FreightCasts

Trucking and logistics company Forward Air is on the verge of a potential acquisition⁠, with several private equity firms, including Clearlake Capital and Apollo Global Management, submitting bids, causing its shares to surge 10%. This interest follows intense pressure from activist investors after the company's heavily contested merger with Omni Logistics, which shareholders criticized for its structure and the large debt burden it placed on Forward. In maritime news, ⁠a historic order has been placed for a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessel to be built at a Philadelphia shipyard⁠, marking the first of its kind in the U.S. in nearly 50 years. This joint-build project by Hanwha Ocean and Hanwha Philly Shipyard aims to comply with new rules proposed by the United States Trade Representative, which are designed to counter China’s dominance in shipping and shipbuilding by requiring a percentage of U.S. LNG exports to be transported on U.S.-flagged and crewed vessels. On the railroad front, ⁠CSX reported a decline in its second-quarter profits, with operating income falling 11% and revenue decreasing 3%⁠. Despite these financial setbacks, executives expressed encouragement regarding the railroad's operational recovery during the quarter, highlighting improvements in on-time performance. CSX anticipates overall volume growth for the year, driven by numerous industrial development projects becoming operational and the ongoing conversion of freight from highway to intermodal transport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Long Haul, Adam sits down with Mike Ernst, President of Expedite All and a 25-year freight industry veteran, to talk about one of the most slept-on opportunities in trucking: Small Truckload (STL). From cargo vans to box trucks and straight trucks, STL is on the rise—driven by tight delivery windows, high-value freight, and a shift away from one-size-fits-all shipping. Mike breaks down what STL really is, why it’s not just a local play, and how smart carriers can step in now and build consistency in a volatile market. If you’re running under CDL or thinking about diversifying your equipment—this episode is your blueprint. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Thomas Wasson is joined by Justin Martin (@supertrucker). We're talking about some of the biggest headlines in freight, including Marten's sale of its intermodal unit to HubGroup, Warren Buffett's denial of BNSF merger rumors, and the ATA's proposal to replace the gas tax with a vehicle registration fee. We're also joined by a great lineup of guests: Steve Sykora, Customer and Partner Acquisition Lead at Bosch in North America, joins us to talk about the Bosch Mobility Platform, the latest trends in fleet maintenance, and how their FleetME solution can help fleets increase revenue. Dr. Gina Anderson, CEO of Luma Brighter Learning, is here to break down how adults learn and how organizations can create training that genuinely changes behavior. Hugo Beltran, CEO of Genesis Equip You, discusses the challenges facing small to midsize fleets and how his company is providing them with tailored financing and high-quality equipment to help them grow. Plus, we'll tell you how you can win a 36-inch Blackstone griddle! Watch on YouTube Check out the WTT merch store 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

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

In today’s episode, Jerad Dennis, director of pricing and business intelligence at TA Services joins us to talk about TA’s recently released Transportation Trendline report. We dive into how spot rate trends, the impact of weather and seasonality, and what watch as we approach the second half of 2025. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

New reports indicate that ⁠BNSF has hired Goldman Sachs to advise on a potential rail merger⁠, following ongoing merger talks between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern since the first quarter. Publicly held Class One railroads are also scheduled to begin reporting their second-quarter earnings this week. We delve into the US cargo airlines' strong endorsement of the Trump administration's sanctions on Mexico, enacted after ⁠Mexico allegedly violated a 2015 air transport agreement by forcing all cargo carriers to relocate⁠. The U.S. Department of Transportation will now review flight schedules of Mexican carriers and has put European countries on notice for similar potential actions. The episode also highlights the struggles of ⁠small and medium-sized businesses amidst a possible trade war⁠, with some companies adopting new practices like skew normalization to mitigate tariff-related losses. Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka notes that uncertainty has become the new norm, emphasizing how trade policies impact the economy as a whole. Tune in today at 2 PM for a new episode of ⁠Loaded and Rolling⁠ with Thomas Wason on FreightWaves Television. Additionally, mark your calendars for the ⁠Enterprise Fleet Summit ⁠tomorrow and the ⁠Supply Chain AI Symposium⁠ next week on July 30th in Washington D.C.. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On episode 864 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Thomas Wasson is hosting. We catch up with Todd Waldron, vice president of carrier experience at Truckstop.com and look at their recent driver survey, the role AI is playing for truckers today, and celebrate Truckstop’s 30 year anniversary. We also dive into the LTL world by unpacking the Synchro LTL Claims Index and talk with Bill Jackson, Founder and the creator of the index about how folks can use it.  Watch on YouTube Check out the WTT merch store 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

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

A new proposed deal could reshape freight railroading, with Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern reportedly in merger talks to create the first true transcontinental railroad. Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, owning Union Pacific's primary competitor BNSF Railway, looms large with over $347 billion in cash, sparking speculation of a bidding war that could involve other major railroads like CSX. We also cover the U.S. moves to restrict Mexican airlines over cargo and competition concerns, threatening the long-standing partnership between Delta and Aeromexico. This action by the Trump administration is a direct response to the Mexican government's mandate forcing all cargo flights from Mexico City's main airport to a more distant new airport, a move the U.S. asserts violates their trade agreement. Finally, get an update on ocean rates falling for the fifth straight week, according to Drewry's World Container Index. The key route from Shanghai to Los Angeles saw rates decrease by 4%, while Shanghai to New York dipped 6%, reflecting what analysts describe as a clear sign of weakening global demand for goods after a volatile spike caused by U.S. tariffs on Chinese products earlier this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices