DAT Guy

DAT Market Insights: Dean Croke on Transportation Trends | Road Gang Radio

Jimmy Mac and co-host Dean Croke dive into the latest transportation and freight market trends with Dean Croke, Principal Market Analyst at DAT Freight & Analytics. Dean shares insights on warehouse growth, e-commerce logistics, emerging freight markets, data centers, and how AI and technology are reshaping the trucking industry. Discover how shifts in freight, delivery methods, and supply chain infrastructure are creating new opportunities for drivers, carriers, and businesses. Dean also breaks down what the changes mean for the future of trucking and provides real-world examples from markets like Allentown and beyond. Learn more at https://www.dat.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFhNQkxYQll4RHE2NkliclNmWGpTWmJIZnQxUXxBQ3Jtc0tsMTlXVTJqMndfd1hMc3Y2ckU0OFlDUE1ucl9Lc1l6SGhPMXZrdXoyX2tQVUFBdU1aclFwRlpqZzk3Y19LS1FQZXktVnU2cTkzUXZ4bDJfd2F2LWZpTmlrbkVFT1pJSlFFa0FkdUVKdFhUWkZDVW93NA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dat.com%2F&v=kf1tNLiZ2zc] Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows and segments anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen live on YouTube, Facebook, iHeart, and RadioNemo.com!

DAT Guy: How Christmas Tree Season Impacts the Market, with Dean Croke | Road Gang Radio

Jimmy Mac sits down with Dean Croke for a detailed look at seasonal freight pressure in the Pacific Northwest. Dean draws on his background as a former owner operator with more than two million miles on the road and his work as Principal Market Analyst at DAT Freight and Analytics. He explains how Christmas tree season creates fast shifts in demand, tighter capacity, and higher rates across key lanes. Dean walks you through helicopter harvesting, a process created at Noble Mountain Tree Farm in Oregon. Helicopters lift bundled trees from the fields and drop them at central points every thirty seconds. Noble Mountain operates more than four thousand acres across four farms in the Willamette Valley. The season starts with long haul and international loads that move toward places like Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Texas. Reefers handle temperature sensitive shipments. Around that same time, wreaths move out for Wreaths Across America ceremonies on December 13. Containers also head toward Hawaii for retail orders. Domestic demand rises in early to mid November. It tightens seven to ten days before Thanksgiving. Rail piggyback trailers help move high volume loads to large Western markets when truckload capacity shrinks. Some Douglas fir loads get covered in a ton of ice at a third party location before heading to Southern California. During the peak harvest, growers run seven days a week. More than sixty truckloads can move on the busiest days. Spot rates can rise by up to twenty percent in those three critical weeks before Thanksgiving. Dean also shares quick facts that matter when judging market pressure. A Christmas tree takes seven to ten years to reach typical height. Roughly three hundred fifty million trees grow on farms nationwide. About twenty five to thirty million get harvested each year. A truck carries about six hundred trees. That works out to about fifty thousand truckloads. Oregon and Washington produce close to one third of the national supply. Learn more at https://www.dat.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0VKeTdaWXJSZG1ZZDFBZ2tEV3dlUEl6VXUwUXxBQ3Jtc0tsMWpqNWY0RHlpWkZlRjNIcjlaeGxhMlV1ZjlFTWh2R2pHVWhETjMzQ3ZqaC0yVlMwRGVSOG9aZWZkYkc2ZkVGeDRZSG1Vcy1kN2NaMGR0TWlLbnBncVlrc0dCS0hSYzdUOUk3NHE3dVZES2VzRnJDMA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dat.com%2F&v=Q71whoz0lSY] Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows and segments anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen live on YouTube, Facebook, iHeart, and RadioNemo.com!

DAT Guy: Market Insights with Dean Croke – Reefer Slowdown, Ghost Fleets & The People’s Tree | Road Gang Radio

In this edition of DAT Guy on Road Gang Radio, host Jimmy Mac and co-host Dean Croke, Principal Market Analyst at DAT Freight & Analytics, break down the latest trends shaping the freight market this November. With Dean’s decades of real-world experience — from his 2 million over-the-road miles as an owner-operator to his role leading analytics at DAT — this is the deep dive every carrier, broker, and shipper needs. Dean and Jimmy unpack the latest DAT market data, starting with how ELP and non-domicile CDL enforcement has fallen short of expectations. Despite ongoing discussions about tightening capacity, rates aren’t rising — they’re dropping, with October bid season seeing shippers negotiate rates down instead of up. They explore the continuing carrier exits and the rise of “ghost fleets” — dormant equipment waiting to re-enter the market once conditions improve — and what that could mean for the next two years of freight recovery. In reefer markets, Halloween usually brings a spike in perishable shipments, but this year’s data tells a different story: volumes tanked 14%, possibly impacted by SNAP benefit suspensions amid government funding issues. And finally, a brighter note on the highway: The People’s Tree, a 50-year-old red fir from Nevada’s Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, is on its way to Washington, D.C., in a custom-wrapped Knight-Swift Kenworth. The 3,700-mile cross-country journey celebrates the spirit of America’s public lands — and the drivers who make traditions like this possible. Get the full DAT blog and insights at: https://www.dat.com/blog/author/dean-... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbWR1ZjE2Yk9Ra0s2bXNpaTBhQkxEaWxaTlROUXxBQ3Jtc0ttcXlLalNhOHNLbWpvTDVWVEo2Q0ZHT1dQX3ZkNXFHbWV4VmZRS1lmTENscWc5VnJJQndLck9ISjdSczhNa3g3NVNRakJLV1ZEOFJiUnpRaWFLejVuS0ZrU2hjMUl6bzFpVktiNGtvLUdjNlJuY2dxcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dat.com%2Fblog%2Fauthor%2Fdean-croke&v=f61yZEP_lf4] Learn more about DAT Freight & Analytics: https://www.dat.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0RwaXZremE3ODUyYVlZbVM2SGtWWnRhYjFfQXxBQ3Jtc0tuMnJuUjZhc0VhZXZLM1p6RWN4SlJTcVJDbDJQWTdtd21LMmo4cFJFUTVyOElzQjJOLUZ6MUJGR09leDRmV0V5ZVNkTDZIMi1WZzJubFNVOXFWTVlCcnlqU1lMRmt4LTJqTnlVV1Rldi1IdmJBNmV5RQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dat.com%2F&v=f61yZEP_lf4] DAT Guy is part of Road Gang Radio on the RadioNemo Network, where trucking meets data-driven storytelling. Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows and segments anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen live on YouTube, Facebook, iHeart, and RadioNemo.com!

Dean Croke Breaks Down Non Domicile Enforcement, Halloween Spending & Import Trends | DAT Guy

On this week’s edition of The DAT Guy, Jimmy Mac is joined by Dean Croke, Principal Market Analyst at DAT Freight & Analytics, for an in-depth look at the trends shaping freight, trucking, and the broader transportation economy. Dean brings his unique perspective as a former owner-operator with over 2 million miles under his belt, offering data-backed insights every driver can use. This week’s discussion covers: Non-Domicile Enforcement — and how it’s creating a Roadcheck Week effect on spot rates. Halloween Spending Records — what record consumer spending means for freight volume. Imports Set to Tank — how declining imports could affect rates and capacity through year’s end. Get the market intelligence you need to stay ahead — straight from DAT’s expert voice on the airwaves. Learn more at: https://www.dat.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa212Q0cway1fdUFiM1M3T2w4Z0F5bi03QzRRZ3xBQ3Jtc0tsMzFfUzhaTjAzMGxTNHpibGJGeDVSRU01RTBsMzB3V1RmMUxDSVNSY3Y3SWRWVkcwQ2RBMXJyU3VfTWQySUMxOXVFQXhEaFRsY0JJMDR0MWdnaThpN29zMDRTaUJGT1cydHRHTTAzNldhMW5hUjE3WQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dat.com%2F&v=DFVceCxJvQY] Dean Croke is the Principal Market Analyst at DAT Freight & Analytics, a former owner-operator, and the voice behind some of the most insightful trucking market commentary in the industry. Before joining DAT, Dean logged over 2 million miles on the road, owned “The Grumpy Pete” Peterbilt show truck, and held senior roles in data analytics and transportation intelligence. He combines real-world experience with cutting-edge market analysis to help drivers, carriers, and shippers understand what’s driving rates and capacity. Read more about Dean on the DAT Blog: https://www.dat.com/blog/author/dean-... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa1Y4a3pIbjBkMmt0WDRxZVNWdU9IWHJxQ1lOd3xBQ3Jtc0trRHh0VUJrclN4S2dadVl4VGJGUTlPcnlVdVFOaTZNQWNTamEwZ3VwWHlCNmdCbWJNQUJVYVVsdmJpYkhXVU1fdFY2bUtpRkstWUcybm1xOHVoTE1xdWhUbDZYRWExLXFheWJPNU9jcWFTV2dJcXVVTQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dat.com%2Fblog%2Fauthor%2Fdean-croke&v=DFVceCxJvQY] Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows and segments anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen live on YouTube, Facebook, iHeart, and RadioNemo.com!

DAT Guy with Dean Croke: Regional Rates, Manufacturing Slowdown & Truckload Capacity | Road Gang Radio

On this week’s DAT Guy with Dean Croke, host Jimmy Mac and Dean dive into the latest trucking and freight market trends, breaking down the numbers that matter most to drivers and carriers. Topics Covered: Regional Rate Roundup Dry van spot rates inch up $0.02/mile, averaging $1.67/mile — $0.05 higher than last year Midwest spot rates remain flat at $1.87/mile, but still $0.20 above the national average DAT’s top 50 lanes dipped $0.01/mile to $1.98/mile September Manufacturing Numbers ISM Manufacturing PMI rose to 49.1% (still contracting) New orders slip back into contraction at 48.9% 67% of U.S. manufacturing GDP contracted in September Industry voices highlight tariffs, weak demand, and stagflation concerns Truckload Capacity & ELP Impact For-hire sector lost more carriers than it gained for only the fourth time this year 6,756 carrier authorities revoked in September — up 36% year-over-year ELP (English Language Proficiency) enforcement continues to have zero impact on overall capacity Tires and brakes remain a far greater safety concern than ELP violations From freight rates to factory floors, Dean and Jimmy break it all down to keep you informed and ahead of the curve. More from DAT: https://www.dat.com/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbll6T2JRMTZlb1BaOElkN2ExXy1ZbGpsMi1nd3xBQ3Jtc0ttSFp0TUszUUVTVjFkdWZOaXVyaDNLcTJsMF9mSUhVMnZ3QjhmdkEwRjR4YVVVaDhBT2RsZGluUGZDX0FWQ1NDRWpOTVUzOXlmclYzejl2Q1pzdXFtSDkxN0dEYmljcTJXT0t2Z2w2QUJqTFU3aWtSUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dat.com%2F&v=xeTuFNv8t1o] Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen on iHeartRadio using the links below. Nemo Nation: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ne... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVFNTmVNa0pFcVNRSi1IX001WkZSY2xDaTJMQXxBQ3Jtc0ttQlczTXJqMjVvcHBPR2RsOTNBR0VaSXB0NXdEZHVRSkx2VVFvWFI0WEJiUzZXNkYxT2lfWGVSVnJXVlYxQ19JTHpveXFfcDY2Mkp6Y1kwVWhxX0xEc2Y0UVJ3cFZiV3h0SEd6WUJHN2hFTXVwdVdsbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iheart.com%2Fpodcast%2F269-nemo-nation-radionemo-282788598%2F&v=j427fyP_eoM] Road Gang Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-ro... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbU5VUm9RbTNoWGwyaVZiUmVUYl8zUFJnV0ZFd3xBQ3Jtc0tsNjNzY3gycUdnbTdaY3BBbjNzazd3S2FlY1h3Y19sakVTbmJFdEh2WjRIamJlbW1QQXhid3R2M2xNX09fMmNIMjZJUkJOUkF6R0JTSGJMVzJVdEFuVzk1NndFTUlCV0VyS3diLXRqVlFOeG1QY05YWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iheart.com%2Fpodcast%2F269-road-gang-radio-radionemo-282788366%2F&v=j427fyP_eoM] We Should Write: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-we... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazJLT1FBRXAyaGRHeHcyMXZGd29KSl9EMjliUXxBQ3Jtc0tuZ080MF9mS195UFZZeW9rbVlEcEhkY0c2NzEtSklyQlFuM3ljNDhvaXVDVGhpdDFmVkl0QTdsU0U0eTQ2d3FJVG1ZRXNUMmxXUS00TUtMTkctdkNNTVdDRXJrTHQtR3JaZ2NieExZM2g3cTgxVndRZw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iheart.com%2Fpodcast%2F269-we-should-write-radionemo-287458630%2F&v=j427fyP_eoM] Trucking with OOIDA: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-tr... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFhPZ3FBS0xNVVdzVkgxUG5RZEZzNHc4UXF0UXxBQ3Jtc0tuWWo2SG1MYlpueWxrYkM1TkI0SmJMb3RTQWxVUE1DUDk5aUlJdXBweEx0ZVA2RGJScUFORzAyT21DbGJxd1AyQWdXUkR5V1NUUmJSdmxtR1NtQ2swQTdhRTNoejVWcHktejhVbWlraHQ3bjBkT0Q5UQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iheart.com%2Fpodcast%2F269-trucking-with-ooida-285122794%2F&v=j427fyP_eoM]