Freightvine

Hosted by DAT Freight and Analytics, Chris Caplice

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188

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Hear the latest in freight transportation, supply chain and logistics from the Freightvine podcast.

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October 29, 2026Episode 18549 min

Brett Suma, Bot Auto | A Trucking Company that Drives Itself

Brett Suma, CEO of Bot Auto, joins Chris Caplice to discuss what it takes to build a trucking business around autonomous trucks. In April, Bot Auto ran a 230-mile commercial load from Houston to Hutchins, Texas, on public roads with no driver in the cab and no remote driving. Brett says the company is now focused on making those operations repeatable and scalable. In this conversation, they cover: Why Brett sees Bot Auto as a trucking company that happens to be autonomous How he compares truck utilization under the 70-hour rule with the potential for autonomous trucks Why he thinks network design and mapping can help unlock more freight How capacity nodes and demand signals could shape future network planning Brett’s goal for Bot Auto to run 1 billion autonomous miles in 2031 For previous episodes and to subscribe to our newsletter, visit: dat.com/podcast/freightvine Interview recorded on September 1, 2026. Truckload market update covers the week ending October 24, 2026. Chapters 00:00 Brett Suma's Journey to Autonomous Trucking 03:01 The Birth of Lodesmith 05:55 Transitioning to Bot Auto 11:56 Understanding Bot Auto's Unique Approach 17:54 The Middle Mile Focus 26:25 Maximizing Capacity with Autonomous Vehicles 34:06 Navigating Regulatory Landscapes 35:15 Understanding Market Dynamics in Trucking 37:03 Current Operations and Market Demand 46:27 Cost Advantages of Autonomous Freight 49:34 Future of Capacity Management in Trucking

October 15, 2026Episode 18445 min

Olivia Hu, Uber Freight | Inside Uber Freight's Autonomous Vision

Autonomous trucks are already hauling freight. What will it take to make them a practical option for more shippers? This week, Chris Caplice continues our focus on autonomous freight with Olivia Hu, Head of Autonomous Trucking and Electrification at Uber Freight, to discuss how the company is bringing autonomous capacity into shipper networks through partnerships with Aurora and Waabi. For shippers, the question goes beyond whether a truck can drive itself. Can it meet their service requirements, fit their operations and improve the economics of moving freight? In this conversation, they cover: 🚛 How Uber Freight matches autonomous capacity to shipper needs 📍 What it will take to expand beyond today’s Texas corridors ⚡ Why autonomous and electric trucks are finding different roles in freight ⛽ The potential for fuel savings, shorter transit times and higher truck utilization 🔍 Why scaling requires more than solving the driving technology For previous episodes and to subscribe to our newsletter, visit: dat.com/podcast/freightvine Interview recorded on September 11, 2026 Freightvine Market Update recorded on October 12, 2026. Chapters 00:00 Olivia's Journey to Trucking 06:04 The Evolution of Autonomous Vehicles 07:49 Differences Between Passenger and Trucking Industries 11:08 Uber Freight's Autonomous Strategy 13:21 Partnerships in Autonomous Trucking 16:45 Operational Design Domain Explained 18:35 Future of AV and EV in Trucking 19:57 Geographical Testing of AV Trucks 23:18 Skepticism and Acceptance of Autonomous Vehicles 24:11 Shippers' Perspectives on Autonomous Capacity 25:52 Fuel Efficiency and Operational Benefits 27:48 Challenges in Shipper Adoption 29:05 The Role of Carriers in Autonomous Trucking 30:02 Ownership and Coordination of Autonomous Trucks 31:11 Future of Autonomous Fleets 32:34 Minimizing Empty Miles with AVs 33:22 Length of Haul and Capacity Needs 38:06 Current Operations and Capacity Limitations 38:53 Goals for Autonomous Miles and Capacity 40:06 Spot vs. Contract Loads for AVs 43:04 Future Predictions for Autonomous Adoption

October 1, 2026Episode 18351 min

Michael Wiesinger, Kodiak AI | Kodiak AI’s Sensor Fusion Future

In the second episode of Freightvine’s autonomous freight transportation series, Chris Caplice talks with Michael Wiesinger, COO of Kodiak AI, about the company’s approach to autonomous trucking and its work across long-haul, industrial and defense applications. They discuss: 🚛 Why Kodiak built one AI driver for multiple operating environments 📡 How cameras, radar and lidar help trucks navigate without high-definition maps 🏜️ What Kodiak has learned from running 35 driverless trucks in the Permian Basin 🛡️ How the company determines when its technology is ready to operate without a safety observer 🛣️ Why autonomous trucks may be most valuable on long-haul routes 🤝 How Kodiak’s driver-as-a-service model fits into existing fleet operations 👷 Why autonomous systems are more likely to augment the driver workforce than replace it See previous episodes 👉 dat.com/podcast/freightvine Interview recorded on: 9/11/2026 Freightvine Market Update recorded on: 9/28/2026 Chapters 00:00 Michael Wiesinger's Journey to Kodiak 07:05 Kodiak's Current Operations and Future Plans 10:00 Exploring the Defense Sector 12:03 Technological Innovations in Autonomous Driving 20:01 Industrial Applications and Market Opportunities 24:14 Navigating the Autonomous Landscape 26:10 Understanding Safety Cases 30:31 Innovations in Safety Protocols 32:15 Strategic Partnerships for Growth 39:32 Integrating Autonomy into Operations 43:20 The Future of Autonomous Trucking 48:13 Truckload Market Update

September 17, 2026Episode 18246 min

Eyal Cohen, Humble Robotics | No Cab No Driver No Problem

Interview recorded on September 2, 2026 Autonomous trucking is moving beyond pilots and into commercialization. To kick off a new Freightvine series focused on autonomous vehicles, Chris Caplice is joined by Eyal Cohen, founder and CEO of Humble Robotics, to explore where autonomous vehicles may fit into the freight network as the technology matures. Eyal has spent nearly two decades working across vehicle electrification and autonomy, including helping execute Otto’s 100-mile autonomous beer delivery in 2016. Now, Humble Robotics is taking a different approach to autonomous freight with a cabless, electric “skateboard” platform designed for shorter, repetitive moves such as port drayage and warehouse-to-warehouse transportation. In this conversation, they cover: 🤖 How autonomous trucking is moving from experimentation toward commercial use 🚛 Humble’s cabless platform which combines the tractor and trailer into a single vehicle ⚡ Why electrification and autonomy may be especially well suited for short-haul freight 📦 Where autonomous vehicles could fit into drayage, intermodal and repetitive warehouse moves 👷 How autonomous equipment could work alongside drivers by taking on overnight and repetitive routes 🛣️ What still needs to happen around regulation, customer facilities and infrastructure before autonomous freight scales If you work in shipping, transportation or logistics technology, this episode offers a look at how autonomous trucking could change the equipment moving freight, not just who is behind the wheel. Freightvine Market Update recorded on September 14, 2026 See previous episodes 👉 dat.com/podcast/freightvine Takeaways Eyal Cohen's journey from electrification to autonomous trucking. The development of cabless autonomous freight movers and their potential commercial applications. Sensor technology is crucial for the safety of autonomous vehicles. The adoption of autonomous vehicles will have a significant impact on labor and regulatory frameworks. Chapters 00:00 Intro 02:07 Autonomous Trucking: Early Days 04:33 The Birth of Humble Robotics 10:18 Commercial Applications and Use Cases 22:12 Vision Language Action (VLA) Models 22:54 Technology and Autonomous Vehicles 28:35 Regulatory Hurdles and Innovation 34:03 Geographic Focus and Market Expansion 35:43 Sustainability and Environmental Impact 37:21 Autonomous Vehicle Adoption and Future Outlook 43:19: Truckload Market Update

September 3, 2026Episode 18152 min

Alex Leslie, ATRI | TL Carrier Costs: 2026 Update

Interview recorded on August 18, 2026. Freight rates are moving higher as the truckload market starts to tighten. In this episode, Chris Caplice is joined by Dr. Alex Leslie, Senior Research Associate at the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), to break down the findings from ATRI’s latest Operational Costs of Trucking report. The report points to a different kind of freight recovery than the industry has seen in recent cycles. Rather than a major surge in demand, capacity has been leaving the market after several difficult years for carriers. At the same time, fleets are facing higher costs for benefits, maintenance, insurance and equipment. In this conversation, they cover: 💰 Why driver wages and benefits have surpassed $1 per mile for the first time in the report’s history 🚚 How shrinking fleet sizes and idle trucks are contributing to a supply-side freight recovery ⚖️ Why nuclear verdicts and rising insurance costs are putting added pressure on carriers, especially those trying to grow 🔧 How fleets are extending equipment life cycles and spending more on repair and maintenance 📱 What new ATRI data reveals about how much fleets are spending on in-cab technology If you work in shipping, transportation or carrier operations, this episode offers a useful look at the costs and capacity trends shaping the freight market. Freightvine Market Update recorded on August 31, 2026. See previous episodes 👉 dat.com/podcast/freightvine Chapters: 00:09 Introduction 03:29 Key Takeaways from the 2026 Report 06:56 Impact of Nuclear Verdicts on Insurance Costs 10:32 Insurance Structures: Small vs. Large Fleets 13:13 Employee Benefits in Trucking 16:47 Fuel Prices and Geopolitical Influences 22:41 Supply-Side Recovery vs. Demand-Side Recovery 26:19 Driver Capacity and Market Dynamics 30:07 Data Center Construction Impact 32:29 Demand Fluctuations and Market Stability 35:45 Profit Margins and Cost Dynamics 39:58 Technology's Role in the Industry 48:25 Truckload Market Overview

August 20, 2026Episode 18054 min

Zac Rogers, CSU and Dale Rogers, ASU | 10 Years of the Logistics Manager’s Index

The Logistics Manager’s Index has spent the last 10 years offering an early read on where the economy may be headed. In this episode, Chris Caplice is joined by Professors Zac Rogers of Colorado State University and Dale Rogers of Arizona State University to look at what the LMI is signaling now. The LMI tracks eight components across transportation, warehousing and inventory, using input from senior logistics leaders to measure whether each area is expanding or contracting. Recent readings point to a freight market where transportation capacity is tightening, prices are rising sharply and businesses are taking very different approaches to inventory. In this conversation, they cover: 🚛 Why transportation prices recently reached some of the highest levels in the LMI’s history 📦 How retailers are keeping inventories lean while manufacturers stockpile critical components 🌎 What tariffs, regulation and geopolitical uncertainty are doing to transportation capacity 🏗️ Why warehousing demand is picking back up, including the impact of data center construction 🔮 What the LMI suggests about freight costs, capacity and economic growth through the rest of 2026 If you work in shipping, transportation or supply chain planning, this episode offers a useful look at the signals shaping the second half of the year. Interview recorded on August 12, 2026 Freightvine Market Update recorded on August 17, 2026 Catch previous episodes 👉 dat.com/podcast/freightvine Chapters: 00:09 Introduction to the Logistics Managers Index 01:29 Divergence in Inventory Management Strategies 01:56 Impact of Data Center Construction on Economic Growth 02:07 Introduction to the LMI and Its Founding 04:13 Understanding the Logistics Manager's Index (LMI) 07:23 The Role of Surveys in LMI Data Collection 10:20 Survey Response Rates and Participant Engagement 13:28 Recent Trends in Inventory Management 22:41 Transportation Trends and Their Impact on the Economy 23:18 Understanding Price Increases and Policy Impact 24:34 The Freight Recession and Capacity Challenges 28:36 Labor Market Dynamics and Capacity Decisions 33:01 Warehousing Trends and Data Center Influence 37:02 Economic Predictions and Uncertainty Factors 50:00 Freightvine Market Update

August 6, 2026Episode 17949 min

Andrew Sibold, IANA | Tracking the Intermodal Market

Intermodal is gaining ground, but the story looks very different depending on the type of freight and where it is moving. This week, Chris Caplice is joined by Andrew Sibold, Director of Economics for the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA), to discuss the forces reshaping the intermodal market. In this conversation, they cover: Why domestic intermodal volume is growing as international volume declines How higher truck rates, softer imports, and data center construction are influencing demand What IANA’s new Intermodal Volume Index reveals about current conditions How machine learning and economic indicators support 12-month volume forecasts Why tariff-driven shifts toward East Coast and Gulf ports may be here to stay How intermodal security, autonomous trucks, and the trucking freight cycle fit into the bigger picture If you work in shipping, trucking, rail, or freight planning, this episode offers a clear look at the economics behind today’s intermodal market. For previous episodes and to subscribe to our newsletter, visit: dat.com/podcast/freightvine Chapters 00:00 Intro 03:20 Andrew's Career Path to IANA 04:32 The Rebound of Intermodal in 2026 07:25 Intermodal Volume Index 16:05 Intermodal Predictive Model 25:52 Forecasting and Data Analysis 29:07 Tariff Volatility and Intermodal 34:02 Driver Capacity and Drayage 36:36 Autonomous Vehicles and Intermodal 42:11 Artificial Intelligence in Freight 45:37 Intermodal Expo and Market Update

July 23, 202648 min

Andres Mendoza Pena, Kearney | Forged in Disruption

This week, Chris Caplice is joined by Andres Mendoza Pena, Partner at Kearney, to discuss the latest CSCMP State of Logistics Report, Forged in Disruption , and what it means for shippers navigating a more connected and unpredictable world. In this conversation, they cover: Why traditional cost-first supply chain playbooks are becoming less effective How companies are building more flexibility across suppliers, countries, and transportation networks Where AI is producing real results in logistics workflows Why autonomous trucking may reshape transportation economics and network design How reactive decisions can create costly “network drift” Why scenario planning and “non-regret moves” can help companies prepare for multiple possible futures If you’re responsible for supply chain strategy, transportation, or network planning, this episode offers a practical look at how to operate when disruption is no longer the exception. For previous episodes and to subscribe to our newsletter, visit: dat.com/podcast/freightvine Chapters 00:00 Introduction 04:41 Understanding Ongoing Volatility in Supply Chains 07:08 The Impact of Globalization and Interconnectedness 09:46 Shifts in Supply Chain Strategies 11:58 E-commerce Trends and Consumer Behavior 14:24 The Role of AI in Supply Chain Management 17:05 Governance and Implementation of AI Solutions 24:08 Exploring Autonomous Driving and Trucking Technology 28:56 Understanding Network Drift in Supply Chain Management 33:46 Navigating Tariff Policies and Global Supply Chains 38:23 Railway Mergers and Market Dynamics 42:24 Forecasting Future Trends in Freight Markets 44:32 Truckload Market Overview 47:23 Spot vs Contract Rates Analysis

July 9, 2026Episode 17752 min

Jim Filter, Schneider | Steering Schneider Forward

This week, Chris Caplice is joined by Jim Filter, Schneider’s newly appointed President and CEO, to talk about what it means to step into that role during a period of major change for the freight industry. Jim reflects on his nearly 30-year career at Schneider, the operational and international experiences that shaped his leadership, and how the company is adapting as customer needs, technology, and market conditions continue to shift. In this conversation, they cover: What it means to lead Schneider as only the fifth CEO in the company’s history How dedicated transportation and brokerage have become bigger parts of Schneider’s strategy What regulatory enforcement and broker liability could mean for capacity How driver roles, tools, and career paths continue to evolve The future of electric and autonomous trucks How Schneider is using AI and technology across the business If you work in shipping, brokerage, or carrier operations, this is a timely look at how one of the industry’s largest operators is thinking about the road ahead. For previous episodes and to subscribe to our newsletter, visit: dat.com/podcast/freightvine Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:36 Career Path, Leadership Preparation and Developing Talent 07:29 Technological Advancements in Transportation 14:13 Customer Relations and Problem Solving 14:50 Current Market Dynamics and Capacity Challenges 16:35 Impact of Regulations on the Industry 23:17 Chameleon Carriers and Industry Challenges 28:21 CEO Priorities and Strategic Focus 31:18 Evolution of Dedicated Services 35:59 EVs and Avs 45:38 Legacy and Leadership in the Industry 48:06 Freightvine Truckload Market Update 48:11 Dry Van Market Update 49:04 Temp Control (Reefer) Market Update 49:37 Intermodal Market Update 50:09 Flatbed Market Update 50:56 Key Takeaways

June 25, 2026Episode 17656 min

Jason Miller, MSU | The Capacity Driven TL Cycle and the ROI of AI

This week, Chris Caplice is joined by Dr. Jason Miller, Professor of Supply Chain Management at Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business, for his fifth appearance on Freightvine. Chris and Jason break down why they believe the current truckload cycle began in December 2025, why it took a few months to confirm the shift, and why this expansion looks different from past freight cycles. In this conversation, they cover: Why this cycle appears to be supply-driven, not demand-driven What spot and contract rate spreads can tell us about market shifts How capacity exits, Class 8 orders, and routing guide failures are shaping the market Whether the AI boom can deliver real ROI or if the market is getting ahead of itself What Michigan’s logistics and supply chain work can tell us about manufacturing, food production, and trade If you’re trying to understand where truckload pricing, capacity, and freight demand may be headed next, this is a timely conversation with one of the industry’s sharpest data-driven voices. For previous episodes and to subscribe to our newsletter, visit: dat.com/podcast/freightvine Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:55 Identifying the Current Truckload Cycle 04:16 Market Signals and Transition Points 05:53 Comparing Cycles: 2017-2018 vs. 2025 09:00 Supply vs. Demand Driven Cycles 12:15 Routing Guide Compliance and Market Dynamics 16:15 Spot vs. Contract Rates: Current Trends 20:38 Economic Factors Influencing Freight Rates 22:47 AI and Memory Chip Demand: Future Implications 26:10 The Future of AI and Profitability 27:23 Electricity Infrastructure and AI's Role 29:03 The Cost of AI and Model Maintenance 31:28 AI's Impact on Labor and Employment 34:04 AI in Academia and Content Creation 38:04 The Economics of AI and Cost Structures 45:33 Logistics and Supply Chain in Michigan 51:09 Freightvine Market Update