FreightCasts

On this episode of Freight Expectations, Craig Fuller and Matthew Leffler dig into the latest fight over federal trucking regulation, including the push to make English-language proficiency an out-of-service violation and the broader battle between states and the federal government over commercial driver records.

But the conversation takes a much bigger turn as Craig and Matt examine the growing threat of drone warfare to supply chains. From refineries and airports to warehouses, rail yards and ports, they explore how inexpensive, widely available drone technology could create enormous disruption to critical logistics infrastructure—and why businesses may be poorly prepared for a threat that hasn't happened to them yet.

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In this episode of FreightWaves Today, hosts Craig Fuller and Julie Van de Kamp explore key headlines and developments across the logistics, trucking, and transportation sectors. The show features discussions on the state of trailer insurance, driver recruitment and health, alongside live market analysis via FreightWaves SONAR.

Andy Kuchar explains that freight brokers and logistics companies utilizing leased trailer pools are frequently exposed to unmanaged liability risks. Many traditional commercial auto policies contain exclusions for trailers when they are over the road. He points out three warning signs of coverage gaps: reliance on "contingent" coverage language, assuming a third-party driver’s Certificate of Insurance protects you, and lacking a dedicated trailer policy.

In our SONAR Update, we see that tender rejections have moderated around 13.5%, overall rejection metrics and spot rates remain significantly higher compared to recent years (up ~21% year-over-year). Craig and Julie characterize explain that this is typical seasonal behavior before the late-summer and Labor Day ramp-up.

Jeremy Reymer introduces Project 61, a non-profit initiative created to address the alarmingly low average lifespan of commercial truck drivers (61 years old). The program focuses on practical, free lifestyle improvements for drivers centered on food/nutrition, movement, sleep/recharge, mental health, and preventative care. The segment highlights how driver health directly correlates to highway safety and accident risk reduction.

In our 2nd hour, it's return of the Matt! Matthew Leffler joins Craig for an episode of Freight Expectations. The two cover the FMCSA’s proposed rulemaking to codify English language proficiency as an out-of-service violation. They also dive deep into asymmetric warfare, drone technology, and potential vulnerabilities across U.S. logistics infrastructure, fuel refining capacity, and transport hubs.

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On this Friday edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, host Malcolm Harris and Michael Vincent who is broadcasting live from WHAT THE TRUCK?!? West in Fort Worth, Texas) dive into crucial financial protection strategies for freight brokers and the complex, rapidly shifting landscape of trade tariffs.

Ryan Frame and Ryan O'Leary from Ashford Advisors break down why disability insurance is one of the most critical—yet most ignored—pieces of financial protection in commission-driven industries. Learn how unexpected illnesses, taxable benefit traps, and base salary caps can impact your income and how to protect your line of work.

Charlie Clevenger, Principal at UHY, breaks down Section 122, Section 301, and Section 232 tariffs. Discover how national defense rules, forced labor regulations, and trade policy shifts affect manufacturers, freight brokers, and consumer supply chains.

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Continued geopolitical instability is making it hard to manage expectations for both shipping and transportation markets for the rest of the year.

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In this episode, we kick things off by examining a violent cargo-theft case that underscores the escalating danger of rail corridor crime in Southern California. After gunfire erupted from a moving BNSF freight train during a confrontation with suspected burglars, authorities arrested five men on charges ranging from attempted murder to cargo theft and conspiracy. The arrests came after task force members discovered equipment used to burglarize rail cars, highlighting how armed theft crews endanger railway employees while disrupting freight moving through critical corridors.

Next, we explore how consolidation is reshaping the finished vehicle sector as Overland Park–based Acertus officially acquires Auburn, Massachusetts–based Fisher Shipping, expanding its carrier network and relationships with original equipment manufacturers and dealers. Fisher Shipping will continue to operate under its existing banner while gaining access to Acertus' expansive platform with enhanced fraud prevention and real-time shipment visibility. The deal follows another massive acquisition this week in which Proficient Auto Logistics agreed to acquire Hansen & Adkins for one hundred thirty million dollars, creating a combined entity expected to haul over four million vehicles annually.

Finally, we break down how ocean carrier Maersk is betting that vertical integration from port to doorstep is the key to winning the last-mile battle in e-commerce logistics. According to Maersk executives, last-mile delivery is no longer just a cost center—it's a data intelligence engine that reveals upstream issues like inventory allocation, product development, and order response times. Rather than building its own delivery fleet, Maersk manages a pool of carriers on customers' behalf through a multi-carrier model with single API integration, creating one consistent customer experience that connects every link from vessels crossing the ocean to final doorstep delivery.

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