FreightCasts

In this episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, host Malcolm Harris dives into the latest headlines and industry shifts defining the logistics landscape in early 2026. The episode features two deep-dive conversations with experts representing different facets of the supply chain—from the driver’s seat to the executive suite.

Frontline Perspectives with Avante Jackson: Known as CDL Shorty, Jackson shares his journey as a heart transplant recipient turned instructor. He discusses the critical need for driver mentorship, the realities of the current pay and respect gap, and his advocacy for improved safety standards like underride guards.

Strategic Insights with Nathan Adams: The VP of Transportation and Procurement at Uber Freight breaks down how recent winter storms (Fern and Gianna) have disrupted freight flows. Adams provides data-driven insights into tender rejection rates, the tightening of the 2026 market, and how smart shippers are preparing for the upcoming spring surge.

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The Teamsters union has filed a lawsuit to block a new driver choice program at UPS, calling the voluntary buyouts an illegal move to eliminate jobs. Union leaders argue the plan violates their contract, while the company maintains the program is voluntary and necessary to cut costs.

A trucking company has agreed to a settlement regarding a deaf driver who was refused employment despite being qualified. Wilson Logistics will pay $50,000 and must implement new training and hiring procedures to comply with the ADA.

CSX is making a major investment in its fleet by signing a $670 million deal to acquire and modernize locomotives. The railroad expects the high-tech engines to improve fuel efficiency and reliability starting later this year.

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Host Charles Gracey takes the show on the road to Manifest in Las Vegas, the epicenter of logistics and supply chain innovation. In Part 1 of our “Live From Manifest” series, Charles hits the showroom floor to catch the pulse of the industry and sit down with the heavy hitters shaping the future of freight.
In This Episode:
Market Insights with Craig Fuller: The Founder and CEO of FreightWaves joins us to discuss why he is “so bullish” on the 2026 freight market. Craig breaks down high-frequency data, the return of carrier pricing power, and why he believes 2026 will be “epic” for truckers.
Legal Landmines with Matthew Leffler: “The Armchair Attorney” weighs in on the critical importance of maintenance, the dangers of non-compliance in the supply chain, and whether Doctor Doom could resist the One Ring.
Solving the Scheduling Struggle: Tom Curee, President of Qued, explains how they are tackling the “it sucks” reality of appointment scheduling to bring connectivity and efficiency to the dock.
Industry Advocacy with Dale Prax: The freight veteran from Freight Validate and Truckstop.com dives deep into the fight against fraud, the need for better driver retention, and why the industry must band together to create the supply chain that drivers actually deserve.
Whether you’re a carrier, broker, or shipper, this episode is packed with the optimism, raw data, and “common sense” solutions you need to navigate the road ahead.
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss Part 2!

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection is looking to secure exports with a proposed rule mandating electronic data filing for all vessel cargo before it leaves port. This digital update replaces an outdated paper system to help officials better intercept high-risk shipments containing contraband like weapons or narcotics.

In leadership news, the Truckload Carriers Association has named Jim Mullen as the organization’s next president. The former FMCSA chief brings decades of regulatory experience to the role and will succeed retiring president Jim Ward this April.

Samsara is modernizing fleet safety with the launch of an AI-powered coaching system that provides real-time guidance to drivers. By analyzing patterns such as distraction and drowsiness, the tool acts as a pro coach in the cab  to help eliminate accidents caused by human error.

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WHAT THE TRUCK?!? is back with a packed Monday edition

Kicking off the show, Malcom sits down with Jane Jazrawy, CEO of CarriersEdge and creator of the Best Fleets to Drive For® program, to break down what top-performing fleets are doing right in 2026, how driver expectations are changing, and why culture, safety, and stability matter more than ever.

Then, Malcom is joined in studio by Joe Feeney of TMC Transportation and President of the Chattanooga Supply Chain Association. Joe talks leadership, logistics, the future of Chattanooga as a freight hub — and of course, a little fun along the way.

From industry headlines to real conversations with people shaping trucking and supply chain, this episode is one you don’t want to miss.

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Welcome back to WithSONAR!

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Craig Fuller and Matthew Leffler dig into the most important—and most misunderstood—topics in freight. From market cycles and carrier bankruptcies to regulation, labor, and industry history, Freight Expectations connects today’s headlines with the forces that actually drive transportation.

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On today’s show, we discuss the major deal in which a consortium led by FedEx has agreed to acquire InPost in a transaction valued at nearly $9.2 billion. This acquisition will give FedEx a significant foothold in the European e-commerce market by granting access to a massive network of automated parcel lockers.

We also cover the latest developments at the Port of Jacksonville, where Southeast Toyota Distributors has opened a new $145 million vehicle processing center. The modern facility on Blount Island features on-site rail and truck loading capabilities aimed at increasing processing capacity to nearly 430,000 vehicles annually.

In legal news, federal investigators are expanding their probe into a network of alleged "chameleon carriers" following a deadly crash in Indiana involving an Amish community. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has identified specific companies and a training school accused of fraud and evading safety regulations to keep unqualified drivers on the road.

Finally, stay tuned for a new episode of "What the Truck?!?" airing today at noon on FreightWaves TV. If you miss the live broadcast, the episode will be available for streaming on our YouTube page.

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Big game energy is in the air, so you already know WHAT THE TRUCK?!? is coming in hot. Malcolm kicks things off breaking down the biggest headlines in freight and logistics, then brings out a true triple threat for this episode.

Justin Turner joins to talk about what shippers, brokers, and sales teams are really dealing with right now and how companies can actually execute in a tough market. Matthew Leffler, the Armchair Attorney himself, gets into carrier liability, fraud, maintenance issues, and what operators need to watch out for in 2026. And to round it out, Abe Eshkenazi steps in to give a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to pull off something as massive as the Super Bowl from a supply chain perspective

Big topics, real talk, and zero fluff—this one’s packed.

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New financial data indicates the freight market may finally be flipping as shippers pay significantly more to move the same volume of goods. This shift in pricing power is creating a painful squeeze for brokers like RXO, who saw their margins crushed to just 1.2% this quarter.

The pressure is also forcing legitimate capacity out of the market, with recent Chapter 11 filings from Quickway Transportation and Robert Bearden Trucking removing hundreds of drivers from the road. While honest fleets fold, a deadly chameleon carrier network has been exposed for dodging regulations and operating dangerous equipment under multiple identities.

Regulators are attempting to close safety loopholes, including a review of foreign trucker commercial driver's licenses currently pending at the OMB. Amidst the chaos, innovation offers some relief, as Truck Parking Club hits a major milestone in unlocking safe spaces for drivers to rest.

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