Are floral freight rates the first warning sign of a tightening reefer market? Is Florida enforcement reshaping capacity faster than most carriers expected? Are you positioned for the Southeast produce surge before the peak season hits?

Dean Croke of DAT Freight & Analytics is back to break down how Valentine's Day floral demand funneled through Miami pushed outbound freight rates up, why immigration scale house enforcement is cutting reefer capacity, and how the upcoming produce season will impact national trucking rates, refrigerated freight trends, and contract negotiations.

We also dig into DAT freight data showing national rates higher year over year despite soft volumes, explain how seasonal demand shifts, tender rejection rates, and regulatory changes are driving spot market opportunities, and talk honestly about enforcement challenges affecting minority drivers while emphasizing compliance, industry integrity, and long-term freight market stability as capacity tightens and the trucking industry moves toward a more predictable recovery through 2026 for carriers, brokers, and shippers who stay informed and adaptable!

About Dean Croke

Dean is the Prinicpal Analyst at DAT Freight & Analytics, the leader in market and pricing intelligence and operates the largest truckload freight marketplace in North America. He is a Global Supply Chain and Logistics Executive specializing in freight market analytics, multi-modal freight flows, thought leadership, and the application of business intelligence using digital technologies.

Connect with Dean

• Website: https://www.dat.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deancroke/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@datfreight
• DAT iQ Help Center: https://iq.support.dat.com/

📊📉 Don't miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎

🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!

To Find Out More About My Freight Services

Visit https://freightcoachlogistics.com/

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/
• DAT Freight & Analytics | https://www.dat.com/

Donate to support Stacy and her family: https://tinyurl.com/36xmxcmr

🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇

▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrL70IEnCfDkNaiYMar3jw

📷 https://www.instagram.com/thefreightcoach/

🕊️ https://twitter.com/thefr8coach

💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/

Are reefer rates finally stabilizing, or are short-term market spikes still catching brokers off guard? What does the FMCSA crackdown, rising broker liability risks, and labor disputes mean for your freight strategy right now?

We talk real freight market analysis, customer relationship strategy during tight capacity, even when servicing loads at a loss, along with how FMCSA enforcement removing 2,000+ non-compliant carriers is tightening trucking capacity and forcing brokers and shippers to double down on carrier vetting, compliance checks, and risk management ahead of a major Supreme Court broker liability ruling.

I also dive into chameleon carriers, insurance scrutiny, and why proactive carrier audits are non-negotiable, then wrap it up with a frank look at Teamsters vs. UPS labor tensions and what it signals for transportation costs, trucking market trends, and long-term supply chain strategy, so you can stay sharp, stay compliant, and make smarter freight decisions in today's volatile logistics environment.

Resources / References

• https://www.ttnews.com/articles/dot-fmcsa-sweep-jan-2026
• https://www.overdriveonline.com/regulations/article/15816683/fmcsa-investigating-chameleon-carrier-network-after-deadly-indiana-crash
• https://www.freightwaves.com/news/teamsters-union-sues-ups-to-block-buyout-offer-to-delivery-drivers

📊📉 Don't miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎

🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!

To Find Out More About My Freight Services

Visit https://freightcoachlogistics.com/

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/
• DAT Freight & Analytics | https://www.dat.com/

Donate to support Stacy and her family: https://tinyurl.com/36xmxcmr

🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇

▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrL70IEnCfDkNaiYMar3jw

📷 https://www.instagram.com/thefreightcoach/

🕊️ https://twitter.com/thefr8coach

💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/

Are you relying too much on technology to win freight customers? Are cold calls and in-person meetings still the real drivers of freight brokerage growth in 2026?

Today's guest, Travis Dodge of Wheelhouse Logistics, breaks down why personal outreach, consistent prospecting, and clear communication still outperform fancy tech stacks when it comes to freight sales, logistics business development, and long-term shipper relationships!

We talk about how smaller, local freight brokers can compete with large national 3PLs by leveraging local market knowledge, fast response times, and personalized service that shippers actually value, plus why execution and communication are what keep customers loyal and freight operations profitable.

We also get real about entrepreneurship in the freight industry, covering the grit, daily discipline, rejection management, and ownership mindset required to build a successful freight brokerage, along with actionable strategies like proactive carrier communication, invoice follow-ups, and consistent relationship building that drive trust, repeat business, and sustainable growth in today's competitive transportation and logistics market!

About Travis Dodge

Travis began his career as an independent freight agent in 2014. Starting from scratch, he built an extremely successful book of business, which included a team of sub-agents and account managers. At his previous brokerage, he was the company's top agency six years in a row.

After 10 years, Travis and his team launched Wheelhouse Logistics, a domestic freight brokerage which specializes in partial truckloads, temp-controlled LTL, and time-sensitive freight.

Travis lives in Oakland, California with his wife, two kids, and mutt named Ted.

Connect with Travis

• Website: https://wheelhouselogistics.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wheelhouse-logistics/ / https://www.linkedin.com/in/travisdodge/

📊📉 Don't miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎

🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!

To Find Out More About My Freight Services

Visit https://freightcoachlogistics.com/

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/
• DAT Freight & Analytics | https://www.dat.com/

Donate to support Stacy and her family: https://tinyurl.com/36xmxcmr

🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇

▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrL70IEnCfDkNaiYMar3jw

📷 https://www.instagram.com/thefreightcoach/

🕊️ https://twitter.com/thefr8coach

💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/

If you're locking in the wrong contracts or risking your business with bad financing, this episode with Rob Misheloff of Smarter Finance USA explains why you need a smarter freight pricing strategy, cautious contract bids, and strong carrier relationships to stay profitable in today's volatile transportation market.

Rob covers the current trucking financing challenges, from equipment costs doubling and tighter credit markets to the reality of personal guarantees, common predatory lending scams, and the financial mistakes first-time owner-operators make when they don't know their true cost per mile.

We also discuss the best truck financing practices, including why OEM dealers should be your first stop, when banks make sense, and how trusted brokers can help when options get tight—so you can protect your cash flow, avoid risky contracts, and build a trucking business that actually lasts!

About Rob Misheloff

Robert is the founder of Smarter Finance USA (Smarter Equipment Finance LLC). After spending 10 years running a marketing company that served equipment finance and small-business finance brands, he built Smarter Finance USA to address a recurring problem he saw across the industry: when small businesses couldn't access bank loans, many were pushed into opaque financing processes where critical details were unclear until late in the deal.

Robert's work centers on helping business owners and commercial sellers understand the real terms behind equipment and commercial vehicle financing - how offers are structured, where costs hide, and how to protect against common traps such as rate/term misrepresentation, conditional approvals, fee stacking, and deposit scams. His insights have been featured in industry outlets including Manufacturing.net and Overdrive Online.

📊📉 Don't miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎

🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!

To Find Out More About My Freight Services

Visit https://freightcoachlogistics.com/

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/
• DAT Freight & Analytics | https://www.dat.com/

Donate to support Stacy and her family: https://tinyurl.com/36xmxcmr

🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇

▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrL70IEnCfDkNaiYMar3jw

📷 https://www.instagram.com/thefreightcoach/

🕊️ https://twitter.com/thefr8coach

💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/

How are rising trucking insurance costs quietly driving up your shipping rates and overall freight market pricing? In this episode, Chris Loewenberg from Cottingham & Butler get real about trucking insurance, risk management, and why so many companies treat insurance like a fixed tax instead of a controllable business asset that can either protect or bankrupt your operation!

From the dangers of static COIs and the urgent need for real-time insurance verification technology, to the impact of nuclear verdicts, new carriers, and rising insurance premiums on shipping costs and inflation, this conversation is all about practical freight brokerage insights and proactive strategies.

We also cover how partnering with specialized trucking insurance providers, building stronger safety programs, and collaborating early with insurance partners can reduce uncovered freight risk, improve pricing, and give compliant carriers and brokers a serious competitive advantage in today's trucking industry!

About Chris Loewenberg

Chris Loewenberg is a Vice President at Cottingham & Butler, the nation's largest independent insurance agency dedicated exclusively to the trucking industry. He leads inside sales and technology initiatives focused on small and mid-sized fleets, helping carriers navigate rising insurance costs, increasing complexity, and tighter underwriting scrutiny.

With a background that blends sales leadership, insurance expertise, and technology innovation, Chris works at the intersection of trucking operations, risk management, and data strategy. He partners closely with leading technology vendors across the transportation ecosystem to improve how insurance information is collected, validated, and used—reducing manual re-keying, accelerating quote turnaround times, and strengthening trust between carriers, agents, underwriters, and technology providers.

In addition to his leadership role, Chris oversees and helps develop Cottingham & Butler's intern and early-career talent programs, working closely with universities and athletic departments to introduce students to sales, insurance, and risk management careers. He is passionate about mentoring young professionals, building high-performing teams, and creating clear development paths from internship to full-time roles.

**************************************************************

📊📉 Don't miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎

🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!

To Find Out More About My Freight Services

Visit https://freightcoachlogistics.com/

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/
• DAT Freight & Analytics | https://www.dat.com/

Donate to support Stacy and her family: https://tinyurl.com/36xmxcmr

🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇

▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrL70IEnCfDkNaiYMar3jw

📷 https://www.instagram.com/thefreightcoach/

🕊️ https://twitter.com/thefr8coach

💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/

What's really happening with freight rates right now—and are you pricing your lanes the right way as capacity tightens? Are new regulations and insurance scrutiny about to reshape carrier operations in 2026?

Today, I break down real-time freight market trends, including stable reefer rates on the Kansas City to Minneapolis lane averaging around $1,285, and why day-of-week pricing strategies are critical for brokers managing customer expectations and protecting margins!

We dig into the rising Minneapolis outbound reefer demand nearing $2,300, the impact of tightening transportation capacity and increased tender rejections in January 2026, plus what Florida's potential $50,000 fines for undocumented drivers and growing compliance enforcement mean for carriers and insurance risk.

Be sure to listen to hear more about the "This Week in Freight" lane analysis segment, delivering actionable DAT-powered pricing insights to help brokers and carriers make smarter decisions, while reinforcing my core philosophy—disciplined pricing, transparency, and long-term relationship building are the keys to surviving competitive pressure and building a sustainable freight business in today's evolving logistics market!

📊📉 Don't miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎

🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!

To Find Out More About My Freight Services

Visit https://freightcoachlogistics.com/

🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇

• SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/
• Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/
• NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/
• DAT Freight & Analytics | https://www.dat.com/

Donate to support Stacy and her family: https://tinyurl.com/36xmxcmr

🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇

▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrL70IEnCfDkNaiYMar3jw

📷 https://www.instagram.com/thefreightcoach/

🕊️ https://twitter.com/thefr8coach

💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/