LLN (10/14/20) – Freight and trucking rates begin to slow a little in a pre-holiday lull. Also, factoring companies can help you make ends meet when times get tough, but there are ways to avoid the need for one in the first place. Maximizing your profits is one. And we’ll take a look at the U.S. House as we approach the election, and what impact changes there could have on trucking. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Better profits help avoid factoring. 25:06 – Trucking rates in pre-holiday lull. 39:49 – ...
Oct 15, 2020•51 min
LLN (10/13/20) – The recent changes to the hours of service have confused many in trucking, and the split sleeper berth provision is no exception. We’ll offer up some clarity. Also, voters in Massachusetts will decide soon whether you can continue to use independent repair shops there, while Georgia voters will go to the polls on a local transportation tax. And no one needs to tell you that this election is important. But in terms of the U.S. Senate, which races could have the most impact on you...
Oct 14, 2020•51 min
LLN (10/12/20) – May I use your bathroom? The answer at shippers and receivers is often no these days, and the alternatives provided fall short of the standards of human decency. Dashcams have become another valuable tool in the trucker’s toolbox, and we find out why it’s a smart investment even if you’re the safest driver on the road. Plus, breaking down the talks that keep breaking down on Capitol Hill for another round of coronavirus relief. 0:00 – Newscast 10:14 – May I use your bathroom? 25...
Oct 13, 2020•51 min
LLN (10/9/20) – Used parts used to be a common part of truck repair, but that’s not the case anymore – so which parts can still be purchased used, and which cannot? The talk around town in the Northeastern U.S. surrounds a decision made by California’s governor. Plus, breaking down what to expect from the FMCSA’s listening session on broker transparency. 0:00 – Newscast 10:14 – Using used parts for repairs 25:06 – Phasing out diesel 39:49 – Listening session on broker transparency...
Oct 10, 2020•51 min
LLN (10/8/20) – A North Dakota state lawmaker wants to allow road trains – trucks pulling three trailers – onto the state’s highways. And OOIDA has stepped up to oppose the plan. Also, the FMCSA has issued an emergency declaration to prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Delta on the Gulf Coast. Meanwhile, the agency wants to sharpen the definition of agricultural commodities and expand the under-21 military pilot program. And the Nevada Constitution mandates that any highway-related revenue be u...
Oct 09, 2020•50 min
LLN (10/7/20) – Some carriers may suddenly find themselves stripped of operating authority. We’ll explain why and how it can affect you, plus discuss the upcoming election and prospects for a stimulus package. Also, we’ll have some winter prep tips for your electrical system. Freight gets an end-of-the-quarter boost, but how long will it last? And we’ll look at a discussion about taxing trucks by the mile in Wyoming. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Winter prep – electrical systems; Wyoming VMT. 25:06 –...
Oct 08, 2020•51 min
LLN (10/6/20) – GPS technology helps us get from point A to point B – except when it doesn’t. We’ll share two truckers’ tales of GPS frustrations. Also, two truckers named “Brandon” had memorable weekends thanks to the Guilty By Association Truck Show. Utah is taking another look at its program to capture revenue from alternative fuel vehicles, while Pennsylvania continues work on a new move over law. And tomorrow, the vice presidential candidates will face off in the second debate of the presid...
Oct 07, 2020•51 min
LLN (10/5/20) – An attempt to limit the use of personal conveyance has failed to gain traction at FMCSA. Also, we’ll discuss a study on how effect automatic emergency braking systems and forward collision warning technology are. We’ll take a look at Land Line Magazine’s October issue, from hours-of-service to Jami Jones’ take on the concept of time. Nevada has its road money in a lockbox, but some lawmakers want to crack the lockbox open. And we’ll have some tips on winter truck prep from the gu...
Oct 06, 2020•51 min
LLN (10/2/20) – From an entertainment event that recognized essential workers to a federal agency showing that they get it, we’ll offer up some Roses and Razzberries. Also, truckers are asking Jon Osburn about hours of service confusion, ELD problems and a new Department of Labor proposal. And the president has signed an extension of the highway bill into law; meanwhile, new federal crash data is released. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Roses and Razzberries. 25:06 – Hours of service, ELDs and more at...
Oct 03, 2020•51 min
LLN (10/1/20) – The latest changes to the hours of service are in effect. We’ll cover the changes, efforts to help truckers understand them – and discuss the new commercial driver panel at FMCSA. Also, California has approved the use of road bonds to speed up highway work, while Pennsylvania works to further protect construction and emergency workers. And the Food and Drug Administration wants to track certain foods from farm to table, including every step along the way, while more warnings are ...
