WHAT THE TRUCK?!?
FreightWaves
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 FreightWaves' hosts Dooner and The Dude three times a week on FreightWavesTV and podcast players everywhere.
- 46 minutes 13 secondsIndiana Just Nuked 2,000 CDLs Overnight (And Will Fine Your Fleet $50k)
Welcome to a Good Friday edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? with Malcolm Harris and Michael Vincent. This week, we are diving into the retroactive legislation out of Indiana that just stripped 2,000 drivers of their CDLs overnight. If you’re dispatching a non-domiciled driver with a revoked license in the Hoosier state, your fleet could be staring down a brutal $50,000 fine.
On the ocean side, the Strait of Hormuz closure has pushed Asia-US spot rates up a staggering 29%. Is it pure geopolitical fallout, or are carriers using the chaos to pad their bottom lines?
Plus, Craig Stewart from Stord drops in to reveal the “insider secret” to beating Amazon Prime delivery speeds without paying for expensive air freight. Through intelligent order routing, mid-market brands are saving millions on parcel spend by fulfilling from the optimal node.
Kris Edney (Interstate Global) also joins the desk to break down the incoming capacity crunch for moving season, the insane logistics of moving a fully operational casino, and the incredible work Interstate is doing with the Gary Sinise Foundation to move wounded veterans.
Finally, we cover Mercedes-Benz’s $4B capacity injection in Alabama, NASA’s Artemis toilet disaster, and rapper Pooh Shiesty’s attempt to renegotiate a contract with Gucci Mane using an AK-47.
In this episode:- Intro & Good Friday reflections
- Sponsor Shoutout: Truckstop.com
- Freight Fraud Symposium in Cleveland (Promo code: WTT)
- Indiana revokes 2,000 CDLs overnight ($50k carrier fines)
- Strait of Hormuz closure spikes ocean spot rates 29%
- Mercedes-Benz drops $4B into Alabama plant
- Artemis NASA mission saved by a “Space Plumber”
- Culture segment: Pooh Shiesty & Gucci Mane’s armed negotiation
- Kris Edney (Interstate Global) on moving season & casino logistics
- Craig Stewart (Stord) on intelligent order routing & beating Amazon Prime
Get your tickets for the Freight Fraud Symposium on May 20th at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Use promo code WTT for a discount at checkout!
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3 April 2026, 6:18 pm - 48 minutes 35 secondsMeth in the Blackberries, Pythons in the Port, and the End of NATO?
It’s a jam-packed April Fools’ edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?. Hosts Malcolm and The Dude (Michael Vincent) dive into a wild mix of industry news, ranging from massive drug busts and illegal reptile smuggling to significant shifts in U.S. shipbuilding and the global oil market.
Featured Guests:
Daniel Powell – CEO, Optimal Dynamics
Daniel joins the show to discuss the “bleeding edge” of Decision Automation. He explains the concept of “Decision Native” AI agents—systems that don’t just follow simple prompts but understand a carrier’s specific business goals to negotiate loads, manage contracts, and automate up to 80% of CSR workflows.
Marina Ivanov – CEO & Co-founder, Apex Transit Solutions
A “self-made” industry leader and advocate, Marina discusses her successful fight against predatory towing in North Carolina. She provides a sobering look at why reputable carriers are facing bankruptcy, citing a multifaceted crisis of reduced rates, fraudulent “fake log” competitors, and the hidden costs of “messy middle” operations.Subscribe to the WTT newsletter
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1 April 2026, 6:17 pm - 45 minutes 31 secondsSnakes in a Trailer: The New Reality of Cross-Border Cargo Crime
In this Tuesday edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Malcom holds down the fort to navigate a wave of disruptions hitting the North American supply chain. From legal battles in the auto industry to a massive “refund event” at the U.S. border, this episode breaks down the complexities of 2026 logistics.
On this episode, we dive into:
• The Jeep Production Halt: FreightWaves’ Noi Mahoney explains how a pricing dispute between Stellantis and a Mexican supplier has paralyzed production of Jeep Compass and Cherokee models, highlighting the extreme fragility of integrated cross-border auto networks.
• The $166 Billion Tariff Tsunami: A deep dive into the recent Supreme Court decision striking down emergency tariffs, triggering what could be the largest refund event in U.S. trade history.
• Secretary Duffy on Trucking Priorities: We feature an exclusive clip of Secretary Duffy discussing the administration’s efforts to remove “sham schools” and unqualified drivers from the road to improve national safety.
• The CDL Crackdown: Rob Carpenter joins the show to discuss the “four problems” facing fleets today, including retroactive liability, insurance exposure, and the importance of the mid-market at events like MATS.
• Energy & Freight Market Watch: A look at skyrocketing fuel surcharges and the geopolitical factors currently impacting North American motor carriers.Subscribe to the WTT newsletter
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31 March 2026, 6:11 pm - 45 minutes 31 secondsDon't Ship It, "Glid" It: The Autonomous Vehicle That Drives on Rails and Roads
This Monday edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, hosted by Malcolm and The Dude, explores the landscape of risk, fleet safety, and the future of autonomous multimodal transportation.
The episode features Bob O'Connell, a Strategic Account Executive from JJ Keller & Associates, who identifies major "risk blind spots" for fleet owners. O'Connell urges leaders to adopt a "merger and acquisition" mindset, suggesting that operating as if you are under constant financial and operational scrutiny forces a level of discipline that mitigates risk. He further emphasizes the necessity of strengthening regulatory expertise and maintaining "litigation-ready" record-keeping, noting that in the eyes of a plaintiff attorney, if an action wasn't written down, it effectively never happened.
Closing out the show, Kevin Damoa, CEO of Glid, shares how his company is reindustrializing the first mile through "physical AI". He explains how Glid’s autonomous vehicles, like Radon and Glidrim, are designed to transition seamlessly between road and rail, allowing cargo to bypass derailments or traffic congestion by simply driving around obstructions and getting back on the track. Damoa introduces Ezra 16, a new orchestration tool aimed at balancing ground-based corridors and solving labor shortages by making underutilized rail networks more accessible for short-mile logistics.Subscribe to the WTT newsletter
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30 March 2026, 5:53 pm - 45 minutes 33 secondsThe $10 Million “Fake Vendor” Heist
In this special “Fraud Friday” edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, host Malcolm Harris dives deep into the dark side of the supply chain. With losses mounting and theft schemes becoming more sophisticated, we’re joined by a triple threat of experts to break down exactly how these crimes happen and what you can do to stop them.
The “Fraud Girl” Perspective: Danielle Spinelli (Director of Partnerships at Genlogs and Host of Tell Me Everything) joins the show to discuss her recent ride-along with the California Highway Patrol’s cargo theft task force. She reveals the shocking scale of rail line theft in the desert and explains how “strategic theft” has evolved since 2020.
The Amazon Schemes: We break down two massive fraud cases involving Amazon, including a $10 million fake vendor invoice scheme and a $3.5 million “ghost trailer” scam where 23 fake trucking companies billed for movements that never happened.
Next-Gen Defense: Noi Mahoney and Phillip Brink from FreightWaves join to discuss the latest in “ambient IoT” sensor tech that can detect theft and tampering in real-time.Subscribe to the WTT newsletter
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27 March 2026, 4:00 pm - 47 minutes 7 secondsWhy the Strait of Hormuz Closure is the “Black Swan” of 2026
In this “hump day” edition of WHAT THE TRUCK, host Malcolm Harris takes the wheel solo while co-host Michael Vincent is on vacation. The episode dives deep into the “black hole” of the supply chain—the yard—and explores the evolving landscape of logistics recruiting and company culture.
KEY TOPICS & SEGMENTS:
• Modernizing Yard Logistics: Darin Brannan, CEO of Terminal Industries, discusses the shift from traditional Yard Management Systems (YMS) to advanced Yard Operating Systems. He explains how Terminal Industries uses AI and computer vision to eliminate paperwork and streamline processes, aiming to solve the “gate math” problem that often leads to massive traffic jams and wasted time for truckers.
• The Future of Logistics Talent: Ryan Paul, President of Logitalent joins the show to discuss the past, present, and future of logistics recruiting. The conversation covers the importance of people and culture in the 3PL and brokerage space, as well as how companies are navigating a changing workforce.Subscribe to the WTT newsletter
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25 March 2026, 6:09 pm - 45 minutes 34 secondsPuking in Court: The Louisiana “Sideswipe” Ring
In this Monday edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, hosts Malcolm and The Dude are joined by FreightWaves Editor-at-Large John Kingston to break down the explosive conclusion of the “Operation Sideswipe” trial. The discussion centers on the federal conviction of two Louisiana attorneys who orchestrated a massive scheme involving staged tractor-trailer accidents dating back to 2011. Kingston details the dramatic scenes in the New Orleans courtroom, where the verdict led to outbursts from family members and the physical collapse of one of the defendants. The episode also explores the broader impact of this fraud on Louisiana’s soaring insurance rates and the possibility of future civil litigation against those involved.
Shifting to market trends, the trio examines the curious stability of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) prices despite extreme volatility in the diesel and crude oil sectors. Kingston explains that while diesel costs have climbed steadily, retail DEF prices at major chains like Pilot Flying J and Love’s have remained flat, likely due to the nature of urea contracts. The conversation touches on the global supply shocks affecting the energy market, including the unprecedented closure of the Strait of Hormuz and its long-term implications for the trucking industry.Subscribe to the WTT newsletter
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23 March 2026, 6:16 pm - 46 minutes 3 seconds80% of Your Freight is a Hidden Fuel Trap
This Friday edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? embraces the spirit of March Madness as hosts Malcolm and The Dude dive into a “fully loaded” show featuring expert insights on the freight market and the future of energy.
Episode Highlights:
• Market Deep Dive with John Kingston: FreightWaves Editor-at-Large John Kingston joins the show to break down the “State of Freight”. He discusses five major takeaways from recent market data, including a positive outlook for the freight market supported by a 13% tender rejection rate—a significant jump from six months ago. Kingston also provides an “expert” perspective on the impact of infrastructure damage and risk premiums on oil prices following the shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz.
• Legal Breaking News: The hosts and Kingston discuss a major legal development involving a $22.5 million jury award in an Ohio pregnancy discrimination case against TQL.
• Renewable Energy and Innovation: Scott Brinner and Russ Bouillon from Nopetro Energy join the conversation to discuss their work in the energy sector. The segment highlights their ties to Knoxville and their efforts in the transportation technology space.Subscribe to the WTT newsletter
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20 March 2026, 5:47 pm - 45 minutes 55 seconds159,000 Drivers Choose Weed Over Wheels
Welcome to another episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, broadcasting live from the 3PL Summit! Join your hosts, Malcolm Harris and Michael “The Dude” Vincent, as they dive into the biggest headlines and innovations shaping the logistics industry today.
In this episode, we sit down with industry experts to explore how technology and data are redefining the freight landscape for brokers and 3PLs.
On This Episode:
• AI in Sales Coaching: Larkin Ison, Head of Industry Relations at Rilla, joins us to discuss how freight brokers and 3PLs are leveraging AI to coach their sales teams at scale.
• Market Intelligence & Data: Mazen Danaf, Principal Economist at Uber Freight, breaks down the current market data and provides an essential Q1 market outlook for 3PLs.
• Industry Headlines: We discuss the financial struggles of the US Postal Service, the recent bankruptcy filing of Sparhawk Trucking, and a deep dive into the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse stats regarding marijuana usage among drivers.
• The Playbook: A look at Adam Wingfield’s latest insights on the match between America’s 292,000 shippers and the small carrier market.Subscribe to the WTT newsletter
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18 March 2026, 6:36 pm - 45 minutes 47 secondsWhy 90% of New Drivers Quit in the First Year
Malcolm and The Dude kick things off with a lighthearted discussion about March Madness brackets and the unexpected snowy weather in Chattanooga before diving into a heavy-hitting lineup of industry experts.
Episode Highlights
• State of Women in Trucking: Samantha Greene, Regional Underwriting Officer at Travelers, joins the show for her first podcast appearance to discuss female representation in the industry. She reveals that while female drivers make up only 4% of long-haul CDL holders, women are making significant gains in leadership roles, holding nearly 28% of C-suite positions and 30% of board seats.
• Energy Markets & Geopolitics: Matt Muenster, Chief Economist at Breakthrough, provides an update on the volatile energy landscape. He breaks down current market trends and the impact of the ongoing situation between the U.S. and Iran on fuel and logistics.
• AI vs. Human-in-the-Loop: David Julian, CTO at Netradyne, addresses the hot debate in fleet technology. He explores whether AI-driven safety measures or human-in-the-loop systems are more effective at making fleets safer and whether current tech is helping or hindering drivers during critical moments.Subscribe to the WTT newsletter
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16 March 2026, 6:56 pm - 46 minutes 21 secondsThe 4,000-Worker Purge
It’s another “magenta magic” Friday on WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Hosts Malcolm Harris and The Dude (Michael Vincent) are back to break down the latest in logistics, celebrate some retro gaming gifts, and dive deep into the world of automotive transport and warehousing fulfillment.
On This Episode:
• Retro Gaming & Friday Vibes: The guys kick things off by showing off some new gear, including an Atari and a Nintendo 64 hat, thanks to Matt Kaiser and Axle Logistics.
• The Layoff Trough: Malcolm and The Dude discuss a recent report on the 4,000+ layoffs affecting EV battery plants, warehouses, and rail terminals. Is this just the bottom of the trough, or is there more to come?.
• WTT Top 10: A brand new segment! We count down the wildest clips in trucking, from forklift couch-surfing in Detroit to Peterbilts in places they definitely shouldn’t be.
• David Mendelson (Super Dispatch): A repeat guest joins the show to break down AI in automotive transport. David explains how carriers and brokers are using technology to streamline car hauling—all in plain English, no jargon required.
• Dr. Vernard Jenkins II (NightSwift): We sit down with “Dr. V” to discuss his journey from Miami to the leadership ranks of NightSwift Warehousing and Fulfillment. Plus, we talk some serious hoop!Subscribe to the WTT newsletter
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13 March 2026, 5:29 pm - More Episodes? Get the App