TT Podcasts: RoadSigns

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Episode 156: Can AI Streamline Phone Operations in Logistics?

Remember when artificial intelligence was still a futuristic idea? As AI continues to evolve, its implications for the trucking industry are both promising and profound. Trucking and logistics businesses can gain a competitive advantage from the latest advances in AI, which can make operations smoother, smarter and more efficient. But how? And what happens when AI can reduce errors, answer customer phone calls more efficiently and even provide personalized customer experiences? We find answers with David Bell, CEO of CloneOps.ai, as he and host Seth Clevenger explore the impact of AI on the trucking industry. Tune in above or by going to RoadSigns.ttnews.com.

Episode 155: Can Reserved Parking Mitigate the Truck Parking Crunch?

Truck drivers face a growing challenge on the road: finding a safe parking spot. With parking shortages intensifying in high-demand areas, solutions like reserved parking ease the burden. Could this be the trucking industry’s breakthrough? In a recent discussion, Seth Clevenger and Truck Parking Club’s Evan Shelley dive into how innovative platforms are turning available space into valuable opportunities, giving drivers more time to focus on the road. Will these advancements alleviate the industry’s parking crisis in 2025? Tune in above or by going to RoadSigns.ttnews.com.

Episode 154: How Can Fleets Control Tire Costs in a Tough Freight Market?

In an industry in which profitability is essential for survival, tire management plays a pivotal role in controlling costs for trucking businesses. In this episode of RoadSigns, experts from Sailun Tires dive into strategies for managing tire expenses amid a challenging freight market. How much do these essential components really affect your bottom line? What will it take for your tire management programs to enhance long-term value? From retreading and fuel efficiency to total cost analysis, optimizing tire performance has never been more crucial or more attainable. Tune in above or by going to RoadSigns.ttnews.com.  

Episode 153: What Will 2025 Bring for Autonomous Trucking?

The road to autonomous trucking has been a long and winding one, but 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for this technology. As self-driving trucks edge closer to commercial deployment, the transportation industry is beginning to explore how autonomous vehicles could fit into real-world freight operations. However, significant challenges remain. What obstacles must be overcome for autonomous trucks to reshape the movement of freight? Host Seth Clevenger sits down with Lori Heino-Royer, head of business development at Waabi, to explore the latest developments, breakthroughs and key industry partnerships. Discover how self-driving technology could work in tandem with trucking’s workforce to redefine transportation. Tune in above or by going to RoadSigns.ttnews.com.

Episode 152: How Can Video and AI Maximize Safety in Trucking?

Safety has always been paramount in the trucking industry, but advances in technology are making it possible to improve driver performance and prevent more crashes. John Elliott, a trailblazer in the field, demonstrates how onboard video combined with AI-enabled analytics can transform fleet safety. What inspired Elliott to deploy this technology, and why do others now follow his lead? Discover how video and AI are advancing safety in the trucking industry, and learn if your fleet can seize this opportunity. Tune in above or by going to RoadSigns.ttnews.com.

Episode 151: Inside the Rankings: 2024’s Top Global Freight Companies 

Last year, the world’s largest transportation and logistics giants found themselves navigating numerous headwinds, from a decline in international trade and escalating geopolitical tensions to a growing sense of economic instability. These converging challenges tested the resilience of even the most robust global supply chains, forcing industry leaders to adapt swiftly or risk being left behind in a rapidly shifting landscape. In this episode of RoadSigns, host Seth Clevenger and Transport Topics Features Coordinator Mike Senatore take you behind the scenes to unveil the 2024 Top 50 Global Freight Companies — revealing how the biggest names in global logistics are navigating a turbulent world. Tune in above or by going to RoadSigns.ttnews.com.

Episode 150: How Can Trucking Companies Thrive Amid a Rate Recession? 

Did you know that nearly 70% of U.S. freight moves by truck? Yet many trucking companies are facing significant business challenges in a persistently tough freight market. In this special episode, we pull back the curtain on the freight rate recession, revealing strategies that can help companies not only survive, but thrive. Discover how innovative trucking businesses are turning obstacles into opportunities by investing in technology and leveling up their customer service. Hear from McLeod Software CEO Tom McLeod as he explores the potential for artificial intelligence to boost efficiency and build resilience. Don’t just weather the storm, learn how to grow through it. Tune in above or by going to RoadSigns.ttnews.com.

Episode 149: How Can You Protect Your Freight During Peak Season? Expert Tips from Seth Clevenger and Dr. Erika Voss

Hackers don’t take holidays! And neither should your cybersecurity efforts. In an increasingly digital and connected business landscape, the transportation industry faces rising challenges with cybersecurity threats and fraud. In this special episode, Transport Topics Managing Editor of Features and Multimedia Seth Clevenger sits down with Dr. Erika Voss, Vice President of Information Security for DAT Freight and Analytics, to discuss crucial strategies and best practices for safeguarding information and assets in a high-demand period. Tune in above or by going to RoadSigns.ttnews.com.

Episode 148: Why Large Shippers Are Growing Their In-House Trucking Divisions

At a time when for-hire trucking capacity is widely available at competitive rates, many large shippers are still choosing to double down on their own private fleets rather than fully capitalizing on favorable freight market conditions. A perfect case study is Walmart, which is now the largest private fleet operator in North America after ramping up investments in its in-house trucking operations in recent years. In this special episode, Seth Clevenger and TT’s features coordinator, Mike Senatore, dive into the details behind the 2024 Top 100 Private Carriers list. Together, they explore why more shippers are deciding to bolster their private fleets, and what this shift means for the industry. Tune in above or by going to RoadSigns.ttnews.com.

Episode 147: How Can APUs Make Trucking More Sustainable?

Auxiliary power units are becoming an increasingly vital tool for the trucking industry to increase driver comfort while also conserving fuel by reducing engine idling. But to what extent can these systems also enhance environmental sustainability? And how is APU technology evolving? In this episode, we find answers with Mathieu Boivin, CEO of Transtex, which recently acquired electric APU provider DClimate. Tune in above or by going to RoadSigns.ttnews.com.

Episode 146: How Can Effective Supply Chain Management Transform Fleet Maintenance?

One of the main hurdles in parts supply chain management is the ongoing issue of product availability. Despite advances, many fleets still struggle with holding vehicles down due to the unavailability of commonly used parts. This problem is exacerbated by many fleets adopting just-in-time inventory programs, which can increase downtime when parts aren’t readily available. Factors such as investment costs, obsolescence and loss further complicate the decision to maintain large on-hand stock inventories. So, how can you avoid such hurdles? Is it simply enough to expand inventory and enhance your current technology? In this special episode, we find answers with Cox Automotive’s Kevin Clark. Tune in above or by going to RoadSigns.ttnews.com.

Episode 145: How Is the Rise of ADAS Technology Elevating Truck Safety?

Advanced driver assistance systems such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings and onboard camera systems can improve highway safety while also enhancing the efficiency of trucking operations, but only if carriers choose to adopt these technologies. What will it take to accelerate ADAS adoption in the trucking industry? And can expanded technical information and industry outreach convince more fleets to invest in these safety systems? In this episode, Jeff Loftus, chief of the advanced technology division at FMCSA’s office of research and registration, joins TT’s Seth Clevenger to discuss the current outlook on ADAS technology and how it will affect the industry at large. Tune in above or by going to RoadSigns.ttnews.com.

Episode 144: Inside the List: Transport Topics’ 2024 Top 100 For-Hire Carriers

Survival of the fittest in trucking. While enduring a prolonged freight recession, the largest trucking companies in North America have been subject to declining revenue and weaker profits. The financial strain caused by the freight downturn, which took hold in mid-2022 and has continued for two years into the first half of 2024, is plainly evident across the for-hire carrier landscape. What are the biggest pain points for carriers? And how are companies persevering in these challenging conditions? In this special episode, the makers of Transport Topics’ updated Top 100 For-Hire Carriers list examine how the freight market slump has altered the competitive landscape in trucking. Tune in above or by going to RoadSigns.ttnews.com. 

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