FreightWaves TV

North American rail traffic saw a significant increase this week, with total volume climbing 4.9% year-over-year. This positive trend was largely fueled by robust carload and intermodal growth in Canada, bolstered by a strong crop year. However, motor vehicle and parts shipments were a surprising outlier, plunging 13%. We also delve into the latest on […]

Global supply chains are facing a “double whammy” of disruptions at critical choke points like the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz. Oliver Sawbridge of Zero100 explains how these simultaneous crises are compounding challenges, leading to increased costs, extended transit times, and infrastructure strain. Learn why resilience must become the bedrock of supply chain planning […]

The freight market is entering a potentially transformative “super cycle,” according to industry analyst Lee Klaskow. After years of unsustainably low rates that forced many truckers out of business, structural changes and increased regulatory enforcement are creating a new landscape. We dive deep into the forces driving higher rates, the future of ocean freight, intermodal, […]

Freight broker insurance is in a frenzy, and premium hikes are getting ugly. Thom Albrecht helps break down how the CH Robinson verdict, underwriting pullback and cargo theft are driving double-digit to triple-digit cost increases for brokers. He also explains what’s changing in excess liability, why some underwriters are exiting the market, and what carriers […]

Freight market outlook: Thom Albrecht says this is the most fascinating supply cycle he’s seen in his career. The Reliance Partners CRO breaks down why demand improved in June and July, why supply still drives the market, and what rail, chemicals, scrap and grain are signaling for trucking. If you’re trying to read where freight […]

Auto transport fraud is a growing concern, but Central Dispatch is tackling it head-on with new biometric security measures. Lainey Sibble, AVP at Cox Automotive, reveals how their platform is using advanced identity verification and a new Secure Vehicle Transfer process to safeguard vehicles during pickup and transit. Learn about the multi-layered approach to protect […]

Ocean freight spot rates have skyrocketed by over 400%, but surprisingly, demand isn’t the primary cause. This SONAR Update breaks down how capacity control and strategic blank sailings by concentrated ocean carriers are driving prices. Plus, we dive into the state of trucking tender rejections, rising operating costs, and the shift towards a more regulated […]

Shared truckload could cut shipping costs 30% to 40% as truckload rates climb. Flock Freight CEO Pat Dillon breaks down how it works, where it fits between FTL and LTL, and why shippers are leaning on it ahead of peak season. In this conversation, Dillon also digs into cargo security, fraud controls, peak-season capacity, and […]

The freight market is undergoing its most significant structural shift since deregulation, with 20-25% of for-hire truckload capacity exiting. RXO’s Jared Weisfeld explains why this supply-driven correction, fueled by ongoing government enforcement and rising operating costs, points to a multi-year recovery ahead. Learn why prior cycle analysis might no longer apply and what shippers should […]

Industrial slowdown ahead? ECRI says the global industrial cycle is topping out, and that could squeeze freight demand and margins in the quarters ahead. Lakshman Achuthan, co-founder of ECRI, breaks down what his leading indicators are showing, why PMIs may confirm the move later, and what a slower industrial economy could mean for freight operators […]

Don’t let traditional metrics fool you. Dr. Jason Miller uncovers how an explosion in data center construction is quietly fueling significant freight demand, often going unnoticed by conventional measures. We dive into how this overlooked sector is influencing the market and what it means for capacity and rates in the near future. Plus, what Federal […]

The freight market is experiencing one of its slowest Mondays this year, with experts noting a significant lack of volume. Is this a seasonal blip or a deeper structural shift? We dive into how contract repricing, rising tender lead times, and intermodal’s surge are impacting the trucking industry. What does this mean for capacity and […]

Inter-Coastal Trucking shares their 2-week Tesla Semi demo experience, revealing surprising driver reactions, range realities, and significant operational savings. Get the inside scoop on electric trucking viability for northeast routes. Intracoastal Trucking, a 100-truck, 600-trailer truckload carrier based in the Northeast, is currently running a two-week demo of a Tesla Semi on some of the […]

Dive deep into FreightWaves SONAR data as we uncover surprising trends in tender lead times. Discover why lead times are extending, even during typical seasonal lulls, and what this ‘orderly tightness’ means for the freight market. We’ll break down the data for markets like St. Louis and Atlanta, offering crucial insights for shippers and brokers. […]

Freight crime is escalating, with new, sophisticated tactics like ‘bump and run’ causing massive losses for shippers and carriers. U.S. Bank’s Jeff Pape breaks down the emerging fraud trends, the crucial role of trust in carrier relationships, and how AI could reshape supply chain security amidst economic shifts. A $111 million theft of semiconductors — […]

Truck drivers face immense challenges, from unhealthy food options to sedentary lifestyles and poor sleep, leading to a significantly shorter life expectancy. Jeremy Reymer, founder of Project 61, reveals how these conditions directly contribute to alarming safety risks on the road. Learn why the trucking industry’s “operating system”—its drivers—are often overlooked, and how Project 61 […]

The freight market is showing what appears to be softness, but a closer look at the Rejection Index reveals a different story. This week’s SONAR update breaks down why current market conditions are actually robust, not cooling off. Learn how intermodal savings and strategic shifts are painting a picture of strength as we head into […]

Freight brokers often face hidden risks with their trailer insurance. Andy Kuchar, President of Centerline Insurance Company, reveals why many trailers are “criminally underinsured” and how common policies exclude crucial over-the-road coverage. Learn the red flags in your current insurance and how dedicated policies protect against massive liabilities, even for small incidents. Freight brokers operating […]

Volvo Trucks is transforming fleet operations with groundbreaking over-the-air (OTA) software updates. Learn how this technology empowers drivers to initiate updates overnight or during breaks, eliminating downtime. Volvo’s Chief Digital Officer Nicole Portello reveals how these updates have already cut unplanned stops by 24% and saved fleets an estimated $60 million in avoided downtime. Discover […]

Rising maintenance costs are hammering fleets. Join Brad Bournes from Love’s Travel Stops as he breaks down the biggest cost pressures today, from surging parts and labor to technician shortages. Discover how leveraging predictive maintenance and smart data tools can transform your fleet operations from a cost center to a strategic advantage. Fleet maintenance costs […]