The Freight Coach Podcast

What's really going on in today's produce and freight markets? Why are growers taking massive hits while carriers in Florida see rates spike overnight?

In this episode, Cody Koehler is back to break down the ripple effects from California's record harvest challenges, Florida's severe capacity shortages after new regulations, the Pacific Northwest's rate swings driven by onion and potato harvests, and why fraud prevention has become the number one competitive edge for brokers.

We also discuss how capacity relationships, pricing transparency, and customer education create long-term trust, as well as how RFP strategies and Federal Reserve rate cuts may shape the next market cycle.

About Cody Koehler

Cody is a 21-year veteran in supply chain/logistics. He has done just about everything in this industry minus holding his CDL (he did drive a yard dog though). In his current role, he oversees the sales and marketing teams for A&Z trucking, a 20-year old brokerage that specializes in produce and reefer freight, as well as cold storage and cross docking.

Connect with Cody

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-koehler-1a922b162/
• Website: https://aandztrucking.com/
• 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!

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• Denim | https://info.denim.com/chrisjolly
• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/

Help Sgt. Murphy's Kids Soar: A Fallen Hero: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-sgt-murphy-support-his-children

🚀🔥 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/

How much stronger would small carriers be if cash flow were no longer their biggest struggle? I'm excited to bring two Seans on the show, Denim's Sean Smith and Truckstop's Sean Dehan!

In this episode, we talk about Truckstop's acquisition of Denim and why this strategic decision is a game-changer for the transportation industry. Plus, we cover how the integration of 20+ years of factoring expertise with cutting-edge fintech is transforming payments from a manual, holiday-delayed process into a 24/7/365 automated system that delivers cash in under a minute!

From reducing invoice inquiries and errors to tripling Denim's volume by tapping into Truck Stop's customer base, this acquisition isn't just about factoring—it's about unlocking distribution, boosting operational efficiency, and giving carriers and brokers the speed, transparency, and flexibility they need to survive in today's market!

About Sean Smith and Sean Dehan

Sean Smith, VP of Product at Denim, has spent 10 years building and scaling products in the financial services and logistics industries. While leading Product at Denim, he has pioneered new capabilities for the factoring space including risk automation and pricing. Sean has also led work on our client dashboard, job management and collaboration that have revolutionized the process and workflow for broker clients looking to save time on back office operations. He excels at combining his passion for technology with the ability to drive impact on a balance sheet.

Sean Dehan is the VP of Corporate Strategy at Truckstop and one of the most trusted load boards in freight for almost 30 years.

Sean is an expert in carrier success, freight fraud prevention, and industry trends. With fraud on the rise and market conditions constantly shifting, he offers a grounded, insightful view of what's happening behind the scenes — and how brokers and carriers alike can stay ahead.

Connect with Sean Smith

• Website: https://www.denim.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smithseanp/
• Twitter (X): https://x.com/smithseanp

Connect with Sean Dehan

• Website: https://truckstop.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dehansean/

📊📉 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!

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• Denim | https://info.denim.com/chrisjolly
• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/

Help Sgt. Murphy's Kids Soar: A Fallen Hero: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-sgt-murphy-support-his-children

🚀🔥 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/

What do today's freight market conditions really tell us, and how can carriers and brokers use data the right way to stay profitable? Dean Croke from DAT Freight & Analytics joins us to break down the real story behind flat spot rates, capacity velocity, and why AI-driven data isn't always reliable!

Dean and I also talk about the financial discipline it takes for owner operators to survive, the importance of tracking P&Ls and return on capital, and how strong broker-carrier partnerships deliver real value!

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!

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• Denim | https://info.denim.com/chrisjolly
• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/

Help Sgt. Murphy's Kids Soar: A Fallen Hero: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-sgt-murphy-support-his-children

🚀🔥 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/

Why do so many veterans face challenges that most of us never see? Today's episode is going to be meaningful with Matthew Parker, as he shares his incredible life journey and what shaped his leadership principles of honor, kindness, and sacrifice.

We dive into the hard truths about veteran transition struggles, from underemployment and corporate bias to the heartbreaking veteran suicide crisis that claims dozens of lives every day, the gaps in significant support for veterans, the need to better translate military experience into civilian careers, the importance of real actions over empty words, and share ways all of us can better support veterans with gratitude, opportunity, and respect.

If you care about leadership, resilience, and building stronger communities in and outside of the transportation industry, this is a conversation you won't want to miss!

Help Sgt. Murphy's Kids Soar: A Fallen Hero: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-sgt-murphy-support-his-children

📊📉 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!

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• Denim | https://info.denim.com/chrisjolly
• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/

🚀🔥 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/

In today's episode, Cameron Pechia is back to talk about succeeding in freight sales and building a customer base from scratch!

Cam shares the reality of starting at zero, long hours, side hustles, and the grit it takes to keep pushing forward, why most sales reps fail, from lack of niche focus to missing systems, and how dialing in daily prospecting, clear business plans, and CRM tools can change the game.

We also hit on the size of the freight market, the power of niche and regional focus, and why building authority with prospects matters more than chasing everyone.

This episode is packed with strategies for freight brokers, carriers, and sales reps who want to stop winging it and start building sustainable, long-term success in the transportation industry!

About Cameron Pechia

Cameron is the founder of Valley Trucking Insurance, a leading Trucking Insurance Agency based in Spokane, Washington. With a deep passion for the trucking industry and a commitment to excellence, Cameron has become a trusted figure in the field. Cameron also is the host of Get A Load Of This Trucking Podcast and brings a ton of value to the Trucking Industry. Cameron is also a dedicated husband and father to his two beautiful girls…His daughters are his "WHY" and what makes him get up in the morning and try to win each and every day.

At Valley Trucking Insurance, Cameron oversees the provision of specialized insurance solutions tailored to the unique needs of trucking companies. The agency serves a diverse clientele, including local trucking companies, long-haul trucking companies, aggregate haulers, tow truck companies, hot shots, freight brokers, and other related risks. Cameron ensures that clients receive the highest level of customer service and comprehensive coverage through the agency's proven process known as the "VTI Difference."

Under Cameron's leadership, Valley Trucking Insurance has achieved significant growth and expansion across the county. The agency has built strong partnerships with renowned insurance providers such as Great West Casualty Company, Lancer Insurance Company, Progressive Insurance, Berkshire, and Canal. Additionally, Cameron also focuses on placing fleet-sized trucking companies into captive insurance programs, enhancing their risk management and financial stability.

Looking ahead, Cameron is focused on an ambitious goal of expanding the agency's reach by looking to help over 10,000 Trucking Companies and Freight Brokerage operations within the next seven years. Adhering to the principles outlined in the book Traction by Geno Wickman, he is dedicated to creating world-class onboarding and customer service experience for his trucking clients. This initiative aims to foster a culture of excellence and continuous improvement, ensuring Valley Trucking Insurance remains at the forefront of the industry.

Connect with Cameron

• Website: https://www.valleytruckinginsurance.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-pechia-49903072/
• 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!

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• Denim | https://info.denim.com/chrisjolly
• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/

🚀🔥 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 broker transparency rules the solution to today's freight challenges, or should we be focusing more on enforcement and safety? We're excited to bring The Armchair Attorney back to the show, Matt Leffler, to break down the FMCSA's latest delay on broker transparency updates, why the current 371.3 requirements remain unchanged, and what this means for brokers, carriers, and shippers!

We delve into how market dynamics, tighter margins, and reduced consumer spending are shaping rates, and why stricter enforcement of maintenance and safety regulations could have a greater impact on the industry than transparency alone. Hear another straightforward take on what's really driving the transportation market!

About Matthew Leffler

Matthew is a 3rd generation supply chain executive with over fifteen years of experience in safety, law, & maintenance. Matthew currently serves as Vice President of Strategic Accounts at Contract Leasing Corp. He is also an attorney that provides legal commentary on various supply chain issues & operates a popular podcast. In addition, Matthew has served as a senior leader with some of the nation's most admired maintenance, repair, & fleet management firms. Matthew entered the industry as an attorney defending trucking companies in civil litigation in 2010, but cut his teeth helping build & later selling his family's maintenance firm, Outsource Fleet Services, Inc.

Matthew earned his J.D. from Michigan State University College of Law, Magna Cum Laude, and his B.A. from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He is licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois; U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois; & 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. Matthew is the proud father of Michael, Rowan, Elise, & Elijah & has been happily married to his wife, Holly, since 2008.

📊📉 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!

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• Denim | https://info.denim.com/chrisjolly
• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/

🚀🔥 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/

How is AI really reshaping freight brokerages, and what's the reality behind all the hype? Today, we have S&P Global's Eric Johnson back on the show to discuss the latest trends in AI and freight tech!

We dive into how major companies are approaching AI differently, why 95% of enterprise AI projects show no ROI yet, the gap between marketing promises and actual performance, our insight on training large language models, balancing automation with human skills, and creative problem-solving!

About Eric Johnson

Eric Johnson is the Journal of Commerce's Senior Editor, Technology, where he leads coverage and analysis of technology's impact on global logistics and trade. Johnson regularly reports on how shippers, carriers across all modes, and logistics companies use software, as well as new concepts impacting core freight transportation processes like procurement, execution, visibility, and payment. Johnson is a regular presenter and moderator at industry events and webinars. Prior to joining the Journal of Commerce in May 2018, Johnson spent 13 years with American Shipper in a variety of roles, most recently covering logistics technology and leading the production of a series of benchmark studies on the logistics industry. Johnson has a bachelor's in journalism from the University of Wisconsin and a master's in international business from the University of Leeds, UK. He has lived and worked in Southern California, the UK, and India, and now resides in the Washington, DC, area.

Connect with Eric

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ejohnson3242/
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/LogTechEric
• Inland25 Registration: https://inland.joc.com/en/register

📊📉 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!

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• Denim | https://info.denim.com/chrisjolly
• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/

🚀🔥 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/

If you want to know what the new trucking regulations mean for your business, you shouldn't miss today's episode covering the latest headlines in the industry!

I also cover the ATA's push for stricter federal safety enforcement, the ongoing debate over dash cams, FMCSA's enforcement gaps that affect driver safety checks, and the latest battle between California and the federal government over clean truck regulations!

References / Resources

• https://www.ttnews.com/articles/ata-renews-safety-call
• https://www.overdriveonline.com/regulations/article/15754336/why-states-let-nonelp-drivers-placed-oos-go-free
• https://www.freightwaves.com/news/california-vs-us-showdown-two-cases-might-head-to-same-stage-and-federal-register-notice-posted

📊📉 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!

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• Denim | https://info.denim.com/chrisjolly
• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/

🚀🔥 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/

How ready is your fleet for the next wave of transportation technology? How confident are you that your dash cams, tracking systems, and compliance tools are actually working the way they should?

Beth Young from Velociti joins us today to explore how fleets can cut through the AI and machine learning buzzwords and focus on real solutions that protect drivers, reduce liability, and keep freight moving.

We cover the $2 million risks tied to malfunctioning dash cams, why auditing your cameras and subscriptions is critical for compliance, the growing demand for traceability in supply chains, the $35 billion cargo theft problem, and why it's vital to embrace innovation now!

Connect with Beth

• Website: https://www.velociti.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/velociti-inc/ / https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethyoung25/

📊📉 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!

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• Denim | https://info.denim.com/chrisjolly
• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/

🚚 Ditch your carrier packet, drive more carrier sales, and get better load coverage with seamless digital onboarding, TMS integration, and smart load coverage by visiting https://brokercarrier.com/.

🚀🔥 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/

Let's cut through the noise! The freight market isn't tightening anytime soon, and that means if you're running a trucking company, brokerage, or shipping freight, you've got to play it smart. But how will you prepare for 2026?

In this episode, we'll talk about real strategies: how to hold your rates, why cold calling beats sitting behind email, and what tariffs and regulations actually mean for your business. There's no driver shortage; it's a capacity problem, plain and simple. If you want to stay in the game and outlast the competition, you need to hear this!

📊📉 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!

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• Denim | https://info.denim.com/chrisjolly
• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/

🚚 Ditch your carrier packet, drive more carrier sales, and get better load coverage with seamless digital onboarding, TMS integration, and smart load coverage by visiting https://brokercarrier.com/.

🚀🔥 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/