LLN (2/17/21) – Lewie Pugh of OOIDA is rapidly developing a “tell-it-like-it-is” reputation. Last week, he added to that when he told Congress all the ways they let truckers down during the pandemic, and what the federal government both should have done, and can still do. Meanwhile, a new Congress means new faces on key committees that have a huge influence over trucking issues. OOIDA is working with those new members, especially over efforts to increase truckers’ insurance requirements. Also, r...
Feb 18, 2021•50 min
LLN (2/16/21) – Lawmakers in six states are working to end ticket quotas in their jurisdictions – and along with them, the practice of funding government through fines. Also, net orders of Class 8 trucks are up. It’s the same story for trailers – and that’s a good sign for the trucking industry as we look at the economic picture early in 2021. We’ll explain why. And years ago a reform effort in Congress eliminated what we commonly call “earmarks.” Now, after years of doing without them, some in ...
Feb 17, 2021•50 min
LLN (2/15/21) – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have won the Super Bowl, but a Kansas City Chiefs fan has a rig that’s a living, breathing tribute to his favorite team. Also, Truckers Final Mile struggles now under the weight of the pandemic, while a new product promises to protect your cab from the coronavirus. Over the years, truck makers have moved to lighter weight materials for many parts of the vehicles they produce. But plastic parts in particular have some disadvantages – and in the afterma...
Feb 16, 2021•50 min
LLN (2/12/21) – Most junk mail or spam is an irritant, but it isn’t really harmful. However, some truckers have received messages that caused them to spend hundreds of dollars unnecessarily. So how do you tell what is and is not something you should respond to? We’ll have some advice. Also, Jon Osburn says truckers are eager to know what the federal government is going to do regarding issues such as underride guards, insurance requirements or speed limiters. But higher up on their minds – where ...
Feb 13, 2021•50 min
LLN (2/11/21) – OOIDA has urged the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prioritize truckers receiving a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine. We’ll also discuss what the administration hopes to spend on transportation and the government’s attitude toward slowdowns. Also, The Department of Labor has delayed a new rule that would sharpen the definition of who is an employee and who is an independent contractor, the FMCSA has a new strategic plan, and we’ll discuss the pandemic’s impact on trucki...
Feb 12, 2021•50 min
LLN (2/10/21) – January saw spot rates take a tumble, but things seem to be leveling out in February. Also, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have won the Super Bowl, but a Kansas City Chiefs fan has a rig that’s a living, breathing tribute to his favorite team. A new product promises to protect your cab from the coronavirus, while Truckers Final Mile struggles now under the weight of the pandemic. And a pandemic relief bill is making its way through Congress using an expedited procedure – and part o...
Feb 11, 2021•50 min
LLN (2/9/21) – North Dakota lawmakers have taken yet another step toward allowing bigger trucks on the state highways, while Michigan is looking to private money to help pay for needed bridge work. Also, the pandemic has changed or delayed a lot of things – but the organizers of Trucking Families Appreciation Week are determined to move ahead with the celebration. And Last week, OOIDA’s executive vice president told Congress all the ways they failed to help truckers financially during the pandem...
Feb 10, 2021•50 min
LLN (2/8/21) – The hearing last week about transportation workers and the pandemic brought out some important issues. But what about action to solve those issues? That’s where the follow-up comes in. Also, many aspects of truck maintenance regularly fall at a certain time or mileage. Others are done when needed or when a problem crops up. One that can fall in both categories is alignment. And what you do in your personal vehicle could end up costing you in your truck. We’ll explain why violation...
Feb 09, 2021•50 min
LLN (2/5/21) – Jon Osburn says finding an open sit-down restaurant along America’s interstates remains a big concern for truckers, but truckers are also worried about getting vaccinated against the virus themselves. Also, from a state trooper who delivered a trucker’s baby, to state lawmakers who will simply not give up on trying to make trucks heavier, we’ll tell you who in recent news has been good and who’s been bad with some Roses and Razzberries. And yesterday, OOIDA Executive Vice Presiden...
Feb 06, 2021•50 min
LLN (2/4/21) – A new federal mask mandate is going into place, and we’ll find out how it might, or might not, affect you. Meanwhile, Pete Buttigieg is settling into his new role as secretary of transportation, and the FMCSA issues new guidance on yard moves. Also, soon, some states may let you drive faster; some may slow you down; and some will at least put all traffic at the same speed. We’ll explain what’s going on where. California is taking steps to move all reefers toward zero emissions. An...
Feb 05, 2021•50 min
LLN (2/3/21) – Tomorrow, Congress will take a look at what has, and has not been done to help truckers and others who work in transportation during the pandemic. Also, why are Valentine’s Day flower orders causing a surge in freight out of Miami? And what would you do if you received a towing bill for more than your truck is worth – or for more than you make in a year. The primary place where it happens is on police-dispatched tows – and one state has proposed a solution. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:44 –...
Feb 04, 2021•50 min
LLN (2/2/21) – Seven states are considering changes to their fuel taxes – and, no surprise, most of them are thinking about an increase. Also, when you’re dealing with your truck, understanding how it works can make your life a lot easier. That’s especially the case with tires. We’ll explore what makes commercial truck tires unique, how that can bring about unique problems and how to prevent those problems in the first place. And a coalition of transportation-related organization is working to s...
Feb 03, 2021•50 min
LLN (2/1/21) – Some truckers are still not clear about the rules that guide them during the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ll go over the rules – and a problem with one state failing to recognize an extension on medical cards. Also, a new administration is settling in in Washington, D.C., and that means there are different issues that truckers are going to need to fight or support. Fortunately, Land Line Magazine has a playbook for such things in its February issue. And significantly heavier trucks could...
Feb 02, 2021•50 min
LLN (1/29/21) – Jon Osburn says this week, financial issues seem to be occupying truckers’ minds, whether it’s the lack of support from the federal government in COVID-19 relief bills, or the sometimes lousy rates to haul freight off the left coast. Also, you probably know Dean Croke for his weekly Market Update segments here on our show, but he also has had a long career as a truck driver both here – and in his native Australia. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:44 – Driving in Australia and in the U.S. – Par...
Jan 30, 2021•50 min
LLN (1/28/21) – A bill covering concealed carry reciprocity gains public attention, while infrastructure is among the items of concern in a new federal domestic terrorism bulletin. Also, the nominee for transportation secretary moves ahead, the battle over broker transparency continues and the Department of Labor pulls back an opinion on worker classification that could affect many truckers. And North Dakota and Indiana are flirting with allowing larger, heavier truckers onto their roads, while ...
Jan 29, 2021•50 min
LLN (1/27/21) – California isn’t the only place where the status of owner-operators is being debated. Federal regulators are considering whether they think owner-operators should be employees or if they should be independent contractors. Also, Missouri is one of the states where efforts are underway to fix problems associated with police-dispatched towing after a crash or other emergency situation. We’ll have an update. And a major shift has taken place in the freight market between contract rat...
Jan 28, 2021•50 min
LLN (1/26/21) – Several states are acting to curb ticket quotas, while Arkansas lawmakers consider how to overcome a technicality so they can free up some road funding. Also, because the bulk of trucking as a job is behind the wheel, truckers are forced to spend a lot of their time seated. And that can lead to all kinds of health problems. And Congress plans to take a look next week at what lessons can be learned from the pandemic – especially concerning what was done to protect transportation w...
Jan 27, 2021•50 min
LLN (1/25/21) – We’ll have the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccination schedule for drivers. Also, when a trucker sought help at the roadside for an unusual situation, he found it in the form of Indiana State Trooper Thomas Maymi. We’ll report on that, and a study about the challenges pregnant truckers face. From reefer breakdown deductibles and EPA clean-ups to family emergency travel and hired auto – if you don’t have the right policy endorsement within your insurance agreement, you cou...
Jan 26, 2021•50 min
LLN (1/22/21) – The transportation secretary nominee’s confirmation hearing included some important trucking topics, such as the sleeper berth, hours of service and how we pay for highways. Also, between the pandemic, lockdowns and closures, 2020 was a rough year for the economy, but it wasn’t all bad news, and trucking came out of it in pretty good shape. We’ll cover that, and look ahead to 2021. And Jon Osburn is in California hearing about some familiar California issues – such as the huge sp...
Jan 23, 2021•50 min
LLN (1/21/21) – An executive order regarding facemasks has many truckers concerned. But it may not be what you think it is. Also, the Biden administration is starting with something that’s common among all new administrations – a freeze on their predecessor’s last-minute regulatory actions. We’ll also have information about the drivers who will advise FMCSA and an early appointment at the agency. And states have speed on the brain – with some considering slowing down traffic, others eyeing speed...
Jan 22, 2021•50 min
LLN (1/20/21) – The deadline for Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse queries has come and gone, but issues remain – and in one state, CDL holders have been unable to fulfill their requirements. Also, freight and rates are hitting a seasonal slowdown. And tomorrow will bring us the first confirmation hearing for Pete Buttigieg, the nominee for secretary of transportation. We’ll preview what we can expect and explain why it matters. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:44 – Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. 24:37 – Freigh...
Jan 21, 2021•50 min
LLN (1/19/21) – Indiana joins the list of states considering longer, heavier trucks. And OOIDA says it’s not a good idea. Meanwhile, lawmakers in that state – and in South Carolina – may make it harder for slower vehicles to park in the left lane. Also, we continue our interviews with candidates for the OOIDA Board of Directors. Today, we’ll hear from Kurt Plummer and Rodney Morine. We’ll have information about the legal protections whistleblowers have in trucking. And everyone gets pulled over,...
Jan 20, 2021•50 min
LLN (1/18/21) – What concerns does the Department of Homeland Security see ahead in 2021? We’ll cover that, and offer an update on the rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations. Also, ballots are being filled out right now for the OOIDA Board of Directors, and we begin our series of candidate interviews with Carl Smith and Craig DeReu. If something goes wrong out on the road, insurance can ease some of the pain – that is, if it’s not excluded in your policy. We’ll go over which events are probably not co...
Jan 19, 2021•50 min
LLN (1/15/21) – A new FMCSA pilot program will examine whether more flexibility in the split-sleeper berth provision will work in trucking. Also, over the years truck makers have moved to lighter weight materials for many parts of the vehicles they produce. But plastic parts in particular have some disadvantages – and in the aftermarket, real problems. And Jon Osburn says truckers are upset about closed restaurants, and curious about where and when they’ll have access to a COVID-19 vaccination. ...
Jan 16, 2021•50 min
LLN (1/14/21) – Every day on the news, we hear about people getting COVID-19 vaccinations. But most people still don’t have one. We’ll let you know where the effort stands – and what concerns the Department of Homeland Security sees ahead in 2021. Also, a proposal would allow truckers with one eye that doesn’t meet federal requirements to driver interstate. Meanwhile another agency offers a new plan for automated vehicles and new members join an FMCSA advisory committee. And Wyoming lawmakers po...
Jan 15, 2021•50 min
LLN (1/13/21) – Recently on the show, we discussed all the things you have to do – legally speaking – in order to operate under your own authority. However, to succeed under your own authority, you have to attend to a number of important business factors. Also, we’ll hear about one man’s own experience with an increasingly common driver health issue, as well as the latest freight and rate trends shaping the market. And the Paycheck Protection Program is back, and this time, federal officials are...
Jan 14, 2021•50 min
LLN (1/12/21) – An auto safety group has recommended an additional 400 road safety laws they say should be adopted to ensure our roads are safe. Also, taxes involve paperwork – and right now is an important time in terms of paperwork that you should either be sending, or receiving. We’ll have a list. And OOIDA says the push in North Dakota to allow road trains is unnecessary, while Indiana lawmakers consider eliminating the state’s split speed limit. 0:00 – Newscast. 9:44 – Tax paperwork. 24:37 ...
Jan 13, 2021•50 min
LLN (1/11/21) – A Minnesota truck driver will enter the national spotlight this month as he becomes the face of a soda company’s “Unsung Heroes” campaign. Also, a new prototype is designed to reduce slip-and-fall injuries among truck drivers, while the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund has an update on its ambitious 2020 fundraising goal. Reading over an insurance contract is nobody’s idea of a good time, but it can keep you out of trouble. That includes knowing about endorsements, and how th...
Jan 12, 2021•50 min
LLN (1/8/21) – President-elect Biden is moving fast on naming his Cabinet appointees. Also, what is the timeline for confirming the new transportation secretary? Also, from a trucker who saved a baby to a turnpike that never saw a toll increase it didn’t like, we’ll tell you who in recent news has been good and who’s been bad with some Roses and Razzberries. And Jon Osburn continues his search for places where truckers can get a sit-down meal, especially along one freight corridor he calls a “fo...
Jan 09, 2021•50 min
LLN (1/7/21) – Earlier this week, the Department of Labor issued a final rule defining who is and is not an independent contractor. However, with a new administration about to take charge, will the regulation stand? Also, Michigan may allow cities to use public-private partnerships to get needed bridge work done, while New Jersey looks at consolidating agencies such as its turnpike authority into its DOT. And it’s been an interesting week, to say the least, in our nation’s capital. However, the ...
Jan 08, 2021•50 min
