WHAT THE TRUCK?!? - podcast cover

WHAT THE TRUCK?!?

Dooner, FreightWaveswww.freightwaves.com
WHAT THE TRUCK?!? is FreightWaves' irreverent award-winning podcast breaking down the biggest stories in transportation and logistics. WTT?!? is all about the people that make freight move. On the show you'll hear from founders, CEOs, VCs, truckers, brokers, and influencers. Join Dooner and the industry three times a week on FreightWavesTV and podcast players everywhere.
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Episodes

Switch 2 release skips China; the sweet tooth supply chain; government fleets

On episode 825 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Dooner is talking about the tariff situation’s most famous hostage: Mario. With North American pre-orders in limbo, Nintendo just announced they are postponing the Switch 2’s China launch indefinitely. Amos Food Group’s Jordan Dickerson drops by to talk about the sweet tooth supply chain. We’ll find out how seasonal candies go from production to 7-11 and will tariff turmoil impact the industry? We’ll also find out if supply chain woes have got Dickerson feelin...

Apr 11, 202546 min

Tariffs hit 100-year high: Ports, drayage, trucking and retail impacts

On episode 824 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Dooner is waking up with the rest of the world to the new tariff world order. With reports of ocean bookings plummeting, small shippers getting hit with customs bills they can’t afford, and financial markets in disarray - how bad will freight get hit? Junction Collaborative Transport COO Ian Weiland brings the port trucking perspective as his drayage firm services the SoCal ports. We will find out what the word on the ground is and how port trucking will ocean...

Apr 09, 202546 min

Everything you need to know about tariffs with logistics legend Matt Silver

On Episode 823 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Dooner is joined by cross-border logistics legend Matt Silver to talk all about the impact of Trump’s tariffs. You’ll learn how they work; what will cost more; short-term and long-term strategy; what’s exempt; how the tariffs will impact trucking, ocean, warehousing and capacity; and more. Silver’s firm Cargado just announced a $12 million Series A. We’ll find out how and what the plans are for the cash. Plus, White House calls 90-day tariff delay “fake news”...

Apr 07, 202546 min

Art of truck wraps; Nintendo’s Vietnam bet backfires; automating 36M breakdowns

On episode 822 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Dooner is catching up with Total Truck Branding’s Stephanie Burueana and Mario Lekovic to talk about the art of truck wraps. Their award winning company is responsible for wrapping some of the best-looking trucks on the road. We’ll find out how the whole process works and what it takes to win a championship. ABT is looking to automate 36 million breakdowns a year in the multibillion-dollar truck repair space. We’ll meet the father and daughter team of Alan Lar...

Apr 04, 202546 min

Easter Candy logistics with Bissinger’s; Liberation Day; MasterTech Alyssa Briggs

On Episode 821 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Dooner is talking about Liberation Day tariffs. With Trump set to announce a new slate of tariffs today at 4 p.m., what are the early impacts and how are supply chains responding? We’ll take a look. In headlines, mass layoffs hit supply chains and Trevor Milton announces the release of a new documentary on his conviction. Bissinger’s Chief Chocolate Officer Dan Abel Jr. talks all about the logistics of Easter candy. We’ll find out the sweet science behind mak...

Apr 04, 202546 min

Iowa “driver shortage” bill backlash; Women in trucking; Science of Sales

On episode 820 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Dooner is talking about the Strengthening Supply Chains Through Truck Driver Incentives Act, a new bipartisan bill in Iowa that has the driving community up in arms. We’ll take a look at why Iowa is trying to add even more drivers to an over capacity market and the damage the driver shortage myth does to our industry. Mid-America Trucking Show 2025 may have come to an end but we’ll recap the sights and sounds from America’s biggest truck show. Travelers’ Eliza...

Mar 31, 202545 min

WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Parking Club live from Mid-America Trucking Show

On episode 818 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Dooner and special guest co-host Reed Loustalot are coming to you live from the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky. Tune in to get your finger on the pulse of what the driver community is saying their more pressing issues are. Catch new shows live at noon EDT Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on FreightWaves LinkedIn, Facebook, X or YouTube, or on demand by looking up WHAT THE TRUCK?!? on your favorite podcast player and at 5 p.m. Eastern on Siriu...

Mar 28, 20251 hr

Small Fleet & Owner-Operator Summit with Bosch Mobility, Truckstop, Amazon Relay

On episode 818 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Dooner is coming to you from FreightWaves’ Small Fleet and Owner-Operator Summit. Bosch Mobility’s Laura Keller talks about tech for dispatch and driving fleet efficiency. Truckstop’s Todd Waldron talks about broker-carrier relationships; the impact of regulations on owner-operators; and the biggest challenges they’ll face this year. Amazon Relay’s Aviad Benzikry tells us everything you’d want to know about running freight for Amazon. Plus, Arkansas lawmakers ...

Mar 26, 202546 min

‘Liberation Day’ tariffs scaled back; impact of port fees; sober in supply chain

On Episode 817 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Dooner is talking to OEC Group’s Erik Rosica about “Liberation Day” tariffs and the impact of port fees. With rumblings that April 2 tariffs may be scaled back, will it spell relief for global supply chains? Dooner quit drinking in November 2016 after a 19-year battle with alcoholism. He recently talked about the experience on Whitney Johnson Cowell’s new podcast “Dry Conversations.” We’ll find out why Cowell started the show and whom she hopes to help on the...

Mar 24, 202546 min

Vibe coding hits freight gaming; a woman’s journey in heavy haul | WHAT THE TRUCK?!?

On Episode 816 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Dooner is talking to FreightGames.io’s Stephen Ruhe about his latest AI-generated trucking video game Freight Frenzy. Freight Frenzy was born of the vibe coding phenomenon that’s been accelerated by recent advances in AI large language models. We’ll go deep on the vibe coding phenomenon with special guest play-testers: my sons. Casey Stone joins us to talk about a woman’s journey in heavy haul. Plus, the freight market is “weird”; have you seen this missing t...

Mar 21, 202546 min

Walmart starts brokering freight; valuing carriers; MATS, muscles and murder

On episode 815 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Dooner is talking about Walmart’s push to add carriers to their new brokerage network. Although the company says it is still in “stealthish” mode, carriers are already getting onboarded. Also in headlines, the ‘owner’ of a fictitious logistics firm sentenced in $2.8M COVID relief scam. Truck Parking Club’s Michael Lombard stops by to talk about building muscles behind the wheel; the road to Mid-America Trucking Show; and the motive behind an Illinois trucking ...

Mar 19, 202548 min

5 dead after allegedly intoxicated trucker in flip-flops crashes in Austin

On Episode 814 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Dooner is talking to Mutha Trucker News’ Alex Mai about a deadly past few days for trucking. We’ll share the latest on the horrible I-35 crash where authorities allege that a flip-flop-wearing, intoxicated trucker killed five people. CPG Sourcing CEO Michael De Clercq talks about how increased tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum could shift global sourcing strategies. SuperDispatch CRO Stan Deak discusses how tariffs are reshaping demand for used vehicles....

Mar 17, 202546 min

Tariff turmoil hits shippers; truckers squat across the world; selling solar

On Episode 813 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Dooner is talking about the impact tariffs are having on shippers. We’ll take a look at how U.S. shippers are reacting to new tariff bills that they’re being hit with. Will they pass the cost on to the consumer? One World Supply Chain Consulting’s Mike Eischer talks about how his clients are reacting to tariff turmoil and how they’re restructuring their supply chains to offset new costs. Truck drivers die on average 16 years earlier than the general populatio...

Mar 12, 202546 min

How easy is it to hack a semi truck?; tipping lumpers; trucking safety

On episode 812 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Dooner is talking to Fleet Defender’s Terry Reinart about hacking semi trucks. How vulnerable are these 80k lb machines? From maleworm worms in ELDs to remote controlled semi trucks, we’ll take a look at how fleets are getting hacked. Beyond hacking, fleet safety is always top of mind. We’ll find out how trucking companies are keeping drivers and the motoring public safe with Tenstreet’s Taylor McIlroy and Ploger Transportation’s Bob Ware. TruSygnal connects s...

Mar 10, 202546 min

Will SHIPS Act make ship building great again; hauling world’s largest train set

On episode 811 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Dooner is catching up with Dredging Contractors of America’s William Doyle to talk about the SHIPS Act; making shipbuilding great again; and the impact of port fees and tariffs. We just moved the world’s largest trainset from EnterTRAINment Junction in Cincinnati to Chattanooga, Tennessee, with the help of Elizabeth’s Moving & Storage. We’ll meet Frank Youmans and Anne Elizabeth Youmans to learn all about the logistics behind this high-touch, white-glove m...

Mar 07, 202546 min

American Truckers United exposes labor dumping in trucking; will Trump fix it?

On Episode 810 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Dooner is talking to American Truckers United’s Shannon Everett about the labor dumping problem in trucking. Did the pandemic-fueled bull freight market open the floodgates for inexperienced and dangerous drivers to enter the industry? Will Trump’s executive orders clamp down on the issue? Everett breaks it all down. Sentry Logistics’ Luke Havener is a home furnishing logistics expert. We’ll find out how this type of freight works and what’s harder to deliver...

Mar 05, 202546 min

Cargo thefts surge 49%; driver training under Trump; up close with NASA crawler

On Episode 809 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Dooner is talking about the massive surge in cargo theft that is plaguing the freight industry. Overhaul’s Danny Ramon shares the company’s latest report, which shows an astounding 49% increase in cargo thefts in 2024 compared to 2023. Is 2025 on track to set an even higher record, and what can fleets do to protect themselves? We’ll get into it. Driver training standards could change drastically under President Donald Trump. Commercial Vehicle Training Associ...

Mar 03, 202546 min

Trump’s tariffs are coming March 4th…or are they?

On episode 808 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Dooner is talking about Trump’s tariffs on Mexico and Canada that are set to begin on March 4. Will they happen and will reciprocal tariffs happen in April? We get into the latest news on the trade war. The World Trade Bridge is celebrating its 25th anniversary and we’re celebrating it with Port Laredo. Kent Richard smartens us up on how this crucial gateway works. Truck Parking Club has been scaling rapidly and building an all-star team. Brent Hutto jumped sh...

Feb 28, 202546 min

3PL Summit: Truckstop’s state of the spot market

On episode 807 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Dooner is coming to you live from FreightWaves’ 3PL Summit. He’s talking to Truckstop’s Sean Dehan about the state of the spot market. Did the freight recession recovery see its shadow? Is political uncertainty destabilizing or helping rates? We’ll also look at how Truckstop is integrating AI into their platform. CloneOps’ David Bell is fully on board with always-on AI agents. Can they fill the customer service and brokerage gaps where reps may be lacking? Wha...

Feb 26, 202547 min

Mid America Trucking show preview; what the truck is up with plane crashes?

On episode 806 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Dooner is catching up with Mid-America Trucking Show event organizer Toby Young! We’ll find out what’s going to go down when over 50,000 truckers and industry professionals descend upon Kentucky next month. Supertrucker Justin Martin returns to the show to talk about trucking’s biggest and most controversial issues, like immigration hiring by fleets, cleaning snow off a trailer, parking and more. What the truck is up with all these plane crashes? AirlineGeeks ...

Feb 21, 202546 min

Daytona 500 brought to you by a truck; terror in I-80 tunnel; AI trucking teams

On Episode 805 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Dooner is talking about meeting Daytona 500 winner William Byron and what he learned from his trucking team about what it takes to take the checkered flag. Terror in Wyoming as a truck crash leaves three dead in the Green River Tunnel. We take a look at what happened in this horrible incident. We’ll meet Pando CEO and co-founder Nitin Jayakrishnan. Pando has secured $36 million across two funding rounds to create AI teammates for supply chain. Their focus? In...

Feb 17, 202546 min

Trucking love stories; Trump’s reciprocal tariffs; Response’s $4M seed round

On Episode 804 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Dooner is celebrating Valentine’s Day in the supply chain by sharing your best trucking love stories. Trump writes a love letter to the world by slapping every country with reciprocal tariffs. What you need to know before April 1. Response raised $4 million to simplify spend and procurement management. We’ll meet CEO and co-founder Keivan Shahida. Before you head out on a date, you may want to know whose car you’re getting in. If you’re shipping freight, you ...

Feb 14, 202546 min

Can Big Balls and Capt. John Konrad save America?

On Episode 803 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Dooner is talking to gCaptain CEO John Konrad about the local and global impacts of Trump’s recent executive orders and actions. Capt. Konrad will break down the Gulf of America name change; the push for Greenland; trade wars with Canada and Mexico; Gaza; the Red Sea conflict; whether DOGE will audit agencies like the Federal Maritime Commission and the Department of Transportation; and more. Plus, “Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2” review, how much it costs when ...

Feb 12, 202546 min

Spot rates slip 10%; licensed customs broker talks tariffs; stolen chassis ring

On episode 802 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Dooner is trying to make sense of a series of whiplash tariff and de minimis rulings. Licensed customs broker, Ernesto Hernandez Jr., lets us know how the rulings will work, when they’ll go into effect, and what else we need to watch for in global trade. In headlines, spot rates slip 10% from holiday peak; Super Bowl hangovers cost businesses $3B; and a stolen chassis ring in Los Angeles gets busted. Supply chain goes to college. MAKA Logistics’ Rob Liss talks...

Feb 10, 202546 min

Super Bowl was brought to you by a truck; best fleets to drive for in ‘25

On episode 801 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Dooner is talking about how the Super Bowl was brought to you by a truck. From stadium infrastructure to food, beverages, and high-priority event shipments. New data from Truckstop reveals key freight trends shaping Big Game logistics. What are the best fleets to drive for? CarriersEdge CEO Jane Jazrawy has the list. Did your fleet make it? The original king of comedy from the cab, Larry Cothran talks trucking and influencing. With over 100k followers on TikTo...

Feb 07, 202546 min

Trump and trade: Method to the madness?; moving the world’s largest trainset

Trump and trade: Method to the madness?; moving the world’s largest trainset On Episode 800 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Dooner is talking to Fortis Analysis’ Ross Kennedy about Trump’s early trade moves. From delayed tariffs to the death of de minimis shipments out of China, we’ll cover it all. We’ll also look at Trump saying that the U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip. Is it America first? FreightWaves and Elizabeth’s Moving & Storage have teamed up to move the world’s largest trainset. Dooner we...

Feb 05, 202545 min

Mexico tariffs see their shadow: delayed; are load boards listening to truckers?

On episode 799 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Dooner is joined by GenLog’s CEO Ryan Joyce to talk about their $14.6M Series A. We’ll find out how this will help them in their fight against freight theft and fraud. Owner-operator Jayme Anderson says that load boards like DAT aren’t doing enough to prevent scammers. He’ll talk about his heated debates with the DAT and will tell us why he doesn’t think they’re listening to owner-operators. It’s also A1 vs Heinz 57 and Jayme and me chug our favorite steak sau...

Feb 03, 202546 min

Trump: Tariffs start Saturday; scaling truck parking; AI agents answer the call

On episode 798 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Dooner is joined by the special guest co-host Reed Loustalot from Truck Parking Club. They’re covering headlines about Trump’s 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada that start on Saturday; and the best fleets to drive for in ‘25. We’ll also find out how Truck Parking Club has massively scaled available truck parking for drivers through great business acumen…and viral TikTok videos. Plus, we’ll talk about our big plans together for the Mid-America Truck Trucking Sho...

Jan 31, 202547 min

Willy Wonka of the Midwest talks chocolate and the Valentine’s Day supply chain

On Episode 797 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Dooner is talking to all about chocolate and the Valentine’s Day supply chain with Bissinger’s Chief Chocolate Officer Dan Abel Jr. With Valentine’s Day just two weeks away, we’ll find out how this more than 300-year-old chocolatier is filling mailboxes and relationships with the best handcrafted chocolates in the nation. Harbor Trucking Association CEO Matt Schrap gives us the down and dirty on the drayage scene in California. With the Advanced Clean Fleets ...

Jan 29, 202546 min

Nikola FCEV: 1-year performance review; Trump vs Colombia; Motion Museum | WHAT THE TRUCK?!?

On episode 796 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Dooner is talking to Coyote Container’s William Hall about his experience owning a Nikola Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle for the past year. He’ll share the highs and lows of ownership, if the truck is viable for an operation like yours, and what changes to EV mandates mean for the future of EV trucks. Firecrown Founder and CEO Craig Fuller is getting the Motion Museum on track. He stops by the show to talk about our weekend mission to Massachusetts to check out th...

Jan 27, 202546 min
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