Kris Edney on The FreightWaves’ What the Truck Podcast: Peak Season, Data Centers, and the Next Generation

Interstate’s Kris Edney recently joined the FreightWaves “What the Truck” podcast to discuss how the company prepares for peak moving season, handles sensitive data center logistics, and recruits the next generation of drivers.

At Interstate Moving | Relocation | Logistics, the work behind a successful move starts long before the truck leaves the lot. That preparation was on full display when Kris sat down with the “What the Truck” hosts, Malcolm Harris and Michael Vincent to walk through what it takes to keep operations running during the busiest months of the year and beyond.

Here is a preview of what Kris covers in the segment.

“We have to make sure that we’re hiring the people that are going to supply the customer satisfaction because that’s our number one goal.”

Giving Back to Those Who Served

Before the conversation turned to operations, the hosts highlighted Interstate’s role as the official mover and carrier for the Gary Sinise Foundation, which builds specially adapted homes for severely wounded veterans. Kris also discussed Interstate’s involvement with Wreaths Across America, including hosting drivers the night before the Arlington Cemetery event and running the cross-dock operations that follow. For Kris, the work is personal. His father served for 28 years, and supporting Veterans through the moving industry is how he gives back.

Getting Ready for the Busiest Months of the Year

Interstate’s peak moving season runs from mid-May through August, and Kris explains that preparation begins at the end of the prior year. The team reviews projected volumes, evaluates driver availability, and ensures every piece of equipment is inspected in the shop and road-ready before the rush begins. Finding the right number of third-party owner operators to meet surge demand is part art, part science. Kris describes how the team uses data from government moves, national accounts, and industry contacts to estimate how many trailers and drivers will be needed, then fills gaps through referral programs, trade associations, and recruiting platforms.

Data Center Logistics in Virginia’s Technology Corridor

Interstate is headquartered in Springfield, Virginia, in the heart of what the industry calls “Data Center Alley.” Kris discusses the unique demands of moving highly sensitive technology equipment, including the need for employees with clear background checks, strict adherence to delivery timelines, dedicated teams familiar with clean room environments, and coordination with onsite escorts. These are high value projects where precision and professionalism are essential.

Recruiting the Next Generation

Kris is candid about the challenges associated with attracting Gen Z workers to the trucking industry. He notes that younger candidates often expect shorter workdays and immediate digital convenience, which can make long haul trucking a tough sell. At the same time, he sees an opportunity. A generation raised on technology is well suited to the electronic logging devices, GPS systems, and onboard telematics that define modern fleet operations. When recruiting, Kris focuses on showing candidates a five-year career path with real earning potential, an approach that consistently gets their attention.

Watch the Full Segment

This blog covers only a portion of Kris’s conversation on the show. The full episode also addresses broader industry topics, including Indiana’s CDL enforcement actions and the challenges facing the freight market in 2026.

Watch the full episode of What the Truck here.

What the Truck is produced by FreightWaves and is available on the FreightWaves YouTube channel.