FreightWaves Today

FreightWaves NOW is your daily source for the most impactful news in logistics. We break down the complex world of freight—covering trucking, rail, air, and ocean markets—to bring you actionable insights. Whether you are a carrier, shipper, or broker, we provide the data-driven context you need to navigate a volatile market.

FreightWaves Today is a news podcast hosted by FreightWaves, with 1,000 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

FreightWaves hosts FreightWaves Today, a news show with 1,000 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  FreightWaves Today

  Cargo Theft Blitz Recovers $635K, California Cold-Storage Crackdown, & Diesel Prices Drop | The Morning Minute

  Sep 30, 20263 min

  In this episode, we kick things off by examining a landmark law enforcement operation that dealt a major blow to cargo theft networks nationwide. The coordinated National Supply Chain Blitz resulted in multiple arrests and approximately $635,000 in recovered stolen freight, including thirty stolen transformers worth roughly $600,000 that were located at a Massachusetts facility using fraudulent documentation. Next, we explore how California is tightening regulatory oversight of cold-storage facilities following a devastating industrial fire. Governor Gavin Newsom signed new legislation requiring emergency financial resources and authorizing significantly higher penalties for safety violations at large cold-storage warehouses after the massive eight-day Lineage fire in Los Angeles triggered a state emergency declaration and widespread public health concerns. Finally, we cover some welcome news for truckers as retail diesel prices dropped nearly fifteen cents per gallon from their recent all-time highs. The decline ends a three-week streak of record-breaking weekly prices and is being driven by increasing crude oil flows out of the Persian Gulf approaching pre-war levels. Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  FreightWaves Today

  Daimler Fights NoX Penalty Loophole, Trimble Sale Still on Table, & China Ship Tax Gap | The Morning Minute

  Sep 29, 20264 min

  In this episode, we kick things off by examining a fierce regulatory battle over proposed non-compliance penalties that could allow engine makers to simply pay fines rather than meet the drastically tighter nitrogen oxide standard taking effect in 2027. Daimler Truck North America is publicly resisting this controversial loophole, warning that PACCAR's suggestion of treating 6,000–7,000 per-engine penalties as an acceptable business strategy undermines Congressional intent and threatens the investments made by companies that developed compliant technology over the past decade. Next, we explore the freight technology sector where a potential blockbuster divestiture remains in limbo as Trimble keeps multiple interested parties on the hook for its transportation and logistics business. Speaking at the company's Insight 2026 conference, CEO Rob Painter offered no timetable or clarity on whether the strategic review with Goldman Sachs will result in a sale, spinoff, or no transaction at all, even as Trimble continues investing aggressively in new AI-powered tools like Arc Agent. Finally, we discuss a critical regulatory gap that has U.S. port-entry fees targeting China-linked vessels scheduled to resume in November despite last week's broader trade truce extension through January 2027. The discrepancy leaves liner operators and cargo interests in limbo, awaiting formal USTR action to align the maritime-fee suspension with the newly extended diplomatic accord, as no such notice had been issued as of September 28. Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  FreightWaves Today

  FreightWaves Today | September 28

  Sep 28, 20261h 2m

  On this episode of FreightWaves Today, Julie Van de Kamp and Malcolm Harris break down the biggest stories shaping freight and logistics, from autonomous trucking and artificial intelligence to fraud, cargo theft and the evolving freight market. The show leads with Aurora Innovation’s plan to scale to more than 30,000 driverless trucks by 2030, prompting a discussion about truck utilization, the future ownership of autonomous assets and how widespread autonomy could reshape freight brokerage. The hosts also examine a $105 million alleged trucking investment fraud scheme and proposed changes to Mexico’s customs law that could affect cross-border freight through increased inspections and potential cargo seizures. In the featured interview, Gabriel Ribeiro of Hey Bubba AI discusses how carriers are actually adopting AI, where smaller fleets can begin, and why data security and human oversight remain critical. Ribeiro explains how AI can automate load discovery and negotiation, connect with TMS, telematics, email and phone systems, flag discrepancies in freight documents, provide driver support and create hands-free workflows designed to reduce distraction. The episode also features a SONAR market deep dive, examining rising diesel prices, elevated but relatively stable spot rates, tight capacity, tender rejections and the potential impact of automotive and housing demand heading into peak season. The hosts revisit freight fraud and cargo theft, discuss emerging last-mile delivery technology including drone delivery, and preview the upcoming F3: Future of Freight Festival in Chattanooga. Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  FreightWaves Today

  Aurora's 30K Driverless Truck Plan, $105M Trucking Fraud Scheme, & Mexico Customs Overhaul | The Morning Minute

  Sep 28, 20264 min

  In this episode, we kick things off by examining Aurora Innovation's aggressive expansion strategy as the autonomous truck developer charts a path toward massive commercial scale. Listen in to discover how Aurora plans to deploy more than 30,000 driverless trucks by 2030, targeting over five billion dollars in revenue with a sixty percent gross margin. Most of this ambitious growth hinges on transitioning from Aurora owning the trucks to carriers taking ownership under a Driver as a Service model, where carriers pay eighty-five cents or more per mile for the driving technology. Next, we explore a shocking case that federal prosecutors are calling a massive Ponzi scheme in the trucking sector. We break down how a Nevada man allegedly defrauded hundreds of investors out of $105 million by selling truck leases with promises of guaranteed passive income. Investigators claim approximately seventy-five million dollars from newer participants went toward earlier payouts, while more than twenty-five million dollars funded luxury purchases including real estate, sports cars and jewelry. Finally, we head south to examine a proposed Mexican customs law overhaul that could trigger major border delays and cargo seizures for cross-border freight operations. The legislation would grant Mexican customs authorities greater power to initiate verification procedures and would eliminate an existing fifty percent undervaluation threshold associated with precautionary seizure, potentially impacting thousands of customs operations valued at nearly ninety million dollars. Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  FreightWaves Today

  FreightWaves Today | September 25

  Sep 25, 20262h 7m

  Join host Malcolm Harris and Zach Strickland for today's episode of FreightWaves Today as they dive into the current freight market dynamics, artificial intelligence, and crucial risk management strategies. In Block A, Malcolm sits down with Will Bewley, Co-Founder & CEO of WoFlow, to cut through the noise and negative press surrounding artificial intelligence. Will breaks down how WoFlow approaches AI transformation in practical terms, how businesses can leverage AI to navigate today’s constrained capacity environment without just adding another tool, and the critical importance of data quality. He also addresses common fears about AI replacing logistics jobs and shares where he sees the technology heading next. In Block C, Andy Kuchar, President of Centerline Insurance Company and Chief Risk Officer for Watkins Associated Industries, returns to the show to discuss trailer insurance gaps. Andy highlights three key warning signs that a company might have an uninsured exposure, unpacks common misconceptions surrounding trailer coverage, and explains why brokers, agents, and leasing companies need to pay close attention. Drawing on over 25 years of risk management experience, Andy also touches on nuclear verdicts, rising litigation costs, and offers actionable advice for transportation companies reviewing their overall insurance programs. Plus, stay tuned for the latest market intelligence during our SONAR Update, along with key industry developments in the Morning Minute. Follow the FreightWaves Today Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on FreightWaves Today. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.