

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

Oct 11, 2024 • 46min
Robovan and Musk’s autonomous prediction; breakeven cost per mile; parking
On Episode 769 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Dooner is joined by freight analyst Tanner DeHart. We’re breaking down the market and how it impacts truck cost. We’ll also look at how breakeven can vary wildly between carriers.On Thursday Elon Musk predicted that all transportation would be autonomous within 50 years. Just hours later, Tesla revealed its Robotaxi and Robovans. We’ll look at what those are and whether his prediction could come true.Truck Parking Club’s Reed Loustalot gets into the paid versus free parking debate and how they’re expanding their services across the nation. Lexmark’s Brant Nystrom shares the latest on their deployment of AI in truck operations. What are they doing with it? We’ll find out.Plus, Northern lights of North America; strapping down a house; crashing Volvos; WTT releases documentary on Southern California ports.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

Oct 9, 2024 • 46min
Hurricane Milton hits Florida and freight markets; Waffle House Index
On Episode 768 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Dooner is talking about Hurricane Milton’s devastating path toward Florida. With the Southeast still recovering from Helene, Milton heads for Florida as a Category 4 hurricane. We’ll look at the impacts the storms are having on the freight market, the roads, the people and the places they’ve put underwater in October. We’ll also find how the Florida government works with the Waffle House storm center, and we’ll see what that Waffle House Index is saying.The port strike may be over for now, but Jan. 15 is just three months away. Will the ILA head right back to the picket line when its extension expires, and what impacts are shippers facing now? CNBC’s Lori Ann LaRocco shares the latest news.Brokers and carriers getting along? They said it would never happen but that was before the Broker Carrier Summit came along. Robert Bain and Rob McCutcheon tell us what to expect at this upcoming event.TIE’s Tyler Christensen and Sandy Scardina talk about a new insurance program and talk about hurricane damage to semitrucks.Plus, riding out Milton in a boat; a jumbotron for your kitchen; 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

Oct 7, 2024 • 46min
Port strike aftermath; load board for US-Mexico freight; Milton eyes Florida
On Episode 767 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Dooner is talking about Hurricane Milton’s pathway towards Florida and the incredible relief efforts some logistics companies are providing in the Asheville, North Carolina, area.The port strike has been resolved for now, but just how disruptive were those three days of lockdown last week? xChange’s Christian Roeloffs breaks down the impacts from what shutting down every major port on the East and Gulf coasts had. We'll also find out what we need to know about negotiations between the International Longshoremen's Association and the United States Maritime Alliance prior to Jan. 15.There’s a new load board for U.S.-Mexico freight. Cargado’s Matt Silver says it’s “like running a mini-bid at the lane level and getting all your carriers and rates in one place.” We’ll find out who it is for and how it works.What’s the good, bad and ugly of driver recruiting right now? Rig on Wheels’ Kameel Gaines talks about the driver market.Plus, Arkansas shocks Tennessee; WWE Bad Blood draws in Atlanta; headphones for dogs; 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

Oct 4, 2024 • 45min
Port strike ends; J.B. Hunt’s Shelley Simpson; University of Arkansas
On Episode 766 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Dooner is talking about the ILA port strike ending. Thursday afternoon a deal was reached that extended the ILA’s master contract until Jan. 15. How quickly can supply chains recover from this week’s shutdown, and what led to the resolution? We’re breaking it down.J.B. Hunt CEO and President Shelley Simpson is one of the most dynamic leaders in the entire supply chain industry. This year she ascended to the CEO position at J.B. Hunt and has been passionate about spreading her mission based on people, process and innovation.We’ll find out from Simpson about:
How they honor drivers.
How they’re bringing awareness to mental health.
A new partnership with UpLabs.
Any potential fallout from the strike.
And with a big game against the University of Tennessee Volunteers coming up, we may even call the Hogs.
Professors and students from the University of Arkansas Sam M. Walton College of Business drop by to tell us the latest about their program this semester. With port strikes, pandemics, toilet paper shortages, global conflict and reshoring, there’s no shortage of real-life supply chain lessons for students to break down. David Dobrzykowski, Marc Scott and Henry Lee tell us what’s good with supply chain education. 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

Oct 2, 2024 • 46min
Port strike Day 2; fighting forever FreightGuards; USA’s new largest truckstop
On Episode 764 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Dooner is talking to What’s Going On With Shipping’s Sal Mercogliano about the ILA port strikes as they enter Day 2. With ports from Maine to Houston shut down due to the strike, what impacts will we see in the supply chain, how are negotiations going, and when will it end? We’ll break it down.With Carrier411 announcing the FreightGuards can’t be deleted, a new startup called Carrier Defender is the latest line of defense for trucking companies looking to protect their reputations. We’ll find out from Aleks Bates and Dan Artaev how they’re helping carriers fight back against fallacious Freightguards.Move over Iowa 80, there’s a new largest truck stop in town. This month, Outpost is opening a 30-acre truck stop in Dundee, Illinois, with 1,000 spaces, which tops Iowa 80’s 900 spots. We’ll find out from Trent Cameron why they built it, whom it will serve and when it will open. Plus, Walmart and others join Helene relief effort; serial truck tire slasher strikes again; 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

Sep 30, 2024 • 46min
How logistics companies are helping with Helene recovery; ports strike tomorrow
On Episode 763 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Dooner is talking to Operation Airdrop’s Ryan Spellman about how they’re flying in aid to those impacted by Hurricane Helene. Operation Airdrop uses volunteer pilots to deliver critical supplies. With I-40 and parts of I-26 shut down, their work is more crucial than ever.With just hours to go before ports from Maine to Texas go on strike, we’ll take a look at how shippers and logistics firms are bracing themselves for impact. On Sunday, President Joe Biden reiterated that he would not invoke Taft-Hartley while the International Longshoremen’s Association has voted to strike. How long will it last and how will supply chains get hit? We’ll find out from OEC Group's Joseph Firrincieli.J. J. Keller’s John Lovan clears up misconceptions around drug and alcohol testing regulations.Multi Service Fuel Card’s Jessica Dotson talks about the fight against fuel fraud.Plus, serial tire slasher strikes relief trucks; all modes of delivery used for hurricane relief; 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

Sep 27, 2024 • 45min
The perfect storms: Hurricane and port strikes
On Episode 762 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Dooner is talking to Kaylee Nix about the fallout from Hurricane Helene, which made landfall days before ports are set to go on strike across the East and Gulf coasts. We’ll look into how this convergence of perfect storms will hit supply chains. Freight theft is out of control but Next 72 Intelligence may have a solution. Bruce Anderson shares how they’re using cellphone geolocation tracking to collar cargo thieves.ODeX is trying to simplify payments for truck drivers. Binai Thoppil talks about how their new partnership with PayPal is helping them achieve that. Plus, RIP Dave MacMillian; serial tire slashers strike again; Waymo vandalized with passenger inside; Waffle House conference booths; 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

Sep 25, 2024 • 46min
NASA’s Barge Pegasus: The massive rocket ferry
On episode 762 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Dooner is joined by NASA’s Jason Dickerson to talk about the logistics of moving rockets. From barge to space, how does this type of heavy haul work? We’ll find out the logistics of NASA’s barge Pegasus.Ryder and Terminal have teamed up to digitize yards and have achieved 99% accuracy with AI computer vision. We’ll find out how from RyderVenture’s Mike Plasencia and Terminal Industries’ Max Constant.Plus, shippers scramble before port stikes; hurricane Helene heads for Florida; FreightTech 100 announced 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

Sep 23, 2024 • 46min
Tariffs: This election’s political weapon; Think Train Week; warehousing report
On Episode 761 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Dooner is talking about global trade and tariffs with OEC Group’s Erik Rosica. Rosica discusses how tariffs are the new political weapon in industrial relations and how supply chains are being impacted. From Section 321 tariffs to Trump’s vow to raise tariffs on China, will supply chains pay the price?You know all those videos we post of trucks getting hit by trains? Operation Lifesaver is trying to put a stop to them and all train tragedies by bringing awareness to rail safety this Think Train Week. Operation Lifesaver’s Jennifer DeAngelis gets us on the right track when considering safety around trains. Buske Logistics just added five more warehouses to its portfolio. We’ll catch up with Steve Schlect to find out about that strategic move, warehousing trends and what areas are hot right now. Plus, Tennessee Volunteers equipment truck crashes in Arkansas; rail load toppled in Texas; cargo theft surges in Mexico; how many cameras to keep a truck safe; and more.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

Sep 20, 2024 • 46min
Trucker honored for 3M accident free miles; NTDAW roundup; OOIDA teams with TAT
On episode 760 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Dooner is joined by Covenant driver Don Lord and his son Jason. Combined, they’ve driven for over 5 million accident-free miles! Don was just honored by Covenant with a check for $7,500 and a customized truck. We’ll find out how he’s managed to stay safe while running enough miles to circle the globe 120 times.Plus, a National Truck Driver Appreciation Week roundup featuring Noritta Taylor at OOIDA, Kylla Lanier at Trucker Against Trafficking, Nick LaFalce at RaceTrac and Jamie Hagen at Hell Bent Xpress. A Coca-Cola Oreo review and more. 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


