The NEARS.ORG Podcast: Recent Episodes
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The State of Freight: Rail, Trucking & North American Trade with Anthony Hatch and Jason SeidlIn the latest episode of the NEARS Podcast, host John Meyers is joined by two of the transportation industry’s most respected analysts—Anthony Hatch (rail industry analyst) and Jason Seidl (transportation analyst)—for an insightful discussion on where freight markets are headed during the second half of 2026.
The conversation begins with Anthony Hatch’s assessment of the rail industry, highlighting continued resilience in intermodal traffic while cautioning that some recent growth may not be permanent. He discusses how international trade policy, particularly evolving relationships with Canada and Mexico, could reshape freight flows and impact North American railroads that have long benefited from integrated cross-border commerce.
Jason Seidl then examines the trucking industry, explaining how years of capacity reductions are beginning to rebalance the market. He outlines why truckload pricing appears positioned for a stronger, longer recovery if the broader economy remains stable, while also exploring how excess capacity continues to influence the LTL market following major industry consolidation.
Additional topics include:
- Rail vs. truck market dynamics
- Intermodal’s evolving role in North American logistics
- Truckload capacity and rate outlook
- LTL market recovery and competitive landscape
- Cross-border trade with Canada and Mexico
- Economic factors shaping freight demand
- What shippers, carriers, railroads, and logistics providers should watch during the remainder of 2026
Whether you’re a rail executive, shipper, carrier, broker, or logistics professional, this episode provides practical market intelligence from two of the industry’s most trusted voices.
NEARS Podcast SummaryFeaturing JJ RuestModerated by Jason SeidlEpisode OverviewIn this insightful NEARS podcast episode, Jason Seidl sits down with rail industry veteran JJ Ruest to discuss the evolving North American rail landscape, the future of Class I railroads, the impact of potential mergers, intermodal growth opportunities, artificial intelligence, and the long-term outlook for North American trade.
Drawing on decades of leadership experience at Canadian National and deep involvement across transportation, ports, and supply chain organizations, JJ provides a candid assessment of where the industry stands today and where it may be headed next.
Capacity may look stable today—but the foundation is shifting.
In this episode, we dive into the growing challenges surrounding driver supply, from tightening regulations and CDL training scrutiny to the unintended consequences of reducing the industry’s entry pipeline.
With fewer qualified drivers entering the workforce, the conversation explores how this could rapidly tighten capacity, impact rates, and reshape how shippers and carriers operate in the months ahead.
If you’re in transportation, logistics, or supply chain—this is a conversation you can’t afford to miss.
Join host John Meyers (DM Bowman) for the latest on UP signalling merger talks. Will it be NS? CSX? Will BNSF get involved? Taking on the conversation is Tony Hatch (abh Consulting) and Jason Seidl (TD Cowen).
Once again Tony Hatch (ABH Consulting) and Jason Seidle (TD Cowen) sit down with host John Meyers (DM Bowman) to talk about all things logistics. Our summer special is always a favorite while watching the waves come in with a cold drink in your hand!
The boys of summer give you the latest on all things logistics!
Tony Hatch - abh Consulting can be reached at: anthonybhatch@gmail.com
Jason Seidl - TD Cowen can be reached at: Jason.seidl@tdsecurities.com
This episode is sponsored by TD Cowen.
Dennis Wilmot, President Iron Horse Logistics Group hosts Marty Oberman, outgoing Chairman of the Surface Transportation Board. This may be one of Marty last interviews before heading into his future. Marty never dodges a question or is shy about expressing his views on what's happening now and the future! This is a don't miss episode!
The NEARS.ORG 3rd Annual Christmas Special Brought to you by TD Cowen. Please join our host's John Meyers (DM Bowman), Jason Seidl (TD Cowen) and Dennis Wilmot (Iron Horse Logistics Group) as they present this years line up. Chuck Baker, President ASLRRA, Ed Elkins, Norfolk Southern and the Tony and Jason Show. This years special, another vintage AAR Classic, "Holiday Inn" part of the Rail Road Hour from 1948.
The NEARS.ORG 3rd Annual Christmas Special Brought to you by TD Cowen. Please join our host's John Meyers (DM Bowman), Jason Seidl (TD Cowen) and Dennis Wilmot (Iron Horse Logistics Group) as they present this years line up. Chuck Baker, President ASLRRA, Ed Elkins, Norfolk Southern and the Tony and Jason Show. This years special, another vintage AAR Classic, "Holiday Inn" part of the Rail Road Hour from 1948.
The NEARS.ORG 3rd Annual Christmas Special Brought to you by TD Cowen. Please join our host's John Meyers (DM Bowman), Jason Seidl (TD Cowen) and Dennis Wilmot (Iron Horse Logistics Group) as they present this years line up. Chuck Baker, President ASLRRA, Ed Elkins, Norfolk Southern and the Tony and Jason Show. This years special, another vintage AAR Classic, "Holiday Inn" part of the Rail Road Hour from 1948.
The NEARS.ORG 3rd Annual Christmas Special Brought to you by TD Cowen. Please join our host's John Meyers (DM Bowman), Jason Seidl (TD Cowen) and Dennis Wilmot (Iron Horse Logistics Group) as they present this years line up. Chuck Baker, President ASLRRA, Ed Elkins, Norfolk Southern and the Tony and Jason Show. This years special, another vintage AAR Classic, "Holiday Inn" part of the Rail Road Hour from 1948.
Tony Hatch and Jason Seidl sits down with John Meyers for Rail and Trucking Industry Updates
John Meyers takes the perspective of "Why does it matter" and asks the questions people are afraid to address and gets honest and open answers from Dr Lauran Star,
Join host Jason Seidl along with top industry experts from Roadone, Uber Freight and DM Bowman as they discuss the current state of trucking.
Marty Oberman, Chairman of the Surface Transportation Board sits down with Dennis Wilmot, President of Iron Horse Logistics Group and NEARS.ORG Podcast Host.
John Meyers discusses the latest in supply chain with Tony Hatch and Jason Seidl, brought to you by Cowen.
Jason Seidl sits down with Keith Creel at the NEARS.ORG Spring Conference, virtual registration is still available at NEARS.ORG.
A special NEARS.ORG Podcast. Hear the latest directly from JJ and where the CN stands, including the latest STB ruling.
This is a special edition talking about the recent agreement for CP to purchase KCS, CPKCS.
Jason Seidl's disclosures are available, reach out to : john@nears.org
Arthur joins the NEARS.ORG Podcast to discuss current events with CSX including the purchase of PanAm.
In this Podcast Wes Adkins, US Rail and Logistics, Marc Bianchi, Cowen Equity Research and Thomas Coleman, Shale Rail discuss what is going on in the Frac Industry. John Meyers hosts this informative panel.
A special NEARS Podcast, hosted by Jason Seidl, Cowen:
How The Railroads are Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic