Welcome to another episode of What the Truck?! with host Malcolm Harris coming to you remotely from sunny Florida as we head into Thanksgiving weekend! Today’s double-header is packed with breaking news, powerful storytelling, and industry insights you don’t want to miss.

First, FreightWaves insider and investigative journalist Noi Mahoney joins the show to break down some of the biggest headlines in freight:

Major rail merger concerns at BNSF

The halted PFG–US Foods mega-merger

A shocking roundup of recent drug-smuggling busts involving auto parts, produce, and more

How innocent drivers and carriers can get caught in the crossfire

Hotspot border crossings, inspection gaps, and what the next 12–24 months may look like

12,000+ layoffs hitting automotive, food, manufacturing & logistics—and which regions are impacted the most

Noi shares what investigators are seeing on the ground, how smugglers hide contraband in freight, and what every carrier, shipper, and driver should know to protect their operation.

Then we bring you one of the most inspiring stories in trucking this year.

 Meet Stacy Batiste—Marine Corps veteran, community role model, 5-million-mile safe driver, and the official 2025 Pilot Road Warrior Champion.

Stacy sits down with Malcolm to talk about:

The moment he was surprised by the Diesel Brothers with a custom-built Kenworth

Winning $50,000 in cash

34+ years on the road with zero accidents

How his Marine training shaped his career

The role his family and community play in his success

His advice for rookie drivers and seasoned veterans

Why he’s “riding till I die—I’ve got diesel in my veins”

This is one of the most heartfelt and motivating conversations we’ve ever had on the show.

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