With rates consistently up in 2026, many consider a freight recovery well underway. But Michigan State University Professor of Logistics Dr. Jason Miller says freight volume is largely dependent on one thing - the AI boom (and the data center construction to support it). 

On this episode of The Intermodal Logistics Podcast, Dr. Miller returns to discuss just how AI is helping shipping demand, and how long he sees that continuing. He goes over what else could fill the gap if AI slows down, with concerns about both the housing market and consumer spending picking up the slack.

With diesel elevated once again, Dr. Miller explains why the supply is in far worse shape than it was when prices initially jumped at the outset of the Iran attacks. And he tells us where he expects pricing to go moving forward, as well as levers countries like China and Canada have to pull related to energy.

On capacity, Jason tells us how the trucking market is responding to the higher rate environment with new equipment, and he shares why he's less concerned about the number of drivers out there to operate trucks going forward as others are. Regardless though, with capacity tight and truck rates (as well as diesel) high, Dr. Miller says the case for intermodal conversion is stronger than ever.

Get more of Dr. Miller's analysis on LinkedIn, where he routinely offers his thoughts on economic indicators and the freight market. And learn more about his program at MSU's Broad College of Business Department of Supply Chain Management.

As for our podcast, subscribe or follow now to catch new episodes as soon as they're out, and please do rate and review us. Have a question? Contact us at [email protected]. And visit our website, www.inteklogistics.com to learn more.

One factor that has many shippers shying away from using intermodal is a worry about protecting their cargo from damage. But proper blocking and bracing - along with packing - helps thousands of loads arrive intact every day. Kelsey Even, Manager - Closed Car Loading Rules with MxV Rail joins The Intermodal Logistics Podcast to go over the considerations for safely securing containerized freight: from the ocean, to the road and of course, the railroad.

Kelsey takes us through procedures her Damage Prevention & Loading Services team, the railroads and dunnage providers have developed and tested over the years to ensure damage-free transportation for a wide variety of cargo. She discusses how her team does testing to certify new methods, the different dunnage options out there and how they've evolved, and the resources available for shippers unsure of where to begin.

How is container securement different than loading a truck? Kelsey explains the key touchpoints containers routinely go through, from crane loading and unloading to the unique harmonic vibrations they encounter on the rail that causes shifting if blocking and bracing isn't done correctly. She talks about how packing the right way is also vital before that step even takes place, and why weight distribution matters.

Beyond the resources, we talk about the willingness of all involved in intermodal shipping to help get the process right - to get loads to their destination damage-free. Kelsey explains that while it may take a few extra days to get teams comfortable with securement procedures, once they do, they become a well-oiled intermodal shipping machine.

Learn more about MxV Rail and find free guidance on intermodal packing, blocking and bracing at aar.com/standards/IntermodalLoadingPublications.php.

As for our podcast, subscribe or follow now to catch new episodes as soon as they're out, and please do rate and review us. Have a question? Contact us at [email protected]. And visit our website, www.inteklogistics.com to learn more.

It's an interesting time to be a 3PL (third party logistics provider), and an interesting time to cover the industry. Marina Mayer, IronMarkets Content Director and Editor in Chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive magazines joins us on The Intermodal Logistics Podcast to discuss how she came to cover the industry and how it's evolved - and take us through her recent series on The State of 3PLs.

Marina tells us how she put the series together, reaching out to past honorees of Food Logistics' Top 3PL and Cold Storage Providers award, and how she was impressed with the companies' positive attitude amidst some turmoil in the market. Specifically, she takes us through reactions to changes in FMCSA enforcement, new innovations in AI/automation/tracking, cost pressures from warehousing real estate ownership, and how 3PLs are handling the market turn overall.

Then, we get into the Women in Supply Chain award, which Marina founded about six years ago - and the related Women in Supply Chain Forum event (this year's is set for November in Charleston). She explains why she saw the need for the award and conference, how women's standing in supply chain careers has improved incrementally since she began in the industry, why bringing people together has helped built community & connections, and how this year's event is focusing on self advocacy (something many of both genders are sometimes too shy to do).

Catch up on Marina's State of 3PL series at Food Logistics www.foodlogistics.com/transportation/3pl-4pl/article/22967885/state-of-cold-chain-3pl-market and learn more about the Women in Supply Chain Forum at www.womeninsupplychainforum.com -  registration is open!

As for our podcast, subscribe or follow now to catch new episodes as soon as they're out, and please do rate and review us. Have a question? Contact us at [email protected]. And visit our website, www.inteklogistics.com to learn more.

