Visa Freeze Shakes Trucking & The Future of Autonomous Freight

On this September 15th edition of What the Truck?! with host Malcolm Harris, FreightWavesTV kicks off Trucker Appreciation Week with a high-energy lineup. Malcolm chats with Jordan Spradling, VP of Transportation & Logistics at Pilot Flying J, about the company’s Road Warrior Contest in partnership with the Diesel Brothers—featuring a custom Kenworth W900 and $50,000 prize. Spradling shares insights on driver appreciation, leadership lessons, DEF terminal expansion, balancing cost efficiency with reliability, and the role of new safety technology like MirrorEye. Later, Malcolm welcomes longtime friend Chris Richards of CLN Worldwide (formerly Steam Logistics) for a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities shaping global trade. Richards discusses the volatility of tariffs, shifting supply chains from China to Mexico, bonded warehousing solutions, and why adaptability and trust are key in today’s international freight market. The episode blends industry insight with candid “What the Truck?!” moments—from hurricane fuel deliveries with police escorts to navigating unpredictable tariff hikes—while celebrating the people who keep freight moving. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Friday edition of What The Truck?!, host Malcolm Harris welcomes Erin Field from Chevron to discuss the company’s role in advancing renewable fuels and supporting fleets on their sustainability journeys. Erin reflects on her nearly decade-long career at Chevron, highlighting innovations in biodiesel, renewable diesel, renewable natural gas (RNG), and hydrogen. She introduces Chevron’s demo program with Cummins and PACCAR, which allows fleets to test next-generation CNG trucks with diesel-like power and torque, addressing common misconceptions about performance, fueling, and driver experience. The conversation also touches on Erin’s leadership journey, advice for women in energy, and her passion for volunteering in Houston’s community. Beyond the interview, Malcolm covers breaking logistics headlines, including a container mishap at the Port of Long Beach, new nominations to the Surface Transportation Board, Werner’s response to a Kenyan driver recruitment rumor, and a proposed bill targeting trucker English proficiency at weigh stations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WHAT THE TRUCK?!? kicks off a brand-new chapter as Kaylee Nix welcomes the show’s new host, Malcolm Harris. From his early days at Coyote to his journey through Steam Logistics, Axle Logistics, and beyond, Malcolm shares how freight shaped his career and why Chattanooga feels like home. He talks about his passion for storytelling, his vision for connecting the freight community, and what listeners can expect as he takes the reins of this iconic show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, host Thomas Wasson breaks down the day’s top headlines — from Wawa’s first travel center with truck parking to Aurora and McLeod’s autonomous TMS integration, tariff-driven import surges, and shake-ups at the STB. Then, Thomas dives into the future of renewable fuels with special guests from Nopetro and Hexagon Agility. Nopetro’s Scott Brenner and Kevin Hyatt explain how fleets are adopting renewable natural gas (RNG) from landfills and dairy farms, while Hexagon Agility’s Eric Bippus and Ian MacDonald share insights on their record CNG truck orders and the rollout of Cummins’ new X15N natural gas engine. From infrastructure and maintenance savings to regulatory shifts and long-haul viability, this episode uncovers how RNG and CNG are shaping the next era of freight sustainability. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Follow the Podcast More FreightWaves Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Thomas Wasson breaks down the latest trucking headlines — from federal threats to cut highway funds over English proficiency enforcement to CDL testing scandals, clean energy truck orders, and shifting credit conditions in transportation finance. Michael Caney, CCO at Highway, joins the show to discuss the company’s growth investment, the launch of the Trusted Freight Exchange, and the battle against freight fraud. Later, Zach Strickland, Head of Freight Market Intelligence at SONAR, shares insights on SONAR’s new Blue to Blue app, shifting freight market conditions, and what to expect heading into peak season. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, host Thomas Wasson covers the latest headlines in freight before diving deep into driver wellness with Travelers’ Monica Rinaldi. She breaks down the mental and physical health challenges truckers face on the road and what fleets can do to better support them. Then, Kenworth’s Sarah Abernathy joins to spotlight the Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award, celebrating veterans who’ve successfully moved into transportation. Finally, Kenworth’s Alex Reid takes us under the hood of the iconic W900 Legacy Edition as the legendary model nears the end of its run. Plus: breaking news on ATA lawsuits, import trends, new rail partnerships, and even a little cow jazz. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thomas Wasson breaks down the top stories in freight, including the Trump administration’s sudden pause on work visas for foreign truck drivers and what it means for the industry. It’s also an “autonomous trucks” edition, featuring in-depth conversations with Shahrukh Kazmi, Chief Product Officer at Volvo Autonomous Solutions, on their new VNL autonomous trucks running freight in Texas, and Shawn Kerrigan, COO of Plus, on their path to commercial launch and partnerships with global OEMs. From labor disruptions to driverless tech, this episode dives into the challenges and opportunities shaping trucking’s future. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, host Thomas Wasson is joined by Reed Loustalot, CMO of Truck Parking Club, to discuss groundbreaking new research on the truck parking shortage and how unlocking unused spaces could transform driver efficiency. Reed also shares updates on Truck Parking Club’s new clubhouse and innovation hub in Georgia.Later in the show, Steve Gold, President of the Truckers Network Association, weighs in on a string of tragic truck crashes and exposes systemic flaws in CDL licensing and training. From non-domiciled CDL loopholes to fraudulent schools, Steve explains why reform is urgently needed to protect drivers and the public.Don’t miss this deep dive into two of trucking’s hottest issues: where to park and who’s behind the wheel. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, host Thomas Wasson teams up with special guest host Charles Gracey for a high-energy ride through today’s top trucking stories and industry insights.They’re joined by Lewie Pugh, Executive Vice President of OOIDA, who breaks down new EPA guidance on diesel emissions and what it means for drivers on the road. Then, Jeff Pape, General Manager of Transportation and Corporate Payments at U.S. Bank, dives into the latest Freight Payment Index and shares what the data is telling us about freight volumes, spending, and regional trends.Thomas and Charles also tackle the day’s biggest headlines, from self-driving trucks and California’s emissions battles to tariffs shaking up cross-border freight and new AI-powered gate technology.It’s an episode loaded with insights, banter, and the pulse of the freight world you won’t want to miss. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, host Thomas Wasson dives into the rising threat of cargo fraud and the innovations keeping our highways safer. GenLogs CEO Ryan Joyce reveals how his nationwide truck-tracking camera network is helping brokers, carriers, and law enforcement catch cargo thieves, recover stolen assets, and stop DOT identity fraud. Later, Volvo Trucks’ Chris Stadler discusses groundbreaking safety features—like side-curtain airbags and high-strength steel cabs—and the rigorous Arctic and heatwave testing behind the all-new VNL, fresh off winning the prestigious Red Dot design award. Plus, industry headlines on freight volumes, Amazon’s grocery expansion, and key legal battles shaping broker liability. Watch on YouTube Visit our sponsor Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts #WHATTHETRUCK #FreightNews #supplychain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices