FreightCasts

This episode of FreightWaves Today covers key developments across logistics, freight technology, and the industrial economy:

Key Episode Highlights & Topics

Industry News & AI Breakthroughs: The hosts review major headlines, including JB Hunt's partnership with startup Overroot to deploy AI-led freight execution platform agents across millions of loads. They also examine Forward Air's nonbinding agreement to retain 50% to 75% of a crucial $250 million account (believed to be NVIDIA) that was at risk due to customer diversification, alongside MARAD's agreement with the Port of Long Beach to test small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs).

Modal Shifts & Bulk Logistics with Circle Logistics: Nicholas Schipe, Director of Premium Transportation at Circle Logistics, discusses automotive expedited shipping, intermodal conversions, and chemical/liquid bulk freight. He highlights how supply disruptions, port downtimes, and domestic energy production trends (like wastewater and transformer oils) drive modal shifts between rail and truckload.

AI and Automation in Warehousing: Andre Luecht, Global Strategy Lead for Transport & Logistics at Zebra Technologies, details how "physical AI," mobile devices, and environmental sensors (e.g., tracking temperature, shock, and ripening gases) empower frontline warehouse workers. He explains how smart assistants give frontline workers instant access to tribal knowledge and standard operating procedures.

AAR Rail Data Analysis: The hosts break down the latest Association of American Railroads (AAR) weekly report, pointing to overall volume growth (up 3.4% total traffic, 3.8% intermodal) as a strong indicator of industrial momentum. They contrast solid U.S. demand with declines in Canadian auto parts and commodities tied to trade policy uncertainties.

Class 8 Truck Orders & Used Market Dynamics: Chris Ciolino (Industrials Analyst from Bloomberg Intelligence) shares insights on strong Class 8 truck orders and dealer sentiment. He notes that while order backlogs are full through early 2027, much of the volume represents replacement demand ahead of EPA 2027 regulations rather than aggressive fleet expansion, due in part to driver shortages, engine pricing, and tariff impacts.

Earnings & Financial Trends with Triumph: Aaron Graft, CEO and Founder of Triumph, breaks down their spectacular Q2 earnings. He reports a 26% increase in average invoice size in their factoring business and highlights why this tight, supply-driven freight market feels structural rather than short-lived. He also discusses operational efficiencies, their 65% market touch in brokered freight, and the rapid 49% growth of their LoadPay digital wallet product.

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Host Malcolm Harris and co-host Michael Vincent kick off a packed Wednesday edition of the "fastest forty-five minutes of freight". The hosts open with lighthearted banter comparing the intense summer heat and humidity in Chattanooga versus Texas before diving into current news, industry headlines, and deep-dive discussions with two featured guests.

Industry Headlines

CDL Safety Blitz Crackdowns: The hosts discuss recent multi-state commercial vehicle inspection blitzes (in states like Arizona and Nebraska) that placed dozens of trucks and drivers out of service. Michael argues that despite these enforcement drives, statistical data shows commercial drivers remain among the safest demographics on the road, questioning the underlying motivations behind the blitzes.

In Memoriam – Alan Adler: The hosts pay tribute to award-winning journalist Alan Adler, who passed away. They reflect on his legacy as a pioneer in freight media, creator of the Truck Tech newsletter, and a dedicated humanitarian.

Featured Guests

Dave Rimkus | Head of Global Supply Chain Decarbonization, Schneider Electric (SE Advisory Services)

Supply Chain Decarbonization & Scope 1–3: Dave discusses how large multinational companies are working to decarbonize. He notes that 80–95% of a company’s emissions typically lie outside its "four walls" within upstream suppliers and logistics (Scope 3).

Addressing Choke Points & Risk: Using AI tools like "Sarah" (Resource Advisor), Dave's team tracks environmental choke points, energy grid instability, and supply chain dependencies to build resilience and avoid costly disruptions.

Practical Efficiency: Dave highlights how simple efficiency steps—such as route optimization, reducing deadhead miles, truck aerodynamics, and preventative maintenance—offer immediate cost savings and carbon reductions without requiring massive new expenditures.

Phil Brink | Head of Fraud Media, FreightWaves

Rising Cargo Theft & Fraud: Phil details the growing sophistication of organized crime in supply chains. Bad actors no longer rely solely on dockworker tips; they use AI, stolen identities, fictitious paperwork, and fraudulent carrier profiles to steal high-value loads.

Human-Level Vetting & Collaboration: Phil argues for stronger human-level carrier verification (DMV-backed ID checks, biometric links, and GPS tracking) rather than relying on surface-level documentation. He emphasizes the urgent need for better collaboration and shared tech standards between brokers and shippers to catch fraud before trucks are loaded.

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In this episode, we kick things off by examining a major AI breakthrough that could fundamentally transform freight execution across North America. J.B. Hunt Transport Services has partnered with a startup to publicly launch an AI-led freight execution platform following a year-long co-design process. The platform leverages AI agents to automate shipment coordination, reading live data, detecting exceptions, and managing customer communications while working within carriers' existing systems. Overroute's technology is now deployed across J.B. Hunt's business units, with AI agents working behind the scenes on millions of loads.

Meanwhile, Forward Air just pulled off a critical rescue of a massive customer relationship that nearly sank the entire company. The logistics provider secured a deal to keep at least half of a $250 million account that had threatened to pull all of its business back in May. Forward's shares had plummeted over forty percent following the warning that it might lose a customer responsible for ten percent of its annual revenue, and the potential loss also foiled its plan to sell the company. Shares of Forward Air surged nineteen percent in early trading following Tuesday's announcement.

Finally, we explore how the nation's busiest container port is about to become the testing ground for nuclear-powered maritime operations. The U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration will sign the first-ever agreement with the Port of Long Beach to test small modular reactors for commercial vessels and other potential port uses. Separately, Bluecore Energy, a startup headquartered at the Port of Long Beach, announced it has raised ten million dollars to develop floating, barge-mounted reactors to power ports and eventually cargo ships.

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Rates are finally climbing... so why are trucking companies still struggling to make money?

ATRI just revealed the highest operating cost in trucking history: $2.336 per mile. Diesel is pushing $5 a gallon AND SOME ARE WORRIED MAY HIT $6. Insurance keeps climbing. Maintenance isn't getting cheaper. So where is the money actually going?

In this episode of Brake Check, we expose the hidden costs draining carrier profits and separate the technology that's delivering real ROI from the expensive hype that's emptying wallets.

First, FreightWaves Enterprise Trucking Analyst Thomas Wasson joins us fresh off the Supply Chain AI Symposium to break down the freight market, exploding operating costs, AI, and the tools that can actually make carriers more profitable.

Then, FOX Business contributor and energy expert Phil Flynn explains what's really driving diesel prices, whether another fuel spike is coming, and how smart fleets can stay ahead instead of getting blindsided at the pump.

If you own trucks, manage a fleet, dispatch freight, or simply want to know where the trucking economy is headed next...This is the episode you can't afford to miss.

Topics covered:

Why trucking costs hit a record $2.336 per mile

Where carrier profits are really disappearing

AI that saves money—and AI that's just hype

Freight rates vs. operating costs

Diesel price forecasts and fuel strategy

What small fleets need to survive the rest of 2026

Brake Check. No fluff. Just the truth that moves trucking

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