FreightCasts

This episode of FreightWaves Morning Minute covers the ongoing debate in Congress regarding rail safety technology, with a House subcommittee hearing highlighting the partisan divide over its implementation. Republicans advocate for technological innovation and modernization of regulations, while Democrats emphasize that advancements should not compromise worker safety. Much of the discussion centered on automated track inspection and the extent to which railroads should be allowed to reduce traditional visual inspections. 

FedEx has permanently retired 12 freighter aircraft and incurred a $21 million impairment charge in the fourth quarter as part of its effort to streamline its air network and modernize its fleet. The removed aircraft include seven Airbus A300-600s, three MD-11 tri-engine freighters, and two Boeing 757-200s, in addition to 22 Boeing 757 cargo jets decommissioned in the fourth quarter of 2024. FedEx plans to reduce aircraft investment to $1 billion in the current fiscal year and maintain that level for several years. 

A recent surge in layoffs impacted the food production, distribution, and retail sectors across the U.S., with over 1,500 job cuts announced since the beginning of May. Notable companies affected include United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI), which is closing a distribution center and eliminating 716 jobs, and Albertsons, which has laid off 275 corporate employees in Phoenix. Additionally, Amazon Fresh closed a grocery store in Seattle, leading to 125 job cuts.

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In today’s episode, Mike Precia, president and chief strategy officer at Fleetworthy joins us to talk about their recent acquisitions and how AI is shaking up safety and compliance.

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FreightWaves honors the remarkable life and legacy of Fred Smith, the visionary founder who built FedEx into the world’s largest cargo airline. Learn how his hands-on leadership and strategic aircraft acquisitions transformed the company into a global commerce leader, even through ventures that didn't succeed.

Erez Agmoni of Interwoven Ventures, who previously led innovation at Maersk, shares insights on how combining AI computer vision with dynamic digital twins allows for significant efficiency improvements, as seen in Maersk’s container unloading, which achieved 82% accuracy in prediction times, and drayage operations, which saved millions by consolidating information for optimization.

Geopolitical tensions are disrupting freight flows, as demonstrated by Maersk’s decision to stop Haifa service prior to Iran missile attacks, underscoring the delicate balance shipping giants must maintain for crew safety and operations. This suspension, amid escalating conflict, contributed to increased container rates from Shanghai to European ports, showing broader market uncertainties.

For the trucking industry, prepare for a hot, tight July 4th freight market, where spot truckload rates are expected to rise, offering a significant opportunity for carriers to capitalize on higher rates. Freight brokers, however, face the challenge of proactively managing margins against potentially surging spot rates as tender rejection rates climb nationally and in key regional hubs.

Fuel prices are also in the spotlight, with the benchmark diesel price now at its highest level in almost a year after a big jump, even as ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) futures markets recently plunged. This surge, following initial fears of supply disruptions from Middle East conflicts, means diesel consumers are still feeling the pinch at the pump.

Finally, we highlight innovative strides in fleet management as Samsara introduces its 2025 North America Customer Advisory Board, bringing together industry leaders to shape the product roadmap for AI-driven tools. Discover how customers are leveraging Samsara's AI-powered platforms to achieve impressive ROI, including millions saved in maintenance costs and significant reductions in accidents and theft.

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In this episode, we dive into the summer freight market. Our guest, David Spencer, Vice President of Market Intelligence at Arrive Logistics, breaks down what is happening in the freight market as well as key indicators to watch for changes in market conditions. For more information, subscribe to ⁠Check Call the newsletter⁠ or the podcast. 

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FedEx's board of directors elected R. Brad Martin as chairman following the passing of founder Fred Smith, and a decision to reduce the board's size to 12 members. The company expressed profound gratitude for Smith's vision and contributions, as Martin, previously vice chairman, now leads the audit and finance committees.

Maersk has suspended services to Israel’s busiest port, Haifa, and halted cargo acceptance due to ongoing conflict and safety risks from missile attacks. This decision was made prior to new missile attacks, which occurred despite reports of a potential ceasefire.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced a five-year, $10 million research initiative to study the long-term health effects of the 2023 railroad derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. This marks the first large-scale coordinated federal program to address community health concerns, focusing on public health tracking, chemical exposure impacts, and multi-disciplinary communication.

Also, tune into FreightWaves TV for programs like Check Call and Loaded and Rolling, and mark your calendars for upcoming events like the Enterprise Fleet Summit on July 23rd. Don't miss the Supply Chain AI Symposium on July 30th in Washington D.C., where a special ticket offer allows combining it with your F3 ticket for a reduced price.

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On episode 853 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Dooner discusses with FreightWaves’ oil expert, John Kingston, the impact of fuel costs following the U.S. bombing of Iran. With saber-rattling around the Strait of Hormuz and a potential prolonged war with Iran, could diesel prices skyrocket?

The recent fire aboard the Morning Midas has OEC Group raising concerns about the risks of shipping cargo on vessels carrying electric vehicles. OEC Group’s Joe Klobus explains how to protect your ocean freight.

If your truck gets stuck on train tracks, what should you do? Call the blue sign! Operation Lifesaver’s Jennifer DeAngelis joins the show to discuss ENS Sign Awareness Day and its importance.

Travelers’ Mark Borchert shares the latest workforce trends.

Plus, long-haul truckers offer advice for long-distance bomber pilots; a tribute to RIP Fred Smith; and more.

Catch new shows live at noon EDT Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on FreightWaves LinkedIn, Facebook, X or YouTube, or on demand by looking up WHAT THE TRUCK?!? on your favorite podcast player and at 6 p.m. Eastern on SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking Channel 146.

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Global tensions as oil prices react to geopolitical events, with Brent crude ticking up after the US strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, though prices later flattened as tankers moved through the Strait of Hormuz. Despite Iran's parliament voting to close the strategic waterway, top leadership approval is required, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged China to discourage such a shutdown given its critical impact on global oil consumption.

Spot rates for large crude oil tankers from the Persian Gulf to China have surged dramatically amid heightened Middle East stability concerns, nearly doubling to over $57,000 per day for the largest crude carriers. Despite threats to close the Strait of Hormuz, major container lines like Maersk and CMA CGM continue their sailings, closely monitoring the situation while maintaining operations.

In industry news, we pause to honor the passing of Frederick W. Smith, the visionary founder of FedEx, who died at age 80, transforming a college term paper idea into an $87.7 billion global overnight delivery powerhouse. Smith's pioneering concepts, military service, and strategic financial moves, like a high-stakes blackjack win, shaped FedEx into a company whose legacy touches virtually every corner of global logistics.

The US truckload market continues to face significant challenges, with carrier revocations, or trucking businesses shutting down, running 16% higher year-over-year through mid-2025, reflecting sustained industry vulnerability. Recent regulatory enforcement, including renewed English language proficiency rules and stricter CDL fraud crackdowns, may be raising entry barriers, while softening demand and rising operating costs further squeeze profitability.

Supply chain investments are on the rise in Mexico to support growing trade with the US, its largest trading partner. This includes Evans Transportation opening a new office in Laredo, DP World launching a freight forwarding hub in Mexico City, Geodis Logistics opening a new office in Guadalajara, We Store Frozen building a cold storage facility in Laredo, and Japanese firms Tokai Kogyo and Benchmark Electronics expanding their manufacturing footprints.

FreightWaves is proud to spotlight the dawn of a new era with the AI Excellence in Supply Chain Award, recognizing game-changing use of artificial intelligence in logistics. The Supply Chain AI Symposium in Washington, D.C., happening this July, will crown industry leaders harnessing AI, machine learning, and large language models to drive smarter, more resilient, and sustainable supply chains.

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Heightened tensions in the Middle East have caused ⁠spot rates for large crude oil tankers from the Persian Gulf to China to surge over 50%⁠. This surge comes after a U.S. attack on Iran and threats to close the Strait of Hormuz, a route for about 20% of the world's oil, equating to over $57,000 per day for a roundtrip charter. 

Frederick W. Smith, who founded FedEx Express Corp. fifty-four years ago and revolutionized parcel delivery by using aircraft for overnight delivery, ⁠passed away over the weekend at the age of 80⁠. FedEx CEO Raj Subramaniam stated that "Fred was more than just the pioneer of an industry and the founder of our great company. He was the heart and soul of FedEx – its People-Service-Profit culture, values, integrity, and spirit," underscoring his profound impact. 

The Supreme Court has weighed in on California's ability to create its own environmental regulations via waivers from the EPA, a ruling that was more procedural than substantive on regulatory lawmaking. This decision, which overruled a D.C. Circuit Court case regarding a challenge to California's Clean Cars One Act, could ⁠benefit how trucking groups fight state regulations impacting their industry going forward⁠. 

Don't miss ⁠What The Truck?!?⁠ live at noon today on FreightWaves TV, with the replay available on SiriusXM channel 146. Also, mark your calendars for the free ⁠Enterprise Fleet Summit on July 23rd⁠ and the ⁠Supply Chain AI Symposium on July 30th⁠ in Washington D.C., with a special combo ticket available for the latter and the Future of Freight Festival.

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On episode 852 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Dooner talks with project44 founder and CEO Jett McCandless about their new decision intelligence platform, Movement.

Movement represents a fundamental shift in supply chain management philosophy, moving “beyond mere ‘features’ or ‘visibility’ to focus on execution, outcomes, and transformation,” said project44 CEO Jett McCandless. 

We’ll explore how it works, why it’s a game-changer, and why it has project44’s competitors on edge.

McCandless and the project44 team recently returned from the White House, where they advised on tariffs. We’ll find out why they were there.

Plus, a Will Rogers Turnpike wreck, Texas Trucker in recovery mode, and more.

Chapters

1:15 Texas Trucker update

4:01 Will Rogers Turnpike crash

5:40 Launching Movement | Jett McCandless

28:10 Clapping back | Jett McCandless

33:12 Advising The White House on tariffs | Jett McCandless

36:57 A look ahead | Jett McCandless

Catch new shows live at noon EDT Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on FreightWaves LinkedIn, Facebook, X or YouTube, or on demand by looking up WHAT THE TRUCK?!? on your favorite podcast player and at 6 p.m. Eastern on SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking Channel 146.

Watch on YouTube

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Visit our sponsor

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In this episode, we dive into world of reefer unit efficiency. Our guest, Travis Ross, Sr. Sales Engineer breaks down the cost-savings that comes with on/off vs continuous reefer running. For more information subscribe to ⁠Running on Ice the newsletter⁠ or podcast.

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