The Freight Coach Podcast

Are you taking the right steps to protect your freight business from the rising wave of cyber threats, or are you just one bad click away from a devastating data breach? How can small carriers and brokerages defend themselves against sophisticated AI-powered phishing and shipper spoofing?

We're back for another episode discussing the real side of freight cybersecurity with Ben Wilkens from the NMFTA!

The cyber threat is moving incredibly fast, and we are seeing a massive shift toward AI-generated social engineering, sophisticated shipper spoofing, and dangerous ELD white labeling that can lead directly to cargo theft.

We break down exactly why you cannot afford to overlook basic cyber hygiene—like implementing multi-factor authentication, utilizing strong passwords, and independently verifying any unsolicited links or PDF attachments before you hand over your credentials.

It does not matter if you are a massive enterprise or a five-truck owner-operator; everyone is a target, and taking just five extra seconds to vet your trading partners using free resources from the NMFTA can save your business from an absolute nightmare.

Stop clicking on random stuff, trust your gut, and tune in to learn how to lock down your operations today!

About Ben Wilkens

Ben Wilkens, CISSP, CCSP, CISM, is a Cybersecurity Principal Engineer at the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. (NMFTA)™.

In his role at NMFTA, Ben spearheads research initiatives and leads teams dedicated to developing cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies, methodologies, and strategies to safeguard information systems and networks. He collaborates extensively with academic institutions, industry partners, and government agencies to advance cybersecurity practices and knowledge.

Ben provides expert insights and recommendations to organizations, enhancing their security posture and helping them navigate the constantly evolving landscape of cyber threats.

Before joining NMFTA, Ben was a key executive at a third-generation family-owned trucking and logistics company. There, he focused on the strategic integration of technology to improve operational efficiency while ensuring adherence to cybersecurity best practices.

With a rare combination of CISSP, CCSP, and CISM certifications alongside an active Class A CDL, Ben brings a unique perspective to the intersection of cybersecurity and transportation. In addition to his extensive experience as an over-the-road driver, he has held roles in dispatch operations, driver management, and brokerage sales. Ben later transitioned to IT and operations support, where he honed his expertise in cybersecurity.

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🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!

To Find Out More About My Freight Services

Visit https://freightcoachlogistics.com/

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/
• DAT Freight & Analytics | https://www.dat.com/
• Transportation Intermediaries Association | https://www.tianet.org/

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Ready to ditch the comfort of a salary and become an independent freight broker agent? What red flags to look for when choosing a freight brokerage to partner with?

In this episode, cross-border LTL expert Robert Kowton from SPI Logistics shares the unfiltered reality of building a freight agency in today's fast-paced transportation industry!

We're discussing why you need a brokerage with top-tier technology like EDI and TMS integrations, robust insurance claim support, and fair contracts that actually protect your book of business.

Whether you are a seasoned logistics professional or just looking to take the leap into entrepreneurship, we lay out the exact questions you need to ask about lane analysis, market rates, and onboarding procedures before you sign any paperwork.

Tune in to get the real insights you need to protect yourself and successfully grow your independent operation!

📊📉 Don't miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎

🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!

To Find Out More About My Freight Services

Visit https://freightcoachlogistics.com/

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/
• DAT Freight & Analytics | https://www.dat.com/
• Transportation Intermediaries Association | https://www.tianet.org/

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Are your trucks stuck in the shop while repair delays eat into your profits? Tired of wasting time on endless phone calls just trying to get a simple update on your fleet maintenance?

Today we're diving into a massive game-changer for your fleet operations with Brett Dashe from ServiceUp! We're talking about a repair management platform that completely automates the fleet repair process by connecting your business to a massive network of independent shops nationwide.

Instead of dealing with outdated paper-based processes and communication bottlenecks, this technology digitizes your entire repair history, centralizes shop communications, and even auto-approves nearly 70% of repairs to drastically reduce truck downtime.

If you want to keep your equipment on the road, protect your assets, and cut down the unnecessary costs of unplanned maintenance, you need to hear how this platform is bringing predictive tech and serious efficiency directly to the trucking industry!

Connect with Brett

• Website: https://www.serviceup.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serviceupio/ / https://www.linkedin.com/in/bdashe/

📊📉 Don't miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎

🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!

To Find Out More About My Freight Services

Visit https://freightcoachlogistics.com/

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/
• DAT Freight & Analytics | https://www.dat.com/
• Transportation Intermediaries Association | https://www.tianet.org/

Donate to support Stacy and her family: https://tinyurl.com/36xmxcmr

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💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/

Let's get straight into the heavy-hitting news that could fundamentally change the landscape of the transportation industry!

Today, we're breaking down a massive $711 million nuclear verdict appeal that is sending shockwaves through the freight brokerage world. We are looking at the hard facts of this watershed legal case involving vicarious liability—where a significant percentage of the blame fell squarely on the broker—and why adopting bulletproof carrier vetting strategies is no longer optional, but essential for your survival.

It is time to take a brutally honest look at your internal SOPs, step up your carrier compliance, and stop assuming standard insurance policies will cover your operations from massive financial exposure.

Whether you are a small business owner, broker, or agent, tune in as we dissect the harsh realities of these skyrocketing jury awards, the absolute necessity of rigorous safety standards, and what you genuinely need to do right now to protect your logistics business from catastrophic legal fallout!

Resources / References

• https://www.inboundlogistics.com/articles/how-transportation-leaders-are-fighting-back-against-enterprise-cyber-risks/
• https://www.ttnews.com/articles/cargo-theft-new-normal-mce
• https://www.overdriveonline.com/business/article/15837842/judge-doubles-down-on-ch-robinsons-604m-nuclear-verdict

📊📉 Don't miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎

🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!

To Find Out More About My Freight Services

Visit https://freightcoachlogistics.com/

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/
• DAT Freight & Analytics | https://www.dat.com/
• Transportation Intermediaries Association | https://www.tianet.org/

Donate to support Stacy and her family: https://tinyurl.com/36xmxcmr

🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇

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📷 https://www.instagram.com/thefreightcoach/

🕊️ https://twitter.com/thefr8coach

💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/

Are you tired of sugarcoated leadership advice that doesn't actually help you move freight? Kristy Knichel from Knichel Logistics is back and joined us at the IANA Intermodal EXPO 2026, and we're skipping the script to talk about what it actually takes to build a logistics powerhouse from the ground up!

Ever wonder if taking outside money is really the smartest move for your transportation business? Kristy and I shared the realities of bootstrapping a freight brokerage, managing intermodal capacity, and why outside investment might just hold your operation back.

She lays out her exact playbook for scaling to multi-million-dollar revenues by delivering real solutions, pivoting during market chaos, and keeping customer communication absolutely transparent—even when the rails or the roads are an absolute mess.

If you want strategies on mastering capacity, surviving down markets, and doing the right thing in the logistics industry, this is the episode you need to listen to right now!

Learn more about IANA Intermodal EXPO: https://intermodal.org/

📊📉 Don't miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎

🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!

To Find Out More About My Freight Services

Visit https://freightcoachlogistics.com/

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/
• DAT Freight & Analytics | https://www.dat.com/
• Transportation Intermediaries Association | https://www.tianet.org/

Donate to support Stacy and her family: https://tinyurl.com/36xmxcmr

🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇

▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrL70IEnCfDkNaiYMar3jw

📷 https://www.instagram.com/thefreightcoach/

🕊️ https://twitter.com/thefr8coach

💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/

Is the transportation industry actually stepping up to combat digital freight fraud, or are we blindly waiting for the feds to bail us out? How vulnerable is our supply chain when criminals hack ELDs and pull off digital cargo theft right in front of us?

Joe Ohr from the NMFTA joined us at the IANA Intermodal EXPO 2026 to drop some absolute truths about cybersecurity in freight!

We discussed the freight fraud prevention hub, highlighting exactly why logistics professionals must take matters into their own hands rather than relying on government agencies to fix our massive security gaps.

With bad actors leveling up their digital spoofing tactics to steal critical cargo, it is entirely on the private sector to enforce strict verification, share vital data, and build enough operational friction to stop these criminals cold.

If you're ready to stop making excuses, hold people accountable, and actually protect your networks, buckle up and let's get into it!

Learn more about IANA Intermodal EXPO: https://intermodal.org/

📊📉 Don't miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎

🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!

To Find Out More About My Freight Services

Visit https://freightcoachlogistics.com/

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/
• DAT Freight & Analytics | https://www.dat.com/
• Transportation Intermediaries Association | https://www.tianet.org/

Donate to support Stacy and her family: https://tinyurl.com/36xmxcmr

🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇

▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrL70IEnCfDkNaiYMar3jw

📷 https://www.instagram.com/thefreightcoach/

🕊️ https://twitter.com/thefr8coach

💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/

Are your freight brokerage compensation plans exposing your business to massive legal liability in the wake of recent nuclear verdicts?

Compensation expert Beth Carroll from Prosperio Group will break down why AI won't replace human freight brokers, how carrier reps must transition from simply executing tasks to managing AI processes, and the legal risks surrounding broker commission structures.

With legal precedents like the Montgomery case and major judgments raising concerns about negligent carrier selection, we discuss why standard operating procedures alone won't protect freight brokerages unless companies actively enforce safety-focused incentives, balance salary with commissions, and implement repeat carrier metrics to minimize risk exposure and protect profitability!

📊📉 Don't miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎

🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!

To Find Out More About My Freight Services

Visit https://freightcoachlogistics.com/

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/
• DAT Freight & Analytics | https://www.dat.com/
• Transportation Intermediaries Association | https://www.tianet.org/

Donate to support Stacy and her family: https://tinyurl.com/36xmxcmr

🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇

▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrL70IEnCfDkNaiYMar3jw

📷 https://www.instagram.com/thefreightcoach/

🕊️ https://twitter.com/thefr8coach

💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/

Dean Croke of DAT is back to share the current state of the freight market and the hard facts about how skyrocketing diesel prices and tightening capacity are severely squeezing out smaller operators and shifting supply chain dynamics across the country!