Oct 02, 2020•51 min
LLN (9/30/20) – The latest changes to the hours of service are in effect, but they can be confusing, so the OOIDA Foundation has created some informative online videos to help. Also, freight and rates flattened during the last week of September, but a holiday boost should be on the way soon. And the U.S. Department of Labor has launched an effort to better define who is an employee and who is an independent contractor. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Hours of service help. 25:06 – Holiday freight boost...
Oct 01, 2020•51 min
LLN (9/29/20) – You might notice that law enforcement is giving you a little less leeway out on the road right now – two legal experts join us to explain what’s behind that. Also, Alabama is raising its fuel tax, while a Montana county has created a new one. And tonight is the first of this year’s presidential debates. We’ll have a preview of what the candidates are likely to cover and the part transportation will – or won’t – play. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – More tickets, less leeway. 25:06 – Ala...
Sep 30, 2020•51 min
LLN (9/28/20) – The father of NFL rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaire of the Kansas City Chiefs is the first to admit he made some bad decisions as a teenager, but the owner-operator has turned his life around and now mentors others. Adding uninsured/underinsured coverage to your insurance plan can provide a much-needed extra safety net. Plus, the prospects of another round of PPP loans and coronavirus relief checks. 0:00 – Newscast 10:13 – Owner-operator father of star NFL rookie 25:06 – Uninsured/Und...
Sep 29, 2020•51 min
LLN (9/25/20) – Leasing on with a motor carrier can make your life a little less complicated, but only if you follow the right steps – and that can be complicated enough. What you need to keep in mind when making the switch. The shows must go on and we’re there, from a truck convoy for Special Olympics to a special version of GBATS. And the latest on the highway bill that’s moving through the halls of Congress. 0:00 – Newscast 10:13 – Leasing on with motor carrier 25:06 – Truck Convoy for Specia...
Sep 26, 2020•51 min
LLN (9/24/20) – Next week, changes to the hours of service regulations will go into effect. We’ll offer some details, plus an update on another possible stimulus bill. Also, the FMCSA is giving truckers more time to renew CDLs and medical certifications. A carrier tries again for a driver training exemption, and the Department of Labor attempts to clarify who is an independent contractor. And Pennsylvania may relax the penalties for driving a personal vehicle without insurance and may adopt a fe...
Sep 25, 2020•51 min
LLN (9/23/20) – The FMCSA is under new leadership for the second time in less than a year. In a Land Line Now exclusive, Wiley Deck speaks about the hours-of-service, ELDs, hair testing and the pilot programs that FMCSA has launched in recent weeks – and breaks news about broker transparency. Also, spot rates are in their 21st week of increases, and with holiday season around the corner, 2020 could finish strong. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Good rate news ahead. 25:06 –FMCSA’s new chief on ELDs, HO...
Sep 24, 2020•51 min
LLN (9/22/20) - For some time, Congress has been unable to either replace the most recent highway bill – or pass required annual spending bills. Now, they may kick the can down the road on both. Also, over-the-counter medications can often be combined to manage pain better than prescription meds with far more side effects. Some advice on how you can avoid the flu. And voters will soon decide important races and issues, while Michigan considers ending a license plate tab requirement. 0:00 – Newsc...
Sep 23, 2020•51 min
LLN (9/21/20) – FMCSA hatches a plan to create an advisory committee made up of commercial drivers, while the agency also extended the renewal date for CDLs, learner’s permits and medical certifications. Also, the OOIDA Foundation is releasing a new online class covering one of the most important topics for owner-operators – the cost of operations. And we’ll look at some of the regular columns in the latest issue of Land Line Magazine, from “Road Law” and “Mafia Secrets” to“Strange Things and Fi...
Sep 22, 2020•51 min
LLN (9/18/20) – As more and more people realize that the products they depend on didn’t just fall from the sky, there is now an anthem that reflects that sentiment. Jesse James Dupree, lead singer of “Jackyl,” tells us about his new song that’s dedicated to appreciating truck drivers. We find out where you can find the fanciest truck stop showers around. Plus, a closer look at the new legal challenges to those hours-of-service rule changes. 0:00 – Newscast 10:13 – “It Didn’t Fall from the Sky” 2...
Sep 19, 2020•50 min
LLN (9/17/20) – The new hours-of-service rules that were set to go into effect later this month are now being challenged in court. Why groups at the center of the legal action are calling the proposed changes “flawed,” and what it means for hours of service moving forward. California takes aim at congestion and Michigan marks an “archaic” driving law for dead. Plus, what’s being done to resolve new problems at TWIC enrollment centers in several states. 0:00 – Newscast 10:13 – Emergency hours of ...
Sep 18, 2020•51 min
LLN (9/16/20) – The push to get a truck parking bill over the finish line continues, and we break down the successes and the setbacks, plus find out what drivers can do right now to get things moving a little faster. With more people than ever voting by absentee ballot this fall, we provide some tips on doing it right. And rates continue to rise at a record pace, but not because of freight volume. 0:00 – Newscast 10:13 – Absentee voting 25:06 – Rates rising at record pace 39:49 – Truck parking p...
Sep 17, 2020•51 min
LLN (9/15/20) – With cold weather right around the corner, winterizing your basic systems starts now. We get advice on what to check and what to check in them. More states are making changes to absentee voting rules, plus Pennsylvania looks to add some bite to its “Steer Clear” law. And we’ll explain how and why the Trump administration is defending an Obama-era rule on truck trailers. 0:00 – Newscast 10:13 – Winterizing your truck 25:06 – Absentee voting; “Steer Clear” law 39:49 – Trump adminis...
Sep 16, 2020•51 min
LLN (9/14/20) – Getting hit with a $19,000 towing bill is never fun, but it’s downright infuriating when you feel you were the victim of a scam or crime. The case in Chicago, and tiny slip of paper, that can teach us all a lesson. What you do in your personal vehicle could cost you in your truck. And we’ll delve into the latest with AB5 in California. 0:00 – Newscast 10:13 – Nonconsensual towing job 25:06 – Violations in personal vehicle 39:49 – New developments with AB5...
Sep 15, 2020•50 min
LLN (9/11/20) – Tickets and citations are part of the job, but not all are created equal. Swatting away the peskiest of them all, from window tint to extra efforts to block the glint. From fall weather to this week’s CVSA Roadcheck safety blitz, we check in with what truckers are talking about this week. And what the push to get a one-year extension on the surface transportation law could mean for you. 0:00 – Newscast 10:13 – Pesky tickets and citations 25:06 – Weather changes; CVSA Roadcheck sa...
Sep 12, 2020•51 min
LLN (9/10/20) – The federal government has proposed guidelines for using drug testing using hair, and no one seems entirely happy with their plan. Also, a new under-21 drivers pilot program and denied attempts to overturn recent hours of service changes. With the election just a month and a half away, we’ll have some advice on registering and voting alternatives. And Senate Republicans work on a “skinny” COVID-19 relief bill – we’ll explain what that means and how it might affect truckers. 0:00 ...
Sep 11, 2020•51 min
LLN (9/9/20) – CVSA’s annual Roadcheck safety blitz is underway right now after a nearly four-month delay. We’ll tell you how it works and what to watch out for. Also, Hurricane Laura left billions in damage across southwestern Louisiana. We’ll hear from two truckers hit by the storm, and two others who are helping out. Rates continue to surge, but a drop might not be far off. And we’ll have information about some delays in TWIC and hazmat endorsements. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:13 – Hurricane – damag...
Sep 10, 2020•51 min
LLN (9/8/20) – A U.S. senator is gathering support to stop an attempted truck insurance increase from getting passed into law. Also, filing your MCS-150 and UCR doesn’t have to be a hassle, and, contrary to all the letters and calls you might get, you really don’t need much help doing it yourself. We’ll have some advice. And Michigan is discussing how it sets speed limits, while Utah may borrow money to fund road work. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:13 – MCS-150 and UCR. 25:06 – Michigan speed limits; Utah...
Sep 09, 2020•51 min
LLN (9/7/20) – It’s obvious to everyone that the general economy affects truckers’ livelihoods. But how does it affect your bottom line, and how much? Also, supplemental towing and cleanup coverage can make all the difference when you find yourself in a tough spot – we’ll explain how. And back in July, inspectors fanned out across the U.S. and Canada looking for bad driving behaviors in both trucks and cars. We’ll have information about that, plus a study of safety technology and the latest on a...
Sep 08, 2020•51 min
LLN (9/4/20) – The FMCSA will conduct a pilot program for interstate truck drivers under the age of 21. We’ll explain how they’re doing it and what the concerns are. Also, from safety inspectors who get it to a trucking company ignoring truck drivers’ health, we’ll offer up some Roses and Razzberries. And Jon Osburn is hearing about truck parking problems and keeping an eye out for where truck drivers can find a nice sit-down meal. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Roses and Razzberries. 25:06 – Truck pa...
Sep 05, 2020•51 min
LLN (9/3/20) – The FMCSA plans to conduct a pilot program to test the benefits of allowing truckers to stop their 14-hour clock for up to three hours. Also, we’ll have the results of Operation Safe Driver Week and information about 2290 receipt delays. Voters will soon decide whether Arkansas continues to collect a sales tax for road work, while a potential public vote on tolls sparks controversy in Oregon. And we’ll have information about a safety technology study, plus COVID-19 vaccinations. 0...
Sep 04, 2020•51 min
