Best DAT Freight Podcasts (2025)

1
DAT Rating, Insurance, and Contracts | Final Mile 94 20:23

44m ago20:23

20:23

Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: MC Authority Delay? New brokerage struggling on DAT — is 1.5 years to gain traction legit? Broker Contracts Help Lawyer vs. templates — what’s best for new logistics brokerages? Insurance Needed Hard time raising liability to $2M? Here's where to look. Cameron Pechia…

1
Credit Policies for Freight Brokers | Episode 294 1:08:23

4d ago1:08:23

1:08:23

This episode exposes real cases of internal fraud at freight brokerages—from agents moving loads under fake approvals to inflating commissions and abandoning contracts. Learn how to protect your business with better system controls, document checks, and shared account access. Plus, hear how China’s tariff cuts could shake up freight volumes—and who…

1
Jason Miller | State of the Market: Tariffs and Cycles 34:29

4d ago34:29

34:29

This week’s guest is Dr. Jason Miller, Professor and Head of the Supply Chain Management Department at Michigan State University's Eli Broad College of Business. This is Jason’s 4th time on the Freightvine podcast - we last had him on the podcast about two years ago when we were one year into what is now called the rate trough. Jason discusses this…

1
Transportation Law with Matt Leffler Part 2 | Episode 293 42:28

7d ago42:28

42:28

In this second segment of 2 part episode, attorney and law professor Matthew Leffler joins the hosts to unpack key legal issues in trucking. They cover non-compete agreements, broker transparency, driver safety, shipper-broker contracts, and recent cases like Werner and Wabash. Leffler shares insights on legal risks, evolving regulations, and how a…

1
Transportation Law with Matt Leffler Part 1 | Episode 293 1:05:34

12d ago1:05:34

1:05:34

In this first segment of 2 part episode, attorney and law professor Matthew Leffler joins the hosts to unpack key legal issues in trucking. They cover non-compete agreements, broker transparency, driver safety, shipper-broker contracts, and recent cases like Werner and Wabash. Leffler shares insights on legal risks, evolving regulations, and how au…

1
Inspections, Landstar, & Top Load Boards Explained | Final Mile 92 19:20

15d ago19:20

19:20

Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: 🔍 Why brokers request carrier inspections 🧑‍💼 Is Landstar a good choice for agents? 📦 Best load boards for freight brokers Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT Power -…

1
Email Essentials for Freight Brokers | Episode 292 58:58

19d ago58:58

58:58

Poor email habits can cost you customers. In this episode, we break down the fundamentals of professional email communication for freight brokers and why it matters more than you think. 🔹 Write clear, purpose-driven messages 🔹 Use subject lines and recipient lists effectively 🔹 Repackage sloppy carrier emails before forwarding 🔹 Always follow up ca…

1
Ben Steffes | Logistics KPIs: Then & Now 49:50

18d ago49:50

49:50

This week’s guest is Ben Steffes, Vice President, Solutions & Strategy, Managed Transportation, at RXO. Ben was last on the Freightvine 3 years ago when he had just published a white paper on Logistics KPIs for Coyote. RXO acquired Coyote in the fall of 2024, so this time we talk about the RXO white paper on Logistics KPIs that Ben recently authore…

1
Are Brokers Parasites? & More Q&A | Final Mile 91 17:25

22d ago17:25

17:25

Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Is there a platform where brokers can bid on available freight shipments? What should I do if someone is fraudulently using my MC number to book loads? I'm getting started as a broker, but people say I can't compete with the big guys—any advice? Responding to claims that…

1
Carrier Selection Criteria | Episode 291 48:03

26d ago48:03

48:03

When it comes to vetting motor carriers, each freight broker has their own preferences on what to look for and what to avoid. In this episode, we're opening the hood on our own personal rule sets that we use when selecting motor carriers. Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get…

1
How to Make $1M Per Year as a Freight Broker | Final Mile 90 22:56

29d ago22:56

22:56

Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Should I be using an official quote form when sending pricing to a customer? Is it realistic to earn $1 million a year as a cradle-to-grave rep handling mostly LTL with 25% commission? When managing LTL and FTL with FedEx and UPS, should I explore alternative shipping op…

1
Avoiding Fraud Carriers | Episode 290 50:26

1M ago50:26

50:26

In this episode of Freight 360, the hosts break down freight brokering basics with a focus on carrier selection and fraud prevention. They cover how the current economy affects the industry, share a global outlook, and dive into a real case of identity theft. Key takeaways include best practices for vetting carriers, staying ahead of fraud tactics,…

1
Dr. Josue Velazquez Martinez | From Earth Day to AI Assistants: Innovating for a Sustainable Future 48:14

1M ago48:14

48:14

This week’s guest is Dr. Josue Velazquez Martinez. Josue is a Research Scientist at MIT’s Center for Transportation & Logistics and is also the Director of MIT's Sustainable Supply Chain Lab. In our conversation, we discuss his lab's focus on environmental and social sustainability within supply chains. Josue describes the lab's work on the sustain…

1
Bulk Loads, GPS Tracking, & More Q&A | Final Mile 89 18:16

1M ago18:16

18:16

Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: What's the biggest challenge brokers face when it comes to shipping freight? How to find bulk carriers and handle washout requirements. GPS tracking issues: Why isn't it pinging every 30 minutes like it should? Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click He…

1
Freight Broker Essentials: The Basics | Episode 289 58:02

1M ago58:02

58:02

Ever wonder why some freight brokerages thrive while others constantly struggle with cash flow problems? The answer lies in mastering the fundamentals that many brokers overlook. In this eye-opening episode, we explore the critical but often neglected basics that make or break your brokerage operation. We share real stories of brokerages that gener…

1
Prospecting, Fuel Surcharges & Blind Loads | Final Mile 88 19:16

1M ago19:16

19:16

Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: 🔍 How to find the right companies to prospect — and who to contact once you do ⛽️ How to calculate fuel surcharge when quoting a customer 🙈 What blind shipments are and why shippers use them Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Her…

1
Common Accessorial Charges | Episode 288 1:03:33

2M ago1:03:33

1:03:33

🚚 In this episode, we cover: ⏱ What accessorial charges are (detention, layovers, TONU, lumpers & more) 📄 How to document charges and avoid disputes 📉 Real-world examples of how mishandling accessorials hurts profits and relationships Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10%…

1
Kary Jablonski | Freight Tech: Insights from Trucker Tools' Leader 41:29

2M ago41:29

41:29

This week’s guest is Kary Jablonski, VP & GM, Broker Growth & Trucker Tools at DAT Freight & Analytics. As her title implies, Kary previously led Trucker Tools before its acquisition by DAT at the end of 2024. Our conversation centers on her path to the freight industry, her experiences transforming Trucker Tools into a leading visibility and track…

1
Cold Calling Tactics | Final Mile 87 25:16

2M ago25:16

25:16

Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: 📞 What does “100 calls per day” really mean—total dials or the number of companies contacted? 🚫 Is there a way to get more customers without cold calling? What can a new broker do after struggling with outreach? 💸 When does a shipper typically pay a new brokerage, and ho…

1
The Hidden Risks of Running a Freight Brokerage | Episode 287 1:03:47

2M ago1:03:47

1:03:47

Profits can vanish fast when brokers cut corners. Nate kicks things off with a wild National Guard story from inside New York prisons, then we dive into real-life brokerage disasters: a $50K trailer fail, insurance loopholes that killed claims, and a rejected tanker load no one wants to touch. If you’re in freight, these lessons could save your bus…

1
Breaking Into Freight Brokerage: Essential Q&A for Success | Final Mile 86 21:19

2M ago21:19

21:19

Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Does Your Business Name Matter? – Should you change “Transportation” to “Logistics” when you become a broker? Cold Calling 101 – How to approach shippers as a new broker and what your outreach should sound like. Finding Carriers When You’re New – Strategies to build carr…

