The Freight Coach Podcast

Is your digital infrastructure actually secure, or are you just waiting for the next cyber threat to put you out of business? What does it take to stay ahead of bad actors in an industry where the window for a response has shrunk from months to minutes? Joe Ohr is back on the show, and today, he's joined by Todd Florence from Estes Express Lines to discuss the current state of cybersecurity in log...

Find out how you can prepare your freight operations for the rising tide of identity theft and double-brokered loads in this episode with Mark Funk, our returning guest from SPI Logistics! Mark dives into the increasing freight fraud and what it means for your business, the latest industry trends, from hacked carrier emails to the high-stakes world of rail car theft, and how the Dalilah Law could...

Learn how to leverage your equipment's data as a competitive tool in this episode with the STC Americas, LLC's CEO and founder, Einar Markussen, sharing his decades of experience in the high-stakes world of bulk fuel and Hazmat transportation, the world of safety data, and operational transparency! We break down the absolute necessity of forward and inward-facing dash cams as the ultimate exonerat...

Are you tired of leaving money on the table because you aren't tracking market shifts in real-time? Listen to this episode as we cover the current state of the freight market with a deep dive into the Laredo to Salt Lake City lane, where we're seeing massive rate surges driven by DOT and ICE checkpoints and rising fuel costs! If you aren't having transparent conversations with your customers about...

Is your business properly insulated against the current "fraud-pocalypse" hitting the spot market? In this episode, we'll break down the new survey that reveals nearly half of owner-operators have fallen victim to freight fraud, specifically double-brokering schemes! We'll also cover why you need a fuel buffer in your quotes to handle rising costs and shifting capacity in the West, and the House C...

Are you really prepared for the next shift in shipper data, fuel surcharges, and the freight market? Ken Adamo of DAT Freight & Analytics is back, and we're cutting through the noise of rate propaganda and headlines to look at the actual macro capacity pool, the impact of skyrocketing fuel prices, and why contract freight is becoming a safe haven for carriers. We dive into shipper behavior, the pu...

Struggling to navigate the current volatility in the refrigerated freight market? Are soaring fuel prices in California causing major disruptions to your pricing strategy?  Sunny Sharma of ZEMS Inc. is back to discuss the external factors currently impacting logistics capacity, the harsh reality of rising diesel fuel surcharges, the impact of AB5 and CDL regulations on driver retention, and why tr...

Are you chasing every "yes" at the expense of your bottom line, or are you building a business that can actually survive the long haul? Listen to today's returning guest, Sonne Kahlon of WiDO Logistics, talking about the grit required to manage drayage and warehousing operations in this volatile freight market, cash flow management, the hidden dangers of 120-day payment terms, and why not every cu...

What does it really take for freight brokers to dominate their niche and scale a trucking company from the driver's seat to a successful brokerage? Today, Tenacity Express' CEO, DuShawn Falls, joins us to discuss the real side of the industry, the power of niche specialization, moving away from being a generalist and laser-focusing on specialized commodities such as flatbed, open deck, and heavy-h...

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 ac...

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 location...

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 digita...

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...

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 capac...

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...

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 valuab...

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...

In this episode, Ingrid Brown from Blackjack Express, LLC and Women in Trucking Association breaks down the following topics:  Why adaptation in transportation and freight brokerage isn't optional; it's the price of staying in business in a volatile freight market. How federal initiatives from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation are pushing for...

Are dry van rates finally stabilizing, and what do new FMCSA regulations, insurance increases, and AI recruiting mean for your trucking business moving forward?   Today, I break down the following topics: Why the Ontario, California to Seattle, Washington dry van lane continues to show long-term freight market stability with only a modest $150 rate increase year over year, while the Seattle outbou...

Today, we've got Joe Ohr and Marli Hall from NMFTA to discuss the launch of SCAC Verified and why identity verification is quickly becoming a non-negotiable standard in freight brokerage, trucking, and supply chain operations! As verification requirements tighten across the industry, this NMFTA-led initiative strengthens carrier legitimacy through biometric verification, helping brokers, shippers,...

Are you chasing unstable freight lanes instead of building predictable revenue? Are your sales efforts consistent enough to survive any freight market cycle? Dive into this episode to learn more! In this episode, I break down the following:  Lane stability — like the Fort Myers, Florida to Richmond, Virginia flatbed lane is a perfect example of how predictable pricing, strong carrier relationships...

Are you using AI in freight brokerage efficiently, or are you still relying on outdated prospecting and carrier strategies? Listen to Iliana Filpo and Eric Jordan from SPI Logistics sharing how fresh perspectives, strong carrier relationships, and practical AI tools are reshaping modern transportation sales and operations! We talk about how leveraging AI for lead generation, customer outreach, and...

In this episode, find out if reefer freight rates are finally stabilizing, and what tightening capacity, tariffs, and new labor rulings mean for brokers and carriers in today's market! I also dive into how shipping days, mileage accuracy, and educating customers directly impact freight costs and long-term broker success.  With the truck-to-load ratio tightening, capacity attrition and DOT enforcem...

Today, Jennifer Karpus-Romain from the Transportation Marketing & Sales Association (TMSA) joins the show for an inside look at how the TMSA ELEVATE Conference is reshaping transportation sales and marketing through five role-specific learning tracks focused on real-world case studies, measurable ROI, and practical networking that actually moves businesses forward! Jennifer and I also talk about w...

In this episode, we'll discuss flatbed market trends where seasonal rate stability continues with predictable spikes tied to construction demand and higher weekend freight rates caused by carrier shortages, the FMCSA CDL training crackdown targeting hundreds of non-compliant schools, and why overall trucking capacity remains high with excess trucks still in the market despite enforcement efforts. ...