FreightCasts

In today’s episode, we discuss a legal setback for truck drivers in California after a federal judge declined to force the state to resume non-domiciled CDL renewals. The court ruled that intervention could jeopardize millions in federal highway funding, creating a catastrophic risk for the state. Next, we look at turbulence in the air cargo sector as Alaska Airlines signals dissatisfaction with its Amazon contract. Executives indicate that while they are meeting delivery standards, the current operating margins are too thin to be sustainable long-term. Finally, we examine how Smith System is modernizing fleet safety by replacing paper checklists with a digital trainer platform. This new cloud-based tool integrates with telematics to turn one-time training events into a consistent, data-driven safety culture. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Host Malcolm Harris welcomes Mary O’Connell to break down the real-world freight impacts of a major winter storm, from power outages to network disruptions. Then Mark Borchert from Travelers joins to unpack the 2026 freight market outlook, cargo risk, and insurance trends. Wrapping up the show, Grace Sharkey from Orderful brings insights from the retail and tech frontlines, exploring what’s real versus hype in AI, automation, and why modern EDI still matters. It’s a loaded episode packed with market insight, risk awareness, and future-focused conversation.  ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ ⁠Subscribe to the WTT newsletter⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠More FreightWaves Podcasts⁠ #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to #WithSONAR! This week, we’re shifting to Critical Events and showing how you can track real-time weather disruptions directly within SONAR—while you’re already analyzing rates and market conditions. In this session, we’ll walk through SONAR’s weather intelligence tools, powered by our partnerships with WeatherOptics and Everstream, and how they help you proactively manage risk during severe weather events. You’ll learn how to: Access Critical Events under the Risk Management section in SONAR Monitor real-time and forecasted weather disruptions across the U.S. and globally Identify high-impact areas affecting facilities, shipments, and capacity View storms, cyclones, wildfires, earthquakes, and other disruptive events Use radar, traffic, hyperlocal weather, and impact indices to support operational decisions Validate delays, communicate proactively with customers and carriers, and plan ahead Both WeatherOptics and Everstream are included with your SONAR subscription, giving you the tools to stay ahead of disruptions and protect service during volatile conditions. 📩 Have questions? Reach out to cs@gosonar.com or your Account Manager. 💡 Subscribe for more quick SONAR insights! #freight #freighttech #gosonar #sonar #softwareasaservice #logistics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The regulatory battle between Washington and Sacramento reaches a boiling point as the ⁠DOT threatens to strip California of its authority to issue commercial driver's licenses⁠. This unprecedented "nuclear option" escalates beyond the initial dispute over non-domiciled credentials and could leave hundreds of thousands of drivers unable to operate in interstate commerce. On the weather front, the FMCSA has issued a ⁠massive 40-state regional emergency declaration⁠ to assist with relief efforts during Winter Storm Fern. While the Northeast battles snow, the Southeast faces dangerous ice storm conditions that have ⁠left over one million people without power⁠ and grounded thousands of flights. In market news, ⁠FedEx Freight prepares for its spinoff as a standalone company⁠ with a freshly assigned investment-grade credit rating. Meanwhile, Alaska Airlines leverages its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines to ⁠launch new international cargo routes into London and Rome⁠. Finally, analysts predict a ⁠dramatic rise in transportation M&A activity by late 2026⁠, though buyers remain focused on specialized carriers rather than general freight. This recovery favors companies with defensible service models while pure spot market brokerages may continue to struggle. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the FreightWaves Morning Minute, we examine the escalating standoff between federal regulators and California that could paralyze the nation's largest trucking workforce. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is threatening to strip the state of its commercial licensing power over safety concerns regarding 17,000 non-domiciled licenses. Markets are also bracing for a major shift, with analysts predicting a dramatic spike in logistics mergers and acquisitions by the end of 2026,. Investors are increasingly favoring specialized tech platforms over generic brokerages, exemplified by Echo Global Logistics' recent move to acquire ITS Logistics. Finally, the nearshoring boom is driving tangible infrastructure investments along the southern border. DSV has broken ground on a massive regional headquarters in Arizona to support growing cross-border trade, joining other industry giants in expanding their footprint to capture Mexico-bound freight. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Friday edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, host Malcolm Harris breaks down the biggest stories shaping freight right now — from Winter Storm Fern threatening major U.S. freight corridors to consolidation moves and rail investments impacting the market. Malcolm is joined by two industry heavy-hitters for a jam-packed conversation covering technology, operations, and money on the ground: Steve Shebuski, VP of Presales at MCA Connect, dives deep into how TMS, WMS, ERP, and Dynamics 365 are transforming distribution, warehousing, and fulfillment. Steve explains where companies get digital transformation wrong, how to orchestrate (not just automate) supply chains, and why clean data, integration, and human judgment still matter — even in an AI-driven future. Kimberly “Kim” Fisk, President of Triumph, brings real-world insight into small carrier financing and cash flow strategy. From instant invoice approval and predictable capital to fraud prevention and back-office automation, Kim explains how fast, reliable access to cash is changing how carriers make decisions, survive tight markets, and plan for long-term growth. ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ ⁠Subscribe to the WTT newsletter⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠More FreightWaves Podcasts⁠ #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The industrial economy flashes a warning sign as⁠ CSX reports a dip in revenue⁠ and pivots back to a strategy of strict cost discipline. Executives cite subdued demand as the primary driver for⁠ abandoning previous growth targets⁠ in favor of efficiency. In the brokerage sector, the⁠ sudden collapse of the R&R Family of Companies⁠ serves as a brutal cautionary tale about rapid expansion and cash burn. Former employees reveal how⁠ failed acquisitions and maintenance costs⁠ spiraled into a crisis that left drivers stranded. Legal risks for 3PLs escalate after a Texas court rules⁠ Landstar is fully liable for a $23 million accident verdict⁠, overturning a previous jury decision. This ruling intensifies the stakes for an upcoming⁠ Supreme Court decision on broker liability⁠ regarding the federal preemption of state negligence claims. On the infrastructure front, Congress advances a spending package that includes⁠ a record $200 million for truck parking⁠ to improve safety and retention. Meanwhile, the adoption of electric trucks gets a boost through⁠ a new charging partnership⁠ aimed at achieving cost parity with diesel on major freight corridors. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Friday edition of the Morning Minute, Isaiah Buchanan reports on a major legislative win for drivers as the House passes a spending bill that dedicates $200 million to truck parking. This first-of-its-kind line item now heads to the Senate, where lawmakers are racing against a January 30 government shutdown deadline. A Texas court has delivered a massive blow to Landstar System, ruling that the company must pay 100% of a $23 million accident verdict rather than the 15% originally assigned by a jury. The freight giant intends to vigorously appeal the judgment, which has already caused the company to lower its earnings expectations for the quarter. The episode also explores a pivotal upcoming Supreme Court case regarding whether federal law preempts state negligence claims against freight brokers. The Department of Justice argues that allowing these lawsuits would create a patchwork of liability standards, while advocates fear preemption leaves a dangerous gap in safety accountability. Finally, listeners are invited to catch a new episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? featuring Malcolm Harris, airing at noon on FreightWaves TV. If you miss the live broadcast, the full episode will be available for streaming on YouTube. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Winter weather has been the most disruptive force of nature on transportation in the past few years. The freight market may not be as resilient as it has been.  Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode analyzes a massive shift in the logistics landscape as Echo Global Logistics moves to acquire ITS Logistics in a deal creating a $5.4 billion combined entity. We discuss why this merger signals a strategic pivot toward asset control as the industry anticipates a future market turn. Attention then turns to the Southeast, where logistics leaders are bracing for Winter Storm Fern and its potential to freeze critical supply chain arteries. The forecast is drawing concern across the industry as conditions threaten to mirror the disruptions seen during the historic 2021 Texas freeze. We also break down the latest financial results from Knight-Swift, which reported a quarterly loss but signaled optimism for margin improvement in 2026. Management believes that exiting weaker players will help correct the market balance, even as rail networks also prepare for severe weather disruptions. On the international front, CMA CGM has reversed its course on returning to the Red Sea, choosing to divert ships around Africa due to safety risks. This decision highlights the ongoing volatility in global shipping lanes and the resulting inflationary pressures on transit times and fuel. Finally, we explore significant regulatory updates, including the Trump administration’s support of C.H. Robinson in a Supreme Court case that could define broker liability. We also look at the FMCSA’s long-awaited rollout of the Motus registration system, designed to finally crack down on chameleon carriers and industry fraud. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices