LLN (3/18/20) – Legislation to help those exposed to coronavirus and to alleviate possible economic damage is now in the Senate, while a follow-up plan is being developed. Also, a new scanner can instantly detect if a truck’s load is hemp or marijuana. A Senate subcommittee cross-examines Finch Fulton, the nominee for assistant secretary of policy for the U.S. Department of Transportation. And freight and rates see an uptick thanks to increased buying amid the coronavirus outbreak, but it may no...
Mar 19, 2020•48 min
LLN (3/17/20) – Rest areas are being shut down by two states, just as the nation is turning to truckers to keep urgently needed supplies moving, depriving drivers of a place to rest. Also, tickets and violations can work differently depending on where you are, and some local procedures can lead to big problems if they’re not handled directly. And several states are cracking down on ticket quotas, speed traps and other ways local governments use violations to fill their coffers. 0:00 – Newscast. ...
Mar 18, 2020•48 min
LLN (3/16/20) – OOIDA is pulling together all the information you need to know about how the COVID-19 situation is affecting trucking – we have an update. Also, anyone who has their own trucking operations will have to deal with IFTA – the International Fuel Tax Agreement. We tell you how to get started. And a trucking operation not only has to have insurance – it has to prove it does to the FMCSA, and there’s a form for that. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:44 – IFTA. 24:05 – MCS-90 – proving you have insur...
Mar 17, 2020•48 min
LLN (3/13/20) – People have been asking questions about the new truck parking bill. We’ll have answers about that, as well as an FMCSA conference canceled due to coronavirus concerns. Also, how do you teach kids about trucking? The Greensboro, N.C., Children’s Museum is taking a stab at it. And truckers are telling Jon Osburn their issues about hours of service, truck parking, the coronavirus and more. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:44 – Teaching kids about trucking. 24:05 – Truckers talk about hours of ser...
Mar 14, 2020•48 min
LLN (3/12/20) – A controversial emissions control measure that has caused deep divisions in Oregon is the subject of another battle at the statehouse. Also, a motion picture industry group wants an exemption from part of the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse rules, while FMCSA considers a controversial truck crash study. A bill now in Congress would provide funding to create more truck parking. We’ll have information about upcoming truck shows. And an effort to streamline background checks for truc...
Mar 13, 2020•48 min
LLN (3/11/20) – U.S. Rep. Mike Bost of Illinois discusses his background as a trucker – and how that influenced his decision to introduce a bill to solve the truck parking shortage. Also, freight and rates show some signs of life as spring approaches, while diesel prices drop for the ninth week in a row and the oil market collapses. And a study says technology is not the cure-all to safety in trucking – investing in the truck drivers themselves is. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:44 – U.S. Rep. Mike Bost and...
Mar 12, 2020•48 min
LLN (3/10/20) – Truck parking is the subject of a bill now before Congress – one that would fund expanding the number of spaces. But how do you get something through a hyperpartisan Congress where little passes? Also, some predatory lending companies target trucking operations using a merchant cash advance, or MCA – we’ll explain what you can do to avoid getting caught. And the slow march of states trying to eliminate daylight saving time continues – we’ll tell you where. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:44 –...
Mar 11, 2020•48 min
LLN (3/9/20) – A bill that would dedicate money to create more truck parking spaces is now in Congress – we’ll explain what it would do and why it was introduced. Also, a trucker from South Carolina recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to discuss topics ranging from hours of service to truck parking – we’ll discuss his visit, who he met with, and why it’s important. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:44 – Paving more truck parking. 24:05 – Mr. Davis goes to Washington. 38:33 – Mr. Davis goes to Washington....
Mar 10, 2020•48 min
LLN (3/6/20) – A truck-only VMT tax to pay for roads is dead on arrival, according to the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee; we’ll explain the part that OOIDA and truckers played. Also: From a website that blames truckers for a pickup’s actions to a brand-new mom who saved a trucker, we’ll offer up some Roses and Razzberries. And Jon Osburn has heard quite a bit lately about rates, fracking, lumpers and parking. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:44 – Roses and Razzberries. 24:05 – Rates, fracking, lumpe...
Mar 07, 2020•48 min
LLN (3/5/20) – The hours of service reform that’s been in the works for several years is creeping toward the finish line. Also, several states are considering new rules for what traffic can use what lanes – some of which target trucks. We’ll have information about upcoming truck shows. The latest news on coronavirus is causing some to overreact, so we’ll provide some facts and advice. And some overweight fines in Indiana have cost some truckers a bundle of money – even though some show up years ...
Mar 06, 2020•48 min
LLN (3/4/20) – The national shortage of truck parking is at the root of many problems in trucking. Now, an attempt to solve it is getting closer. Also, a children’s museum in Greensboro, N.C., has taken educating kids about trucking to the next level – with a little help from Volvo. This time of year is when the seasonal slump would usually end, but the coronavirus is keeping freight at bay a little longer. And diesel prices drop for the eighth week in a row as oil continues to struggle. 0:00 – ...
Mar 05, 2020•48 min
LLN (3/3/20) – Proposed changes to the hours of service rules are at the White House, one of the last steps before the public gets a look. Also, you have to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer – and that means having a well-maintained HVAC system in your truck. And a bill that will give motor carriers a tax credit for training new drivers has moved forward in Ohio, while Missouri takes action to ensure autonomous trucks have drivers in them. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:44 – HVAC system mainten...
Mar 04, 2020•48 min
LLN (3/2/20) – Towing reform in West Virginia is scheduled to sunset, which could leave truckers facing massive tow bills again. Also, motor carriers have to keep a bundle of paperwork up to date to stay in compliance – and stay on the road. And having the right endorsements on your insurance policy can save you a lot of money in the long run – we’ll cover some of the more common, and not so common. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:44 – Paperwork to stay on the road. 24:04 – The right insurance endorsements. ...
Mar 03, 2020•48 min
LLN (2/28/20) – IRP – the International Registration Plan – is a must for anyone either on own authority or leased to a carrier – we’ll explain the paperwork involved. Also, Jon Osburn is hearing a lot about rates, and how low they’re going. And different ways to pay for highways in the future have been discussed this week on Capitol Hill – we’ll tell you what kind of reception they received. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:44 – IRP. 24:04 – Rates getting low in Texas. 38:32 – Funding highways....
Feb 29, 2020•48 min
LLN (2/27/20) – A lot of claims made to promote a federal truck-only vehicle miles traveled tax are outright untrue – we’ll do some myth busting. Also, the EPA is considering new rules for truck emissions – and the agency is making an effort to get truckers input. UPS wants to let learner’s permit holders drive doubles. And an effort to pass a law that could lead to significantly higher fuel costs is moving forward in Washington state. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:44 – EPA on truck emissions; UPS doubles ...
Feb 28, 2020•48 min
LLN (2/26/20) – The freight market is starting to show some small signs of life after a weeks-long slump. Meanwhile, diesel prices continue to drop as oil plummets on coronavirus fears. Also, knowing how to handle a sudden loss of tire pressure is a critical skill every trucker should have. This year’s UCR fees are set, so it’s time for truckers to pay. And a federal investigation says a 2018 wreck was caused in part by problems with automated vehicle technology. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:44 – Tire pre...
Feb 27, 2020•48 min
LLN (2/25/20) – Tolls are on the agenda in several states – part of an ongoing trend caused by state transportation budget shortfalls that could cost you significant cash. Also, tax time is almost upon us, and every trucker should be doing certain things right now to prepare. Coronavirus is causing a lot of health concerns worldwide, but for truckers it’s causing other concerns specific to the industry. And detention time is a problem everywhere, but unlike most, the military is trying to addres...
Feb 26, 2020•48 min
LLN (2/24/20) – A group representing road builders wants Congress to pass a tax on only truckers to pay for highways, but the trucking industry is working to stop the plan. Also, what should a trucker do when faced with a carrier pushing them to drive when they know they shouldn’t? We’ll have some advice. And the national shortage of truck parking affects everyone, but progress is being made – we’ll have the story behind the story. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:44 – Advice on resisting coercion. 24:04 – Tr...
Feb 25, 2020•48 min
LLN (2/21/20) – A push to help pay for highways in the future in part by using a vehicle miles traveled tax paid by truckers only has raised some hackles in the industry. Also, truckers in Texas are confused about the trade agreement replacing NAFTA – and Jon Osburn is answering those questions. And towing and cleanup after a crash can add expenses you don’t need; but a relatively inexpensive insurance coverage can help. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:44 – Confusion over NAFTA replacement. 24:04 – Cleanup e...
Feb 22, 2020•48 min
LLN (2/20/20) – The feds are busy creating new and proposed regulations – and OOIDA has been speaking out on them. Also, a billion dollars in federal infrastructure grants are announced; Plus, Will truckers face fines in Pennsylvania simply for having snow or ice on top the truck or trailer? We’ll update you. And how do you address complaints about non-U.S. trucks hauling freight point to point inside the U.S.? 0:00 – Newscast. 9:44 – New and proposed regulations. 24:04 – Pennsylvania snow and i...
Feb 21, 2020•48 min
LLN (2/19/20) – A freight upturn should soon be on its way, with the winter slump continuing and rates bottoming out. Diesel prices continue to drop as oil prices are buoyed by sanctions against a Russian oil company. Also, for truckers considering getting their own authority, many complications lie ahead. And Democratic presidential candidates recently discussed their infrastructure plans – we’ll explain what they said and why it’s important to you. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:44 – Complications to gett...
Feb 20, 2020•48 min
LLN (2/18/20) – Two days from now, truckers’ chance to have a voice in the future of EPA regulations for trucks is over – and along with it, a chance to explain how emissions regulations affect things like reliability, serviceability and warranties. Also, common brake problems that show up on inspection reports and out-of-service orders. And Virginia lawmakers want to change how they tax you to pay for highways, while Idaho explores a sales tax plan for roads. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:44 – Common brak...
Feb 19, 2020•48 min
LLN (2/17/20) – Land Line Now offers an encore presentation: The story of a Navy vessel that played a key role the day Saigon fell, as told through the eyes of two truckers. Also, a federal-state battle ends up snagging truckers in the middle. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:44 – USS Kirk, Part 1. 24:04 – USS Kirk, Part 2. 38:32 – NY and the feds mix it up; truckers in the middle
Feb 18, 2020•48 min
LLN (2/14/20) – Tickets are something nearly every trucker will eventually face, but some seem downright pesky – we’ll discuss some of the common ones. Also, California issues are on the minds of truckers who are well outside that state – we’ll let you know which ones. And the Democratic candidates for president will talk infrastructure this weekend at a forum, while U.S. Senate Republicans explore options to pay for highways. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:44 – Pesky tickets. 24:04 – California issues outs...
Feb 15, 2020•48 min
LLN (2/13/20) – The northern border could see some long lines because of a battle between the Trump administration and New York involving programs like FAST. Also, the president’s proposed budget would spend a trillion dollars on infrastructure –mostly for highway work. We’ll have the details. And a California bill would eliminate the state’s split speed limit, one of the largest speed differentials in the country, while Wyoming lawmakers vote down a toll plan. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:44 – President’...
Feb 14, 2020•48 min
LLN (2/12/20) – Truck parking faces many barriers, even if legislation is passed to pave more spaces. We’ll explain what they are and whether they can be overcome. Also, the annual Run for the Wall motorcycle rally already has some new twists for this year’s event. And the winter slump in freight and rates continues, while diesel prices drop for the fifth straight week and the coronavirus continues to push down oil prices. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:44 – Run for the Wall. 24:04 – Winter freight slump co...
Feb 13, 2020•48 min
LLN (2/11/20) - Highway funding in the president’s budget plan goes back to a more traditional scheme to pay for transportation – we’ll discuss what’s in it and what’s not. Also, preventive maintenance is a necessary process to keep your truck on the road – we’ll have some advice. And two state efforts to raise fuel taxes to pay for road work have failed. We’ll cover what they wanted to do and why it failed. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:44 – Preventive maintenance 24:05 – State fuel tax fail. 38:33 – Fede...
Feb 12, 2020•48 min
LLN (2/10/20) - A new study shows that the amount of money truckers pay in tolls is rising fast, and much of the money is being spent elsewhere. A course designed to help truckers make the move to being an owner-operator is coming up. Why Land Line Magazine offers up a detailed guide for getting involved. And an effort to fix a regulatory problem for car haulers is stalled at a federal agency, and OOIDA wants to know why. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:44 – Toll costs study. 24:05 – Guide to getting involve...
Feb 11, 2020•48 min
LLN (2/7/20) – A special Land Line Now presentation: In April 1975, as Saigon fell and the story of South Vietnam came to an end, a U.S. destroyer, the Kirk, played a key role in rescuing refugees – and two truckers were there to see it. We’ll have their story. Also, at a hearing this week OOIDA reminded the Senate about four bills that – if passed – would cost individual truckers thousands and the industry billions. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:44 – The story of the USS Kirk, Part 1. 24:05 – The story of...
Feb 08, 2020•48 min
LLN (2/6/20) - 5G is a new technology that could significantly change access to the internet – as well as other aspects of your daily life. We’ll cover that – and the latest on some DataQ problems. Also, the FMCSA came in just under the wire in publishing the delay to the entry-level driver training rules to the Federal Register, while the Senate discusses regulatory issues, and the federal government offers some guidance on automated vehicles. And elected officials in states from South Dakota t...
Feb 07, 2020•49 min