The uncertainty created by more protectionist policies out of Washington make supply-chain professional jobs increasingly more stressful and unpredictable. Shippers need to be nimble, patient and not overly reactive to headlines out of the White House. In this episode of the Talking Transports podcast, John Janson, vice president of global logistics at SanMar, joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence’s senior transportation and logistics analyst, to share his insights about navigating today’s environment. Janson talks about SanMar’s ocean, parcel, less-than-truckload, intermodal and truckload strategies, rates and how its playbook during the pandemic may help it come out of current headwinds in a better position with its customers and transportation providers. The company has been proactively diversifying its exposure to China for some time.

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Machine learning, generative AI and other technology innovations have the ability to drive safer and more efficient supply chains. Freight-transportation markets are in the early stages of leveraging AI’s capabilities which will be transformational in the years to come. In this Talking Transports podcast, Dr. Yossi Sheffi, director of the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics, joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to share his insights about the opportunities these new technologies can bring and what it takes for wider adoption. Dr. Sheffi also talks tariffs, autonomous vehicles, warehouse robots, value-added tax (VAT) and how his real-world experience as an entrepreneur helps him to be better in the classroom.

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Fraud in the trucking industry has become a major issue for carriers, brokers and shippers alike. The Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) estimates that freight fraud costs supply chains over $1 billion annually in the US. The pandemic, market-participant anonymity and ease have helped spark a new wave of cargo theft. In this Talking Transports podcast, Michael Caney, chief commercial officer of Highway, joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to share his insights about how the company’s technology-based platform is fighting abuse in the industry. Caney also talks about types of fraud, the importance of knowing your customer, double brokering, dispatch services, rising costs for truckers and how stumbling into the freight-brokerage industry led him to Highway.

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The global container-liner industry is facing increased uncertainty stemming from the protectionist measures coming out of Washington. Trade between Asia and North America accounts for about 13% of global container trade, with the majority from China to the US. In this Talking Transports podcast, Thomas Lister, CEO of Global Ship Lease, joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to share his insights about its fleet of small-to-midsize containerships could provide some insulation from the growing trade war between the US and China. Lister also talks tariffs, the potential for fees places on Chinese-built ships, the orderbook, remaining disciplined through the cycle, capital allocation and how he talked his way into the marine-shipping industry following graduation from university.

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Fighting fraud and improving visibility is paramount for freight brokers, carriers and shippers. GenLogs’ nationwide network of sensors collects 50,000 images of trucks every five minutes. This data and its artificial intelligence-powered platform can help brokers better vet carriers by visibly inspecting them and their equipment. In this Talking Transports podcast, GenLogs’ co-founder and CEO Ryan Joyce joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence’s senior transportation & logistics analyst, to discuss how technology can help create more efficient and safer supply chains. Royce also talks about expanding outside of the US, battling fraud and theft as well as his journey as an entrepreneur tracking terrorists to now tracking trucks.

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Railroads and trucking companies are facing headwinds to 1Q earnings from the impact of severe weather on volume and costs, coupled with higher fuel prices. In this Talking Transports podcast, Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, previews what could be in store for the truckload, less-than-truckload (LTL) and railroad industries during 1Q earnings season. Railroads are poised for adjusted EPS growth, while truckload carriers may face flattish growth. Mid-single digit revenue per hundredweight growth, excluding fuel surcharges, won’t be enough to offset the deleveraging impact of lower tonnage on margins. The demand outlook isn’t encouraging, given the ISM Manufacturing Index, a good proxy for LTL demand, went back into contraction territory in March, where it has been in 27 of the last 29 months. The impact from tariffs on inflation and demand will drive the earnings picture for truckers and railroads moving forward.

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The chassis market is a critical part of supply chains and many times can be overlooked. Freight markets could come to a halt without access to safe, reliable chassis, for which prices have almost doubled since tariffs were implemented in 2021. In this Talking Transports podcast, Daniel Walsh, president and CEO of TRAC Intermodal, joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence’s senior transportation and logistics analyst, to share his insights on how the company is benefiting from technology investments. The ability to leverage artificial intelligence to ensure its fleet is properly maintained can lead to better customer experiences and prolong the life of these assets. Walsh also talks tariffs, demand drivers, regulations, inflationary pressures and how following his heart led him to a career in transportation.

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North American heavy-truck and engine producers face an increasingly uncertain regulatory, trade and economic backdrop in 2025. With the EPA planning to reconsider several heavy-truck regulations, there are growing risks to expectations of higher build rates in 2H and 2026. In this Talking Transports podcast, Brett Merritt, president of Cummins’ Engine Business, joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence’s senior transportation and logistics analyst, and Chris Ciolino, senior US machinery analyst, to share his insights about navigating the North American truck market during this pivotal time. Merritt also discusses alternative powertrain technologies, tariffs, order trends and how a native Hoosier ascended to lead Cummins’ Engine business.

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Saia’s expansion plans are helping it mitigate weak less-than-truckload (LTL) demand, but that also comes with higher costs and margin pressures as new facilities build density. The company added 21 new facilities with plans to open up to six in 2025. Tonnage has increased 12-13% during the first two months of the year, while its competitors are experiencing mid- to high-single-digit declines. In this episode of the Talking Transports podcast, Saia’s President and CEO Fritz Holzgrefe joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence’s senior transportation and logistics analyst, to discuss the outlook for the LTL market and the company’s network build-out. Capital spending will remain elevated this year even after declining 28% from 2024, as Saia continues to expand. Holzgrefe also talks about the driver market, the competitive landscape and how he went from peanuts to trucking.

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Dry-bulk rates are well below their pandemic peaks and are now hovering around operating costs for many fleets. The outlook will be challenging this year as supply growth is expected to outpace demand by 230 bps, based on a forecast by Clarksons. In this Talking Transports episode, Jan Dieleman, president of Cargill Ocean Transportation, joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to share his insights about what’s on the horizon for its fleet of about 700 chartered vessels. Cargill is on the long path to reach the IMO’s goal of zero emissions by 2050 through innovations and testing biofuels and wind, as well as taking delivery of five dual-fuel methanol ships this year. Dieleman also talks tariffs, regulations, discusses Red Sea voyages and his long career moving dry- and wet-bulk cargos around the world.

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