We also cover the urgent need for stricter carrier vetting and safety standards, exposing the glaring blind spots in current federal databases.

Despite the current market squeeze, we are heading straight toward a new golden age for the trucking industry where ethical, blue-collar operators are going to see massive financial rewards.

Tune in to get the straightforward freight brokerage and capacity management insights you need to dominate your lanes and keep your business ahead of the curve!

About Dean Croke

Dean is the Prinicpal Analyst at DAT Freight & Analytics, the leader in market and pricing intelligence and operates the largest truckload freight marketplace in North America. He is a Global Supply Chain and Logistics Executive specializing in freight market analytics, multi-modal freight flows, thought leadership, and the application of business intelligence using digital technologies.

Connect with Dean

• Website: https://www.dat.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deancroke/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@datfreight
• DAT iQ Help Center: https://iq.support.dat.com/

📊📉 Don't miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎

🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!

To Find Out More About My Freight Services

Visit https://freightcoachlogistics.com/

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/
• DAT Freight & Analytics | https://www.dat.com/
• Transportation Intermediaries Association | https://www.tianet.org/

Donate to support Stacy and her family: https://tinyurl.com/36xmxcmr

🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇

▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrL70IEnCfDkNaiYMar3jw

📷 https://www.instagram.com/thefreightcoach/

🕊️ https://twitter.com/thefr8coach

💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/

Are unvetted drivers putting your warehouse at risk for catastrophic freight fraud? How much is a lack of strategic theft protection actually costing your supply chain operations?

We dive straight into the rising crisis of cargo theft and CDL fraud with my guest Tom Dean from Renaissant, breaking down exactly why unvetted carriers are slipping through the cracks and causing massive industry losses.

The government is starting to shut down fraudulent CDL schools, which is leaving a severe capacity and liability gap in the transportation market. We talk about how essential strict carrier vetting is before a truck ever hits your loading dock to prevent million-dollar legal judgments and sky-high insurance premiums.

We also unpack the vital need for automated gate access software to block unqualified drivers and why regional brokerage powerhouses will dominate the future of supply chain security by properly managing their local networks.

If you want to protect your freight and stop losing cash to organized theft rings, you need to hear this breakdown on how to secure your facility right at the front gate!

📊📉 Don't miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎

🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!

To Find Out More About My Freight Services

Visit https://freightcoachlogistics.com/

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/
• DAT Freight & Analytics | https://www.dat.com/
• Transportation Intermediaries Association | https://www.tianet.org/

Donate to support Stacy and her family: https://tinyurl.com/36xmxcmr

🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇

▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrL70IEnCfDkNaiYMar3jw

📷 https://www.instagram.com/thefreightcoach/

🕊️ https://twitter.com/thefr8coach

💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/

Today, Rafael Quintana of Big Truck Logistics breaks down his journey from a mega brokerage to strategically building his own highly successful, boutique freight brokerage!

We get completely frank about the undeniable value of rigorous logistics training, why the current industry push for AI automation will never replace the absolute necessity of human-to-human problem-solving in trucking, and what it truly takes to achieve sustainable, profitable growth with specialized freight.

If you want straightforward insights into navigating the modern freight market without the corporate fluff, this is a conversation you definitely shouldn't miss!

About Rafael Quintana

Rafael is the Co-Founder and Partner of Big Truck Logistics, a Tampa, Florida-based freight brokerage, with nearly 15 years of experience in the transportation and logistics industry.

He began his freight brokerage career at Total Quality Logistics (TQL) before transitioning to the shipper side, where he helped manage the logistics department at Anchor Glass Fabrication. His experience on both sides of the industry provided valuable insight into the challenges shippers face and what they truly expect from their transportation partners.

Drawing on that experience, Rafael went on to co-found Big Truck Logistics, where he remains actively involved in sales, operations, business development, and growing the company's team of freight brokers.

As both a business owner and an active freight broker, Rafael brings a firsthand perspective on building customer relationships, developing successful salespeople, and navigating the challenges of growing an independent freight brokerage in a competitive market. His approach is centered on accountability, strong relationships, and building a business positioned for long-term success.

Connect with Rafael

• Website: https://www.bigtrucklogistics.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-quintana-ab061b30/
• Email: [email protected]

📊📉 Don't miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎

🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!

To Find Out More About My Freight Services

Visit https://freightcoachlogistics.com/

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/
• DAT Freight & Analytics | https://www.dat.com/
• Transportation Intermediaries Association | https://www.tianet.org/

Donate to support Stacy and her family: https://tinyurl.com/36xmxcmr

🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇

▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrL70IEnCfDkNaiYMar3jw

📷 https://www.instagram.com/thefreightcoach/

🕊️ https://twitter.com/thefr8coach

💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/