<description>Winter didn’t just show up, it kicked the door in. ❄️ This week on The Transfix Take, Jenni Ruiz sits down with NFI Industries market expert Justin Maze to unpack how weather disruption is rippling across the country, pushing tender rejections to a multi-year high and sending the national average linehaul rate back above holiday-volatility levels.

From the Fed holding off on rate cuts, to a muted Lunar New Year demand outlook, to regional hot spots flaring up (hello, Southeast and Northeast), this episode is a fast, practical rundown of what’s moving freight right now and what to watch next.

In this episode:

• Tender rejections surge above ~13%, the highest since the post-COVID period
• National average linehaul rate jumps to $2.06/mi (hauls 200+ miles), up from $1.94 last week
• Diesel ticks up after a long stretch of declines (first increases since Nov 2025)
• Weather-driven volatility: snow/backlogs in the Carolinas and parts of the Northeast, plus a wet-then-frozen setup in Atlanta midweek

New episodes weekly. Follow to stay ahead of the freight market before it does that thing where it changes its mind overnight. 🚚📈 
--
Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.
</description>

Winter didn’t just show up, it kicked the door in…

Winter didn’t just show up, it kicked the door in. ❄️ This week on The Transfix Take, Jenni Ruiz sits down with NFI Industries market expert Justin Maze to unpack how weather disruption is rippling across the country, pushing tender rejections to a multi-year high and sending the national average linehaul rate back above holiday-volatility levels.

From the Fed holding off on rate cuts, to a muted Lunar New Year demand outlook, to regional hot spots flaring up (hello, Southeast and Northeast), this episode is a fast, practical rundown of what’s moving freight right now and what to watch next.

In this episode:

• Tender rejections surge above ~13%, the highest since the post-COVID period
• National average linehaul rate jumps to $2.06/mi (hauls 200+ miles), up from $1.94 last week
• Diesel ticks up after a long stretch of declines (first increases since Nov 2025)
• Weather-driven volatility: snow/backlogs in the Carolinas and parts of the Northeast, plus a wet-then-frozen setup in Atlanta midweek

New episodes weekly. Follow to stay ahead of the freight market before it does that thing where it changes its mind overnight. 🚚📈 
--
Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.


Transfix Take Podcast: Week of Feb 4 - Weather Whiplash Drives Rates: Tender Rejections Hit 13%

<description>The year 2026 is off to a volatile start, and this week on the Transfix Take podcast, we’re breaking down the perfect storm of record-breaking weather, shifting rate cycles, and a major regulatory crackdown in California. If you’re a freight broker or transportation professional trying to navigate the "capacity red zone," this episode is your essential guide to staying ahead of the game.

Inside This Episode:
Winter Storm Fern &amp; The Capacity Red Zone: A massive "Arctic blast" has blanketed the Northeast and Southern Plains, with Yonkers, NY seeing up to 15 inches of snow and Texas grappling with black ice and freezing rain. We break down the regional road closures (I-95, I-40, I-81) and explain why a massive backlog of freight is building in the South.

The California CDL Crackdown: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has announced a "national emergency," withholding $160 million in highway funding from California after the state failed to revoke roughly 17,000 "illegally issued" non-domiciled CDLs. Could this lead to a significant capacity shift in early 2026?

Market Trends &amp; Rate Forecasts: National average line haul rates saw a staggering 25% increase from December through mid-January. While rates traditionally decline through April, the persistent winter weather has halted that downward trend. Justin Maze shares his outlook on where contract rates will land and why the market might be in for a "fun ride" through Q1.

Macroeconomic Signals: With the Federal Reserve meeting this week, all eyes are on a potential interest rate cut. We discuss how housing starts and manufacturing demand remain the real drivers for a market turnaround.

Regional Market Snapshots:
Southeast: Slim uptick expected as carriers battle facility closures and backlogs.

Northeast &amp; Midwest: Heavy snow in PA and Wisconsin is tightening capacity and driving spot rates upward.

West Coast: The "lucky" region with 70-degree weather, but keep an eye on how California’s regulatory issues impact the broader driver pool.

Don’t miss our special announcement! Heading to Manifest (Feb 9–12)? Stop by Booth 1682 to meet the Transfix team and hear about our latest TMS and cost solutions.

Stay Safe. Stay Informed. Stay Ahead.
--
Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.
</description>

The year 2026 is off to a volatile start, and thi…

The year 2026 is off to a volatile start, and this week on the Transfix Take podcast, we’re breaking down the perfect storm of record-breaking weather, shifting rate cycles, and a major regulatory crackdown in California. If you’re a freight broker or transportation professional trying to navigate the "capacity red zone," this episode is your essential guide to staying ahead of the game.

Inside This Episode:
Winter Storm Fern & The Capacity Red Zone: A massive "Arctic blast" has blanketed the Northeast and Southern Plains, with Yonkers, NY seeing up to 15 inches of snow and Texas grappling with black ice and freezing rain. We break down the regional road closures (I-95, I-40, I-81) and explain why a massive backlog of freight is building in the South.

The California CDL Crackdown: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has announced a "national emergency," withholding $160 million in highway funding from California after the state failed to revoke roughly 17,000 "illegally issued" non-domiciled CDLs. Could this lead to a significant capacity shift in early 2026?

Market Trends & Rate Forecasts: National average line haul rates saw a staggering 25% increase from December through mid-January. While rates traditionally decline through April, the persistent winter weather has halted that downward trend. Justin Maze shares his outlook on where contract rates will land and why the market might be in for a "fun ride" through Q1.

Macroeconomic Signals: With the Federal Reserve meeting this week, all eyes are on a potential interest rate cut. We discuss how housing starts and manufacturing demand remain the real drivers for a market turnaround.

Regional Market Snapshots:
Southeast: Slim uptick expected as carriers battle facility closures and backlogs.

Northeast & Midwest: Heavy snow in PA and Wisconsin is tightening capacity and driving spot rates upward.

West Coast: The "lucky" region with 70-degree weather, but keep an eye on how California’s regulatory issues impact the broader driver pool.

Don’t miss our special announcement! Heading to Manifest (Feb 9–12)? Stop by Booth 1682 to meet the Transfix team and hear about our latest TMS and cost solutions.

Stay Safe. Stay Informed. Stay Ahead.
--
Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.


Transfix Take Podcast | Week of Jan 27: Can Winter Storms Stop the Q1 Rate Reset?

<description>The final Transfix Take of the year arrives at the peak of chaos — and opportunity — in the freight market.

This week, Jenni Ruiz and NFI’s market expert Justin Maze break down one of the most volatile December surges we’ve seen since the pandemic era. With spot rates spiking, winter weather wreaking havoc, and carriers finally regaining the upper hand, Maze walks listeners through what’s driving the sudden escalation — and what it means as we head into 2026.

Jenni and Maze take you region by region across the U.S. to unpack:

• Why national spot rates are climbing faster than expected, with a potential 20¢ jump by New Year’s
• How winter storms and rollover freight are creating a ripple effect across long-haul and cross-country lanes
• The Midwest’s shocking 5%+ breakouts and what’s behind the biggest surge of any region
• Capacity tightening on the West Coast despite minimal weather disruptions
• The looming non-domicile CDL rulings that could reshape Q1 and Q2 capacity
• Whether this is officially the start of the carrier “revenge market”

Maze also shares his early forecast for 2026 — including how January sets the tone, why a 5–8% annual rate increase is firmly on the table, and what brokers must do now to keep carriers aligned heading into the new year.

It’s our last episode of the year — and one of the most insight-packed.
If you’re a freight broker, shipper, or anyone navigating transportation volatility, this is the year-end debrief you don’t want to miss.
--
Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.
</description>

The final Transfix Take of the year arrives at th…

The final Transfix Take of the year arrives at the peak of chaos — and opportunity — in the freight market.

This week, Jenni Ruiz and NFI’s market expert Justin Maze break down one of the most volatile December surges we’ve seen since the pandemic era. With spot rates spiking, winter weather wreaking havoc, and carriers finally regaining the upper hand, Maze walks listeners through what’s driving the sudden escalation — and what it means as we head into 2026.

Jenni and Maze take you region by region across the U.S. to unpack:

• Why national spot rates are climbing faster than expected, with a potential 20¢ jump by New Year’s
• How winter storms and rollover freight are creating a ripple effect across long-haul and cross-country lanes
• The Midwest’s shocking 5%+ breakouts and what’s behind the biggest surge of any region
• Capacity tightening on the West Coast despite minimal weather disruptions
• The looming non-domicile CDL rulings that could reshape Q1 and Q2 capacity
• Whether this is officially the start of the carrier “revenge market”

Maze also shares his early forecast for 2026 — including how January sets the tone, why a 5–8% annual rate increase is firmly on the table, and what brokers must do now to keep carriers aligned heading into the new year.

It’s our last episode of the year — and one of the most insight-packed.
If you’re a freight broker, shipper, or anyone navigating transportation volatility, this is the year-end debrief you don’t want to miss.
--
Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.


Transfix Take Podcast | Week of Dec 18 - The Carrier Revenge Market Arrives

<description>Winter weather is here — and so is the first major freight shock of December.

This week on The Transfix Take, Jenni Ruiz and market expert Justin Maze break down the impact of a sweeping nor’easter, early-season snow across the Midwest and Northeast, and the stunning closure of 10 Roads Trucking, the largest carrier shutdown since Yellow. With more than 2,500 trucks leaving the road, Maze explains why this could be the first of several ripples in an already depressed freight market.

Here’s what Jenni and Maze cover:

❄️ Nor’easter disruptions bring snow, ice, and road closures across PA, New England, and the Midwest

🚚 10 Roads Trucking shuts down, sending shockwaves through an industry still battling low volumes

📈 National average rate per mile creeps upward as winter weather and post-Thanksgiving pressure tighten capacity

🌤 Southeast leads gains, with freight to the Coastal region jumping nearly 6%

🌊 Coastal region strengthens, driven by increasing rates into the Northeast

🤠 South sees modest holiday-driven gains, but Maze expects rates to cool unless a deep freeze hits

🌽 Midwest volatility grows, especially on lanes heading into the Northeast amid heavy snowfall

🗽 Northeast dips slightly overall, but winter weather is likely to reverse that trend next week

🌲 West Coast resumes its slow climb, led by the Pacific Northwest as Christmas trees, produce, and seasonal freight pick up

Plus, Jenni and Maze talk driver safety in dangerous winter conditions and share a special Giving Tuesday message in support of the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, which provides critical assistance to drivers affected by shutdowns, illness, and financial hardship. Interested in donating? Use these links:

• Donate via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/biz/profile/freightfantasyleague
• Donate via Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/freightfantasyleague

This and more on The Transfix Take!
--

Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.
</description>

Winter weather is here — and so is the first majo…

Winter weather is here — and so is the first major freight shock of December.

This week on The Transfix Take, Jenni Ruiz and market expert Justin Maze break down the impact of a sweeping nor’easter, early-season snow across the Midwest and Northeast, and the stunning closure of 10 Roads Trucking, the largest carrier shutdown since Yellow. With more than 2,500 trucks leaving the road, Maze explains why this could be the first of several ripples in an already depressed freight market.

Here’s what Jenni and Maze cover:

❄️ Nor’easter disruptions bring snow, ice, and road closures across PA, New England, and the Midwest

🚚 10 Roads Trucking shuts down, sending shockwaves through an industry still battling low volumes

📈 National average rate per mile creeps upward as winter weather and post-Thanksgiving pressure tighten capacity

🌤 Southeast leads gains, with freight to the Coastal region jumping nearly 6%

🌊 Coastal region strengthens, driven by increasing rates into the Northeast

🤠 South sees modest holiday-driven gains, but Maze expects rates to cool unless a deep freeze hits

🌽 Midwest volatility grows, especially on lanes heading into the Northeast amid heavy snowfall

🗽 Northeast dips slightly overall, but winter weather is likely to reverse that trend next week

🌲 West Coast resumes its slow climb, led by the Pacific Northwest as Christmas trees, produce, and seasonal freight pick up

Plus, Jenni and Maze talk driver safety in dangerous winter conditions and share a special Giving Tuesday message in support of the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, which provides critical assistance to drivers affected by shutdowns, illness, and financial hardship. Interested in donating? Use these links:

• Donate via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/biz/profile/freightfantasyleague
• Donate via Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/freightfantasyleague

This and more on The Transfix Take!
--

Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.


Transfix Take | Week of Dec 3 – Winter Weather Tightens Capacity as a Major Carrier Shuts Down

<description>The Thanksgiving surge is officially here — and for the first time in weeks, every region in the U.S. saw rates climb.

This week on The Transfix Take, Jenni Ruiz and market expert Justin Maze break down why the holiday push is giving carriers the upper hand, even as consumer demand remains muted and freight volumes stay historically low. With Black Friday on deck and winter weather circling parts of the country, the next few days could set the tone for the rest of the year.

Here’s what Maze and Jenni unpack:

📈 National rate pressure builds, with holiday disruptions pushing gains in every major region

🦃 Southeast heats up, driven by seasonal holiday commodities like citrus, sweet potatoes, and turkeys

🚚 Coastal region jumps nearly 1%, with freight to the Northeast spiking more than 2.5%

🌪 South shows steady gains, though storms across Texas and Oklahoma could create pockets of volatility

❄️ Northeast posts the smallest increase, despite lake-effect snow and unusual lane behavior

🌲 Midwest and West Coast emerge as the week’s breakout markets — Christmas tree season, produce, and tightening capacity push both regions to the top

🔮 December forecast: Maze expects a brief pullback after Thanksgiving, followed by a sharper climb in the back half of the month as capacity exits the market for holiday downtime

Plus, Jenni and Maze share Thanksgiving plans — and a definitive ranking of the best Thanksgiving sides.

This and more on The Transfix Take!
--
Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.
</description>

The Thanksgiving surge is officially here — and f…

The Thanksgiving surge is officially here — and for the first time in weeks, every region in the U.S. saw rates climb.

This week on The Transfix Take, Jenni Ruiz and market expert Justin Maze break down why the holiday push is giving carriers the upper hand, even as consumer demand remains muted and freight volumes stay historically low. With Black Friday on deck and winter weather circling parts of the country, the next few days could set the tone for the rest of the year.

Here’s what Maze and Jenni unpack:

📈 National rate pressure builds, with holiday disruptions pushing gains in every major region

🦃 Southeast heats up, driven by seasonal holiday commodities like citrus, sweet potatoes, and turkeys

🚚 Coastal region jumps nearly 1%, with freight to the Northeast spiking more than 2.5%

🌪 South shows steady gains, though storms across Texas and Oklahoma could create pockets of volatility

❄️ Northeast posts the smallest increase, despite lake-effect snow and unusual lane behavior

🌲 Midwest and West Coast emerge as the week’s breakout markets — Christmas tree season, produce, and tightening capacity push both regions to the top

🔮 December forecast: Maze expects a brief pullback after Thanksgiving, followed by a sharper climb in the back half of the month as capacity exits the market for holiday downtime

Plus, Jenni and Maze share Thanksgiving plans — and a definitive ranking of the best Thanksgiving sides.

This and more on The Transfix Take!
--
Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.


Transfix Take Podcast | Week of Nov 25 – All Regions Up as Thanksgiving Tightens Capacity

Welcome to the Transfix Take On, a show for the logistics and supply chain world where we switch gears into the hot topics of trucking. For more information, visit: www.transfix.io

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