WHAT THE TRUCK?!?

Welcome to a Good Friday edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? with Malcolm Harris and Michael Vincent. This week, we are diving into the retroactive legislation out of Indiana that just stripped 2,000 drivers of their CDLs overnight. If you’re dispatching a non-domiciled driver with a revoked license in the Hoosier state, your fleet could be staring down a brutal $50,000 fine.On the ocean side, the Strait of Hormuz closure has pushed Asia-US spot rates up a staggering 29%. Is it pure geopolitical fallout, or are carriers using the chaos to pad their bottom lines?Plus, Craig Stewart from Stord drops in to reveal the “insider secret” to beating Amazon Prime delivery speeds without paying for expensive air freight. Through intelligent order routing, mid-market brands are saving millions on parcel spend by fulfilling from the optimal node.Kris Edney (Interstate Global) also joins the desk to break down the incoming capacity crunch for moving season, the insane logistics of moving a fully operational casino, and the incredible work Interstate is doing with the Gary Sinise Foundation to move wounded veterans.Finally, we cover Mercedes-Benz’s $4B capacity injection in Alabama, NASA’s Artemis toilet disaster, and rapper Pooh Shiesty’s attempt to renegotiate a contract with Gucci Mane using an AK-47.In this episode: Intro & Good Friday reflections Sponsor Shoutout: Truckstop.com Freight Fraud Symposium in Cleveland (Promo code: WTT) Indiana revokes 2,000 CDLs overnight ($50k carrier fines) Strait of Hormuz closure spikes ocean spot rates 29% Mercedes-Benz drops $4B into Alabama plant Artemis NASA mission saved by a “Space Plumber” Culture segment: Pooh Shiesty & Gucci Mane’s armed negotiation Kris Edney (Interstate Global) on moving season & casino logistics Craig Stewart (Stord) on intelligent order routing & beating Amazon Prime Get your tickets for the Freight Fraud Symposium on May 20th at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Use promo code WTT for a discount at checkout! Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor - TRUCKSTOP Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s a jam-packed April Fools’ edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?. Hosts Malcolm and The Dude (Michael Vincent) dive into a wild mix of industry news, ranging from massive drug busts and illegal reptile smuggling to significant shifts in U.S. shipbuilding and the global oil market.Featured Guests:Daniel Powell – CEO, Optimal DynamicsDaniel joins the show to discuss the “bleeding edge” of Decision Automation. He explains the concept of “Decision Native” AI agents—systems that don’t just follow simple prompts but understand a carrier’s specific business goals to negotiate loads, manage contracts, and automate up to 80% of CSR workflows.Marina Ivanov – CEO & Co-founder, Apex Transit SolutionsA “self-made” industry leader and advocate, Marina discusses her successful fight against predatory towing in North Carolina. She provides a sobering look at why reputable carriers are facing bankruptcy, citing a multifaceted crisis of reduced rates, fraudulent “fake log” competitors, and the hidden costs of “messy middle” operations. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor - TRUCKSTOP Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Tuesday edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Malcom holds down the fort to navigate a wave of disruptions hitting the North American supply chain. From legal battles in the auto industry to a massive “refund event” at the U.S. border, this episode breaks down the complexities of 2026 logistics.On this episode, we dive into:• The Jeep Production Halt: FreightWaves’ Noi Mahoney explains how a pricing dispute between Stellantis and a Mexican supplier has paralyzed production of Jeep Compass and Cherokee models, highlighting the extreme fragility of integrated cross-border auto networks.• The $166 Billion Tariff Tsunami: A deep dive into the recent Supreme Court decision striking down emergency tariffs, triggering what could be the largest refund event in U.S. trade history.• Secretary Duffy on Trucking Priorities: We feature an exclusive clip of Secretary Duffy discussing the administration’s efforts to remove “sham schools” and unqualified drivers from the road to improve national safety.• The CDL Crackdown: Rob Carpenter joins the show to discuss the “four problems” facing fleets today, including retroactive liability, insurance exposure, and the importance of the mid-market at events like MATS.• Energy & Freight Market Watch: A look at skyrocketing fuel surcharges and the geopolitical factors currently impacting North American motor carriers. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor - JJ KELLER Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Monday edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, hosted by Malcolm and The Dude, explores the landscape of risk, fleet safety, and the future of autonomous multimodal transportation.The episode features Bob O'Connell, a Strategic Account Executive from JJ Keller & Associates, who identifies major "risk blind spots" for fleet owners. O'Connell urges leaders to adopt a "merger and acquisition" mindset, suggesting that operating as if you are under constant financial and operational scrutiny forces a level of discipline that mitigates risk. He further emphasizes the necessity of strengthening regulatory expertise and maintaining "litigation-ready" record-keeping, noting that in the eyes of a plaintiff attorney, if an action wasn't written down, it effectively never happened.Closing out the show, Kevin Damoa, CEO of Glid, shares how his company is reindustrializing the first mile through "physical AI". He explains how Glid’s autonomous vehicles, like Radon and Glidrim, are designed to transition seamlessly between road and rail, allowing cargo to bypass derailments or traffic congestion by simply driving around obstructions and getting back on the track. Damoa introduces Ezra 16, a new orchestration tool aimed at balancing ground-based corridors and solving labor shortages by making underutilized rail networks more accessible for short-mile logistics. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor - JJ KELLER Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special “Fraud Friday” edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, host Malcolm Harris dives deep into the dark side of the supply chain. With losses mounting and theft schemes becoming more sophisticated, we’re joined by a triple threat of experts to break down exactly how these crimes happen and what you can do to stop them.The “Fraud Girl” Perspective: Danielle Spinelli (Director of Partnerships at Genlogs and Host of Tell Me Everything) joins the show to discuss her recent ride-along with the California Highway Patrol’s cargo theft task force. She reveals the shocking scale of rail line theft in the desert and explains how “strategic theft” has evolved since 2020.The Amazon Schemes: We break down two massive fraud cases involving Amazon, including a $10 million fake vendor invoice scheme and a $3.5 million “ghost trailer” scam where 23 fake trucking companies billed for movements that never happened.Next-Gen Defense: Noi Mahoney and Phillip Brink from FreightWaves join to discuss the latest in “ambient IoT” sensor tech that can detect theft and tampering in real-time. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor - JJ KELLER Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this “hump day” edition of WHAT THE TRUCK, host Malcolm Harris takes the wheel solo while co-host Michael Vincent is on vacation. The episode dives deep into the “black hole” of the supply chain—the yard—and explores the evolving landscape of logistics recruiting and company culture.KEY TOPICS & SEGMENTS:• Modernizing Yard Logistics: Darin Brannan, CEO of Terminal Industries, discusses the shift from traditional Yard Management Systems (YMS) to advanced Yard Operating Systems. He explains how Terminal Industries uses AI and computer vision to eliminate paperwork and streamline processes, aiming to solve the “gate math” problem that often leads to massive traffic jams and wasted time for truckers.• The Future of Logistics Talent: Ryan Paul, President of Logitalent joins the show to discuss the past, present, and future of logistics recruiting. The conversation covers the importance of people and culture in the 3PL and brokerage space, as well as how companies are navigating a changing workforce. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor - JJ KELLER Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Monday edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, hosts Malcolm and The Dude are joined by FreightWaves Editor-at-Large John Kingston to break down the explosive conclusion of the “Operation Sideswipe” trial. The discussion centers on the federal conviction of two Louisiana attorneys who orchestrated a massive scheme involving staged tractor-trailer accidents dating back to 2011. Kingston details the dramatic scenes in the New Orleans courtroom, where the verdict led to outbursts from family members and the physical collapse of one of the defendants. The episode also explores the broader impact of this fraud on Louisiana’s soaring insurance rates and the possibility of future civil litigation against those involved.Shifting to market trends, the trio examines the curious stability of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) prices despite extreme volatility in the diesel and crude oil sectors. Kingston explains that while diesel costs have climbed steadily, retail DEF prices at major chains like Pilot Flying J and Love’s have remained flat, likely due to the nature of urea contracts. The conversation touches on the global supply shocks affecting the energy market, including the unprecedented closure of the Strait of Hormuz and its long-term implications for the trucking industry. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor - JJ KELLER Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Friday edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? embraces the spirit of March Madness as hosts Malcolm and The Dude dive into a “fully loaded” show featuring expert insights on the freight market and the future of energy.Episode Highlights:• Market Deep Dive with John Kingston: FreightWaves Editor-at-Large John Kingston joins the show to break down the “State of Freight”. He discusses five major takeaways from recent market data, including a positive outlook for the freight market supported by a 13% tender rejection rate—a significant jump from six months ago. Kingston also provides an “expert” perspective on the impact of infrastructure damage and risk premiums on oil prices following the shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz.• Legal Breaking News: The hosts and Kingston discuss a major legal development involving a $22.5 million jury award in an Ohio pregnancy discrimination case against TQL.• Renewable Energy and Innovation: Scott Brinner and Russ Bouillon from Nopetro Energy join the conversation to discuss their work in the energy sector. The segment highlights their ties to Knoxville and their efforts in the transportation technology space. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor - JJ KELLER Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, broadcasting live from the 3PL Summit! Join your hosts, Malcolm Harris and Michael “The Dude” Vincent, as they dive into the biggest headlines and innovations shaping the logistics industry today.In this episode, we sit down with industry experts to explore how technology and data are redefining the freight landscape for brokers and 3PLs.On This Episode:• AI in Sales Coaching: Larkin Ison, Head of Industry Relations at Rilla, joins us to discuss how freight brokers and 3PLs are leveraging AI to coach their sales teams at scale.• Market Intelligence & Data: Mazen Danaf, Principal Economist at Uber Freight, breaks down the current market data and provides an essential Q1 market outlook for 3PLs.• Industry Headlines: We discuss the financial struggles of the US Postal Service, the recent bankruptcy filing of Sparhawk Trucking, and a deep dive into the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse stats regarding marijuana usage among drivers.• The Playbook: A look at Adam Wingfield’s latest insights on the match between America’s 292,000 shippers and the small carrier market. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor - JJ KELLER Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Malcolm and The Dude kick things off with a lighthearted discussion about March Madness brackets and the unexpected snowy weather in Chattanooga before diving into a heavy-hitting lineup of industry experts.Episode Highlights• State of Women in Trucking: Samantha Greene, Regional Underwriting Officer at Travelers, joins the show for her first podcast appearance to discuss female representation in the industry. She reveals that while female drivers make up only 4% of long-haul CDL holders, women are making significant gains in leadership roles, holding nearly 28% of C-suite positions and 30% of board seats.• Energy Markets & Geopolitics: Matt Muenster, Chief Economist at Breakthrough, provides an update on the volatile energy landscape. He breaks down current market trends and the impact of the ongoing situation between the U.S. and Iran on fuel and logistics.• AI vs. Human-in-the-Loop: David Julian, CTO at Netradyne, addresses the hot debate in fleet technology. He explores whether AI-driven safety measures or human-in-the-loop systems are more effective at making fleets safer and whether current tech is helping or hindering drivers during critical moments. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor - JJ KELLER Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s another “magenta magic” Friday on WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Hosts Malcolm Harris and The Dude (Michael Vincent) are back to break down the latest in logistics, celebrate some retro gaming gifts, and dive deep into the world of automotive transport and warehousing fulfillment.On This Episode:• Retro Gaming & Friday Vibes: The guys kick things off by showing off some new gear, including an Atari and a Nintendo 64 hat, thanks to Matt Kaiser and Axle Logistics.• The Layoff Trough: Malcolm and The Dude discuss a recent report on the 4,000+ layoffs affecting EV battery plants, warehouses, and rail terminals. Is this just the bottom of the trough, or is there more to come?.• WTT Top 10: A brand new segment! We count down the wildest clips in trucking, from forklift couch-surfing in Detroit to Peterbilts in places they definitely shouldn’t be.• David Mendelson (Super Dispatch): A repeat guest joins the show to break down AI in automotive transport. David explains how carriers and brokers are using technology to streamline car hauling—all in plain English, no jargon required.• Dr. Vernard Jenkins II (NightSwift): We sit down with “Dr. V” to discuss his journey from Miami to the leadership ranks of NightSwift Warehousing and Fulfillment. Plus, we talk some serious hoop! Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor - JJ KELLER Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to a brand new edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? with your hosts Malcolm Harris and “The Dude,” Michael Vincent. In this episode, we dive deep into the massive shifts happening across the supply chain, from blockbuster rail mergers to high-stakes international trade lawsuits.Guest Lineup:• Tim Crawford, CEO of Tenstreet: Tim returns to the show to discuss the critical operational side of the industry. We explore the latest trends in driver hiring, retention, and how fleets are staying ahead of safety compliance and changing risks.• Jonathan Briffa, Managing Director at Republic Partners: Jonathan joins us to break down the current Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) landscape. We talk through the trends in the 3PL space and what buyers are actually looking for in today’s market—hint: it’s all about profitable growth.Episode Highlights:Episode Highlights:• The Union Pacific/Southern Merger: We discuss the controversy surrounding Jim Vina’s “blockbuster” rail merger. Is this a move toward much-needed modernization, or will it cause the same service disasters seen in past consolidations?• Nintendo vs. The U.S. Government: Why is the gaming giant filing a lawsuit over billions in tariffs? We break down the legal battle over the use of emergency authority (IEEPA) and what it means for companies importing from China and Vietnam.• Magenta is the New Green: You might notice a color change in the studio! We’re celebrating our new supporting sponsor, T-Mobile for Business, and discussing why “magenta” is the theme for the month. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor - JJ KELLER Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Malcolm and The Dude do a deep dive into the top stories in logistics which include, Operation Side Swipe: A look into a massive fraud investigation in New Orleans involving "staged accidents" where a "slammer" would intentionally crash cars into trucks to collect insurance payouts. And Operation Cleanup: A report on Mexican authorities canceling permits for 350 steel importers due to suspicious activities and fraudulent use of duty-free incentives intended for export production. They also talk to Mike Riccio, owner of More than Miles Consulting. Riccio is a seasoned veteran with over 35 years in the transportation industry, known for building Leonard’s Express into a $350 million logistics powerhouse. The conversation focuses on providing viewers with insights into leadership and the brokerage sector. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor - JJ KELLER Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this high-energy Friday edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Malcolm and The Dude dive into the critical legal and regulatory shifts currently impacting the trucking industry. The episode features a detailed discussion on the recent Supreme Court (SCOTUS) arguments regarding broker liability and the definition of motor vehicles, highlighting the massive stakes for insurance and safety.They also cover the recent federal crackdown on non-compliant Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs), where over 20 devices were purged from the official registry, forcing carriers to find compliant alternatives within sixty days. Additionally, the show explores new legislative pushes for cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE to address CDL fraud and illegal criminal aliens. Featuring market data insights from Corey Klujsza and discussions on industry partnerships with Tom Curee, the episode provides a comprehensive look at the “shit show” of legal gymnastics and regulatory hurdles currently facing the freight market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Malcolm and The Dude dive deep into the current state of the supply chain with two industry heavyweights.First, John Howland joins the desk to break down the shifting dynamics of the freight market and what carriers need to do to stay profitable in a volatile landscape. Then, we pivot to the tech side of the house with Phillip Brink, exploring how data-driven decisions are transforming the way we move goods from port to porch. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor - JJ KELLER Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this live edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? from the “Queen City” of Charlotte, NC, host Malcolm Harris sits down with industry experts to dissect a freight market at a major turning point. Malcolm is first joined by Brian Reilly, VP of Enterprise Sales at RXO, who shares on-the-ground insights into why routing guides are breaking and how capacity is tightening for the first time in years. The conversation then shifts to the future of logistics operations with Alan Alberto of CloneOps, who joins the show to discuss local industry growth. Lastly, Malcom talks with Nate Jones, Enterprise Customer Success Manager at Highway, who shares his experience on what 3PLs need to be doing to have success, and the future of the freight industry in Chattanooga. 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

In this episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Thomas Wasson dives deep into the major geopolitical events impacting global supply chains, specifically focusing on recent attacks in the Persian Gulf and the Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The show analyzes the ripple effects of these events on energy markets and maritime routes, highlighting how supply chains have become central to modern geopolitical calculus.The episode also covers a significant legal development in the parcel industry: class-action lawsuits against FedEx and UPS following the Supreme Court’s rollback of Trump-era emergency tariffs. In the market update segment, Wasson uses Sonar data to explore why tender rejection rates and spot market rates—particularly in the flatbed segment—are defying seasonal norms and staying “higher for longer”. Finally, the show wraps up with “Thomas Wasson’s Random Musings,” a look at emerging trucking technology and industry trends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices