The final Transfix Take of the year arrives at the peak of chaos — and opportunity — in the freight market.
This week, Jenni Ruiz and NFI’s market expert Justin Maze break down one of the most volatile December surges we’ve seen since the pandemic era. With spot rates spiking, winter weather wreaking havoc, and carriers finally regaining the upper hand, Maze walks listeners through what’s driving the sudden escalation — and what it means as we head into 2026.
Jenni and Maze take you region by region across the U.S. to unpack:
• Why national spot rates are climbing faster than expected, with a potential 20¢ jump by New Year’s
• How winter storms and rollover freight are creating a ripple effect across long-haul and cross-country lanes
• The Midwest’s shocking 5%+ breakouts and what’s behind the biggest surge of any region
• Capacity tightening on the West Coast despite minimal weather disruptions
• The looming non-domicile CDL rulings that could reshape Q1 and Q2 capacity
• Whether this is officially the start of the carrier “revenge market”
Maze also shares his early forecast for 2026 — including how January sets the tone, why a 5–8% annual rate increase is firmly on the table, and what brokers must do now to keep carriers aligned heading into the new year.
It’s our last episode of the year — and one of the most insight-packed.
If you’re a freight broker, shipper, or anyone navigating transportation volatility, this is the year-end debrief you don’t want to miss.
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Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.
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The final Transfix Take of the year arrives at the peak of chaos — and opportunity — in the freight market.
This week, Jenni Ruiz and NFI’s market expert Justin Maze break down one of the most volatile December surges we’ve seen since the pandemic era. With spot rates spiking, winter weather wreaking havoc, and carriers finally regaining the upper hand, Maze walks listeners through what’s driving the sudden escalation — and what it means as we head into 2026.
Jenni and Maze take you region by region across the U.S. to unpack:
• Why national spot rates are climbing faster than expected, with a potential 20¢ jump by New Year’s
• How winter storms and rollover freight are creating a ripple effect across long-haul and cross-country lanes
• The Midwest’s shocking 5%+ breakouts and what’s behind the biggest surge of any region
• Capacity tightening on the West Coast despite minimal weather disruptions
• The looming non-domicile CDL rulings that could reshape Q1 and Q2 capacity
• Whether this is officially the start of the carrier “revenge market”
Maze also shares his early forecast for 2026 — including how January sets the tone, why a 5–8% annual rate increase is firmly on the table, and what brokers must do now to keep carriers aligned heading into the new year.
It’s our last episode of the year — and one of the most insight-packed.
If you’re a freight broker, shipper, or anyone navigating transportation volatility, this is the year-end debrief you don’t want to miss.
--
Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.
In a male-dominated industry that often rewards polish over honesty, Amber Romando shows up with zero filters and total heart. From her beginnings as a dispatcher at UPS to becoming COO of Spartan Logistics and President of CSCMP Chicago Roundtable, Amber has carved out a career defined by grit, grace, and guts.
In this conversation with host Jenni Ruiz, Amber opens up about betting on herself before LinkedIn even existed, the mentors who changed her life, and how she learned to turn tragedy into legacy. She talks candidly about what it means to be a woman navigating conferences, boardrooms, and truck yards—and why she refuses to play small or play nice when the stakes are high.
This is a masterclass in showing up fully, leading with empathy, and staying authentic no matter who’s in the room. Whether you’re a logistics veteran or just someone trying to find your footing in a tough industry, Amber’s story will make you laugh, nod, and maybe even take a few notes.
Authenticity. Advocacy. No apologies. Amber’s got all three—and she’s using them to change the game.
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Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.
Transfix
The final Transfix Take of the year arrives at the peak of chaos — and opportunity — in the freight market.
This week, Jenni Ruiz and NFI’s market expert Justin Maze break down one of the most volatile December surges we’ve seen since the pandemic era. With spot rates spiking, winter weather wreaking havoc, and carriers finally regaining the upper hand, Maze walks listeners through what’s driving the sudden escalation — and what it means as we head into 2026.
Jenni and Maze take you region by region across the U.S. to unpack:
• Why national spot rates are climbing faster than expected, with a potential 20¢ jump by New Year’s
• How winter storms and rollover freight are creating a ripple effect across long-haul and cross-country lanes
• The Midwest’s shocking 5%+ breakouts and what’s behind the biggest surge of any region
• Capacity tightening on the West Coast despite minimal weather disruptions
• The looming non-domicile CDL rulings that could reshape Q1 and Q2 capacity
• Whether this is officially the start of the carrier “revenge market”
Maze also shares his early forecast for 2026 — including how January sets the tone, why a 5–8% annual rate increase is firmly on the table, and what brokers must do now to keep carriers aligned heading into the new year.
It’s our last episode of the year — and one of the most insight-packed.
If you’re a freight broker, shipper, or anyone navigating transportation volatility, this is the year-end debrief you don’t want to miss.
--
Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.