1
Freight 360 Live: Maximizing DAT Tools for Brokers | Episode 286 1:07:04

2M ago1:07:04

1:07:04

Get 10% off a Year of DAT: Click Here 🔹 DAT Features – Explore qualification settings, company profiles, and market insights. 📊 Leveraging Data Analytics – Use tools like Benchmark & LaneMakers to optimize operations. 📈 Navigating Market Shifts – Learn how seasonal changes impact capacity and pricing. 💰 Boosting Profitability – Improve decision-mak…

1
Mike Roeth | Crossing the Muddy Middle 47:29

2M ago47:29

47:29

This week’s guest is Mike Roeth, Executive Director of the North American Council for Freight Efficiency or NACFE. NACFE has been around for over 15 years - originating from a workshop run by the Rocky Mountain Institute in 2009. Their objective is to drive the development and adoption of efficiency enhancing, environmentally beneficial, and cost-e…

1
Getting New Customers & More Q&A | Final Mile 85 20:12

2M ago20:12

20:12

Ben & Stephen answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Prospecting as a New Broker – Key advice for getting started and landing shippers. Using the BOL for Leads – How to leverage Bills of Lading to start conversations. Building Carrier Trust – Overcoming factoring issues and earning credibility. Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a …

1
PREVIEW: Live Freight 360 with DAT 4:27

2M ago4:27

4:27

We're doing a live podcast this Thursday with DAT to help show you the best ways to maximize your tools to increase your profits and carrier network. Make sure to join us on LinkedIn or YouTube this week, March 20th at 2pm EST. You can interact and ask questions if you watch live, otherwise it will be available for everyone as a recording just like…

1
Breaking Down the Freight Broker Role | Episode 285 1:01:09

2M ago1:01:09

1:01:09

Benjamin and Stephen break down the many roles in freight brokerage, from freight agents to carrier sales reps, and the challenges of customer acquisition. They dive into market trends, tariffs, cargo theft, and cyber scams, highlighting the need for clearer job titles and stronger fraud enforcement. Plus, they discuss AI’s impact on logistics and …

1
TONUs, Freight Rates, & More Q&A | Final Mile 84 38:28

2M ago38:28

38:28

Ben & Stephen answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: TONU Fees & Cancellations – Is it reasonable to charge a 24-hour cancellation fee on shipments? (Sounds like a TONU question.) Trucking Cost Per Mile – What’s the industry average for a trucking company? Comparing $1.80 vs. $2.07 per mile. Freight Broker vs. Sales Jobs – How does be…

1
Bobby Holland | Freight Insights: U.S. Bank and The Freight Payment Index 47:35

3M ago47:35

47:35

This week’s guest is Bobby Holland, Vice President and Director, Freight Business Analytics, at US Bank. US Bank has been around since 1863 and is currently the 5th largest bank in the United States. They also process over $40B in freight payments each year. In our conversation, Bobby explains his unexpected entry into the trucking industry and the…

1
Trump Tariffs & Cross-Border Freight (with Dean Croke of DAT) | Episode 284 56:05

3M ago56:05

56:05

Ben and Dean break down recent US-Canada tariff changes, covering their impact on freight volumes, rates, and carrier challenges. Dean shares insights on operating costs, a possible freight recession, and long-term trade policy effects. They also discuss market volatility, strategies for navigating tough conditions, and the importance of strong par…

1
New Freight Broker Mistakes & More Q&A | Final Mile 83 25:41

3M ago25:41

25:41

Ben & Stephen answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Dispatching Trucks from Abroad – Challenges and considerations for carriers managing operations remotely. Carrier Perspective on Rates – The push for higher rates and the costs carriers must cover. Onboarding Challenges – What happens when a carrier isn’t set up late in the day? New…

1
Back Office Fundamentals in Freight Brokerage | Episode 283 1:01:35

3M ago1:01:35

1:01:35

💰 Back Office Basics for Freight Brokers In this episode of Freight 360, Benjamin and Stephen break down the back-office fundamentals that keep a freight brokerage running smoothly. They get into the nitty-gritty of invoicing, payment processes, and the headaches that come with detention and accessorial fees. Cash flow is king in this business, so …

1
Lumpers, Dispatchers, & More Q&A | Final Mile 82 27:24

3M ago27:24

27:24

Ben & Stephen answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Handling extra costs like lumper fees and detention fees – when to charge the shipper Calculating fuel surcharges – is it built into the rate or added later? Working with airlines and MRO repair facilities – thoughts on dedicated aviation freight Why do some brokers refuse to work w…

1
We Met FreightBrokerGuy! | Episode 282 1:04:14

3M ago1:04:14

1:04:14

You may have heard of him or even seen his wild Tweets on X - we finally got to sit down with FreightBrokerGuy and his story is a wild one. Talk about finding a niche in the freight broker industry. This one is a fun one, and we've been waiting a long time to do it! Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here D…

1
Jerrod Mounce | Multiple Approaches to Sustainable Trucking 47:29

3M ago47:29

47:29

This week’s guest is Jerrod Mounce, Vice President of Energy & Sustainability at JB Hunt. Our conversation focuses on JB Hunt’s sustainability initiatives and the broader landscape of alternative fuels in trucking. Jerrod discusses his 26-year career at JB Hunt, detailing his shift from operations to a focus on fuel efficiency and sustainability. H…

1
Freight Accidents, Broker Tools, & More Q&A | Final Mile 81 18:38

3M ago18:38

18:38

Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: 🚛 Handling Accidents on Your Loads – What to do when an accident happens involving one of your shipments. 🖥️ Essential Software for a New Brokerage – What’s worth the investment and where you can cut costs when launching your freight brokerage. 📄 Brokers & BOLs – Do cust…

1
How Freight Brokers Quote New Shippers | Episode 281 1:03:15

3M ago1:03:15

1:03:15

🎙 Mastering Freight Rates & Market Trends Unlock the keys to freight success in this episode! We break down essential strategies for quoting, negotiating, and navigating market shifts in logistics. 🔹 Freight Rate Negotiations – Tips to master the art of pricing and securing the best deals. 🔹 Trucking Capacity & Market Trends – How to interpret heat…

1
Dispatcher Pay, New Broker Tips, & Produce Claims | Final Mile 80 22:52

3M ago22:52

22:52

Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: 💰 Dispatcher Fees – How much should you pay per load or per week for tracking and tracing? 🎯 Lessons for New Brokers – The one piece of advice industry veterans wish they had when starting. 🚛 Broker vs. Carrier Load Dumping – Why brokers sometimes tell carriers to dump l…

1
How to Move Your First Load With a New Customer | Episode 280 57:58

3M ago57:58

57:58

🎙️ Freight, Trade & Touchdowns Freight Brokerage 101 – Learn how to quote a new shipper and secure your first load. Trade & Tariffs – The impact of trade wars, Mexican border policies, and USPS parcel suspensions. NFL & Laughs – Super Bowl hot takes, referee favoritism, and Ben’s daddy-daughter dance. LTL Changes – Updates on freight class shifts a…

1
Matt McLelland | A Common Sense Approach to Sustainable Trucking 47:49

3M ago47:49

47:49

This week’s guest is Matt McLelland, VP of Sustainability and Innovation at Covenant Logistics Group. In our conversation today we discuss the connection between sustainability and innovation, the potential impact of emerging technologies, and the paroles of overly prescriptive regulations. We also talk about the pros and cons for alternative fuels…

1
Low Rates, Claims, & More Q&A | Final Mile 79 18:09

4M ago18:09

18:09

Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Working as a Freight Broker as a Foreigner Low Rates Explained Freight Claims with a Co-Broker Arrangement Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT Power - Brokers & Carri…

1
Sales Pipeline Management & Follow Up | Episode 279 1:05:19

4M ago1:05:19

1:05:19

We recently talked about prospecting and lead generation, but how do you follow up with a shipper? What do you say? When should you follow up? These are common questions and we're breaking this down in detail on this second episode in a series on freight broker prospecting. Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Clic…

1
Taxes, Carrier Partnerships, and Broker Transparency | Final Mile 78 18:12

4M ago18:12

18:12

Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Freight Broker Taxes Building a Carrier Network Broker Transparency Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT Power - Brokers & Carriers: Click Here Recommended Products: C…

1
Ian Jefferies | State of the Rail Industry 2025 43:00

4M ago43:00

43:00

This week’s guest is Ian Jefferies, President and CEO, Association of American Railroads. Ian has been with the AAR for over 10 years taking over as President in 2019. Ian was last on the Freightvine in February 2023 and obviously a lot has happened since then. In the conversation, Ian talks about the long term effect of the 2022 Railroad Labor Dis…

1
Freight Broker Sales 101 | Episode 278 50:43

4M ago50:43

50:43

🎙️ Master Freight Sales with Confidence Ready to exceed your shippers' expectations? In this episode of Freight360, we share essential strategies to elevate your freight sales game. 🌟 What You’ll Learn: Smart Sales Strategies: Balance price, service, and quality while identifying ideal customers. Cold Calling Confidence: Overcome nerves, build trus…

1
Bonus Episode: Chiefs vs. Bills Preview (with Trey Griggs) 21:21

4M ago21:21

21:21

As the AFC Championship looms, we’re asking the big questions: Can Josh Allen and the Bills finally topple the Mahomes-Kelce connection, or will the Chiefs' dynasty march on? We're bringing you every play, every stat, and every moment that matters from this epic clash of titans. 🏈 Ready to dive into the future of the league? Hit play, and let’s tal…

1
Cold Calling Strategies & More Q&A | Final Mile 77 21:41

4M ago21:41

21:41

Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Understanding spot rates Cold calling strategies Credit approval for customers Support Our Sponsors: QuikSkope - Get a Free Trial: Click Here Levity: Click Here DAT Freight & Analytics - Get 10% off your first year! DAT Power - Brokers & Carriers: Click Here Recommended …

1
Mastering Difficult Conversations and Broker Communication | Episode 277 59:36

4M ago59:36

59:36

Mastering Tough Conversations Transform your communication skills with insights from economics, business, and freight. Explore the impact of cultural communication differences in business. Learn how economic trends shape the freight and logistics industry. Discover the power of honest conversations in building trust and stronger partnerships. Liste…

1
New Brokers, ELD Tracking, Lumper Fees & More | Final Mile 76 16:31

4M ago16:31

16:31

Nate Cross & Ben Kowalski answer your freight brokering questions and discuss: Starting Out: Wait 3-6 months with MC/US DOT before prospecting? ELD Tracking: DAT vs. Trucker Tools for brokers. Reefer Temps: Use to stand out from competition? Payment Issues: Broker owes, 60 claims against bond—what to do? Lumper Fees: Why are carriers charged EFS ch…

1
Level Up Your Freight Brokerage in 2025 | Episode 276 57:18

4M ago57:18

57:18

As we dive into 2025, it's essential to reset our habits and align strategies to navigate the changing freight market landscape successfully. This episode emphasizes the importance of adjusting routines, strengthening customer relationships, and developing proactive plans to handle market fluctuations. • Importance of resetting habits after the hol…

1
Andrew Petrisin | Unlocking FLOW: Freight Logistics Optimization Works 50:03

4M ago50:03

50:03

This week’s guest is Andrew Petrisin, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Multimodal Freight in the U.S. Department of Transportation and the creator of the USDOT’s Freight Logistics Optimization Works or FLOW. FLOW is a public private partnership whereby different players in the global supply chain share previously unshared commercial data to better un…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

DAT Freight Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen