Explore every episode of the podcast Talking Transports

Warehouse demand is strengthening as e-commerce, onshoring and data-center investment fuel the need for logistics space. In this episode of the Talking Transports podcast, Link Logistics CEO Luke Petherbridge joins Bloomberg Intelligence’s senior transportation and logistics analyst Lee Klaskow to discuss the outlook for industrial real estate. Link, which manages nearly 500 million square feet, has seen leasing activity rise about 30% this year as new supply remains below recent peaks. Petherbridge highlights growing demand in Texas and the Southeast, while e-commerce continues to drive inventory closer to consumers. They also discuss AI, nearshoring, warehouse rents, inventory strategies and how data-center construction is creating spillover demand for logistics facilities.

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Decades of technology investment haven’t necessarily made supply chains better. In this Talking Transports podcast, Supply Chain Insights founder and CEO Lora Cecere joins Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst Lee Klaskow to discuss why roughly 80% of industry sectors are performing worse than before the pandemic and why only 32 companies in her latest “Supply Chains to Admire” report outperformed peers over the past decade. Cecere explains how market-driven companies can outperform larger global competitors and why functional cost-cutting can hurt margins and inventory productivity. She also explores AI, transportation data, intermodal growth, scenario planning and why supply-chain talent may be one of the industry’s most underestimated challenges.

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Drayage capacity is tightening after years of weak profitability, potentially giving carriers greater pricing power as peak import season gets underway. In this Talking Transports podcast, PortPro Founder & CEO Mike Mecca joins Bloomberg Intelligence’s senior transportation and logistics analyst Lee Klaskow to discuss how regulatory changes and driver availability are reshaping this kind of predominently container trucking that connects port/rail terminals to distribution centers.

Mecca explains how PortPro’s transportation management systems and AI agents help carriers optimize dispatch, reduce empty miles, accelerate invoicing and prevent revenue leakage in a thin-margin business. He also discusses port congestion, terminal coordination, rail consolidation and why drayage’s short hauls could make it well suited for electric trucks. Mecca says 99% of code generated inside PortPro is now AI-generated.

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Moving cargo efficiently depends on moving money just as quickly. In this episode of the Talking Transports podcast, PayCargo CEO and co-founder Eduardo Del Riego joins Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst Lee Klaskow to explore how digitizing freight payments is helping eliminate one of global logistics’ biggest hidden bottlenecks. Del Riego explains how PayCargo’s platform connects freight forwarders, ocean carriers, airlines, ports, customs brokers and shippers to accelerate cargo release while reducing payment errors and storage costs. He also discusses how AI is transforming invoice reconciliation, software development, container tracking and workflow automation, why cybersecurity has become a strategic priority, and why he believes the industry is experiencing its first normal peak shipping season since before the pandemic.

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The trucking market is in the early stages of a freight recovery, driven more by a structural reduction in capacity than stronger demand. In this Talking Transports podcast, Schneider National President and CEO Jim Filter joins Bloomberg Intelligence’s senior transportation and logistics analyst Lee Klaskow to discuss why regulatory enforcement, slowing driver availability and years of inflationary cost pressure are creating a more favorable pricing environment for carriers. Filter explains how Schneider is investing in drivers, technology and intermodal services while using AI to improve pricing, freight matching and operational efficiency. He also shares his leadership journey from maintenance team leader to CEO, discusses the company’s disciplined capital allocation strategy and outlines why he believes trucking fundamentals remain constructive despite macroeconomic uncertainty.

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The trucking market is recovering, but surviving the freight recession required resilience, disciplined operations and an unwavering focus on customers. In this episode of the Talking Transports podcast, Apex Transit Solutions CEO and co-founder Marina Ivanov joins Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst Lee Klaskow to discuss building a trucking company from a single truck into a nearly 100-truck fleet and freight broker. Ivanov explains how Apex weathered one of the industry’s toughest downturns by prioritizing service, investing in safety and technology and strengthening relationships with drivers and shippers. She also discusses truck parking, regulatory enforcement, women in trucking, AI-driven fleet management and why improving drivers’ quality of life is essential to building a stronger, more sustainable trucking industry.

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Artificial intelligence is moving beyond chatbots and into the cab, helping trucking fleets improve safety, efficiency and asset utilization. In this special crossover episode of Talking Transports and Bloomberg Intelligence’s Tech Disruptors podcast, Samsara co-founder and CEO Sanjit Biswas joins BI senior transportation and logistics analyst Lee Klaskow and senior software analyst Niraj Patel to discuss how AI is transforming physical operations. Biswas explains how Samsara’s platform combines Internet-of-Things devices, AI-powered cameras, telematics and workflow software to help transportation companies optimize routing, automate maintenance, improve shipment visibility and reduce risk. He also discusses why proprietary operational data is becoming a key competitive advantage and how AI agents are evolving from analytics tools into real-time operational assistants across the logistics industry.

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While investors focus on the large containership order book, the feeder market tells a different story. In this Talking Transports podcast, MPC Container Ships Co-CEO & CFO Moritz Fuhrmann joins Bloomberg Intelligence’s senior transportation and logistics analyst Lee Klaskow to discuss why limited new-vessel supply, an aging feeder fleet, and growing intra-regional trade support a constructive long-term outlook. Fuhrmann explains how MPCC has transformed its fleet through modern, fuel-efficient vessels while securing multi-year charters that provide more than $2 billion of revenue visibility. He also discusses alternative fuels, capital allocation, geopolitical disruptions, and why feeder shipping could outperform the broader container market as global supply chains continue to evolve.

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Transportation deal activity may be poised to rebound as freight markets stabilize after a prolonged downturn. Littlejohn & Co. Senior Operating Partner Farrukh Bezar joins Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst Lee Klaskow on this episode of the Talking Transports podcast to discuss how improving market conditions could reignite mergers and acquisitions across logistics. Drawing on his experience as former CSX chief strategy officer, Bezar explains why freight brokerage, forwarding, intermodal and AI-related logistics businesses are attracting investor interest, while emphasizing that exceptional management teams remain the foundation of successful investments. He also shares his outlook for the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, North American rail growth opportunities and how AI infrastructure is creating new demand across transportation and supply chains.

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Logistics companies face growing pressure to reduce emissions while keeping global supply chains moving. In this Talking Transports podcast, DHL Group Executive Vice President of Corporate Development Yin Zou joins Bloomberg Intelligence’s senior transportation and logistics analyst Lee Klaskow to discuss how sustainability, clean operations and technology support DHL’s 2030 strategy. Zou explains why sustainable aviation fuel is key to decarbonization, with aviation generating about 70% of the company’s emissions. He also covers investments in fleet electrification, renewable energy, automation and AI. He also discusses customer adoption of GoGreen Plus, the economics of SAF, autonomous trucking pilots and why responsible logistics may become an industry standard.

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Freight railroads are using technology, service improvements and private investment to strengthen their competitive position in North American supply chains. In this Talking Transports podcast, Association of American Railroads President and CEO Ian Jefferies joins Bloomberg Intelligence’s senior transportation and logistics analyst Lee Klaskow to discuss how AI, predictive maintenance and automated inspection technologies are helping railroads achieve record safety levels while improving network efficiency. Jefferies explains why intermodal traffic is benefiting from tighter trucking capacity and how railroads are gaining share through improved service and lower transportation costs. He also discusses cross-border trade, regulatory modernization, autonomous rail operations and why rail remains well positioned to support future growth in manufacturing, chemicals, automotive production and housing-related demand.

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Global supply chains remain under pressure from geopolitical disruptions, tight airfreight capacity and shifting sourcing strategies. In this episode of the Talking Transports podcast, AIT Worldwide Logistics Chairman and CEO Vaughn Moore joins Bloomberg Intelligence’s Senior Transportation and Logistics Analyst Lee Klaskow to discuss how freight forwarders are helping customers navigate an increasingly complex environment. Moore explains why airfreight markets remain constrained by capacity rather than demand, with hyperscalers and data-center investment becoming major drivers of cargo volumes. He also discusses evolving ocean freight dynamics, growing demand for customs and trade compliance expertise, and why AI is emerging as a productivity enhancer rather than a replacement for freight forwarding professionals. The conversation covers how scale, technology and supply chain agility are becoming key competitive advantages in global logistics.

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Many trucking companies have endured a prolonged freight downturn, but specialized bulk carriers are experiencing a different cycle. In this episode of the Talking Transports podcast, Autumn Transport CEO Julie Andrich joins Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst Lee Klaskow to discuss how the company’s focus on food, feed, agricultural and industrial bulk freight has insulated it from much of the volatility affecting traditional truckload markets. Andrich explains how Autumn’s owner-operator model and long-term customer relationships have supported growth and pricing stability. She also discusses capacity tightening from regulatory enforcement, investments in AI and workflow automation, and why service, driver relationships and niche expertise remain key competitive advantages in an evolving freight market.

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Global supply chains have become more complex as companies prioritize resilience over efficiency and diversify sourcing beyond single-country strategies. In this episode of the Talking Transports podcast, DHL Global Forwarding CEO Oscar de Bok joins Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst Lee Klaskow to discuss how geopolitical disruptions, shifting trade flows and increasing regulatory complexity are reshaping global logistics. De Bok explains how supply chains have evolved from “just in time” to “just in case,” driving demand for greater flexibility, customs expertise and trade-compliance support. He also discusses tight airfreight capacity, evolving ocean-freight dynamics and DHL’s investments in AI and automation to improve pricing, customs processing and route optimization. The conversation highlights why supply-chain agility has become a critical competitive advantage in an increasingly unpredictable global economy.

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Freight markets are tightening after years of weak pricing, driven more by shrinking capacity and stricter enforcement than surging demand. In this Talking Transports podcast, White Arrow founder and CEO Chris Ceausu joins Bloomberg Intelligence’s senior transportation and logistics analyst Lee Klaskow to discuss how regulatory scrutiny around electronic-logging-device compliance, safety and carrier oversight is reshaping trucking economics. Ceausu explains why he believes rates in key truckload lanes could rise significantly as routing guides fail and compliant capacity tightens. He also discusses White Arrow’s focus on temperature-controlled less-than-truckload and intermodal logistics, while outlining how proprietary technology, AI-driven workflow automation, and load-level profitability analysis are improving operational efficiency in an increasingly volatile freight market.

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Freight markets are tightening in ways not seen since deregulation, driven more by shrinking capacity than surging demand. In this Talking Transports podcast, Triumph Financial Founder & CEO Aaron Graft joins Bloomberg Intelligence’s senior transportation and logistics analyst Lee Klaskow and Bloomberg Intelligence midcap bank analyst Eric Bedell to discuss how regulatory enforcement, rising insurance costs, and increased scrutiny of carrier compliance are reshaping trucking economics. Graft explains how Triumph’s payments network and factoring platform provide visibility into roughly 67% of brokered freight transactions, giving the company unique insight into freight flows, carrier health, and pricing trends. He also discusses fraud prevention, broker liability risks, and how embedded payments and freight intelligence are transforming trucking finance.

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Freight congestion and inefficient cargo handoffs remain major pain points across ports, rail yards and industrial corridors. In this Talking Transports podcast, Glīd Technologies founder and CEO Kevin Damoa joins Bloomberg Intelligence’s senior transportation and logistics analyst Lee Klaskow to discuss how his military logistics experience inspired the company’s autonomous road-to-rail freight platform. Damoa explains how Glīd’s vehicles and AI orchestration software are designed to reduce cargo touches, lower dwell time and activate underused rail infrastructure. He also outlines the company’s dual-use strategy serving both commercial logistics and defense applications, while discussing autonomous deployment timelines and the broader opportunity to modernize first-mile freight movement.

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Amazon.com’s expanding logistics ambitions are poised to disrupt multiple transportation segments, from parcel to brokerage and LTL. In this Talking Transports podcast, Morgan Stanley Managing Director Ravi Shanker joins Bloomberg Intelligence’s senior transportation and logistics analyst Lee Klaskow to discuss how Amazon’s scale and asset-light approach could pressure incumbents across freight markets. Shanker outlines structural challenges in parcel, including the unsustainability of free shipping and rising competition, while highlighting a constructive outlook for trucking as tightening supply drives rate recovery. He also examines how AI — particularly physical AI, such as autonomous trucks — could reshape the industry, and why transportation may look fundamentally different over the next decade.

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Freight markets are tightening after a prolonged downturn, but the driver is shrinking capacity rather than rising demand. In this Talking Transports podcast, DAT Principal Analyst Dean Croke joins Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst Lee Klaskow to discuss how regulatory enforcement around driver qualifications, fraud and compliance is removing trucks from the market. Spot rates in some lanes are up 20–25% year over year, with truck postings down about 30% and load postings rising, signaling tighter conditions. Croke highlights early increases in contract rates, growing volatility in produce and flatbed markets, and why the next cycle may be more sustained. He also explains how greater data transparency and AI adoption are accelerating market shifts and reshaping pricing dynamics.

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Freight markets are stabilizing after a prolonged downturn, driven more by a supply correction than demand growth. In this Talking Transports podcast, J.B. Hunt CEO Shelley Simpson joins Bloomberg Intelligence’s senior freight transportation and logistics analyst Lee Klaskow to discuss how regulatory enforcement is tightening trucking capacity and lifting rates. Simpson, whose more than 30 years at J.B. Hunt took her from pricing roles to CEO, outlines the company’s focus on intermodal growth, where improved service and higher fuel costs are driving mode conversion. She also highlights investments in technology and AI to boost productivity and scale efficiently. Though demand remains uneven, Simpson emphasizes culture, leadership development and a people-first strategy as key to navigating cycles and positioning J.B. Hunt for long-term growth.

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Europe’s trucking market is stabilizing after a prolonged downturn, but structural challenges remain. In this episode of the Talking Transports podcast, Girteka CEO Edvardas Liachovicius joins Bloomberg Intelligence’s Lee Klaskow to discuss how overcapacity and weak demand in 2023–24 pressured rates and profitability, with only early signs of balance emerging. Liachovicius highlights a structural driver shortage, worsened by geopolitical events, as a key constraint on growth, alongside fuel volatility and fragmented regulation across 27 countries. He outlines Girteka’s focus on temperature-controlled, high-care cargo and long-haul corridors, while emphasizing that driver availability — not demand — is now the primary limiter of capacity and future expansion. Liachovicius shares his journey from one of Girteka’s first employees to CEO.

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Autonomous trucking is shifting from pilot to early commercialization as technology, safety validation and economics converge. In this Talking Transports podcast, Kodiak AI founder and CEO Don Burnette joins Bloomberg Intelligence’s Lee Klaskow to discuss how the company is deploying driverless trucks in real-world operations and preparing for long-haul expansion. Burnette outlines Kodiak’s software-first approach, which favors real-time AI perception over rigid mapping, and highlights cost advantages from 24/7 utilization and lower labor dependence. He also addresses regulatory misconceptions, safety-case development and what is needed to accelerate adoption. The discussion also goes beyond trucking to explore a range of applications. Burnette reflects on the challenges and rewards of being a founder.

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Rising agricultural output is straining Brazil’s domestic freight and dry bulk shipping markets, pushing inland trucking rates higher and lifting ocean transport costs. In this Talking Transports podcast, Bloomberg Intelligence’s Lee Klaskow speaks with goFlux CEO Rodrigo Gonçalves and Alphamar Shipping Agency partner Arthur Neto from Bloomberg’s Farm, Food & Fuel Summit to examine Brazil’s logistics bottlenecks. Surging soybean, corn and ethanol-related volume is driving demand for trucks and bulk carriers, while fertilizer imports and fuel costs add pressure on maritime rates. Brazil’s reliance on fragmented trucking capacity and aging fleets is limiting inland throughput, while port congestion and insurance costs are influencing dry-bulk flows. 

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Freight brokerage remains under pressure, but structural changes may be tightening capacity. In this episode of the Talking Transports podcast, Freight Caviar founder and CEO Paul Jaroslawski joins Bloomberg Intelligence’s Lee Klaskow to discuss how regulatory enforcement around non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses and fraud are reducing supply and lifting spot rates despite weak demand. Jaroslawski shares Freight Caviar’s evolution from memes to magazines and his unique perspective on the industry’s culture, broker-carrier tensions and the evolving technology landscape. He also examines offshore labor trends, growing cargo theft and the impact of potential broker-liability rulings, while emphasizing that relationships — not AI — remain the foundation of the brokerage business.

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Private ownership can be a strategic advantage in a volatile freight market. In this Talking Transports podcast, Jarrett’s founder and CEO Mike Jarrett tells Bloomberg Intelligence’s Lee Klaskow that remaining family-owned and debt-free allows the company to focus on culture, long-term customer partnerships and disciplined capital allocation rather than quarterly earnings pressure. Jarrett views technology as an enabler of integration, visibility and efficiency but not a replacement for customer relationships. He discusses the state of the company’s managed transportation, brokerage, forwarding, warehousing and fleet-services businesses. The conversation also touches on supply-chain disruptions, trucking supply, LTL pricing discipline, warehousing expansion and why culture — not leverage — anchors Jarrett’s competitive edge.

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Rail-freight demand is subdued but stable as economic uncertainty and shifting global trade patterns cloud near-term volume expectations. In this Talking Transports podcast, BNSF Chief Marketing Officer Tom Williams joins Bloomberg Intelligence’s Lee Klaskow to discuss the railroad’s demand outlook. Williams highlights the railroad’s improving service, noting that consistent transit times are key to converting more truckload freight to rail. He also outlines how investments in technology, infrastructure and network efficiency have reduced dwell times and improved velocity across the system. The conversation covers trade volatility, tariff impacts on import flows, the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger and why he’s still celebrating his beloved Indiana Hoosiers’ national championship in college football.

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Intermodal freight remains a vital but cyclical component of US supply chains, even as prolonged softness in trucking and rail markets pressures margins and balance sheets. In this Talking Transports podcast, STG Logistics CEO Geoff Anderman joins Bloomberg Intelligence’s Lee Klaskow to discuss the company’s proactive Chapter 11 restructuring and strategy to strengthen its financial foundation amid one of the longest freight downturns in recent history. Anderman details how STG’s asset-based intermodal fleet, drayage network and port-centric logistics footprint support resilience despite market volatility. He also addresses regulatory tightening, rail service, the proposed UP–NS merger, weather disruptions, disciplined cost control and targeted technology investments as the company prepares for an eventual freight recovery.

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Freight demand remains uneven, but ArcBest is betting on integration and technology to drive long-term growth. In this Talking Transports podcast, ArcBest CEO Seth Runser joins Bloomberg Intelligence’s Lee Klaskow to discuss the company’s evolution from a traditional less-than-truckload into a multibillion-dollar integrated logistics provider. Runser outlines how managed transportation is gaining traction, why dynamic pricing and AI-enabled tools are improving efficiency and how $175 million in annual tech investment supports customer retention and productivity. He also addresses supply-side tightening from regulatory enforcement, union labor dynamics and EV pilots and how ArcBest is positioning for the next freight upcycle despite economic uncertainty. Runser became CEO at the start of the year, capping a 19-year career at the company that began in its management-trainee program.

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Escalating US–Israeli strikes on Iran have injected fresh volatility into global energy and shipping markets, pushing Brent crude toward $80 a barrel and sending very large crude carrier spot rates sharply higher. About 20% of global oil and 25% of LNG flows transit the Strait of Hormuz, making the region critical to global trade. In this Talking Transports podcast, Bloomberg Intelligence’s Lee Klaskow convenes BI’s defense, energy, and shipping analysts to assess how the conflict could reshape oil prices, tanker rates, container flows, and broader freight markets.

The discussion explores the emerging geopolitical risk premium in oil, insurance-driven tanker disruptions, continued Red Sea diversions and second-order impacts on rail, trucking, air freight and defense contractors. The key question being whether volatility remains a risk premium or becomes a true supply shock. 

See {BI IRAN<GO>} for BI’s comprehensive global research on the Iran War. 

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Railroad freight remains a critical but often overlooked backbone of the economy, even as uncertainty clouds capital investment decisions. Railcar orders have moderated amid tariff concerns and cautious shipper spending, yet Greenbrier’s backlog remains strong, underscoring resilient underlying demand. In this Talking Transports podcast, Greenbrier CEO Lorie Tekorius joins Bloomberg Intelligence’s Lee Klaskow to discuss the company’s strategy to balance cyclical new railcar manufacturing with expanding recurring revenue from leasing and services. Tekorius outlines margin expansion through footprint optimization, steel sourcing discipline and insourcing initiatives, while addressing tariffs, inflationary pressures, rail consolidation and the long-term opportunity to increase freight rail’s share of the transportation pie.

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Supply chain technology adoption is shifting from pilots to measurable gains in productivity and margins. In this episode of the Talking Transports podcast, Bloomberg Intelligence’s Lee Klaskow shares conversations from the floor of Manifest conference in Las Vegas, where innovation — not freight volumes — dominated. Vendors spotlighted AI agents for less-than-truckload workflows, robotics for e-commerce packaging, autonomous trucking, corrugate solutions to cut waste and reverse-logistics platforms to speed up resale readiness. C.H. Robinson cited 95% automation of LTL missed pickups, while robotics firm Ultra targets a $2–$3 billion packaging automation opportunity. Last-mile startup GoFo is challenging FedEx and UPS with lower-cost DSP models, while autonomous trucking firm Bot Auto is prioritizing cost-per-mile economics before scaling.

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AI’s growing appetite for power is quietly reshaping freight demand, creating new opportunities for transportation providers serving the oil and gas industry and its supporting infrastructure. In this Talking Transports podcast, Pinch Transport President Thomas Massalone joins Bloomberg Intelligence’s Lee Klaskow to discuss a niche corner of the freight market: flatbed less-than-trucking serving every major oil and gas basin in the US and Canada. Unlike traditional LTL carriers such as Old Dominion or XPO, Pinch’s demand is more tied to oil prices than to the ISM manufacturing index. Massalone also provides insight into how consolidation has strengthened specialized carriers, helping mitigate inflationary pressures and combat fraud, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing the company’s brokerage and drayage businesses.

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Market participants and investors appear optimistic that federal initiatives can drive out slack trucking capacity and ignite a prolonged rate recovery. The Bloomberg Intelligence truckload peer group is up 18% year to date vs. a 1% gain for the broader index. In this episode of Talking Transports, USA Truck CEO and co-owner George Henry joins BI’s Lee Klaskow to examine the early signs of structural tightening in the truckload market. Henry outlines the company’s asset-heavy strategy, with a growing emphasis on dedicated freight, safety-led operations and disciplined spot exposure. The pair also discuss the opportunities that come with being a private, stand-alone company, rate expectations, technology-fueled productivity, inflation and the story behind USA Truck’s logo.

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Knight-Swift’s CEO Adam Miller joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst for a fireside chat at SMC3’s JumpStart 2026 Conference in Atlanta on this episode of Talking Transports podcast. Miller explains why the company is better positioned following the near-completion of its national less-than-truckload network, with scale, flexibility and diversification supporting a renewed focus on margin recovery and network density before further LTL expansion. He also shares views on the truckload cycle, potential federal supply-side support, autonomous trucking, railroad consolidation and how his mentor Kevin Knight shaped his accountability-driven leadership style.

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Rising “nuclear verdicts,” broker liability and landmark court cases are reshaping the economics of trucking and logistics. In this Talking Transports podcast, Matthew Leffler, managing member of Armchair Attorney, joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to unpack the legal forces affecting freight markets. Leffler explains the surge in nine-figure verdicts, the Supreme Court case that could redefine broker liability and why outdated insurance minimums are straining carriers and insurers alike. He also discusses broker transparency, tariffs and emergency powers, rail consolidation and how court decisions may influence capacity, rates and risk across the supply chain, along with the story behind his signature red jacket.

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Geopolitical developments from the US, increased protectionist policies, Red Sea risks and regional wars have created a climate of unprecedented uncertainty for the global containerliner industry. In this Talking Transports podcast, Joe Kramek, the president and CEO of the World Shipping Council joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to discuss what the global industry is doing to move ahead of headwinds. Decarbonization remains paramount for the WCS despite the International Maritime Organization postponing a vote to adopt its Net-Zero Framework (NZF) until October. And how avoiding to pay rent pushed him into a long and gratifying maritime career. maritime career.

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Technology investment is no longer a luxury for supply chains, as it has become essential just to survive, let alone thrive. In this Talking Transports podcast, project44 founder and CEO Jett McCandless joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to discuss how AI is transforming global supply chains from reactive to autonomous. McCandless explains how project44’s decision intelligence platform uses AI and multi-agent workflows to help shippers and logistics providers analyze disruptions, optimize responses and act in real time across all modes. He shares why “decision speed” now matters more than transit speed, how visibility must evolve beyond alerts, and why 2026 will mark a turning point as companies demand hard returns from AI investments. McCandless also offers his outlook on nearshoring, geopolitics, freight markets and the leadership lessons learned from returning project44 to founder mode.

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Global freight markets face another challenging year from geopolitical tensions, uncertain trade policies and slack capacity. In this episode of the Talking Transports podcast, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst Lee Klaskow shares how 2026 may play out for North American trucking, railroad and freight brokerage markets, as well as the global parcel and shipping sectors. An acceleration in the rate of capacity leaving the truckload market could ripple across less-than-truckload, freight brokerage and railroad industries, setting up for a better year than 2025. Technology-driven productivity investments could help offset a tepid demand backdrop and support improved margins. Supply growth is expected to outpace containerliner demand, which will weigh on rates and earnings.

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Geopolitical tensions, a fractured regulatory landscape and shifting trade patterns are reshaping the maritime industry in ways not seen in decades. In this episode of the Talking Transports podcast, maritime historian and former merchant mariner, Sal Mercogliano, joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to break down the forces redefining global shipping. Mercogliano discusses the risks surrounding the Red Sea and Suez Canal, the rise of the shadow fleet and the challenges facing the IMO’s ambitious decarbonization goals. He also examines US shipbuilding ambitions, Jones Act reform and the critical role of the Merchant Marine in national security. Mercogliano shares insights from his seafaring career, his academic work and his popular YouTube channel, offering a wide-angle perspective on the future of maritime trade.

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The advent of artificial intelligence and machine learning has opened a new era of productivity gains for freight brokers, capacity owners and shippers. Supply chains are still in the early stages of adopting these tools, creating significant opportunities over the next several years. In this episode of the Talking Transports podcast, Augment CEO and co-founder Harish Abbott joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to discuss how AI is reshaping the freight industry. Abbott outlines how Augie, Augment’s AI teammate, automates end-to-end brokerage workflows — from order to cash — while improving service levels and reducing costs. He also reflects on the challenges of scaling AI talent, the importance of change management, and how his early career at Amazon sparked his passion for fixing logistics’ inefficiencies.

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The Trump administration’s policies could have profound effects on the marine shipping industry that go well beyond US shores. In this Talking Transports podcast, former US Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Louis Sola joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to discuss the shifting landscape of US maritime policy. Sola shares insights on shipbuilding challenges, tariff impacts, chokepoint vulnerabilities and the importance of strengthening national security through a resilient supply chain. He also reflects on restarting the cruise industry during Covid-19, his work combating sanctions evasion and his new role advising clients on trade, energy and infrastructure. Sola talks about how his time in the US Army put him on the path toward a career in transportation, which has included selling luxury yachts, and his time in public service.

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The North American freight market is soft, with excess capacity and uncertainty in manufacturing, retail and housing weighing on demand. In this episode of Talking Transports, ArcBest Chairman and CEO Judy McReynolds joins Bloomberg Intelligence’s senior transportation and logistics analyst, Lee Klaskow, to discuss how the company is navigating the prolonged freight recession. McReynolds shares how ArcBest is leveraging technology, AI and data to drive efficiency — from route optimization to dock automation — and how acquisitions like MoLo have strengthened its integrated logistics network. She also reflects on her career, the lessons she’s learned and offers advice to future executives, especially women entering transportation.

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Marine cargo ports serve as the conduits connecting global and regional economies, and their ability to run efficiently can be felt near and far. In this Talking Transports podcast, American Association of Port Authorities’ (AAPA) Vice President of Government Relations John Bressler, joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to unpack the policies shaping US seaports and what his trade organization is doing to push for more federal infrastructure funding. Bressler also discusses rail consolidation, shipbuilding incentives, tariffs and automation, stressing balance between efficiency, labor and security. With ports investing in decarbonization, dredging and digitalization, he says smarter infrastructure and collaboration will keep America’s maritime network competitive and resilient.

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Rising insurance costs have been a major headwind facing the trucking markets and things might not improve anytime soon. Insurance premiums could grow by double digits for another year in 2026 due to increased litigation and fraud, along with fewer companies writing trucking policies. In this Talking Transports podcast, Reliance Partners’ co-founder and CEO Andrew Ladebauche and Thom Albrecht, the company’s chief revenue officer, join Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to discuss the state and outlook of the trucking-insurance market. The conversation also delves into strategies for mitigating costs, the need for reform and better regulatory practices to ensure safety and sustainability in transportation, as well as why many fraudsters are apparent fans of Tommy Tutone.

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The transportation and logistics M&A market may be quiet, but there are still pockets of strength. In this episode of Talking Transports, Tenney Group CEO Spencer Tenney joins Bloomberg Intelligence’s senior analyst Lee Klaskow to discuss what kinds of deals are getting done and how technology is becoming a key differentiator for freight brokers. They also touch on valuations, seller motivations and why next year could bring market stabilization, smarter deals and fresh opportunities for owners ready to adapt — or exit — before the next freight cycle turns.

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More and more women are entering the trucking industry, but remain underrepresented. They account for only about 10% of truck drivers and 4% in technician roles. In this Talking Transports podcast, Jennifer Hedrick, president and CEO of the Women in Trucking Association (WIT), joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to discuss what the organization is doing to attract more women into the trucking industry, from the driver’s seat to the C-suite. Access to safe parking and more focused gender amenities would go a long way toward making over-the-road truckling more appealing for women, she says. Hedrick also discusses the association’s work in Washington, DC; members’ outlooks on trucking; outreach programs; and even style advice, suggesting I should rock a red tuxedo at WIT’s upcoming Accelerate Conference.

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The outlook for the global container rates isn’t encouraging for fleet owners, with supply expected to outpace demand next year. The Trump administration’s protectionist policies are only complicating matters for the industry. In this Talking Transports podcast, Peter Sand, Xeneta’s chief analyst, joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to share his outlook for the liner market. The backdrop will weigh heavily on rates in 2026, with spot declines outpacing longer-term decreases. Though not Xeneta’s main scenario, a reopening of the Suez Canal would increase capacity by about 10-15%, putting additional pressure on rates. Sand also talks about USTR and China port fees, air-freight markets, emerging trade lanes and his love for death metal.

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Tepid demand, weak rates and rising costs are just some of the challenges facing the North American truckload market. Carriers and drivers also face subpar infrastructure, rising fraud and stricter emission standards. In this Talking Transports podcast, Jim Ward, president of the Truckload Carriers Association, joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence’s senior transportation and logistics analyst, to discuss how the trade group is working to ease these burdens. They also discuss how Trump administration actions affect non-domiciled commercial driver licenses and English proficiency enforcement. Ward touches on electric and autonomous vehicles, road user fees, parking shortages and his pending retirement.

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Geopolitical tensions are stoking investor interest in shipping stocks as supply-demand dynamics turn more favorable for tanker and dry-bulk operators heading into 2026. Global containerliners, however, face a tougher outlook, with freight rates struggling to find support amid capacity growth outpacing demand. In this bonus episode of the Talking Transports podcast Bloomberg Intelligence senior freight transportation and logistics analyst Lee Klaskow hosts a panel with Fredrik Dybwad of Fearnley Securities and Kristoffer Barth Skeie of Arctic Securities. The analysts discuss rates, trade tensions, emissions goals, order books and their top investment ideas across the global marine shipping industry. The panel was recorded at a Bloomberg Intelligence event during London International Shipping Week on Sept. 16.

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Tanker and dry-bulk operators are positioned to weather freight-market volatility into next year. Supply-demand dynamics favor tankers, while dry bulk is having a better-than-expected 2H on higher thermal-coal demand. That was underscored at a Bloomberg Intelligence event in London, where BI senior analyst Lee Klaskow sat down with Scorpio Tankers President Robert Bugbee and Star Bulk President Hamish Norton for this Talking Transports episode. Geopolitical events pose significant headline risks for both markets. Tanker demand looks promising on increased production from OPEC+ and the backpedaling of various US regions’ environmental and emissions regulations. The supply picture also appears more supportive for dry bulkers, with steadily rising port congestion and about 20% of operational vessels nearing 15-year inspections. We also discuss USTR fees, emissions and supply-demand dynamics.

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