))
From the creators of Transport Topics, RoadSigns is a podcast about trucking's future. In each episode, you'll follow a transportation journalist on a singular pursuit for the most solid answer to a critical question and meet interesting people along the way. Listen at roadsigns.ttnews.com. Do you have a question for our hosts to answer? Tell us here: https://www.speakpipe.com/RoadSigns For RoadSigns extended cuts visit: https://pages.ttnews.com/RS-Bonus-Content-Archive.html?utm_source=rss&u ...
…
continue reading
As artificial intelligence usage grows to transform various industries, the trucking sector is harnessing this technology to tackle one of its most critical challenges: fleet safety. Recorded live from ATA's 2025 Management Conference & Exhibition, co-host Seth Clevenger sits down with Johan Land, senior vice president of product and engineering at…
…
continue reading
Renewable natural gas (RNG) is gaining serious traction in trucking, and Cummins' new 15-liter X15 N engine just changed the game. Recorded live at ATA's MCE, co-host Seth Clevenger sits down with Chad Lindholm, senior vice president at Clean Energy, to explore how regulatory shifts and improved technology are opening doors for RNG adoption among m…
…
continue reading
The truck parking issue is not just an inconvenience; it's costing the industry $100 billion annually in lost productivity. In this episode of RoadSigns, co-host Seth Clevenger sits down with Reed Loustalot, chief marketing officer of Truck Parking Club, to explore how a combination of public funding and private innovation can finally ease this per…
…
continue reading
When trucks stop, business stops. Every breakdown and delay has a ripple effect across America's supply chain. So, what's holding your fleet back from maximizing uptime? In this episode of RoadSigns, co-host Mike Freeze sits down with Cox Automotive's Matt Trapp (VP of Operations) and Alex Fraser (VP of FleetNet) to unpack the evolving challenges o…
…
continue reading
What if your trucking business could raise the bar for fuel efficiency and make better fleet management decisions through smarter cruise control? With freight rates depressed and carriers surviving on thin margins, every opportunity to enhance fleet efficiency has become even more important. One such opportunity is intelligent cruise control that c…
…
continue reading
After four decades of providing software to the trucking industry, McLeod is now integrating artificial intelligence into its transportation management systems for carriers and brokers. But, as generative AI tools flood the market and numerous tech startups promise to revolutionize freight operations, transportation companies need more than just bu…
…
continue reading
The intermodal industry stands at a fascinating crossroads where cutting-edge technology meets fundamental infrastructure. While containers and chassis might seem like straightforward equipment, recent innovations are transforming them into smart, connected assets that could streamline how freight moves across America. From domestically manufacture…
…
continue reading
In today's volatile freight market, uncertainty has become the only constant. As tariffs shift overnight, cargo theft grows more sophisticated and AI disrupts traditional operations, how can transportation leaders stay ahead of the curve? Recorded live from IANA's 2025 Intermodal Expo in Long Beach, California, this episode sees host Seth Clevenger…
…
continue reading
In an industry commonly perceived as behind the curve, artificial intelligence is poised to revolutionize how transportation companies operate from the maintenance bay to the driver's seat. And, as adoption rates increase, fleet managers must ask themselves: can your company afford to ignore AI technology at the risk of losing ground to your compet…
…
continue reading
Over the past three years, increasingly tight margins have put more pressure on fleet operators to optimize operations and boost efficiency. However, the cost to invest in new technologies and workflow automation has historically been greater than many carriers can manage. Looking forward, how can artificial intelligence bridge the technology gap b…
…
continue reading
In this special episode, Seth Clevenger and TT’s features coordinator, MikeSenatore, offer an inside look at the creation of the 2025 Top 100 PrivateCarriers list, discussing key takeaways, trends and changes in the industry.How have the most successful private carriers adapted to tariff-drivenvolatility and global trade uncertainty? What do notabl…
…
continue reading
The future of trucking is closer than you think. From Norwegian quarries to Texas highways, autonomous truck operations are steadily moving from the testing and development phase toward commercial deployment. Howhave truck manufacturers, tech developers and motor carriers partnered to advance self-driving technology? What roadblocks remain in the p…
…
continue reading
Assisted by maturing technologies like artificial intelligence, the transportation industry has quietly become one of the most tech-forward spaces. While generating massive amounts of data every second, AI presents unprecedented opportunities for optimization. How can fleets of all sizes translate data into insights? AI-platforms, like Catalyst AI,…
…
continue reading
About half the largest for-hire carriers in North America experienced revenue declines last year — a stark sign of ongoing weakness in the freight market. In this episode, we go beyond the numbers in TT’s newly released 2025 Top 100 For-Hire Carriers list to reveal what’s really happening in trucking today. Which companies grew despite the downturn…
…
continue reading
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. …
…
continue reading
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 resha…
…
continue reading
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 …
…
continue reading
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 te…
…
continue reading
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 mult…
…
continue reading
1
RS165: What Do the First Driverless Truck Operations in Texas Mean for the Future of Freight?
34:19
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…
…
continue reading
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 …
…
continue reading
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 planne…
…
continue reading
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 …
…
continue reading
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 a…
…
continue reading
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 …
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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, str…
…
continue reading
1
RS158: How Is Industry Engagement Shaping the Future of Trucking Technology and Maintenance?
35:59
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?…
…
continue reading
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 …
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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 platform…
…
continue reading
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 l…
…
continue reading
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 remai…
…
continue reading
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, …
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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 innovat…
…
continue reading
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. Erik…
…
continue reading
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 u…
…
continue reading
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 Tran…
…
continue reading
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 a…
…
continue reading
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 exp…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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 leve…
…
continue reading
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 …
…
continue reading
To retread or not to retread, that is the question. For some maintenance managers, the debate between new tires and retreads is constant. Both offer ways to save on gas and emissions. And, in the current environment of high fuel prices, tire management strategies are integral to fleet operations. So, what's the golden rule? In what instances is a r…
…
continue reading
In 2023, plummeting transportation rates and an oversupply of freight hauling capacity contributed to a challenging business environment for 3PLs. These conditions have persisted into early 2024 as logistics providers wait for the market to rebound. So, when will the market turn? And in the meantime, who is capable of surviving, or even thriving, i…
…
continue reading
1
RS139: How are Truck Manufacturers Providing Suitable Safety and Connectivity Options for Commercial Fleets?
19:33
Quick! Can you explain how current truck makers are changing freight operations forever? Those who can, know there’s a certain synergy that is built into today's commercial trucks — prioritizing driver comfort, freight connectivity tools, proactive maintenance alerts, safety platforms, and fuel economy. And, for those who can't... Transport Topics'…
…
continue reading
Every year, at ATA's Technology and Maintenance Council meeting, nearly 5,000 fleet technology and maintenance professionals gather to break ground on trucking innovation. At this year's meeting, our host, Michael Freeze, found himself on the frontline of change. In this special RoadShow episode, Michael first speaks with the newly installed TMC Ch…
…
continue reading
The Environmental Protection Agency's Phase 3 greenhouse gas emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles are set to take effect beginning in model year 2027. The Biden administration says the proposed standards would cut CO2 emissions by nearly 10 billion tons. To prepare for the impending requirement, the trucking industry is beginning to look towa…
…
continue reading
Imagine a threat lurking at every fuel stop, one that's draining over a billion dollars annually from unsuspecting fleet drivers. This invisible menace? Fuel card skimming—a sophisticated scam where cybercriminals steal more than just fuel charges right from under carrier noses. How do they do it, and more importantly, how can we stop them? This we…
…
continue reading
