FreightCasts

Saia obtained court approval to purchase three terminals⁠ from Yellow's bankruptcy in New York, California, and Florida. These assets, priced at $8.5 million, further Saia's aggressive terminal growth strategy, which has seen 21 new terminals opened in the last year as of their first quarter 2024 earnings call. ⁠DHL Express Canada has reached a tentative agreement on a new contract⁠ with its striking Unifor Union workers after nearly two weeks of halted operations. Unifor, which represents over 2,100 DHL Express truck and van drivers, warehouse pickers, and other Canadian workers, will not disclose deal details until finalized, with a ratification meeting set for the coming days. ⁠Estes Forwarding Worldwide (EFW) was the victim of a cyberattack⁠ earlier this week. Despite the attack, the company confirmed there was no significant disruption to its business, and its parent company, Estes Express Lines, which was previously targeted in 2023, was unaffected and provided recovery support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on The Long Haul, Adam sits down with Carlos Otero, CEO of efRouting—a platform using real data to help small carriers stop bleeding money on poor load choices. Carlos blends academic freight research with family trucking roots to explain why chasing high-rate loads isn’t always profitable, how routing is costing carriers more than they think, and what a smarter, multi-day planning strategy really looks like. If you’ve ever booked a great-paying load and still lost money, this one’s for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to a special episode of Truck Tech where Thomas Wasson dives deep into the world of commercial vehicle batteries with Mabel Feng, Director of Product Management at Proterra. Ever wondered what really goes into powering heavy-duty electric trucks and buses? Mabel breaks down the complex science and engineering behind these crucial components. We discuss: Battery Chemistry Explained: From lithium-ion to the latest periodic table elements, learn how different chemistries impact performance, lifespan, and safety for demanding applications. Beyond the "Cookie": Understand how individual battery cells are assembled into modules and packs, and the meticulous considerations for designing commercial-grade battery solutions. The "Juice Tanker" Concept: Explore the fascinating trend of mobile battery storage and transfer, and how it could revolutionize charging infrastructure for fleets. Charging Standards & Future-Proofing: Get insights into current charging capabilities (250kW, 350kW, Megawatt Charging System - MCS) and the potential for advanced solutions like inductive charging at bus stops. Fleet Adoption Trends: Despite regulatory shifts, why are fleets continuing their long-term commitment to electrification? Discover the "tortoise and hare" pace of adoption driven by total cost of ownership (TCO) and strategic planning. "Green Shoots" in Commercial EV: Where are the most promising areas for EV adoption in the heavy-duty sector? Mabel identifies key segments for fleets looking to make the leap into electrification. Whether you're a fleet manager, an industry enthusiast, or just curious about the future of transportation, this episode offers invaluable insights into the heart of electric commercial vehicles. #TruckTech #Proterra #EVBatteries #CommercialEV #BatteryTechnology #ElectricTrucks #ElectricBuses #FleetElectrification #HeavyDutyEV #BatteryScience #ChargingInfrastructure #MegawattCharging #InductiveCharging #CleanTransportation #SustainableFleets #ACTExpo #FutureOfTrucking #ZeroEmission #EVAdoption #TruckingIndustry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On episode 854 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Dooner is joined by FreightWaves’ CEO and Founder, Craig Fuller. English language proficiency enforcement begins today. How will it impact carriers, shippers, brokers, and the truckload market? Fuller breaks it down. We’ll also explore: -The freight market in the first half of 2025 -Global turmoil and its effects on supply chains -Key market trends and insights from SONAR’s Trade War Command Center -Freight industry feuds -Updates on the Motion Museum, this year’s F3, and more FreightWaves’ John Paul Hampstead talks about his call that truckload markets could be in for a red hot 4th of July.  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 6 p.m. Eastern on SiriusXM’s Road Dog Trucking Channel 146. Watch on YouTube Check out the WTT merch store Visit our sponsor Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is intensifying enforcement of English Language Proficiency (ELP) standards as of June 25, 2025, which could lead to the immediate grounding of truck drivers who do not meet Department of Transportation requirements. This move is expected to shrink the pool of qualified drivers, creating capacity constraints, increasing tender rejections, and driving national truckload rates higher, with the National Truckload Index currently at $2.27 per mile.  In other news, Relay Payments is expanding its services beyond fuel payments into repair and maintenance, announcing partnerships with Southern Tire Mart at Pilot, Boss Truck Shops, and AMBEST Service Centers, collectively offering over 235 locations. This initiative aims to streamline payment processes for carriers and improve workflows for merchants by utilizing digital RelayCodes, allowing fleets to consolidate all over-the-road expenses on a single platform.  Turning our eyes skyward, FedEx has retired a dozen freighter aircraft, including Airbus A300s, MD-11s, and Boeing 757-200s, as part of an effort to streamline its air network and modernize its fleet, taking a $21 million impairment charge. While flying less domestically after its USPS contract ended, FedEx is focusing on efficient widebody freighters and plans further acquisitions of Boeing 777s and ATR 72-600 turboprops to meet strong international parcel demand and boost efficiency.  On the ground in the food sector, a wave of layoffs and closures is hitting major food retailers, distributors, and producers across the U.S., with over 1,500 job cuts announced since early May. Companies affected include United Natural Foods Inc., which is closing a distribution center in Pennsylvania and cutting 716 jobs; Albertsons, which laid off 275 corporate employees and plans to close a grocery store in Portland, Oregon; and Amazon Fresh, which shuttered a grocery location near Seattle with 125 job losses.  