Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Patrick Hatzis
Fleetworthy launches RADAR, new AI fleet management technology
Fleetworthy is adding AI-powered capabilities to its fleet management platform, giving customers new tools to monitor toll activity, identify spending trends and receive recommendations without manually reviewing reports. The new technology, called RADAR (Real-time AI, Decisioning and Automated Resolution), is embedded directly into the company’s existing software rather than offered as a standalone chatbot or analytics product.
Jett McCandless named first FreightTech Vanguard Award winner at F3
Jett McCandless, founder and CEO of project44 and LSP44, received the FreightTech Vanguard Award at FreightWaves’ F3: Future of Freight Festival dinner Monday, recognizing his contributions to the freight and logistics industry. FreightWaves presented the award during F3 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, an annual event focused on innovation and the future of freight.
F3: FreightWaves announces Shipper of Choice winners
FreightWaves announced the winners of its Shipper of Choice awards on Monday, Oct. 26, at the F3: Future of Freight Festival, recognizing companies that stand out for their relationships with freight carriers and their approach to shipping operations. Craig Fuller, founder and CEO of FreightWaves and SONAR, presented the awards during the F3 Awards Dinner at The Signal in Chattanooga.
2027 FreightTech 25 winners announced at F3 Original
FreightWaves revealed the 2027 FreightTech 25 at the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner in Chattanooga, where all 100 FreightTech 100 winners were recognized as part of the 2027 FreightTech Awards, presented by Sope Creek. Kevin Nolan, Craig Fuller and Malcolm Harris closed the evening by announcing the top 25. The list recognizes 25 companies for their contributions to innovation across freight technology and transportation.
Band24 seeks early testers for satellite-connected asset tracker ahead of Nov. 13 deadline Original
Asset-tracking company Band24 is seeking businesses to test Terra, a new tracker combining Bluetooth, cellular and satellite connectivity, ahead of a Nov. 13 deadline for its early-access program. The device is designed to help logistics operators maintain visibility into trailers, shipping containers and other equipment in areas with limited network coverage, with commercial availability planned for early 2027.
Double Nickel launches AI agent to automate driver employment checks Original
Double Nickel has launched an artificial intelligence agent to automate employment verifications for trucking companies, targeting a time-consuming part of driver recruiting and regulatory compliance. The New York-based company said Thursday, Oct. 22, that its Vera agent completed 40% of employment verifications autonomously during beta testing. Two trucking carriers with more than 500 trucks between them tested the product over the last 30 days.
F3 preview: AI, autonomous trucking and freight technology take center stage Original
FreightWaves’ F3: Future of Freight Festival returns to Chattanooga next week, with sessions on AI adoption, autonomous trucking and the technologies reshaping freight operations taking center stage. The event, held Oct. 27-28 at The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo, will feature keynote presentations, fireside chats, technology demonstrations and discussions about how companies are applying new tools to transportation and logistics.
Freightos founder takes board fight to shareholder vote Original
Freightos founder Zvi Schreiber’s campaign to change the company’s leadership is heading to a contested shareholder vote, escalating a dispute over the digital freight-booking platform’s strategy, financial performance and long-term prospects. The company’s board has agreed to put Schreiber’s proposals to shareholders at its annual general meeting in December, pending confirmation of the meeting date.
Evos raises $9M to build AI operators for industrial businesses Original
AI startup Evos raised $9 million in pre-seed funding to develop autonomous software operators for small and midsized industrial businesses, including freight brokerages, the company announced Wednesday. This comes as the company looks to automate routine work without requiring businesses to replace their existing software. The round was co-led by Uncork Capital and Field Ventures, with participation from Crosslink Capital, Utopia Capital Management, Sandwith Ventures and angel investors.
Carrier Logistics, LSP44 announce partnership to automate LTL shipment identification
Carrier Logistics and LSP44 have partnered to develop an AI-powered API that can identify less-than-truckload shipments when a shipper or third-party logistics provider does not have the correct tracking number, targeting a source of manual work for carrier customer service teams. The collaboration combines Carrier Logistics freight management software for LTL carriers with LSP44’s AI agent and API infrastructure for logistics service providers.
Samsara makes AI agent platform generally available, reports 7x adoption growth
Samsara has made its Agent Studio platform generally available to all customers, opening its no-code AI agent builder to fleets and other businesses using its software. Samsara is recording AI-agent interactions about seven times faster than when it launched the tools in June, with its latest 500,000 interactions accumulating in 16 days, down from 112 days initially.
Transfix integrates E3 driver fraud screening into TMS
Transfix has integrated driver identity verification from E3 Group into its transportation management system (TMS), giving freight brokers a way to screen drivers for fraud before releasing a pickup number. The integration brings E3’s driver authentication tools into the Transfix TMS rather than requiring brokers to move between separate systems to verify a driver’s identity, according to the companies’ Oct. 6 announcement.
YMX yard technology helps retailer trace $60,000 in missing freight Original
YMX Logistics is using computer vision and yard-management data to help investigate missing freight, including a case where the technology helped investigators connect five shipments to a specific truck and driver. The case involved five loads of cheese shipped from a Minnesota supplier that repeatedly arrived at a retailer’s facility with fewer pallets than listed on the purchase orders, YMX said in its Sept. 18 case study.
Geotab launches fleet card as diesel prices pressure trucking Original
Geotab has launched a fleet card that uses vehicle telematics data to help control fuel spending and prevent unauthorized purchases as diesel prices remain elevated. The telematics company announced Thursday that the Geotab Fleet Card, developed with transportation payment company AtoB, connects vehicle data with AtoB’s payment platform and fuel discount network. The card uses information such as a vehicle’s location and fuel level to determine whether a fuel purchase should be authorized.
Descartes launches AI agent for global trade data research
Descartes Systems Group has launched an AI agent that allows users to search and analyze global trade data using natural-language questions, adding another AI-powered tool to the company’s logistics technology platform. The company said the agent can reduce the time needed for global trade data research and analysis by up to 90%, depending on the user’s experience and the complexity of the query.
Samsara connects fleet data with ChatGPT, Claude and other AI tools
Samsara is giving customers a way to connect their fleet and operational data directly to AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Microsoft Copilot, among others. The software company announced on Sept. 22 that its new Samsara Model Context Protocol (MCP) allows authorized users to query live information from their Samsara accounts through third-party AI applications without building a custom integration. More than 40 read-only tools are available through MCP at launch.
Coretura selects Vector-QNX software for commercial vehicle platform Original
Coretura, the software-defined vehicle platform company founded by Daimler Truck and Volvo Group, has selected a vehicle software platform jointly developed by Vector and QNX for use in its commercial-vehicle architecture. The companies announced on Sept. 22 that Coretura will use Alloy Kore as the foundational software layer for high-performance computing systems in its software-defined vehicle platform. The companies said the Coretura deal is the first design win for Alloy Kore.
Tabi Connect, Kleinschmidt partner to automate freight quoting Original
Tabi Connect and Kleinschmidt have partnered to automate freight quoting through Kleinschmidt’s Intelligence Network, the companies announced Sept. 14. The integration sends freight quote requests moving through Kleinschmidt’s network directly into Tabi, where a brokerage’s pricing rules are automatically applied before the quote is returned to the shipper.
Piston raises $15M to expand cardless fuel payments network Original
Piston, a payment platform designed for commercial fleets, has raised $15 million in Series A funding as the company looks to expand its cardless fuel payment network across the U.S., according to Piston. FPV Ventures led the round, with existing investors Spark Capital and Pear VC also participating. The financing brings Piston’s total funding to $22.5 million. The company said its payment volume increased eightfold over the past year, while its merchant network grew 40 times.
Samsara report finds 10% of risk-ranked drivers account for 47% of crashes
The top 10% of drivers ranked as highest risk by Samsara’s Risk Model accounted for 47% of crashes in a new report released by the company. The finding is part of Samsara’s new Compounding Risk Report, which examines how combinations of driving behaviors and other factors can contribute to elevated crash risk. The company says the research can help fleet managers identify where to focus limited coaching resources.
FreightWaves Announces the 2027 FreightTech100 Original
FreightWaves has announced its 2027 FreightTech100, recognizing 100 companies selected for their innovation across the freight and supply chain technology industry. The 2027 class marks the eighth year of the FreightTech Awards. This year drew a record number of nominations, reflecting the growing competition among companies developing technology for the freight and supply chain industries. For 2027, the FreightTech100 will be celebrated in person at the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner on Monday, Oct.
CMT launches safety platform for freight brokers Original
Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT) has expanded its road safety platform into the freight industry, giving brokers access to recent driving data from participating carriers. On Sept. 2, the company announced the launch of Freight Safety Intelligence, which analyzes driving behavior from the previous 90 days and generates a carrier-level safety score.
Mikargo247, Verified Carrier launch coverage for strategic cargo theft Original
MiKargo247 is expanding its spot cargo insurance coverage to include strategic cargo theft under a new partnership with Verified Carrier. The coverage is designed to address a growing category of freight fraud involving double brokering, carrier identity theft and fictitious pickups. Under the partnership, brokers using Verified Carrier can purchase MiKargo247 spot cargo insurance and have the strategic theft exclusion removed when the load is hauled by an eligible verified carrier.
Shell Rotella to debut video for National Truck Driver Appreciation Week Original
Shell Rotella will debut a video Sept. 13 featuring professional truck drivers discussing their careers and experiences in trucking as National Truck Driver Appreciation Week gets underway. The video was recorded at Shell Rotella’s Recording Studio during the 2026 Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky. Owner-operators, fleet drivers and trucking influencers participated in the recordings, according to Shell Rotella.
Volvo Trucks completes rollout of ‘lock and leave’ software update system
Volvo Trucks has completed the North American rollout of a software update system that lets drivers start updates from their trucks and leave while the software installs, allowing updates to run during breaks or other scheduled downtime instead of requiring a service center visit. The feature, called “lock and leave,” is now available across the U.S. and Canada. Drivers can start an update during a break or while parked overnight and leave the truck while the software installs, Volvo announced.
Shell, FAW test immersion-cooled batteries to improve truck performance
Shell and FAW Trucks have developed and tested a battery pack that uses an immersion-cooling system to better manage battery heat, improve vehicle performance and durability, Shell announced. The battery pack uses an electrically insulating fluid that surrounds the battery cells, allowing heat to be transferred away from the cells more effectively during operation.
Samsara launches Driver Perks program with discounts from over 50 brands
Samsara is launching a free perks program for professional drivers, giving millions in its network access to discounts and offers, from more than 50 brands. The program, called Samsara Driver Perks, is available to professional drivers in the U.S. beginning Thursday, Sept. 10, and includes offers covering food and beverage, fitness, wellness, travel and personal development.
Samsara launches Driver Perks program with discounts from over 50 brands
Samsara said the survey results helped determine which offers would be included in the program. Jerome Jolly, a driver at Ryan Logistics who has been driving for more than 40 years, said the range of offers was one of the program's most appealing features. "I know drivers with all kinds of interests and can see them getting a lot out of it," Jolly said in a statement.
Overroute raises $5.5M to expand AI freight execution platform Original
Overroute has raised $5.5 million to expand its AI-powered freight execution platform, which is already being used across J.B. Hunt’s business units. UP.Partners led the funding round in Overroute, with EIC Rose Rock, 1834 Ventures, Tulane Ventures and other investors participating as well, according to a Sept. 9 Overroute funding announcement. Overroute plans to use the money to accelerate product development and add employees as it expands to more large carriers and private fleets.
Lean Solutions Group acquires SupportZebra, expands AI-enabled outsourcing
Lean Solutions Group (LSG) is expanding its business process outsourcing operations with the acquisition of SupportZebra, a move that will push the company's workforce in the Philippines to over 2,000 employees. The Miami-based company announced the acquisition on Aug. 24, saying the deal strengthens its service model in automotive, fintech, e-commerce, software and health care while adding SupportZebra's customer support and back-office capabilities to its existing technology platform.
Lean Solutions Group acquires SupportZebra, expands AI-enabled outsourcing
Lean Solutions Group (LSG) is expanding its business process outsourcing operations with the acquisition of SupportZebra, a move that will push the company’s workforce in the Philippines to over 2,000 employees. The Miami-based company announced the acquisition on Aug. 24, saying the deal strengthens its service model in automotive, fintech, e-commerce, software and health care while adding SupportZebra’s customer support and back-office capabilities to its existing technology platform.
The Playbook Archives
Patrick Hatzis Tuesday, September 22, 2026 Piston raises $15M to expand cardless fuel payments network Piston has raised $15 million in Series A funding as the cardless fuel payments startup expands its network across the U.S. and adds AI-powered tools for fraud prevention and spending analysis.
Chiefs remain reliable TV draw despite subpar season, but latest setbacks spur questions
Over 57 million viewers. That is the audience the Kansas City Chiefs’ game against the Dallas Cowboys pulled in on Thanksgiving, making it the most-watched regular-season NFL game of all time, according to CBS sports. Such high regular-season viewership comes from a combination of factors. The record-breaking numbers were driven in part by the Thanksgiving Day broadcast window, which consistently delivers one of the NFL’s largest annual audiences.
Sky Zone Columbia to relaunch as an independent indoor recreation facility
The owners of Sky Zone Columbia announced Wednesday the business will close and relaunch as an independent, family-owned indoor recreation facility. The national trampoline park brand’s Columbia location will be temporarily closed starting Dec. 17 to prepare for the new business, according to a Facebook post by the owners of Sky Zone. The facility is slated to open next year.
Legal sports betting went live across Missouri on Monday
Retired Kansas City Chiefs running back Christian Okoye (center) participates in a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday at the Caesars Sportsbook at Harrah's Kansas City. Former sports stars attended events at casinos across the state as legal sports betting debuted. Nearly 13 months after Missourians voted to legalize sports betting, customers began placing wagers both online and in retail sportsbooks Monday.
Missouri soybean farmers see demand uprooted
U.S. tariff measures, combined with China’s halted soybean purchases, are hitting Missouri farmers where it hurts, threatening billions of dollars in export revenue and shaking Missouri’s agricultural backbone. Since April 2, the day President Donald Trump dubbed “Liberation Day” and imposed sweeping tariffs on America’s trade partners, businesses have been scrambling to adapt. Missouri is no different, with its agriculture sector being heavily strained.
Missouri soybean farmers see demand uprooted, plans disrupted by Chinese trade dispute - St. Louis Business Journal
U.S. tariff measures, combined with China’s halted soybean purchases, are hitting Missouri farmers where it hurts, threatening billions of dollars in export revenue and shaking Missouri’s agricultural backbone.
Missouri soybean farmers see demand uprooted, plans disrupted by Chinese trade dispute
U.S. tariff measures, combined with China's halted soybean purchases, are hitting Missouri farmers where it hurts, threatening billions of dollars in export revenue and shaking Missouri's agricultural backbone. Since April 2, the day President Donald Trump dubbed "Liberation Day" and imposed sweeping tariffs on America's trade partners, businesses have been scrambling to adapt. Missouri is no different, with its agriculture sector being heavily strained.
Soybean farmers see demand uprooted, plans disrupted by Chinese trade dispute
U.S. tariff measures, combined with China’s halted soybean purchases, are hitting Missouri farmers where it hurts, threatening billions of dollars in export revenue and shaking Missouri’s agricultural backbone. Since April 2, the day President Donald Trump dubbed “Liberation Day” and imposed sweeping tariffs on America’s trade partners, businesses have been scrambling to adapt. Missouri is no different, with its agriculture sector being heavily strained.
Chinese boycott hits Missouri's soybean industry
This week's episode of the Business Brief podcast examines what new fees on H-1B visas could mean for research in Missouri. Then, the show looks at the strain faced by the state's soybean industry amid a Chinese boycott. Business Brief is a podcast covering business news and issues shaping the state. Find more Business Brief on our website or wherever you get podcasts.
EU’s solar market contracts for first time since 2015, solar lobby group says
By Eleonora Rinaldi and Patrick Hatzis ( July 24, 2025, 16:24 GMT | Insight) -- Europe is set to experience a decline in solar installations for the first time since 2015, the European lobby group SolarPower Europe said in a new analysis released today. Although the EU remains on track to meet its 2025 solar market goal of 400 gigawatts, it risks failing to reach its 2030 targets, the group warned.
EU turns to Indo-Pacific to redefine global free trade framework
By Patrick Hatzis and Oscar Pandiello ( July 18, 2025, 11:14 GMT | Comment) -- The EU is accelerating trade talks across the Indo-Pacific as it pivots away from a reliance on the US and China.
EU, Indonesia secure trade agreement, taking ties to 'entirely new level'
By Patrick Hatzis and Oscar Pandiello ( July 14, 2025, 12:06 GMT | Insight) -- The EU has agreed on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Indonesia after nine years of negotiations, marking a “major milestone” in bilateral relations, the bloc's trade chief Maroš Šefčovič said.
Adapt to guard EU energy infrastructure from climate risks, electricity lobby warns
By Patrick Hatzis and Eleonora Rinaldi ( July 10, 2025, 14:27 GMT | Insight) -- National energy regulators should treat climate resilience as a core responsibility given increasing risks to power infrastructure from extreme weather events, European electricity industry lobby Eurelectric said in a report today.
A sweet spot in Columbia for more than 40 years
By Patrick Hatzis/Missourian Candy is found in almost every culture, and is often raised to a high culinary art, all to deliver a sweet bite of joy. Columbia is no different. The Candy Factory on Cherry Street has provided the community with those bites for more than 40 years and is a staple for almost everyone living in the area.
De Smet, Lutheran North, Lamar, Adrian, Archie claim state titles
Facing fourth-and-2 with a little more than a minute remaining in regulation of the MSHSAA Class 6 championship, De Smet had to stand tall defensively. Nixa had the ball at the De Smet 17-yard line, threatening to trim an eight-point deficit. Nixa sophomore quarterback Adam McKnight was sacked, sending the De Smet crowd into a flaming-hot frenzy that pierced the cold air in mid-Missouri on Friday night at Memorial Stadium.
Second half surge propels Adrian to MSHSAA Class 1 title
Ground and pound. That was the theme of the MSHSAA Class 1 championship, where Adrian's stellar second half powered it to a 34-13 victory over Penney on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. It was a run-heavy afternoon bout, as both teams combined for 427 rushing yards on 84 attempts. Adrian had the edge at 237 yards, while Penney registered 188.
Hickman girls basketball steamrolls Eureka
Hickman girls basketball dominated Eureka 71-35 in its first game of the Troy Buchanan Pepsi-Cola Invitational on Tuesday at Troy Buchanan High School. The Kewpies (1-1) continue play in the tournament when they next face Battle at 4 p.m. Thursday in Troy.
Columbia College women's soccer beats MidAmerica Nazarene, advances to NAIA Championship quarterfinals
Columbia College women's soccer season continues as the Cougars bested MidAmerica Nazarene 2-1 in the NAIA Championship Round of 16 on Tuesday in Pensacola, Florida. With the win, the seventh-seeded Cougars will play in the quarterfinals for the first time since 2016.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Patrick
Contact Patrick, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack