Loaded And Rolling

In this episode of Loaded and Rolling, host Thomas Wasson sits down with David Blackwell and Akshaya Kumar from EROAD to discuss the evolution of the “Truck Whisperer”—the art of transforming overwhelming fleet data into meaningful business outcomes.As modern commercial vehicles generate upwards of 50,000 data points per day, many fleet managers find themselves suffering from “alert fatigue” rather than gaining operational control. David and Akshaya break down how to cut through this digital noise to find the “juicy nuggets” of actionable signal. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Loaded and Rolling, host Thomas Wasson sits down with Steve Oliver of Taylor and Martin to unpack how shifting freight rates, tariff uncertainty, and lower diesel prices are reshaping the new and used truck markets. They explore how auction activity offers real-time insight into freight trends, why equipment scarcity is driving values higher, and how small and midsize fleets are positioning themselves for growth as optimism returns. Oliver also shares details on Taylor and Martin’s expanding auction footprint, major fleet dispersals, and a newly launched engine protection plan designed to give buyers added confidence in today’s evolving market. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trucking isn’t just a job—it’s a craft, a culture, and a way of life. In this episode of Loaded and Rolling, host Thomas Watson sits down with journalist and lifelong trucker Gord McGill to unpack how deregulation, automation, government policy, and the “driver shortage” narrative have transformed trucking over the past few decades—and not for the better. Drawing from McGill’s upcoming book End of the Road: Inside the War on Truckers, the conversation explores declining wages, rising safety risks, forced churn, and the erosion of driver skill and pride. It’s a candid, sometimes uncomfortable look at what’s gone wrong in trucking—and what it will take to fix it. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At Trimble Insight 2025 in New Orleans, FreightWaves’ Thomas Wasson sits down with Brian Mulshine, Senior Director of Product Management at Trimble, to unpack how AI, integrations, and real-time data are reshaping fleet maintenance. From AI-powered road call agents and automated invoice processing to predictive maintenance, OEM deep-linking, and tire failure trends, this conversation dives into how fleets can reduce downtime, slash administrative work, and keep trucks rolling in a tight freight market. A must-watch for fleet operators, maintenance leaders, and anyone focused on keeping equipment profitable. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recorded live at Trimble Insight 2025 in New Orleans, FreightWaves’ Thomas Wasson sits down with Jonah McIntire, Chief Platform Officer at Trimble Transportation, for a wide-ranging and refreshingly candid conversation about AI, software, and the future of logistics work. Jonah breaks down how Trimble operates at the “plumbing layer” of the supply chain, why tools like PC*MILER are still the industry’s ground truth, and why many past tech hype cycles—blockchain, visibility, buzzword AI—missed the mark. He doesn’t shy away from the hard truth: AI will eliminate back-office jobs, even as it radically increases productivity and reshapes how logistics companies scale. The conversation dives deep into AI-written code, self-connecting systems, rewriting legacy software in days instead of months, and why Trimble is betting on AI colleagues—not just AI features. From creative destruction to AI agents interviewing for dispatcher roles, this episode offers a rare, inside look at how one of the largest supply-chain software companies is rebuilding for the next decade. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At Trimble Insight 2025, Thomas Wasson talks with Trimble’s Rishi Mehra about the rapid evolution of fleet technology. They explore how AI is transforming route optimization, driver navigation, fuel planning, order intake, and back-office workflows—without replacing human expertise. From capturing dispatcher tribal knowledge to enabling voice-driven, in-cab AI copilots, this episode breaks down what’s real, what’s coming, and how fleets can unlock immediate ROI in a tight freight market. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fleet operations are moving faster than ever — and legacy systems can’t keep up. In this interview from the Trimble Insights Conference, Trimble CEO Rob Painter explains how cloud-based TMS platforms, agentic AI, and connected workflows are helping fleets cut hours of manual work down to minutes. The conversation covers real operational pain points like roadside breakdowns, tender processing, cybersecurity threats, and why AI should quietly solve problems instead of becoming another buzzword. If you run or support trucking operations, this is a must-watch. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Loaded and Rolling, host Thomas Wasson sits down with Adam Kahn from Netradyne to explore how the company has evolved over the past decade—and how fleet technology has changed right along with it. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Netradyne reflects on its early days in video telematics and the shift from basic visibility to true, AI-powered context. Adam shares how advancements in edge computing, multi-camera systems, and intelligent alerts are helping fleets move beyond reactive safety programs toward proactive coaching, recognition, and real driver buy-in. The conversation also dives into how fleets are using the platform today—from improving safety and reducing litigation risk to uncovering operational insights around loading, unloading, detention, fuel efficiency, and last-mile challenges. Adam discusses recent partnerships, evolving adoption strategies for driver-facing cameras, and why transparency and flexibility are critical to successful deployments. Looking ahead, the episode explores how generative AI and prompt-based video search are poised to transform fleet operations, allowing managers to ask smarter questions and get faster, more meaningful answers—without changing their entire business model. Whether you’re a fleet operator, safety leader, or technology enthusiast, this episode offers a forward-looking look at where video telematics is headed and how Netradyne is shaping the future of connected fleets. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Loaded and Rolling, host Thomas Wasson sits down with the team from Dreyev to discuss how their technology distinguishes itself in a saturated market of driver safety solutions. Thomas is joined by Maggie Stys (CEO & Co-Founder), Roberto Sicconi (CTO & Co-Founder), and Peter Smelzer (Fleet Risk Advisor) to explore how their platform detects and addresses distractions and drowsiness without relying on complex hardware installations. Topics covered in this episode include: Dreyev’s Differentiator: What makes this tech different from the flood of "driver monitoring" solutions currently available. Meet Walter: An introduction to "Walter," the platform's AI companion. A Supportive Skeptic: Peter Smelzer joins the conversation to translate technical features into real-world implications for carriers and drivers. Co-Driver Expertise: How the platform utilizes co-driver expertise to enhance driver safety. Guests: Maggie Stys: CEO and Co-Founder, Dreyev Roberto Sicconi: CTO and Co-Founder, Dreyev Peter Smelzer: Fleet Risk Advisor, Dreyev Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, Michael Caney, Chief Commercial Officer at Highway joins us to talk about their recent funding, how they’re fighting fraud and the new release of their Trusted Freight Exchange. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The freight market is living a double life. On one hand, the domestic market is hitting the brakes, defined by shrinking truckload capacity and regulatory friction. On the other, global players and specialized sectors are flooring the accelerator on massive investments.In this episode, we dissect this "market schizophrenia". We look at how a 32% drop in new tractor builds and stricter enforcement of driver language rules are tightening the screws on capacity. We also explore the massive strategic investments happening in global air cargo, AI-driven safety tech, and specialized healthcare logistics.But as fleets fight for volume, they're also battling a two-front war. Michael "Mike" Precia, President and CSO of Fleetworthy, joins the show to discuss the other crisis: the compounding rise in essential costs. With truck insurance premiums up 43% in five years and toll costs doubling in the last decade, Precia argues that survival in this cycle won't come from waiting for demand. It will be won by fleets that master "fleet readiness" and gain visibility over the costs they can control.Follow the Loaded and Rolling PodcastOther FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, FreightWaves’ Thomas Wasson sits down with Tio Tom, VP of Safety at Performance Food Group, to explore how one of America’s largest food distributors is transforming fleet safety. From combating distracted driving to detecting fatigue through AI, PFG’s data-driven approach has cut collision risks by more than 50%. Learn how technology, coaching, and compassion are reshaping safety across the industry. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Loaded and Rolling, we're joined by Dean Marris, Chief Data Science Officer, and Craig Marris, Chief Sustainability Officer at EROAD, to discuss the intersection of sustainability and artificial intelligence in the trucking industry. They explore how fleets can leverage technology to navigate the "messy middle" of transitioning to more sustainable practices while maintaining profitability. Topics covered in this episode include: Digital Twin Simulation: Learn how fleets can use digital twins to test and de-risk the transition to alternative fuels and electric vehicles before making significant investments. AI for Efficiency: Discover how AI is helping to reduce waste in the supply chain, from minimizing empty miles to preventing food spoilage in reefers. Safety Innovations: Hear about the latest in AI-powered multi-camera systems that are improving driver safety by reducing blind spots and preventing collisions. The Power of Data Sharing: Understand why collaboration and data sharing between carriers, shippers, and OEMs are crucial for achieving industry-wide sustainability and safety goals. ⁠Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode Stefan Heck, CEO of Nauto joins us to talk about the technology and processes behind fleet vehicle safety technology and how artificial intelligence and machine learning are changing how fleets handle safety. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Peter Goldwasser, Executive Director at Together for Safer Roads joins us to talk about how nongovernmental organizations are helping companies, governments, and communities improve road safety through technology and policy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Loaded and Rolling, host Thomas Wasson sits down with Steve Oliver, VP of Sales and Marketing at Taylor & Martin Auctioneers, to explore the evolving world of truck and trailer auctions. From the shift to online broadcast auctions and their nationwide reach, to the strategies fleets use to maximize equipment value, Oliver breaks down why auctions are a critical pillar in the remarketing process. Discover how specialization, transparency, and strong buyer networks give fleets—from single-unit owner-operators to major carriers—a competitive edge in today’s market. Would you like me to make this punchier for a podcast platform (shorter, more dynamic), or keep it more professional and industry-focused for the FreightWaves site? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Loaded and Rolling, host Thomas Wasson sits down with Tim Crawford, cofounder and CEO of Tenstreet, to break down the latest driver recruiting trends from their UConnect 2025 conference. From why minutes can make or break a hire, to how app-based communication is reshaping recruiting, Crawford shares data-driven insights on what carriers must do to attract and retain drivers in a tough freight market. Discover why drivers are shifting toward private fleets, how application behavior signals broader economic shifts, and what fleets can do to streamline their hiring process and stand out in a competitive labor market. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to a special episode from Samsara Beyond 25 in San Diego, where FreightWaves' Thomas Wasson explores the future of fleet technology and road safety. In this episode, you'll hear from Frank Kopas, Head of Go-to-Market Strategy at Next Billion AI, a Singapore-headquartered tech company providing API and SDKs for mapping, routing, and navigation. Learn how they tackle complex dynamic route optimization for entire fleets, incorporating real-time events to deliver more accurate ETAs, and navigate unique global routing challenges, from scooters in Asia to hazmat routes. Frank also touches on the role of telematics data and the future of "Math AI" in optimizing routes based on historical data and dispatcher interactions. You'll also hear from Peter Goldwasser, Executive Director of Together for Safer Roads, an international road safety NGO formed by major fleets and tech companies like Samsara. Discover their work on leveraging technology for safer roads, including programs like the "Truck of the Future" for reducing blind zones. Peter shares key insights from their report with Samsara on in-cab cameras, emphasizing their use as a beneficial tool for training and exculpatory evidence to increase adoption. Plus, get a glimpse into new research on distracted driving and the importance of employee incentive programs based on collected data, which can improve both safety and driver retention. Tune in to see how these innovations are driving a more efficient, productive, and safer future for fleet operations! ⁠⁠Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Thomas Wasson live from the Samsara Beyond event in San Diego as he dives deep into the future of fleet and facility management with industry leaders. This episode features insightful conversations with Ryan Powell from Velociti and Dennis Collins from Maxim Craneworks, exploring how technology is transforming heavy-duty operations and driving significant improvements in safety and efficiency.Follow the Loaded and Rolling PodcastOther FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Loaded and Rolling, host Thomas Watson sits down with Andre Silchuck, owner and CEO of Silchuck Transport, to discuss the company’s largest fleet purchase to date—80 brand new Volvo VNL 860 trucks. Andrey shares the thought process behind the investment, the importance of timing the trucking cycle, and why features like adaptive cruise control, I-Shift transmissions, and advanced HVAC systems are game-changers for driver satisfaction and safety. They also dive into fleet strategy, vehicle lifecycle management, the value of dealership partnerships, and why spec'ing for reliability and retention is more critical than ever. Whether you're a fleet manager, driver, or just love talking trucks, this episode delivers real-world insights from a leader in the trenches. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, Jerad Dennis, director of pricing and business intelligence at TA Services joins us to talk about TA’s recently released Transportation Trendline report. We dive into how spot rate trends, the impact of weather and seasonality, and what watch as we approach the second half of 2025. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, Rudy Nemeth, VP of Sales at Velocitor Solutions joins us to talk about fleet telematics and how fleets are using the technology to improve their operations. We’ll dive into video systems, fleet data and driver scorecards. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, Jeff Lynch, founder and CEO of Idle Smart joins us to talk about how his company is revolutionizing idle management for heavy-duty fleets. Moving beyond the costly and fragmented solutions of the past, like APUs, Idle Smart offers an automated, fleet-focused system that cuts fuel costs, boosts ROI, and enhances sustainability. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, Rudy Nemeth, VP of Sales at Velocitor Solutions joins us to talk about fleet telematics and how fleets are using the technology to improve their operations. We’ll dive into video systems, fleet data and driver scorecards. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, Mike Precia, president and chief strategy officer at Fleetworthy joins us to talk about their recent acquisitions and how AI is shaking up safety and compliance. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, Reed Loustalot, Chief Marketing Officer at Truck Parking Club, co-founder and board member of LOST FR8 joins us to tell his story, how to turn memes into d dreams, and Truck Parking Club is helping solve the truck parking problem. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, Rich Taute, vice president of sales & strategy at QuikQ joins us to talk about their latest updates and how their technology platform is helping carriers fight fuel fraud. We also look at factoring, partnerships and ways fleets can stay secure at the fuel pump. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, Tom Larson, senior vice president of sales at ITS Logistics joins us to talk about drop trailers, power only, freight fraud and catching up on market trends. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, Prasad Gollapalli, CEO of Qued joins us to talk about the state of the freight market, how tech and AI is changing logistic strategy and the differences between machine learning and virtual agents to solve supply chain problems. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this two part episode Gary Johnson, Head of Safety and Compliance Strategy at Motive and Daniel Patterson, Director of Safety at Western Express join us to talk about how fleets are using telematics technology and AI to improve safety within their fleets. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, Johan Land, our SVP of Product & Engineering at Samsara joins us to talk about a recent report that highlights the impacts of distracted driving in physical operations. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, Charlotte Argue, Senior Manager of Sustainable Mobility at Geotab joins us to talk about the Geotab Sustainability Center and how their platform is helping fleets monitor everything from EV charging, emissions reduction to preventative maintenance. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, Sebastian Baquero founder and CEO of RueData joins us to talk about their tire technology optimization platform. For many fleets tires are their largest expense outside of fuel. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, Hamish Woodrow, head of strategic analytics at Motive joins us to talk about recent surges in cross border activity from Motive telematics data and how the company is working to tackle the truck parking shortage through tech. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, Zach Searcy, Director of Fleet Content at Fleetio joins us to talk about the current technician shortage and its recent scholarship program to help technician certification and upskilling. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, Stefan Heck, founder and CEO of Nauto joins us to talk about recent research by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute which evaluated the capabilities of various fleet safety solutions. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, Harish Abbot, founder of Deliver and now Augment, joins us to talk about his experiences building multi-billion dollar startups and how he’s taking that to logistics to build an AI-powered teammate for the freight industry. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, Mary O’Connell, analyst and host of Check Call and Running on Ice joins us along with Grace Sharkey, writer and SiriusXM host to talk about freight fraud, technology buzzwords, and why Marshawn Lynch deserves an honorary MBA. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, Phil Schmidbauer vice president of solutions design at ODW Logistics joins us to talk about fighting freight fraud and cargo theft, preventative strategies, and how technologies like AI are changing transportation management systems. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, Josh Allen, Chief Commercial Officer at ITS Logistics joins us to talk about their recently released freight market forecast which includes current trends, best practices, and what to focus on moving forward into 2025. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thomas sits down with Andrew Smith from Circle Logistics Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode Hamish Woodrow, Director of Data Analytics at Motive joins us to dive into Motive’s recent economic outlook report which gathers macroeconomic data paired with Motive devices to create unique indexes including the Big Box Retailer Index. Follow the Truck Tech Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode Steve Gold, President of Truckers Network Association, Joins us to talk about driver recruitment strategies and how tech-driven innovations are helping CDL training attract younger drivers. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode Earl Adams, vice president of Public Policy & Regulatory Affairs at Plus joins us to give us an update on autonomous vehicle and transportation regulations. We’ll dive into what to expect with a new administration and what that means for their regulatory priorities. Before coming to Plus, Adams was the former Chief Counsel then Deputy Administrator of the FMCSA. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode we’re joined by Jamie Cord, CEO of JT Logistics joins us to discuss the impact of warehousing trends on trucking and the state of warehousing outlook. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode we’re joined by Jose Minarro, managing director of cross-border operations at Sunset Transportation, to talk about developing partnerships in Mexico, staying compliant with customs regulations, and Mexico’s recent decision to end ‘border skipping,’ when bypassing tariffs on Chinese goods. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode we’re joined by Sam Burkhan, president and CEO of ITF Group to talk about key industry challenges including managing fleet optimization and the growing role of technology in modern trucking. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode we’re joined by Grace Sharkey, staff writer, podcaster, communities leader and SiriusXM host, to dive into her recently launched Fraud Newsletter and talk about her experience and reporting on freight fraud. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode we’re joined by Transportation Insurance Experts (TIE) and Demotech as we dive into what an insurance rating agency is and why it’s important for the freight industry. J.W. Taylor- Managing Partner at Taylor Nelson PL Tyler Christensen- Managing Partner and SVP of Underwriting and Program Development Sandy Scardina- Sr Vice President Strategic Relationships at TIE Barry Koestler, CFA, Chief Ratings Officer at Demotech Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thomas Wasson welcomes Lisa Haubenstock, VP of Product at Truckstop, and Jay Gustafson, EVP of Brokerage Operations at Echo Global Logistics, to the show at the 2024 Future of Freight Festival. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices