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 Civil rights lawsuit — why non-domiciled CDL holders say the rules are unfair Public perception of drivers — including the viral “low-skilled job” debate Real-world industry impact — hiring, safety, insurance, and the future of driver qualifications The massive training gap — 63,000 CDL schools but only 3,000 federally compliant What shippers must do next — and whether this opens a door for small carriers Along the way, Adam shares real stories from the road, what it really takes to safely operate 80,000 lbs of equipment, and why the idea that trucking is “low-skilled” couldn’t be further from the truth. Whether you're a small carrier, an industry insider, or someone who wants to understand what’s really happening behind the headlines, this conversation is one you don’t want to miss. Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new drop. Sign up for the newsletter for deeper insights Follow The Long Haul Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows

Truck parking is one of the most talked-about challenges in our industry — but recently, some are claiming the problem doesn’t even exist. In this episode, Adam sits down with Andrew King, Director of Operations at OOIDA Foundation, to cut through the noise. We dig into the flawed assumptions behind a recent parking report, break down federal data from Jason’s Law, and challenge the idea that drivers are just “bad planners.” If you’re tired of surface-level takes, this episode goes deep into policy, equity, and what real change should look like for small carriers. Follow The Long Haul Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows

In this uncaged episode of The Long Haul, Adam sits down with Sage — CDL driver, O/O, Landstar agent, broker, and commercial auto insurance pro — to tackle the freight industry’s most controversial topics. This one’s not safe for the faint of heart. We dig into broker dishonesty, insurance scams, the broker-agent world, O/O pain points, and what never gets talked about in polite circles. No fluff. Real talk. If you’re in the business and tired of half-truths, this is your episode.

You’ve signed hundreds of rate cons, but have you ever stopped to actually read the fine print? In this eye-opening episode of The Long Haul, Adam sits down with transportation attorney and Armchair Attorney podcast host Matthew Leffler to dissect a real broker-carrier agreement, section by section. If you’re an owner-operator or fleet owner signing rate confirmations without understanding the liability buried inside, you cannot afford to miss this. From indemnification clauses to cargo liability to payment terms, we break it all down in plain English so you can protect your business and stay in control. Follow The Long Haul Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows

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 AFP really is, how it works, and what it means for drivers looking for balance, consistency, and a long-term career inside the Amazon network.This one’s not about hype — it’s about clarity. If you’ve ever seen those blue trucks on the highway and wondered how to be part of that movement, this episode breaks it all down. Follow The Long Haul Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows

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. Follow The Long Haul Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows

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 drivers, the dispatchers, and everyone running a legit hustle. Buckle up. Follow The Long Haul Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows

In this episode of The Long Haul, Adam sits down with Garrett Allen to talk about the one thing that brokers, shippers, and carriers say they value — but few actually use to make better decisions: data. Garrett unpacks how small fleets can use their own performance metrics to create stronger partnerships, land dedicated lanes, and rise above the noise in a market full of volatility and skepticism. We dig into trust-building, performance proof, bid season, and why data transparency is the future of reliable freight — whether you’re a one-truck authority or scaling up to 10. This one is about earning freight, not just chasing it. Follow The Long Haul Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows

In this episode of The Long Haul, Adam sits down with Marcus Cooksey, founder and CEO of Duke.AI — a tech platform that helps small carriers simplify bookkeeping, automate back-office operations, and stay in control of their numbers without hiring a full accounting team.We talk about the real barriers small trucking companies face when it comes to automation, why AI doesn’t have to mean “overcomplicated,” and how tools like Duke.AI are designed to meet you where you’re at — not replace you. If you’ve ever said, “I just want something that works,” this episode is your blueprint. Follow The Long Haul Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows

Is the constant tension between brokers and carriers just bad communication, or is it a sign of a deeper issue? In this powerful episode of The Long Haul, host Adam Wingfield sits down with Annique Lesage, the freight-savvy broker and coach known for her direct, no-fluff truth bombs on TikTok. Annique shares her incredible journey from handling customs to becoming a successful broker, and opens up about how the industry became her lifeline while escaping an abusive marriage. This isn't your typical broker vs. carrier debate. Annique provides a masterclass in shifting from a transactional, load-by-load mindset to building lasting, profitable partnerships. She breaks down why there’s no such thing as "cheap freight," only bad negotiators, and challenges carriers to operate as strategic business owners rather than just drivers. If you’ve ever felt burned by a broker or struggled to make the industry work for you, this is a conversation you can't afford to miss. Follow The Long Haul Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows

In this episode of The Long Haul, Adam sits down with tire expert Kamard Johnson to talk about one of the most overlooked — and most expensive — parts of a small fleet’s operation: tires.From hidden fuel losses to downtime disasters, Kamard breaks down the real cost of running the wrong tires, buying from the wrong places, and ignoring what’s right in front of your truck. This episode is packed with tactical advice for owner-operators who want to stop bleeding margin and start treating tires like a business decision, not an afterthought.You’ll learn when cheap is smart, when it’s not, how to inspect like a pro, and what a tire buying strategy looks like for fleets trying to stay in the game long-term.This isn’t just about rubber — it’s about money, uptime, and survival.

