FreightCasts

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FreightCasts episodes

July 23 Aurora's Driverless Milestone, Knight-Swift Q2 Beat, & CSX Volume Rebound | The Morning Minute
In this episode, we kick things off by examining a major milestone in the autonomous trucking race as Pittsburgh-based Aurora Innovation ⁠launched its second-generation driverless hardware across ten commercial freight routes⁠ in the U.S. Sun Belt. Unlike its first-generation trucks, the new fleet is built to run with no passive observer at all, erasing what one Morgan Stanley analyst called "one of the last remaining asterisks around the technology." Engineered for a one-million-mile operating life and designed for volume production rather than pilot-scale trials, Aurora is leaning heavily on manufacturing partner Roush, which is targeting an annual production run-rate of one thousand trucks by year-end.
Meanwhile, the nation's largest truckload carrier is declaring that a structural recovery is finally here. Knight-Swift Transportation ⁠reported second-quarter adjusted earnings per share of sixty-three cents, smashing consensus by twelve cents⁠ and coming in twenty-eight cents higher year-over-year. CEO Adam Miller credited aggressive regulatory enforcement by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Department of Transportation for forcing out non-compliant capacity and creating what the company called a "rapid progression in truckload market conditions." Contract rates climbed throughout the quarter, with revenue per loaded mile accelerating from low-single digits in April to eight percent in June, while Knight-Swift's tender rejection rate was twice the industry average.
Finally, over on the rails, CSX is riding a powerful volume rebound to beat Wall Street expectations. The Jacksonville-based Class I railroad ⁠reported second-quarter revenue of three point nine four billion dollars, up ten point one percent year-over-year⁠, while earnings per share came in at fifty-four cents, beating analyst consensus estimates by four point two percent. Carload volumes improved by six point one percent, a dramatic swing from just zero point one percent growth a year ago, with intermodal traffic surging across CSX's eastern U.S. network. Free cash flow swung dramatically from negative one hundred fifteen million dollars in the second quarter of twenty twenty-five to positive six hundred eighty-seven million dollars this quarter.
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4 min
July 22FreightWaves Today | July 22
This episode of FreightWaves Today covers key developments across logistics, freight technology, and the industrial economy:
Key Episode Highlights & Topics
Industry News & AI Breakthroughs: The hosts review major headlines, including JB Hunt's partnership with startup Overroot to deploy AI-led freight execution platform agents across millions of loads. They also examine Forward Air's nonbinding agreement to retain 50% to 75% of a crucial $250 million account (believed to be NVIDIA) that was at risk due to customer diversification, alongside MARAD's agreement with the Port of Long Beach to test small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs).

Modal Shifts & Bulk Logistics with Circle Logistics: Nicholas Schipe, Director of Premium Transportation at Circle Logistics, discusses automotive expedited shipping, intermodal conversions, and chemical/liquid bulk freight. He highlights how supply disruptions, port downtimes, and domestic energy production trends (like wastewater and transformer oils) drive modal shifts between rail and truckload.

AI and Automation in Warehousing: Andre Luecht, Global Strategy Lead for Transport & Logistics at Zebra Technologies, details how "physical AI," mobile devices, and environmental sensors (e.g., tracking temperature, shock, and ripening gases) empower frontline warehouse workers. He explains how smart assistants give frontline workers instant access to tribal knowledge and standard operating procedures.

AAR Rail Data Analysis: The hosts break down the latest Association of American Railroads (AAR) weekly report, pointing to overall volume growth (up 3.4% total traffic, 3.8% intermodal) as a strong indicator of industrial momentum. They contrast solid U.S. demand with declines in Canadian auto parts and commodities tied to trade policy uncertainties.

Class 8 Truck Orders & Used Market Dynamics: Chris Ciolino (Industrials Analyst from Bloomberg Intelligence) shares insights on strong Class 8 truck orders and dealer sentiment. He notes that while order backlogs are full through early 2027, much of the volume represents replacement demand ahead of EPA 2027 regulations rather than aggressive fleet expansion, due in part to driver shortages, engine pricing, and tariff impacts.

Earnings & Financial Trends with Triumph: Aaron Graft, CEO and Founder of Triumph, breaks down their spectacular Q2 earnings. He reports a 26% increase in average invoice size in their factoring business and highlights why this tight, supply-driven freight market feels structural rather than short-lived. He also discusses operational efficiencies, their 65% market touch in brokered freight, and the rapid 49% growth of their LoadPay digital wallet product.
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2 hr 3 min
July 22The "Trojan Horse" Freight Fraud Destroying Small Brokers | WHAT THE TRUCK?!?
Host Malcolm Harris and co-host Michael Vincent kick off a packed Wednesday edition of the "fastest forty-five minutes of freight". The hosts open with lighthearted banter comparing the intense summer heat and humidity in Chattanooga versus Texas before diving into current news, industry headlines, and deep-dive discussions with two featured guests.
Industry Headlines
CDL Safety Blitz Crackdowns: The hosts discuss recent multi-state commercial vehicle inspection blitzes (in states like Arizona and Nebraska) that placed dozens of trucks and drivers out of service. Michael argues that despite these enforcement drives, statistical data shows commercial drivers remain among the safest demographics on the road, questioning the underlying motivations behind the blitzes.

In Memoriam – Alan Adler: The hosts pay tribute to award-winning journalist Alan Adler, who passed away. They reflect on his legacy as a pioneer in freight media, creator of the Truck Tech newsletter, and a dedicated humanitarian.
Featured Guests
Dave Rimkus | Head of Global Supply Chain Decarbonization, Schneider Electric (SE Advisory Services)
Supply Chain Decarbonization & Scope 1–3: Dave discusses how large multinational companies are working to decarbonize. He notes that 80–95% of a company’s emissions typically lie outside its "four walls" within upstream suppliers and logistics (Scope 3).

Addressing Choke Points & Risk: Using AI tools like "Sarah" (Resource Advisor), Dave's team tracks environmental choke points, energy grid instability, and supply chain dependencies to build resilience and avoid costly disruptions.

Practical Efficiency: Dave highlights how simple efficiency steps—such as route optimization, reducing deadhead miles, truck aerodynamics, and preventative maintenance—offer immediate cost savings and carbon reductions without requiring massive new expenditures.
Phil Brink | Head of Fraud Media, FreightWaves
Rising Cargo Theft & Fraud: Phil details the growing sophistication of organized crime in supply chains. Bad actors no longer rely solely on dockworker tips; they use AI, stolen identities, fictitious paperwork, and fraudulent carrier profiles to steal high-value loads.

Human-Level Vetting & Collaboration: Phil argues for stronger human-level carrier verification (DMV-backed ID checks, biometric links, and GPS tracking) rather than relying on surface-level documentation. He emphasizes the urgent need for better collaboration and shared tech standards between brokers and shippers to catch fraud before trucks are loaded.
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56 min
July 22 J.B. Hunt's AI Platform, Forward Air Saves $250M Account, & Nuke Power at Long Beach | The Morning Minute
In this episode, we kick things off by examining a major AI breakthrough that could fundamentally transform freight execution across North America. J.B. Hunt Transport Services has partnered with a startup to publicly launch an AI-led freight execution platform following a year-long co-design process. The platform leverages AI agents to automate shipment coordination, reading live data, detecting exceptions, and managing customer communications while working within carriers' existing systems. Overroute's technology is now deployed across J.B. Hunt's business units, with AI agents working behind the scenes on millions of loads.
Meanwhile, Forward Air just pulled off a critical rescue of a massive customer relationship that nearly sank the entire company. The logistics provider secured a deal to keep at least half of a $250 million account that had threatened to pull all of its business back in May. Forward's shares had plummeted over forty percent following the warning that it might lose a customer responsible for ten percent of its annual revenue, and the potential loss also foiled its plan to sell the company. Shares of Forward Air surged nineteen percent in early trading following Tuesday's announcement.
Finally, we explore how the nation's busiest container port is about to become the testing ground for nuclear-powered maritime operations. The U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration will sign the first-ever agreement with the Port of Long Beach to test small modular reactors for commercial vessels and other potential port uses. Separately, Bluecore Energy, a startup headquartered at the Port of Long Beach, announced it has raised ten million dollars to develop floating, barge-mounted reactors to power ports and eventually cargo ships.
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4 min
July 21 FreightWaves Today | July 21
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2 hr 1 min
July 21Is $6 Diesel Coming? What Every Trucking Company Needs to Know | Brake Check
Rates are finally climbing... so why are trucking companies still struggling to make money?
ATRI just revealed the highest operating cost in trucking history: $2.336 per mile. Diesel is pushing $5 a gallon AND SOME ARE WORRIED MAY HIT $6. Insurance keeps climbing. Maintenance isn't getting cheaper. So where is the money actually going?
In this episode of Brake Check, we expose the hidden costs draining carrier profits and separate the technology that's delivering real ROI from the expensive hype that's emptying wallets.
First, FreightWaves Enterprise Trucking Analyst Thomas Wasson joins us fresh off the Supply Chain AI Symposium to break down the freight market, exploding operating costs, AI, and the tools that can actually make carriers more profitable.
Then, FOX Business contributor and energy expert Phil Flynn explains what's really driving diesel prices, whether another fuel spike is coming, and how smart fleets can stay ahead instead of getting blindsided at the pump.
If you own trucks, manage a fleet, dispatch freight, or simply want to know where the trucking economy is headed next...This is the episode you can't afford to miss.
Topics covered:
Why trucking costs hit a record $2.336 per mile

Where carrier profits are really disappearing

AI that saves money—and AI that's just hype

Freight rates vs. operating costs

Diesel price forecasts and fuel strategy

What small fleets need to survive the rest of 2026
Brake Check. No fluff. Just the truth that moves trucking
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47 min
July 21 Trust but Verify with Bryan Tyson | Fraud Watch
Bryan Tyson has spent the last 18 years building brokerage operations, mentoring thousands of freight brokers, and leading teams responsible for tens of thousands of shipments. In this episode of FreightWaves Fraud Watch, we discuss how freight fraud has evolved, why technology alone isn't enough to stop it, and the mindset that separates transportation professionals who consistently protect freight from those who become victims. Bryan shares lessons from nearly two decades in the industry, explains why "trust but verify" has become essential, and offers practical insights for brokers, carriers, and shippers navigating today's rapidly changing fraud landscape. If you move freight, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

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36 min
July 21 Trump Hits Canada with 50% Tariffs, Non-Domiciled CDL Court Battle, & Houthi Red Sea Blockade | The Morning Minute
In this episode, we kick things off by examining a massive escalation in the U.S.-Canada trade fight as President Trump announced sweeping fifty percent tariffs on roughly twenty billion dollars worth of Canadian imports scheduled to take effect in thirty days. Using an obscure authority from the Tariff Act of 1930, the new duties will apply even to goods that qualify under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, prompting Ontario's premier to demand reciprocal measures if the tariffs take effect.
Next, we explore a high-stakes legal battle heading for oral arguments this fall as federal agencies prepare to defend the FMCSA's controversial restrictions on non-domiciled commercial driver's licenses in the D.C. Court of Appeals on September 15. Petitioners argue the February rule will render ineligible ninety-seven percent of noncitizens who currently hold a CDL, broadly prohibiting asylum seekers, refugees, and DACA recipients from obtaining licenses even though they are legally authorized to work in the United States.
Finally, we cover a new threat to a critical shipping corridor as Houthi rebels in Yemen declared a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia at the Bab al-Mandab Strait at the southern end of the Red Sea. This escalation comes just as major container carriers had recently announced a return of scheduled services to the key route connecting Asia with Europe and North America, raising the risk of wider disruption in a region that is strategically vital for global energy exports and maritime traffic.
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4 min
July 20FreightWaves Today | July 20
In this action-packed episode of FreightWaves Today, hosts Julie Van de Kamp and Malcolm Harris break down the biggest stories impacting global supply chains, cross-border commerce, and freight fraud.From escalating military conflict in the Strait of Hormuz to billion-dollar federal fraud busts and deep dives into freight market economic trends, we've got you covered!
The Strait of Hormuz & Legal Liability
Nitsana Darshan-Leitner (Founder & President, Shurat HaDin / Israeli Law Center) joins the show for a discussion on Iranian missile strikes on oil tankers, legal recourse for shipowners, international sanctions, and military blockades.
Verified: $1B Cargo Theft Ring & CDL Fraud Crackdown
Philip Brink (Head of Fraud, Media, and Education at FreightWaves) unpacks the FBI’s $1B international cargo theft network, the DHS/DOT crackdown on 75 fraudulent CDL training schools, and Indiana State Police interdictions.
Freight Economy Data & AI Infrastructure Bubble?
Dr. Jason Miller (Supply Chain Professor, Michigan State University) on why AI data center buildouts are driving electrical/steel freight, whether an AI CapEx bubble is forming, and capacity forecasts through 2027.
Digital Broker Liability & Carrier Vetting in Court
Cassandra Gaines (Founder & CEO, Carrier Assurer) breaks down how broker technology and unmanaged data can be used in court, mitigating nuclear lawsuits, double-brokering traps, and shipper liability at the guard shack.
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2 hr 2 min
July 20Feds Crack Down On 75 Fraudulent CDL Schools | WHAT THE TRUCK?!?
The boys are back in the building! Join Malcolm Harris and Michael Vincent as they dive into the latest industry news, headlines, and expert insights on this edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?
In This Episode
5 Minutes in Freight (Headlines):

A major $2.1M cocaine bust involving tractor-trailers in Florida.

ArcBest restructuring and 2% workforce/terminal door consolidation.

Military CDL skill waivers and veterans in trucking.

DHS and DOT investigating 75 CDL training schools for suspected fraud.
Special Guests
Tarek Alaruri – Co-Founder & CEO of StuutTariq drops by to break down how AI and automation are transforming accounts receivable (AR) in logistics. From his background in wrestling to running tech that reduces overdue invoices by up to 40%, Tarek shares how Stuut is helping brokers and carriers get paid faster and streamline their operations.

John Scott – Operations Manager at Atlanta Container and TrailerCalling in all the way from Turks and Caicos, John joins the show to discuss the growing demand for storage space in supply chain operations. He breaks down how flexible, month-to-month trailer and container rentals help businesses stay adaptable across different verticals—from construction to retail
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51 min

About FreightCasts

From the publisher's feed

A full trailer load of freight podcasts from FreightWaves. Enjoy shows like the award-winning WHAT THE TRUCK?!? podcast, Put That Coffee Down, Freightonomics, Fuller Speed Ahead, Great Quarter, Gals…