The Daily | J.B. Hunt’s Q4 Beat, Taylor Express Shuts Down, & The Deadly Chameleon Carrier Trial

In this episode, we explore the paradoxical freight environment of early 2026, where⁠ strategic cost management drives success⁠ for industry giants while others face immediate collapse. We analyze how J.B. Hunt achieved a Q4 earnings beat through internal discipline, even as the broader market offers mixed signals on demand. The distress in the market is palpable, evidenced by the⁠ abrupt closure of Taylor Express⁠ that left drivers stranded without fuel or pay. We also discuss the layoffs at⁠ Smoky Mountain Logistics⁠, proving that even specialized Amazon partners are not immune to the industry's financial squeeze. On the strategic front, we examine why⁠ Titanium Transportation is going private⁠ with a significant stock premium to escape the pressures of public reporting. The conversation also shifts to innovation, highlighting how⁠ RoadOne’s investment in the Tesla Semi⁠ demonstrates the growing viability of vertically integrated electric trucks. Finally, we uncover the systemic regulatory failures surrounding the⁠ upcoming trial of Dartanyan Gasanov⁠, a key figure in the chameleon carrier network responsible for the tragedy that killed seven Marines. This segment serves as a stark reminder of the deadly risks that persist when unsafe operators slip through the cracks of federal oversight. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices