FreightWaves Today

FreightWaves Staff Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Rail Traffic UP: Is the Industrial Economy Robust? [AAR Data]

SummaryView Transcript North American rail traffic is showing surprising strength, especially when you exclude coal carloads. Bill Stephens from Trains Magazine breaks down the latest AAR data, revealing a robust industrial economy with significant gains in metallic ores and scrap iron, despite overall flat carload growth. We also discuss the ongoing CPKC merger debate and […]

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FreightWaves Staff Tuesday, August 4, 2026

Supply Chain: Why Ocean Rates Skyrocketed 300% in 5 Months

GEODIS Americas President and CEO Laura Ritchey reveals the stark reality of today’s “uneven” economy and its impact on supply chains. While some sectors thrive, others grapple with extreme ocean shipping delays, surging freight rates, and emerging challenges from data center infrastructure. Learn how companies navigate unprecedented backlogs and leverage new tech like AI for […]

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FreightWaves Staff Tuesday, August 4, 2026

July Manufacturing Data: Strong Numbers Signal Demand Boost

SummaryView Transcript July’s PMI and ISM reports show incredible strength in manufacturing, with new orders up and customer inventories low. This data points directly to increased freight demand and a robust peak season ahead. Dive into the numbers and what they mean for the logistics industry. July’s Purchasing Managers’ Index climbed to 55.6 — up […]

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FreightWaves Staff Tuesday, August 4, 2026

Old Trailers, New Purpose: Warehouse on Wheels Reinvents Storage | FreightWaves

SummaryView Transcript John Brooks, CEO of Warehouse on Wheels, shares how his company is revolutionizing industrial storage by repurposing end-of-life over-the-road trailers. Discover their rapid growth, cost-effective solutions, and how they provide critical flexibility in today’s unpredictable supply chain. Learn about their unique business model and the newly released Supply Chain Activity Index. #SupplyChainInnovation #LogisticsSolutions […]

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FreightWaves Staff Monday, August 3, 2026

How ArcBest Defied Expectations with Stellar Q2 Performance

SummaryView Transcript ArcBest’s Q2 earnings reveal a significant 650 basis point improvement in its asset-based division. CEO Seth Runser unpacks how the company achieved these impressive numbers, sharing insights into market demand signals and their integrated logistics strategy. Discover how ArcBest leverages its 100+ year legacy, brand consolidation, and new digital platform to thrive amidst […]

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FreightWaves Staff Monday, August 3, 2026

Freight Market Update: 5 Signals Capacity Is Tight

SummaryView Transcript Freight market update: 5 pillars explaining why capacity is tight and rates are holding up. Backed by SONAR data and Q2 carrier earnings, this breaks down tender rejections, spot rates, steady demand, dedicated capacity shifts and why driver recruiting is getting tougher. If you want the real takeaway fast: this looks more supply-driven […]

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FreightWaves Staff Monday, August 3, 2026

C.H. Robinson: Nuclear Verdict’s Existential Threat to Brokers

SummaryView Transcript The C.H. Robinson earnings call was overshadowed by the massive $600M nuclear verdict. FreightWaves’ John Kingston and Max Fuller dive into the lawsuit’s implications, from rising insurance costs to the redefinition of independent contractor status. Is this an existential threat to the brokerage business model as we know it? C.H. Robinson’s CEO Dave […]

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FreightWaves Staff Monday, August 3, 2026

Nuclear Verdicts: $86M awarded despite NO negligence? [Trucking Crisis]

SummaryView Transcript Trucking leaders David Parker (Covenant Logistics) and Max Fuller (U.S. Xpress) unpack the state of the freight market, from the driver shortage to nuclear verdicts. Discover why market stability and tort reform are crucial for carrier survival and what’s driving the “supercycle” in this candid discussion. A Utah jury awarded an $86 million […]

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FreightWaves Staff Thursday, July 30, 2026

Why ‘Shipper of Choice’ is a MUST in Chemical Logistics

SummaryView Transcript In the cutthroat world of chemical logistics, building strong carrier relationships isn’t just nice-to-have – it’s a strategic imperative. Rob McRae from Univar Solutions shares how their ‘shipper of choice’ mentality, especially in niche liquid bulk hazmat, helps them secure capacity and navigate erratic markets. Discover why long-term partnerships are key to resilience. […]

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FreightWaves Staff Thursday, July 30, 2026

Unlock Freight Success: Why Carrier Partnerships Matter | RXO Strategy

SummaryView Transcript Brian Reilly, VP National Account Sales at RXO, breaks down the critical role of strong carrier partnerships and communication in today’s dynamic freight market. Learn how RXO helps shippers build lasting relationships, optimize capacity, and create a ‘shipper of choice’ environment that rewards top performers. Spot freight rates are running 40% to 70% […]

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FreightWaves Staff Thursday, July 30, 2026

Capacity CRUNCH: Why Trucks are Disappearing from the Market

SummaryView Transcript The freight market has seen unprecedented challenges, from a “freight recession” to tightening capacity and soaring liability costs. Ben Caplenor, EVP of Operations at LRT Solutions, shares his insights on navigating these head-on, explaining how logistics companies can stand out with top-tier service and strategic partnerships. Plus, FreightWaves’ Mary O’Connell weighs in on […]

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FreightWaves Staff Thursday, July 30, 2026

Carriers Gain Leverage: Become a Shipper of Choice to Win Capacity

SummaryView Transcript In today’s evolving freight market, gaining carrier loyalty means becoming a true “shipper of choice.” Covenant’s Tyson Wimberly shares actionable insights from the Univar Carrier Kickoff on what carriers look for in long-term partners. Discover strategies for visibility, operational alignment, and how to differentiate your business to secure capacity amidst fierce competition. Carriers […]

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FreightWaves Staff Wednesday, July 29, 2026

J.B. Hunt on Freight Recession & Rate Hikes: What’s Next?

SummaryView Transcript The trucking market is undergoing significant changes, with spot capacity rates seeing a dramatic year-over-year increase. J.B. Hunt’s SVP of Operations, Josh Phelan, explains how supply-side pressures, cost inflation, and a tight driver market are driving these shifts. Learn why the industry needs higher rates to reinvest and what this means for the […]

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FreightWaves Staff Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Freight Rates: Are they rising because of DEMAND or CAPACITY?

SummaryView Transcript The latest Q2 earnings reports from major trucking and rail carriers paint a clear picture: the freight market is tight, and rates are rising. But is it really about surging demand? Discover the underlying reasons behind increasing contract and spot rates, elevated tender rejections, and how regulatory pressures are shaping market capacity. We […]

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FreightWaves Staff Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Knight-Swift Q2: Why This Carrier’s Profit Beat Signals Market Shift

SummaryView Transcript Knight-Swift’s Q2 earnings blew past expectations, driven by an impressive surge in truckload rates. Our Finance Editor, Todd Maiden, breaks down how this signals a major inflection point in the freight market. With aggressive rate reviews and strategic adjustments, Knight-Swift is poised for significant profit growth that hasn’t even hit the books yet. […]

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FreightWaves Staff Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Rail Merger Promises: “Where’s the Beef?” | FreightWaves Today

SummaryView Transcript Paul Tonsager, CEO & Founder of Integrated Multi-Modal Solutions, questions the ambitious claims of the recent rail merger applications, asking “Where’s the beef?” in terms of specifics for truckload diversions. He discusses the long-term growth stagnation in freight, the immediate opportunities for railroads, and the complex dynamics of intermodal relationships. Discover why industry […]

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FreightWaves Staff Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Unpacking Rail Earnings: How Volume Growth Fuels Merger Talks

SummaryView Transcript Railroads are seeing a significant upturn in Q2 earnings, with most Class 1 carriers raising their guidance. But the big story is the revelation of strategic deals between Union Pacific and Canadian National, directly tied to the CPKC merger. Discover how these competitive shifts will redefine domestic and cross-border rail operations, bypassing congested […]

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FreightWaves Staff Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Housing Market Crash Slams Last-Mile Delivery: What’s Next?

SummaryView Transcript The last-mile delivery sector for big and bulky items is experiencing a significant slowdown, with growth rates halved. FreightWaves’ Eric Kulisch breaks down how a weak housing market, high mortgage rates, and shifting consumer behavior are directly impacting the movement of furniture, appliances, and more. Learn why execution and AI-driven technology are becoming […]

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