In this spooktacular Check Call Halloween episode, Mary O'Connell joins Kaylee Nix for a freight-filled fright fest! They discuss scary broker stories, Halloween candy logistics, and the regulations that give you chills. Don't miss out on the tricks and treats (and maybe a joke or two) in the Check Call newsletter! Key points: This episode is full of Halloween fun and spooky freight stories. Mary O'Connell discusses the scariest things that can happen to a freight broker. The...

Join us as we discuss the rise of organized retail crime and its impact on the retail industry. Our guest, Grace Sharkey, co-host of the Stuck Out podcast, shares valuable insights on this pressing issue. We delve into the following topics: The evolution of organized retail crime: How has it changed in recent years? The role of freight fraud: How does it contribute to the problem? The impact on retailers and consumers: What are the consequences? Raising awareness and taking...

Join us for a lively community update as host Mary O'Connell dives into the latest episode of "Running on Ice." Kicking off with some Halloween spirit, Mary discusses her spooky attire before introducing a special crossover episode featuring Thomas Wasson from "Loaded and Rolling." They explore the unexpected rise in reefer outbound tender rejections leading up to the holiday season, the impact of recent hurricanes, and what to expect as Thanksgiving approaches. Tune in for hot takes, festive...

In this episode of the Loaded and Rolling community update, we're joined by Thomas Wasson, host of Loaded and Rolling, the show, newsletter, and podcast dedicated to all things trucking! Thomas dives into the latest industry trends, including: Critical issues facing truck drivers and motor carriers according to a recent report. The rise of electric vehicles in the trucking industry and the impact on concerns. The surprising omission of freight fraud from the top ten concerns, and...

Join us for this week's Truck Tech Community Update as we delve into the inspiring story of Ree automotive and their CEO, Daniel Barel. Despite the challenges of living in wartime Israel, Daniel and his team continue to innovate and push the boundaries of electric vehicle technology. Key topics covered in this episode: The groundbreaking technology behind re automotive's bi wire powertrain. How re automotive is navigating the complexities of supply chain management and...

In this week's episode, Isaiah Buchanan and Mary O'Connell discuss the latest news in the trucking industry. They delve into a new Controlled Substance Act ruling that could have significant impacts on drivers, the current state of the freight market, and the ongoing recovery from recent natural disasters. Key Topics: New CSA ruling and its potential consequences Freight market outlook for Q4 and beyond Impact of natural disasters on the supply chain Tips for navigating the...

Join Grace Sharkey and Isaiah for this Stockout Community Update as they dive into the latest consumer loyalty trends. You'll discover: The power of rewards programs: Learn how brands are using financial incentives and exclusive offers to keep customers coming back for more. The rise of brand partnerships: Explore how collaborations like Taco Bell and Doritos are driving brand awareness and sales. The digital experience revolution: See how mobile apps and online communities are...

It's finally fall, and the cold chain is heating up! On this episode of Running on Ice, Kaylee Nix chats with Mary O’Connell about the critical role of cold chain logistics in vaccine distribution. They discuss: Prioritizing vaccines: How regions are prioritized for vaccine shipments, and the factors that go into this complex decision-making process. The "almost peak season": How the rise of seasonal vaccinations (flu, Covid, RSV) is impacting demand planning for cold chain...

Freightliner Cascadia Update: New features and enhancements. Nikola's Struggles: Financial difficulties and production delays. Engine Innovations: Cummins' new engine capable of running on natural gas, diesel, and hydrogen. The Future of Diesel: Predictions for its continued use in long-haul trucking. MIT Research on Tender Rejection: Insights into factors influencing carrier decisions. Market Outlook: Analysis of the impact of hurricanes and the port strike on freight...

In this episode of FreightWaves' Truck Tech Community Update, host Isaiah Buchanan interviews Alan Adler about the latest features and maintenance strategies for two of the heavy hitters in class eight trucks: the Volvo VNL and the Freightliner Cascadia. Here's what you'll learn: Volvo's new Blue service contract and how it leverages AI for predictive maintenance Why Volvo claims a 10% fuel efficiency gain with their all-new VNL Freightliner Cascadia's "nifty enhancements"...

In this episode of FreightWaves Now Community Spotlight, Kaylee Nix chats with Mary O'Connell about the pitfalls of vendor sprawl and how to consolidate your brokerage's tech stack for maximum efficiency.  Key Takeaways How to identify signs of "solution overload" in your current workflow Strategies for simplifying your tech stack without sacrificing functionality The importance of clear communication with both your team and your vendors Key questions to ask potential providers...

In this episode, Isaiah Buchanan and Grace Sharkey chat about the alarming rise of freight fraud in the United States. They discuss different tactics used by fraudsters, the economic impact, and how to get involved in raising awareness. Key Points: Freight fraud costs the industry billions of dollars annually. Common tactics include double brokering, business email compromise, and cargo theft. Regulatory bodies are starting to take notice of the problem. Individuals can help by...

This episode of Running on Ice discusses cargo theft and how to protect your freight.  Key Takeaways Cargo theft is a major problem in the freight industry, and it's important to share information about incidents to help others prevent them. Location tracking and real-time alerts can help you identify suspicious activity with your shipments. Cargo thieves often target high-value goods that can be easily resold, such as electronics and beverages. When shipping in high-risk...

Join us for an insightful discussion on the trucking industry as Thomas Wasson, host and writer of the Loaded and Rolling newsletter, provides his expert analysis. In this episode, we delve into the impact of Hurricane Milton on the trucking market, analyze recent class eight order trends, and explore the upcoming third-quarter earnings reports. Key Topics: Hurricane Milton's impact on FEMA loads and the trucking market Class eight order trends and expectations for the rest of the...

This episode of FreightWaves Now Community Spotlight dives into the critical issue of cybersecurity in the supply chain industry! Kaylee Nix chats with Mary O'Connell about the threats facing businesses of all sizes and the solutions offered by McCloud Software. Key takeaways: Cyberattacks are a growing concern for businesses of all sizes, not just large corporations Small businesses are particularly vulnerable due to limited IT resources and potential financial losses McCloud...

Description: In this episode of FreightWaves Now Community Spotlight, Kaylee Nix chats with Grace Sharkey about the growing threat of cybersecurity attacks in the supply chain industry. Key takeaways: Cyber threats are on the rise and affecting a wide range of businesses, including logistics firms Phishing attacks remain a major concern, with over 35% of email threats coming through this method Investing in cybersecurity measures is crucial, including training employees and...

This episode of FreightWaves Now Community Spotlight dives into the world of solar powered trucks with Robert Kalish, CEO and co-founder of AmGreen! Kaylee Nix and Mary O'Connell discuss: Why solar power is a perfect fit for reefer trailers Overcoming hesitancy and risk associated with new technology How solar power eliminates idling concerns and fuel costs The positive impact on warehouse workers and the environment Interested in learning more? Subscribe to the Running on...

Join Kaylee and Thomas Wasson, our enterprise trucking expert, as they discuss the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene and the ongoing port strike. Hear about the challenges faced by drivers and logistics professionals in the affected regions, the potential disruptions to freight markets, and the ripple effects that could impact businesses across the country. Don't miss this in-depth analysis of the current freight landscape. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - 00:01:00: Introduction and overview...

Join Kaylee Nix and Mary O'Connell from Check Call as they discuss the importance of strong carrier relationships in the logistics industry. In this episode, they interview Blair Blake, Vice President of Carrier Strategy at Arrive Logistics, to delve into effective carrier strategies and how to navigate the challenges of the changing market conditions. Key topics covered include: The significance of building and maintaining positive carrier relationships Overcoming common challenges...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...