WHAT THE TRUCK?!?

FreightWaves
  • 4.3 (69)
  • Business News
  • Updated Daily

WHAT THE TRUCK?!? is FreightWaves' irreverent award-winning podcast breaking down the biggest stories in transportation and logistics. WTT?!? is all about the people that make freight move. On the show you'll hear from founders, CEOs, VCs, truckers, brokers, and influencers. Join the industry three times a week on FreightWavesTV and podcast players everywhere.

  1. 4d ago

    Why Canadian Oil Won't Save US Diesel Prices

    Malcolm and Mike review recent news, including a breakdown of approximately 1,850 industry layoffs across several states, notable drug and weapon seizures involving semi-trucks on I-69 in Michigan and I-40 in Arkansas, and upcoming events like the Future of Freight Festival in Chattanooga. Then they're joined by Matthew Muester, Chief Economist at Breakthrough, He talks about the volatile diesel market heading into Q4. He breaks down how geopolitical conflicts, crude oil prices (~$90/barrel), and skyrocketing refining margins ($108/barrel crack spread) have pushed total diesel costs to around $200 per barrel. He also shares insights on Canadian crude imports, the long-term outlook for the Keystone XL project, and expectations for diesel pricing into 2027. Finally they have Jefferson Barr, Chief Marketing Officer at Netstock, who discusses insights from Netstock's latest supply chain report. He explains how small-to-midsize businesses (SMBs) are navigating a complex landscape of simultaneous disruptions—such as shifting lead times, freight costs, and raw material access—and emphasizes how leveraging data analytics helps "star" performers outperform "stragglers" in inventory management. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor - KOONER FLEET MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Why Canadian Oil Won't Save US Diesel Prices

  2. 6d ago

    How a $105M Fake Fleet Scheme Fooled 700+ Investors

    On this episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Malcolm Harris and Michael Vincent dig into a busy week in freight, from trucking investment fraud and cargo theft to the future of brokerage and autonomous trucking.The show opens with a look at a $105 million alleged semi-truck investment scheme that reportedly involved hundreds of investors and promises of guaranteed weekly returns. Malcolm and Michael break down the warning signs investors should have noticed and the broader lessons around fraud in trucking. The conversation then turns to the evolution of cargo theft, as cyber-enabled schemes increasingly allow criminals to obtain shipment information, impersonate legitimate carriers and steal high-value freight before a truck even arrives. Michael also weighs in on the changing role of brokers and the growing pressure for technology and data to deliver more value across the freight ecosystem. The hosts examine a major RICO lawsuit involving C.H. Robinson and carriers, discussing what the allegations could mean for the brokerage industry, potential discovery of internal communications and the broader question of how brokers create value in a changing transportation market. They also take a look at Aurora's ambitious autonomous-trucking plans, including its goal of operating more than 30,000 driverless trucks by 2030. Then, Bill Cooper, vice president of sales at Fleet Management Solutions, joins the show to discuss the business impact of truck downtime and why preventative maintenance is becoming a strategic advantage. Cooper explains how mobile maintenance can bring the garage directly to a fleet, helping companies perform inspections, preventative maintenance and repairs without taking vehicles out of service unnecessarily. The conversation explores how fleets can combine telematics, fuel data, maintenance information and real-world operating conditions to create more customized maintenance plans and improve uptime. Cooper also discusses the technician shortage, training, the growing complexity of fleet equipment and preparing maintenance teams for electric and autonomous vehicles. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor - KOONER FLEET MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    How a $105M Fake Fleet Scheme Fooled 700+ Investors

  3. Sep 25

    Can You Trust Your Freight Tracking Data?

    Freight visibility used to answer one big question: Where is my load? Now the question is becoming: Can I trust what I'm seeing? On this episode of What The Truck?!?, Malcolm Harris and Michael Vincent are joined by Andrew Wimer, Associate General Manager at Descartes, to break down the next phase of freight visibility and how multiple tracking signals can give brokers, carriers and shippers a clearer picture of what's actually happening with a load. Wimer explains Descartes MacroPoint ELD Plus, which combines ELD and mobile app tracking into a single session. Instead of relying on one source, the platform can track the truck, trailer and driver simultaneously. If those signals stop telling the same story, transportation teams have another data point to help identify tracking gaps, incorrect information or potentially suspicious activity. They also discuss why drivers still play an important role in freight visibility, how better tracking can accelerate proof of delivery and time to cash, and why accurate driver, truck and trailer information remains critical.Plus, Malcolm and Michael break down some of the biggest stories in trucking, including: Florida troopers recovering stolen tractor-trailers carrying tires and lithium-ion batteries Thieves cutting into a trailer to steal Black Angus beef in Philadelphia 16 trucking and transportation companies entering bankruptcy proceedings A cargo theft survey showing major losses for loss prevention professionals What proposed diesel export restrictions could mean for fuel markets Can two independent tracking signals make freight visibility more reliable and help transportation companies catch problems before it's too late? Watch the full episode to hear Andrew Wimer explain where freight tracking is headed next. Subscribe to FreightWaves and What The Truck?!? for more conversations on trucking, freight technology, cargo theft, logistics and the people moving the industry forward. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor - KOONER FLEET MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Can You Trust Your Freight Tracking Data?

  4. Sep 23

    Beyond Manual Dispatch & Predictive Safety

    Live from the FreightWaves Enterprise Fleet Summit, hosts Malcolm Harris and Michael Vincent break down the strategies, technologies, and operational shifts required to scale trucking operations during volatile market cycles. In this episode: Chris Hines, CEO of REPOWR, discusses TOP (Trailer Optimization Platform)—the industry's first system designed to execute trailer repositioning rather than just analyzing data. He breaks down how fleets can eliminate idle trailer time, optimize asset allocation, and turn static trailers into revenue-generating assets. Hayden Cardiff, VP of Safety Solutions at Descartes, explores the gap between regulatory compliance and real-world safety. He shares insights on predicting driver risk before accidents occur, building proactive driver coaching programs, and leveraging AI to identify leading safety indicators. Event Highlights & Giveaways: Details on upcoming FreightWaves events, including the Brokerage Compliance Symposium and F3: Future of Freight Festival, plus a special showcase of the Away Travel convertible backpack giveaway. 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

    Beyond Manual Dispatch & Predictive Safety

  5. Sep 18

    The Near-Miss Data Hack Slashing Fleet Collisions by 67%

    What happens when predictive AI, cross-border trucking disruptions, cargo theft and hidden supply-chain taxes collide? We’re breaking it all down on this Friday edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Malcolm Harris and Michael Vincent cover the biggest stories impacting trucking, freight and logistics, including a sudden disruption at the U.S.-Mexico border, a bizarre cargo theft case in Nebraska, and the technology changing fleet safety. On this episode: Empiric Earth brings Nexar and Netradyne technology togetherZach Greenberger and Dr. Stefan Heck join the show to discuss the new company and how massive amounts of real-world driving data can help fleets measure, predict and prevent collisions. The conversation explores predictive safety, near-miss data, driver behavior, AI models, road hazards and how fleet managers can identify dangerous routes and driving patterns. Mexico lifts empty-truck restriction at Eagle PassA five-day disruption at the U.S.-Mexico border reportedly stranded hundreds of tractors after Mexican customs authorities restricted empty commercial trucks from crossing southbound at Eagle Pass. Malcolm and Mike examine what the disruption meant for cross-border trucking, capacity and freight flows. $250,000 in stolen speakers found inside a semiNebraska troopers discovered high-end commercial speakers and other merchandise inside a truck allegedly moving with fraudulent paperwork. The case raises plenty of questions about cargo theft, freight fraud and stolen loads. What is a “tax pyramid”?Gregg Berry of Numeral explains the lesser-known sales and use tax exposure that can accumulate at different stages of the supply chain. We break down how taxes can become embedded in the price of goods, why exemptions matter and how technology and AI can help companies identify potential tax liabilities. Plus: trucking banter, freight tech, supply chain insights, a look ahead to FreightTech 100, and plenty of the usual WHAT THE TRUCK?!? chaos. Subscribe to WHAT THE TRUCK?!? for daily trucking, freight, logistics, supply chain and transportation news. #WhatTheTruck #Trucking #Freight #Logistics #SupplyChain #Truckers #FreightTech #CargoTheft #FleetSafety #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #AutonomousDriving #CrossBorderTrucking #Mexico #EaglePass #Transportation #TruckDriver #FreightWaves Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor - KOONER FLEET MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The Near-Miss Data Hack Slashing Fleet Collisions by 67%

  6. Sep 16

    Nebraska Cops Bust Semi Carrying $50M in Legal Colorado Pot

    Malcolm and The Dude kick off another packed Wednesday show! From crazy cargo thefts to major supply chain insights, they dive into the biggest stories hitting the freight and logistics industry. Episode Breakdown: $500k+ Copper Theft: A look at a fictitious pickup in Illinois where thieves impersonated Schneider to steal half a million dollars worth of copper—and how GPS tracking helped crack the case. $1.5M Philadelphia Cargo Theft Ring: The hosts discuss a wild cargo theft ring involving stolen crab legs, TVs, and over $230,000 in brand-new dimes. $50M Drug Seizure in Nebraska: A routine commercial vehicle inspection along I-80 turns up nearly 20,000 pounds of marijuana and THC products hidden inside a semi-trailer. FMCSA Shuts Down 110+ CDL Schools: Breaking down the nationwide crackdown on fraudulent entry-level driver training providers across 20 states and online operations. Guest Feature — Special guest Alexander Style joins the show to discuss how unifying supply chain data creates a single source of truth, how tariffs and nearshoring affect cross-border freight, and how tech is solving information latency across global logistics networks. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor - KOONER FLEET MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Nebraska Cops Bust Semi Carrying $50M in Legal Colorado Pot

  7. Sep 11

    $1 Million Meth Cabbages and Cartel Trucking Brokerages

    This Friday edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Malclolm and Michael Vincent kick off the show with some banter before diving into major freight industry headlines and expert interviews. Key Industry Headlines Colorado Federal Court Ruling: U-Haul was dismissed as a defendant in a Colorado federal court trial following a fatal June 2024 accident where steel beams fell off a truck. The judge cited lack of clarity regarding whether the driver was hauling for U-Haul or Monique Trucking. Massive Drug Ring Busted: Roberto Lopez was sentenced to nearly 19 years in prison for his role in a trucking-based drug ring that moved cocaine and millions in cash across the southeast using stashes and falsified logistics. Fatal Chinese Shipyard Fire: A fire aboard the Liberia-flagged dry bulk carrier Ocean Melody at the Qingdao Beihai Shipyard resulted in 25 confirmed deaths. Border Produce Drug Seizure: DEA and CBP agents in South Texas uncovered 2,000 pounds of methamphetamine concealed inside a shipment of cabbage. Featured Guests Johannes Ariens (CEO, Range Zero Emissions): Breaks down the strategic consolidation of West Coast zero-emission commercial vehicle operations, including partnerships with Ziegler Truck Group and Hyundai Translead. He discusses scaling medium- and heavy-duty battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell fleets, navigating incentive structures, and redesigning dealership models to account for 40% to 60% less vehicle maintenance. Diane Hutson (Executive Director, Saint Christopher Truckers Relief Fund): Highlights the non-profit's milestone of delivering over $5.5 million in financial assistance to ill and injured drivers. She details their free preventative health initiatives—including cancer screenings, smoking cessation programs, and vaccines—and calls on industry leaders to help connect drivers directly to these critical resources. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor - KOONER FLEET MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    $1 Million Meth Cabbages and Cartel Trucking Brokerages

  8. Sep 9

    How Mexican Cartels Are Using Pizza Shops To Move Meth Across the Border

    Malcolm and The Dude dissect recent CargoNet reports regarding Labor Day cargo theft spikes, questioning the data manipulation versus real-world risk. They also dive into former President Donald Trump’s comments on trade deficits and cross-border supply chains with Mexico and Canada. Keith Miao (CEO of Birdstop) and Carl Rundell (President & CEO of Truck Specialized Parking Services) discuss how autonomous drone technology and node networks are being deployed across major freight corridors. They explain how real-time aerial data is helping solve the nationwide truck parking crisis—starting with critical trade routes between Detroit and Windsor, Canada. Guy Yehiav (President of SmartSense) breaks down the physical and digital vulnerabilities in today's supply chains. From "no stop zones" to GPS spoofing and stealth pallet trackers, Guy highlights how organized crime is getting smarter and how shippers can better protect high-value freight Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor - KOONER FLEET MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    How Mexican Cartels Are Using Pizza Shops To Move Meth Across the Border
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4.3
out of 5
69 Ratings

About

WHAT THE TRUCK?!? is FreightWaves' irreverent award-winning podcast breaking down the biggest stories in transportation and logistics. WTT?!? is all about the people that make freight move. On the show you'll hear from founders, CEOs, VCs, truckers, brokers, and influencers. Join the industry three times a week on FreightWavesTV and podcast players everywhere.

Information

  • Creator
    FreightWaves
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    1K
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    ©2025 FreightWaves
  • Show Website
    WHAT THE TRUCK?!?

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