On this episode of Road Gang Radio, host Jimmy Mac sits down with Dean Croke, former owner-operator, current Principal Market Analyst at DAT Freight & Analytics, and owner of the legendary Peterbilt show truck The Grumpy Pete. With over 2 million miles of over-the-road experience, Dean brings firsthand knowledge and data-driven insight to today’s freight landscape.

Topics covered in this in-depth conversation include:

Why May imports saw a sharp decline after months of front-loading to avoid tariffs

How grilling season continues to drive demand despite inflation and changing consumer habits

The slower-than-expected start to produce season and what it means for reefer freight and rates

A look at the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” — the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when fatal crashes, especially among teen drivers, spike dramatically

From container ports to cookouts, and produce loads to road safety, this episode connects the dots between market trends and life behind the wheel. Don’t miss this timely conversation with one of trucking’s most trusted analysts.

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