In this insightful episode of the BulkLoads Podcast, Jared Flinn welcomes Professor Jason Miller of Michigan State University to uncover surprising data shaping the future of bulk freight and trucking in the U.S. With a background rooted in agriculture and a deep expertise in logistics, Dr. Miller breaks down why food manufacturing — particularly animal feed and soy crushing — plays such a dominant role in freight volume, accounting for tens of millions of truckloads annually. He offers a data-driven analysis of current market conditions, showing how economic indicators like industrial output, fertilizer demand, and interest rates directly impact freight rates and capacity in the bulk trucking industry.

Listeners will learn how trucking is often a lagging, not leading, economic indicator, and why the perceived capacity crisis is frequently driven by larger carriers going under rather than small owner-operators exiting the market. Professor Miller also reveals why 2025 may hold signs of recovery, driven by interest rate cuts, increased manufacturing demand, and shifts in global trade.

Whether you’re an owner-operator, fleet manager, ag hauler, or logistics professional, this episode is packed with valuable guidance on understanding productivity, controlling costs, and making smarter business decisions in a complex freight economy.