The North American freight market is soft, with excess capacity and uncertainty in manufacturing, retail and housing weighing on demand. In this episode of Talking Transports, ArcBest Chairman and CEO Judy McReynolds joins Bloomberg Intelligence’s senior transportation and logistics analyst, Lee Klaskow, to discuss how the company is navigating the prolonged freight recession. McReynolds shares how ArcBest is leveraging technology, AI and data to drive efficiency — from route optimization to dock automation — and how acquisitions like MoLo have strengthened its integrated logistics network. She also reflects on her career, the lessons she’s learned and offers advice to future executives, especially women entering transportation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marine cargo ports serve as the conduits connecting global and regional economies, and their ability to run efficiently can be felt near and far. In this Talking Transports podcast, American Association of Port Authorities’ (AAPA) Vice President of Government Relations John Bressler, joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to unpack the policies shaping US seaports and what his trade organization is doing to push for more federal infrastructure funding. Bressler also discusses rail consolidation, shipbuilding incentives, tariffs and automation, stressing balance between efficiency, labor and security. With ports investing in decarbonization, dredging and digitalization, he says smarter infrastructure and collaboration will keep America’s maritime network competitive and resilient.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rising insurance costs have been a major headwind facing the trucking markets and things might not improve anytime soon. Insurance premiums could grow by double digits for another year in 2026 due to increased litigation and fraud, along with fewer companies writing trucking policies. In this Talking Transports podcast, Reliance Partners’ co-founder and CEO Andrew Ladebauche and Thom Albrecht, the company’s chief revenue officer, join Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to discuss the state and outlook of the trucking-insurance market. The conversation also delves into strategies for mitigating costs, the need for reform and better regulatory practices to ensure safety and sustainability in transportation, as well as why many fraudsters are apparent fans of Tommy Tutone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The transportation and logistics M&A market may be quiet, but there are still pockets of strength. In this episode of Talking Transports, Tenney Group CEO Spencer Tenney joins Bloomberg Intelligence’s senior analyst Lee Klaskow to discuss what kinds of deals are getting done and how technology is becoming a key differentiator for freight brokers. They also touch on valuations, seller motivations and why next year could bring market stabilization, smarter deals and fresh opportunities for owners ready to adapt — or exit — before the next freight cycle turns.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More and more women are entering the trucking industry, but remain underrepresented. They account for only about 10% of truck drivers and 4% in technician roles. In this Talking Transports podcast, Jennifer Hedrick, president and CEO of the Women in Trucking Association (WIT), joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to discuss what the organization is doing to attract more women into the trucking industry, from the driver’s seat to the C-suite. Access to safe parking and more focused gender amenities would go a long way toward making over-the-road truckling more appealing for women, she says. Hedrick also discusses the association’s work in Washington, DC; members’ outlooks on trucking; outreach programs; and even style advice, suggesting I should rock a red tuxedo at WIT’s upcoming Accelerate Conference.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The outlook for the global container rates isn’t encouraging for fleet owners, with supply expected to outpace demand next year. The Trump administration’s protectionist policies are only complicating matters for the industry. In this Talking Transports podcast, Peter Sand, Xeneta’s chief analyst, joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to share his outlook for the liner market. The backdrop will weigh heavily on rates in 2026, with spot declines outpacing longer-term decreases. Though not Xeneta’s main scenario, a reopening of the Suez Canal would increase capacity by about 10-15%, putting additional pressure on rates. Sand also talks about USTR and China port fees, air-freight markets, emerging trade lanes and his love for death metal.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tepid demand, weak rates and rising costs are just some of the challenges facing the North American truckload market. Carriers and drivers also face subpar infrastructure, rising fraud and stricter emission standards. In this Talking Transports podcast, Jim Ward, president of the Truckload Carriers Association, joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence’s senior transportation and logistics analyst, to discuss how the trade group is working to ease these burdens. They also discuss how Trump administration actions affect non-domiciled commercial driver licenses and English proficiency enforcement. Ward touches on electric and autonomous vehicles, road user fees, parking shortages and his pending retirement.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Geopolitical tensions are stoking investor interest in shipping stocks as supply-demand dynamics turn more favorable for tanker and dry-bulk operators heading into 2026. Global containerliners, however, face a tougher outlook, with freight rates struggling to find support amid capacity growth outpacing demand. In this bonus episode of the Talking Transports podcast Bloomberg Intelligence senior freight transportation and logistics analyst Lee Klaskow hosts a panel with Fredrik Dybwad of Fearnley Securities and Kristoffer Barth Skeie of Arctic Securities. The analysts discuss rates, trade tensions, emissions goals, order books and their top investment ideas across the global marine shipping industry. The panel was recorded at a Bloomberg Intelligence event during London International Shipping Week on Sept. 16.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tanker and dry-bulk operators are positioned to weather freight-market volatility into next year. Supply-demand dynamics favor tankers, while dry bulk is having a better-than-expected 2H on higher thermal-coal demand. That was underscored at a Bloomberg Intelligence event in London, where BI senior analyst Lee Klaskow sat down with Scorpio Tankers President Robert Bugbee and Star Bulk President Hamish Norton for this Talking Transports episode. Geopolitical events pose significant headline risks for both markets. Tanker demand looks promising on increased production from OPEC+ and the backpedaling of various US regions’ environmental and emissions regulations. The supply picture also appears more supportive for dry bulkers, with steadily rising port congestion and about 20% of operational vessels nearing 15-year inspections. We also discuss USTR fees, emissions and supply-demand dynamics.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South American markets and their emerging economies are giving logistics companies growth opportunities through near-shoring, free-trade zones and rising bulk-export demand. In this Talking Transports podcast, Morten Johansen, DP World Americas’ executive vice president and chief operating officer, joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to discuss how the company is positioned to benefit as an end-to-end logistics provider in the region. Many ports in South America are operating at high utilization rates, which could accelerate automation and expansion initiatives. Johansen also talks about expansion opportunities in the Dominican Republic and Brazil, building out its freight-forwarding and contract logistics businesses and how 2026 might shape up.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.