FreightWaves spoke with Jackson Alexander, Executive Vice President of Sales at Reliance Partners, about what leads to nuclear verdicts, how to mitigate risk, and how the state of the insurance market for motor carriers is changing.
Empire National’s growth from a small family business into a national asset-based carrier reflects a deliberate strategy centered on operational discipline, technology investment, and people-first leadership.
The FreightWaves Roadshow 2026 is gearing up for an exciting kickoff. We’re connecting freight and supply chain professionals with critical insights and strategies in some of the most pivotal freight cities across the country.
FreightWaves is building recognition for the freight and logistics centers that play crucial roles in our daily lives. We want to bring together community voices from across the country to identify which towns are doing the most to drive our supply chain forward.
Pallet just debuted the newest logistics series: Supply Chain Insiders. Leaders are getting candid about their real experiences and we got the inside scoop. “Supply Chain is built on the conversations that happen behind closed doors,” said Supply Chain Insiders host and General Manager at Pallet, Michael Burg. “We wanted to create a space where […]
Pratham Bansal of Lanesurf shares how their AI platform (trained by freight brokers and carriers) is making load booking possible within 10 minutes with vetted carriers during their tech demo at the 2025 F3: Future of Freight Festival in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
In this episode of Net-Zero Carbon, host Mary O’Connell sits down with Dave Slade, principal biofuels scientist at Chevron, to break down the various fuels available to fleets, the advantages of running alternative fuel options, and how companies can decide what fuels are best for them.
In this episode of What the Truck?!?, host Malcolm Harris sits down with Kenneth Hanover to break down how Fleetguard’s engineering approach and industry-leading warranty services help owner-operators keep trucks rolling.
FreightWaves’ Thomas sits down with Patrick Frith, Senior Director of Growth and Cross-Border at Avalara, to talk about the most turbulent year global shippers have faced in decades. They break down the rapid tariff changes, the end of U.S. de minimis, the rise of tariff engineering, and how automation and AI are becoming essential for staying compliant amid 600,000+ tariff updates in 2025.
In a spirited debate at the Chicago Traffic Club, two of the transportation industry’s most influential voices squared off on the challenges facing freight markets.
FreightWaves’ Craig Fuller and DAT’s Ken Adamo recently debated freight demand, CDL enforcement and whether automation will define the industry’s future.
In this episode of What the Truck?!?, host Malcolm Harris sits down with eTruux CEO Shan Ravin to break down how eTruux is bridging efficiency and trust between shippers and carriers with transparent pricing and integrated TMS + ELD systems.
In this episode of Loaded and Rolling, host Thomas Wasson sits down with Michael Precia to break down how fleets can manage rising operational costs by avoiding some of the worst costs with safety and compliance optimization.
At this year’s F3: Future of Freight Festival, Sope Creek Capital Founder Kevin Nolan sat down with FreightWaves’ Founder Craig Fuller to talk about the kinds of startups that succeed in the current logistics landscape.
FreightWaves sat down with Danielle Villegas of PCS Software to talk about how the freight industry will have to reorganize to make the best use of AI in logistics.
Major impacts to travel are happening across the midwest as an early season storm brings snow and ice to the regions.
Small-parcel shipping has entered an era defined less by brand loyalty and more by cost transparency, resilience, and speed. Shippers are diversifying away from single-carrier dependency toward a portfolio that blends incumbents with credible alternative carriers. From SmartKargo’s vantage point (where airline networks, data, and unified “dock-to-door” orchestration meet) this shift is structural. And one […]
The Shipper of Choice honors shippers committed to strategic carrier partnerships and ease of doing business.
The dual pressure of shrinking margins and escalating fraud has prompted brokers to take a hard look at their day-to-day workflows. There are unfortunately plenty of weak points that could be costing many brokers money and exposing them to risk. One area that often flies under the radar: the inbox.
Driven by new technology and the rising complexity of global supply chains, the transportation management landscape is transforming fast. To understand how the industry is adapting, FreightWaves and Blue Yonder surveyed shippers, carriers, and logistics intermediaries about their biggest challenges in data visibility, software limitations, and inbound logistics inefficiencies. This white paper reveals what’s changing […]
This year’s F3: Future of Freight Festival will bring back rapid-fire demos, high-tech exhibits, engaging discussions with thought-provoking speakers, market insights, fun networking experiences, live music and more, but this time totally reimagined to fully immerse you in a festival atmosphere with more venues, experiences, and Chattanooga vibes. Join the greatest minds in the industry Oct. 21-22, 2025, for the largest festival in freight.
Over the past several years, the transportation industry has struggled to keep pace with soaring e-commerce demand. Against this backdrop, Amazon developed the Amazon Freight Partner program to create opportunities within its middle-mile logistics network for both leaders looking to start a transportation business and professional CDL-A drivers looking to expand their driving career.
This year’s F3: Future of Freight Festival will bring back rapid-fire demos, high-tech exhibits, engaging discussions with thought-provoking speakers, market insights, fun networking experiences, live music and more, but this time totally reimagined to fully immerse you in a festival atmosphere with more venues, experiences and Chattanooga vibes. Join the greatest minds in the industry Oct. 21-22, 2025, for the largest festival in freight.
Truck driving is a demanding occupation that often has a negative effect on mental health due to long hours, overnight shifts, sleep disruptions, and constant stress. Here’s what the industry can do to improve support for drivers.
This year’s F3: Future of Freight Festival will bring back rapid-fire demos, high-tech exhibits, engaging discussions with thought-provoking speakers, market insights, fun networking experiences, live music and more, but this time totally reimagined to fully immerse you in a festival atmosphere with more venues, experiences and Chattanooga vibes. Join the greatest minds in the industry Oct. 21-22, 2025, for the largest festival in freight.
With over 90 locations and counting, Southern Tire Mart at Pilot is expanding its fast, reliable service network to help fleets keep on trucking.
FreightWaves sat down with Jessie Merritt of Reliance Partners to talk about the necessity of cyber coverage in any cargo policy.
FreightWaves’ Mary O’Connell speaks to Jesse Buckingham, founder of Vooma, about how AI workflow tools can take on many of the tedious tasks of daily operation.
FreightWaves’ Thomas Wasson speaks to Justin Brevik, senior manager of fleet maintenance and service at Love’s Travel Stops, about the impressive capabilities of Love’s Fleet V.I.E.W.
Interim final rule immediately limits eligibility following multiple fatal crashes in 2025 and scrutiny from the trucking community.
With the DOT floating new flexible Hours of Service (HOS) pilot programs, owner-operators could stand to earn more per mile — or lose ground fast if the changes don’t match their operations. Here’s what to look at.
This year’s F3: Future of Freight Festival will bring back rapid-fire demos, high-tech exhibits, engaging discussions with thought-provoking speakers, market insights, fun networking experiences, live music and more, but this time totally reimagined to fully immerse you in a festival atmosphere with more venues, experiences and Chattanooga vibes. Join the greatest minds in the industry Oct. 21-22, 2025, for the largest festival in freight.
Accur8 is transforming the logistics landscape with a comprehensive suite that goes beyond traditional TMS philosophy.
Check out the full list of winners.
The Broken Broker–Carrier Dynamic Ask most small carriers what they think about brokers and you’ll get some version of the same response: “They’re just middlemen, taking their cut and squeezing us dry.” And to be fair, that feeling hasn’t come out of thin air. Too many brokerages treat carriers like interchangeable parts. They chase the […]
This article is contributed content. It does not reflect the views or opinions of FreightWaves or any of its subsidiaries. This article has been updated following commentary and feedback from Amazon. Fraud takes root and multiplies in a system that rewards speed and low cost above all else. Contract freight is built on predictability, and […]
There’s no gut punch quite like the phone call that starts with: “Hey, I’ve been in an accident.” Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a major wreck, your role as a small fleet owner instantly shifts from dispatcher to damage control. And the first few hours after that call will determine how expensive, disruptive, […]
When many drivers hear “local route,” they picture early starts, dinner at home, and steady pay. But when it comes to local food service trucking, that image misses a lot of what it really takes. This isn’t dry van drop-and-hook. This is backbreaking work, punishing schedules, constant hustle, and hours behind the wheel — all […]
You can’t avoid paying for fuel. But the truth is, many small carriers are bleeding thousands each month because they’re not controlling the two things they can control: Everything else—load rates, lane volatility, repair costs—is a roll of the dice in this market. Fuel? That’s your game to win or lose. So today we’re breaking […]
“What did the shipper pay on that load?” It’s a question that’s lingered in truck stop diners, dispatch offices, and group chats for years — and if you’ve ever booked a load through a freight broker, you’ve probably wondered the same thing. You get a rate confirmation. You move the load. You get paid. But […]
Let’s Be Honest… Most drivers aren’t taught how to negotiate. They’re handed a truck, told to book freight, and shoved out into a market where brokers are often trained—literally trained—to protect the margin. You? You’re just trying to get paid enough to run another week without dipping into your savings. But negotiation is a skill. […]
You’re rolling through Arkansas, just crossed the state line, and boom—your check engine light hits, your coolant temp spikes, and the power falls out of the pedal. You limp it to the shoulder, hazard lights flashing. You’re not just down—you’re at the mercy of a roadside repair vendor you’ve never met, in a city you […]
Some trucks are just cursed. That’s just the fact. Used trucks are especially a dice roll. You know the one — every time it goes in for a PM, something new gets discovered. Transmission slipping. Electrical gremlins. DPF acting up. And as soon as you think you’re back on the road making money, bam—check engine […]
Scaling down doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re making a hard, strategic decision to live to fight another day — and more people need to hear that truth without shame. Whether you’ve got 3 trucks or 30, the moment you realize one (or more) of them is bleeding you dry, it’s time to stop […]
This Is One of the Hardest Decisions in the Business—And One of the Most Misunderstood If you’re sitting behind the wheel on your 10 hour break, weighing whether to keep running under your own MC or lease onto someone else’s authority, you’re not alone. 2025 has put a lot of pressure on small carriers and […]
If you’ve been sitting at a fuel island wondering when this market’s going to flip, you’re not alone. And you’re not crazy for thinking it still feels off—because it is. At a recent industry event, the annual FTR Transportation Intelligence Conference, two heavy-hitters in trucking leadership said what many folks in our Playbook community have […]
The Lesson Most Carriers Learn Too Late When most fleet owners think about maintenance, they think repairs. They think of downtime, tow bills, and chasing mechanics. But if you’re planning to grow—and not just survive—the only way to keep your trucks moving is to build a proactive maintenance program, not a reactive one. In this […]
Criminals are using technology to bolster freight fraud and deception, but carriers and drivers need to remain vigilant when it comes to more traditional theft as well, says Scott Cornell of Travelers Insurance.
Impersonation fraud is not slowing down; it is getting smarter. Scammers hack emails, forge documents, and pose as carriers, brokers, or even shippers to steal freight and money. Small fleets and new brokers are prime targets. Protect yourself by locking down email, owning your domain, and vetting every deal before you move.
If you’re sitting at a fuel island weighing whether to keep running under your own MC or lease onto someone else’s authority, you’re not alone. 2025 has put a lot of pressure on small carriers and owner-operators to reevaluate everything. Margins are tighter. Brokers are pickier. Insurance rates are through the roof. And let’s not […]
Flatbedding ain’t just freight without walls. It’s a completely different beast, and if you’ve never pulled open deck before, you need to check your assumptions at the door. There’s more money in it sometimes, sure—but there’s also more responsibility, more exposure, and more prep. And if your truck isn’t already set up for it? You’re […]
They say you can’t cut some corners in trucking, but a lot of folks sure try when it comes to tires. Wide base singles—better known as super singles—promise lighter weight, better fuel economy, and a smoother ride. But are they worth it? Or are you trading redundancy for risk just to shave a few hundred […]
If you run refrigerated freight, you already know reefer maintenance isn’t optional—it’s mission-critical. But there’s one number that quietly determines the health, resale value, and future liability of your trailer more than any other: reefer hours. So many carriers only look at year, brand, or cosmetic condition when buying or selling a reefer trailer. But […]
Trucking is a business that’ll take everything you’ve got—and then ask for more. It’s not just the freight market that beats you down. It’s the long nights, the payroll stress, the truck that breaks down two days after you paid to fix it, the fuel card hitting its limit, and the broker that ghosts you […]
There are usually two stories behind a truck abandonment. One is the tale of a fed-up driver — pushed too far by poor planning, bad equipment, or broken promises. The other is the shady operator, the one who never intended to finish the job right and saw your truck as a temporary paycheck. Either way, […]
If you’re still behind the wheel every day, running your own loads, answering broker calls between stops, juggling dispatch while doing your pre-trip — it’s time for a gut check. Because there’s a fine line between hustle and hustle blindness. This article isn’t about telling you to park your truck tomorrow. It’s about knowing when […]
You’d think the market was rebounding, but all signs show we’re still in a fragile place. Rates aren’t climbing. Volumes are spotty. And OTRI (tender rejections) is stuck in the single digits, which usually means brokers are in full control of the market. So why are so many used trucks being bought right now? Let’s […]
A Recycled Myth For decades the trucking industry has sounded the same alarm. The American Trucking Associations said in 2021 that the country was short 80,000 drivers and warned the gap could double by 2030 (PrePass Alliance). The Bureau of Labor Statistics noted that ATA has been repeating this argument since at least 2005, and […]
If you run trucks for a living, your maintenance records are more than paperwork. They’re your defense in a DOT audit and your bargaining chip when it’s time to trade or sell equipment. Yet too many carriers treat documentation like an afterthought—tossing receipts in a shoebox or relying on memory. That works right up until […]
Every trucker knows when the freight slows down—you don’t need a chart to feel it in your wallet. But if you’re a small carrier trying to make sense of why your phone’s not ringing and your loads are paying pennies, you need to understand what’s coming down the pipe. One word: tariffs. Yeah, I know. […]
Your DPF and DOC don’t fail overnight—they fail slowly, one idle session and one short trip at a time. Some think emissions system issues are bad luck or bad engineering, but the truth is these systems are extremely sensitive to how the truck is operated day in and day out. The difference between a truck […]
Preventative maintenance is one of those areas where carriers either run a disciplined system or they run themselves into breakdowns that bleed cash. Too often, maintenance is treated like a disruption instead of a controllable part of operations. A truck goes into the shop and revenue stops. Loads are missed. Customers are frustrated. But here’s […]
One of the hardest moments in trucking ownership is realizing your truck is worth less than what you still owe on it. You bought that truck thinking it was an investment, a tool to build your business. But markets shift, equipment depreciates, and sometimes the note outruns the value. That’s when you’re upside down—owing $90,000 […]
Commercial truck leasing through companies like Penske or Ryder is built for business flexibility—but that flexibility comes at a price if you exit early. Whether you’re downsizing your fleet, facing a cash crunch, or pivoting your business model, turning in a leased tractor before the end of the agreement doesn’t mean you just hand over […]
A fatal crash in Florida involving a non–English-speaking CDL holder set off a political firestorm—and it didn’t take long for Washington to respond. With headlines stacking up and safety advocates calling for accountability, newly appointed Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy issued a hardline directive: states must begin strict enforcement of English proficiency rules for commercial […]
If you’re running trucks and not pulling oil samples, you’re missing a critical opportunity to catch something before it becomes a bigger issue. Oil samples are one of the cheapest, most reliable ways to see inside your engine without tearing it apart. Too many small fleet owners and operators look at oil changes as a […]
This article is contributed content. It does not reflect the views or opinions of FreightWaves or any of its subsidiaries. In April 2024, federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York took down what they called a “beer theft enterprise.” A crew slipped into railyards across four states, loading thousands of cases of Corona […]
Scaling With Sanity: Financial Management for Multi-Truck Fleets wasn’t about spreadsheets and theory. It was about what actually happens when your business outgrows your personal bank account. And if you’re pushing past three to five trucks without a real financial structure in place, you’re not scaling — you’re gambling. “More Trucks Should Mean More Profit […]
On paper, a 35,000-pound load and a 45,000-pound load might not seem that far apart. But in the real world, that 10,000-pound difference could be the reason your bank account feels thinner at the end of the month. The heavier the freight, the harder your engine works, the more fuel you burn — and the […]
A transmission doesn’t just wake up one day and blow itself out. It wears down in silence. It warns you in whispers—until the whisper becomes a breakdown. Slipping gears. Delayed shifts. Rattles, vibrations, burnt fluid, rising temps—these are all clues. And if you catch them early enough, you save thousands. But if you wait until […]
In the logistics world, safety and efficiency are two sides of the same coin. Whether your drivers are at the warehouse, at a rest area or on the road, mobility insights can be instrumental for safer, more streamlined operations and supply chains at every turn.
