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A new proposed deal could reshape freight railroading, with Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern reportedly in merger talks to create the first true transcontinental railroad. Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, owning Union Pacific's primary competitor BNSF Railway, looms large with over $347 billion in cash, sparking speculation of a bidding war that could involve other major railroads like CSX.

We also cover the U.S. moves to restrict Mexican airlines over cargo and competition concerns, threatening the long-standing partnership between Delta and Aeromexico. This action by the Trump administration is a direct response to the Mexican government's mandate forcing all cargo flights from Mexico City's main airport to a more distant new airport, a move the U.S. asserts violates their trade agreement.

Finally, get an update on ocean rates falling for the fifth straight week, according to Drewry's World Container Index. The key route from Shanghai to Los Angeles saw rates decrease by 4%, while Shanghai to New York dipped 6%, reflecting what analysts describe as a clear sign of weakening global demand for goods after a volatile spike caused by U.S. tariffs on Chinese products earlier this year.

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On episode 863 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Thomas Wasson and Rob Carpenter dive deep into infrastructure, inspections, inspiration, and sour intensity. Former FMCSA Administrator Jim Mullins kicks things off with an insider’s view of Derek Barr’s confirmation and what awaits him at an FMCSA now grappling with layoffs, tech transitions, and a weakened workforce. Then, VA Delegate Chad Green joins the show to discuss the spike in teen driver crashes during the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer and the new laws Virginia is enacting to save lives. From there, we pivot to creativity and craftsmanship with Cody McCandless, who walks us through his custom build of the Lacoh Transport Dream Truck, a rolling tribute to freight. Then Ingrid Brown lays down some hard-won wisdom on driver inspections and the top violations of June for Wyoming. We cover how tariffs are souring the costs of Halloween candy. All that plus the FreightTech 100 launch, crash video reaction clips, and more.

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In Part 4 of our Generational Grit Series, FreightWaves Founder and CEO Craig Fuller sits down with his father, Max Fuller, the visionary founder of U.S. Express, for a deeply personal and revealing conversation. Max shares the untold story of his turbulent relationship with his own father, Clyde, an intimidating yet ultimately generous figure who played a pivotal role in Max’s early career. Discover how a broken-down car led to an unexpected reconciliation and a life-changing opportunity.

But the grit doesn’t stop there. Max opens up about the dramatic sale of Southwest Motor Freight, his father’s company, and the shocking events that unfolded under a new, deceptive owner. Witness the strategic genius and sheer determination that led Max to walk away from that chaos and, against all odds, lay the foundation for not one, but two trucking powerhouses: U.S. Express and Covenant Transport. This is a raw, honest look at the resilience required to build a legacy in the world of freight.

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⁠Union Pacific is reportedly in early-stage talks to acquire Norfolk Southern⁠, its smaller Eastern rival. This potential tie-up would combine the largest publicly held US railroad with NS, bringing together over 60,000 employees and 60,000 miles of track.

⁠David Steiner has officially taken the helm of the US Postal Service as the new Postmaster General⁠, becoming the highest paid chief executive in the agency's history with a salary over $346,000 plus a 50% bonus. 

The Canadian government will begin a confidential vote on Monday for ⁠53,000 Canada Post employees to ratify the state-owned company's final contract offer⁠, despite opposition from union leadership. This vote aims to conclude 19 months of negotiations, which included a 32-day strike and recent mail carrier refusal to work overtime, leading to daily operational losses of $7.3 million per day in June.

Tune in today for FreightWaves TV's ⁠What the Truck?!?⁠ live at noon, with replays available on SiriusXM channel 146 from 5 to 7 PM. Don't forget to register for the free ⁠Enterprise Fleet Summit⁠ next Wednesday at 9 AM and get your tickets for the ⁠Supply Chain and AI Symposium⁠ in Washington D.C. in about two weeks.

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Zane Hengsperger of NOX Metals / Delta22 tells JP Hampstead about going from tech to steel manufacturing and the rich heritage of automotive manufacturing in Windsor, Detroit, and the Great Lakes region.

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An Illinois-based trucking company, Chicago Suburban Express, is scheduled to close its doors on Friday, July 18th. Founded in 1963, the company, also known as CSX, previously offered same-day pickup and truckload shipments across Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and parts of Missouri, employing 41 drivers and operating 33 power units. 

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has announced a new 12-member DOT Advisory Board with the goal of increasing American private investment in national infrastructure projects. Duffy highlighted that while there's a significant opportunity for private capital in infrastructure, much of the current returns are going to foreign investors, and he aims to shift these returns to American investors.

Derek Barrs, the nominee for the top position at the FMCSA, testified before Congress, emphasizing how his law enforcement experience will guide his leadership in the agency. He specifically noted his understanding of challenges faced by roadside inspectors when communicating with drivers lacking English proficiency, and pledged to address issues like fraudulent CDLs and other fraud schemes if confirmed. 

The episode also promotes upcoming FreightWaves TV programming, including new episodes of Bring It Home with JP Hampstead and The Long Haul with Adam Wingfield. Listeners are encouraged to get tickets for the Supply Chain AI Symposium on July 30th in Washington D.C., and to register for the free Enterprise Fleet Summit virtual event next week. Additionally, nominations for the FreightTech 100 awards are now open, with winners to be announced later in the summer and the FreightTech 25 announced at the F3 festival in October.

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In this episode of The Long Haul, Adam chops it up with Robert McCutcheon, VP of Strategy and Growth at TAFS, to dig into the stuff that keeps small carriers afloat—or breaks them down. We’re talking factoring terms most folks overlook, the real cost of fuel cards, and how to make smarter money moves in a market that’s already tight. Rob brings years of experience across finance, logistics, and trucking and lays it out plain: if you don’t understand your numbers, you’re rolling backwards. If you’ve ever signed a factoring deal or swiped a fuel card, this one’s for you.

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