LLN (6/10/20) – Freight and rates continue to rebound even as produce season begins to wind down in some areas. Also, the last person who had a face-to-face conversation with the trucker who found himself in the middle of protesters on I-35 in Minneapolis says he doesn’t think it was deliberate. Women in Trucking offers a free wellness program, while a canceled Iowa truck show’s organizers replace it with an Honor Cruise. And Congress discusses the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on truckers. 0:...
Jun 11, 2020•49 min
LLN (6/9/20) – The highway bill recently proposed appears to be a positive event for truckers, but that can change, and it all depends on what happens in Congress. Also, several tax deadlines have been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic – but you still have to pay. We’ll have some advice. And highway funding and road safety are on the agenda in Wyoming. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:43 – Delayed tax deadline advice. 24:06 – Wyoming highway funding, road safety. 38:34 – The price of a highway bill is eternal ...
Jun 10, 2020•49 min
LLN (6/8/20) – Nationwide protests have truckers thinking about personal safety. We’ll talk with several OOIDA members about trusting your instincts, planning ahead and supporting other drivers. Also, you want to make sure you keep up with truck and trailer maintenance – in part because of the effect it can have on insurance. And the proposed highway bill appears to be perhaps the most trucker-friendly produced in recent memory. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:44 – Staying safe during protests. 24:06 – Truck...
Jun 09, 2020•49 min
LLN (6/5/20) – The rules for tolling existing interstates would tighten under the proposed highway bill – we’ll explain how. Also, from a carrier supporting a food bank to some bad coverage of an incident involving a trucker, we’ll tell you who’s been good and who’s been bad with some Roses and Razzberries. And Jon Osburn’s hearing familiar talk about freight, rates and brokers, and specific concerns from bovine and swine haulers. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:44 – Roses and Razzberries. 24:06 – Freight, r...
Jun 06, 2020•49 min
LLN (6/4/20) – Personal conveyance would be limited by time or mileage under the proposed highway bill – we’ll explain what that could mean for you. Also, that bill also calls for action on detention time, CSA, entry-level driver training and lease-purchase agreements; plus we’ll have more detail about what the bill proposes for truck parking. Colorado voters are waiting to vote on billions in transportation bonds; meanwhile, a Midwestern metropolis preps for millions in road work. And OOIDA ask...
Jun 05, 2020•49 min
LLN (6/3/20) – Jesse James Dupree, lead singer of the band “Jackyl,” is out with a new song that isn’t just dedicated to truck drivers – it’s about them. We’ll find out what inspired him to write “It Didn’t Fall from the Sky.” Also, freight and rates’ long, slow climb to recovery got a bit of a boost last week from the holiday and the end of the month. And we’ll cover the details of the proposed highway bill and what they could mean to you. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:43 – Song honors truckers. 24:07 – N...
Jun 04, 2020•49 min
LLN (6/2/20) – We’ll have some advice about what you should – or shouldn’t – do if the economy has you questioning your investments. And voters in a large U.S. city have approved a sales tax to pay for roads and transit. Meanwhile, a gas tax is extended in Portland, Oregon. And detention time and truck parking may be a step closer to being solved in the upcoming highway bill. We’ll have a preview. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:43 – The economy and your investments. 24:07 – Paying for roads; local gas tax. ...
Jun 03, 2020•49 min
LLN (6/1/20) – The changes to the hours of service formally published today, which starts a clock toward their effective date; meanwhile, the slow march toward a truck parking solution continues, and some trucker-unfriendly bills remain in Congress. Also, your braking system has many vital parts – among them, the S-cam, bearings and bushings. We’ll find out what you should look for in those parts. And Land Line Magazine is keeping up with what you need to know about operating during – and living...
Jun 02, 2020•49 min
LLN (5/29/20) – Scammers frequently target truckers in an effort to make a dishonest buck. We’ll cover some of the most common scams right now. Also, Jon Osburn is headed west, and hearing more from truckers about broker problems and confusion regarding changes to the hours of service. And the U.S. Department of Transportation plans to send millions more protective masks to truckers. Meanwhile, a new plan in the U.S. House would speed up work on important bills. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:43 – Scams now...
May 30, 2020•49 min
LLN (5/28/20) – What should you do if you are hauling into an area with protests or civil unrest? We’ll have some advice; Also, we cover what’s next for the changes to the hours of service, and commenters expressing opposition to automated vehicles. More than 20 states have revised absentee voting rules in response to the coronavirus pandemic, while South Dakota extends CDL renewals. And several senators want the president to temporarily allow work-based visas to help the economic recovery. 0:00...
May 29, 2020•49 min
LLN (5/27/20) – The long, slow climb continues for freight and rates, but a difficult road lies ahead. Also, a truck show that embraces the past is now looking to the future because of the coronavirus. Two OOIDA members discuss their recovery from COVID-19, and we’ll report on how the St. Christopher Fund helped them and others. And after a brokers’ organization fired a salvo at truckers over transparency issues, OOIDA has gone to Congress to make the case for requiring brokers to follow regulat...
May 28, 2020•49 min
LLN (5/26/20) – Brakes are among the top reasons truckers have problems during an inspection, so what should that driver look for in their brakes? Also, when parts go bad and need to be replaced, insurance can help – but only so much – and it’s all explained in one particular clause in your policy. And an Ohio lawmaker wants local police to be able to patrol interstates – which some say could lead to more speed traps, while a New Jersey effort would give local governments a cut of state trooper ...
May 27, 2020•49 min
LLN (5/25/20) - In honor of Memorial Day and to mark our upcoming15th anniversary on the air, we’re bringing back two stories from 2006 honoring our military: the story of World War II’s “Red Ball Express” and the Gun Trucks of Vietnam. Also, now that trucker protests in our nation’s capital are winding down, what are the results? 0:00 – Newscast. 9:43 – Red Ball Express. 24:07 – Gun Trucks of Vietnam. 38:36 – Results of the trucker protests.
May 26, 2020•49 min
LLN (5/22/20) – The pandemic has complicated driving interstate, so several agencies combined to create an app to help. Meanwhile, another new app helps address pandemic-era CDL training. Also, the Walcott Truckers Jamboree is going high tech, and Jon Osburn says traffic is picking up at the truck stops. And an official says another stimulus bill is likely needed, but senators have yet to approve a fix for the Paycheck Protection Program. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:43 – Two apps designed to help; Walcot...
May 23, 2020•49 min
LLN (5/21/20) – Truckers have been in our nation’s capital, protesting low rates and demanding action on broker transparency. So as things apparently wind down, what are the results? Also, OOIDA has formally requested that FMCSA act to ensure brokers follow the law on sharing information with truckers. A move is underway toward remote compliance reviews, while OOIDA opposes an hours of service exemption request. And some New York lawmakers want to increase fines for illegal truck parking in New ...
May 22, 2020•49 min
LLN (5/20/20) – Many small businesses, including trucking operations, say an SBA loan program, the Paycheck Protection Program, needs to be more flexible to be effective, and now, action to fix that is underway in Congress. Also, truckers need to be able to deal with basic maintenance problems that can come up out on the road – and that means having some basic tools. We’ll have some advice. And, boosted by produce, freight and rates continue the long, slow climb out of the abyss. 0:00 – Newscast...
May 21, 2020•49 min
LLN (5/19/20) – Earlier today, OOIDA has formally requested that FMCSA enforce the transparency requirements for brokers. Also, we’ll bring you the rest of the 2005 debate between then-OOIDA President Jim Johnston and Bob Voltmann, president of the TIA, a group that represents brokers, over transparency and other issues. And New Jersey, Oklahoma and Tennessee all push to eliminate ticket quotas, while New Jersey also considers ticket camera restrictions. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:43 –2005 Voltmann-John...
May 20, 2020•49 min
LLN (5/18/20) – As part of Land Line Now’s 15th anniversary on the air, we’re airing a debate from our first year, moderated by Jami Jones, between former OOIDA President Jim Johnston and Bob Voltmann, president of the TIA, a group representing brokers. Also, we’ll have some analysis regarding what we can learn from a decade ago that can apply to the issue today, and what’s next. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:43 – A look back at the 2005 Voltmann-Johnston debate, Part I. 24:07 – A look back at the 2005 Vol...
May 19, 2020•49 min
LLN (5/15/20) – If you have a RoadLog ELD, you need to pull some data off it now to prevent problems later. We’ll explain what you need and why. Also, doing a credit check of brokers you deal with can save you a host of headaches, and help guarantee you get paid for the loads you haul. Truckers are telling Jon Osburn that very little freight is moving, and it’s not paying much. And a prominent U.S. senator recently asked some industry groups how the COVID-19 pandemic was affecting truckers. And ...
May 16, 2020•49 min
LLN (5/14/20) – The FMCSA has announced its final version of changes to the hours of service regulations – we’ll have the details, and answer the question, “Does it really give truckers the flexibility they need?” Also, Massachusetts is considering tougher requirements to get a CDL in that state, while an effort to change the way New Jersey sets speed limits is underway. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:43 – Hours of service changes – the details. 24:07 – Massachusetts CDL requirements; New Jersey speed limit...
May 15, 2020•49 min
LLN (5/13/20) – Produce season is providing a thin ray of hope for freight and rates, but there is still a long road ahead. Also, it might be more important than ever to keep your driving record clean – we’ll offer some advice about what to do if you get a ticket. And many people in our nation’s capital agree another relief or stimulus bill will be required before the end of the pandemic. However, they don’t agree on what will be in it. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:43 – Produce provides hope for freight r...
May 14, 2020•49 min
LLN (5/12/20) – OOIDA is urging truckers to formally ask brokers for shipping documents – including the rated freight bill. Also, after the pandemic, state and local governments will likely crank up truck enforcement to 11. We’ll have advice on coping. An Alabama lawmaker wants to use fuel tax money to help small businesses there; meanwhile, a vote is scheduled on a local Montana gas tax. And an effort to end pandemic weight exemptions is underway. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:43 – Post-pandemic enforceme...
May 13, 2020•49 min
LLN (5/11/20) – An owner-operator who took his frustration to Washington, D.C., discusses the protests there. Another trucker sings the praises of the company he works for. Also, we’ll discuss issues behind the protests in our nation’s capital, as well as an effort to reform nonconsensual towing in Missouri and a California discussion of its split speed limit. And if you’re thinking of traveling with a friend of family member anytime in the near future, you’ll need to look into Passenger Acciden...
May 12, 2020•49 min
LLN (5/8/20) – Truckers are expressing their anger over low rates to Jon Osburn – as well as their thoughts on the truck parking situation. Meanwhile, truckers protesting those historically low rates continue their peaceful vigil in our nation’s capital – and the president has taken notice. Also, from a Mardi Gras thank-you to truckers to the people offering those rock bottom rates, we’ll offer up some Roses and Razzberries. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:43 – Roses and Razzberries. 24:07 – Truckers angry o...
May 09, 2020•49 min
LLN (5/7/20) – OOIDA has fought for many years for greater transparency between brokers and motor carriers, and the pandemic has highlighted why the lack of it is a problem. Also, the FMCSA has expanded a program designed to help truckers if they have a no-fault collision on their records, while a new app to help truckers in disasters is released. And Colorado’s governor has signed bills addressing some highway speed limits and fees for overweight permits; meanwhile, variable speed limits are pr...
May 08, 2020•49 min
LLN (5/6/20) – Produce season is bringing signs of life to the market, but rates are in a deep hole, so recovery is likely to be slow. Also, an OOIDA board member urged the federal government to help owner-operators – and explained the consequences if they don’t. One trucker sparked a countywide program helping truckers in South Carolina, while the wife of another driver is making a difference one meal at a time at a Missouri rest area. And Congress may tweak programs to help small businesses, w...
May 07, 2020•49 min
LLN (5/5/20) – With truckers up in arms about brokers, what is OOIDA doing, and what can drivers themselves do? Also, what one trucker told “60 Minutes” about automated trucks; and a Missouri woman offers home-baked treats and basic supplies to truckers along a busy freight corridor. And more than 20 states have revised their rules for absentee voting, while Portland, Ore., voters will soon have a chance to speak out on the city’s gas tax. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:44 – Automated trucks; treats for tru...
May 06, 2020•49 min
LLN (5/4/20) – A survey about COVID-19’s effect on trucking highlights the need to have a business plan and know your cost of operations. Also, truckers have always understood that they were essential, but the pandemic has made the public more aware than ever of that fact. And the coronavirus has changed a lot of people’s focus, but problems like truck parking crisis and hours-of-service reform are still there, and the OOIDA Board of Directors met recently to tackle them. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:44 –...
May 05, 2020•49 min
LLN (5/1/20) – How do truckers deal with low rates being offered during the pandemic – as well as a host of other problems? We’ll have some advice. Also, the FMCSA’s effort to provide truckers with personal protective equipment is underway – with COVID-19 testing planned ahead. And drivers are telling Jon Osburn about low rates and tough-to-get Small Business Administration loans. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:44 – Masks on the way; testing is next. 24:05 – Low rates and tough-to-get loans. 38:34 – Advice ...
May 02, 2020•49 min
LLN (4/30/20) – When Saigon fell 45 years ago, a small Navy vessel played a key role in rescuing thousands of refugees. We’ll have an encore of our story about the USS Kirk. Also, the pandemic is causing one state after another to reconsider plans or even delay their primary elections. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:44 – Truckers tell the tale of the USS Kirk, Part I. 24:05 – Truckers tell the tale of the USS Kirk, Part II. 38:34 – Pandemic delays primaries....
May 01, 2020•49 min
