Talking Transports

Rising “nuclear verdicts,” broker liability and landmark court cases are reshaping the economics of trucking and logistics. In this Talking Transports podcast, Matthew Leffler, managing member of Armchair Attorney, joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to unpack the legal forces affecting freight markets. Leffler explains the surge in nine-figure verdicts, the Supreme Court case that could redefine broker liability and why outdated insurance minimums are straining carriers and insurers alike. He also discusses broker transparency, tariffs and emergency powers, rail consolidation and how court decisions may influence capacity, rates and risk across the supply chain, along with the story behind his signature red jacket.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Geopolitical developments from the US, increased protectionist policies, Red Sea risks and regional wars have created a climate of unprecedented uncertainty for the global containerliner industry. In this Talking Transports podcast, Joe Kramek, the president and CEO of the World Shipping Council joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to discuss what the global industry is doing to move ahead of headwinds. Decarbonization remains paramount for the WCS despite the International Maritime Organization postponing a vote to adopt its Net-Zero Framework (NZF) until October. And how avoiding to pay rent pushed him into a long and gratifying maritime career. maritime career.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Technology investment is no longer a luxury for supply chains, as it has become essential just to survive, let alone thrive. In this Talking Transports podcast, project44 founder and CEO Jett McCandless joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to discuss how AI is transforming global supply chains from reactive to autonomous. McCandless explains how project44’s decision intelligence platform uses AI and multi-agent workflows to help shippers and logistics providers analyze disruptions, optimize responses and act in real time across all modes. He shares why “decision speed” now matters more than transit speed, how visibility must evolve beyond alerts, and why 2026 will mark a turning point as companies demand hard returns from AI investments. McCandless also offers his outlook on nearshoring, geopolitics, freight markets and the leadership lessons learned from returning project44 to founder mode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Global freight markets face another challenging year from geopolitical tensions, uncertain trade policies and slack capacity. In this episode of the Talking Transports podcast, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst Lee Klaskow shares how 2026 may play out for North American trucking, railroad and freight brokerage markets, as well as the global parcel and shipping sectors. An acceleration in the rate of capacity leaving the truckload market could ripple across less-than-truckload, freight brokerage and railroad industries, setting up for a better year than 2025. Technology-driven productivity investments could help offset a tepid demand backdrop and support improved margins. Supply growth is expected to outpace containerliner demand, which will weigh on rates and earnings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Geopolitical tensions, a fractured regulatory landscape and shifting trade patterns are reshaping the maritime industry in ways not seen in decades. In this episode of the Talking Transports podcast, maritime historian and former merchant mariner, Sal Mercogliano, joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to break down the forces redefining global shipping. Mercogliano discusses the risks surrounding the Red Sea and Suez Canal, the rise of the shadow fleet and the challenges facing the IMO’s ambitious decarbonization goals. He also examines US shipbuilding ambitions, Jones Act reform and the critical role of the Merchant Marine in national security. Mercogliano shares insights from his seafaring career, his academic work and his popular YouTube channel, offering a wide-angle perspective on the future of maritime trade.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The advent of artificial intelligence and machine learning has opened a new era of productivity gains for freight brokers, capacity owners and shippers. Supply chains are still in the early stages of adopting these tools, creating significant opportunities over the next several years. In this episode of the Talking Transports podcast, Augment CEO and co-founder Harish Abbott joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to discuss how AI is reshaping the freight industry. Abbott outlines how Augie, Augment’s AI teammate, automates end-to-end brokerage workflows — from order to cash — while improving service levels and reducing costs. He also reflects on the challenges of scaling AI talent, the importance of change management, and how his early career at Amazon sparked his passion for fixing logistics’ inefficiencies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump administration’s policies could have profound effects on the marine shipping industry that go well beyond US shores. In this Talking Transports podcast, former US Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Louis Sola joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to discuss the shifting landscape of US maritime policy. Sola shares insights on shipbuilding challenges, tariff impacts, chokepoint vulnerabilities and the importance of strengthening national security through a resilient supply chain. He also reflects on restarting the cruise industry during Covid-19, his work combating sanctions evasion and his new role advising clients on trade, energy and infrastructure. Sola talks about how his time in the US Army put him on the path toward a career in transportation, which has included selling luxury yachts, and his time in public service.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The North American freight market is soft, with excess capacity and uncertainty in manufacturing, retail and housing weighing on demand. In this episode of Talking Transports, ArcBest Chairman and CEO Judy McReynolds joins Bloomberg Intelligence’s senior transportation and logistics analyst, Lee Klaskow, to discuss how the company is navigating the prolonged freight recession. McReynolds shares how ArcBest is leveraging technology, AI and data to drive efficiency — from route optimization to dock automation — and how acquisitions like MoLo have strengthened its integrated logistics network. She also reflects on her career, the lessons she’s learned and offers advice to future executives, especially women entering transportation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marine cargo ports serve as the conduits connecting global and regional economies, and their ability to run efficiently can be felt near and far. In this Talking Transports podcast, American Association of Port Authorities’ (AAPA) Vice President of Government Relations John Bressler, joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to unpack the policies shaping US seaports and what his trade organization is doing to push for more federal infrastructure funding. Bressler also discusses rail consolidation, shipbuilding incentives, tariffs and automation, stressing balance between efficiency, labor and security. With ports investing in decarbonization, dredging and digitalization, he says smarter infrastructure and collaboration will keep America’s maritime network competitive and resilient.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rising insurance costs have been a major headwind facing the trucking markets and things might not improve anytime soon. Insurance premiums could grow by double digits for another year in 2026 due to increased litigation and fraud, along with fewer companies writing trucking policies. In this Talking Transports podcast, Reliance Partners’ co-founder and CEO Andrew Ladebauche and Thom Albrecht, the company’s chief revenue officer, join Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to discuss the state and outlook of the trucking-insurance market. The conversation also delves into strategies for mitigating costs, the need for reform and better regulatory practices to ensure safety and sustainability in transportation, as well as why many fraudsters are apparent fans of Tommy Tutone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.