Brake Check

FreightWaves, Charles Gracey
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Join Charles Gracey as he tackles the biggest topics in trucking

  1. Trucking Crackdown: One Driver’s Story vs The Fraud Nobody Stops

    4D AGO

    Trucking Crackdown: One Driver’s Story vs The Fraud Nobody Stops

    What happens when policy meets pavement?In this episode of Brake Check, we bring you both sides of one of the most controversial issues in trucking today.First—Jorge, a truck driver and DACA recipient, shares his story as new CDL crackdowns threaten his livelihood, his future, and everything he’s built behind the wheel.Then—we sit down with the CEO of GenLogs, a company using real-time data and intelligence tools to expose freight fraud, cargo theft, and ELD manipulation across the country.Two perspectives. One industry.We break down: The real-life impact of CDL enforcement on working drivers The rise of freight fraud and organized cargo theft Whether enforcement is fixing the problem—or missing it entirely What the future of trucking looks like if both trends continue This isn’t about picking sides. It’s about understanding what’s really happening.Because while some drivers are being pushed out…Others are gaming the system.And the question is—who’s actually being held accountable? Follow the Brake Check Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows

    46 min
  2. They Showed Up for Truckers: Duffy & Barrs at MATS | Make Trucking Great Again

    MAR 31

    They Showed Up for Truckers: Duffy & Barrs at MATS | Make Trucking Great Again

    In this high-energy episode of Brake Check Live on FreightWavesTV, host Charles Gracey takes listeners to the heart of the trucking industry: the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) in Louisville, Kentucky. The episode captures the vibrant atmosphere of the event, where industry leaders, government officials, and drivers converge to discuss the future of American freight.Key Highlights• Federal Oversight and Safety Reform: Gracey sits down with U.S Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FMCSA Administrator Derek Bars to discuss a major “clean up” of the trucking industry. Secretary Duffy outlines a commitment to rooting out fraud, corruption, and “bad actors”.• Policy and Enforcement: The administration representatives detail new initiatives including Operation Safe Drive, which focuses on aggressive enforcement of existing rules, English proficiency requirements for drivers, and cracking down on “chameleon carriers” and fraudulent CDL schools.• The Rise of AI in Freight: Gabe from Hey Bubba discusses the shifting perception of Artificial Intelligence in trucking. He explains how AI is moving from a theoretical concept to a practical tool designed to automate mundane tasks, allowing drivers and carriers to focus on building deeper human relationships.• Streamlining Recruitment and Operations: Lickin Street from Tenstreet explores the current “bullish” market sentiment and the importance of simplifying the driver application process through their “one-stop-shop” platform and Job Store.• Technology and Feedback Loops: Todd from Truckstop.com highlights the value of “boots on the ground” feedback from drivers to refine products. He also teases upcoming AI integrations and features like Load Boost to help brokers and carriers connect more efficiently.The Vision for the FutureThe episode concludes with a passionate address from Secretary Duffy, who emphasizes that the current administration is moving at a “different pace” to prioritize safety and ensure that trucking remains a prestigious and viable way for Americans to support their families.Whether discussing the “shoveling of microphones” on the trade show floor or the complexities of federal law, this episode provides a comprehensive look at an industry in the midst of a significant technological and regulatory transformation. Follow the Brake Check Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows

    44 min
  3. Inside Mercertown: The Blueprint for Owner-Operator Success

    MAR 26

    Inside Mercertown: The Blueprint for Owner-Operator Success

    Host Charles Gracey takes Brake Check on the road to Louisville for an exclusive look inside "Mercertown"—the sprawling, multi-block downtown headquarters of Mercer Transportation. In this episode, we explore the recipe for success that has sustained the company for nearly 50 years by focusing on the people behind the trucks. Follow the Brake Check Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows

    43 min
  4. ICE Is in Airports Now… Could Trucking Be Next + Fraud in the Mojave???

    MAR 24

    ICE Is in Airports Now… Could Trucking Be Next + Fraud in the Mojave???

    ICE agents are now showing up in major U.S. airports… and it’s raising serious questions across the transportation industry as it should...could we be next.Reports confirm that ICE and federal agents have been deployed to multiple airports nationwide amid staffing shortages and growing security concerns. But this isn’t just about airports…It’s about what comes next, and could it work.On today’s episode of Brake Check, we break down two major issues shaping the future of trucking:First, Matthew Leffler dives into the bigger question: With ICE activity increasing in transportation hubs like airports… could trucking be next? What does that mean for carriers, hiring practices, compliance, and legal exposure?Then, Danielle Spinelli joins us to talk fraud and “gen logs”—how bad actors are manipulating compliance systems and putting the entire supply chain at risk. Topics Covered: ICE presence in U.S. airports and what’s driving it Fraud and manipulated logs in trucking Legal risks tied to enforcement and compliance Immigration policy and its potential impact on trucking What drivers, carriers, and fleets need to be ready for This isn’t speculation. This is where transportation, policy, and enforcement collide in real time.The question is simple… if it’s happening in airports today… what happens tomorrow in effort to protect the highways? Follow the Brake Check Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows

    46 min
  5. Dalilah’s Law: The System Failed Her, Now Comes the Law

    MAR 19

    Dalilah’s Law: The System Failed Her, Now Comes the Law

    This isn’t just another trucking story.This is what happens when a broken system finally meets real consequences.On this episode of Brake Check, we take a hard look at Dalilah’s Law — a piece of legislation born out of a devastating tragedy involving a non-domiciled CDL driver that forever changed a young girl’s life and a family’s future.This conversation goes beyond headlines.We’re joined by Bryce Mongeon of OOIDA, breaking down why one of trucking’s most respected advocacy groups is supporting this bill and what it actually means for drivers, carriers, and enforcement moving forward.Then we hear directly from Marcus Coleman, Dalilah’s father ... a voice no one in this industry should ignore. This is not policy theory. This is real life. Real consequences. Real accountability.We dig into:The failures in the current CDL and enforcement systemHow non-domiciled licensing is being exploitedWhat Dalilah’s Law aims to fix and where it may fall shortWhy this moment could reshape compliance, safety, and accountability in truckingThis episode is about more than regulation.It’s about responsibility.The question is simple:Do we fix the system now… or wait for the next tragedy?This is Brake Check.No fluff. No filters. Just the truth.#fmcsa #usdot #dot #laws #trucking #truckingnews #nondomiciled  #cdl

    47 min
  6. The CDL System Is Broken… And Small Carriers Are Paying the Price

    MAR 17

    The CDL System Is Broken… And Small Carriers Are Paying the Price

    Is the trucking industry fixing its problems… or just covering them up? In this episode of Brake Check, we dig into the real issues shaping the future of trucking in 2026  and what they mean for drivers, carriers, and the entire supply chain.Joining us today: David Owen (NASTC) Kendra Cimmino (InformData) Christina Tattory (InformData) We break down three critical conversations happening right now across the industry: CDL Reform & Driver Pipeline Are we lowering the bar to move freight faster? Or building a stronger, safer next generation of drivers? Compliance Pressure on Small Carriers New regulations and enforcement are stacking up but are smaller fleets being pushed out while larger players adapt? The Shift to Continuous Driver Monitoring From MVR delays to hidden violations, we expose the visibility gaps that fleets can’t afford to ignore and how real-time data is changing risk management. This is not surface-level trucking talk. This is the reality behind the policies, the data, and the decisions shaping the road ahead. If you’re a driver, fleet owner, recruiter, or industry leader ... this is a conversation you need to hear. Subscribe for more real, unfiltered trucking conversations: FreightWaves & Brake Check Drop your thoughts in the comments: Are we improving safety… or just creating more risk? #Trucking #CDL #Freight #Logistics #SupplyChain #OwnerOperator #FleetManagement #Transportation #BrakeCheck #FreightWaves Follow the Brake Check Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows

    46 min
  7. Who’s Killing Trucking? Politics, Policy & The Exploited Driver Behind It All

    MAR 12

    Who’s Killing Trucking? Politics, Policy & The Exploited Driver Behind It All

    Is the trucking industry being pushed to the brink?On this episode of Brake Check, we dive straight into the issues drivers, carriers, and industry leaders are talking about but rarely hear addressed without filters.First, Gord Magill joins the show to break down the degradation of trucking as we know it and what he exposes in his new book about how the industry has evolved ...and not always for the better. From regulatory shifts to structural changes in the business of freight, we examine whether the foundations of trucking are quietly eroding.Then Shannon Everett of American Truckers United climbs into the cab to talk about something drivers across the country are watching closely: Delilah’s Law. We dig into what the legislation aims to accomplish, who is supporting it, who is opposing it, and what it could mean for the future of drivers in America. When policy, politics, and profit collide, who actually pays the price?Finally, Paul Gibson joins the conversation to bring it back to the people behind the wheel. While analysts and economists debate the freight cycle, drivers are living the reality every day. We talk about how drivers are feeling right now, what they’re seeing in settlements, and where the industry may be failing the very people who keep freight moving.This episode connects the dots between policy, freight economics, and the real-world impact on drivers and carriers. If you care about the future of trucking, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Guests in this episode Gord Magill – Author and trucking industry analystShannon Everett – American Truckers UnitedPaul Gibson – Broker-Carrier Summit/ Host of the Freight BreakTopics Covered • The changing structure of the trucking industry• Delilah’s Law and trucking policy debates• Freight market swings and driver sentiment• The impact of politics and regulation on truckers• What carriers and the industry may be missingSubscribe for more conversations about trucking, freight markets, regulations, and the future of the industry. Follow the Brake Check Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows

    45 min
  8. The Soul of Trucking is Fighting for Survival

    MAR 10

    The Soul of Trucking is Fighting for Survival

    Today on Brake Check, we take a break from the headlines and dive into something just as important .... the culture of trucking.Truck shows have long been the heartbeat of the industry. They’re where drivers bring pride in their rigs, companies reconnect with the people behind the wheel, and the trucking community comes together to celebrate the profession.Joining the show today:Toby Young — Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) The largest trucking event in North America and the gathering place for the entire industry.Tony Justice — Country music artist, trucker and founder of Large Cars & Guitars One of the fastest-growing truck shows in the country celebrating trucks, music and community.Evan Steger — Bennett Family of Companies Leader behind the Stars, Stripes & White Lines truck show honoring drivers and trucking heritage.We talk about:• The history of American truck shows • Why trucking culture still matters • Why companies should support these events • How truck shows help preserve the pride of the profession • What the future of trucking culture looks likeBecause trucking isn’t just freight and logistics.It’s community. It’s pride. And it’s a culture worth protecting. Follow the Brake Check Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows

    45 min
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Join Charles Gracey as he tackles the biggest topics in trucking

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  • Creator
    FreightWaves, Charles Gracey
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    18
  • Copyright
    © Firecrown Media Group 2026
  • Show Website
    Brake Check