WHAT THE TRUCK?!?

On today’s WHAT THE TRUCK?!?!, host Malcolm Harris takes a wide-angle look at the forces reshaping freight in 2026, from autonomous trucking and fleet safety to regulation, compliance, and ongoing market volatility. The episode blends breaking industry headlines with two in-depth conversations that explore where trucking is headed and what fleets need to be thinking about right now. The show kicks off with a global freight and logistics roundup, including federal compliance cost cuts for fuel haulers, Allegiant’s move into air cargo with Amazon freight, expanding CDL compliance crackdowns in Tennessee, and Louisiana’s growing staged truck accident investigation. Malcolm also highlights Purdue University’s successful wireless charging test for a heavy-duty truck at highway speeds, Southeastern Freight Lines’ expansion into Mexico, and what these developments signal for capacity, safety, and future freight operations. The first featured guest is Don Burnette, Founder and CEO of Kodiak, who joins the show to break down how autonomous trucking has officially moved beyond the demo phase. Don explains how Kodiak’s AI-powered trucks are operating in real, driverless commercial service today and why the industry conversation has shifted from if autonomy works to how fast it can scale. The discussion covers Kodiak’s partnership with Bosch, the importance of manufacturing-grade hardware, redundancy, and system reliability, as well as how trust is built with fleets, regulators, and the public. Don also offers a realistic perspective on what autonomous trucking solves today, what challenges remain, and how fleets should think about autonomy in a tight and uncertain freight market. Later in the episode, Cyndi Brandt, VP of Fleet Solutions at Descartes, brings a fleet-side view of safety, compliance, and operational efficiency. Cyndi explains why safety risks often begin long before a truck ever hits the road, highlighting the role of planning, dispatch, and unrealistic schedules in creating stress and unsafe driving behaviors. She dives into how congestion, tight delivery windows, and poor route planning show up in real-time fleet data, and why stress is one of the most measurable — and overlooked — safety risks in trucking today. The conversation also explores how telematics, routing tools, and execution data can be used proactively to reduce risk rather than simply monitor compliance. 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

On this Monday edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, host Malcolm Harris breaks down the biggest headlines shaping the freight and supply chain world—and then sits down with three industry leaders to unpack what 2026 is already throwing at transportation professionals. Andrew Wimer, VP of Strategic Operations at Descartes, kicks things off with a deep dive into freight tech, operational resilience, and why trust with carriers and drivers is more important than ever. He also shares how AI and automation are being used to fix visibility gaps without creating more friction on the road. Lida Zurabashvili, Founder of Freight Freedom, joins the show to share her journey from truck driver to brokerage owner. She talks transparently about building a carrier-first brokerage, fighting fraud and scams in today’s market, and why long-term relationships—not quick wins—are the key to sustainable success. Rounding out the episode in studio is Sebastian Waters, Director of Maintenance Services at PLM Fleet. With nearly two decades of experience, Sebastian delivers practical winter maintenance advice for fleets, covering everything from preventive maintenance and reefer reliability to diesel, batteries, and cold-weather readiness. From market pressures and layoffs to freight tech, fleet operations, and broker-carrier trust, this episode is packed with real-world insight for anyone moving freight today. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? 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

On this Friday edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, host Malcolm Harris breaks down the biggest stories shaping freight right now — from layoffs and carrier consolidation to aggressive DOT enforcement and tightening compliance standards — before diving into two powerhouse conversations that deliver a true blueprint for brokerage success. First up: Malcolm is joined by Trent Tulloh, CEO & Founder of Forever Freight Broker, for a no-nonsense discussion on: Why relationships (not AI) are the future of brokerage How to build trust with carriers and shippers Training brokers the right way Why paying carriers fairly drives long-term growth What new brokers are getting wrong — and how to fix it Then Malcolm sits down in-studio with Seth Shaver, EVP of Sales at Steam Logistics, for a candid conversation on: Grit, resilience, and longevity in freight sales Building winning teams and culture in tough markets Leadership lessons from scaling through multiple market cycles What young brokers must understand to survive and thrive This episode is packed with real talk, practical insight, and hard-earned lessons from leaders who’ve lived the freight grind — not just talked about it. 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

In this episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, host Malcolm Harris kicks off 2026 with a deep, perspective-driven conversation on what’s really happening across the freight and logistics industry beyond the headlines. The show opens with FreightWaves cross-border reporter Noi Mahoney breaking down major policy and trade developments, including tariff delays, shifting duties, and why U.S.–Mexico freight could emerge as one of the biggest stabilizers for trucking in 2026. Noi shares insights on nearshoring, cross-border truckload demand, warehouse implications, Class 8 truck orders, and the risks that could disrupt current momentum. Next, supply chain veteran Mike Eischer, CEO of One World Supply Chain Consulting, joins the show to unpack where inefficiencies hide inside organizations, how companies should think about disruption as the new norm, and where technology is actually making a real-world impact. Mike offers practical guidance on operational discipline, balancing efficiency with reliability, the limits of automation, and why people remain the most important part of any supply chain. The episode wraps with Chase Osborne of First Star Logistics, who dives into the realities of agent recruiting, marketing, and trust in a tight freight market. Chase discusses what agents are really looking for in 2026, how compensation, culture, and back-office support factor into decision-making, and why transparency and infrastructure matter more than flashy commission offers. This episode is packed with actionable insights for carriers, brokers, shippers, and logistics leaders navigating a complex and evolving freight landscape in 2026. ⁠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 to the first episode of 2026 on WHAT THE TRUCK?!?. Host Malcolm Harris kicks off the new year with an in-depth, no-nonsense conversation with Charles Gracey, often referred to as the “Dr. Phil of trucking,” to break down the biggest issues shaping the freight and trucking industry right now. This episode covers major developments that will impact drivers, carriers, brokers, and industry leaders in 2026, including the federal appeals court ruling against Amazon and what joint-employer accountability could mean for last-mile delivery models. Malcolm and Charles discuss whether this ruling signals a broader shift in labor law, risk allocation, and long-term sustainability for delivery service partners. They dive into why large carrier mergers and acquisitions largely stalled in 2025, exploring indecision, market uncertainty, valuations, and leadership hesitation, and what that means for consolidation in 2026. The conversation also examines leverage in today’s freight market, capacity pressures, driver pay, and why the power balance still isn’t in drivers’ favor. Autonomous trucking takes center stage as California moves closer to allowing testing and deployment of heavy-duty driverless trucks. The discussion addresses safety, cybersecurity, liability, regulatory gaps, and the often-ignored human cost of automation, including what happens to drivers if jobs are displaced. Other key topics include:- Peak season performance and why “best in recent memory” may not mean much- Sudden carrier shutdowns during the holidays and what they reveal about leadership, diversification, and planning- The lack of meaningful protections for drivers when companies collapse- Why 2026 may become a relationship-driven year for freight rather than a transactional one- Barriers to entry, industry integrity, and the need for higher standards without killing opportunity- How executives can avoid being disconnected from day-to-day operations- Why innovation fails when drivers and frontline workers aren’t truly involved This episode is a candid, wide-ranging look at where trucking has been, where it’s heading, and what needs to change for the industry to rebuild trust, stability, and integrity in 2026. 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

In the final What The Truck?!? episode of 2025, Malcolm Harris sits down with one of the most genuine voices at the intersection of trucking, music, and hustle, Devin Tribble, known to fans as 2Hott.This isn’t just a conversation about freight or hip-hop. It’s a real, unfiltered story about survival, faith, discipline, and how earning a CDL became an escape route from the streets and a foundation for building something bigger.2Hott opens up about his rise as an independent artist, the inspiration behind “Trucker Anthem,” balancing life over the road with life in the studio, and why consistency matters more than clout. From breakdowns and long nights behind the wheel to viral moments and personal loss, this episode captures what it really means to grind and keep going.Whether you’re a driver, an entrepreneur, an artist, or someone looking for a way forward, this episode delivers perspective you won’t forget.Special thanks to Descartes MacroPoint for supporting What The Truck?!? and helping keep freight visible, connected, and moving. Listen in and close out 2025 with one of the most authentic conversations of the year. 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

On this episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, host Malcolm Harris breaks down the biggest stories shaping freight as we head toward the end of 2025. Malcolm covers major industry headlines including the pending Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern rail merger, long-term investment at the Port of New York and New Jersey, consolidation in auto transport logistics, and a high-profile cargo theft case that underscores ongoing risk across the supply chain. The show features an in-depth conversation with Valentina Jordan, CEO and co-founder of Nauta, and Rafa Santiago, COO and co-founder, as they unveil Nauta’s AI-powered inventory optimization engine. They explain how SKU-level visibility, harmonized data, and agentic AI workflows are helping shippers reduce stockouts, improve fill rates, and create more predictable freight flows that benefit truckers, 3PLs, and brokers alike. The discussion explores real-world customer wins, faster time to value, and how better inventory planning leads to smoother routes, consistent loads, and stronger revenue across the network. Later in the episode, Malcolm is joined in studio by Virind Gujral, CEO and founder of EV Bots. Virind shares his journey from fleet operations to building autonomous robotic solutions for EV fleet charging. He explains how EV Bots is tackling one of the biggest barriers to electric fleet adoption by eliminating driver downtime, optimizing charging costs, and automating vehicle inspections and maintenance checks. The conversation dives into Chattanooga’s growing innovation ecosystem, pilot deployments, and what the future holds for electric fleets and logistics automation. 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

Welcome back to WHAT THE TRUCK?!?. Host Malcolm Harris returns for a year-end episode packed with critical insights on freight fraud, cargo theft, trucking finance, and what the industry needs to watch heading into 2026. This episode features four powerhouse guests tackling the biggest risks and opportunities facing trucking and logistics today: DZ Patterson, Director of Investigative Services at Travelers, breaks down the realities of modern cargo theft, including strategic theft, GPS spoofing, fake breakdown scams, and how shippers, brokers, and carriers can harden their supply chains through better communication, layered security, and smarter verification. Andrey Chabanov and Trevor Hoffman from Wellspring introduce a high-yield savings platform built specifically for truck drivers and working Americans. Drawing from real-world trucking experience, they explain how drivers can protect their cash from inflation, improve liquidity, and build smarter emergency and business savings without lockups or minimums. Dale Prax, Strategic Fraud Advisor at Truckstop and Founder of FreightValidate, delivers a deep dive into freight fraud, carrier identity verification, FMCSA enforcement, and the real-world scams impacting brokers and owner-operators. He outlines where fraud is headed next, why collaboration and transparency matter, and what practical steps carriers can take today to protect themselves. The episode also covers key industry headlines, including supply chain reform efforts in Washington, ongoing layoffs impacting freight demand, and why cash discipline and operational efficiency remain critical in the current market. If you’re a driver, broker, shipper, or logistics professional, this is a must-watch conversation to close out the year informed and prepared for what’s next. 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

In this special festive edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, host Malcolm Harris brings you a packed episode live from the 2026 Freight Market Summit. First, Malcolm sits down with Sarah Abernathy, Director of Marketing and Communications at Kenworth Truck Company. Sarah shares the behind-the-scenes story of one of trucking’s most heartwarming annual traditions: hauling the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree across the country. She discusses Kenworth’s twelve-year partnership with the project, the state-to-state community engagement, and the technology behind the Kenworth T680 that carried this year’s tree, “Silverbell,” from Nevada to Washington, D.C. Sarah also highlights the role of driver Michael Porter, the significance of the tour, and what Kenworth is looking forward to in 2026. Later in the episode, Malcolm welcomes Zane Holcomb and Luke LeMaster from TEL to talk about becoming an owner-operator in today’s freight market. They break down what drivers should expect, why now can still be a smart time to step into ownership, how TEL supports drivers throughout their leases, and the mindset needed to build a successful owner-operator business. They also discuss technology trends, equipment choices, common challenges, and the changing landscape of driver mentorship. Plus, Malcolm covers the latest industry headlines, including:  • A logistics startup founder losing an appeal on a 20-year conviction  • New tariff discussions involving the U.S. and Mexico  • Enterprise officially entering the heavy-truck space through its Hogan acquisition  • The ongoing voting for America’s Top Freight Town If you enjoy stories about trucking, leadership, equipment, market insights, and the people who make the industry run, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 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

On this episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, host Malcolm Harris dives into a packed lineup covering the latest issues shaping freight, technology, and trucking regulation. We kick things off with Rudy Nemeth of Veloster Solutions, who breaks down how AI is transforming fleet management through predictive maintenance, smarter safety systems, and advanced route optimization following their recent acquisition of NextBillion.ai. Next, Magnus Technologies CEO Matt Cartwright joins the show to talk about the real roots of the driver shortage, why it’s a systemic issue rather than a people problem, and how empathy, communication, and integrated technology platforms can dramatically improve driver satisfaction and retention. He also shares insights from decades in the industry and why unifying data is the key to modern fleet operations. To wrap up, Andrew Poliakoff, Executive Director of CVTA, gives an inside look at the state of driver training, the federal crackdown on fraudulent training providers, and what fleets, students, and schools need to know about compliance, safety, and upcoming regulatory changes. He explains why proper training matters now more than ever and what red flags new drivers should watch for. Malcolm also covers major news across the country, including Mississippi’s crackdown on undocumented drivers, the abrupt shutdown of two Minnesota carriers affecting 200 drivers, and an Ohio logistics owner sentenced for a multimillion-dollar tax evasion scheme. 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