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.
- 45 minutes 59 secondsFern & Freight
On this episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Host Malcolm Harris welcomes Mary O’Connell to break down the real-world freight impacts of a major winter storm, from power outages to network disruptions. Then Mark Borchert from Travelers joins to unpack the 2026 freight market outlook, cargo risk, and insurance trends. Wrapping up the show, Grace Sharkey from Orderful brings insights from the retail and tech frontlines, exploring what’s real versus hype in AI, automation, and why modern EDI still matters. It’s a loaded episode packed with market insight, risk awareness, and future-focused conversation.
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26 January 2026, 6:29 pm - 45 minutes 31 secondsFreight Flow & Finances
On this Friday edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, host Malcolm Harris breaks down the biggest stories shaping freight right now — from Winter Storm Fern threatening major U.S. freight corridors to consolidation moves and rail investments impacting the market.
Malcolm is joined by two industry heavy-hitters for a jam-packed conversation covering technology, operations, and money on the ground:
- Steve Shebuski, VP of Presales at MCA Connect, dives deep into how TMS, WMS, ERP, and Dynamics 365 are transforming distribution, warehousing, and fulfillment. Steve explains where companies get digital transformation wrong, how to orchestrate (not just automate) supply chains, and why clean data, integration, and human judgment still matter — even in an AI-driven future.
- Kimberly “Kim” Fisk, President of Triumph, brings real-world insight into small carrier financing and cash flow strategy. From instant invoice approval and predictable capital to fraud prevention and back-office automation, Kim explains how fast, reliable access to cash is changing how carriers make decisions, survive tight markets, and plan for long-term growth.
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23 January 2026, 6:24 pm - 1 hour 9 secondsHauls, Hearsay and Health
In this update edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, host Malcolm Harris is back in the studio with a powerhouse lineup covering freight strategy, logistics tech, industry trust, and driver health — all in one jam-packed episode.
The show kicks off with a fast-moving global freight headlines roundup, breaking down what matters most right now: new Tennessee trucking legislation, volatile U.S.–Mexico cross-border trade dynamics, USPS parcel compliance changes, rising cargo theft risks, and the operational impact of Winter Storm Fern.From there, Malcolm is joined by Rich Krul, Co-Founder and CEO of Hoplite Logistics, for a deep dive into building a modern brokerage the right way. Rich shares his journey through Coyote Logistics and Traffic Tech, why Hoplite invested early in infrastructure and tech, how they approach cross-border Mexico operations, and why reliability and “no-excuses” service still matter in today’s freight market.
Next up, Blythe Brumleve, host of the Everything Is Logistics podcast, joins the show to unpack what’s really happening behind the headlines. Blythe breaks down why so many companies are struggling to realize ROI from AI and automation, the importance of fixing internal processes before adding tech, why trust is more fragile than ever in freight, and how frontline workers are often left out of critical decisions.
Finally, Malcolm sits down with Dr. Brett Caminez for an in-studio conversation focused on driver and operator health. The discussion covers DOT physicals, posture and mental health, stress management, preventative care, and practical steps transportation professionals can take to stay healthy in a demanding industry.
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21 January 2026, 7:11 pm - 46 minutes 37 secondsHazards & Heists
Host Malcolm Harris kicks off a high-impact 2026 episode covering the freight, logistics, and supply chain issues everyone in the industry is feeling right now.
Malcolm opens the show with the latest freight headlines — including Amazon last-mile closures, AI-driven DOT enforcement, major broker and carrier developments, and legal decisions that could reshape liability across the industry.
Then, the show dives into two must-hear expert conversations:
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Mark Becker, President, CEO, and Co-Founder of G10 Fulfillment, joins the show to break down the rapidly growing hazardous goods market. As one of the few Amazon-approved hazmat shippers in the U.S., Mark explains how lithium-ion batteries are transforming e-commerce, where brands often miss on compliance, how regulations are reshaping warehouse operations, and why cutting corners in hazmat shipping creates serious safety risks.
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Danny Ramon, Director of Intelligence at Overhaul, returns to WHAT THE TRUCK?!? to unpack what’s really driving cargo theft in 2026. Danny covers strategic theft, fictitious pickups, physical security gaps, insider risk myths, and how overreliance on technology can create a false sense of security — plus what carriers, brokers, and shippers should audit right now to reduce exposure.
This episode covers:
- Hazmat compliance and lithium battery growth
- Amazon and carrier enforcement pressure
- Cargo theft trends and fraud tactics
- Supply chain security fundamentals vs. tech
- What logistics leaders need to fix now
If you work in freight, logistics, or supply chain security, this episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? is a must-watch.
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16 January 2026, 6:23 pm -
- 46 minutes 2 secondsBuilt to Last
On today’s WHAT THE TRUCK?!?!, host Malcolm Harris takes a wide-angle look at the forces reshaping freight in 2026, from autonomous trucking and fleet safety to regulation, compliance, and ongoing market volatility. The episode blends breaking industry headlines with two in-depth conversations that explore where trucking is headed and what fleets need to be thinking about right now.
The show kicks off with a global freight and logistics roundup, including federal compliance cost cuts for fuel haulers, Allegiant’s move into air cargo with Amazon freight, expanding CDL compliance crackdowns in Tennessee, and Louisiana’s growing staged truck accident investigation. Malcolm also highlights Purdue University’s successful wireless charging test for a heavy-duty truck at highway speeds, Southeastern Freight Lines’ expansion into Mexico, and what these developments signal for capacity, safety, and future freight operations.
The first featured guest is Don Burnette, Founder and CEO of Kodiak, who joins the show to break down how autonomous trucking has officially moved beyond the demo phase. Don explains how Kodiak’s AI-powered trucks are operating in real, driverless commercial service today and why the industry conversation has shifted from if autonomy works to how fast it can scale. The discussion covers Kodiak’s partnership with Bosch, the importance of manufacturing-grade hardware, redundancy, and system reliability, as well as how trust is built with fleets, regulators, and the public. Don also offers a realistic perspective on what autonomous trucking solves today, what challenges remain, and how fleets should think about autonomy in a tight and uncertain freight market.
Later in the episode, Cyndi Brandt, VP of Fleet Solutions at Descartes, brings a fleet-side view of safety, compliance, and operational efficiency. Cyndi explains why safety risks often begin long before a truck ever hits the road, highlighting the role of planning, dispatch, and unrealistic schedules in creating stress and unsafe driving behaviors. She dives into how congestion, tight delivery windows, and poor route planning show up in real-time fleet data, and why stress is one of the most measurable — and overlooked — safety risks in trucking today. The conversation also explores how telematics, routing tools, and execution data can be used proactively to reduce risk rather than simply monitor compliance.
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14 January 2026, 6:26 pm - 45 minutes 56 secondsThe Fleet Factor
On this Monday edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, host Malcolm Harris breaks down the biggest headlines shaping the freight and supply chain world—and then sits down with three industry leaders to unpack what 2026 is already throwing at transportation professionals.
Andrew Wimer, VP of Strategic Operations at Descartes, kicks things off with a deep dive into freight tech, operational resilience, and why trust with carriers and drivers is more important than ever. He also shares how AI and automation are being used to fix visibility gaps without creating more friction on the road.
Lida Zurabashvili, Founder of Freight Freedom, joins the show to share her journey from truck driver to brokerage owner. She talks transparently about building a carrier-first brokerage, fighting fraud and scams in today’s market, and why long-term relationships—not quick wins—are the key to sustainable success.
Rounding out the episode in studio is Sebastian Waters, Director of Maintenance Services at PLM Fleet. With nearly two decades of experience, Sebastian delivers practical winter maintenance advice for fleets, covering everything from preventive maintenance and reefer reliability to diesel, batteries, and cold-weather readiness.
From market pressures and layoffs to freight tech, fleet operations, and broker-carrier trust, this episode is packed with real-world insight for anyone moving freight today.
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?
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12 January 2026, 6:10 pm - 45 minutes 47 secondsThe Broker Blueprint
On this Friday edition of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, host Malcolm Harris breaks down the biggest stories shaping freight right now — from layoffs and carrier consolidation to aggressive DOT enforcement and tightening compliance standards — before diving into two powerhouse conversations that deliver a true blueprint for brokerage success.
First up:
Malcolm is joined by Trent Tulloh, CEO & Founder of Forever Freight Broker, for a no-nonsense discussion on:
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Why relationships (not AI) are the future of brokerage
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How to build trust with carriers and shippers
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Training brokers the right way
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Why paying carriers fairly drives long-term growth
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What new brokers are getting wrong — and how to fix it
Then Malcolm sits down in-studio with Seth Shaver, EVP of Sales at Steam Logistics, for a candid conversation on:
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Grit, resilience, and longevity in freight sales
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Building winning teams and culture in tough markets
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Leadership lessons from scaling through multiple market cycles
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What young brokers must understand to survive and thrive
This episode is packed with real talk, practical insight, and hard-earned lessons from leaders who’ve lived the freight grind — not just talked about it.
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9 January 2026, 6:43 pm -
- 45 minutes 30 secondsFreight in Focus
In this episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, host Malcolm Harris kicks off 2026 with a deep, perspective-driven conversation on what’s really happening across the freight and logistics industry beyond the headlines.
The show opens with FreightWaves cross-border reporter Noi Mahoney breaking down major policy and trade developments, including tariff delays, shifting duties, and why U.S.–Mexico freight could emerge as one of the biggest stabilizers for trucking in 2026. Noi shares insights on nearshoring, cross-border truckload demand, warehouse implications, Class 8 truck orders, and the risks that could disrupt current momentum.
Next, supply chain veteran Mike Eischer, CEO of One World Supply Chain Consulting, joins the show to unpack where inefficiencies hide inside organizations, how companies should think about disruption as the new norm, and where technology is actually making a real-world impact. Mike offers practical guidance on operational discipline, balancing efficiency with reliability, the limits of automation, and why people remain the most important part of any supply chain.
The episode wraps with Chase Osborne of First Star Logistics, who dives into the realities of agent recruiting, marketing, and trust in a tight freight market. Chase discusses what agents are really looking for in 2026, how compensation, culture, and back-office support factor into decision-making, and why transparency and infrastructure matter more than flashy commission offers.
This episode is packed with actionable insights for carriers, brokers, shippers, and logistics leaders navigating a complex and evolving freight landscape in 2026.
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7 January 2026, 7:00 pm - 44 minutes 52 secondsDoctor's Orders
Welcome to the first episode of 2026 on WHAT THE TRUCK?!?. Host Malcolm Harris kicks off the new year with an in-depth, no-nonsense conversation with Charles Gracey, often referred to as the “Dr. Phil of trucking,” to break down the biggest issues shaping the freight and trucking industry right now.
This episode covers major developments that will impact drivers, carriers, brokers, and industry leaders in 2026, including the federal appeals court ruling against Amazon and what joint-employer accountability could mean for last-mile delivery models. Malcolm and Charles discuss whether this ruling signals a broader shift in labor law, risk allocation, and long-term sustainability for delivery service partners.
They dive into why large carrier mergers and acquisitions largely stalled in 2025, exploring indecision, market uncertainty, valuations, and leadership hesitation, and what that means for consolidation in 2026. The conversation also examines leverage in today’s freight market, capacity pressures, driver pay, and why the power balance still isn’t in drivers’ favor.
Autonomous trucking takes center stage as California moves closer to allowing testing and deployment of heavy-duty driverless trucks. The discussion addresses safety, cybersecurity, liability, regulatory gaps, and the often-ignored human cost of automation, including what happens to drivers if jobs are displaced.
Other key topics include:
- Peak season performance and why “best in recent memory” may not mean much
- Sudden carrier shutdowns during the holidays and what they reveal about leadership, diversification, and planning
- The lack of meaningful protections for drivers when companies collapse
- Why 2026 may become a relationship-driven year for freight rather than a transactional one
- Barriers to entry, industry integrity, and the need for higher standards without killing opportunity
- How executives can avoid being disconnected from day-to-day operations
- Why innovation fails when drivers and frontline workers aren’t truly involvedThis episode is a candid, wide-ranging look at where trucking has been, where it’s heading, and what needs to change for the industry to rebuild trust, stability, and integrity in 2026.
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5 January 2026, 7:39 pm - 46 minutes 6 seconds2Hott 2Handle
In the final What The Truck?!? episode of 2025, Malcolm Harris sits down with one of the most genuine voices at the intersection of trucking, music, and hustle, Devin Tribble, known to fans as 2Hott.
This isn’t just a conversation about freight or hip-hop. It’s a real, unfiltered story about survival, faith, discipline, and how earning a CDL became an escape route from the streets and a foundation for building something bigger.
2Hott opens up about his rise as an independent artist, the inspiration behind “Trucker Anthem,” balancing life over the road with life in the studio, and why consistency matters more than clout. From breakdowns and long nights behind the wheel to viral moments and personal loss, this episode captures what it really means to grind and keep going.
Whether you’re a driver, an entrepreneur, an artist, or someone looking for a way forward, this episode delivers perspective you won’t forget.
Special thanks to Descartes MacroPoint for supporting What The Truck?!? and helping keep freight visible, connected, and moving.
Listen in and close out 2025 with one of the most authentic conversations of the year.Subscribe to the WTT newsletter
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22 December 2025, 5:00 pm - 45 minutes 30 secondsTrucking Into Tomorrow
On this episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, host Malcolm Harris breaks down the biggest stories shaping freight as we head toward the end of 2025. Malcolm covers major industry headlines including the pending Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern rail merger, long-term investment at the Port of New York and New Jersey, consolidation in auto transport logistics, and a high-profile cargo theft case that underscores ongoing risk across the supply chain.
The show features an in-depth conversation with Valentina Jordan, CEO and co-founder of Nauta, and Rafa Santiago, COO and co-founder, as they unveil Nauta’s AI-powered inventory optimization engine. They explain how SKU-level visibility, harmonized data, and agentic AI workflows are helping shippers reduce stockouts, improve fill rates, and create more predictable freight flows that benefit truckers, 3PLs, and brokers alike. The discussion explores real-world customer wins, faster time to value, and how better inventory planning leads to smoother routes, consistent loads, and stronger revenue across the network.
Later in the episode, Malcolm is joined in studio by Virind Gujral, CEO and founder of EV Bots. Virind shares his journey from fleet operations to building autonomous robotic solutions for EV fleet charging. He explains how EV Bots is tackling one of the biggest barriers to electric fleet adoption by eliminating driver downtime, optimizing charging costs, and automating vehicle inspections and maintenance checks. The conversation dives into Chattanooga’s growing innovation ecosystem, pilot deployments, and what the future holds for electric fleets and logistics automation.
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19 December 2025, 6:18 pm - More Episodes? Get the App