The State of Rail: Insights from JJ Ruest

The Tony and Jason Show Summer Special 2026

The State of Freight: Rail, Trucking & North American Trade with Anthony Hatch and Jason Seidl In 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.

The State of Rail: Insights from JJ Ruest

NEARS Podcast Summary Featuring JJ Ruest Moderated by Jason Seidl Episode Overview In 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.

Noel Perry and Jason Seidl “No Drivers, No Freight: The Hidden Crisis About to Hit Capacity”

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.

The Tony and Jason Christmas Special

The NEARS.ORG 2025 CHRISTMAS SPECIAL!  Tony Hatch and Jason Seidl

Farrukh Bezar - Little John

The NEARS.ORG 2025 CHRISTMAS SPECIAL!