Rachel Premack

Craig Fuller, Founder and CEO of FreightWaves, and Rachel Premack, its Editorial Director, delve into the stark shifts in the trucking industry. They discuss how the boom of a few years ago has led to a severe downturn, with prices collapsing and conditions mirroring the economic strain of 2019. The conversation highlights the critical driver shortage fueled by the pandemic, the challenges of overcapacity, and the complexities of freight brokering, painting a vivid picture of an industry grappling with both operational hurdles and economic predictions.

Rachel Premack, editorial director at FreightWaves and author of the MODES newsletter, discusses the evolving legal landscape of the trucking industry. She highlights how truck drivers, the original gig workers, are navigating complex regulations, especially in California. The conversation covers the distinction between owner-operators and leased operators, underscoring implications for employment and costs. Premack also addresses the industry's unique labor dynamics, challenges from rising costs, and the need for regulatory safeguards to support truck drivers.