If you’ve been watching the headlines lately, you know immigration is once again front and center — not just in politics, but now on the asphalt. According to reports first published by the New York Post and echoed across Fox News and other major outlets, Florida has officially turned all 27 of its commercial truck […]
Brake problems don’t start at the roadside—they start in the yard with poor maintenance. One of the most overlooked pieces of a truck’s braking system is the slack adjuster. Many small fleets and drivers either ignore it completely or, worse, adjust it at the wrong time. The result is uneven braking, premature wear, out-of-service violations, […]
For years, the American Trucking Associations (ATA) has pushed one of the most recycled headlines in transportation: “We’re facing a historic driver shortage.” If you follow industry media, you’ve seen it. If you’re an owner-operator or small carrier, you’ve probably posted a comment on X or Facebook in debate of someone who recycles this message. […]
Why This Class Matters in a Down Market Rates are tight, volumes are shifting, and fuel isn’t doing anyone any favors. A lot of carriers are hanging on by a thread, and in a down market, it’s natural to think adding a second truck might help you grow your way out of it. But here’s […]
Some small carriers treat the rate confirmation like just another attachment—something to forward and forget. But the smartest ones know better. They use it as a control point. Because the rate con doesn’t just say where a load goes—it outlines how your money moves. It’s the one document that touches your driver, your dispatch, your […]
No warning light. No catastrophic failure. Just a slow, consistent leak in your fuel economy and regen performance until you’re wondering where all your margin went. Let’s talk real. If you’re running a DPF-equipped truck, that 7th injector could be costing you 5–10% in fuel efficiency, accelerating ash buildup in your aftertreatment system, and setting […]
Every two weeks, another headline drops about a new pilot project or infrastructure upgrade—but this one’s worth a closer look. This month, Caltrans and the Solano Transportation Authority officially broke ground on a long-overdue modernization of the westbound truck scales facility on I-80 in Northern California. The project isn’t just about repaving or re-striping lanes. […]
We’ve seen owner-operators burn thousands chasing software that promised to “run their whole fleet” and then just sat there unused. The truth? Google Sheets can do some of what those systems do—without taking a bite out of your cash flow. The catch? You’ve got to build it right and stick to a routine. This isn’t […]
Direct freight isn’t posted on a load board, and you won’t stumble into it at a truck stop. It’s earned. Earned through professionalism, consistency, and running your operation like a real business—not a hustle. Shippers aren’t looking for someone with just a truck and authority. They’re looking for partners. Carriers they can count on. The […]
If you’re a fleet owner, owner operator, or small carrier trying to build a team that lasts, listen up: what happens in the first 30 days with a new driver doesn’t just impact their performance—it determines whether they’ll still be with you 6 months from now. And that’s exactly why our most recent Playbook Masterclass […]
Some small fleet owners measure success by how many trucks they can add. One truck becomes three, three becomes five, and before long, the whole focus is on truck count. But here’s the truth the industry rarely talks about: trucks are not the business. They are tools. Adding more of them doesn’t automatically mean you’re […]
A lot of folks think “growth” just means more trucks, more loads, more lanes. But that’s not growth—that can mean chaos. Real, sustainable growth comes from clarity. And clarity only comes when you know your numbers inside and out. If you’re not tracking, reviewing, and executing off your data, you’re not scaling—you’re just guessing. And […]
Here’s the truth: fuel is your second-biggest cost right behind your truck payment or labor. Yet too many fleets treat it like an afterthought. If you’re not planning fuel alongside your routes, you’re not running in the most effective way—you’re running blind. And in this market, blind spots cost real money. The fleets that win […]
If you’re still booking loads of freight based on whatever’s paying the most today, you’re not really running a business—you’re rolling dice. A business that lives only on spot freight is built on sand. The minute the tide shifts—rates drop, brokers ghost, or slow season hits—your whole operation sinks. On the flip side, chasing the […]
Here’s the hard truth: you don’t control freight. You don’t control whether a shipper changes their plans last minute or if a broker backs out of a commitment. What you do control is how you respond. Too many small fleet owners treat freight cancellations like personal attacks. But this business isn’t personal—it’s just business. You […]
That 1.7 Million Space “Shortage” Might Not Be Real According to Truck Parking Club’s August 2025 research report, the trucking industry has been looking at the parking problem all wrong. Here’s the traditional view: For years, that’s been the gospel. FMCSA, OOIDA, and even members of Congress have pushed funding and legislation to build more […]
Modern supply chains generate massive amounts of data, but it’s often fragmented and messy. The result? Poor visibility, hidden costs and missed opportunities. Loop changes that. As supply chains grow more complex and regulatory environments tighten, the ability to trust and act on your data in real time is essential to staying competitive. This white […]
“You Feel It Before You Read It” You don’t need a SONAR chart, Wall Street analyst, or FMCSA stat sheet to know that something’s been off. You feel it in your deadhead miles. You feel it when you sigh before grabbing another low paying load. You feel it in the way your truck payment hits […]
Global supply chain risk leader extends reach to over one million logistics professionals, delivering 15+ years of proven weather analytics through industry leading freight intelligence platform SAN MARCOS, Calif. and CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – August 19, 2025 – Everstream Analytics, the global leader in supply chain risk management and predictive insights, today announced a strategic partnership […]
FreightWaves has partnered with J.B. Hunt and Reliance Partners to deliver an insightful webinar on modern supply chain challenges titled “Freight Budgeting: Navigating 2025 and Beyond.”
Most carriers hustle for good freight, good rates, and good relationships—but never stop to ask whether their brokers are holding up their end. It’s easy to assume that all brokers deserve your capacity. But the truth is, some brokers are hurting your margins more than they’re helping your business. And if you’re not tracking it, […]
Being an owner-operator is not just about grinding—it’s about evolving. It’s about pushing past the predictable stall-out that hits most carriers somewhere between survival and sustainability. That moment when you’re running thousands of miles, grossing big numbers, but seeing almost none of it stick. That’s the plateau. And in 2025, it’s more punishing than ever. […]
If you’ve been behind the wheel long enough, you’ve probably got your own DEF horror story. Maybe it was a sensor going out halfway up a mountain grade, forcing you into limp mode at 5 mph while traffic backed up behind you. Maybe it was a clogged DPF that threw you into a forced regen […]
Corrugated boxes, linerboard, medium, coated boxboard—this is the packaging that everything else rides in. When mills run hotter, converters buy more rolls, warehouses stack more cartons, and the truck market usually follows. When mills cool down, that heat fades out on your trailer a few weeks later. Cardboard is the heartbeat of goods demand. The […]
New survey data from Truckstop.com and Bloomberg Intelligence shows small fleet operators and brokers maintaining cautious optimism about freight market recovery despite challenging first-half conditions. While only 16% of carriers reported revenue growth year-over-year, most expect conditions to improve or stabilize heading into the second half of 2025.
If your entire week is shaped by whatever pops up on the load board that morning, you’re not running a plan—you’re reacting. That approach is what keeps carriers in the cycle of inconsistent weeks, poor reloads, and missed opportunities. The top-performing small fleets don’t operate like that. They plan based on zones, not just lanes. […]
In trucking, data is power. If you’re running loads without recording what they pay, what they cost you, and how they perform over time, you’re operating with a blindfold on. Brokers come to the table armed with historical lane data, fuel indexes, and national averages. If all you have is a rough memory of what […]
Growth doesn’t happen by accident—it happens by design. If you’re running a small trucking business, you already know what’s at stake. You can’t afford to waste time chasing goals you can’t define, or expanding before you’re ready. A growth map keeps you grounded. It breaks down your vision into quarterly targets, then weekly habits, so […]
Trucking isn’t just about keeping the wheels turning—it’s about keeping the business running. Fuel, insurance, repairs, tolls, deadhead miles, factoring costs, and even overlooked expenses like app subscriptions or parking all chip away at your bottom line. Most small fleet owners and owner-operators wear all the hats, so it’s easy to let the financial side […]
