Episodios

  • The Heart of Hauling

    The Heart of Hauling
    Dec 10 2025
    In this special festive edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, host Malcolm Harris brings you a packed episode live from the 2026 Freight Market Summit. First, Malcolm sits down with Sarah Abernathy, Director of Marketing and Communications at Kenworth Truck Company. Sarah shares the behind-the-scenes story of one of trucking’s most heartwarming annual traditions: hauling the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree across the country. She discusses Kenworth’s twelve-year partnership with the project, the state-to-state community engagement, and the technology behind the Kenworth T680 that carried this year’s tree, “Silverbell,” from Nevada to Washington, D.C. Sarah also highlights the role of driver Michael Porter, the significance of the tour, and what Kenworth is looking forward to in 2026. Later in the episode, Malcolm welcomes Zane Holcomb and Luke LeMaster from TEL to talk about becoming an owner-operator in today’s freight market. They break down what drivers should expect, why now can still be a smart time to step into ownership, how TEL supports drivers throughout their leases, and the mindset needed to build a successful owner-operator business. They also discuss technology trends, equipment choices, common challenges, and the changing landscape of driver mentorship. Plus, Malcolm covers the latest industry headlines, including: • A logistics startup founder losing an appeal on a 20-year conviction • New tariff discussions involving the U.S. and Mexico • Enterprise officially entering the heavy-truck space through its Hogan acquisition • The ongoing voting for America’s Top Freight Town If you enjoy stories about trucking, leadership, equipment, market insights, and the people who make the industry run, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Watch on YouTube Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    45 m
  • Optimizing the Open Road

    Optimizing the Open Road
    Dec 8 2025
    On this episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, host Malcolm Harris dives into a packed lineup covering the latest issues shaping freight, technology, and trucking regulation. We kick things off with Rudy Nemeth of Veloster Solutions, who breaks down how AI is transforming fleet management through predictive maintenance, smarter safety systems, and advanced route optimization following their recent acquisition of NextBillion.ai. Next, Magnus Technologies CEO Matt Cartwright joins the show to talk about the real roots of the driver shortage, why it’s a systemic issue rather than a people problem, and how empathy, communication, and integrated technology platforms can dramatically improve driver satisfaction and retention. He also shares insights from decades in the industry and why unifying data is the key to modern fleet operations. To wrap up, Andrew Poliakoff, Executive Director of CVTA, gives an inside look at the state of driver training, the federal crackdown on fraudulent training providers, and what fleets, students, and schools need to know about compliance, safety, and upcoming regulatory changes. He explains why proper training matters now more than ever and what red flags new drivers should watch for. Malcolm also covers major news across the country, including Mississippi’s crackdown on undocumented drivers, the abrupt shutdown of two Minnesota carriers affecting 200 drivers, and an Ohio logistics owner sentenced for a multimillion-dollar tax evasion scheme. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    54 m
  • Hustle and Haul

    Hustle and Haul
    Dec 5 2025
    In this episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? host Malcolm Harris sits down with three industry leaders to break down the latest trends shaping freight, fleet operations, and the trailer marketplace. First, Jake Johnson of RTA shares his journey from diesel technician to fleet success manager and explains how data, automation, and smarter technology can reduce downtime, control costs, and improve fleet performance. Next, Corey Klujsza of RXO unpacks the newest Curve Report with insights into rate volatility, spot vs. contract dynamics, capacity exits, cost pressures, and early signals from peak season. Corey also discusses what fleets, brokers, and drivers should prepare for heading into 2026. Finally, Colin Osborne from REPOWR joins in studio to dive into trailer access, guided search technology, AI-powered matching, and why equipment is becoming as on-demand as freight. Colin highlights how carriers — especially small fleets — can leverage smarter tools to stay efficient and competitive. If you’re in trucking, logistics, brokerage, fleet management, or supply chain strategy, this conversation is packed with insights you don’t want to miss. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    46 m
  • Cold Chain & The Cold Truth

    Cold Chain & The Cold Truth
    Dec 3 2025
    Get ready for a jam-packed episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Host Malcolm Harris tackles back-office inefficiencies, the critical world of cold chain logistics, and the "cold truth" about major issues facing the trucking industry today. On This Episode: Eliminating Email Brokerage Chaos Clayton Griffin, President of OTR Solutions, joins the show to discuss why email is an outdated and inefficient primary tool for brokerage operations. Discover the common manual tasks that bog down back-office teams and slow down post-delivery workflows. Clayton breaks down the vulnerabilities email creates, including exposure to a "ton of fraud" and how it hinders efforts to reduce cost per load. Learn how purpose-built platforms like UPay and ePay offer more secure and scalable alternatives. The Art of Cold Chain Logistics Jason McArthur, Director of Supply Chain at Lone Cypress Logistics, shares his deep experience shipping fresh food, produce, and frozen goods. Understand why cold chain requires meticulous detail, proper preparation, and a different level of care due to the time-sensitive nature of perishable products. Jason details Lone Cypress Logistics' "seven-pillar blueprint" for success, which includes proactive intervention, a contingency playbook for product not received, multilayer carrier vetting, and real-time monitoring. Learn how a shipper mentality and a commitment to communication are key differentiators in this space. Jason also discusses the critical mission to reduce food waste, citing statistics like the U.N.'s finding that 13% of food is lost between harvest and retail. Trucking Headlines & The Wild West The "King of The Carolinas," Adam Wingfield, Host of The Long Haul, is here to break down the biggest news in trucking. Adam provides "the cold truth" about the shocking report that 3,000 providers of truck driver training were removed from a government registry, with another 4,000 on notice for noncompliance. He argues that the practice of self-certification for CDL schools needs to be removed to protect the safety of the industry. Plus, Adam discusses Amazon's push for 30-minute deliveries and the big news of Costco suing the administration over tariffs. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    56 m
  • Haul or Nothing

    Haul or Nothing
    Dec 1 2025
    In this episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, host Malcolm Harris closes out the first day of December with a full lineup of industry leaders shaping the future of freight, logistics, and AI. We kick off with Jason Burns, former Vanderbilt wide receiver turned podcaster and last-mile logistics veteran. Jason shares insights from his “Last2First” journey, the evolution of the final-mile sector, and what leaders should prioritize heading into 2026. Next, Stefan Heck, CEO of Nauto, breaks down how predictive AI is transforming fleet safety. From real-time driver alerts to collision-prevention intelligence, Stefan explains why human + AI collaboration is becoming a cornerstone of modern transportation. Closing out the show, Tavaris Johnson, founder of FreightFi, walks through the financial inefficiencies plaguing freight and how AI-driven automation is finally fixing AR/AP chaos for brokers, 3PLs, and carriers. We also cover the latest headlines: DHS launching sweeping I-9 audits across California fleets A major misclassification settlement shaking up New Jersey FedEx scrubbing MD-11 flights during peak season Inside the high-pressure Butterball “Turkey Super Bowl” supply chain Whether you’re in operations, safety, technology, or finance, this episode delivers direct, practical insight on what’s coming next for the freight industry. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    55 m
  • Lights, A.I., Action

    Lights, A.I., Action
    Nov 28 2025
    Day 2 of F3: Future of Freight Festival brings the energy, the insights, and the triple-threat lineup. Host Malcolm Harris goes live from downtown Chattanooga to dive into the evolving world of freight tech, AI, payments, and innovation—straight from the leaders building the future. Guest #1 — Garrett Wolfe, EVP of Market Strategy, TriumphGarrett breaks down Triumph’s purpose-built, verified freight transaction network, how their data and payments ecosystem powers trust, fraud prevention, and smarter decision-making, and why AI is a tool—not a buzzword—to be deployed when it improves customer outcomes.Guest #2 - Daniel Lucas, VP of Innovation & Business Strategy, UFSDaniel brings a decade-plus of logistics and tech experience to talk about AI as a freight copilot—and why companies must standardize their processes before plugging AI into their workflow. Guest #3 — Danielle Villegas, Chief Product Officer, PCSPCS flips the script by putting midsize carriers first. Danielle shares how their embedded AI engine, Cortex, is driving efficiency, accuracy, and profitability—plus, her team wins Best in Show live on the air. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    42 m
  • The Ultimate Road Warrior

    The Ultimate Road Warrior
    Nov 26 2025
    Welcome to another episode of What the Truck?! with host Malcolm Harris coming to you remotely from sunny Florida as we head into Thanksgiving weekend! Today’s double-header is packed with breaking news, powerful storytelling, and industry insights you don’t want to miss. First, FreightWaves insider and investigative journalist Noi Mahoney joins the show to break down some of the biggest headlines in freight: Major rail merger concerns at BNSF The halted PFG–US Foods mega-merger A shocking roundup of recent drug-smuggling busts involving auto parts, produce, and more How innocent drivers and carriers can get caught in the crossfire Hotspot border crossings, inspection gaps, and what the next 12–24 months may look like 12,000+ layoffs hitting automotive, food, manufacturing & logistics—and which regions are impacted the most Noi shares what investigators are seeing on the ground, how smugglers hide contraband in freight, and what every carrier, shipper, and driver should know to protect their operation. Then we bring you one of the most inspiring stories in trucking this year. Meet Stacy Batiste—Marine Corps veteran, community role model, 5-million-mile safe driver, and the official 2025 Pilot Road Warrior Champion. Stacy sits down with Malcolm to talk about: The moment he was surprised by the Diesel Brothers with a custom-built Kenworth Winning $50,000 in cash 34+ years on the road with zero accidents How his Marine training shaped his career The role his family and community play in his success His advice for rookie drivers and seasoned veterans Why he’s “riding till I die—I’ve got diesel in my veins” This is one of the most heartfelt and motivating conversations we’ve ever had on the show. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    47 m
  • The Cross-Border Catalyst

    The Cross-Border Catalyst
    Nov 24 2025
    Welcome to a special Thanksgiving-week edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?! with your host, Malcolm Harris! Even though he’s out of the studio and home for the holidays, Malcolm is still delivering—like DoorDash—with a jam-packed double feature you won’t want to miss. Today’s Lineup John Kingston – Editor-at-Large, FreightWaves John joins to break down his latest article on what he calls the “jobs apocalypse” hitting logistics. From AI-driven workforce disruption to what’s happening inside Trimble’s panels, he digs into: Why AI could eliminate thousands of entry-level logistics jobs CH Robinson’s AI-powered transformation The shifting role of human judgment What this means for the future of freight work Carlos Guillen – President & Cofounder, BG Trucking Carlos brings an inspiring deep-dive into cross-border operations, driver-first culture, and BG’s explosive growth to 400+ employees across 11 states. He shares: What true high-compliance cross-border trucking looks like The tech and transparency powering BG’s success How BG supports its drivers and protects them on high-risk routes Their powerful community partnerships, including a California Fire Foundation wildfire relief initiative with a mobile QR-coded donation trailer Breaking News + Headlines Malcolm also covers: A container ship fire that forced four terminals to shut down at the Port of LA A tentative deal between Canada Post and its union A wild near-disaster involving the ECU Pirates’ equipment truck Brand-new, just-dropped reporting: Amazon shutting down a Little Rock warehouse due to earthquake-related structural flaws Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    46 m