At MATS, the real conversations are happening across the floor, in the shop, and between industry leaders comparing what’s actually working. In this episode of the Driving Forward Podcast, Nate Johnson and Robert Bain kick things off with a recap of key takeaways from MATS before diving into a series of panel conversations with leaders across trucking and logistics. From fuel efficiency strategies and rising cost pressures to the role of AI and connected technologies in daily operations, this episode brings together real-world perspectives on what fleets are prioritizing right now. It’s not about chasing every new tool, it’s about making smarter decisions with the ones that directly impact performance, cost, and long-term sustainability. If you’re leading a fleet or navigating operations in today’s market, this conversation offers practical perspective on managing fuel costs, evaluating technology, and making smarter decisions in a rapidly changing industry.Panel Speakers:Todd Waldren of Truckstop.comAdam Wingfield of Innovative Logistics Group, LLCNate Johnson of GLCSAlex Mai of Mutha Trucker NewsPatricia Waquespack of Multi Service Fuel CardJamie Hagen of Hell Bent XpressPam Polyak of Polyak Trucking, Logistics & Consulting

At TMC 2026, one theme kept surfacing across every conversation: Fleet maintenance technology is a strategic advantage. In this special compilation episode of the Driving Forward Podcast, Nate Johnson speaks with leaders across fleet maintenance, telematics, and transportation technology about what’s really changing behind the scenes. From modern maintenance platforms to real-time visibility, AI-driven automation, and breakdown response innovation, this episode brings together the perspectives shaping how fleets operate, maintain assets, and control costs in today’s market. Across every conversation, one reality stands out: Technology alone isn’t solving the problem. Execution, integration, and usability are. 🚚 Whether you’re running a fleet, leading operations, or rethinking your tech stack, this episode offers a clear, ground-level view of where fleet maintenance is heading next. Special thanks to TMC and our guests. Jay Stone of Squarerigger Mike Uremovich of Xirgo Technologies Craig Schneider of Tow4Tech Jeff Walker of SDVerse Travis Coffman of DataDis

Join Nate Johnson on the Driving Forward Podcast with Grace Sharkey, Senior Manager of Communications & PR at Orderful, as they prepare to discuss the trends shaping transportation, logistics, and the supply chain today - and the question many leaders are trying to answer: 👉 Where is freight really heading next? In this upcoming episode:• How FreightTech and data connectivity are changing operations• The growing pressure rising fuel costs are putting on carriers and supply chains• Where supply chain visibility and EDI modernization are improving 🚚 For carriers, brokers, shippers, and supply chain leaders who want clarity, not hype, around the technologies and trends shaping freight — this conversation is one you won’t want to miss. 👉 Subscribe for real conversations at the intersection of freight, technology, and leadership.

What’s actually happening inside trucking right now? At the 2026 Truckload Carriers Association Annual Conference, Nate Johnson sat down with leaders across the freight industry discussing what’s shaping the next chapter in trucking. Their conversations explore: • How AI is starting to automate dispatch, load booking, and operational workflows • Why modern TMS platforms are adding intelligence layers to core carrier systems • What carriers are learning from each other through conversations, sessions, and networking at TCA From emerging AI platforms to evolving TMS capabilities and advanced decision systems, one theme surfaced repeatedly: Technology is accelerating, but carriers still have to decide how to use it. ▶️ Watch the full episode for a snapshot of what trucking leaders are discussing right now - from new technology to operational strategy to the value of staying connected as an industry. A special thanks to our guests who made this episode possible: Graig Morin (Brown Dog Carriers)Tom Curee (Qued) Tapan Chaudhari (Bubba.ai) Jason Douglass & John Partain (PCS Software) Zach Schuchart (Optimal Dynamics) Moe Saleh (Greatway Transportation)

This week, we’re revisiting a powerful past conversation between Nate Johnson and Kristy Knichel, CEO of Knichel Logistics. It may be a rerun, but the lessons are as relevant as ever. From freight fraud to recession pressure to disciplined technology investment, this episode covers the real forces shaping freight markets behind the scenes and what strong operators are doing about them. Key Topics of Discussion: ⚠️Freight Fraud & Cargo Theft: The red flags leaders cannot afford to ignore, where threats are evolving, and how to protect both loads and reputation. 📝Recession Lessons: How Knichel Logistics navigates economic headwinds and why fundamentals, not panic, determine who survives a cycle. 💬Communication & Leadership: The internal pressure points growing teams face and the leadership shifts that keep organizations aligned when margins tighten. Whether you’re running a brokerage, leading a carrier, or shaping logistics strategy, this conversation delivers grounded perspective from two industry voices who understand freight from the inside out. ▶️ Watch or rewatch the full episode and apply the lessons to where your business stands today.

Freight leadership isn’t built in boardrooms, it’s built in the moments that test you.In this week’s episode of Driving Forward, Nate Johnson is joined by Will Jenkins (Journey) and Bill Champine (Venture Logistics) for real talk on the weight leaders carry across fleets, operations, and technology.This conversation gets into the pressure behind the decisions, the people behind the performance, and the realities of leading when the industry doesn’t slow down and the answers aren’t always clear.They’ll share lessons learned the hard way, from navigating change and accountability to balancing growth, culture, and operational demands in the real world of freight.If you lead in freight — or aspire to — this is a conversation worth being part of.

Manifest 2026 was less “trade show” and more “the industry showed up to work.” In this recap episode of Driving Forward, Nate Johnson sits down with Robert Bain, Susan Mayo, Jennie Malafarina and Danielle Spinelli to unpack what made this year feel different: real business happening in real time, with 8,800+ attendees and calendars packed with decision-making meetings. A few big themes surfaced: ⭐ AI is everywhere. Clarity isn’t. If everyone says “AI,” it’s no longer the differentiator. Outcomes matter more than labels. ⭐ Security is non-negotiable. Data ownership, API protection, and vendor stability aren’t optional in a sea of startups. ⭐ Connections still win. The biggest opportunities came from real conversations, not just booth traffic. ⭐ Be intentional or waste the trip. Strategy beats attendance. Meetings, expo time, and even dinners require planning. It’s part conference debrief, part industry pulse-check, with a side of Vegas energy (and a legendary FR8MVMT event recap). 🎲⚡ Listen to the full conversation to hear what’s changing in freight tech, what’s worth investing in, and how to navigate the AI noise without getting burned.

Capacity is tightening. Rates are under pressure. And more freight is spilling into the spot market. Oliver Jones (Co-Founder & CEO of Manifold Freight), Chris Ceausu (Founder of White Arrow Trucking), and Cole Stevens (Director of Strategy & Business Development at Stevens Trucking) joins Nate Johnson to explore how today’s freight market is being experienced across technology, operations, and carrier leadership. The panel discusses current market conditions, the evolving capacity landscape, and how questions around non-domiciled CDLs are showing up in conversations about rates and load placement. They also examine why more freight appears to be landing in the spot market — and what that shift may signal for fleets, brokers, and shippers navigating uncertainty. This isn’t about predictions or hot takes. It’s a real-world conversation grounded in experience, focused on how industry leaders are interpreting the signals in front of them and thinking through the decisions that matter right now. If you’re navigating rate volatility and capacity uncertainty, this episode offers perspective without the noise.

Freight markets don’t care about your legacy, and family businesses don’t get a “pause” button when the cycle turns.We’re joined by Mike McDonough for a straight-shooting conversation on what it really takes to lead a family-run transportation company in today’s market. We get into the realities behind the numbers: staying disciplined when rates move, protecting service without giving away the farm, and building a business that can survive the downcycle and be ready for the next climb.If you’re a carrier, broker, or shipper trying to make smart decisions in a noisy market, this one’s for you.

Join Nate Johnson along with Dale Prax and Danielle Spinelli as they cover the very real (and very messy) world of cybercrime, cargo theft, and freight fraud — how it all connects, and the big question everyone’s wondering: Are we actually getting better at stopping it? In this episode:• Why fraud and cargo theft are bigger than just lost dollars• How fake carriers, identity fraud, and double brokering really happen• What the data says about progress (and where gaps still exist)• Practical steps you can take today to reduce risk Built for carriers, brokers, shippers, and logistics leaders who want clarity — not fear — around today’s risks. 👉 Subscribe for real conversations at the intersection of freight, tech, and security👍Like & Comment on whether you think the industry is actually getting better at stopping fraud and cargo theft!