The North American freight market is soft, with excess capacity and uncertainty in manufacturing, retail and housing weighing on demand. In this episode of Talking Transports, ArcBest Chairman and CEO Judy McReynolds joins Bloomberg Intelligence’s senior transportation and logistics analyst, Lee Klaskow, to discuss how the company is navigating the prolonged freight recession. McReynolds shares how ArcBest is leveraging technology, AI and data to drive efficiency — from route optimization to dock automation — and how acquisitions like MoLo have strengthened its integrated logistics network. She also reflects on her career, the lessons she’s learned and offers advice to future executives, especially women entering transportation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Marine Ports, Policy and Progress With AAPA
Marine cargo ports serve as the conduits connecting global and regional economies, and their ability to run efficiently can be felt near and far. In this Talking Transports podcast, American Association of Port Authorities’ (AAPA) Vice President of Government Relations John Bressler, joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to unpack the policies shaping US seaports and what his trade organization is doing to push for more federal infrastructure funding. Bressler also discusses rail consolidation, shipbuilding incentives, tariffs and automation, stressing balance between efficiency, labor and security. With ports investing in decarbonization, dredging and digitalization, he says smarter infrastructure and collaboration will keep America’s maritime network competitive and resilient.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Reliance Partners on Insuring Freight Moves
Rising insurance costs have been a major headwind facing the trucking markets and things might not improve anytime soon. Insurance premiums could grow by double digits for another year in 2026 due to increased litigation and fraud, along with fewer companies writing trucking policies. In this Talking Transports podcast, Reliance Partners’ co-founder and CEO Andrew Ladebauche and Thom Albrecht, the company’s chief revenue officer, join Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to discuss the state and outlook of the trucking-insurance market. The conversation also delves into strategies for mitigating costs, the need for reform and better regulatory practices to ensure safety and sustainability in transportation, as well as why many fraudsters are apparent fans of Tommy Tutone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Spencer Tenney on Next Wave of Freight M&A
The transportation and logistics M&A market may be quiet, but there are still pockets of strength. In this episode of Talking Transports, Tenney Group CEO Spencer Tenney joins Bloomberg Intelligence’s senior analyst Lee Klaskow to discuss what kinds of deals are getting done and how technology is becoming a key differentiator for freight brokers. They also touch on valuations, seller motivations and why next year could bring market stabilization, smarter deals and fresh opportunities for owners ready to adapt — or exit — before the next freight cycle turns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Getting More Women in the Truck-Driver Seat
More and more women are entering the trucking industry, but remain underrepresented. They account for only about 10% of truck drivers and 4% in technician roles. In this Talking Transports podcast, Jennifer Hedrick, president and CEO of the Women in Trucking Association (WIT), joins Lee Klaskow, Bloomberg Intelligence senior transportation and logistics analyst, to discuss what the organization is doing to attract more women into the trucking industry, from the driver’s seat to the C-suite. Access to safe parking and more focused gender amenities would go a long way toward making over-the-road truckling more appealing for women, she says. Hedrick also discusses the association’s work in Washington, DC; members’ outlooks on trucking; outreach programs; and even style advice, suggesting I should rock a red tuxedo at WIT’s upcoming Accelerate Conference.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Talking Transports by Bloomberg Intelligence features forwarding thinking conversations with analysts, executives and entrepreneurs that are shaping the future of the freight transportation industry. The focus will be on trucking, railroads, ocean and air freight markets and everything in between.