When the market feels like it’s 3rd and Long every damn day, you need real voices in the huddle. In this special episode, Adam sits down with Kaylee Nix for a laid-back, wide-ranging conversation about what’s really going on in freight. From English testing crackdowns to used truck trends and questionable tariff policies, nothing’s off-limits. Buckle up — we’re calling an audible and going for it on this one.

In this solo episode of The Long Haul, Adam tackles one of the freight industry’s most loaded topics — the crackdown on English Language Proficiency and the targeting of non-domicile CDL holders. What starts as a safety policy is revealing deeper issues around bias, access, and who gets to belong in trucking. If you're ready for a raw, honest conversation about what’s really happening, this one's a must-listen. Follow The Long Haul Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows

In this episode of The Long Haul, Adam sits down with Jessica Dotson, Director of Business Development at Multi Service Fuel Card, Vice Chair of the Women in Trucking Foundation Board, and Chair of the BCS Women in Logistics Events Committee. Jessica’s story didn’t start in an office—it started at home, supporting her husband on the road as a trucker’s wife. That experience gave her a firsthand view of the challenges families face in this industry and set her on a 15+ year journey across operations, sales, and strategy. Today, Jessica is focused on giving back—through her work with the Women in Trucking Foundation and initiatives like the Brittany Traylor Scholarship—all designed to create opportunities and open doors for the next generation of women in transportation.

In this episode of The Long Haul, Adam sits down with Tapan Chaudhari, Founder and CEO of Bubba AI, to talk about what happens when artificial intelligence stops being a buzzword and starts booking freight. Tapan isn’t a tech outsider—he’s the founder of TruckX and has spent years building tools for small carriers and owner-operators. Now with Bubba AI, he’s tackling the one thing that eats up most of a driver’s day: dispatching and back-office work. From negotiating rates to optimizing loads and handling paperwork, Bubba is built to run the lanes while you run the miles. If you’ve ever wondered whether AI could actually make your trucking business more profitable—or just replace the human dispatcher—this is the conversation you need to hear.

In this episode of The Long Haul, Adam sits down with Todd Waldron, Vice President of Carrier Experience at Truckstop and former CEO of Q Carriers, to unpack what the next chapter of load boards really looks like. This isn’t a fluff piece about digital freight. Todd’s sat in the chair, run the trucks, and now helps shape one of the industry’s most-used platforms. The conversation digs into Truckstop’s 30th Anniversary Carrier Survey—what the data really says about where things are going—and explores new features like Private Loads, the Authority Age Filter, and Load Popularity designed to help small carriers win smarter. If you’ve ever felt like the load board game was stacked against you, this episode shows you what’s changing—and how to use it to your advantage.

In this episode of The Long Haul, Adam sits down with Nick Klingensmith—freight industry veteran, endurance athlete, motivational speaker, and author of Selling, Inspired!—to talk about what it really takes to finish the year strong. If your goals slipped somewhere between rate dips and long weeks on the road, Nick’s bringing the mindset and mental discipline to get you back in gear. From sales strategy to personal accountability, this episode is packed with real-life takeaways to help you lead your business with more clarity, confidence, and control—starting today.

In this episode of The Long Haul, Adam sits down with Mike Ernst, President of Expedite All and a 25-year freight industry veteran, to talk about one of the most slept-on opportunities in trucking: Small Truckload (STL). From cargo vans to box trucks and straight trucks, STL is on the rise—driven by tight delivery windows, high-value freight, and a shift away from one-size-fits-all shipping. Mike breaks down what STL really is, why it’s not just a local play, and how smart carriers can step in now and build consistency in a volatile market. If you’re running under CDL or thinking about diversifying your equipment—this episode is your blueprint.

In this episode of The Long Haul, Adam chops it up with Robert McCutcheon, VP of Strategy and Growth at TAFS, to dig into the stuff that keeps small carriers afloat—or breaks them down. We’re talking factoring terms most folks overlook, the real cost of fuel cards, and how to make smarter money moves in a market that’s already tight. Rob brings years of experience across finance, logistics, and trucking and lays it out plain: if you don’t understand your numbers, you’re rolling backwards. If you’ve ever signed a factoring deal or swiped a fuel card, this one’s for you.

In this episode of The Long Haul, Adam sits down with Dale Prax—Marine Corps veteran, 30-year freight insider, and founder of FreightValidate—to expose the freight fraud epidemic that’s hitting small carriers the hardest. From ghost carriers and fake dispatchers to double brokering rings that steal freight and wreck reputations, Dale breaks down exactly how these scams work—and why the FMCSA isn’t doing enough to stop them. You’ll also hear how Platinum Verified and FreightClub are building a wall of trust around the good actors in this industry. If you’ve ever said “That would never happen to me”—you need to hear this episode.