LLN (9/2/20) – Sept. 9 is the start of this year’s Roadcheck safety blitz. So what do you need to know to be ready? We’ll have the answers. Also, freight and rates closed out August on a high note as Hurricane Laura tightened capacity, but volatility is ahead. And the Paycheck Protection Program was designed to help small businesses survive the pandemic. However, an investigation shows much of the money ended up elsewhere. We’ll have the details. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Ready for Roadcheck. 25:...
Sep 03, 2020•51 min
LLN (9/1/20) – A new Tennessee law would impose a penalty on cities for having ticket quotas, while a bill in Pennsylvania would reinstate toll collectors. Also, which men are at risk for prostate cancer, and how do you find out if you have it, or if you are at risk? We’ll have some answers. And with the deadline to pass a new highway bill approaching rapidly, Congress is likely to take action – however, it won’t be a new highway bill. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Prostate cancer. 25:09 – Ticket quo...
Sep 02, 2020•51 min
LLN (08/31/20 ) – A pilot program could open the door for additional hours-of-service regulatory relief by allowing drivers to pause their on-duty period with one off-duty period from as little as 30 minutes up to three hours. How to take advantage. An owner-operator breaks down his visit with the president at the White House that aired on primetime television – and also explains why he almost didn’t go. Plus, explaining why your rising insurance rates may be completely out of your control....
Sep 01, 2020•51 min
LLN (8/28/20) – Today is day two of our virtual Great American Trucking Show. One OOIDA member tells us what goes into winning a Best of Show prize at GATS, while another fills us in on another kind of competition: rattlesnake hunting. Also, Jon Osburn explains why getting the OOIDA tour truck inside the exhibit hall is such a pain, and we have the latest on hours of service changes and attempts to raise insurance requirements. 0:00 – Newscast 10:14 – Virtual GATS: show trucks; virtual conventio...
Aug 29, 2020•51 min
LLN (8/27/20) – Today is our virtual Great American Trucking Show. Dr. John McElligott discusses truckers’ top health concerns; Marty Glomb discusses the antique truck he displays at GATS; and Texas resident Danny Schnautz tells us why he got involved in Angel Flights. Also, local Texas voters will soon vote on transportation taxes, while an upcoming court ruling could affect billions in Washington state transportation funding. And we’ll have an update on FEMA hurricane relief loads and what’s a...
Aug 28, 2020•51 min
LLN (8/26/20) – The FMCSA has issued regional emergency declarations to deal with Hurricane Laura, extended the pandemic emergency declaration, considers a requested dashcam exemption and gets ready for a new administrator. Also, Hurricane Laura has pushed COVID-19 to the side – at least temporarily – in terms of freight and rates this week. And congressional Democrats continue to stress efforts to reduce emissions from transportation – including trucking – and a new Senate report is the latest ...
Aug 27, 2020•51 min
LLN (8/25/20) – Feeling vibration in your steering wheel is a sure sign that something is off, and your tires are suspect numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4. We’ll offer the top four tips for troubleshooting tire vibrations. Also, Georgia is working on improvements to the flow of freight in that state, both by road and rail, while New Hampshire discusses flying cars. An effort to stop significant increases in truck insurance costs needs a boost. And one trucker role played a prominent role in the Republican ...
Aug 26, 2020•51 min
LLN (8/24/20) – Recent figures show a significant drop in traffic along the nation’s toll roads. So why is it happening, and what does it mean? Also, what do you do when you find yourself far from home with a broken lease? You go hunting. We’ll have information about what are commonly known as “hunter’s permits.” And from personal stories of perseverance to hours-of-service reform and that controversial amendment in the highway bill, we’ll preview the August/September issue of Land Line Magazine...
Aug 25, 2020•51 min
LLN (8/21/20) – Three truckers have stepped up to help children – one fulfilled a promise using his checkbook; another started a nonprofit; and a third – after raising millions for children over the years – is stepping away. Also, Jon Osburn says that like many other Americans, truckers are tired of wearing masks and hoping that this is not “the new normal.” And the FMCSA recently announced it is giving out tens of millions of dollars in grants with a goal of improving motor carrier safety. 0:00...
Aug 22, 2020•51 min
LLN (8/20/20) – The FMCSA is asking for the public’s input on an OOIDA broker transparency proposal that would make brokers give load payment information to truckers. Also, Ohio is once again considering some corporate welfare to fuel turnover in trucking, while another proposal would put more local police on interstates. OOIDA is asking truckers to speak out against plans to increase insurance requirements. And some are calling for the U.S. DOT to enforce a law designed to protect interstate co...
Aug 21, 2020•51 min
LLN (8/19/20) – With Brake Safety Week coming up, we’ll have advice on tackling the top reason truckers are put out of service regarding brakes. Also, freight and rates are stronger than expected for this time of year, but so is the forecast for hurricane season, which could put a damper on things. And do certain technologies improve safety in trucking, or not? The FMCSA will consider that question before it starts a program designed to reward carriers simply for installing it. 0:00 – Newscast. ...
Aug 20, 2020•51 min
LLN (8/18/20) – A letter circulating in the U.S. Senate is offering elected officials a chance to go on record against extreme increases in truckers’ insurance requirements. Also, taxes are, to a great extent, about two things – money and deadlines. And while most people think about the one big deadline on April 15, several other deadlines are coming up soon. And voters around Portland, Ore., and Atlanta will soon decide on billions in transportation funding. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Tax deadlin...
Aug 19, 2020•51 min
LLN (8/17/20) – Jim Mullen is out as acting administrator of FMCSA. So what happens now? Looking back at Mullen’s time in charge, who’s replacing him, and what it all means for truckers. SuperRigs is going virtual, and you’re invited to be a judge. Plus, the scam targeting small business truckers and a closer look at how a few bucks a month could save you some serious money in the long run. 0:00 – Newscast 10:14 – SuperRigs; Waupun Truck-n-Show; phishing scam 25:09 – Supplemental towing/clean-up...
Aug 18, 2020•51 min
LLN (8/14/20) – Kamala Harris now stands to be the future standard bearer of the Democratic Party, which begs the question: where does she stand on the issues that matter to truckers? Online truck shows have become the norm – but there’s nothing normal about the ambitious plans being hashed out for next month’s Guilty By Association show. Plus, the latest on protests, Brake Safety Week and some very nasty port-a-potties. 0:00 – Newscast 10:14 – GBATS Facebook Live Event 25:09 – Spirit in upper M...
Aug 15, 2020•51 min
LLN (8/13/20) – A proposed payroll tax cut to combat the economic downturn has left business confused – and may leave the self-employed, including many truckers – out. Also, OOIDA and the Teamsters want the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement’s trucking provisions effective as soon as possible. We’ll discuss the trucking employment picture and hair testing for drugs. And New Jersey may make it virtually impossible to enforce red-light camera fines on its residents, while the Wisconsin Supreme Court rul...
Aug 14, 2020•51 min
LLN (8/12/20) – We’ll talk with the people who knew and loved legendary radio host Bill Mack, who died late last month, and discover why the “Midnight Cowboy” never met someone who wasn’t a friend. Also, spot rates get unexpected bumps as COVID-19 continues to disrupt contracted freight. Truckers have long played an important role in the nation’s security, but now, the Department of Homeland Security is considering trucking’s role in the future. And what do you do when your load requires a permi...
Aug 13, 2020•51 min
LLN (8/11/20) - Truckers think the bulk of new safety technology isn’t so great for safety. Meanwhile, another study says more experienced truckers with treated medical conditions are among the safest on the road. Also, local governments, like government at all other levels, are struggling to fund basic transportation needs. And Massachusetts and Michigan are among the states acting to solve the problem. And the clock is ticking toward the deadline to have a new highway bill in place. We’ll expl...
Aug 12, 2020•51 min
LLN (8/10/20) – Truckers who have been victims of a broker rip-off have few options – and those may depend on the broker-carrier agreement. We’ll discuss a real-world case. Also, things look bleak on the economic front. But at least one financial expert remains bullish on a rebound. And he says the trucking industry is a good indicator about where we’re headed. And a coalition of road building interests has called on Congress to keep in place the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax, which OOIDA and others ask...
Aug 11, 2020•51 min
LLN (8/7/20) – “I told you so” is something some people take great joy in saying, but not when it relates to the ongoing use of ELDs. The warning that’s earning a “razzberry” on our show, balanced out a by few roses. Finding a place to sit down for a meal on the road is still proving difficult. And we’ll have the latest on the talks in Washington on another round of coronavirus relief. 0:00 – Newscast 10:14 – Savings lives; ELD warning 25:09 – Lack on sit-down dining options 39:53 – Coronavirus ...
Aug 08, 2020•51 min
LLN (8/6/20) – Changes to the hours-of-service rules are moving ahead as planned next month. That was one topic of focus during this week’s FMCSA Trucking Safety Summit. What else was discussed, what was overlooked and what various talking points might tell us about the future. Plus, Election Day 2020 is less than three months away. How to make sure your vote counts, whether you’re at home or on the road come Nov. 3. 0:00 - Newscast 10:14 – Hours-of-service rule changes 25:09 – Absentee voting; ...
Aug 07, 2020•51 min
LLN (8/5/20) – The general economy affects truckers’ livelihoods, but how does it affect your bottom line, and how much? We’ll explain. Also, uncertainty in the market isn’t helping contract rates, but spot market rates are reaping the benefits. And earlier today trucking industry officials and other interested parties met to discuss how to improve safety in the trucking industry. And one participant was there with a mission to offer a reality check for participants. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – The...
Aug 06, 2020•51 min
LLN (8/4/20) – Pre-paid legal services sound like a good idea, and some are. But others have problems that can put truckers in precarious legal situations. We’ll have some advice. Also, Massachusetts will borrow to pay for local road work, while California may block a toll road plan. And we’ll have a preview of what OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh plans to tell a trucking safety summit. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Pre-paid legal services. 25:09 – Massachusetts road funding; California tol...
Aug 05, 2020•51 min
LLN (8/3/20) – When shopping for insurance, you may be tempted to choose the plan that offers the lowest rates. That’s not always in your best interests. Plus, an OOIDA life member gets the honor of a lifetime and gets his hall of fame moment. What changes to the FICO scoring system mean for you. Another truck show goes ahead as planned, and a look ahead to this week’s Trucking Safety Summit. 0:00 – Newscast 10:28 – Citizen Driver dedication ceremony; FICO scores; In-person truck shows 25:13 – S...
Aug 04, 2020•51 min
LLN (7/31/20) – Small-business truckers can use all the help they can get these days, which is why OOIDA is urging Congress to suspend the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax. We also get expert legal advice for keeping points off your driving record. And one truck show is in the books, with more on the way. We get an update from our eyes and ears on the ground to see how these shows are operating during the pandemic. 0:00 – Newscast 9:44 – Avoiding driving points 24:39 – Truck shows starting back up 39:08 – ...
Aug 01, 2020•50 min
LLN (7/30/20) – Some in law enforcement are noticing a trend involving pre-2000 trucks, ELDs and crash statistics. Also, OOIDA is speaking out in support of the latest changes to the hours of service, and against efforts to stop it from taking effect. Meanwhile, FMCSA issues driver training tool kits to the states, and gets ready for its Truck Safety Summit. Land Line Magazine has had its finger on the pulse of the coronavirus pandemic and how it’s affecting truckers since day one. But they have...
Jul 31, 2020•50 min
LLN (7/29/20) – Freight rates are rising on average, but the pandemic is creating a volatile marketplace, so your mileage may vary. Also, Sacramento voters will not get to vote on a transportation tax, while voters in one Washington state town will. And Americans could be in for another $1,200 check, and small trucking operations that received a government loan might be able to get another. We’ll have details of the Republican COVID-19 relief bill and negotiations with Democrats. 0:00 – Newscast...
Jul 30, 2020•50 min
LLN (7/28/20) – The story of two truckers put out of service over cargo securement holds a lot of lessons for other drivers. We’ll have some advice. Also, Massachusetts lawmakers are closing in on a deal to use bonds to fund transportation. And dozens of organizations – led by OOIDA – have asked Senate leaders to oppose increasing truckers’ insurance requirements. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:44 – Avoiding out-of-service order for cargo securement. 24:39 – Massachusetts road funding. 39:08 – OOIDA and oth...
Jul 29, 2020•50 min
LLN (7/27/20) – In late August, huge numbers of inspectors will be out across North America to inspect your brakes – and we’ll tell you what exactly they’re looking for. Also, truckers looking for help during tough times may consider a factoring service or a merchant cash advance – we’ll have the details. And OOIDA has long battled to stop the practice of ripping off truckers when law enforcement calls a tow service for them – we’ll have an update. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:44 – What inspectors look fo...
Jul 28, 2020•50 min
LLN (7/24/20) – Most truck shows have canceled this year due to the pandemic, but that changes this weekend as the TopGun Largecar Shootout is proceeding as planned as an in-person event. A charity deals with a lack funding brought on by the cancellation of shows. Slow freight and low rates are cutting down on truck traffic in one of America’s biggest cities. And Congress kicks around the idea of another stimulus package. What it could mean for truckers. 0:00 – Newscast 9:44 – Truck show held; c...
Jul 25, 2020•50 min
LLN (7/23/20) – An adjustment to the federal acquisition rule could have a big impact on some truck technology that has either become or is becoming common. Also, the FMCSA is gathering carriers, truckers, safety groups, federal officials to answer the question, how do you make trucking safer? Meanwhile, the FBI issues a warning about ELDs, and FMCSA gets another hours of service exemption request. And voters in Maine have approved using bonds to pay for road work, while voters around Phoenix ge...
Jul 24, 2020•50 min
