FreightWaves NOW

In this FreightWaves Now Community Spotlight, Kaylee Nix and Grace Sharkey dive into the latest Halloween buying habits as we kick off the 2024 holiday season. With a slight dip in consumer spending anticipated this year, the duo discusses new data from the National Retail Federation, revealing insights into candy, costumes, and decorations. They explore why shoppers might be scaling back, the popularity of discount stores, and the creative ways consumers are planning to celebrate. Join them for a lively conversation about how inflation and shifting priorities could impact your spooky season shopping! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on FreightWaves Community Spotlight: Appreciate your truck drivers (and maybe get them a new truck for Christmas!) It's the second-to-last day of Truck Driver Appreciation Week, and Thomas Wasson is here to share his thoughts on how to truly appreciate these vital members of the supply chain. Key topics covered: Spotlight driver Al Weber for his positive attitude and problem-solving skills Detention times: While they've improved slightly, nearly 40% of drivers still experience them, and getting paid for that downtime remains a big challenge (only 55% of carriers who invoice for detention actually get paid!) Class 8 truck orders: Data suggests there may be a lull in orders for new trucks in Q4 2024, due to a combination of factors including worked-through backlogs and a flooded used truck market. How to really appreciate your truck drivers: Forget the free dinner and platitudes! Drivers value home time, higher wages, and perks that make their lives on the road easier. Thomas also emphasizes the importance of remembering the people behind the wheel. Every week should be Driver Appreciation Week! Watch this video to learn more about driver detention, the state of the class 8 truck market, and most importantly, how to show your truck drivers you care. Don't forget to like and subscribe for more Freightwaves content! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us for a Monday morning deep dive into automation and its impact on the shipping industry. In this FreightWaves Community Spotlight, Kaylee Nix sits down with Grace Sharkey to discuss the ongoing debate surrounding automation in ports. We explore the concerns about job displacement, the benefits of automation, and the role of labor unions in negotiating these changes. Key topics covered: The recent halt in contract negotiations due to concerns over automation at APM terminals in Mobile, Alabama The history of automation implementation in ports The potential impact of automation on jobs and the need for retraining The role of unions in protecting workers' rights The benefits of automation, including increased productivity and safety The future of automation in the shipping industry Don't miss this insightful discussion on a crucial topic shaping the future of the shipping industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of Running on Ice dives into cold chain logistics and Beam Global's battery storage solutions. Host Mary O'Connell discusses: The challenges of maintaining cold chain storage temperatures, especially in ultra-cold warehouses. Beam Global's new Beam AllCell battery designed for extreme temperatures. How Beam AllCell batteries can improve efficiency and safety in cold chain operations. Beam Global's commitment to sustainability and battery recycling. Other innovative solutions from Beam Global to extend battery life in cold environments. Tune in to learn more about how Beam Global is helping to keep cold chain logistics running smoothly. Watch the full episode today at 2 p.m. central on FreightWaves TV and subscribe to the Running on Ice newsletter for more cold chain insights! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of FreightWaves NOW: Community Spotlight dives into the latest data on driver pay. Host Kaylee sits down with Thomas Wasson of Loaded & Rolling to discuss: How driver pay has increased significantly over the past two years, with median pay up 10% for over-the-road drivers. The shift in focus for carriers towards retaining experienced drivers rather than attracting new ones. The impact of inflation on driver pay and how it might affect future increases. The difference between gross and net pay for independent contractors. What the future holds for driver pay as we head into 2025, including potential changes in carrier strategies. Thomas Wasson also shares his thoughts on the current state of the freight market and what he expects to see in Q3. Stay tuned to Loaded & Rolling for more industry insights! Subscribe to the FreightWaves NOW channel for more trucking news and content. Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:30 Driver Pay Data & Trends 00:03:11 The Impact of Inflation 00:04:25 The Future of Driver Pay 00:05:05 Independent Contractor Pay (Net vs. Gross) 00:06:33 Predatory Lease Purchases 00:08:28 Retention Strategies for Carriers 00:08:55 The State of the Freight Market in Q3 00:09:11 Where to Find Loaded & Rolling Links: Loaded & Rolling: https://www.freightwaves.com/loaded-and-rolling FreightWaves NOW: https://www.freightwaves.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of FreightWaves Now Community Spotlight explores the often-overlooked yet crucial world of pallets! Kaylee Nix chats with Mary O'Connell about the essential role Pallet Trader plays in the supply chain by facilitating pallet sourcing, recycling, and reducing waste. Here's what you'll learn: Why pallets are a vital, but often unnoticed, part of the supply chain How Pallet Trader helps companies source new and used pallets The recycling process for pallets and how it reduces waste How to manage pallet responsibility between shippers, carriers, and warehouses What to do with leftover pallets after peak season Want to learn more? Catch the full episode today at 12:30 PM Eastern on YouTube or your favorite podcast app (Apple Podcasts, Spotify). Subscribe to the FreightWaves newsletter for more industry insights: https://www.freightwaves.com/check-call Don't miss out on this informative episode - subscribe to the FreightWaves Now channel for more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of FreightWaves Now Community Spotlight, Kaylee and Grace discuss the rise of snacking in America and how it has changed the way we eat. They also talk about the impact of social media on snacking trends and the challenges that snack companies face in a world where people are increasingly concerned about their health. Here are some key points from the discussion: 00:00:16 Snacking has become a hallmark of the American way of eating. 00:00:37 There has been a cultural shift towards snacking in recent decades. 00:01:12 CPG companies are capitalizing on this trend by developing new and innovative snack products. 00:05:32 Social media is playing a major role in shaping snacking trends. 00:06:55 Snack companies are facing challenges from the health and wellness movement. Want to learn more about the snacking industry? Check out our previous episodes and subscribe to The Stockout for more insights and updates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us for an insightful discussion on the complexities of cross-border logistics, specifically focusing on the transportation of temperature-sensitive produce between the United States and Mexico. Our expert guest, Mary O'Connell, dives into the challenges posed by border congestion, exchange rate fluctuations, and increased inspections. Discover how companies are adapting their strategies to overcome these hurdles, including the establishment of co-located warehouses and customs brokerage facilities on both sides of the border. Learn about the importance of prioritizing produce shipments and the creative solutions implemented to ensure the timely and safe delivery of perishable goods. Key topics covered: The impact of near-shoring on cross-border produce transportation   Challenges faced at border crossings due to increased traffic Strategies for mitigating congestion and ensuring efficient customs clearance The role of exchange rates in influencing cross-border freight costs The impact of increased inspections on border crossings and cold chain logistics Don't miss this informative episode as we explore the intricacies of cross-border logistics and the innovative solutions being adopted by industry leaders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of FreightWaves Now, host Kaylee Nix sits down with Thomas Wasson, author of the Loaded and Rolling newsletter, to discuss the current state of the freight market. They delve into topics such as: Hurricane season and its impact on the market Retailer strategies for the upcoming holiday season Early winter weather conditions affecting freight operations The ongoing driver shortage and its challenges The role of technology in the freight industry Don't miss this insightful discussion as we navigate the complexities of the freight market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we discuss the impact of Labor Day weekend on the freight market. We explore the mixed reports on retail peak season spending and the rising import levels from Asia. Additionally, we delve into the factors influencing the market, including the Canadian rail strike, port renovations in China, and the potential for near-shoring. Join us as we analyze the current state of the freight market and discuss the outlook for the coming months. Key Topics: Labor Day weekend and retail peak season Rising import levels from Asia Impact of the Canadian rail strike Port renovations in China Near-shoring and its potential impact Don't miss this insightful discussion on the freight market! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices