RoadSigns A Transport Topics Podcast

The future of trucking is closer than you think. From Norwegian quarries to Texas highways, autonomous truck operations are steadily moving from the testing and development phase toward commercial deployment. How have truck manufacturers, tech developers and motor carriers partnered to advance self-driving technology? What roadblocks remain in the path to commercial adoption? In this episode, Nils...

Assisted by maturing technologies like artificial intelligence, the transportation industry has quietly become one of the most tech-forward spaces. While generating massive amounts of data every second, AI presents unprecedented opportunities for optimization. How can fleets of all sizes translate data into insights?    AI-platforms, like Catalyst AI, are helping fleets evolve past data collection...

About half the largest for-hire carriers in North America experienced revenue declines last year — a stark sign of ongoing weakness in the freight market. In this episode, we go beyond the numbers in TT’s newly released 2025 Top 100 For-Hire Carriers list to reveal what’s really happening in trucking today. Which companies grew despite the downturn? Which fell off the list altogether? And, what do...

In an industry where timing can mean everything, how do fleet operators make smart decisions about buying and selling trucks amid regulatory shifts, trade tensions, and economic uncertainty? As new emissions rules take shape and the freight market continues to wobble, choosing when—and how—to replace equipment could make or break your bottom line. What’s the true cost of waiting too long… or jumpi...

This year’s rising tariffs and shifting trade policies have put cross-border freight in the spotlight. But what happens when politics meet logistics at the U.S. borders? And how can technology keep freight flowing through the uncertainty? In this episode, Matt Silver, CEO of Cargado, joins us to explore how AI, data, and smarter platforms are reshaping cross-border shipping. As nearshoring surges...

Got trailer trouble? As fleets push for efficiency and uptime, trailer maintenance is becoming mission-critical — but could small oversights be creating big risks for your operation? In this episode, guest Justin Olsen, Maintenance Director at TCW, breaks down the hidden impact of poor trailer management on operations, compliance, and safety. From greasing solutions and idle trailer inspections to...

In trucking, routine communication—like check calls, load updates, and document tracking—can consume hours of back-office time. Now, agentic AI is being used to automate these repetitive tasks across voice, text, and email. But how does this technology actually function in real-world freight operations, and what impact could it have on logistics teams? Could it help reduce workload—or introduce ne...

Cleaner trucking is not a question of if — but how. And the answer might lie in an engine platform that can adapt to many different fuel options. In this episode, host Mike Freeze talks with Jim Nebergall, Executive Director of Market Strategy at Cummins, about a bold new direction in powertrain design: fuel-agnostic engines. Built to adapt to multiple fuel types — from natural gas to hydrogen — t...

Self-driving truck developer Aurora launched its first driverless commercial freight operations in Texas on April 27, achieving a widely anticipated milestone in autonomous truck deployment. Aurora has since returned human observers to the driver’s seat in its self-driving trucks at the request of its manufacturing partner Paccar Inc., serving as a reminder of the development and integration work...

At ACT Expo 2025, one thing was clear: the trucking industry’s energy transition will be even more dynamic and unpredictable than previously expected. In this episode, Transport Topics’ Seth Clevenger, Michael Freeze and Keiron Greenhalgh break down what we learned on the ground in Anaheim. From the ongoing market rollout of a 15-liter natural gas engine to the introduction of new battery-electric...

In this episode, host Seth Clevenger and Transport Topics’ Mike Senatore dive into how the logistics industry is balancing modest growth with major challenges—from rapidly shifting trade policies under the Trump administration to the strategic moves reshaping freight. They unpack key mergers, like RXO’s purchase of Coyote Logistics and DSV's planned acquisition of DB Schenker, and examine what the...

At the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) Annual Meeting in Nashville, conversations centered on the future of the heavy-duty technician workforce, especially as tariffs and stricter emissions regulations continue to reshape the industry. The big question: Where can technicians thrive, and what steps are needed to get there? As vehicles become more advanced, technicians must develop new skills...

Feeling stuck in analysis paralysis? Imagine a tool that cuts through the noise and turns insight into action. In this episode of RoadSigns, we sit down with Deepti Yenireddy, CEO and founder of Boon.ai, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming workflows in the trucking industry. From automating data entry to improving load sourcing and streamlining compliance, AI is quietly reshapin...

At the intersection of technology innovation, international trade, and industry dynamics, freight transportation is constantly evolving as the future takes shape. In this special episode of RoadShow, Tommy Bazzell, director of strategic sales at Yokohama, details how the shifting landscape of tariffs and trade policies injects uncertainty into the industry. These conditions make it challenging to...

Motor carriers and freight brokers have long relied on transportation management systems to efficiently handle functions such as dispatching, load matching and driver management, but the latest advances in technology are unlocking new possibilities for this software. The rise of cloud-based platforms, business process automation, data analytics and artificial intelligence are converging to shape t...

Right now, more than 60,000 commercial trucking maintenance jobs go unfilled, leaving fleet maintenance managers scrambling to keep operations running smoothly. The challenge isn’t just hiring—it’s finding and retaining skilled technicians in an increasingly competitive landscape. To explore solutions, Mike Freeze sits down with Amanda Schuier, strategic maintenance manager at Jetco Delivery and o...

Did you know? Education is key to hiring skilled technicians. Engaging high school and college students early can help you become an employer of choice. Did you know? By leveraging telematics and advanced diagnostic tools, fleets can monitor vehicle health in real-time, identifying potential issues before they lead to costly downtime. Did you know? Technician shortages and evolving technology are...

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas? Well, not in this episode! Join us as we explore the cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of trucking, straight from CES 2025. This year’s event saw exciting advancements in autonomous trucking, driver-assist technology and software-defined vehicles. From driverless trucks to over-the-air updates, host Seth Clevenger and TT's Connor Wolf dive into the...

Remember when artificial intelligence was still a futuristic idea? As AI continues to evolve, its implications for the trucking industry are both promising and profound. Trucking and logistics businesses can gain a competitive advantage from the latest advances in AI, which can make operations smoother, smarter and more efficient. But how? And what happens when AI can reduce errors, answer custome...

Truck drivers face a growing challenge on the road: finding a safe parking spot. With parking shortages intensifying in high-demand areas, solutions like reserved parking ease the burden. Could this be the trucking industry's breakthrough? In a recent discussion, Seth Clevenger and Truck Parking Club's Evan Shelley dive into how innovative platforms are turning available space into valuable opport...

In an industry where profitability is essential for survival, tire management plays a pivotal role in controlling costs for trucking businesses. In this episode of RoadSigns, experts from Sailun Tires dive into strategies for managing tire expenses amid a challenging freight market. How much do these essential components really affect your bottom line? What will it take for your tire management pr...

The road to autonomous trucking has been a long and winding one, but 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for this technology. As self-driving trucks edge closer to commercial deployment, the transportation industry is beginning to explore how autonomous vehicles could fit into real-world freight operations. However, significant challenges remain. What obstacles must be overcome for autonomous...

Safety has always been paramount in the trucking industry, but advances in technology are making it possible to improve driver performance and prevent more crashes. John Elliott, a trailblazer in the field, demonstrates how onboard video combined with AI-enabled analytics can transform fleet safety. What inspired Elliott to deploy this technology, and why do others now follow his lead? Discover ho...

Last year, the world's largest transportation and logistics giants found themselves navigating numerous headwinds, from a decline in international trade and escalating geopolitical tensions to and a growing sense of economic instability. These converging challenges tested the resilience of even the most robust global supply chains, forcing industry leaders to adapt swiftly or risk being left behin...

Did you know that nearly 70% of U.S. freight moves by truck? Yet, many trucking companies are facing significant business challenges in a persistently tough freight market. In this special episode, we pull back the curtain on the freight rate recession, revealing strategies that can help companies not only survive — but thrive. Discover how innovative trucking businesses are turning obstacles into...