Plus: autonomous trucking just raised $113M, California is fighting to keep 20,000 drivers, Arrive's 2026 truckload freight forecast, and more.
Two bills just dropped in the Senate that could reshape trucking faster than anything since deregulation. Plus: Russian hackers targeted your load board, flatbed rejection rates just hit 40%, and a robot is taking the Houston-Dallas overnight run.
This week: The Dalilah Law, a trucking bankruptcy that wiped out thousands overnight, a FreightGuard civil war on Reddit, and the payroll data that's predicting Q4 capacity.
Karl Malone, who made over $100M playing in the NBA, found a new passion in truck driving, purchasing a semi-truck in 2014 and becoming a certified commercial driver for his business ventures.
Happy Friday and Happy Holidays. Today's newsletter features former athletes who've transitioned into the trucking and logistics industry. Also, check out our headliners: the surge in holiday cargo theft, the impact of the Red Sea crisis on freight rates, and the economic repercussions of U.S.-Mexico border closures. Plus, find out which Chinese retailers are shipping a million packages daily in the United States.
In today's email:
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🐔 WHAT’S COOKIN’ IN FREIGHT
🚚 Holiday Cargo Theft Surge. Cargo theft remains a major concern, especially during the holiday season. Analysis by CargoNet shows a significant rise in theft incidents, with 205 reported over recent holidays and an average value of $121,473 per theft. High-risk states like Texas and California experience the most incidents, and household items and electronics are the primary targets. There have been over 600 strategic cargo thefts since November 2022.
🚢 Container Freight's Costly Detour. The Red Sea crisis has jolted global logistics, with ocean freight rates hitting $10,000 per container. The hijacking of a cargo ship by Houthis has led to the diversion of 158 vessels carrying cargo worth over $105 billion. Major companies like IKEA are particularly impacted, warning of product shortages as their shipments are diverted from this crucial trade route. The usual 35-day Suez route is now rivaled by the Panama path, taking up to 45 days, and the Cape of Good Hope route, stretching to 50 days.
🚂 Border Standstill's Impact on Trade. Critical U.S.-Mexico border closures at Eagle Pass and El Paso are paralyzing trade, with Union Pacific sounding the alarm as 45% of its cross-border business stalls, affecting over 4,500 rail cars daily. The ripple effects threaten local economies and could lead to billions in losses, with $33.95 billion of annual trade hanging in the balance. With a crisis this complex, stakeholders from businesses to politicians grapple with a situation that could escalate costs, spark shortages, and disrupt lives on both sides of the border.
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From the gridiron to the highway, several former athletes have shifted gears into the trucking and logistics industry. This piece explores their transition, ranging from hands-on management to strategic investments in the sector.
Former NFL Player
Mike Crawford, a former NFL Player, is the COO of ITS Logistics.
Crawford played professionally as a linebacker in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings, and in the XFL with the Las Vegas Outlaws. These days, he's traded in his jersey for a suit jacket as the COO of ITS Logistics, a full-service 3PL currently ranked as the #11 Intermodal/Drayage Carrier and #21 Freight Brokerage in North America. He joined the company back in 2012. At ITS, 25% of its logistics sales professionals are former NCAA college athletes.
Former NFL Player
Earlier this year, FreightCaviar interviewed Clark, who went from the Super Bowl as a tight end for the Chicago Bears to being the owner of Bear Down Logistics, a freight brokerage.
Former NFL Player
After his tenure in the NFL, Alex Brown transitioned into the logistics sector, where he now leverages his teamwork and strategic skills as a Sr. Account Executive at Traffic Tech.
Former NFL Player
Robey, the former Buffalo Bills cornerback, followed in his family's footsteps and started managing Maximize Enterprise, a for-hire trucking business. While still in the sport as a free agent, he leaves the company's day-to-day operations in the hands of a cousin during the football season.
Former NFL Player
After spending four years in the NFL for teams like the New York Jets and the Atlanta Falcons, Johnson struggled to find his place. He started working for a trucking company and ended up starting his own logistics company, Unite Us Logistics, growing a 27-truck fleet and offering brokerage services.
Our friends at Truck N' Hustle interviewed Thomas "Tank" Johnson on one of their podcast episodes.
Former MLB Player
Wilson says he was always fascinated with trucks, so it wasn't a surprise that a truck driver was one of the first jobs he took after retiring. He went from World Series winner to long-haul trucking in 1999, he later continued to work as a part-time driver.
NBA Player
Earlier this week, we featured Gile's story about the year he spent in trucking during his 2022-23 season hiatus before returning to play for the Brooklyn Nets. He founded Lee G Logistics LLC with one truck and one driver.
Former NFL Player
In 2012, Williams, a former Cowboys wide receiver, took his speed and agility from the football field to logistics, starting his own trucking company, RDUB Trucking. By 2014, he had a fleet of 14, and business was good. However, we cannot find updates on the company's current status.
Former NBA Player
After retiring from his NBA career, Karl Malone pursued his interest in truck driving. He bought a semi-truck in 2014, became a certified commercial driver, and actively engages in trucking related to his business ventures. He loves being in the truck. "That's his way to do something he loves. He's in the truck by himself. It gives him time to think," an associate said.
Former MLB All-Star
Mo Vaughn, a former Major League Baseball player known for his time with the Boston Red Sox, transitioned into the trucking world by founding Mo Vaughn Transport, after retiring from baseball in 2003. The company was involved in community partnership initiatives with the Cleveland Indians, aiming to support youth service programs. However, recent information from Google Maps suggests that Mo Vaughn Transport may have ceased operations.
We have some athletes who have also taken on more of an advisory or investment role in the logistics space. Here's how they are making an impact:
Former NFL Players
Bashir and Bailey teamed up off the field to join The National Minority Trucking Association to form the Minority Transportation Consortium. The consortium also consists of other athletes: Boss Bailey, former NFL linebacker; Marcus Pollard, former NFL tight end; Thomas Johnson, former NFL defensive tackle; and Charles D. Smith, Jr., former NBA player and U.S. Olympian.
NBA Superstar
In 2021, Kyrie Irving invested $500,000 in Fleeting, a Black-owned trucking and fleet management company.
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AROUND THE FREIGHT WEB
📦 Million Daily Shipments in the US. Shein and Temu, rapidly growing Chinese retail platforms, are now each shipping a staggering one million packages every day in the United States.
💰 Flexport's Ambitious Revenue Boost. Flexport aims to triple its net revenue to $330 million in 2024 while reducing costs, despite the challenges of a declining freight market and decreasing cash reserves.
🎅 Holiday Spirits. A.N. Webber Logistics turns festive with VP of Sales, Matt, leading a Christmas "Work-cation". Watch the video here.
💳 Shift in Spending. Amidst a 5.5% rise in service costs, Americans opt to invest in experiences over traditional gifts, with tangible goods spending falling by 1% this month.
🛠️ Modernizing Trust. The freight brokerage digital toolbelt needs to be upgraded. Look into the 'trust tech' that acts as a critical filter in the new carrier selection funnel, setting a new standard in brokerage operations.
📊 Double Trouble. A FreightCaviar and OTR Solutions poll found that double brokering was the top concern for logistics professionals. This article goes deeper into the issue and offers solutions.
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FREIGHT MEME OF THE DAY
Also, check out:
Plus: autonomous trucking just raised $113M, California is fighting to keep 20,000 drivers, Arrive's 2026 truckload freight forecast, and more.
Two bills just dropped in the Senate that could reshape trucking faster than anything since deregulation. Plus: Russian hackers targeted your load board, flatbed rejection rates just hit 40%, and a robot is taking the Houston-Dallas overnight run.
This week: The Dalilah Law, a trucking bankruptcy that wiped out thousands overnight, a FreightGuard civil war on Reddit, and the payroll data that's predicting Q4 capacity.
Indiana pulled the trigger on carriers employing illegal CDL holders. Plus: tariff ruling could flood LA with imports, DC finally moves on double brokers, spot rates are outrunning contract, and more.
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