Grace Sharkey, Author at FreightWaves
CartCon 2025: Tariffs, turbulence and the future of resilient retail
Bringing the policy talk down to the warehouse floor, a panel at Cart.com’s annual customer event outlined how brands are actually coping with the new reality of shifting tariff policies.
Transfix CEO: In margin-crunched market, brokers must rethink tech strategy
Transfix’s latest tools are designed to preserve strategic intelligence by embedding historical context directly into the workflow, helping brokers make more informed decisions and maintain continuity even as teams evolve.
Russia wages silent cyberwar on Western supply chains
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, a group of Russian hackers has gone into overdrive. As Western countries began ramping up military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, the GRU focused on the logistics and tech companies that support those flows.
Waabi CEO sees success in simulation, wants AV industry to disclose safety data
Waabi CEO Raquel Urtasun says autonomous truck developers should show their safety data rather than make opaque claims about their safety.
Duffy restores English language proficiency enforcement for truckers
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Tuesday signed an order to again require strict enforcement of English language proficiency rules for commercial truck drivers.
Freight fraud: Your supply chain is showing
From oversharing on socials to leaving systems unsecured, your data can smooth the path for freight fraudsters.
Freight fraud: Leveraging the carrier identity solution
Highway’s Michael Caney explores the importance of an identity layer in vetting practices, know-your-customer principles and technological solutions to verify carrier capabilities
Freight fraud: How criminals found a way in
Overhaul’s CEO breaks down why today’s cargo theft crisis is less about missing locks and more about missing identities – and what the supply chain must do to fight back.
DAT acquires Outgo, enters race to become dominant freight exchange platform
DAT is positioning itself not just as a load board, but as the freight industry’s central exchange through its acquisition of factoring and fintech provider Outgo.
Avocados, auto parts and ambushes: Inside Mexico’s cargo theft crisis
Fraud Watch analyzes Overhaul’s 2025 Q1 Mexico cargo theft report
Flock Freight’s shared truckload model hauls in $60M Series E
Flock Freight is positioning itself not as a competitor to procurement platforms, but as a specialized supplier that can solve a problem they cannot.
Is English proficiency enforcement the right focus for safer roads?
Critics of the reinstatement of English language proficiency out-of-service violations argue that the directive is more political than practical and risks diverting attention from more pressing safety issues on U.S. highways.
Cyberthreats surge against US logistics infrastructure
Fraud Watch also salutes a detective fighting cargo theft in Philly.
Fraud flowers in April showers
This week: We examine freight fraud stats and close the case on some stolen vehicles.
Aurora goes driverless with partners Uber Freight, Hirschbach
The company’s autonomous freight service, operating without a human driver onboard, is now making regular deliveries between Dallas and Houston.
20 company reactions — good and bad — to Trump’s tariff war
Here’s a sector-by-sector breakdown of how major players are reacting to the mounting pressure of tariffs and retaliatory trade measures.
Uber Freight CEO vows focus on growing opportunities for carriers
The freight arm of Uber Technologies shares growth plans for its carrier base at the company’s 2025 Carrier Summit in Atlanta.
Industry unites for Freight Fraud Symposium in Dallas
Who will win the top fraud-fighting award at the inaugural Freight Fraud Symposium in Dallas?
C.H. Robinson delivers on AI, but investors still skeptical
Despite processing over 3 million tasks with generative AI, C.H. Robinson’s stock continues to face pressure amid a sluggish freight market and investor caution.
Is trade fraud about to surge?
Fraud Watch examines potential increases in customs fraud whistleblowers.
Freight industry still lags in technology adoption
While some progress has been made, 16% of respondents still rely on rudimentary tools including Excel spreadsheets and manual phone calls, indicating a gap in digital adoption.
Landstar anticipates fraud-related earnings hit
Investors have responded to the revelation, disclosed in a late Wednesday 8-K filing, with Landstar’s stock taking a hit over the past 24 hours.
Q&A: Can the industry loosen up its data bottlenecks?
FreightWaves sat down with Ventagium’s founder, Arturo Torres Arpi, to explore barriers preventing companies from embracing data-driven strategies and solutions that can drive operational excellence.
Agility Robotics’ humanoid robot reportedly raising $400M
Coinciding with $400 million funding rumors, Agility Robotics has announced a series of enhancements to its flagship humanoid robot, Digit.
Transfix launches RFP tool, teases upcoming gen AI release
Jonathan Salama, co-founder and CEO of Transfix, emphasized during a conversation with FreightWaves the two primary challenges facing brokers today: securing more freight and maintaining strong margins.
VIDEO: Drivers voice frustrations with FMCSA enforcement
Federal transportation officials at the Mid-America Trucking Show discussed a deregulatory approach that aligns with the Trump administration’s policy of eliminating 10 regulations for every new one introduced.
Freight brokers: What your role will look like tomorrow
For years, the narrative around freight brokerage technology has centered on automation freeing up employees to focus on relationship-building and high-level tasks. But what does that mean in practice?
SFOO Summit: Carriers need AI agents to keep up with broker tech
From automating back-office tasks to enhancing driver communication with voice AI, this discussion breaks down practical, cost-effective ways AI can improve efficiency, reduce workload and drive profitability.
Uber Freight’s Powerloop begins offering dedicated tours to carriers
Carriers in the Powerloop dedicated tours program commit to at least a two-week period of hauling freight using Powerloop trailers. But they can select specific loads within a tour or haul their own loads using a Powerloop trailer.
Autonomous dispatcher Bubba AI launches for independent truckers, small carriers
Hey Bubba sees uses for its AI beyond dispatching. Future integrations may include features like truck parking reservations, predictive maintenance scheduling and automated compliance management.
Walmart rolls forward with brokerage: What it means for Amazon
Emails sent to select carriers introduce Walmart’s new brokerage program and outline the benefits of participation.
Intangles maps physics of truck components for predictive maintenance
Intangles digital twin technology can not only help in proactive maintenance but prove that over-the-road trucking fleets uphold high safety standards as well.
Deliverr co-founder launches ‘AI teammate’ for logistics, raises $25M
After exploring the potential of large language models, Deliverr co-founder Harish Abbott recognized that logistics professionals spend most of their work time handling routine tasks like email, phone calls and data entry.
‘Owner’ of fictitious logistics firm sentenced in $2.8M COVID relief scam
This week: We review KAL Freight’s legal troubles
Transflo releases next-gen workflow automation solution for carriers
Transflo has released the latest update of its automation solution for document processing in the trucking industry.
SnapFulfil survey: Warehouse automation growing beyond early-adopter phase
According to a SnapFulfil survey, 56% of respondents expect their warehouse automation levels to increase somewhat over the next two years, while 23% foresee a significant increase.
Reports: 51-year-old Michigan trucking company halts operations
Equity Transportation’s reported closure underscores the reality that in today’s freight market, even long-established carriers are not immune to the economic downturn.
Orderful report: Trucking recovering, but specialized markets still volatile
A performance analysis by Orderful of different equipment types highlights strengths and challenges across the market.
Global manufacturing is repositioning — but it’s complicated
While manufacturers initially sought tariff relief by relocating production to Southeast Asia, trade compliance experts say these “tariff-friendly” locations are increasingly vulnerable to reciprocal tariffs.
Shoppers fearful of crime at retail locations
This week: Shoppers share safety concerns, and we examine theft on the railroads
RueData secures seed round for tire optimization platform
Sebastian Baquero’s career in the trucking industry started with importing and selling tires at just 21 years old. Through years of working with fleets, he gained firsthand insight into one of the industry’s most overlooked cost centers.
8VC raises $998M in new funding with a focus on reshaping logistics
Founding partner Jake Medwell speaks with FreightWaves about 8VC’s new fund.
Retailers see both danger and potential in Trump’s tariffs
Many major retailers are sounding the alarm about the potential impact of tariffs on their businesses and consumers, but some hope for benefits from the trade disruption.
SONAR partners with project44 on new procurement analytics product
With the integration of SONAR’s market intelligence into project44’s Freight Procurement Analytics, shippers can access data that enables more informed and agile procurement decisions.
Flexport CEO: ‘Every single member on your team should be using AI’
Flexport founder Ryan Petersen and FreightWaves discuss the reasoning behind Flexport’s massive product release, the role of AI in global logistics and the evolving landscape of international trade regulations.
3PL Summit: Trimble exec sees AI changing brokerage cost structure
In an era when artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, freight brokerage stands at the forefront of transformation.
3PL Summit: Truckstop reflects on 30 years of fighting freight fraud
Fraud remains one of the biggest threats to the freight industry, with bad actors constantly adapting their tactics. Lisa Haubenstock, VP of product at Truckstop, dives into the issue and the strategies companies can leverage to stay ahead.
Truckstop exec joins Trucking Parking Club to boost ties with enterprise fleets
Truck Parking Club has announced the addition of industry veteran Brent Hutto, former chief relationship officer at Truckstop, to its team.
FreightWaves’ first Fraud Symposium
With scams becoming more sophisticated and brokers facing increased legal risks, this exclusive gathering will provide crucial insights, expert discussions and high-level networking opportunities.
Reports: Freight forwarder Forto looking for a buyer
According to a person involved in the discussions, freight forwarder Forto has reached out to competitors to discuss potential deals.
HDVI secures $40M for data-driven trucking insurance
New CEO Reid Spitz said 90% of HDVI’s customers saw improvements in key safety metrics like speeding or harsh braking in their first year working with the company.
Upwell secures $6.5M to automate logistics billing practices
The logistics industry is no stranger to financial inefficiencies, particularly in the accounts receivable process – something Upwell aims to combat.
Freight Hero exits stealth mode with backing from Dynamo and AI Fund
“I have never seen a role like a cradle-to-grave broker in any other industry,” said FreightHero’s founder and CEO.
Auto Hauler Exchange secures $5M Series A, bullish on FreightTech marketplace
FreightTech could contribute to a digital transformation in vehicle logistics, and Detroit-based Auto Hauler Exchange and its investors are betting on it.
GenLogs raises $14.6M, launches intermodal insights, sets eyes on Mexico
GenLogs’ technology uses roadside sensors and cameras to collect data on trucks and equipment, applying methodology inspired by counterterrorism operations.
Freight fraud from India to Nigeria
This week: We get an update on Kal Freight’s bankruptcy proceedings.
Freight Essentials urges industry to speak up in WWEX legal fight
WWEX Group argues that certain details in Freight Essentials’ lawsuit against the company and its affiliates contain sensitive business information that, if disclosed, could harm its competitive position, but Freight Essentials says not so fast.
Freightmate Ai raises $5M, highlights need for flexible freight forwarding tech
“We’re partnering with over three times the number of freight forwarders that we [anticipated] by this time,” said Bryan Lacaillade, co-founder and CEO of Freightmate Ai.
ALAN mapping out long-term recovery efforts in LA
ALAN has been quietly mobilizing supply chain and logistics expertise to support communities in the wake of catastrophic events for the past 20 years, most recently in Los Angeles.
FreightTech’s tracking superhero lands $40M
This week Descartes shares the work it’s doing to combat location spoofing.
How automation is solving logistics’ biggest problems in 2025
From optimizing electric vehicle fleets to mitigating fraud and automating nonrevenue tasks, automation is positioned to address some of the industry’s most pressing challenges.
Locked up and losing out
This week we explore how retailers are balancing security measures with customer experience.
EXCLUSIVE: Shippeo lands $30M to further its North American and Asia-Pacific ambitions
“In mature markets like the U.S., data accuracy and completeness are critical to building trust and delivering value,” said Shippeo co-founder Lucien Besse.
Former C.H. Robinson exec joins Armada Sunset to lead strategic growth
As the first president of Armada Sunset Holdings, Chris O’Brien sees strong potential for technologies such as AI and machine learning to drive innovation in supply chain management.
Transportation companies mobilize to support LA Fire relief efforts
Warp and Talon Logistics ask the industry to help support the LA area with relief efforts.
Retail’s $103 billion problem 😰
In 2024, retailers dealt with a costly challenge: U.S. consumers returning $685 billion worth of merchandise — 13.21% of total retail sales, according to Appriss Retail’s latest report. Alarmingly, 15.14% of these returns were fraudulent, costing retailers a staggering $103 billion. The report, created with Deloitte, highlights the most common fraud schemes. Wardrobing, in which […]
Omnitracs, Platform Science IP lawsuit may have reached the end of the road
This legal battle began in May 2020 when Omnitracs accused Platform Science of stealing its intellectual property.
Can the industry overcome its cybersecurity woes?
This week the industry gets advice on cybersecurity strategies for 2025.
Top freight fraud stories of 2024
FreightWaves reviews the most read fraud fiascos from the past year
Gatego goes live, CEO addresses inefficiencies in yard operations
Gatego was founded by CEO Adrian Garcia, whose firsthand experience in his family’s trailer yards highlighted the inefficiencies of traditional systems.
CloneOps.ai gains seed funding, investor revels in the future of brokerage
CloneOps.ai has received funding from industry investors including Sope Creek’s Kevin Nolan, who sees a positive future for augmenting human talent in brokerage.
Exploring fraud claims at Kal Freight
This week: Double brokers grab $1M in toys and porch pirates have a dance off
DAT acquires Trucker Tools, leadership speaks on tech goals for 2025
DAT Freight & Analytics spoke with FreightWaves about DAT’s acquisition of Trucker Tools and how it plans to address connectivity issues, fraud and customer needs in the new year.
’Tis the season for porch pirates
This week: Blue Yonder deals with a massive cyberattack and FreightWaves’ shares tips for dealing with porch pirates.
Fireside Chat: RXO CEO discusses navigating 2025
RXO CEO Drew Wilkerson shares insights on managing peak-season demand and on the 2025 outlook for the dynamic logistics industry.
Shipper CRM, Journey team up to improve customer experience
As a part of the partnership, founder of Journey, Will Jenkins has also disclosed that he has invested and will help advise the Shipper CRM team as they scale.
Fraud Watch: Sneakers, scams and AI
Recent headlines reveal how freight fraud is no respecter of national borders. Authorities have arrested Shenghua Wen, a Chinese national residing illegally in the U.S., on suspicion of exporting firearms, ammunition and restricted military technology to North Korea. Operating out of Long Beach, California, Wen reportedly hid the contraband in shipping containers routed through Hong […]
HappyRobot’s $15.6M raise will focus on product development
“Using HappyRobot’s agentic AI, 100% of calls were answered 24/7 with no hold time,” said Circle Logistics’ Andrew Smith.
FreightVana to acquire Loadsmith’s brokerage, grows drop trailer network
The collaboration between FreightVana and Loadsmith taps into FreightVana’s deep experience in blending asset trailers with technology to support diverse customer needs.
Chicago rivals P44 and FourKites resolve legal disputes
“Today project44 is pleased to announce a very favorable resolution of our defamation lawsuit against FourKites,” project44 told FreightWaves.
MyMechanic exec looks to streamline maintenance for small fleets
MyMechanic’s newly appointed president, James Lovecamp, recently spoke with FreightWaves on persistent issues in maintenance and repair.
Vooma grabs $16.6M in funding as brokers prepare for market swing
After years of volatility due to economic uncertainties and global disruptions, the freight industry is seeing early signs of recovery. However, this recovery comes with challenges, including tighter capacity and heightened expectations for operational efficiency.
Turkey, trimmings and truck heists
As Thanksgiving celebrations near, supply chains face a surge in criminal activity. A recent CargoNet report highlighted 174 thefts worth $7.84 million during Thanksgiving week over the past five years, with the post-holiday Monday marking the peak for theft and identity fraud. California, Illinois and Texas top the theft hot spots, while warehouses and unattended […]
Fraud prevention-focused Highway leads FreightTech 25
This week: Fraud tech captures FreightTech awards’ top spot, Circle Logistics shares its fraud prevention strategy and Guy Fieri just wants his tequila back.
GenLogs launches initiative to combat theft using counterterrorism methods
Ryan Joyce, a former CIA operations officer, drew on his experience tracking terrorist networks to execute the company strategy to fight freight fraud.
Flexibility crucial for warehouse management tech, expert says
Smitha Raphael, chief product and delivery officer at SnapFulfil, highlights why flexibility and seamless integrations in warehouse management tech are now top priorities for 3PLs and B2C companies.
Fraud Watch: Uncovering the dark side of freight
Welcome to the inaugural edition of Fraud Watch, FreightWaves’ dedicated newsletter tackling the burgeoning crisis of freight fraud.
Uber Freight could see more bookings through new broker tech
After Uber recently announced bookings growth, the company has launched a broker offering that could help support future shipment growth and brokerage penetration.
Orderful raises $15M with NewRoad, aims to improve data interchange with AI
Orderful has raised $15 million with NewRoad Capital Partners to help expand Orderful’s offerings, including self-service EDI tools for small and midsize businesses.
Uber Freight’s $851M payout to Greenbriar highlights creative deal structures
Uber Freight’s payout to Greenbriar signifies a shift, highlighting both Uber Freight’s evolving valuation and the foresight of Greenbriar’s strategic financial protections.
Consultant bullish on Trump’s impact on retail, e-commerce, FreightTech M&A
With the next Trump administration expected to drive regulatory changes, experts anticipate a surge in M&A activity across retail, e-commerce and FreightTech, as companies like Amazon and DoorDash look to expand in a pro-business environment.
Election 2024: US lawmakers who support initiatives to fight freight fraud
Bipartisan bills including the Safeguarding Our Supply Chains Act and the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2023 propose significant federal support to address the increase in freight fraud and organized retail crime.
How global trade actors are turning to fintech to tackle fraud
The rapid expansion of global trade has complicated cross-border payments, adding costs and delays and heightening fraud risk. Financial institutions and fintech firms are implementing digital solutions to enhance transparency and security.
AI will have huge impact on freight but also overhyped, says Transflo exec
As FreightVana CTO Don Everhart moves into his new role at Transflo, he answers FreightWaves’ questions on hot FreightTech topics.
AI technology helps fleet managers detect drowsy drivers
Fleet managers are turning to new AI-driven Drowsiness Detection technology, which shows that 77% of drowsy driving events are detected by behaviors other than yawning alone.
Becker Logistics study exposes cargo theft risk tied to lax security
According to a new report by Becker Logistics, cargo theft varies seasonally and by mode and location.
Leaders share strategies to maximize FreightTech investment in tight markets
At TIA Technovations, logistics technology leaders tackled the challenges of balancing tech investments with tight budgets. The panel highlighted the need to be strategic with implementations, maximize existing tools and foster collaboration with vendors.
Inaugural Freight Fraud Awareness Day shines light on industry crisis
The first-ever Freight Fraud Awareness Day, taking place on Tuesday, aims to unite the supply chain community in tackling schemes like double brokering and cargo theft, which have seen a 400% rise since 2022.
Cartage secures $3.3M to support shippers and carriers with automation
Freight coordination platform Cartage has raised $3.3 million in a funding round led by Y Combinator. The company, founded by industry veterans, is using AI to streamline logistics without forcing brokers, shippers or carriers to change their preferred communication methods.
Dave Clark launches Auger, raises $100M for the AI venture
Former Amazon and Flexport executive Dave Clark has launched Auger, a $100 million-backed logistics software startup aimed at optimizing supply chain decision-making for midsize to large businesses by using AI and automation.
Flock Freight’s shared truckload model hauls in $60M Series E
Flock Freight is positioning itself not as a competitor to procurement platforms, but as a specialized supplier that can solve a problem they cannot.
Is English proficiency enforcement the right focus for safer roads?
Critics of the reinstatement of English language proficiency out-of-service violations argue that the directive is more political than practical and risks diverting attention from more pressing safety issues on U.S. highways.
Cyberthreats surge against US logistics infrastructure
Fraud Watch also salutes a detective fighting cargo theft in Philly.
Fraud flowers in April showers
This week: We examine freight fraud stats and close the case on some stolen vehicles.
Aurora goes driverless with partners Uber Freight, Hirschbach
The company’s autonomous freight service, operating without a human driver onboard, is now making regular deliveries between Dallas and Houston.
20 company reactions — good and bad — to Trump’s tariff war
Here’s a sector-by-sector breakdown of how major players are reacting to the mounting pressure of tariffs and retaliatory trade measures.
Uber Freight CEO vows focus on growing opportunities for carriers
The freight arm of Uber Technologies shares growth plans for its carrier base at the company’s 2025 Carrier Summit in Atlanta.
Industry unites for Freight Fraud Symposium in Dallas
Who will win the top fraud-fighting award at the inaugural Freight Fraud Symposium in Dallas?
C.H. Robinson delivers on AI, but investors still skeptical
Despite processing over 3 million tasks with generative AI, C.H. Robinson’s stock continues to face pressure amid a sluggish freight market and investor caution.
Is trade fraud about to surge?
Fraud Watch examines potential increases in customs fraud whistleblowers.
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