

WHAT THE TRUCK?!?
FreightWaves
WHAT THE TRUCK?!? is FreightWaves' irreverent award-winning podcast breaking down the biggest stories in transportation and logistics. WTT?!? is all about the people that make freight move. On the show you'll hear from founders, CEOs, VCs, truckers, brokers, and influencers. Join the industry three times a week on FreightWavesTV and podcast players everywhere.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 13, 2025 • 46min
Port strike resolved … now what?; how tariffs work; snowmageddon
On Episode 791 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Dooner and Dredging Contractors of America’s William Doyle spill the tea on the real talk behind the ILA-USMX contract, what ratification means and how tariffs work.National Association of Waterfront Employers President and former Federal Maritime Commissioner Carl Bentzel takes a look at the deal between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance from the labor perspective. What does this mean for East Coast and West Coast port unions and labor moving forward?Plus, trucking gets snowed out; Transportation companies mobilize to support LA fire relief efforts; Lego ports; and National Championship predictions.Catch new shows live at noon EDT Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on FreightWaves LinkedIn, Facebook, X or YouTube, or on demand by looking up WHAT THE TRUCK?!? on your favorite podcast player and at 5 p.m. Eastern on SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking Channel 146.Watch on YouTubeCheck out the WTT merch storeVisit our sponsorSubscribe to the WTT newsletterApple PodcastsSpotifyMore FreightWaves Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 9, 2025 • 44min
7 days until potential ILA port strike; acquiring Greenland; Gulf of America
On Episode 789 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Dooner is talking to FreightWaves’ Stuart Chirls about a potential International Longshoremen’s Association strike that could shut down ports from Maine to Texas on Jan. 15. They’ll also look at the U.S.’s interest in buying Greenland, Trump’s decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico and the impact of wildfires in Los Angeles.Loadsmith just sold its brokerage unit to FreightVana. We’ll learn all about the deal from Loadsmith CEO Brett Suma.Plus, somehow Trevor Milton returned; most unique city in the world; and more.Catch new shows live at noon EDT Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on FreightWaves LinkedIn, Facebook, X or YouTube, or on demand by looking up WHAT THE TRUCK?!? on your favorite podcast player and at 5 p.m. Eastern on SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking Channel 146.Watch on YouTubeCheck out the WTT merch storeVisit our sponsorSubscribe to the WTT newsletterApple PodcastsSpotifyMore FreightWaves Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 6, 2025 • 46min
Story behind Firecrown’s purchase of EnterTRAINment Junction sets; Blair blasts freight
On episode 788 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Dooner is joined by Firecrown / FreightWaves’ CEO and founder Craig Fuller to talk about his latest acquisition: the largest train set in the world.We’ll find out how Fuller saved EnterTRAINment Junction’s exhibits and his plans to bring the Museum of Motion to Chattanooga, TN.Plus, Blair blasts freight and a look at the market.Catch new shows live at noon EDT Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on FreightWaves LinkedIn, Facebook, X or YouTube, or on demand by looking up WHAT THE TRUCK?!? on your favorite podcast player and at 5 p.m. Eastern on SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking Channel 146.Watch on YouTubeCheck out the WTT merch storeVisit our sponsorSubscribe to the WTT newsletterApple PodcastsSpotifyMore FreightWaves Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 20, 2024 • 46min
A Very WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Christmas ‘24
On episode 787 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Dooner is joined by Covenant’s Matt McLelland who helps co-host out most festive show of the year: A Very WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Christmas.FreightWaves’ Craig Fuller issues a warning about DAT’s data sharing terms of service. Is DAT putting coal in your stocking?Project K-9 Hero CEO Jason Johnson and retired service dog Rikki drop in the studio to talk about life after service for dogs who’ve served our nation.Qued’s Tom Curee teamed up with his 12-year old son Judah to create this year’s annual WTT Christmas song. We’ll take a listen and talk about this in building a start up that hopes to solve delivery appointment scheduling. Owner-operator Jamie Hagen of Hell Bent Xpress shares the drivers perspective on running a fleet through the holiday season.Plus, top-5 WTTs of the year; bankruptcies pickup; port-a-potty Christmas trees and more.Catch new shows live at noon EDT Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on FreightWaves LinkedIn, Facebook, X or YouTube, or on demand by looking up WHAT THE TRUCK?!? on your favorite podcast player and at 5 p.m. Eastern on SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking Channel 146.Watch on YouTubeCheck out the WTT merch storeVisit our sponsorSubscribe to the WTT newsletterApple PodcastsSpotifyMore FreightWaves Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 18, 2024 • 46min
