FreightCasts

Welcome to today's episode of our logistics podcast, where we first discuss how AscendTMS has entered the mergers and acquisitions space with its recent purchase of LoadPilot. InMotion Global's chief executive noted that LoadPilot's operations will soon halt as its loyal user base migrates to the newly acquired system.

Next, we explore the implications of new federal guidance from the Department of Transportation regarding commercial truck parking. States must now comprehensively assess their parking capacity in their multimodal freight plans or risk losing vital National Highway Freight Program funding.

Finally, we break down the financial troubles brewing for a major truck sales and service provider after Velocity Vehicles saw its debt rating downgraded for the second time in recent months. Both Moody's and S&P Global Ratings cited the company's high debt-to-earnings ratio and a soft truck market as primary reasons for these financial cuts.

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?!?, hosts Malcolm Harris and Michael Vincent break down a volatile week in global logistics where political shifts and cartel violence are fundamentally redrawing the map of North American trade. The discussion centers on the "green gold" wars at the border, exploring a high-stakes reality where cross-border freight has shifted from a capacity challenge to a survival mission. Following the killing of a major cartel boss, violence along U.S.-Mexico freight corridors has surged, prompting shelter-in-place orders for U.S. citizens and a spike in cargo theft. Adding to the complexity, the hosts analyze the economic ripples of President Trump’s new 10% global tariff, implemented in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling that blocked emergency trade powers.

Shifting focus from the border to the facility, Justin Malone, Director of Field Safety at The Miner Corporation, joins the show to highlight why the loading dock—rather than the open highway—is often the most dangerous part of an operation. Malone breaks down the "handoff" moment where communication between drivers and facilities frequently fails, leading to life-threatening risks. He dives deep into the phenomenon of "trailer creep," explaining why this silent killer occurs and how basic safety tools like wheel chocks and dock locks are often dangerously ignored or misused.

The conversation then turns toward the financial core of logistics technology with Matthew Everson, SVP of Sales & Marketing at IntelliTrans. Everson challenges the industry’s current obsession with visibility, arguing that tracking dashboards can become "money pits" if they aren't balanced against carrier economics. He asserts that the true financial center of gravity for shippers lies in carrier performance and selection, focusing on the specific KPIs that actually drive profitability. Amidst this tech-heavy discussion, Everson also notes Nashville’s rise as a critical emerging hub for both logistics and technology.

The episode rounds out with a look at major industry headlines, starting with a judge’s approval of $150,000 UPS driver buyouts. The hosts debate whether this move signals a strategic labor reset or serves as a warning sign for the broader industry. Finally, the team covers the immediate logistical impact of a massive winter blizzard that has ground container terminals to a halt at major Northeast ports, adding further strain to an already pressured supply chain.

⁠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 Freight Expectations, FreightWaves founder and CEO Craig Fuller and “The Armchair Attorney” Matthew Leffler dive into a historic day for the American supply chain. Following the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling to overturn the use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEPA) for revenue generation, the duo analyzes the immediate legal and economic fallout for the trucking and shipping industries.From the potential for a massive West Coast import surge to the tactical shift toward Section 122 tariffs, Craig and Matt break down how this ruling creates a new “Black Swan” catalyst for freight demand. They also tackle the rising tide of ICE enforcement at truck stops, the legal complexities of abandoned cargo, and why the industry is finally embracing new, authentic voices over traditional associations.

Follow the Freight Expectations Podcast

Other FreightWaves Shows
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to WithSONAR!
In this episode we're breaking down the key freight market indicators you should be watching to confidently back your pricing and bid decisions.

SONAR Page: https://sonar.surf/sharepage/351f3340-e6d7-4f2c-a4a0-aa086ed14c0f

As we move deeper into bid season, understanding both demand and capacity signals is critical. In this webinar, we cover:

📦 IOTI (Import Ocean TEU Index) – The earliest signal of inbound demand into the U.S.
🚛 Truckload Volume Trends – How national freight demand is tracking YoY
📉 Tender Rejections (OTRI) – What carrier sentiment says about capacity tightness
💵 Spot vs. Contract Rates – Why rate convergence matters right now

Whether you’re preparing for RFP season, evaluating new freight opportunities, or defending contract increases, this episode shows you how to turn SONAR’s market data into actionable pricing strategy.

📩 Have questions? Reach out to [email protected] or your Account Manager.

💡 Subscribe for more quick SONAR insights!

#freighttech #freighttech #gosonar #sonar #softwareasaservice #logistics
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Supreme Court has issued a major ruling limiting the president's emergency tariff powers, which is poised to reshape the global trade outlook. This decision introduces new predictability for businesses, though shippers must still monitor supply chain costs and ongoing legal uncertainties.

In Mexico, the recent killing of a cartel leader has sparked violent retaliation that is jolting U.S.-Mexico freight corridors and rattling the critical Port of Manzanillo. Businesses relying on these routes are currently bracing for severe delays and heightened security risks for their commercial shipments.

Looking ahead, analysts predict that ongoing capacity attrition will lead to a turning point for truckload carriers in 2026 as they begin to command stronger rates. Consequently, shippers should prepare for a challenging bid season with increased pricing pressure and significantly less negotiating leverage.

Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast

Other FreightWaves Shows
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices