RoadSigns A Transport Topics Podcast

Did you know that nearly 70% of U.S. freight moves by truck? Yet, many trucking companies are facing significant business challenges in a persistently tough freight market. In this special episode, we pull back the curtain on the freight rate recession, revealing strategies that can help companies not only survive — but thrive. Discover how innovative trucking businesses are turning obstacles into opportunities by investing in technology and leveling up their customer service. Hear from McLeod Software CEO Tom McLeod as he explores the potential for artificial intelligence to boosting efficiency and build resilience. Don’t just weather the storm — learn how to grow through it. Tune in and transform setbacks into success!

For more information visit: https://roadsigns.ttnews.com/episodes/how-can-trucking-companies-thrive-amid-a-rate-recession/

Read the full story here: https://www.ttnews.com/articles/mcleod-ai-capabilities-2024 

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Hackers don't take holidays! And neither should your cybersecurity efforts. In an increasingly digital and connected business landscape, the transportation industry faces rising challenges with cybersecurity threats and fraud. In this special episode, Transport Topics Managing Editor of Features and Multimedia Seth Clevenger sits down with Dr. Erika Voss, Vice President of Information Security for DAT Freight and Analytics, to discuss crucial strategies and best practices for safeguarding information and assets in a high-demand period. Tune in now. 

For more information visit: https://roadsigns.ttnews.com/episodes/how-can-you-secure-your-freight-during-peak-season/

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At a time when for-hire trucking capacity is widely available at competitive rates, many large shippers are still choosing to double down on their own private fleets rather than fully capitalizing on favorable freight market conditions. A perfect case study is Walmart, which is now the largest private fleet operator in North America after ramping up investments in its in-house trucking operations in recent years. 

In this special episode, Seth Clevenger and TT’s features coordinator, Mike Senatore, dive into the details behind the 2024 Top 100 Private Carriers list. Together, they explore why more shippers are deciding to bolster their private fleets, and what this shift means for the industry. Don't miss the insights — tune in now!

For more information visit: https://roadsigns.ttnews.com/episodes/why-large-shippers-are-growing-their-in-house-trucking-divisions/

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Auxiliary power units are becoming an increasingly vital tool for the trucking industry to increase driver comfort while also conserving fuel by reducing engine idling. But to what extent can these systems also enhance environmental sustainability? And how is APU technology evolving? In this episode, we find answers with Mathieu Boivin, CEO of Transtex, which recently acquired electric APU provider DClimate. Tune in now to dissect the impact of APUs and how they are changing to meet industry demands.

For more information visit: https://roadsigns.ttnews.com/episodes/how-can-apus-make-trucking-more-sustainable/ 

This episode is sponsored by Great Dane: https://greatdane.com/

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One of the main hurdles in parts supply chain management is the ongoing issue of product availability. Despite advances, many fleets still struggle with holding vehicles down due to the unavailability of commonly used parts. This problem is exacerbated by many fleets adopting just-in-time inventory programs, which can increase downtime when parts aren't readily available. Factors such as investment costs, obsolescence, and loss further complicate the decision to maintain large on-hand stock inventories. So, how can you avoid such hurdles? Is it simply enough to expand inventory and enhance your current technology? In this special episode, we find answers with Cox Automotive's Kevin Clark. Tune in now to see how dynamic parts management can transform your fleet services.

For more information visit: https://roadsigns.ttnews.com/episodes/how-can-effective-supply-chain-management-transform-fleet-maintenance/

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Advanced driver assistance systems such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings and onboard camera systems can improve highway safety while also enhancing the efficiency of trucking operations, but only if carriers choose to adopt these technologies. What will it take to accelerate ADAS adoption in the trucking industry? And can expanded technical information and industry outreach convince more fleets to invest in these safety systems? In this episode, Jeff Loftus, chief of the advanced technology division at FMCSA’s office of research and registration, joins TT’s Seth Clevenger to discuss the current outlook on ADAS technology and how it will affect the industry at large. Tune in.

For more information visit: https://roadsigns.ttnews.com/episodes/how-is-the-rise-of-adas-technology-elevating-truck-safety/

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Survival of the fittest in trucking. While enduring a prolonged freight recession, the largest trucking companies in North America have been subject to declining revenue and weaker profits. The financial strain caused by the freight downturn, which took hold in mid-2022 and has continued for two years into the first half of 2024, is plainly evident across the for-hire carrier landscape. What are the biggest pain points for carriers? And how are companies persevering in these challenging conditions? In this special episode, the makers of Transport Topics' updated Top 100 For-Hire Carriers list examine how the freight market slump has altered the competitive landscape in trucking. Tune in.

For more information, visit: https://roadsigns.ttnews.com/episodes/inside-the-list-transport-topics-2024-top-100-for-hire-carriers/

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The buzz around AI is deafening, but amid the hype, practical strategies for deployment are emerging. AI applications are expected to improve business decisions in many facets of freight transportation by better utilizing the massive amounts of data companies are gathering on their operations. While the rise of AI may offer a pathway to higher levels of safety and efficiency in the trucking industry, transportation companies and their technology vendors still need to determine the best ways to realize this potential. How are early adopters beginning to harness this latest wave of AI? Let's find out with Corey Cox, senior vice president of innovation for the Tandet Group of companies.

For more information visit: https://roadsigns.ttnews.com/episodes/how-will-ai-empower-data-driven-fleet-management/

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Think fast! Do you know the proper PSI levels for commercial truck tires? Few people do. And, yet, advanced tire-monitoring skills are some of the more sought-after in truck maintenance. After all: the biggest fleets monitor more than 9,000 tires at once. Tools that measure and prevent potential failures are essential. But how does one acquire the right tire monitoring tools? Which tools are the best to start with? What data should be collected? 

In this special episode, we get answers from Robby Hamby, Director of Commercial Product Strategy for Bridgestone Americas, and Ken Eggen, Chief Operating Officer of Wolf River Express. Tune in! 

For more information visit: https://roadsigns.ttnews.com/episodes/how-can-fleet-tire-programs-be-both-data-informed-and-cost-effective/

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To retread or not to retread, that is the question. For some maintenance managers, the debate between new tires and retreads is constant. Both offer ways to save on gas and emissions. And, in the current environment of high fuel prices, tire management strategies are integral to fleet operations. So, what's the golden rule? In what instances is a retread needed, and in what instances are new tires needed? In this episode host Michael Freeze finds answers with Alex Aguilar, senior training specialist at Bridgestone Americas. Tune in. 

This episode is brought to you by Bridgestone: https://commercial.bridgestone.com/en-us/truck-and-bus#

For more information visit: https://roadsigns.ttnews.com/episodes/how-does-retreading-impact-a-fleet-maintenance-operation/

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