Why trains keep getting longer…and longer…

Small trucking fleets comprise much of the trucking industry. But they’re also more likely to go out of business and leave drivers jobless. Jonathan Phares, assistant professor of supply chain management at Iowa State University, joins MODES to explain his recent working paper that unpacks this dynamic. (This episode was recorded on May 24) Follow the MODES Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unionized UPS workers may go on a massive strike for the first time since 1997. The potential work stoppage could halt e-commerce movements — and it shows something deeper about how supply chain workers are treated today. Insider senior transportation Emma Cosgrove breaks down the big picture in the UPS-Teamsters showdown. (This episode was recorded on May 10) Follow the MODES Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, warned us all last year when Mississippi River levels got so low that farmers and manufacturers couldn’t move their wares. Now, the river is unusually high and it’s wreaking havoc on the barge industry yet again. Mike walks us through what’s going on. Follow the MODES Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason Doering, a longtime engineer at Union Pacific, explains why trains have been getting longer and longer – and why it’s such a pain for workers to deal with these behemoths.  Follow the MODES Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Long-time truck driver Justin Martin comes on the MODES podcast to explain why a law to limit speed limits for truck drivers could actually increase accidents. Come for the information on federal regulations, stay for Justin’s comparison between trucking in 2023 and the much-ballyhooed cash for clunkers program. Follow the MODES Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Consumer goods have seen historic inflation. Now, Americans are flocking to private-label goods to weather the storm. FreightWaves senior vertical expert Adam Josephson knows all things paper and packaging, and explained what’s happening to MODES host Rachel Premack. Follow the MODES Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Focusing on exploring timely topics and non-mainstream stories for supply chain insiders (and outsiders) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices