The Freight Coach Podcast

Chris Jolly

The Freight Coach Podcast is your go-to resource for all things freight, logistics, and transportation. Hosted by industry expert Chris Jolly, this podcast dives deep into the latest trends, insights, and strategies that drive the freight world. Each episode features conversations with top industry professionals, offering valuable tips on everything from supply chain optimization and freight technology to navigating the complexities of logistics management. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the world of freight, The Freight Coach Podcast delivers the knowledge you need to stay ahead of the curve and optimize your freight operations. Tune in for actionable advice, thought-provoking discussions, and a glimpse into the future of freight!

  1. 1407. #TFCP - Mastering the Cold Chain: Produce Season Logistics and Reefer Reliability!

    15H AGO

    1407. #TFCP - Mastering the Cold Chain: Produce Season Logistics and Reefer Reliability!

    Today, a reefer expert is back, Cody Koehler of A & Z Trucking, to dive into the volatility currently hitting the reefer freight market!  Are you prepared for the upcoming peak produce and floral seasons in Florida? We break down the Tampa to Cleveland lane, analyzing why we're seeing a significant year-over-year rate increase and how political factors and weather events are tightening capacity across the country. Cody shares his insights on freight lane analysis, the importance of honoring quoted rates to maintain shipper trust, and why proactive communication is your best tool when capacity gets tight. Whether you're navigating spot market rates or managing long-term contracts, we discuss the best practices for building a resilient book of business in an unpredictable environment!   About Cody Koehler Cody is a 21-year veteran in supply chain/logistics. He has done just about everything in this industry minus holding his CDL (he did drive a yard dog though). In his current role, he oversees the sales and marketing teams for A&Z trucking, a 20-year old brokerage that specializes in produce and reefer freight, as well as cold storage and cross docking.   Connect with Cody LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-koehler-1a922b162/  Website: https://aandztrucking.com/  Email: info@aandztrucking.com   📊📉 Don't miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎 🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!   To Find Out More About My Freight Services Visit https://freightcoachlogistics.com/   🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇 SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/  Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/ NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/ DAT Freight & Analytics | https://www.dat.com/   Donate to support Stacy and her family: https://tinyurl.com/36xmxcmr   🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇   ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrL70IEnCfDkNaiYMar3jw 📷 https://www.instagram.com/thefreightcoach/  🕊️ https://twitter.com/thefr8coach  💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/

    33 min
  2. 1406. #TFCP - The $1 Billion Parking Push: Legislation, Real Estate, and the War on Theft!

    1D AGO

    1406. #TFCP - The $1 Billion Parking Push: Legislation, Real Estate, and the War on Theft!

    In this episode, Evan Shelley of Truck Parking Club is back to discuss the real-world challenges facing transportation professionals today and how private-sector innovation is tackling the massive truck parking crisis across the United States! We cover everything from their cool 1978 International Transtar cabover restoration project to the critical need for safe, accessible truck parking locations, how they are leveraging the private sector to create a scalable truck parking solution by connecting drivers with underutilized lots, which is a game-changer given the slow pace of government bureaucracy and the limitations of the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act. We break down the safety implications of illegal parking on on-ramps, the impact of local zoning regulations, and how technology integrations with ELD providers are helping owner-operators and freight carriers find secure spots before their hours of service run out!   About Evan Shelley Evan Shelley is Co-founder and CEO of Truck Parking Club, a company providing parking for truckers by monetizing vacant properties for landowners. Evan is a truck parking expert with a deep knowledge of the business. Using his experiences in truck parking and real estate he is working to help solve the truck parking shortage and bring awareness to the issue.   Through the "Night on Us" promotion, truck drivers who get a qualifying Shell Rotella oil change can receive up to $100 in Truck Parking Club Cash to use at any of our 4,200+ locations nationwide. The promotion runs through June 30, 2026. Full details at rotella.com/nightonus.   📊📉 Don't miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎 🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!   To Find Out More About My Freight Services Visit https://freightcoachlogistics.com/   🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇 SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/  Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/ NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/ DAT Freight & Analytics | https://www.dat.com/   Donate to support Stacy and her family: https://tinyurl.com/36xmxcmr   🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇   ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrL70IEnCfDkNaiYMar3jw 📷 https://www.instagram.com/thefreightcoach/  🕊️ https://twitter.com/thefr8coach  💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/

    32 min
  3. 1405. #TFCP - The Insurance Paradox: FMCSA Stalls while AI & ICE Crack Down on Trucking!

    2D AGO

    1405. #TFCP - The Insurance Paradox: FMCSA Stalls while AI & ICE Crack Down on Trucking!

    We're back for another episode that will break down everything you need to know about the current state of the transportation business, and today, you'll hear critical advice for brokers and carriers navigating the complex world of heavy-haul and over-dimensional freight, emphasizing the importance of expert coordination for permits and pilot cars! Beyond the lanes, we tackle the industry's digital transformation, from Samsara's new AI-driven driver coaching features designed to improve safety and lower insurance premiums, to the legislative crackdown on CDL fraud and fraudulent motor carrier authorities. Whether we're discussing the FMCSA's stance on insurance minimums or the future of autonomous trucking technology, the goal is to give you the real-world insights you need to protect your margins and grow your business in today's volatile freight market, so tune in!   Resources / References https://www.ttnews.com/articles/samsara-expands-ai-driver https://www.freightwaves.com/news/lawmaker-pushes-for-ice-coordination-in-cdl-crackdowns https://www.overdriveonline.com/business/article/15819162/fmcsa-says-it-lacks-data-to-bump-carrier-insurance-minimums-past-750k   📊📉 Don't miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎 🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!   To Find Out More About My Freight Services Visit https://freightcoachlogistics.com/   🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇 SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/  Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/ NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/ DAT Freight & Analytics | https://www.dat.com/   Donate to support Stacy and her family: https://tinyurl.com/36xmxcmr   🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇   ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrL70IEnCfDkNaiYMar3jw 📷 https://www.instagram.com/thefreightcoach/  🕊️ https://twitter.com/thefr8coach  💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/

    32 min
  4. 1404. #TFCP - Scaling the Back Office: The Future of Remote Staffing in Freight!

    3D AGO

    1404. #TFCP - Scaling the Back Office: The Future of Remote Staffing in Freight!

    If you're feeling the weight of burnout as a founder or struggling to scale your operations, you must listen to this conversation with My Freight Staff's CEO, Edward Lockridge! Edward delves into the game-changing world of remote work and virtual assistants in the transportation industry,  the "brute force" required to build a book of business, the necessity of establishing bulletproof operational systems before hiring, and why outsourcing to global talent is a strategic move to prevent team exhaustion and maintain a 24/7 competitive edge. Whether you're a freight broker or a carrier, tune in to learn how high-level delegation allows you to stop playing defense and start focusing on what you do best: hunting for new customers and growing your logistics business!   Connect with Edward Website: https://myfreightstaff.ph/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfreightstaff/?hl=en / https://www.instagram.com/edward_lockridge/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/myfreightstaff/ / https://www.linkedin.com/in/myfreightstaff/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myfreightstaffph   📊📉 Don't miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎 🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!   To Find Out More About My Freight Services Visit https://freightcoachlogistics.com/   🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇 SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/  Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/ NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/ DAT Freight & Analytics | https://www.dat.com/   Donate to support Stacy and her family: https://tinyurl.com/36xmxcmr   🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇   ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrL70IEnCfDkNaiYMar3jw 📷 https://www.instagram.com/thefreightcoach/  🕊️ https://twitter.com/thefr8coach  💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/

    34 min
  5. 1403. #TFCP - The 2026 Reefer Squeeze: Freezes, Fuel, and the Physics of the Cold Chain!

    4D AGO

    1403. #TFCP - The 2026 Reefer Squeeze: Freezes, Fuel, and the Physics of the Cold Chain!

    Let's start this week by breaking down the latest updates in transportation and supply chain management with today's guest, Kyle Kottke from Kottke Trucking! We delve into the recent upward trajectory of the dry van market, specifically focusing on lanes such as Plant City, Florida, to Des Moines, Iowa, and discuss how rising fuel prices and early produce season shifts are reshaping carrier capacity.  Kyle and I take a frank look at the differences between contracted rates and spot market volatility, while stressing the absolute necessity of transparent communication and technical accuracy in today's freight brokerage landscape.  Whether we're tackling the nuances of AB5 regulations, driver classifications, or the internal metrics that define a successful trucking operation, this episode has the no-nonsense insights you need to navigate the road ahead!   📊📉 Don't miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎 🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!   To Find Out More About My Freight Services Visit https://freightcoachlogistics.com/   🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇 SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/  Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/ NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/ DAT Freight & Analytics | https://www.dat.com/   Donate to support Stacy and her family: https://tinyurl.com/36xmxcmr   🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇   ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrL70IEnCfDkNaiYMar3jw 📷 https://www.instagram.com/thefreightcoach/  🕊️ https://twitter.com/thefr8coach  💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/

    33 min
  6. 1402. #TFCP - Supreme Court Showdown: Can Brokers Be Sued for Carrier Accidents?

    MAR 6

    1402. #TFCP - Supreme Court Showdown: Can Brokers Be Sued for Carrier Accidents?

    Ever wondered how a single Supreme Court case could reshape the entire freight brokerage industry? We're thrilled to have the Armchair Attorney Matt Leffler back on the show to break down the high-stakes broker liability landscape and the recent oral arguments that have everyone in transportation talking.  We dive deep into the legal nuances of the Montgomery v. CH Robinson case, exploring whether brokers should be held liable for the negligence of motor carriers and what the Solicitor General's support for the industry actually means for your daily operations.  Matt and I pull no punches as we discuss the "rotten" state of the supply chain, the critical need for updated FMCSA regulations, and why relying on outdated 1980s standards is a recipe for disaster in a modern freight market.  If you want a straightforward look at the potential for a "golden age" of high-standard operations versus the looming threat of an onslaught of lawsuits, you can't afford to miss this episode!   About Matthew Leffler Matthew is a 3rd generation supply chain executive with over fifteen years of experience in safety, law, & maintenance. Matthew currently serves as Vice President of Strategic Accounts at Contract Leasing Corp. He is also an attorney that provides legal commentary on various supply chain issues & operates a popular podcast. In addition, Matthew has served as a senior leader with some of the nation's most admired maintenance, repair, & fleet management firms. Matthew entered the industry as an attorney defending trucking companies in civil litigation in 2010, but cut his teeth helping build & later selling his family's maintenance firm, Outsource Fleet Services, Inc. Matthew earned his J.D. from Michigan State University College of Law, Magna Cum Laude, and his B.A. from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He is licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois; U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois; & 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. Matthew is the proud father of Michael, Rowan, Elise, & Elijah & has been happily married to his wife, Holly, since 2008.   📊📉 Don't miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎 🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!   To Find Out More About My Freight Services Visit https://freightcoachlogistics.com/   🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇 SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/  Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/ NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/ DAT Freight & Analytics | https://www.dat.com/   Donate to support Stacy and her family: https://tinyurl.com/36xmxcmr   🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇   ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrL70IEnCfDkNaiYMar3jw 📷 https://www.instagram.com/thefreightcoach/  🕊️ https://twitter.com/thefr8coach  💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/

    36 min
  7. 1401. #TFCP - Uptime on Demand: Reimagining Fleet Maintenance in 2026!

    MAR 5

    1401. #TFCP - Uptime on Demand: Reimagining Fleet Maintenance in 2026!

    What if the best opportunities in trucking don't require a traditional college degree? And what if the growing shortage of diesel mechanics is one of the biggest career openings in the transportation industry today? Today, we have Caleb Johnson from Coltrain Onsite Fleet Care to discuss how military veterans are transitioning into trucking, logistics, and diesel technician careers, bringing valuable hands-on experience that the industry needs! We also break down the skilled labor shortage in diesel mechanics and why it's creating major opportunities for new workers seeking stable, high-demand careers.  Caleb shares how mobile fleet maintenance and on-site truck repair are transforming the industry by reducing downtime and improving efficiency, with Coltrain achieving a 95% on-site repair success rate through skilled technicians and preventative maintenance strategies!   About Caleb Johnson Caleb Johnson didn't find his way into the trucking industry. He was born into it. Growing up, while his mother built her career in the industry, Caleb spent his earliest years with his mom in the shop coloring books and catching rides on tractors around the yard. The industry felt like a second family before he ever started turning wrenches. A U.S. Army veteran, Caleb launched his career in transportation through his military service, where he went on to serve as an instructor in an Observer Coach/Trainer (OCT) unit, training and validating Army teams and their vehicles before overseas deployment, ensuring they were mission-capable no matter the mission set. That background in preparation, accountability, and getting people ready to perform under pressure shapes how he leads to this day. With over 12 years of experience in fleet maintenance and mobile repair, Caleb has worked every level of this industry, from Lead Technician at Penske Truck Leasing to Mobile Technician Manager for the Gulf South Region at Dickinson Fleet Services/Cox Automotive, to General Manager roles at Fleet Mobile Maintenance and now Coltrain Onsite Fleet Care, where he leads the Central Gulf Region. In an industry that runs on trust, Caleb is the kind of operator people want in their corner, genuine, relational, and deeply invested in the people around him. At Coltrain Onsite Fleet Care, he's found a home that shares that same conviction, putting people first and delivering on the promise to defend the road with reliable maintenance and repair that keeps fleets moving safely and efficiently to their destinations.   📊📉 Don't miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎 🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!   To Find Out More About My Freight Services Visit https://freightcoachlogistics.com/   🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇 SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/  Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/ NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/ DAT Freight & Analytics | https://www.dat.com/   Donate to support Stacy and her family: https://tinyurl.com/36xmxcmr   🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇   ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrL70IEnCfDkNaiYMar3jw 📷 https://www.instagram.com/thefreightcoach/  🕊️ https://twitter.com/thefr8coach  💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/

    33 min
  8. 1400. #TFCP - The 2026 Regulatory Crackdown: IC Rules, Derek Barrs, and the SAFER Act!

    MAR 4

    1400. #TFCP - The 2026 Regulatory Crackdown: IC Rules, Derek Barrs, and the SAFER Act!

    Are reefer rates finally finding a new floor, and what does the Department of Labor's six-factor test mean for owner-operators?  Let's dive into the following topics: Vineland-to-Tracy reefer lane, where rates have stabilized around $4,500 despite winter slowdowns, signaling tighter capacity and a potential pricing shift for carriers and brokers.  The DOL's independent contractor rule changes and how the new test could reclassify drivers as employees, creating major liabilities if you're not careful.  The FMCSA's move to proactive safety enforcement using big data to flag high-risk carriers before incidents occur, improving safety while shaking up the competitive landscape.   Resources / References https://www.ttnews.com/articles/independent-contractor-rule https://www.overdriveonline.com/regulations/article/15818491/safer-transport-act-would-require-prosecution-of-fraudsters-more https://www.freightwaves.com/news/derek-barrs-defends-fmcsas-bold-moves-at-tca   📊📉 Don't miss out on the latest market trends by subscribing to your TOP Transportation Morning Show! 🌎 🎬🎯 #TheFreightCoach Morning Show is LIVE every weekday at 10:30 AM CST to break down transportation industry headlines! Mark your calendars!   To Find Out More About My Freight Services Visit https://freightcoachlogistics.com/   🤝 Shoutout to my sponsors!👇 SPI Logistics | https://spi3pl.com/  Revenova | https://revenova.com/freightcoach/ NMFTA | https://nmfta.org/ DAT Freight & Analytics | https://www.dat.com/   Donate to support Stacy and her family: https://tinyurl.com/36xmxcmr   🚀🔥 To sign up for my Newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/iNoHco, get in touch with me through the social media channels below, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel!👇   ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrL70IEnCfDkNaiYMar3jw 📷 https://www.instagram.com/thefreightcoach/  🕊️ https://twitter.com/thefr8coach  💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-jolly-a183aa6a/

    29 min
4.8
out of 5
79 Ratings

About

The Freight Coach Podcast is your go-to resource for all things freight, logistics, and transportation. Hosted by industry expert Chris Jolly, this podcast dives deep into the latest trends, insights, and strategies that drive the freight world. Each episode features conversations with top industry professionals, offering valuable tips on everything from supply chain optimization and freight technology to navigating the complexities of logistics management. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the world of freight, The Freight Coach Podcast delivers the knowledge you need to stay ahead of the curve and optimize your freight operations. Tune in for actionable advice, thought-provoking discussions, and a glimpse into the future of freight!

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