Walking a tightrope

Housing data disappoints as concerns around energy costs loom this winter. Rising energy costs are not all bad. Knight Swift’s beat explained as they outperform peers.  Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zac Rogers discusses the persistent tightness of transportation and awkwardness of dealing with a very uncertain global economy. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discussion of headlines CH Robinson acquiring RXO and the first Atlantic side hurricane making landfall as well as what impact tariffs and trade are telling us about inflation and the economy.  Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Freight rates continue to feel pressure from fuel and capacity shortfalls while the economy continues to sustain despite ongoing inflation concerns.  Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discussion on what the Fed hike means economically and to freight and also what to make of the still hot import market.  Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s driving freight costs higher — fuel, tight capacity, inflation, or all of the above? On this episode of Freightonomics, Zach Strickland and economist D.J. Donahue break down the latest economic data and what it means for transportation, consumers and the broader freight economy. Producer prices are rising, with energy playing a major role. Diesel prices have surged, putting additional pressure on trucking and transportation costs, while elevated tender rejection rates point to a freight market that remains tight. The show also examines consumer credit, historically high credit card rates and what slowing credit growth could signal for consumer health and future freight demand. The conversation then turns to trade policy and the latest tensions with Canada. Zach and D.J. examine proposed restrictions on Canadian imports, the potential economic impact and why some of the targeted trade flows may have a much smaller effect on overall freight volumes than the headlines suggest. In the second half, Thomas Wasson joins Zach to explore the changing North American freight landscape. They discuss Mexican cross-border trucking, cabotage enforcement, falling Laredo freight volumes, shifting Mexico trade flows and the growing influence of data-center construction on freight demand. Data-center investment is generating demand for electronics, steel, concrete and open-deck capacity even as traditional consumer demand remains relatively muted. The episode also dives into ocean freight rates, fuel costs, congestion and the impact of weather on trans-Pacific shipping. Finally, Zach and Thomas examine changing FMCSA data and what it really tells us about trucking capacity. The bottom line? Capacity is not meaningfully growing yet, and the industry may be moving toward a smaller, more closely vetted and safer carrier base — but at a higher price. Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Zac Rogers comes on to discuss the latest LMI results from August.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Peterson comes on to discuss budgeting strategies for shippers heading into budget season, plus a slough of economic data to cover.  Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Continued geopolitical instability is making it hard to manage expectations for both shipping and transportation markets for the rest of the year.  Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Zac Rogers joins to show to discuss the latest LMI and the continued uncertainty that plagues supply chains.  Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices