FreightWaves provides industry insights through captivating white papers. Browse our collection of supply chain, logistics, trucking, freight, shipping and other white papers below.

News

White Paper- The Backbone of the Resilient 3PL: How Automation is Driving Brokerage Success

The freight brokerage industry is at a pivotal moment. Market volatility, rate swings, and cash-flow pressure continue to strain operations, pushing brokerages to strengthen resilience through smarter processes and strategic automation. FreightWaves and OTR Solutions surveyed brokers across the industry to understand how they’re navigating today’s environment, and what sets resilient operations apart. The findings […]

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White Papers

White Paper – Cost Transformation 2026: A Guide to Integrated Shipping

If you do nothing, your shipping costs will go up next year. Guaranteed. This executive report covers: Read this guide to build your own integrated shipping strategy before January.

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News

White Paper: State of the Industry – December 2025

The December 2025 “State of the Industry Report” — presented in affiliation with Ryder — shares an in-depth overview across the trucking, maritime and intermodal markets, as well as what to expect in the coming weeks. The data contained within the report provides breakdowns of capacity, volumes and rates. In this report, you will find:  […]

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White Papers

White Paper: Q4 2025 Shipper Rate Report

The Shipper Rate Report — presented in partnership with Trimble — is a quarterly publication using SONAR datasets to create the most in-depth rate and demand outlook for shippers. The insights within this paper are curated by the market experts at FreightWaves and backed by the proprietary data and analytics housed in SONAR’s platform. Key areas of […]

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White Papers

White Paper: Q4 2025 Carrier Rate Report

FreightWaves’ Carrier Rate Report — sponsored by Trimble — provides a review of the previous quarter and a forecast for the coming months. Featuring responses from a carrier survey alongside SONAR data, the report is designed to provide intelligence that carriers can use to inform their strategies in the months ahead. Key areas of exploration include: Complete […]

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White Papers

White Paper: State of the Industry – November 2025

The November2025 “State of the Industry Report” — presented in affiliation with Ryder — shares an in-depth overview across the trucking, maritime and intermodal markets, as well as what to expect in the coming weeks. The data contained within the report provides breakdowns of capacity, volumes and rates. In this report, you will find: Download […]

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White Papers

White Paper: 2026 TMS Buyer’s Guide

Transportation decisions in 2026 carry more weight. The right system can steady your network and keep you ahead of constant disruption. The 2026 Transportation Management Software Buyer’s Guide helps logistics leaders cut through noise and focus on finding a system that drives growth. Inside, you’ll find practical guidance on: This guide is a roadmap from […]

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White Papers

Delivering the immense potential of IoT for distribution

In the fast-paced world of distribution, tackling escalating complexities driven by unexpected shifts in global supply chains and rising customer expectations requires essential digital innovation. The Internet of Things (IoT) is not just an upgrade, but a fundamental shift that is central to creating an automated and resilient supply chain. By connecting devices and systems […]

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White Papers

White Paper- The age of agility: Seeking advantage amid uncertainty

If 2025 was a year of seismic shifts, 2026 will be a year of recalibration to both the aftershocks and the new disruptions we expect to trade patterns, the economy and the geopolitical landscape. S&P Global sees three themes driving strategic recalibration across the 2026 global landscape: In our new Age of Agility report, we […]

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White Papers

Avoiding Nuclear Verdicts: How Fleets Can Protect Themselves in an Era of Rising Risk

Big jury payouts — sometimes topping $100 million — are becoming more common across the trucking industry. These “nuclear verdicts” are driving up insurance costs, putting companies at risk, and threatening the stability of fleets large and small. Now more than ever, fleet leaders need to understand where the risks are and take proactive steps […]

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News

White Paper: AI, Optimization, and the Power of Networked Logistics

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 […]

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White Papers

New guide: Cross-border ecommerce trends

Discover the latest trends shaping cross-border commerce — and how Avalara helps you turn compliance from a roadblock into a competitive advantage. Download our guide to see how top businesses are managing tariffs, trade rules, and duty protocols — and get actionable steps to simplify your global trade operations.

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White Papers

White Paper: AI for Fleets: Faster Loads, Fewer Headaches 

Still think AI is hype? While you’re buried in spreadsheets and chasing backhauls the hard way, smarter fleets are using AI to run leaner, faster, and more profitable- cutting empty miles, eliminating chaos, and transforming dispatch centers into a true competitive advantage.  The AI Freight Playbook: Making Sense of AI for Fleets, Dispatch and Day-to-Day Operations, shows […]

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White Papers

White Paper: State of the Industry – October 2025

The October 2025 “State of the Industry Report” — presented in affiliation with Ryder — shares an in-depth overview across the trucking, maritime and intermodal markets, as well as what to expect in the coming weeks. The data contained within the report provides breakdowns of capacity, volumes and rates. In this report, you will find:  […]

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White Papers

White Paper: How efficient is your city’s freight network?

How efficient is your city’s freight network? This report analyzes nine major U.S. cities to determine how efficiently freight is moving. Using Altitude by Geotab’s commercial vehicle insights, we developed the Altitude Freight Efficiency Score to benchmark and compare the effectiveness of each city’s freight network. This report provides key insights to help transportation planners make smarter […]

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News

Transforming EDI Pain into Supply Chain Growth

Discover how leading logistics companies are eliminating EDI pain points. Legacy EDI systems slow growth, drain resources, and frustrate trading partners. This whitepaper shows how Hirschbach and KBX modernized their EDI to cut costs, accelerate onboarding, and scale without adding headcount. Inside, you’ll learn: Fill out the form now to view the full report!

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White Papers

White Paper: 2025 CX Trends in the Supply Chain 

Rising costs, workforce pressures, and surging customer demands are reshaping the supply chain customer experience. Traditional service models are no longer enough — executives now face the challenge of proving ROI, retaining customers, and balancing automation with human expertise. To uncover how leaders are adapting, The DDC Group surveyed hundreds of shippers, carriers, brokers, 3PLs, […]

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White Papers

White Paper: Freight Security in a High-Risk Era: How Shippers Are Investing in Safety Tech

From sophisticated cargo theft to rising cyber threats, the freight and logistics industry is confronting a perfect storm of security risks. Yet despite growing awareness, many organizations still face gaps between recognizing these dangers and taking strategic action. To uncover how shippers are adapting, FreightWaves and Werner surveyed industry professionals overseeing some of the most […]

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White Papers

White Paper – From Disjointed to Connected: Building a Future-Proof Supply Chain Technology Strategy

The logistics industry has poured billions into digital transformation, yet most companies still struggle with fragmented systems. Integration challenges, frustrating implementation issues, vendor sprawl, and uncertainty around AI continue to create inefficiencies and limit ROI. Discover what’s holding back supply chain digital transformation — and how leading organizations are overcoming fragmented technology stacks. FreightWaves and […]

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White Papers

White Paper: State of the Industry – September 2025

The September 2025 “State of the Industry Report” — presented in affiliation with Ryder — shares an in-depth overview across the trucking, maritime and intermodal markets, as well as what to expect in the coming weeks. The data contained within the report provides breakdowns of capacity, volumes and rates. In this report, you will find: […]

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News

White Paper: Q3 2025 Shipper Rate Report

The Shipper Rate Report — presented in partnership with Trimble — is a quarterly publication using SONAR datasets to create the most in-depth rate and demand outlook for shippers. The insights within this paper are curated by the market experts at FreightWaves and backed by the proprietary data and analytics housed in SONAR’s platform. Key areas […]

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News

White Paper: Q3 2025 Carrier Rate Report

FreightWaves’ Carrier Rate Report — sponsored by Trimble — provides a review of the previous quarter and a forecast for the coming months. Featuring responses from a carrier survey alongside SONAR data, the report is designed to provide intelligence that carriers can use to inform their strategies in the months ahead. Key areas of exploration include: […]

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White Papers

eBook: How advanced cold chain management can reduce waste, cut costs and support compliance

Are you losing money to product spoilage and costly regulatory issues? In the world of cold chain logistics, a single broken link can ruin an entire shipment, impacting your bottom line, reputation, and customer satisfaction. Our new ebook, “The Ultimate Guide to Cold Chain Logistics,” provides the insights and strategies you need to protect your […]

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News

Technology at the Wheel: A 7-Step Playbook for Winning Fleets 

Most enterprise fleets are running into the same roadblock: outdated systems that can’t keep pace with today’s market. Adding trucks isn’t always the answer—building smarter systems is. This playbook, Technology at the Wheel: A Seven-Step Systems Playbook for Growing Fleets gives transportation leaders a proven 7-step framework to boost profit, speed up decision-making, and unify […]

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White Papers

White Paper: Turning Transportation Data Into a Financial Advantage

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 […]

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White Papers

White Paper – Scaling Smarter: How Freight Brokers Can Grow Without Growing Overhead

Scale Smarter. Operate Leaner. Deliver More. Manual audits. Disconnected payment systems. Endless exceptions. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to keep operating this way. In this exclusive white paper, discover how leading freight brokers are transforming their back office with a fully connected, automated invoice processing lifecycle that unifies audit and […]

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White Papers

White Paper: Fullbay’s Spectacular Guide to Boosting Tech Efficiency

Most shop owners and fleet managers believe 100% tech efficiency is the ceiling. But those who follow these 13 steps bill more hours than their techs work—without risking comebacks.  These aren’t theoretical methods. They’re specific, tested processes that can take shops from 60% efficiency to over 100%. Here’s what drives their incredible results: 100% efficiency […]

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White Papers

White Paper: State of the Industry – August 2025

The August 2025 “State of the Industry Report” — presented in affiliation with Ryder — shares an in-depth overview across the trucking, maritime and intermodal markets, as well as what to expect in the coming weeks. The data contained within the report provides breakdowns of capacity, volumes and rates. In this report, you will find: […]

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White Papers

eBook: Cargo at rest is cargo at risk

Cargo theft is more than an industry challenge – it’s a $700 billion crisis that threatens global supply chains. It isn’t just about stolen goods, either. Cargo theft creates a ripple effect that affects shippers, motor carriers, brokers, and yard operators alike. Thieves are constantly adapting their tactics, targeting locations with known security gaps where […]

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News

White Paper: Spreadsheets Aren’t Strategy. It’s Time to Run Like a Real Business. 

Still managing your trucking finances on spreadsheets and gut feel? That’s not a system—it’s a liability. As your fleet grows, so do the headaches: payroll, cash flow, taxes, compliance. It all gets harder to track—and costlier to guess at.  This guide from PCS, “Take Control of Your Finances: A Practical Guide for Carriers in Trucking,” is built for […]

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White Papers

White Paper: How private wireless networks are driving efficiency and innovation in distribution and logistics

To scale operations and compete more effectively, many distribution centers and warehouse operators are turning to technologies and tools that enable and accelerate automation. From autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven video analytics, innovative technology solutions are transforming the distribution and logistics industry. But before they can […]

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White Papers

eBook: Optimize your container drayage operations to stay ahead

The competition in today’s intermodal trucking market is fierce. To stay ahead, you need to master the core processes that power reliable container drayage operations. Precision, timeliness, and adaptability aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the foundation of success. Efficient and resilient drayage operations do more than just move containers; they keep the entire supply chain running smoothly. […]

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News

White Paper: State of the Industry – July 2025

The July 2025 “State of the Industry Report” — presented in affiliation with Ryder — shares an in-depth overview across the trucking, maritime and intermodal markets, as well as what to expect in the coming weeks. The data contained within the report provides breakdowns of capacity, volumes and rates. In this report, you will find: […]

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White Papers

AI, Automation, and Optimization: Key Themes from the Gartner® Cool Vendors™ in Logistics Report

The Gartner® Cool Vendors™ in Logistics and Fulfillment Technologies report showcases innovators using real-world AI for supply chain automation and optimization. In the report, learn how to: The report recognizes Shipium as a Gartner® Cool Vendor™ for modernizing enterprise shipping with machine learning and simulation. Access this complimentary report to learn how transformative technologies can […]

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White Papers

The Road Ahead: Freight Market Trends & Industry Insights for 2025

The logistics industry is navigating a period of rapid change as economic shifts, rising fuel costs, regulatory updates and digital transportation are accelerating the need for flexible logistics strategies across the supply chain. Carriers, shippers, and 3PLs are embracing data-driven decision-making and proactive logistics strategies to stay competitive. To gain more insight into how shippers […]

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White Papers

White Paper: State of the Industry – June 2025

The June 2025 “State of the Industry Report” — presented in affiliation with Ryder — shares an in-depth overview across the trucking, maritime and intermodal markets, as well as what to expect in the coming weeks. The data contained within the report provides breakdowns of capacity, volumes and rates. In this report, you will find: […]

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White Papers

White Paper: Proven Ways to Increase Fleet Safety and Profitability with Analytics

Enhance Fleet Safety and Profitability with SmartDrive Analytics Modern fleets leverage data to boost efficiency, productivity, and profitability. The intelligent Solera Fleet Platform and SmartDrive SmartIQ® analytics provide unprecedented insights into driving performance, helping fleets save fuel, reduce expenses, and improve safety. Achieve Your Business Goals with SmartIQ SmartIQ analytics transforms complex data into actionable […]

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White Papers

White Paper: Breaking In, Breaking Down: How Cargo Theft is Disrupting Supply Chains

As supply chains grow more complex, so do the opportunities for cargo theft—putting valuable freight, operational efficiency, and reputations at risk. From financial losses to major disruptions, theft impacts carriers and shippers of all sizes across the U.S. FreightWaves and AMAROK have teamed up to uncover the true scope of this threat. Based on an […]

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White Papers

White Paper: Q2 2025 Carrier Rate Report

FreightWaves’ Carrier Rate Report — Sponsored by Trimble and Deloitte — provides a review of the previous quarter and a forecast for the coming months. Featuring responses from a carrier survey alongside SONAR data, the report is designed to provide intelligence that carriers can use to inform their strategies in the months ahead. Key areas of exploration include: Complete […]

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White Papers

White Paper: Q2 2025 Shipper Rate Report

The Shipper Rate Report — presented in partnership with BlueGrace Logistics and Trimble — is a quarterly publication using SONAR datasets to create the most in-depth rate and demand outlook for shippers. The insights within this paper are curated by the market experts at FreightWaves and backed by the proprietary data and analytics housed in SONAR’s platform. Key areas […]

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White Papers

White Paper: State of the Industry – May 2025

The May 2025 “State of the Industry Report” — presented in affiliation with Ryder — shares anin-depth overview across the trucking, maritime and intermodal markets, as well as what toexpect in the coming weeks. The data contained within the report provides breakdowns ofcapacity, volumes and rates. In this report, you will find: Download the complimentary […]

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News

White Paper: Visibility-Driven Fraud Prevention Playbook

Freight fraud is on the rise—and it’s costing brokers, 3PLs, and shippers millions. This free playbook breaks down how industry leaders are using real-time visibility and AI to expose fraud schemes before they impact operations. From onboarding to final delivery, learn how to identify suspicious patterns, validate carrier identity, and take action in real time. […]

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White Papers

Case Study: How Evans Distribution Systems increased operational efficiency & customer satisfaction

See how Evans Distribution Systems, a 100-year industry leader, optimized their expanding fleet and processes with Trimble TMW.Suite TMS. Download the full case study to learn how the right TMS drove meaningful improvements across their entire fleet.

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White Papers

White Paper – Shaping the Future of the Supply Chain: Integration, Automation, and Growth

The global supply chain is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by geopolitical shifts, evolving trade policies, and accelerating technological advancements. FreightWaves and DP World conducted a comprehensive survey of more than 100 supply chain leaders to understand how carriers, shippers, and brokers are navigating these changes and what strategies will define success in the years ahead. […]

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White Papers

5 Things Every Growing Brand Should Know Before Selling to Big-Box Stores 

Retail’s no place for trial and error. Getting your products onto retail shelves is a major win—but one misstep in shipping can cost you the whole deal. From meeting strict retailer requirements to avoiding chargebacks and stock-outs, this guide breaks down what you really need to know before scaling up. Inside you’ll learn: Download this […]

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White Papers

White Paper: State of the Industry – April 2025

The April 2025 “State of the Industry Report” — presented in affiliation with Ryder — shares an in-depth overview across the trucking, maritime and intermodal markets, as well as what to expect in the coming weeks. The data contained within the report provides breakdowns of capacity, volumes and rates. In this report, you will find: […]

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White Papers

White Paper: Cannabis, Compliance, and Driver Retention

As marijuana usage becomes more culturally accepted and legalized across the U.S., the trucking industry faces new challenges—particularly around driver retention. Navigating the complex relationship between state-level legalization, federal regulations, and Department of Transportation (DOT) policies is proving to be a critical issue for carriers and drivers alike. In this white paper, we break down […]

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White Papers

eBook: Getting your fleet CARB-compliant

With upcoming changes to the Clean Truck Check program, CARB compliance should be top-of-mind for transportation fleets not only just in California, but across the United States. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help your fleet navigate the tricky terrain of CARB compliance. What you will learn: Download the complimentary guide to access the […]

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White Papers

White Paper: State of the Industry – March 2025

The March 2025 “State of the Industry Report” — presented in affiliation with Ryder — shares an in-depth overview across the trucking, maritime and intermodal markets, as well as what to expect in the coming weeks. The data contained within the report provides breakdowns of capacity, volumes and rates. In this report, you will find: […]

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White Papers

White Paper: How Will AI Impact the Future of Freight Brokerage?

AI has become a driving force in modern logistics, transforming the industry through continuous innovation and increasing adoption. No longer a technology of the future, AI is now a critical tool in today’s operations. So, what does this mean for freight brokers? FreightWaves and CloneOps.ai have joined forces to explore this question and shed light […]

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