The Long Haul

In this Thanksgiving edition of Third & Long, Adam Wingfield and co-driver Kaylee Nix break down one of the biggest stories shaking the trucking world: California’s CDL compliance battle with the FMCSA, the threat of losing $158 million in federal funding, and the lawsuits claiming civil rights violations.

This episode goes deep into the political tension between state and federal authority, how these policies affect small carriers and owner-operators, and what the fallout could mean for the industry moving forward.

We cover:

FMCSA vs. California — federal funding, compliance failures, and courts stepping in

Civil rights lawsuit — why non-domiciled CDL holders say the rules are unfair

Public perception of drivers — including the viral “low-skilled job” debate

Real-world industry impact — hiring, safety, insurance, and the future of driver qualifications

The massive training gap — 63,000 CDL schools but only 3,000 federally compliant

What shippers must do next — and whether this opens a door for small carriers

Along the way, Adam shares real stories from the road, what it really takes to safely operate 80,000 lbs of equipment, and why the idea that trucking is “low-skilled” couldn’t be further from the truth.

Whether you're a small carrier, an industry insider, or someone who wants to understand what’s really happening behind the headlines, this conversation is one you don’t want to miss.

Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new drop.

Sign up for the newsletter for deeper insights

Follow The Long Haul Podcast

Other FreightWaves Shows

Truck parking is one of the most talked-about challenges in our industry — but recently, some are claiming the problem doesn’t even exist. In this episode, Adam sits down with Andrew King, Director of Operations at OOIDA Foundation, to cut through the noise.

We dig into the flawed assumptions behind a recent parking report, break down federal data from Jason’s Law, and challenge the idea that drivers are just “bad planners.” If you’re tired of surface-level takes, this episode goes deep into policy, equity, and what real change should look like for small carriers.

Follow The Long Haul Podcast

Other FreightWaves Shows

In this uncaged episode of The Long Haul, Adam sits down with Sage — CDL driver, O/O, Landstar agent, broker, and commercial auto insurance pro — to tackle the freight industry’s most controversial topics. This one’s not safe for the faint of heart. We dig into broker dishonesty, insurance scams, the broker-agent world, O/O pain points, and what never gets talked about in polite circles. No fluff. Real talk. If you’re in the business and tired of half-truths, this is your episode.

You’ve signed hundreds of rate cons, but have you ever stopped to actually read the fine print? In this eye-opening episode of The Long Haul, Adam sits down with transportation attorney and Armchair Attorney podcast host Matthew Leffler to dissect a real broker-carrier agreement, section by section. If you’re an owner-operator or fleet owner signing rate confirmations without understanding the liability buried inside, you cannot afford to miss this. From indemnification clauses to cargo liability to payment terms, we break it all down in plain English so you can protect your business and stay in control.

Follow The Long Haul Podcast

Other FreightWaves Shows

In this follow-up episode of The Long Haul, Adam sits back down with Tyler Harden of TTN Fleet Solutions to dig deeper into one of the toughest realities in trucking — what happens when your truck breaks down and the clock’s ticking against you.

Adam also talks to Natasha Sanders, Senior Business Coach for the Amazon Freight Partner Program.
They unpack how Amazon is building opportunities for entrepreneurs and CDL drivers alike — from launching small trucking companies under the AFP umbrella to offering stable, local driving careers with consistent pay and benefits.
We’ll talk about what AFP really is, how it works, and what it means for drivers looking for balance, consistency, and a long-term career inside the Amazon network.
This one’s not about hype — it’s about clarity. If you’ve ever seen those blue trucks on the highway and wondered how to be part of that movement, this episode breaks it all down.

Follow The Long Haul Podcast

Other FreightWaves Shows

In this episode of The Long Haul, Adam sits down with Kristy Knichel, CEO of Knichel Logistics, to talk about what it really takes to build long-term broker-carrier relationships — especially in a market where trust is at an all-time low. Kristy shares what she’s learned leading a woman-owned, family-founded brokerage, how she sees small carriers finding success, and what brokers are actually looking for when they talk about “partnership.”
We dive into legacy, leadership, accountability, and how to survive when the market turns against you. This one’s all about the real relationship work behind the freight.

Follow The Long Haul Podcast

Other FreightWaves Shows

In this edition of 3rd and long, Adam Wingfield and Kaylee Nix tag team the mic to unpack the latest headlines shaking up the trucking world. From Trump’s 25% truck tariff to the crackdown on non-domiciled CDL holders, to viral tweets and the toll on immigrant drivers, no topic is off limits.
We break down the implications for small carriers, the legal gray areas many are trapped in, and how some operators are trying to climb out of the load board cycle. And yes — we even address being labeled “woke” for standing on the side of fairness. This one’s for the drivers, the dispatchers, and everyone running a legit hustle. Buckle up.

Follow The Long Haul Podcast

Other FreightWaves Shows

In this episode of The Long Haul, Adam sits down with Garrett Allen to talk about the one thing that brokers, shippers, and carriers say they value — but few actually use to make better decisions: data. Garrett unpacks how small fleets can use their own performance metrics to create stronger partnerships, land dedicated lanes, and rise above the noise in a market full of volatility and skepticism.

We dig into trust-building, performance proof, bid season, and why data transparency is the future of reliable freight — whether you’re a one-truck authority or scaling up to 10.

This one is about earning freight, not just chasing it.

Follow The Long Haul Podcast

Other FreightWaves Shows

In this episode of The Long Haul, Adam sits down with Marcus Cooksey, founder and CEO of Duke.AI — a tech platform that helps small carriers simplify bookkeeping, automate back-office operations, and stay in control of their numbers without hiring a full accounting team.
We talk about the real barriers small trucking companies face when it comes to automation, why AI doesn’t have to mean “overcomplicated,” and how tools like Duke.AI are designed to meet you where you’re at — not replace you. If you’ve ever said, “I just want something that works,” this episode is your blueprint.

Follow The Long Haul Podcast

Other FreightWaves Shows

Is the constant tension between brokers and carriers just bad communication, or is it a sign of a deeper issue? In this powerful episode of The Long Haul, host Adam Wingfield sits down with Annique Lesage, the freight-savvy broker and coach known for her direct, no-fluff truth bombs on TikTok. Annique shares her incredible journey from handling customs to becoming a successful broker, and opens up about how the industry became her lifeline while escaping an abusive marriage.

This isn't your typical broker vs. carrier debate. Annique provides a masterclass in shifting from a transactional, load-by-load mindset to building lasting, profitable partnerships. She breaks down why there’s no such thing as "cheap freight," only bad negotiators, and challenges carriers to operate as strategic business owners rather than just drivers. If you’ve ever felt burned by a broker or struggled to make the industry work for you, this is a conversation you can't afford to miss.

Follow The Long Haul Podcast

Other FreightWaves Shows