Operating conditions in the freight and logistics industry are evolving rapidly, driven by shifting market dynamics and ongoing disruptions. With the freight market's volatility, capacity constraints, and changing cost structures, leaders must adapt quickly to make informed decisions and maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly uncertain environment.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton is joined by special guest host Jake Barr. Together, they talk to Bobby Holland, Vice President/Director of Freight Business Analytics at U.S. Bank, and Dr. Chris Caplice, Chief Scientist at DAT Freight & Analytics, to dive deep into the inaugural Q1 2026 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index (Rates Edition), a comprehensive resource that provides crucial insights into freight rates, spot and contract rates, fuel prices, and more. The panel explores how supply chain leaders can leverage this data to optimize freight strategies, anticipate market shifts, and make data-driven decisions with confidence.

The discussion also highlights the importance of scenario analysis and flexibility in managing supply chain risks, emphasizing how agility can turn disruption into opportunity. The conversation wraps up with practical takeaways on building more resilient supply chains, improving forecasting accuracy, and preparing for the next phase of freight market evolution.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:24) Introducing the Q1 2026 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index Rates Edition

(02:52) Meet the experts Bobby and Chris

(03:26) Fun warmup: Football playoff talk

(06:05) Exploring DAT Freight and Analytics

(07:32) Understanding the US Freight Payment Index

(13:11) Spot vs. contract rates: Key insights

(16:11) National and regional freight market trends

(22:26) Agricultural impact on spot rates

(22:59) Regional driver challenges and shortages

(23:46) Treasury data and regional observations

(24:50) Actions supply chain leaders should take

(29:02) Future predictions and tariff impacts

(33:35) Manufacturing activity and automation

(41:04) Leadership takeaways from the panel

Additional Links & Resources:

1. Download the Q1 2026 U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index—Rates Edition: https://www.usbank.com/corporate-and-commercial-banking/industry-expertise/transportation/freight-payment-insights.html?ecid=OTHE_80042
2. Connect with Jake Barr: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-barr-3883501/
3. Connect with Bobby Holland: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobby-holland-4a9355/
4. Learn more about U.S. Bank:

As the trucking industry continues to evolve, drivers and industry leaders must stay ahead of technological advancements and trends to remain competitive. With a history spanning over 50 years, Dave Nemo, a legendary radio host and current on-air host at Radio Nemo, has dedicated his career to engaging and educating truckers about the industry’s most pressing issues. His career has navigated through the transition from AM radio to satellite and now streaming, providing content that is purpose-built for professional drivers.

In this episode of Supply Chain Now, host Scott Luton and special guest host Tony Sciarrotta sit down with Dave Nemo to dive into his legendary broadcasting career and discuss how he has shaped the trucking community through his diverse media platforms. They explore the importance of adapting to new technologies, the evolution of trucking media, and how Dave’s storytelling connects with drivers nationwide.

They talk about the intersection of trucking and technology, highlighting how advancements such as satellite radio and streaming have transformed the way drivers stay informed, entertained, and safe on the road. They also discuss Dave's insights into the impact of AI on the trucking industry and how drivers can benefit from embracing new digital tools. This conversation highlights the significance of continuously adapting to changes in the industry, where innovation and communication will continue to shape the future of trucking.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:17) Today's special guest: Dave Nemo

(02:20) Dave Nemo's broadcasting career beginnings

(06:54) Musical influences and New Orleans culture

(13:04) Early career and military service insights

(17:13) Dave's transition to trucking radio

(21:52) Joining XM radio and Road Dog

(34:27) The evolution of trucking radio

(46:14) Memorable listener interactions with Dave

(54:29) Key challenges in the trucking industry

(58:38) Advice for future trucking broadcasters

(01:03:09) Final reflections on broadcast

Additional Links & Resources:

1. Connect with Dave Nemo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-nemo-582294231/
2. Learn more about RadioNemo: https://www.radionemo.com/
3. Connect with Tony Sciarotta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-sciarrotta-235570/
4. Connect with Scott Luton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/
5. Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
6. Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
7. Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform:

The supply chain landscape continues to shift at record speed, and on today’s episode of Supply Chain Now, hosts Scott Luton and Kim Reuter unpack the leadership decisions, technology investments, and strategic partnerships shaping what’s next for global supply chains. From the evolving relationship between Amazon and UPS to the growing influence of AI in procurement, this episode cuts through the noise to focus on what’s practical, scalable, and impactful. Welcome to The Buzz powered by EPG!

Scott and Kim dive into the biggest stories influencing supply chain strategy today, with help from special guest Scott McFee, CEO of SpendHQ.

Together, they discuss:

1. How Amazon’s expanding logistics footprint is reshaping UPS’s operations and long-term strategy
2. Why leadership turnover is creating disruption across supply chains, according to new Gartner research
3. What Oracle’s latest findings reveal about AI’s real impact on procurement productivity
4. How SpendHQ’s investment in Sligo AI is unlocking smarter, data-driven purchasing decisions
5. Lessons from Cowart Seafood’s digital transformation — and what legacy businesses can learn from it
6. How Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s leadership principles still apply to today’s supply chain leaders

This episode offers timely insights for executives navigating change, technology adoption, and organizational resilience — with practical takeaways to help teams lead with clarity, purpose, and confidence in an increasingly complex world.

Additional Links & Resources:

1. EPG: https://epg.com/
2. With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-18JAN2026
3. American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN): https://www.alanaid.org/operations/
4. Gartner Survey Shows Leadership Turnover Is Harming Supply Chain Performance: https://gtnr.it/49KCQ9I
5. AI May Boost Procurement’s Bottom Line: https://bit.ly/AI-in-procurement-26
6. SpendHQ CEO Scott MacFee on Bracing for USPS hikes: https://bit.ly/4r6EBoV
7. EPG Develops AI-Driven Logistics Solutions Powered by NVIDIA Metropolis: https://bit.ly/EPG-News-2026
8. SpendHQ Makes Strategic Investment in Sligo AI to Launch First Agentic Enterprise Procurement Platform: https://bwnews.pr/3ZlBqh4