1369. #TFCP - 5 Hard Truths: What I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Business!
Release Date: 01/20/2026
The Freight Coach Podcast
Todayโs episode with John Pemberton from Pemberton Truck Lines is all about creating staying power in the trucking industry through strong company culture, uncompromising standards, and leadership accountability! Stay tuned as we dive into why building long-term customer relationships beats short-term rate chasing, how fleet standardization and preventive maintenance control costs and reduce breakdowns, and why fuel management, driver training, and outward-facing cameras are no longer optional for safety, liability reduction, and insurance control. John also shares how staying focused on...
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What happens if you donโt verify your SCAC? Is this the beginning of the end for freight fraud in non-Class 8 carriers? Joe Ohr and Holly Taylor are back on the show to discuss the launch of SCAC Verify on February 26, 2026, NMFTAโs new mandatory identity and address verification program designed to close a major security gap impacting sprinters, box trucks, hotshots, and other non-Class 8 carriers! We talk about how the fast 1โ3 minute verification process works using government ID, biometric selfie matching, and DMV checks across 42 states, why failure to comply could mean losing your...
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Today, letโs talk straight about why firm quotes matter, how cash flow mismanagement (not lack of freight) kills brokers, and why securing contracts early beats chasing top-line revenue! Listen as I share more about the use of smart freight technology, focusing on automating what already works instead of wasting money on shiny tools, the real power of strong transportation networks when problems arise, and why niche specialization like flatbed and open-deck freight shortens sales cycles fast. Finally, I highlight the rising insurance and regulatory costs and why tight expense audits...
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Are Midwest reefer lanes really more stable than the headlines say, and where are the real profit opportunities hiding right now? In this episode, we break down the following topics: Why long-term freight market stability still exists in key Midwest reefer lanes Why predictable, Monday-through-Thursday lane pricing beats chasing volatile spot spikes and regional freight lanes are outperforming national averages How accepting short-term losses can build long-term carrier and customer trust The new FMCSA broker bond rule requiring a $75,000 bond with a strict seven-day compliance window and its...
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The "Black Box" of freight brokerage is under fire. On this episode of #TheFreightCoach, we break down the explosive petition calling for the FMCSA to suspend TQL's authority over broker transparency waivers. Is the era of contracting out of 49 CFR ยง 371.3 finally coming to an end? Weโre diving deep into the 2026 Regulatory Purge: FMCSA vs. TQL: Why carrier advocacy groups are pushing for a total suspension of authority and what it means for your right to see the records. The ELD Blacklist: The FMCSA isn't slowing down. We discuss the latest hardware revocations and the March 15th deadline...
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Change how you look at unsold inventory in this episode with Amrita Bhasin of Sotira, joining the show to break down how poor inventory forecasting is crushing CPG brands, why nearly a quarter of all retail and e-commerce inventory never sells, and how excess inventory liquidation has become one of the biggest supply chain challenges today! We dive deeper into how Sotira is using AI to power a tech-driven reverse logistics marketplace that connects sellers, buyers, and donation partners while protecting brand equity, enforcing expiration and regional compliance laws, and improving recovery...
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Are you relying on COIs and assuming youโre covered, or could one denied cargo claim put your brokerage at serious risk? Today, William (Billy) Worthington from Falvey Insurance Group explains why certificates of insurance can be misleading, how hidden exclusions and sublimits create massive exposure for freight brokers, and why understanding the actual insurance policy matters! We talk through the complex risk profile brokers carry when managing multiple carriers under one policy, why broker cargo liability insurance and all-risk cargo coverage are no longer optional, and how inflation has...
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Reduce freight fraud without overcomplicating your operation in this episode with our returning guest, Kevin Hill from CarrierSource, explaining why strong carrier relationships are still the backbone of fraud prevention, service consistency, and long-term success in freight brokerage! We delve into how working with a select group of trusted carriers dramatically lowers fraud risk, why professional email domains and basic cybersecurity are no longer optional in modern logistics, and how human moderation on platforms like CarrierSource protects carrier reputations while increasing transparency...
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Is the freight market finally turning a corner, or are carriers in for more tough decisions ahead? James Currier from Finloc is back for another insightful conversation, covering why the freight market remains weak, how the worst job numbers since 2020 are slowing fleet expansion, and why economic uncertainty and high interest rates are forcing trucking companies to rethink equipment financing, capital spending, and operational strategy! We talk about the disconnect between Wall Street wins and Main Street trucking struggles, rising operating costs, why lenders are now laser-focused on...
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What kills legitimate trucking businesses, and is enforcement finally catching up? Today, letโs break down a nationwide fraud prevention and trucking compliance report led by the Minnesota Trucking Association in this episode with MTA President, John Hausladen! John targets seven critical areas including CDL integrity, non-domiciled CDL enforcement, fraud prevention, and e-log accountability, all aimed at protecting compliant carriers and improving highway safety, how small trucking companies are getting crushed by expensive verification technology, flawed onboarding systems, and lack of...
info_outlineToday, letโs talk straight about why firm quotes matter, how cash flow mismanagement (not lack of freight) kills brokers, and why securing contracts early beats chasing top-line revenue!
Listen as I share more about the use of smart freight technology, focusing on automating what already works instead of wasting money on shiny tools, the real power of strong transportation networks when problems arise, and why niche specialization like flatbed and open-deck freight shortens sales cycles fast.
Finally, I highlight the rising insurance and regulatory costs and why tight expense audits and flexible budgeting are non-negotiable if you want to stay profitable in todayโs freight brokerage market!
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