Port strike potential and trade under Trump with Flexport’s Ryan Petersen
On episode 786 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Dooner is joined by Flexport founder and CEO Ryan Petersen. They’re recapping the year that was and looking ahead at trade under Trump in 2025. With the potential for an ILA port strike on January 15th that would shut down ports from Maine to Texas, the new year starts out hot right out of the gate. Petersen discusses port strike potential and what the fallout would be; how tariffs could impact shipping and consumers; conflict in the Red Sea; rebuilding the Convoy platform and more. Hippix Logistix Andrei Hippix drops off an ornament for the tree and talks about a recent cargo theft he experienced.DAT buys Trucker Tools; FreightWaves' Craig Fuller warns about DAT's data sharing agreement; and more.Catch new shows live at noon EDT Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on FreightWaves LinkedIn, Facebook, X or YouTube, or on demand by looking up WHAT THE TRUCK?!? on your favorite podcast player and at 5 p.m. Eastern on SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking Channel 146.Watch on YouTubeCheck out the WTT merch storeVisit our sponsorSubscribe to the WTT newsletterApple PodcastsSpotifyMore FreightWaves Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 16, 2024 • 46min
Kal Freight’s fraud allegations; Make-A-Wish convoys; Vooma’s $13M Series A | WHAT THE TRUCK?!?
On Episode 785 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Dooner is talking about the latest scandal to hit freight. Daimler Truck Financial Services USA LLC, the company’s largest vehicle finance lender, says it has uncovered evidence of massive fraud perpetrated by Kal Freight against its creditors. Now, Daimler alleges that Kal Freight fraudulently obtained approximately $16.9 million to purchase 164 trailers from Vanguard. The Mother’s Day Truck Convoy began over 30 years ago, inspired by wish kid Matt Strausser’s dream to ride in a big rig and talk to his sister on a CB radio. Starting with just a few trucks in 1990, the event quickly grew to become an annual celebration, drawing hundreds of trucks and thousands of community members. Over the years, the convoy has raised over $9 million to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Today we’ll learn all about it from Make-A-Wish Philadelphia’s Lori Dietrich.What were the top four issues in trucking according to the insurance industry? Travelers’ Scott Cornell recaps the year that was and looks ahead to trends in ’25.WhistlinDiesel recently went viral for destroying a beautiful Peterbilt semi. Today, we’ll meet Josh Anderson from CP Anderson. They sold WhistlinDiesel the truck and have the story behind the clip.FreightTech funding is back! Vooma just raised a $13 million series A for its AI supply chain solutions. We’ll learn all about it from founder Jesse Buckingham.Plus, TNA live; Celina 52 invades Buc-ee’s; flatbedding a UFO drone; and more.Catch new shows live at noon EDT Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on FreightWaves LinkedIn, Facebook, X or YouTube, or on demand by looking up WHAT THE TRUCK?!? on your favorite podcast player and at 5 p.m. Eastern on SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking Channel 146.Watch on YouTubeCheck out the WTT merch storeVisit our sponsorSubscribe to the WTT newsletterApple PodcastsSpotifyMore FreightWaves Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 13, 2024 • 46min
Freight Essentials files RICO lawsuit against shipping giants
On Episode 784 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Dooner is talking about a RICO lawsuit filed by Freight Essentials against WWEX Group. It alleges the companies that make up WWEX, including Worldwide Express, GlobalTranz and Unishippers, defrauded consumers and small-business owners by charging hidden fees related to fuel costs and cargo insurance. We’ll find out from Freight Essentials CEO Dylan Admire why he thinks he has a case.Armchair Attorney Matthew Leffler takes a deeper look at the case and lends his point of view.CNBC’s Lori Ann LaRocco teams up with DHL to bring more opportunities to the Pollee and Rose Allen School of Logistics and Trade. DHL’s Go Teach seminars will now be in the U.S. through LaRocco’s nonprofit for students ages 16-24. LaRocco is joined on the show by DHL's Robert Reiter.Freight fraud and cargo theft have been the story of the year. Truckstop’s Lisa Haubenstock talks about the biggest security risks in supply chain.Plus, Trump stands against port automation; DOGE needed now for truck parking; SONAR adds AI; how not to strap a Christmas tree; and more.Catch new shows live at noon EDT Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on FreightWaves LinkedIn, Facebook, X or YouTube, or on demand by looking up WHAT THE TRUCK?!? on your favorite podcast player and at 5 p.m. Eastern on SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking Channel 146.Watch on YouTubeCheck out the WTT merch storeVisit our sponsorSubscribe to the WTT newsletterApple PodcastsSpotifyMore FreightWaves Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 11, 2024 • 46min
48% of brokers say cargo theft the big industry issue in 2024
On Episode 783 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Dooner is coming to you live from FreightWaves’ Domestic Supply Chain Summit. We’re getting into cargo theft being the industry’s biggest issue; the state of nearshoring; and AI for fleet operations.Forty-eight percent of brokers say cargo theft is the big industry issue in 2024. Highway’s Michael Caney breaks down the many issues with theft and fraud that the industry faced in 2024. We’ll also look ahead at how much the problem could grow in 2025.Last month Class8 received a $22 million Series A to empower carriers and drivers with OEM-integrated AI solutions. We’ll find out what that means from CEO Chris Atkinson. Nearshoring is hot but will it stay that way with the threat of tariffs? Descartes’ Dan Cicerchi talks about the movement, what industries are shifting and if cargo theft is a major issue in Mexico.Plus, is Die Hard a Christmas move; chaos in Harrisburg; innovative dads; man drives car through dealership; and more.Catch new shows live at noon EDT Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on FreightWaves LinkedIn, Facebook, X or YouTube, or on demand by looking up WHAT THE TRUCK?!? on your favorite podcast player and at 5 p.m. Eastern on SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking Channel 146.Watch on YouTubeCheck out the WTT merch storeVisit our sponsorSubscribe to the WTT newsletterApple PodcastsSpotifyMore FreightWaves Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 10, 2024 • 30min
The Great Driver Shortage Debate live from F3
Dooner plays special guest referee for The Great Driver Shortage Debate at FreightWaves' Future of Freight Festival. OOIDA's Lewie Pugh takes on Clarendon Capital's John Larkin. You’ll pay for the whole seat but only need the edge during this brawl to end it all.Catch new shows live at noon EDT Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on FreightWaves LinkedIn, Facebook, X or YouTube, or on demand by looking up WHAT THE TRUCK?!? on your favorite podcast player and at 5 p.m. Eastern on SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking Channel 146.Watch on YouTubeCheck out the WTT merch storeVisit our sponsorSubscribe to the WTT newsletterApple PodcastsSpotifyMore FreightWaves Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 9, 2024 • 46min
FreightTech supershow with RXO, Happyrobot, GenLogs
On episode 782 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Dooner is joined by three CEOs from a trio of the fastest growing and most innovative companies in this space.RXO CEO Drew Wilkerson talks about acquiring Coyote, consolidation and M&A in trucking.GenLogs’ Ryan Joyce previously spent his career in the CIA conducting counterterrorism operations throughout the Middle East. He used to track terrorists, but now he tracks trucks. We’ll find out how the company is scaling up the fight against freight fraud and investing its $6 million series A raise.Last week, HappyRobot announced it had closed a $15.6 million Series A funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), with participation from Y Combinator, RyderVentures and other strategic investors. HappyRobot CEO Pablo Palafox stops by to talk about the company’s AI-powered agents and how they work. We’ll even take them for a test drive. Plus, spot market hits new highs; driver training at Chuck E. Cheese; service dog retirement; trucker tases himself for likes; and more. Catch new shows live at noon EDT Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on FreightWaves LinkedIn, Facebook, X or YouTube, or on demand by looking up WHAT THE TRUCK?!? on your favorite podcast player and at 5 p.m. Eastern on SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking Channel 146.Watch on YouTubeCheck out the WTT merch storeVisit our sponsorSubscribe to the WTT newsletterApple PodcastsSpotifyMore FreightWaves Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


