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Hey there, friends! It's your podcast pal Kaylee Nix, and I just wrapped up a fantastic Thursday chat with Thomas Wasson. We dived into the world of trucking, where earnings season is in full swing and Werner's big Q4 miss has them doubling down on expedited services. Thomas shared some wisdom from Werner's strategy to grow more dedicated routes—it's like they're saying, 'We're sticking with you through thick and thin!' We also peeked into the Logistics Manager's Index, which is looking pretty sunny with transportation metrics expanding for the first time since 2019. And, get this, even though we're only halfway through Q1 of 2024, there's a buzz that the market might be on the upswing. Thomas gave us a heads up on the Federal Reserve's moves and how they could spark more optimism and truckload movements. Plus, we touched on insurance insights with Steven Ritzler from Cover Wallet. All in all, it was an episode packed with the nitty-gritty of trucking and a splash of hopeful outlooks. Can't wait to share more next week! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey friends, Kaylee Nix here, with a quick recap of our latest podcast where we celebrated Valentine's Day and shone the spotlight on Volvo's truck tech advancements. My co-host, Alan Adler, and I got all revved up about Volvo's new VNL trucks, which are not only sleek and aerodynamic but are also set to save truckers big bucks in fuel costs. Alan shared insights on how these trucks are the future of autonomous driving with tech from a partnership with Aurora. Not to mention, we chatted about the trucks' fancy features like a Murphy bed and a 24-volt electric system. We wrapped up with a teaser about our upcoming newsletter and Alan's sweet Valentine shoutout to his wife, Deb. Remember to tune in next time and catch all the truck tech action! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary O'Connell chats with Kestrel Insights to highlight the advantages and value add services a 3PL can offer shippers in regards geofencing and visibility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Baudendistel explains why Amazon is under scrutiny from the FTC and other agencies for practices that could change its classification Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary O'Connell looks at what Cardinal Health is doing to reduce their carbon footprint and how other shippers can take sustainability into their own hands. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summary In this episode of Loaded and Rolling Community Update we have the pleasure of hosting Thomas Wasson, a seasoned enterprise trucking expert. We delve into the operational challenges that Heartland and UPS are grappling with, discuss the ramifications of acquisitions on company performance, and speculate on UPS's potential divestiture of Coyote Logistics. Thomas also gives us a sneak peek at future show topics, including a deep dive into transparency within the trucking industry. Key Highlights - Heartland's earnings have taken a hit, despite the company's strong track record for pricing discipline and maintaining a solid operating ratio. - The assimilation of newly acquired entities presents a significant hurdle for major carriers, as preserving the original culture and profitability proves to be a complex task. - Contract carriers are facing a tumultuous trucking market, with the downturn in the spot market beginning to exert pressure on contract rates. - UPS is contemplating the sale of Coyote Logistics, a subsidiary that has been weighing down on its earnings, though securing a buyer in the current economic climate could prove challenging. - The strategic decision to offload a business segment hinges on the timing and the segment's potential for future growth. - An upcoming episode will feature a conversation with Cover Wallet, focusing on the importance of transparency in the trucking industry and the role of the FMCSA. Guests Joining us today is Thomas Wasson, an enterprise trucking expert whose deep industry knowledge offers a wealth of insights into the market's current challenges and trends. Action Steps - Keep a close eye on the performance of industry giants like Heartland and UPS to better understand the intricacies of the trucking sector's challenges. - Stay abreast of trucking market dynamics, particularly how fluctuations in the spot market are influencing contract rates. - When considering the sale of a business division, weigh the importance of timing and the division's growth prospects. - Anticipate the forthcoming episode with Cover Wallet on Loaded and Rolling, where we will tackle the topic of industry transparency. Listener Challenge We challenge you to investigate and dissect the financial health of Heartland and UPS, to gain a more nuanced perspective on the obstacles they're currently encountering. Next Steps Don't miss out on the latest industry insights—subscribe to Loaded and Rolling and join us as we navigate the evolving landscape of trucking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summary In this episode, we sit down with Alan Adler to discuss Carlton Rose, the new chairman of REE Automotive's board. We delve into the company's cutting-edge technology and Carlton's significant contributions to the industry. We also tackle the hurdles Nikola faces with hydrogen pricing and infrastructure for their fuel cell electric trucks. Key Highlights - Carlton Rose, the innovative chairman of REE Automotive's board, is our next guest. - REE Automotive boasts a revolutionary full by wire system, eliminating mechanical parts in their chassis. - Carlton Rose's commitment to REE Automotive stems from his belief in their unique technology. - With his extensive industry experience, Carlton Rose is a powerful advocate for REE Automotive. - Carlton Rose prioritizes customer needs and maintenance in his approach. - Nikola confronts challenges with hydrogen pricing and infrastructure for their fuel cell electric trucks. Guests Alan Adler Action Steps - Discover the innovative powertrain technology behind REE Automotive. - Emphasize the value of customer feedback in your business or sector. - Investigate the potential of hydrogen as an alternative fuel for transportation. Listener Challenge Think back to a pivotal moment in your career or business where you faced a strategic choice. What considerations influenced your decision, and what was the outcome? Next Steps Don't miss out on the latest trucking insights! Subscribe to the Truck Tech YouTube channel and newsletter today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summary In the latest episode of Check Call Community Update, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Mary O'Connell, the insightful host and writer of Check Call. We dive into the intricacies of bulk commodity shipping, discussing its pivotal role in the supply chain and its predictive power for the shipping industry's future. We also tackled the nuances of customer acquisition in this sector and debated the suitability of bulk shipping for different 3PLs. To cap it off, Mary teased an exciting upcoming Check Call⁠ episode featuring Nick Shipe from Circle Logistics. Key Highlights - Bulk shipping is a vital cog in the supply chain, transporting large quantities of commodities that are foundational for various industries. - A familiar example of bulk shipping is the delivery of gas to stations by tractor trailers, a visible and integral part of the bulk shipping landscape. - The bulk shipping market upstream can serve as a crystal ball, hinting at future trends in downstream products and industries through shifts in rates and volumes. - Understanding the upstream manufacturers and suppliers is key to customer acquisition in bulk shipping, as it reveals who is producing the raw materials for end products. - Bulk shipping encompasses diverse transportation modes, including trucking, rail, and barge, and a 3PL specializing in this area must master these to offer full-service solutions. - Bulk shipping isn't a one-size-fits-all for 3PLs; it's best suited for those whose focus aligns with the demands of this specialized market. - Carrier vetting is paramount in bulk shipping due to its specialized nature, and fostering strong carrier relationships is beneficial for recommendations within the market. - Nick Shipe from Circle Logistics will join the next Check Call episode, offering a deep dive into the essentials of bulk shipping. Guests Meet Mary O'Connell, the voice and mind behind Check Call, a podcast that sheds light on the shipping industry's multifaceted nature. Her expertise offers listeners a treasure trove of insights. Action Steps - Immerse yourself in the bulk commodity shipping world to grasp its critical role in the supply chain. - Pinpoint upstream manufacturers and suppliers to better navigate the bulk shipping landscape. - Explore the various transportation modes integral to bulk shipping, such as trucking, rail, and barge. - Assess whether bulk shipping is a strategic fit for your 3PL business's focus and expertise. - Cultivate robust relationships with carriers in the bulk shipping realm to secure dependable and effective transport services. Listener Challenge We challenge you to spot the elements of bulk shipping in your everyday life. Observe the products you use, trace their raw material origins, and discover the transportation methods behind them. Next Steps Don't miss the enlightening episode of Check Call with Nick Shipe from Circle Logistics for an in-depth look at bulk shipping. Make sure to subscribe to Check Call for a wealth of knowledge on the shipping industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Baudendistel explains why Norfolk Southern is facing some heat from its activist investor as it continues to work toward rail safety one year after the derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. Follow The Stockout Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary O'Connell previews her show, Running on Ice, talking about the difficulties of stopping cargo theft specifically in the cold chain space. Follow the Running on Ice Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices