FreightWaves Today

Weekly U.S. rail traffic data just dropped, and it's confirming significant strength in the industrial segment of the economy. Total traffic is up an amazing 7.2%, with carloads rising 3.2% year-to-date, despite declines in coal and flat forest products. This is a critical indicator of future freight demand, including trucking, as manufacturers ramp up production.

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After being acquired by Shell USA, Multi-Service Fuel Card CEO Aaron Decker reveals how he and his management team executed a bold management buyout to regain control. Discover the fascinating journey of this pioneering fuel card provider, established in 1978, and how they help trucking companies navigate volatile fuel markets, maximize efficiency, and combat fraud. Aaron also shares his outlook on diesel prices and how fleets can protect their bottom line.

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John Ferguson, CEO of Pivot Supply Chain Solutions, shares the gritty details of starting his freight brokerage during the peak of COVID. From a coat closet to a $50M company, learn the raw truth about establishing credit, covering loads, and building a robust team in a tough market. This isn't your average startup story.

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In this episode, we kick things off by examining a major digital freight platform designed to eliminate the traditional back-and-forth friction between carriers and shippers hunting for committed freight. C.H. Robinson unveiled BidBoardX, a new self-service tool that gives carriers direct access to committed freight opportunities through a single digital interface. The platform allows certified carriers to search opportunities across multiple categories, submit bids for full or partial volume, and track activity without the lengthy phone calls and email exchanges that have historically pushed both sides toward spot market volatility.

Next, we explore the parcel sector where FedEx is slowly clawing its way back from an operational meltdown in Vietnam that left shipments stranded and customers furious. The express logistics giant says shipping delays have eased this month after a bungled switch to a different ground delivery provider and the rollout of new technology created widespread disruption, with backlogs decreasing by nearly fifty percent compared to peak levels in early May.

Finally, we cover a Boston-based sensor startup pushing its terahertz vision technology closer to automotive serialization with a crucial new partnership with a top German automaker for its flagship Summit sensor. The sensor will be tested against edge cases that continue to expose the limitations of cameras, lidar and radar, including detecting a fallen motorcyclist at a distance or identifying stopped vehicles ahead in dense fog.

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When illness or injury forces a truck driver off the road, the financial fallout can be immediate and devastating. The St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund steps in as a vital safety net, offering financial aid for essential needs like rent, insurance, and vehicle payments. Beyond crisis support, they provide crucial wellness programs, from smoking cessation to cancer screenings, helping America's highway heroes stay healthy and on the job.

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Weekly AAR rail traffic numbers are in, showing a continued strong week for rail freight in North America. We dive into the data, examining intermodal and carload volumes, and what these trends signal for the second half of the year. Plus, editor Bill Stephens shares his exclusive experience riding Union Pacific's Big Boy, the world's largest operational steam locomotive, on its historic East Coast tour.

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The Strait of Hormuz has introduced a permanent risk premium into the global oil market, fundamentally altering price dynamics for crude and diesel. Despite some recent drops from March highs, experts like John Kingston warn that supply won't snap back quickly.

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For years, the yard has been a forgotten 'dark spot' in the supply chain — unseen and unoptimized. Now, YMX Logistics is changing the game with its autonomous yard operating system. Combining AI, computer vision, and electrification, they're transforming labor-driven functions into controlled systems, driving millions in value by turning a cost center into a strategic asset

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The freight market is gearing up for a dynamic second half of the year, driven by capacity constraints rather than pure volume increases. Get ready for tighter conditions and potentially higher costs as industrial and retail sectors recover. Craig Fuller breaks down the latest SONAR data, Cass Freight Index, and container flows from China to reveal what's truly shaping the market.

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The Supreme Court’s ruling on broker liability is shaking up the freight industry, putting real-time carrier intelligence in high demand. Freight fraud is evolving beyond physical theft, with sophisticated identity deception costing millions. GenLogs' Danielle Spinelli shares how their data provides critical insight into carrier operations, helping brokers and shippers prevent scams and tighten security.

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