RoadSigns A Transport Topics Podcast

Hackers don't take holidays! And neither should your cybersecurity efforts. In an increasingly digital and connected business landscape, the transportation industry faces rising challenges with cybersecurity threats and fraud. In this special episode, Transport Topics Managing Editor of Features and Multimedia Seth Clevenger sits down with Dr. Erika Voss, Vice President of Information Security for...

At a time when for-hire trucking capacity is widely available at competitive rates, many large shippers are still choosing to double down on their own private fleets rather than fully capitalizing on favorable freight market conditions. A perfect case study is Walmart, which is now the largest private fleet operator in North America after ramping up investments in its in-house trucking operations...

Auxiliary power units are becoming an increasingly vital tool for the trucking industry to increase driver comfort while also conserving fuel by reducing engine idling. But to what extent can these systems also enhance environmental sustainability? And how is APU technology evolving? In this episode, we find answers with Mathieu Boivin, CEO of Transtex, which recently acquired electric APU provide...

One of the main hurdles in parts supply chain management is the ongoing issue of product availability. Despite advances, many fleets still struggle with holding vehicles down due to the unavailability of commonly used parts. This problem is exacerbated by many fleets adopting just-in-time inventory programs, which can increase downtime when parts aren't readily available. Factors such as investmen...

Advanced driver assistance systems such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings and onboard camera systems can improve highway safety while also enhancing the efficiency of trucking operations, but only if carriers choose to adopt these technologies. What will it take to accelerate ADAS adoption in the trucking industry? And can expanded technical information and industry outreach...

Survival of the fittest in trucking. While enduring a prolonged freight recession, the largest trucking companies in North America have been subject to declining revenue and weaker profits. The financial strain caused by the freight downturn, which took hold in mid-2022 and has continued for two years into the first half of 2024, is plainly evident across the for-hire carrier landscape. What are t...

The buzz around AI is deafening, but amid the hype, practical strategies for deployment are emerging. AI applications are expected to improve business decisions in many facets of freight transportation by better utilizing the massive amounts of data companies are gathering on their operations. While the rise of AI may offer a pathway to higher levels of safety and efficiency in the trucking indust...

Think fast! Do you know the proper PSI levels for commercial truck tires? Few people do. And, yet, advanced tire-monitoring skills are some of the more sought-after in truck maintenance. After all: the biggest fleets monitor more than 9,000 tires at once. Tools that measure and prevent potential failures are essential. But how does one acquire the right tire monitoring tools? Which tools are the b...

To retread or not to retread, that is the question. For some maintenance managers, the debate between new tires and retreads is constant. Both offer ways to save on gas and emissions. And, in the current environment of high fuel prices, tire management strategies are integral to fleet operations. So, what's the golden rule? In what instances is a retread needed, and in what instances are new tires...

In 2023, plummeting transportation rates and an oversupply of freight hauling capacity contributed to a challenging business environment for 3PLs. These conditions have persisted into early 2024 as logistics providers wait for the market to rebound. So, when will the market turn? And in the meantime, who is capable of surviving, or even thriving, in these difficult market conditions? In this episo...

Quick! Can you explain how current truck makers are changing freight operations forever? Those who can, know there’s a certain synergy that is built into today's commercial trucks — prioritizing driver comfort, freight connectivity tools, proactive maintenance alerts, safety platforms, and fuel economy. And, for those who can't... Transport Topics' Michael Freeze has you covered. In this episode,...

Every year, at ATA's Technology and Maintenance Council meeting, nearly 5,000 fleet technology and maintenance professionals gather to break ground on trucking innovation. At this year's meeting, our host, Michael Freeze, found himself on the frontline of change. In this special RoadShow episode, Michael first speaks with the newly installed TMC Chair Amanda Shuier - the first madam chair since 19...

The Environmental Protection Agency's Phase 3 greenhouse gas emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles are set to take effect beginning in model year 2027. The Biden administration says the proposed standards would cut CO2 emissions by nearly 10 billion tons. To prepare for the impending requirement, the trucking industry is beginning to look toward alternative fuels like biodiesel, natural gas a...

Imagine a threat lurking at every fuel stop, one that's draining over a billion dollars annually from unsuspecting fleet drivers. This invisible menace? Fuel card skimming—a sophisticated scam where cybercriminals steal more than just fuel charges right from under carrier noses. How do they do it, and more importantly, how can we stop them? This week, join our host Michael Freeze, as he sits down...

The future of the North American trucking industry depends on continued advancements in safety, maintenance, technology, cost and productivity. In less than a week, 5,000 industry professionals will gather to share knowledge, research and insight with the purpose to advance the trucking industry into a more successful, sustainable era. ATA's Technology & Maintenance Council, which is at the forefr...

With workforce shortages lingering, trucking companies are working hard to expand their driver recruitment reach by bolstering diversity and inclusion initiatives. Diverse business' tend to be more successful due to reduced turnover, increased profits, better decision making, and improved innovation. In this episode, we wonder — how can companies reach success through inclusion? What specific step...

The transportation industry is under pressure from government regulators and some shipper customers to reduce carbon emissions. However, factors such as long distances, variable routes, high uptime requirements, strict driving-time limits and maximizing payload capacity make decarbonization particularly difficult for longhaul trucking. Given the added weight and charging requirements of battery-el...

Cyber Threat Alert: 30% of small businesses view phishing as their biggest digital menace, reports Cybersecurity Magazine. Surprisingly, 83% aren't ready for the financial aftermath of a cyber-attack. How do you prevent your business from falling victim? What are the key defenses against cyber threats? In our latest episode, we're joined by Ben Gardiner, a renowned cybersecurity expert at National...

As the trucking industry continues its quest to prevent crashes and streamline the movement of freight, autonomous trucks are entering the spotlight. These self-driving vehicles promise to unlock not only enhanced safety but also remarkable efficiency gains for freight transport. Among those who have experienced this emerging technology firsthand is Seth Clevenger, who shares insights from his rec...

Did you know that despite significant advancements in reducing emissions, our medium and heavy-duty trucks still contribute a substantial 23% to transportation emissions? Since 1988, we've seen legislation transform the transportation landscape, advocating for alternative fuels for a healthier planet. In 2021, these changes led to a remarkable 98% reduction in emissions from new trucks. Yet, there...

Did you know? Global greenhouse emissions (GHG) from transportation is close to 25%, and in the U.S. it is 29%. By 2030, current emissions need to be cut by 45% to remain on track for a net zero 2050. How can trucking – an industry so dependent on fossil fuels – move to a greener, fewer emissions future? In this how-to episode, we delve into strategic fleet sustainability with industry expert and...

To run a truck fleet is to know a truck fleet, and when a truck is not operating at peak performance or breaks down on the side of the road, your operations suffer. Truck manufacturers such as Volvo Trucks North America have introduced an array of telematics and remote diagnostics tools designed to make it easier for trucking operations to monitor the health of their vehicles and the performance o...

As the boundaries between the physical and digital realms continue to blur, transportation software companies are increasingly embracing cloud-based IT systems and AI to enable data-driven business decisions and reduce driver guesswork. One technology firm pursuing this path is Trimble, a software and telematics provider focused on connecting supply chain data streams within a unified, cloud-based...

Did you know that a staggering 70% of all freight in the United States is currently transported by the trucking industry? What's more, experts anticipate a remarkable 27% growth in the sector over the next decade. Whether you're eager to launch your own trucking business or are eyeing expansion opportunities for an existing one, the timing couldn't be better. But how can you ensure a successful jo...

After spending the past few years grappling with severe port congestion and supply chain disruptions, international shippers and their freight transportation providers now face limited industrial real estate, lost containers, cyberthreats and fractured port appointment systems. At the same time, U.S. port operators are utilizing advancements in infrastructure and technology. In this episode, we ex...