carrier shutdowns during the holidays and what they reveal about leadership, diversification, and planning- The lack of meaningful protections for drivers when companies collapse- Why 2026 may become a relationship-driven year for freight rather than a transactional one- Barriers to entry, industry integrity, and the need for higher standards without killing opportunity- How executives can avoid being disconnected from day-to-day operations- Why innovation fails when drivers and frontline workers aren’t truly involved This episode is a candid, wide-ranging look at where trucking has been, where it’s heading, and what needs to change for the industry to rebuild trust, stability, and integrity in 2026. ⁠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

In this episode of The Daily, we break down the record-breaking peak retail season of 2025, which saw tender rejections soar above 13% amidst severe winter storms. We also explore why truckload order lead times continue to rise, hitting a six-year high as shippers adjust their strategies to cope with escalating trade tensions. The discussion turns to a critical regulatory standoff as California faces threats of federal funding cuts and CDL program decertification over improperly issued non-domiciled licenses. This potential "nuclear option" from the FMCSA could ground hundreds of thousands of drivers, creating a massive liability risk for carriers and brokers alike. On the labor front, we analyze a major court ruling where Amazon lost its bid to halt NLRB proceedings, keeping the controversial "joint employer" designation in play for delivery service providers. Meanwhile, in the rail sector, Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern defend their merger application against competitors claiming the nearly 7,000-page filing is incomplete. Finally, we look south at the booming nearshoring trend where Chihuahua has emerged as Mexico's top exporting state driven by advanced manufacturing and electronics. We also discuss how Mexico's new tariffs on Asian imports are aligning with U.S. trade policy to reshape cross-border logistics in 2026. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kodiak AI has announced a strategic partnership with Bosch to scale its autonomous truck platform for broader manufacturing integration. This collaboration aims to install the Kodiak Driver system directly on assembly lines or through specialized upfitters to ensure commercial scalability. The Ninth Circuit Court has denied an injunction request as Amazon loses a court fight regarding National Labor Relations Board proceedings. This ruling allows the labor board to continue examining the critical legal question of whether the tech giant qualifies as a joint employer with its third-party delivery companies. North Carolina carrier Queen Transportation shuts down operations over the holiday break, grounding a fleet of 89 trucks. The sudden closure was effective immediately, leaving approximately 90 drivers and support staff unemployed without prior warning. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Ship Happens, Brad Guinane (CRO, SONAR) and Julie Van De Kamp (CCO, SONAR) sit down with industry leaders to discuss the current state of logistics and their outlook for 2026. Recorded during the annual F3 Event, this episode features interviews with: Ryan Sharp, Senior Manager of Logistics Strategy at Nevados Engineering Josh McGrath, North American Logistics & Transportation Purchasing Senior Manager at Electrolux Brendan Stinson, Director of Transportation Services at Shaw Industries Key Topics Include: The Power of Data: How shippers are moving away from siloed operations to leverage real-time data for better negotiations and predictive analysis. Market Volatility & Tariffs: Strategies for navigating fluctuating market conditions and the shifting landscape of international tariffs. 2026 Market Predictions: Expert takes on when the freight market will reach equilibrium and the potential for a drop in capacity later this year. Handling the Unexpected: Guests share their "Ship Happens" moments—from navigating supply chain disruptions during COVID-19 to managing the fallout of a major bridge collapse in Baltimore. Learn how the implementation of ERP and CRM integrations with SONAR data is giving companies a strategic advantage in an increasingly complex global supply chain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of FreightWaves’ The Daily, we map out the critical operational shifts defining the 2026 supply chain landscape, focusing on risk management over pure technology. We examine how generative AI and OEM partnerships are accelerating Waabi's push for point-to-point autonomous trucking to solve the commercial inefficiencies of the "highway trap." Regulatory risks are rising as a massive budget deficit in California threatens to disrupt federal, leading to significant compliance volatility for carriers. An internal audit highlights systemic weaknesses in the state's safety programs that could make roadside inspections and protocols increasingly unpredictable. On the macro front, a robust 4.3% GDP growth rate in Q3 signals a healthier economic foundation driven by strong consumer spending and exports rather than just import fluctuations. This economic shift is prompting industry leaders to stop designing for certainty and start building supply chains for adaptability to better handle market disruptions. We also discuss how this renewed focus on efficiency is setting the stage for a resurgence in large carrier M&A, including the anticipated spin-off of FedEx Freight. Finally, we analyze the urgent need to harden networks against sophisticated criminal rings that are exploiting commercial freight channels to smuggle narcotics and stolen vehicles across borders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Freightways Morning Minute, we explore why autonomous trucking companies are shifting strategies to tackle surface streets for door-to-door delivery. By ditching the highway-only model detailed in Beyond the highway: Waabi's bet on door-to-door autonomy, these companies aim to eliminate costly first- and last-mile inefficiencies known as the "highway trap". We also break down the latest economic data, which reveals that GDP grew 4.3% in Q3, and it was ‘healthier’ growth driven by robust domestic demand rather than technical anomalies. This expansion signals underlying strength in consumer spending and exports, offering positive news for future freight volumes. Finally, we look ahead to a potential resurgence of deal-making in 2026, highlighted by FedEx Freight’s plans to spin off as an independent public company. While Large carrier M&A proves elusive in 2025, stabilizing volumes and lower interest rates are expected to fuel a massive industry shakeup next year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As 2025 comes to a close, The Long Haul host Adam Wingfield looks back on a year that tested small carriers and owner-operators like never before. This special Year in Review episode features powerful clips and insights from 15 guests, covering the challenges, lessons, and wins that shaped the trucking industry. It’s a reflection on progress, resilience, and what it really takes to keep moving forward in the long haul. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices