What gives Knight-Swift its competitive edge in a tough freight market? Craig Fuller and Paul Tonsager discuss how Knight-Swift’s relentless operational discipline and willingness to walk away from unprofitable business drive consistent results.

22% of commercial trucks currently failing basic safety standards! Matthew Leffler breaks down how deferred maintenance on brakes, lights, and tires combined with landmark liability rulings (like C.H. Robinson's Texas case) exposes freight brokers to major legal risks.

"All it takes is one accident... even if you're not found to be at fault, you're insolvent. You're done." Matthew Leffler warns freight brokers about the strict legal enforcement standards now governing carrier selection across all 50 states.

Is Norfolk Southern's stock performance driven by operational strength or merger speculation? Paul Tonsager, CEO & Founder of Integrated Multi-Model Solutions, analyzes whether investors are trading NS based on fundamentals or anticipated Union Pacific deal outcomes.

What does a load really cost when your primary carrier says no? SONAR's latest truckload datasets show that 3rd-tender rejections add a ~19.84% premium—nearly double the cost of a 2nd tender!

What happens if the Surface Transportation Board denies the latest major rail merger? Paul Tonsager, CEO & Founder of Integrated Multi-Model Solutions, discusses how regulatory delays and changing political climates could stall rail mega-mergers for a generation.

The Long Haul xitter.cf/i/broadcasts/1oJMvNyAe…

Roadrunner has launched a new outbound Canada-to-U.S. LTL service that connects shippers in Canada to about 40 major U.S. metro markets. The direct linehaul network runs entirely by truck, with no rail touchpoints, and is designed to reduce handling points and improve visibility. The carrier also announced a 5.9% general rate increase, effective Nov. 2, citing higher costs and continued network investment. vist.ly/5pqmi

DJ Donahue reveals that for every $1.00 increase in the crack spread, refiners gain ~28¢ in operating margin. With Russian refineries damaged and Chinese exports halted, global refining capacity is scarce—allowing refiners to command higher wholesale rack prices.

Wabtec reported higher third-quarter revenue and earnings and raised its full-year outlook as freight and transit backlogs grew. Revenue rose 8% to $3.12 billion, operating income increased 27% to $625 million and EPS climbed 34% to $2.42. The company lifted adjusted EPS guidance to $10.85 to $11.05 after seeing stronger freight demand, higher parts orders and continued transit sales growth. vist.ly/5pqff

How do small carriers get their foot in the door with major direct shippers? On The Long Haul, Jared Reaves breaks down how covering last-minute spot loads for big shippers builds trust and eventually leads to dedicated lanes over time.

FreightWaves Today | October 23 xitter.cf/i/broadcasts/1yxBePgaq…

New Sonar data reveals how much more shippers pay for loads rejected by primary carriers, with second tenders costing 10% more and third tenders nearly 20% more. Contract rates are up 13% over prior rates, making accurate budgeting critical.

FreightWaves Today | October 23 xitter.cf/i/broadcasts/1PKqrNOLm…

FreightWaves Today | October 23 xitter.cf/i/broadcasts/1AGRnZOrr…

Marten Transport shares fell 7% Friday after the refrigerated carrier reported third-quarter net income of $2.9 million, or 4 cents per share, missing consensus by 2 cents. Revenue rose 1% year over year to $223 million, but higher fuel, wages and health insurance costs weighed on results. The company said truckload market tightening is helping pricing, even as profitability remained under pressure. vist.ly/5pq4x

Mike Normile, CFO and EVP of Cass Information Systems, details the operational factors driving revenue expectations into Q4. He explains that September freight volumes surpassed Q3 averages, establishing immediate top-line momentum. However, because Cass reports freight data based on processing dates, September’s surge acts as a leading indicator for Q4 revenue realization.

What happens when a $500K solar contract goes unpaid while heavy haul rates drop? On The Long Haul, Jared Reaves breaks down how unexpected project losses, soaring permit fees, and high fuel costs squeezed RGN and step deck margins.

Five manufacturers have announced new or expanded U.S. production facilities totaling more than $1.6 billion in investments across Texas, Illinois, Georgia, Kentucky and Arkansas. Hyundai Translead, Carrier Global and Blue Bird account for more than $1.5 billion of that total and 5,625 planned jobs. The projects could eventually increase freight demand for raw materials, components and finished goods. vist.ly/5pprr

FreightWaves Today | October 23 xitter.cf/i/broadcasts/1qxvveNaP…