Freightonomics

On this episode of Freightonomics, Zach Strickland breaks down the latest macro indicators before bringing on Dr. Zac Rogers to unpack the Logistics Managers' Index (LMI) data for March. They compare today's logistics environment to the COVID-era peaks of March 2022, diving deep into the widening gap between transportation capacity and pricing. Zach also looks at the recent spikes in diesel and oil prices amid the ongoing conflict with Iran, and Dr. Rogers explains why global supply chains and ocean rates are proving much more resilient to these shocks than they were four years ago. Plus, a look at how historically lean inventories might be forcing the market to rethink its "Just-In-Time" strategies. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Economic concerns persist, but the truckload market appears unconcerned as fuel prices soar. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Freight markets are entering a critical transition point. Rising geopolitical tension in the Middle East is already rippling through global supply chains. Shipping lanes are shifting, fuel prices are rising and carriers across every mode are adjusting capacity and pricing. At the same time, the U.S. freight market appears to be approaching its long-anticipated turning point. Join Craig Fuller and Zach Strickland for this month's State of Freight webinar as we break down the latest data and what it means for shippers, carriers and brokers. We’ll cover: - How the escalating conflict involving Iran is impacting global supply chains - The latest signals around the long-awaited freight market flip - How trucking, ocean, rail and air cargo markets are responding - What the latest data is telling us about capacity, pricing and demand Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Iranian conflict has added a new layer of complexity to supply chains that were already dealing with a full slate of issues. Dr. Zac Rogers helps unpack the current logistics environment. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The domestic freight market remains unstable four weeks after Winter Storm Fern. The question now is whether increased regulatory enforcement pressure could keep this cycle shift tighter for longer. Additionally, how much will tariffs ultimately matter? Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As volatility continues into early 2026, Craig Fuller, CEO and founder of FreightWaves and Zach Strickland, Head of Freight Market Intelligence at SONAR break down what’s changing, what’s staying stubbornly uncertain, and what it all means for shippers, carriers, and brokers planning ahead. In this month's State of Freight webinar, presented by Fleet Owl, we’ll cover: Winter weather’s influence on transportation markets and how disruption impacts rates, capacity, and service Has the freight market flipped? Key indicators that may signal a shift in momentum Bullish or bearish? What current freight trends suggest about the broader economy Whether you're tracking spot rates, contract shifts, or macro signals, this session will provide a clear snapshot of where the market stands and where it may be headed next. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Zac Rogers comes on to discuss the impact so the holidays and winter weather on the most recent Logistics Managers’ Index and supply chains. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Winter weather has been the most disruptive force of nature on transportation in the past few years. The freight market may not be as resilient as it has been. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Craig Fuller, CEO and founder of FreightWaves, and Zach Strickland, Head of Freight Market Intelligence at SONAR for this month's State of Freight as they discuss: - The impact of continued tariff uncertainty - How the current freight market can potentially benefit carriers - Potential risks and concerns for shippers in 2026, and how to plan ahead Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Zac Rogers comes on to discuss the historic drawdown on inventory levels in December’s LMI. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join FreightWaves for our December State of Freight webinar as we wrap up a volatile year and project the key drivers for the transportation market in 2026. Hosted by Julia Becker, VP of Media Operations, this session features deep-dive analysis from strategic experts Zach Strickland (Head of Freight Market Intelligence) and JP Hampstead (Strategic Analyst). The team explores the surprising "peakiness" of the 2025 holiday season and examines why traditional market cycles are shifting. Using real-time data from the SONAR platform, this webinar breaks down the core metrics every shipper, carrier, and broker needs to understand to navigate the year ahead. Key Discussion Points Tender Rejections & Spot Rates: Why rejection rates surged to 11.9% and the implications of the sharp trajectory in spot market pricing. Inventory Shifts: The transition from "just-in-case" to "just-in-time" inventory strategies and how lean management is increasing freight velocity. Capacity Volatility: An analysis of the continued exit of small and mid-sized carriers and the regulatory pressures—including English language proficiency enforcement—impacting driver availability. Economic Tailwinds & Headwinds: The impact of recent Fed rate cuts, unemployment figures, and the looming review of the USMCA trade agreement on flatbed and dry van demand. The Rise of Short-Haul: A look at the 11% growth in local fulfillment freight and what it reveals about consumer buying patterns. AI in Logistics: Where mid-sized fleets should focus their tech investments, from route optimization to back-office automation. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Zac Rogers comes on to discuss the supply chain themes that moved the market in 2025 and the ones that will carry into 2026. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Freight has faced turbulence from every direction: trade tensions, shifting regulations, and a government shutdown. Join JP Hampstead, Strategic Analyst at FreightWaves, and Zach Strickland, Head of Freight Market Intelligence at SONAR for this month's State of Freight, presented by Triumph, as they discuss: - How the capacity crunch is impacting the market for holiday shipping - The latest tariff rulings and their effect on global trade - How the government shutdown influenced freight demand Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Freight data suggests a muted peak season from a demand perspective, but ongoing capacity reductions make it hard to say it will be a complete non-event. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Zac Rogers and Zach Strickland discuss the October LMI readings and how businesses are being impacted by the government shutdown and the looming tariff ruling. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach Strickland of Freightonomics sits down with two expert guests: Henry Byers, Director of Pricing at KCH Transportation, and Jared Flinn, Co-Founder and Operating Partner at BulkLoads, to dissect the diverging paths of the freight market and the red-hot bulk market.The conversation covers critical dynamics impacting the industry, including: Dry Van/Reefer Volatility: Henry Byers discusses the choppy, frothy conditions and upward pressure on spot rates in the domestic truckload market, pointing to unexpected pockets like Indianapolis ripping and volatility in long-haul segments like Ontario, California to Chicago. The Booming Bulk Market: Jared Flinn notes that the bulk market, particularly in agriculture, is experiencing all-time highs and operating completely opposite to the dry van/reefer sector. He shares that the bulk market is insulated, more regional, and a "great place to live right now" for carriers. Trade War Impact: The experts explore how the trade war, including the lack of China buying US soybeans, has affected both domestic supply chains and the containerized freight epicenter of Southern California. 2026 Outlook & Hot Takes: The guests wrap up with their predictions for the coming year, with a bullish outlook for the bulk market and a forecast for continued volatility and upward rate pressure in the truckload sector. Don't miss this deep dive into the current freight environment and what to watch out for in 2026! Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The truckload spot market erupted this week as the Serbian news called for drivers to stay off the roads amidst ICE raids. Rates jumped despite weak demand. Dr. Zac Rogers gives the latest LMI report and the import market stabilizes. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The freight economy has been depressed for the past three years. The broader economy has stumbled into stagnation in 2025, but the financial markets have largely ignored it. Zach and Thomas break down why. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The freight market continues to shift under the weight of economic stagnation, unpredictable demand patterns and industry headwinds. As we move into peak season, the question remains: What comes next? Join Craig Fuller, Founder & CEO at FreightWaves, and Zach Strickland, Head of Freight Market Intelligence at SONAR for this month’s State of Freight, presented by Triumph, as they discuss: - Economic Pressures: How ongoing stagnation is reshaping freight dynamics- Peak Season Outlook: A refined read on what shippers and carriers should really expect- Market Wild Cards: The external forces that could send the industry in a new direction Whether you’re planning capacity, managing spend, or assessing risk, this discussion will help you stay one step ahead of market uncertainty. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Thomas try to sort through what has become a hyper political economic environment that is weighing heavily on supply chains. Also: The truckload market has started to pick up in front of Labor Day. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Craig Fuller and Zach Strickland as they cover the latest in freight market movements for the month of August. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Zac Rogers comes on to discuss the July LMI and update on the current supply chain amidst the continued tariff turmoil. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The U.S. economic landscape remains confusing—not only due to erratic trade policy but also because the country is still feeling the aftershocks of the pandemic-era growth surge. These pressures have deepened the divides between small and large businesses, young and old generations, and low- and high-income households. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Zac Rogers returns to give a mid-year update on how supply chains are responding to the ongoing trade war and what the LMI respondents expect for the rest of the year. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Thomas Wasson discuss the latest Logistics Managers’ Index report and how the ongoing trade war is impacting supply chains. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and John Paul Hampstead discuss erratic import demand and its impact on supply chains as well as the downgrade on US debt and a slowing housing market. Follow the Freightonomics PodcastOther FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and John Paul Hampstead bring on Dr. Zac Rogers, co-author of the Logistics Managers’ Index to discuss the influence of tariffs on supply chains. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and economic researcher Michael Rudolph discuss the recent tariff and American trade policy and its impact on the economy and supply chains. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Tony bring on Dr. Zac Rogers to discuss the latest LMI readings and dive deeper into inventory management practices among the shipping community. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Tony discuss what we have learned over the past two weeks of tariff implementations and pauses, while also discussing why freight market optimism has not manifested into a significant market shift. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Tony discuss the looming tariffs and their potential and current impact on supply chains as well as a few takeaways from earnings season. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Tony bring on Dr. Zac Rogers to discuss the latest Logistics Manager’s Index data and ask why upstream demand appears to be booming. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Tony discuss what the cease fire in Gaza and ILA labor resolution means for shippers and domestic transportation providers. Also, inflation keeps the economic outlook grey. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Tony discuss how winter weather disruptions kicked off the new year and what are the most important supply chain topics and trends to watch in early 2025. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Tony bring on Dr. Zac Rogers to discuss what the latest LMI readings suggest for transportation and logistics in 2025. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Tony bring on Dr. Zac Rogers to discuss the latest LMI results and what the election outcome means for supply chains and transportation. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Tony discuss the growing optimism among transportation service providers that the great freight recession is ending and the data that supports or disputes this claim. Also, the market may not be completely over the impacts of the ILA strike. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Tony discuss why the LTL environment appears to be deteriorating and hot takes from some significant earnings calls. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Tony discuss the impact of three supply chain disruptions in the past month and takeaways from J.B. Hunt’s 3Q earnings. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Tony discuss the early impacts of Milton and bring on Dr. Zac Rogers to discuss September’s LMI results. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Tony discuss the impacts of the ILA strike thus far and what it could mean as it progresses. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Tony discuss the lack of freight market responsiveness to a major landfalling hurricane and the looming ILA strike. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Tony bring on Ofelia Chernock to discuss driver appreciation week and the value of positive reinforcement and its impact on driver retention. Also the Fed’s surprise cuts and its impact on transportation markets and an update on the ILA strike. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Tony ask the question about what to be concerned about regarding the ILA strike and other potential supply chain disruptions. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Tony bring on Dr. Zac Rogers, co-author of the Logistics Managers’ Index, to discuss the latest LMI reading and what appears to be a slight moderating trend in the transportation market. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this insightful episode, Freightwaves' Zach Strickland and Tony Mulvey dive deep into the current state of the freight market as we head into the Labor Day weekend. They explore the evolving landscape of the trucking industry, focusing on how advancements in technology, such as AI-enabled safety platforms, are transforming fleet management and safety protocols. With a special guest appearance by Adam Lang from Netradyne, they discuss the critical role of technology in mitigating risks, improving safety scores, and managing litigation costs. Tune in to understand how these trends are shaping the future of freight and how carriers can leverage new tools to stay competitive in a challenging environment. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Tony discuss potential impacts of the Canadian railroad strike and the latest historic labor figure revision. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices