RoadSigns A Transport Topics Podcast

Transport Topics

From the creators of Transport Topics, RoadSigns is a podcast about trucking's future. In each episode, you'll follow a transportation journalist on a singular pursuit for the most solid answer to a critical question and meet interesting people along the way. Listen at roadsigns.ttnews.com. Do you have a question for our hosts to answer? Tell us here: https://www.speakpipe.com/RoadSigns For RoadSigns extended cuts visit: https://pages.ttnews.com/RS-Bonus-Content-Archive.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=extended-cuts-2023

  1. RS189: What Did TMC Tell Us About the State of the Trucking Industry?

    6D AGO

    RS189: What Did TMC Tell Us About the State of the Trucking Industry?

    Trucking keeps the country moving—so when the industry hits turbulence, everyone feels it. Recorded live from the ATA Technology & Maintenance Council’s 2026 Annual Meeting, host Seth Clevenger sits down with Chris Spear, president and CEO of American Trucking Associations, for a candid look at what today’s fleet maintenance trends reveal about the broader state of trucking. In this conversation, Spear breaks down business conditions for motor carriers, the implications of rolling back zero-emission mandates for commercial vehicles and how the persistent technician shortage is reshaping operational priorities. TMC’s annual meeting is where trucking’s toughest challenges meet practical solutions. Tune in for the key insights trucking and fleet maintenance leaders need right now as the industry navigates rapid change. For more information: ttn.ws/episode189 This episode is sponsored by Optimal Dynamics (www.optimaldynamics.com) Follow the RoadSigns - X/Twitter: ttroadsigns LinkedIn: RoadSignspodcast Instagram: roadsignspodcast Join RoadSigns mailing list: https://roadsigns.ttnews.com/join-the-mailing-list/ For sponsorship and guest inquires please visit: https://roadsigns.ttnews.com/roadsigns-contact/ For RoadSigns extended cuts visit: https://pages.ttnews.com/RS-Bonus-Content-Archive.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    39 min
  2. RS188: How Can Fleets Mitigate Breakdowns and Get Trucks Back on the Road Sooner?

    MAR 19

    RS188: How Can Fleets Mitigate Breakdowns and Get Trucks Back on the Road Sooner?

    When a truck breaks down mid-route leaving a half-million-dollar load on the shoulder of the highway, how effectively does your fleet respond? Every minute counts and the wrong call can cost your fleet thousands. In this episode of RoadSigns, co-host Seth Clevenger sits down with Bob Toews, president of TruckDown, to explore how fleets can streamline their response to unplanned vehicle downtime and safely get their trucks back on the road as quick as possible. With nearly 30 years of experience helping fleets respond faster, smarter and more cost-effectively to truck breakdowns, Toews reveals where fleets typically lose time and what it really takes to ensure quality repairs under time pressure. Whether you're managing a handful of trucks or a large fleet, tune in for practical insight on turning one of trucking's most disruptive events into a manageable process. For more information: https://roadsigns.ttnews.com/episodes/how-can-fleets-mitigate-breakdowns-and-get-trucks-back-on-the-road-sooner/ This episode is sponsored by Truckdown. Visit https://www.truckdown.com/smartway-repair to learn more. Follow the RoadSigns - X/Twitter: ttroadsigns LinkedIn: RoadSignspodcast Instagram: roadsignspodcast Join RoadSigns mailing list: https://roadsigns.ttnews.com/join-the-mailing-list/ For sponsorship and guest inquires please visit: https://roadsigns.ttnews.com/roadsigns-contact/ For RoadSigns extended cuts visit: https://pages.ttnews.com/RS-Bonus-Content-Archive.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    21 min
  3. RS187: What Should Fleet Managers Prioritize in Planning for the Future?

    FEB 26

    RS187: What Should Fleet Managers Prioritize in Planning for the Future?

    With uncertainty surrounding rising costs, tight labor markets and evolving emissions rules, it is increasingly difficult for fleet managers to know how best to futureproof their operations. Between a more robust maintenance strategy, adopting smart technology or a even a plan for electrification, what is the most critical path forward for your fleet? What decisions made today will still matter five years from now? In this episode of RoadSigns, co-host Michael Freeze sits down with Patrick Brennan, senior vice president of Cox Fleet, to discuss the common missteps fleets make in planning for future maintenance and operational needs. Gain a better understanding of key strategic opportunities you can take advantage of today and start shaping your fleet of tomorrow. Tune in now. For more information: https://roadsigns.ttnews.com/episodes/what-should-fleet-managers-prioritize-in-planning-for-the-future/ This episode is sponsored by Cox Automotive. Visit: https://coxfleetsolutions.com/ Follow the RoadSigns - X/Twitter: ttroadsigns LinkedIn: RoadSignspodcast Instagram: roadsignspodcast Join RoadSigns mailing list: https://roadsigns.ttnews.com/join-the-mailing-list/ For sponsorship and guest inquires please visit: https://roadsigns.ttnews.com/roadsigns-contact/ For RoadSigns extended cuts visit: https://pages.ttnews.com/RS-Bonus-Content-Archive.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    30 min
  4. RS186: Are Autonomous Trucks Outgrowing the Hub-to-Hub Model?

    FEB 19

    RS186: Are Autonomous Trucks Outgrowing the Hub-to-Hub Model?

    After years of actively testing and operating self-driving trucks on public highways, autonomous technology developers are swiftly moving towards full commercialization. Along the way, the once popular hub-to-hub deployment model, which limits autonomous operations to highways and relies on drivers for local delivery, has been giving way to direct-to-customer autonomous freight movement as technological progress meets functional needs. How will this shift impact operations, maintenance and drivers? In this episode of RoadSigns, co-host Seth Clevenger is joined by Lior Ron, chief operating officer at Waabi, whose background includes co-founding Otto and nearly a decade leading Uber Freight. Together, they'll discuss the accelerating evolution of autonomous trucking and how new AI capabilities are reshaping deployment models. Tune in to discover how self-driving trucks are expected to integrate into real-world freight operations. For more information: https://roadsigns.ttnews.com/episodes/are-autonomous-trucks-outgrowing-the-hub-to-hub-model/ Follow the RoadSigns - X/Twitter: ttroadsigns LinkedIn: RoadSignspodcast Instagram: roadsignspodcast Join RoadSigns mailing list: https://roadsigns.ttnews.com/join-the-mailing-list/ For sponsorship and guest inquires please visit: https://roadsigns.ttnews.com/roadsigns-contact/ For RoadSigns extended cuts visit: https://pages.ttnews.com/RS-Bonus-Content-Archive.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    46 min
  5. RS185: Year-in-Preview: Tariffs, Technology, Safety and an Unclear Freight Outlook

    JAN 29

    RS185: Year-in-Preview: Tariffs, Technology, Safety and an Unclear Freight Outlook

    As trucking moves deeper into 2026, the industry faces a landscape defined by uncertainty and transformation. In this episode of RoadSigns, co-host Seth Clevenger is joined by TT's Eugene Mulero and Kieron Greenhalgh to examine the critical trends that will define freight transportation in the year ahead. From an unclear freight market outlook to the ripple effects of evolving trade policies and tariffs, transportation leaders must stay informed and agile to remain competitive. At the same time, ramped up enforcement actions are elevating the focus on compliance and highway safety. With fleets continuing to face a prolonged freight rate recession and with artificial intelligence poised to revolutionize back-office operations, this year promises to be one where survival hinges on cost controls and efficiency gains. Tune in to discover how you can more effectively navigate the turbulent conditions ahead.   For more information: https://roadsigns.ttnews.com/episodes/year-in-preview-tariffs-technology-safety-and-an-unclear-freight-outlook/   Follow the RoadSigns - X/Twitter: ttroadsigns LinkedIn: RoadSignspodcast Instagram: roadsignspodcast   Join RoadSigns mailing list: https://roadsigns.ttnews.com/join-the-mailing-list/  For sponsorship and guest inquires please visit: https://roadsigns.ttnews.com/roadsigns-contact/   For RoadSigns extended cuts visit: https://pages.ttnews.com/RS-Bonus-Content-Archive.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    40 min
  6. RS184: How is AI Raising the Bar for Fleet Safety?

    12/11/2025

    RS184: How is AI Raising the Bar for Fleet Safety?

    As artificial intelligence usage grows to transform various industries, the trucking sector is harnessing this technology to tackle one of its most critical challenges: fleet safety. Recorded live from ATA's 2025 Management Conference & Exhibition, co-host Seth Clevenger sits down with Johan Land, senior vice president of product and engineering at Samsara, to explore how fleets are adopting AI to revolutionize their safety programs. Land shares insights on Samsara's latest AI-powered innovations - from weather intelligence to automated driver coaching - and details how these applications are helping fleets shift from reactive to proactive safety strategies. Whether you're a fleet manager looking to enhance your safety program or curious about the practical applications of AI in trucking, tune in to this conversation for a vital outlook on the tools and strategies making highways safer today and shaping the trucking industry of tomorrow. For more information: https://roadsigns.ttnews.com/episodes/how-is-ai-raising-the-bar-for-fleet-safety/ This episode is sponsored by Chevron Delo® (https://www.chevronlubricants.com/) How'd we do? Give us your listening experience feedback here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdE2YN79GA4zB5BdD7qJoL11xYEqrVrXpZcwhARZgY03D9ntA/viewform?usp=sf_link Follow the RoadSigns - X/Twitter: ttroadsigns LinkedIn: RoadSignspodcast Instagram: roadsignspodcast Join RoadSigns mailing list: https://roadsigns.ttnews.com/join-the-mailing-list/ For sponsorship and guest inquires please visit: https://roadsigns.ttnews.com/roadsigns-contact/ For RoadSigns extended cuts, visit: https://ttn.ws/extendedcuts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    27 min
  7. RS183: Will More Motor Carriers Choose to Adopt Renewable Natural Gas?

    11/26/2025

    RS183: Will More Motor Carriers Choose to Adopt Renewable Natural Gas?

    Renewable natural gas (RNG) is gaining serious traction in trucking, and Cummins' new 15-liter X15 N engine just changed the game. Recorded live at ATA's MCE, co-host Seth Clevenger sits down with Chad Lindholm, senior vice president at Clean Energy, to explore how regulatory shifts and improved technology are opening doors for RNG adoption among major fleets. If you are evaluating alternative fuel strategies, this conversation delivers practical answers to the most pressing questions: Does RNG make financial sense? What is the real ROI timeline? And how does it fit into sustainability goals in a regulatory environment now favoring multiple fuel options? Five years after their last conversation on this topic, Clevenger and Lindholm reflect on how dramatically the natural gas discussion has evolved - from early fuel-price-driven interest to today's market, where reliability and financial returns are driving decisions. For more information: https://roadsigns.ttnews.com/episodes/will-more-motor-carriers-choose-to-adopt-renewable-natural-gas/ This episode is sponsored by Fullbay. Visit www.fullbay.com. How'd we do? Give us your listening experience feedback here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdE2YN79GA4zB5BdD7qJoL11xYEqrVrXpZcwhARZgY03D9ntA/viewform?usp=sf_link Follow the RoadSigns - X/Twitter: ttroadsigns LinkedIn: RoadSignspodcast Instagram: roadsignspodcast Join RoadSigns mailing list: https://roadsigns.ttnews.com/join-the-mailing-list/ For sponsorship and guest inquires please visit: https://roadsigns.ttnews.com/roadsigns-contact/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    29 min
  8. RS182: How Can Public and Private Investments Ease the Truck Parking Crunch?

    11/13/2025

    RS182: How Can Public and Private Investments Ease the Truck Parking Crunch?

    The truck parking issue is not just an inconvenience; it's costing the industry $100 billion annually in lost productivity. In this episode of RoadSigns, co-host Seth Clevenger sits down with Reed Loustalot, chief marketing officer of Truck Parking Club, to explore how a combination of public funding and private innovation can finally ease this persistent pain point for drivers. Recorded live at IANA's 2025 Intermodal Expo, this conversation reveals surprising insights from a groundbreaking study by industry economist Noël Perry. Whether you're a driver struggling to find safe parking, a fleet manager looking for retention tools or simply interested in supply chain efficiency, this episode offers practical solutions to one of trucking's most stubborn challenges. Tune in to discover how better parking access can reduce driver stress, improve freight movement and boost productivity. For more episode information: https://roadsigns.ttnews.com/episodes/how-can-public-and-private-investments-ease-the-truck-parking-crunch/ This episode is sponsored by Chevron Delo® (https://www.chevronlubricants.com/) How'd we do? Give us your listening experience feedback here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdE2YN79GA4zB5BdD7qJoL11xYEqrVrXpZcwhARZgY03D9ntA/viewform?usp=sf_link Follow the RoadSigns - X/Twitter: ttroadsigns LinkedIn: RoadSignspodcast Instagram: roadsignspodcast Join RoadSigns mailing list: https://roadsigns.ttnews.com/join-the-mailing-list/ For sponsorship and guest inquires please visit: https://roadsigns.ttnews.com/roadsigns-contact/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    38 min
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Hosts & Guests

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

From the creators of Transport Topics, RoadSigns is a podcast about trucking's future. In each episode, you'll follow a transportation journalist on a singular pursuit for the most solid answer to a critical question and meet interesting people along the way. Listen at roadsigns.ttnews.com. Do you have a question for our hosts to answer? Tell us here: https://www.speakpipe.com/RoadSigns For RoadSigns extended cuts visit: https://pages.ttnews.com/RS-Bonus-Content-Archive.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=extended-cuts-2023

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