FreightWaves TV

Tender rejections are stuck near 13.5%, still far above a balanced freight market — but spot rates and volumes are starting to tell a more complicated story. In this SONAR update, we break down why truckload demand softened faster than expected, how intermodal is taking share from long-haul truckload, why short-haul freight still looks firm, […]

FreightWaves Today broadcast live from the Westin in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee, for Univar Solutions’ annual Carrier Kickoff event, where roughly 100 transportation providers and more than 200 attendees gathered alongside Univar Solutions’ procurement and operations leadership for a supplier conference built around the fact that relationships, not just rates, win freight when trucks get scarce.

Fura’s seventh acquisition is here: High-Rise joins an AI-driven freight brokerage roll-up focused on small and midsize players. Jeff Dangelo breaks down why Fura targets sub-$30 million brokerages, how the company says it can onboard an acquisition in about a week, and where agentic AI is already booking nearly 40% of carriers. If you’re watching […]

The latest rail traffic data is in, and it paints a surprising picture of economic recovery. The Freight Rail Index has reached its second-highest level since 2008, indicating a significant rebound in the industrial sector. We break down the North American carload and intermodal numbers, highlighting key growth areas and shifts in freight patterns, including […]

FreightWaves dives into the surge of new trucking authorities and whether this capacity is sustainable. With tender rejections flat and demand picking up, we explore the risks brokers face with new MC numbers and no safety ratings. Plus, is mode conversion to rail a real solution to truckload capacity constraints? A burst of new trucking […]

GXO Logistics CEO Patrick Kelleher reveals the immense growth in AI data center demand, predicting capacity will triple by 2030. Discover how this surge, along with warehouse robotics and redomestication, is reshaping the global supply chain and creating new opportunities for logistics providers. Kelleher shares GXO’s strategy for tackling these trends, including advanced automation and […]

Diesel prices are hitting “insane” levels at $180/barrel wholesale, and a Gulf hurricane could mean “apocalyptic numbers” past $200, warns Gulf Oil’s Tom Kloza. He breaks down the unprecedented impact of drone attacks on global oil infrastructure, further tightening the refined products market. Plus, how US diesel exports are soaring and fuel surcharges are leaving […]

The freight market is showing signs of recovery, reigniting interest in M&A across the logistics sector. But while non-asset brokerage deals have historically attracted private equity, asset-based trucking presents unique challenges. Craig Decker, Managing Director at Brown Gibbons Lang & Company, explains why financial engineering alone isn’t enough in asset-heavy operations and how a lack […]

Get ready for “Summerween”! Retailers are stocking Halloween candy in August, but it’s not just an anomaly. Sotira CEO Amrita Bhasin joins FreightWaves Today to reveal how macro challenges like tariffs and changing consumer habits (hello, GLP-1 drugs!) are pushing inventory planning earlier and creating massive overstock issues. Discover why the reverse logistics of returns […]

RXO CEO Drew Wilkerson reveals how recent market shifts and regulatory changes have made financial stability and extensive insurance coverage non-negotiable priorities for shippers. He explains why these factors, alongside continuous innovation and strong client relationships, are positioning RXO to capture outsized market share in both spot and contract freight, even as the market remains […]

The gap between spot and contract freight rates is widening, with contract rates up almost 20% year-over-year while spot rates see a monthly dip. Dive into SONAR data to understand why this isn’t just seasonal softening. We’ll explore the strategic shift to intermodal in key markets like Indianapolis and what it means for your procurement […]

Overroute CEO Alex Reed explains their partnership with JB Hunt, focusing on how their AI agents are automating workflows and optimizing asset utilization. Discover Overroute’s unique “carrier-native” approach, prioritizing user adoption and empowering frontline operators with AI for maximum ROI in trucking logistics. This deep dive into supply chain innovation reveals how practical, user-focused AI […]

SummaryView Transcript The latest BLS data shows a surprisingly ‘boring’ month for trucking jobs, with only 100 added. Dive into what this means for fleets and owner-operators, and why the industry might not be ‘overcorrecting’ as feared. We also break down the volatile oil market, current diesel prices, and the complex Penske lawsuit that’s shaking […]

SummaryView Transcript Mark Hazelwood breaks down the dangers of unchecked ELD self-certification and the surge of non-domiciled drivers, arguing these factors are not only distorting freight markets but also contributing to highway fatalities. He explains why US enforcement needs to catch up to Canada’s third-party certification model and the huge economic ripple effects for carriers […]

SummaryView Transcript The July jobs report delivered a surprise: a decline of 23,000 non-farm payrolls, directly impacting the freight market. While unemployment dipped, it was largely due to people leaving the workforce, not finding new jobs. We break down how this, alongside declining Sonar Truckload Rejection and Volume Indexes, signals soft demand. However, contract rates […]

SummaryView Transcript Mark Hazelwood breaks down the dangers of unchecked ELD self-certification and the surge of non-domiciled drivers, arguing these factors are not only distorting freight markets but also contributing to highway fatalities. He explains why US enforcement needs to catch up to Canada’s third-party certification model and the huge economic ripple effects for carriers […]

SummaryView Transcript The US industrial sector is experiencing its strongest growth in years, with the ISM index hitting 55.6 for the seventh consecutive month. We dive into the surprising drivers, from AI data centers and tax incentives to resilient consumer spending. But are there risks lurking with capacity exits and grid infrastructure? Senior Industrials Analyst […]

SummaryView Transcript Cargo theft losses in the supply chain surged to over $304.6 million in Q2 2026, despite a drop in reported incidents. This segment of FreightWaves Today breaks down the latest CargoNet data, revealing the top targeted states, locations, and commodities. We also dive into a specific ‘Little Debbie’ snack fraud scheme, highlighting how […]

SummaryView Transcript Trucking volumes are down, but it’s not a slowing economy. Discover how a significant modal shift to intermodal rail, driven by inventory rebuilding and a substantial cost advantage, is reshaping the freight market. We dive deep into SONAR data to explain exactly what’s happening and why railroads are winning share from long-haul trucks. […]

SummaryView Transcript Adrian Smith, CEO of Ripple, discusses how AI is revolutionizing supply chain operations, driving efficiency and freeing up valuable resources. Learn about the real-world impact of their AI solutions, including a 95% reduction in manual effort for a key client. Discover how businesses are leveraging generative AI for audit, vendor, and incident management […]