Episodes
This episode of FreightWaves Now Community Spotlight explores the often-overlooked yet crucial world of pallets! Kaylee Nix chats with Mary O'Connell about the essential role Pallet Trader plays in the supply chain by facilitating pallet sourcing, recycling, and reducing waste.
Here's what you'll learn:
Why pallets are a vital, but often unnoticed, part of the supply chain
How Pallet Trader helps companies source new and used pallets
The recycling process for pallets and how it...
Published 09/10/24
In this episode of FreightWaves Now Community Spotlight, Kaylee and Grace discuss the rise of snacking in America and how it has changed the way we eat. They also talk about the impact of social media on snacking trends and the challenges that snack companies face in a world where people are increasingly concerned about their health.
Here are some key points from the discussion:
00:00:16 Snacking has become a hallmark of the American way of eating.
00:00:37 There has been a cultural...
Published 09/09/24
Join us for an insightful discussion on the complexities of cross-border logistics, specifically focusing on the transportation of temperature-sensitive produce between the United States and Mexico. Our expert guest, Mary O'Connell, dives into the challenges posed by border congestion, exchange rate fluctuations, and increased inspections.
Discover how companies are adapting their strategies to overcome these hurdles, including the establishment of co-located warehouses and customs brokerage...
Published 09/06/24
In this episode of FreightWaves Now, host Kaylee Nix sits down with Thomas Wasson, author of the Loaded and Rolling newsletter, to discuss the current state of the freight market. They delve into topics such as:
Hurricane season and its impact on the market
Retailer strategies for the upcoming holiday season
Early winter weather conditions affecting freight operations
The ongoing driver shortage and its challenges
The role of technology in the freight industry
Don't miss...
Published 09/05/24
In this episode, we discuss the impact of Labor Day weekend on the freight market. We explore the mixed reports on retail peak season spending and the rising import levels from Asia. Additionally, we delve into the factors influencing the market, including the Canadian rail strike, port renovations in China, and the potential for near-shoring. Join us as we analyze the current state of the freight market and discuss the outlook for the coming months.
Key Topics:
Labor Day weekend and...
Published 09/03/24
Join us for an insightful discussion with Charles Betts from Interstate Cold Storage as we delve into the trends shaping the cold storage industry. Discover how consumer demand has shifted post-pandemic, leading to changes in cold storage operations. Learn about the growing need for smaller, more strategically located warehouses to meet the demands of direct-to-consumer models.
We also explore the latest advancements in cold storage technology, including energy-efficient solutions and...
Published 08/30/24
Get a behind-the-scenes look at Cummins' new Helms Project, a groundbreaking engine platform that can run on diesel, natural gas, or hydrogen. Learn how this innovative solution provides fleets with the flexibility to choose the right alternative fuel without sacrificing performance. Discover Cummins' impressive manufacturing efficiency and their commitment to sustainability. Plus, hear from Cummins' leadership about the future of the company and their vision for a cleaner transportation...
Published 08/29/24
This episode of Check Call features a fascinating discussion with Craig Lough of A. Duie Pyle. Discover how they have achieved an impressive 100% employee retention rate, a rarity in the industry known for high turnover.
Learn about the strategies and culture that have contributed to their success, including:
Prioritizing employee well-being: From flexible work hours to affordable living locations, Pyles at Bro fosters a supportive environment.
Investing in professional development:...
Published 08/27/24
This episode of FreightWaves' Loaded and Rolling Community Spotlight dives deep into the current state of the trucking industry, focusing on the relationship between carriers and shippers. Here's what you'll learn:
The Trucker-Shipper Conversation: Relive the crossover event between Thomas Wasson of Loaded and Rolling and Mike Baudendistel of The Stock Out. They discuss the nitty-gritty of carrier vetting and how to navigate a challenging market from both perspectives.
Pro Tips for CPG...
Published 08/22/24
This episode of FreightWaves' Truck Tech Community Spotlight dives deep into the latest advancements in the trucking industry. Here's a taste of what you'll learn:
Volvo VNL deep dive: Explore the safety features of the all-new Volvo VNL with product marketing manager Maggie Sullivan.
Is this a game-changer for Volvo? Alan Adler discusses the potential impact of the new VNL platform on Volvo's future strategies.
Financing the future: Discover which companies in the trucking tech...
Published 08/21/24
This episode of FreightWaves Now's Community Spotlight dives into the world of cold chain logistics with a focus on how climate change is impacting this industry.
Mary O'Connell speaks with Fred Woo, a meteorologist, about the concept of vulnerability as it applies to goods, not just people. Climate change is causing more extreme weather events, which can lead to spoilage of goods being transported in the cold chain. This can have a significant economic impact on businesses.
The discussion...
Published 08/21/24
In this episode of Check Call, we dive into the fruit market with our favorite expert!
We discuss what to expect for the rest of the peak season and if there will be a return to normalcy in 2025.
We explore the new trend of shippers pulling freight forward to avoid last-minute stress and high costs.
We unpack the role of brokers in navigating the market and advocating for both shippers and carriers.
And finally, we address the potential impact of hurricanes on the trucking...
Published 08/20/24
Join us for a conversation about the challenges and opportunities facing CPG shippers in today's freight market. Mike Baudendistel, host of The Stockout, previews his upcoming interview with Thomas Wasson, host of Loaded & Rolling.
Key topics covered:
Shipper strategies for navigating a volatile freight market
Balancing spot market vs. contract rates
Effective use of brokers
When to consider a private fleet
Alternative fuels for transportation
The impact of...
Published 08/19/24
Thomas Wasson dives deep into the world of trucking network design, sharing insights from his experience at a large carrier. Learn how network efficiency can make or break a trucking operation, and how it impacts mergers and acquisitions. We also discuss the current state of the freight market, including challenges and opportunities. Plus, join the fun with a round of "Would You Rather" freight-themed questions!
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:00 - Network Design and...
Published 08/15/24
FreightWaves Now dives deep into the latest developments at Nikola with CEO Steve Gursky. After facing numerous challenges, Nikola is now delivering fuel cell trucks and expanding its hydrogen infrastructure. In this episode, we discuss the company's progress, financial outlook, and the potential for future partnerships. Join us as we analyze whether Nikola is finally turning the corner.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:30 - Nikola's progress and current state
00:03:00 -...
Published 08/14/24
Feeling sad the Olympics are over? Us too, especially with the uncertain future of Kayak Cross. But fret not, because today's episode is all about solutions! We chat with GearTrack about their innovative solutions to combat cargo theft, a growing problem in the industry. Learn how real-time tracking can help you:
Reduce the risk of cargo theft by implementing SOPs for high-value items
Gain valuable data points on frequent theft locations
Recover stolen cargo or apprehend thieves...
Published 08/13/24
In this episode of FreightWaves Community Spotlight, host Kaylee Nix talks about the latest happenings in the freight market, including:
The impact of the Olympics on the freight market
Whether container volumes are a sign of hope for the truckload market
How the pandemic has made it difficult for companies to find the right balance of inventory
What shippers can expect from contract rates in the near term
Whether there have been any surprises in companies' second quarter...
Published 08/12/24
Mary O'Connell and Kaylee Nix discuss the importance of optimizing the pharmaceutical cold chain to reduce waste and save money. They delve into the concept of just-in-time inventory management, shared resource logistics, and how Cardinal Health is using these strategies to improve their supply chain efficiency.
Key topics covered:
The challenges of waste in the pharmaceutical cold chain
The benefits of just-in-time inventory management
How shared resource logistics can optimize...
Published 08/09/24
Get ready for a trucking safety revolution! This episode of FreightWaves' Loaded and Rolling dives into how AI and in-cabin cameras are changing the game for fleet safety. Learn how Nauto's technology identifies distracted drivers, reduces accidents, and improves driver coaching. Discover the "oh crap moment" that helps drivers learn from their mistakes and prevent future catastrophes. Although there are privacy considerations, the benefits of preventing serious injuries and fatalities are...
Published 08/08/24
Discover the future of trucking with Alan Adler! This FreightWaves Community Spotlight dives into the world of smart highways. Learn how sensor technology is transforming our roads.
00:00 Introduction to smart highways and Canvue's vision.
01:30 The potential of smart highways for autonomous vehicles and traffic management.
03:00 Challenges and opportunities for implementing smart highway technology.
05:00 The future of transportation and the role of smart highways.
Don't...
Published 08/07/24
This episode of Check Call dives into the world of carrier performance monitoring with John Sutton, Director of Corporate Strategy at Sunset Transportation.
John shares Sunset's unique approach that goes beyond just scorecards. They leverage data to identify successful carriers and tailor loads to their strengths. But it's not all about numbers - they prioritize building strong relationships and understanding the root causes of performance issues.
Here's what you'll learn:
How Sunset...
Published 08/06/24
Join Kaylee Nix and Mary O'Connell as they dive into the world of cold chain innovation with Polar King. Discover how fiberglass is revolutionizing walk-in units, offering improved cleanliness and insulation compared to traditional metal. We explore the potential impact of this technology on the broader cold chain industry, including reefer trailers. Don't miss this episode to stay ahead of the curve in cold chain logistics!
Timestamps:
00:00 - 02:35 Introduction, Welcome, Cold Chain...
Published 08/02/24
Learn about the exciting new technology of bidirectional charging for electric trucks! In this episode of Truck Tech, we dive into how electric vehicles can not only consume electricity but also send it back to the grid. Discover how this innovative concept can benefit both truck owners and the environment. We also explore the potential of bidirectional charging for electric school buses and the future of the trucking industry. Don't miss this insightful discussion!
Timestamps:
00:00:00 -...
Published 07/31/24
This episode of FreightWaves Check Call discusses Radar, a geofencing and location services tool specifically designed for the transportation and logistics industry.
The video explores the limitations of traditional geofencing and how Radar addresses them by offering:
Micro-fencing: Provides precise location data down to specific areas like loading docks.
Improved data accuracy: Reduces false positives by differentiating between driving through a zone and actually being on-site.
...
Published 07/30/24
Join Kaylee and Grace as they dive deep into the world of freight fraud. This episode explores how technology has made it easier for criminals to operate, the challenges faced by the industry, and the urgent need for collaboration between the public and private sectors. Discover the impact of fraud on carriers, brokers, and consumers, and learn about potential solutions to this growing problem.
00:00 - 02:00: Introduction to the topic of freight fraud
02:00 - 05:00: The impact of technology...
Published 07/29/24