Ports are vital links in the global supply chain, but those responsible for running key U.S. trade hubs say they need an equipment upgrade.

National Association of Waterfront Employers (NAWE) President Carl Bentzel joins The Intermodal Logistics Podcast to discuss a survey of 25 port executives NAWE released in May. Carl tells us how those member executives agreed on a need for $6.7 billion in new equipment across the country over the next five years to help domestic ports keep up with demand - and global competition.

He explains how new cranes are a particular need to handle larger ships, while other upgraded gear will add to port efficiency and safety. But there are tariff concerns, and Carl points out cranes are a particular problem as virtually all production takes place in China - which faces hefty tariffs (though NAWE is hoping for exemptions). He additionally notes that port leadership is working with labor unions to ensure any upgrades would fit automation language in their current contracts.

While the executives have identified the issue, he tells us that paying for the investments will need to be a priority in the federal government. NAWE is hopeful for a Maritime Security Trust Fund (much like the existing Highway Trust Fund) to help with port infrastructure costs.

Beyond port investments, Carl discusses his extensive background, which includes a recent stint as a Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Commissioner across the Trump and Biden Administrations and his concurrent role as National Maritime Safety Association Executive Director. And he tells us how port awareness has grown since the pandemic, the current activity level, and why NAWE is concerned about the proposed Union Pacific - Norfolk Southern railroad merger.

For more on NAWE, visit www.nawe.us.

As for our podcast, subscribe or follow now to catch new episodes as soon as they're out, and please do rate and review us. Have a question? Contact us at [email protected]. And visit our website, www.inteklogistics.com to learn more.

The concept of autonomous vehicles has been around for years, but just as taxis are beginning to take off, a new entrant in trucking is ready to hit the ground running - the Humble Hauler. Humble Robotics Founder/CEO Eyal Cohen joins us on The Intermodal Logistics Podcast to discuss his young company and why, after several years in the space, he chose to focus on freight.

Eyal explains how the Humble Hauler can help with drayage capacity around ports and rail terminals with its ability to carry containers (currently 40 footers, and soon a 53 foot option). He discusses how he was inspired for its very unique cab-less,  futuristic design by the Port of Long Beach's automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and how his team took that to the next level by making them worthy of public roads with a targeted range of 150 miles - all while keeping them lightweight (key for intermodal and freight in general).

We also talk about timing - with Waymo's footprint growing and a real need for added capacity in drayage as stringent regulations are causing drivers to leave the business. He tells us how Humble plans to handle charging these EVs and how they're addressing road safety, cargo security, tracking and traditionally human interactions. And we talk about what types of companies are showing interest, when these will go live, and what other plans Humble has coming soon.

Learn more about Humble Robotics at https://humblerobotics.ai/.

As for our podcast, subscribe or follow now to catch new episodes as soon as they're out, and please do rate and review us. Have a question? Contact us at [email protected]. And visit our website, www.inteklogistics.com to learn more.

Robust homebuilding offers a tremendous lift to freight volumes, so on this episode, we put new home starts (and the general housing market) in focus with Kevin Oakley, Managing Partner with Do You Convert.

Kevin takes us through the positives and negatives of the marketplace, where public and private builders diverge in terms of inventory and flexibility, how much building is taking place now - and how much buyer interest exists (now and in the future), and how COVID still factors in to where the market stands today.

Plus, he explains the role of elevated mortgage rates in demand, how those rates are calculated beyond the Federal Reserve, and where they appear headed. We also discuss how tariffs and fuel prices are affecting builders, inflation, where intermodal is coming into play on those shipping expenses and how logistics generally is becoming a greater focus for some in efforts to control costs and maintain material supply. 

Before all that, we talk about Kevin's background in homebuilding marketing, what Do You Convert does, and have a discussion on the role of AI in the industry (and beyond). Find more on Do You Convert at www.doyouconvert.com, where you can also get Kevin's podcasts including Market Proof Marketing. Follow him on LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/in/kevinoakley) for more insights as well.

As for our podcast, subscribe or follow now to catch new episodes as soon as they're out, and please do rate and review us. Have a question? Contact us at [email protected]. And visit our website, www.inteklogistics.com to learn more.

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and that may be true of the freight environment, which includes vast swathes of land, a wide variety of goods and commodities, the Gulf Coast, and the U.S.-Mexico border. But keeping it all moving isn't just reserved for big carriers, short-line railroads and shallow water ports like those operated by TNW Corporation also play a vital role. 

TNW Director of Business Support & Development Joey Evans joins us to discuss it's key place in the Texas supply chain and the state's freight market today. Joey explains how short-line railroads differ from larger rail carriers (and why they're all important), his role as Texas Short Line & Regional Railroad Association President (and why upgrading infrastructure matters), and the areas of the state that TNW's four short-lines cover.

Plus, he goes over the importance of transloading, how short lines handle containers, TNW's Port of Victoria operations, and how the company is dealing with higher diesel prices. Joey also takes us through its cross-border role, what's moving the most through Texas these days, and why technology is a differentiator for short line railroads.

Learn more about TNW Corporation at www.tnwcorporation.com.

As for our podcast, subscribe or follow now to catch new episodes as soon as they're out, and please do rate and review us. Have a question? Contact us at [email protected]. And visit our website, www.inteklogistics.com to learn more.

Just a couple of weeks after a gathering of industry pros at the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) Capital Ideas Conference, President & CEO Chris Burroughs joins us again on The Intermodal Logistics Podcast to share a recap of the Phoenix gathering, the hot topics covered there (and still percolating), and the general mood he's seeing in the freight world today.

Atop the list is an issue TIA has long focused on, cargo theft, and Chris explains some concrete progress made by the FMCSA, the FBI and in Congress to combat this continually concerning problem. We touch on how awareness has risen and technology has evolved to help - but also how technology has helped thieves, too.

Chris also shares the definition of chameleon carriers - which have also gained in profile due to media coverage of late - and explains why they're dangerous when it comes to road safety. And he reacts to a recent CBS Sunday Morning report that he says unfairly singled out C.H. Robinson - pointing out the difficulty of safe carrier verification as an area that the government needs to assist with.

Chris goes over the big issue on the minds of many TIA members that was part of that report, the Supreme Court Montgomery case, which could have implications on broker liability for accidents caused by carriers they use - with the ruling pending. And finally, we hit on AI, and even the film Sideways.

Learn more about TIA at www.tianet.org, where you can also find their Cargo Theft Hotline, recently created in partnership with the FBI.

As for our podcast, subscribe or follow now to catch new episodes as soon as they're out, and please do rate and review us. Have a question? Contact us at [email protected]. And visit our website, www.inteklogistics.com to learn more.

Plenty is happening in (and to) the trucking market of late, so we welcome back an old friend to The Intermodal Logistics Podcast to check on where it stands. ACT Research VP and Senior Analyst Tim Denoyer joins us as our first ever in-studio guest, to go over truck production and the state of the fleet, and what that signals for capacity and activity going forward.

Plus, we address FMCSA enforcement measures and their effects on the market, how high diesel prices from the Iran conflict are changing driving behaviors (and how they're affecting costs), and why the combination of elevated rates and fuel seem to setup an opportunity for intermodal.

Additionally, Tim takes us through his thoughts on the volume picture - with a look at manufacturing, the Federal Reserve (and interest rates), tariffs and whether AI data centers are making a dent.

For more from Tim and the ACT team, visit www.actresearch.net. And you can also check out the monthly Cass Transportation Index updates at www.cassinfo.com/freight-audit-payment/cass-transportation-indexes.

As for our podcast, subscribe or follow now to catch new episodes as soon as they're out, and please do rate and review us. Have a question? Contact us at [email protected]. And visit our website, www.inteklogistics.com to learn more.

Whether it's domestic, import or export, shipping agricultural products involves unique challenges - challenges that the co-founder and Executive Director of the Agriculture Transportation Coalition (AgTC) Peter Friedmann has been tackling on behalf of membership for many years.

Peter joins us on this edition of The Intermodal Logistics Podcast to offer an overview of the organization, what goods and products fall under the ag umbrella, how they ship and more. Included in the "and more" is a discussion of the vital role of intermodal, perhaps surprising to some who think of bulk grain shipping.

He explains how many different items require containers to move - and how intermodal and transloading (something we also discuss in this blog: www.inteklogistics.com/blog/the-third-option-bulk-and-agricultural-shippers-dont-know-about) helps them get where they're needed. Plus, he goes over the import, export and domestic scenarios involved - highlighting key locations like ports and rail terminals that make movement happen.

Additionally, Peter points out how cargo theft is affecting agriculture in multiple ways, both with targeted products like whey protein and beef, and with thieves simply breaking seals on containers then leaving the contents - making them no longer viable for use.

Learn more about AgTC at www.agtrans.org and get more detail on their Annual Meeting coming up May 18-21 (which Peter also discusses) at agtrans.org/events.

Subscribe or follow us now to catch new episodes of The Intermodal Logistics Podcast as soon as they're out, and please do rate and review us. Have a question? Contact us at [email protected]. And visit our website, www.inteklogistics.com to learn more.