In the maritime realm, Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Louis Sola announced he is stepping down as his carryover term expires this month, having served since 2018 as a Trump appointee. Sola played a key role in safeguarding the U.S. maritime industry, bringing greater transparency to port operations, and overseeing a supply chain that moves more than $5 trillion in goods annually, including leading an investigation that resulted in the de-flagging of 140 sanctioned vessels.  The Ports of Indiana are partnering with Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) to restart operations at the Burns Harbor grain terminal on Lake Michigan, a crucial asset for Midwest grain exports since its opening in 1979. LDC, one of the world's "big four" global agri-commodities companies, plans to begin operating the terminal in early 2026, aiming to boost grain exports and provide vital market access for regional farmers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of FreightWaves Morning Minute covers the ongoing debate in Congress regarding rail safety technology, with a House subcommittee hearing highlighting the partisan divide over its implementation. Republicans advocate for technological innovation and modernization of regulations, while Democrats emphasize that advancements should not compromise worker safety. Much of the discussion centered on automated track inspection and the extent to which railroads should be allowed to reduce traditional visual inspections.  FedEx has permanently retired 12 freighter aircraft and incurred a $21 million impairment charge in the fourth quarter as part of its effort to streamline its air network and modernize its fleet. The removed aircraft include seven Airbus A300-600s, three MD-11 tri-engine freighters, and two Boeing 757-200s, in addition to 22 Boeing 757 cargo jets decommissioned in the fourth quarter of 2024. FedEx plans to reduce aircraft investment to $1 billion in the current fiscal year and maintain that level for several years.  A recent surge in layoffs impacted the food production, distribution, and retail sectors across the U.S., with over 1,500 job cuts announced since the beginning of May. Notable companies affected include United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI), which is closing a distribution center and eliminating 716 jobs, and Albertsons, which has laid off 275 corporate employees in Phoenix. Additionally, Amazon Fresh closed a grocery store in Seattle, leading to 125 job cuts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, Mike Precia, president and chief strategy officer at Fleetworthy joins us to talk about their recent acquisitions and how AI is shaking up safety and compliance. ⁠Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FreightWaves honors the remarkable life and legacy of Fred Smith, the visionary founder who built FedEx into the world’s largest cargo airline. Learn how his hands-on leadership and strategic aircraft acquisitions transformed the company into a global commerce leader, even through ventures that didn't succeed. Erez Agmoni of Interwoven Ventures, who previously led innovation at Maersk, shares insights on how combining AI computer vision with dynamic digital twins allows for significant efficiency improvements, as seen in Maersk’s container unloading, which achieved 82% accuracy in prediction times, and drayage operations, which saved millions by consolidating information for optimization. Geopolitical tensions are disrupting freight flows, as demonstrated by Maersk’s decision to stop Haifa service prior to Iran missile attacks, underscoring the delicate balance shipping giants must maintain for crew safety and operations. This suspension, amid escalating conflict, contributed to increased container rates from Shanghai to European ports, showing broader market uncertainties. For the trucking industry, prepare for a hot, tight July 4th freight market, where spot truckload rates are expected to rise, offering a significant opportunity for carriers to capitalize on higher rates. Freight brokers, however, face the challenge of proactively managing margins against potentially surging spot rates as tender rejection rates climb nationally and in key regional hubs. Fuel prices are also in the spotlight, with the benchmark diesel price now at its highest level in almost a year after a big jump, even as ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) futures markets recently plunged. This surge, following initial fears of supply disruptions from Middle East conflicts, means diesel consumers are still feeling the pinch at the pump. Finally, we highlight innovative strides in fleet management as Samsara introduces its 2025 North America Customer Advisory Board, bringing together industry leaders to shape the product roadmap for AI-driven tools. Discover how customers are leveraging Samsara's AI-powered platforms to achieve impressive ROI, including millions saved in maintenance costs and significant reductions in accidents and theft. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we dive into the summer freight market. Our guest, David Spencer, Vice President of Market Intelligence at Arrive Logistics, breaks down what is happening in the freight market as well as key indicators to watch for changes in market conditions. For more information, subscribe to ⁠Check Call the newsletter⁠ or the podcast.  ⁠Follow the Check Call Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FedEx's board of directors elected R. Brad Martin as chairman following the passing of founder Fred Smith, and a decision to reduce the board's size to 12 members. The company expressed profound gratitude for Smith's vision and contributions, as Martin, previously vice chairman, now leads the audit and finance committees. Maersk has suspended services to Israel’s busiest port, Haifa, and halted cargo acceptance due to ongoing conflict and safety risks from missile attacks. This decision was made prior to new missile attacks, which occurred despite reports of a potential ceasefire. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced a five-year, $10 million research initiative to study the long-term health effects of the 2023 railroad derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. This marks the first large-scale coordinated federal program to address community health concerns, focusing on public health tracking, chemical exposure impacts, and multi-disciplinary communication. Also, tune into FreightWaves TV for programs like Check Call and Loaded and Rolling, and mark your calendars for upcoming events like the Enterprise Fleet Summit on July 23rd. Don't miss the Supply Chain AI Symposium on July 30th in Washington D.C., where a special ticket offer allows combining it with your F3 ticket for a reduced price. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices