FreightCasts

The U.S. Trade Representative has announced new tariffs on Chinese-made container cranes set to go into effect on November 9th, in response to China’s use of unfair trade practices in shipping and shipbuilding. These levies, which include 100% tariffs on ship-to-shore container cranes, could stack with existing duties, bringing the total assessed tariffs on some Chinese exports to between 125% and 270%. Canadian mail carriers, represented by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, have switched from a nationwide strike to local rotating strikes. Union officials characterized the move as a compromise allowing the restart of mail and parcel service after a two-week national shutdown, although Canada Post has suspended all service guarantees due to the uncertainty caused by the new rotating actions. Amazon is continuing to significantly build out its footprint by opening its largest fulfillment center ever in the Pacific Northwest and simultaneously constructing a large, automated distribution center in Indiana. The facility in Woodburn, Oregon, covers 3.8 million square feet—four times the size of Portland’s International Airport terminals—and Amazon plans to initially hire 3,000 people to run the operation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Malcolm Harris brings the energy for another jam-packed Friday edition of What The Truck?! — where freight meets fire conversation. In This Episode: Ian Jefferies, President & CEO of the Association of American Railroads (AAR), gives us the inside track on: Rail safety and first responder training How policy modernization drives innovation Collaboration between truckers and railroads Combatting cargo theft and organized retail crime Kari Gonzalez, President & CEO of MXV Rail, breaks down how cutting-edge research and tech are transforming rail operations nationwide: Real-world innovation testing at the FAST facility Using AI and machine learning to prevent derailments Climate resilience and infrastructure upgrades How she went from intern to CEO — and why Michael Jordan still reigns supreme Plus, Malcolm dives into this week’s headlines:  Insurance crackdowns on non-domiciled CDLs  Half a million dollars in stolen Nikes?!  A million-dollar tequila heist — where’s Guy Fieri’s stash?  Freight capacity vs. demand and what it means for rates  Craig Fuller drops his new book “Moving the World” ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ ⁠Visit our sponsor⁠ ⁠Subscribe to the WTT newsletter⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠More FreightWaves Podcasts⁠ #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The trucking industry faces a major disruption as PE-backed flatbed operator Montgomery Transport LLC abruptly filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and ceased operations immediately. This sudden shutdown put approximately 1,000 employees out of work, including 600 truck drivers, highlighting the fragility of transportation companies in today’s economy. Global trade flows are shifting as U.S. maritime gateways saw container imports drop 8.4% in September, with imports from China specifically falling 22.9% year-over-year. These declines, which included dramatic drops in goods like aluminum (43.8%) and footwear (33.9%), come amid the restructuring of U.S. trade using tariffs and other economic pressures. Uzbekistan is positioning itself as the next global IT logistics hub, driven by its growing digital economy and expanding U.S. trade relationships. Government initiatives like IT Park Uzbekistan offer compelling incentives, including 0% tax rates for technology companies, and leverage a young, highly literate workforce ready to serve global markets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Enforcement activities by ICE, targeting non-domiciled CDL holders in southern states, have triggered a capacity shock, rerouting trucks to the Midwest and East Coast and causing regional spot rates to spike despite overall soft national freight volume. Globally, the macro picture confirms a rapid cooling, with new data projecting that US import container volumes will fall below the 2 million TEU mark for the remainder of 2025 due to weakening consumer spending and early peak season frontloading. This softening demand occurs as major Chinese carriers, including Cosco and OOCL, make the surprise move of announcing they will not levy surcharges to offset escalating US port fees set to begin October 14th. Looking ahead, significant capital is flowing squarely into automation and freight tech, signaling a long-term industry focus on efficiency and driverless operations. Autonomous trucking company Kodiak AI made its public debut on NASDAQ with a $2.5 billion valuation, while IKEA acquired the logistics tech platform Locus to improve its delivery fulfillment capabilities amidst surging e-commerce sales. Furthermore, back-office automation is accelerating, exemplified by Mentium, which raised a $3.2 million seed round to deploy AI-powered digital workers specifically focused on automating accounts payable processing for freight brokerages. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The truckload spot market erupted this week as the Serbian news called for drivers to stay off the roads amidst ICE raids. Rates jumped despite weak demand. Dr. Zac Rogers gives the latest LMI report and the import market stabilizes. ⁠Follow the Freightonomics Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ocean container rates on the ⁠eastbound Trans-Pacific are falling by double digits in a surprise move from China carriers⁠ ahead of new US port fees. The ship tax, which begins next week, charges China-owned or operated ships $80 per net tonnage for each voyage to the U.S. and could cost major players like Cosco and OOCL as much as $2.1 billion in 2026. Autonomous trucking company ⁠Kodiak AI just debuted on the NASDAQ⁠ after successfully combining with Ares Acquisition Corporation II, resulting in a $2.5 billion valuation for the newly public company. Kodiak secured more than $275 million in funding through this de-SPAC transaction, which CEO Don Burnette noted marks an inflection point for the industry as self-driving technology matures toward commercial deployment. Additionally, the ⁠Senate confirmed David Fink⁠, a former Pan Am Railways president and fifth-generation railroader, to lead the Federal Railroad Administration. President Trump nominated Fink, stating he would "deliver the FRA into a new era of safety and technological innovation". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your reefer unit was completely silent and produced zero emissions? What if your trailer could tell you it needed a repair weeks before a breakdown ever happened? The future of transport refrigeration is here, and it's quieter, smarter, and more efficient than ever before.In this episode, Thomas Wasson sits down with a team from Thermo King to pull back the curtain on the groundbreaking technologies changing the game for fleets. We're talking about the shift to all-electric power and the incredible rise of intelligent, connected trailers that offer a 360-degree view of your assets. How can this technology prevent costly downtime, protect valuable cargo, and improve your bottom line? Tune in to find out how the industry is getting a massive upgrade. ⁠Follow the Truck Tech Podcast⁠⁠ Other FreightWaves Shows⁠  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Malcolm Harris is back with another powerhouse lineup on What The Truck?!? This episode dives deep into the latest freight market volatility, data-driven decision-making, and the innovations shaping the future of logistics. Guests: David Spencer, VP of Market Intelligence at Arrive Logistics — breaks down rate volatility, market disruptions, and how Arrive’s data models are adapting to regulatory shifts. Zach Strickland, Head of Freight Market Intelligence at SONAR — explains the sudden spot rate surges, capacity crunches, and what the data really says about supply-side pressure. Matt “Future Man” McLelland, VP of Sustainability & Innovation at Covenant — shares how Covenant is investing in green tech, alternative fuels, and the “messy middle” of decarbonization. From the recent DOT regulation shake-up to how shippers and carriers can stay ahead of uncertainty, this episode covers it all — strategy, innovation, and the people driving change in freight. ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ ⁠Visit our sponsor⁠ ⁠Subscribe to the WTT newsletter⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ ⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠More FreightWaves Podcasts⁠ #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices