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 jumping in too soon? In this episode, we speak with three experts from Transport Enterprise Leasing to un...
Jun 26, 2025•43 min
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 and United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) faces review, understanding these dynamics has nev...
Jun 19, 2025•36 min
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 warranty red flags and the tech training gap, we unpack the challenges and strategies shaping trail...
Jun 12, 2025•28 min
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 new complexities? In this episode, host Seth Clevenger speaks with Brian Work, President of CloneOps.a...
Jun 05, 2025•30 min
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 — these engines aim to cut emissions without sacrificing the performance fleets rely on. It’s a big pro...
May 29, 2025•25 min
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 that still lies ahead for this technology. So what does this latest breakthrough really mean for the...
May 22, 2025•34 min
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 truck models, clean tech is advancing fast. Yet fleets still face significant hurdles related to in...
May 15, 2025•29 min
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 these changes mean for the broader 3PL landscape. Plus, a closer look at sector-specific trends affecti...
May 01, 2025•23 min
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 to keep up. Fleet Advantage's Brian Antonellis and TMC General Chairman Radu Mihai emphasized t...
Apr 17, 2025•39 min
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 reshaping the way carriers and logistics teams operate. By automating repetitive and mundane tasks, this tec...
Apr 03, 2025•36 min
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 strategize for the future, as changes could drastically alter the playing field. So, how can you pre...
Mar 27, 2025•22 min
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 the next generation of TMS technology. But what does this mean for the future of trucking? In this ep...
Mar 20, 2025•57 min
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 outgoing general chairman and treasurer of the Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC). Amanda share...
Mar 06, 2025•28 min
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 two of the biggest challenges in fleet maintenance today. That’s why the ATA Technology & Mainte...
Feb 27, 2025•36 min
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 emerging technologies that could push the trucking industry forward. Tune in. For more information v...
Feb 06, 2025•39 min
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 customer phone calls more efficiently and even provide personalized customer experiences? We find answers w...
Jan 23, 2025•29 min
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 opportunities, giving drivers more time to focus on the road. Will these advancements alleviate the indust...
Jan 09, 2025•45 min
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 programs to enhance long-term value? From retreading and fuel efficiency to total cost analysis, optim...
Dec 19, 2024•24 min
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 trucks to reshape the movement of freight? Host Seth Clevenger sits down with Lori Heino-Royer, head...
Dec 05, 2024•37 min
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 how video and AI is advancing safety in the trucking industry—and learn if your fleet can seize this o...
Nov 21, 2024•42 min
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 behind in a rapidly shifting landscape. In this episode of RoadSigns, host Seth Clevenger and Transport T...
Nov 07, 2024•28 min
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 opportunities by investing in technology and leveling up their customer service. Hear from McLeod S...
Oct 03, 2024•18 min
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 DAT Freight and Analytics, to discuss crucial strategies and best practices for safeguarding inform...
Sep 26, 2024•30 min
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 in recent years. In this special episode, Seth Clevenger and TT’s features coordinator, Mike Senator...
Sep 12, 2024•32 min
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 provider DClimate. Tune in now to dissect the impact of APUs and how they are changing to meet industry dem...
Aug 29, 2024•30 min
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 investment costs, obsolescence, and loss further complicate the decision to maintain large on-hand stock inve...
Aug 15, 2024•38 min
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 convince more fleets to invest in these safety systems? In this episode, Jeff Loftus, chief of the a...
Jul 18, 2024•29 min
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 the biggest pain points for carriers? And how are companies persevering in these challenging conditio...
Jul 02, 2024•30 min
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 industry, transportation companies and their technology vendors still need to determine the best ways to r...
Jun 06, 2024•38 min
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 best to start with? What data should be collected? In this special episode, we get answers from Robby...
May 23, 2024•24 min
