LLN (4/13/22) – The numbers on the load board fell last week, but the number of trucks increased. So what does that mean for those looking for loads to haul? Stephen Petit of DAT brings us the latest freight trends on the spot market. Also, Marty Ellis is hearing a complaint we’ve all heard many times over the years – dispatchers telling truckers to get back on the road because they have time left on their clock, even though the trucker thinks it’s not safe. And efforts to reform police dispatch...
Apr 14, 2022•51 min
LLN (4/12/22) – Truck makers are saying full steam ahead on electric trucks – but the group that represents them in Washington, D.C., is trying to put the brakes on. So what’s going on? Also, it's vital to have your truck in good working order when you head out onto the road, the same applies for your health. We’ll focus on DOT physicals and what you can do to get your health in check with Stephen Kane of Rolling Strong. And New York and New Mexico are the latest states to offer fuel tax relief ...
Apr 13, 2022•51 min
LLN (4/11/22) – The EPA will conduct a public hearing on new rules for heavy-duty engine emissions – and they may look a lot like California’s. And OOIDA is planning to be there to express the concerns of truckers. Also, a veteran truck driver is spreading a very important message. Jason Robison is the driver of a custom-wrapped truck that advertises Mission 22, an organization that combats the ever-rising veteran suicide rate. And the price of fuel, the White House Trucking Action Plan and the ...
Apr 12, 2022•51 min
LLN (4/8/22) – CVSA wants changes to the rules for personal conveyance – and wants to track your truck as it goes down the road. Also, the latest in the line of acting administrators made her first major public appearance recently. We’ll bring you what she had to say. We’ll also have information on some situations that you may not be aware are considered refusals under drug testing rules, and what a recruiter at one motor carrier had to say about driver retention. And you hear all the time that ...
Apr 09, 2022•51 min
LLN (4/7/22) – President Biden has officially nominated Robin Hutcheson to be administrator of the FMCSA. Meanwhile, the agency’s internal auditor is conducting an audit of Mexican-owner motor carriers, while the CVSA offers a petition regarding personal conveyance. Also, Arizona and Utah may allow motorcycles to move between lanes of stopped traffic, while Utah is also addressing zipper merging the worst speeders on the state’s roads. And the FMCSA is going to take a serious look at leasing pla...
Apr 08, 2022•51 min
LLN (4/6/22) – We’re at the starting line for the U.S. domestic produce season now. What does that mean for reefer carriers? Dean Croke with DAT explains. Also, the Mid-America Trucking Show has a lot of serious stuff, including new technology and products. But it’s also a lot of fun. We’ll take a walk through the lighter side of MATS. Among the sights and sounds at MATS, a sneak peek of OOIDA’s Truck to Success course. We’ll break down the event, and get reaction from those who attended. And a ...
Apr 07, 2022•51 min
LLN (4/5/22) – Earlier this week, the president and secretary of transportation discussed the Biden administration’s Trucking Action Plan – including efforts to address predatory lease-purchase plans and tackle truck parking, among other issues. Also, for several years lawmakers have debated longer and heavier trucks. Recently, OOIDA and the Coalition Against Bigger Trucks put out a survey asking members to share their thoughts. And Pennsylvania may give truckers access to bathrooms at any place...
Apr 06, 2022•51 min
LLN (4/4/22) – What do you do if April 15th is rolling up quick and you’re not quite ready yet to file your taxes? It turns out you can delay filing, but only if you send in a request for a tax extension. Also, it's important to have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage to protect you if you’re in an accident and the at-fault party has no insurance. We’ll explain why it’s important. And two members of Congress are teaming up on a bill to combat the supposed “truck driver shortage.” And O...
Apr 05, 2022•51 min
LLN (4/1/22) – With fuel prices through the roof, we have a few tips to help you increase fuel economy and stretch those dollars. Conversations about the truck parking crisis are being held at the highest levels of the government – so what happens now? And breaking down the White House plan to tap into the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Federal leaders prioritize truck parking solutions. 24:47 – Fuel economy: stretch your dollars out. 39:37 – Tapping into the Strategic Pet...
Apr 02, 2022•51 min
LLN (3/31/22) – What do you if you have a required sticker like IFTA on your truck and it begins to fade to the point it can’t be read? It’s not a hypothetical for some truckers. Also, the FMCSA is seeking women to join a new advisory board covering the trucking industry. We’ll cover that, plus what we learned from the FMCSA’s recent Analysis, Research, and Technology Forum. And lawmakers in five states are taking actions to address ticket quotas while Idaho’s legislature is considering more fun...
Apr 01, 2022•50 min
LLN (3/30/22) – Dry van line-haul rates are down and the price of fuel is up. So what are we likely to see in the short term? Dean Croke of DAT explains. Also, our coverage of the Mid-America Trucking Show continues with a look at a number of events that took place in Louisville. We’ll have details on the 50th anniversary Wall of Fame celebration, the big event Women in Trucking put on and the OOIDA Town Hall Meeting. There was a common thread throughout all of it: everyone was glad to be back t...
Mar 31, 2022•51 min
LLN (3/29/22) – Robin Hutcheson had been relatively quiet since taking over as acting administrator at FMCSA in January, but that changed at the Mid-America Trucking Show. Hutcheson took part in several events and made several headlines, providing timelines for several programs. Also, what do elevated levels of iron and silicon mean for your engine? You’d likely never know unless you’re running routine oil analysis checks. And Connecticut has joined the list of states considering a fuel tax holi...
Mar 30, 2022•51 min
LLN (3/28/22) – When is a ticket not a ticket? When it’s warning. And many truckers dread a warning. So why is that, and what’s the reality? We’ll discuss tickets, warnings, inspections and more with Tom Crowley and Jim Jefferson of OOIDA’s Business Services Department. Also, news doesn’t always have to be doom and gloom. Land Line Magazine Managing Editor Jami Jones will join us to talk about some of the fun stories in the March/April edition of Land Line Magazine. And efforts to get more parki...
Mar 29, 2022•51 min
LLN (3/25/22) – Few places have as much chrome, paint, vinyl and other mods on trucks as the Mid-America Trucking Show. There’s also a lot of new technology and equipment on display at the show. Plus, OOIDA’s Washington, D.C., office uses the show as a chance to hear directly from professional truck drivers. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Chrome, paint, vinyl and mods at MATS. 24:47 – New tech and new equipment at MATS. 39:37 – OOIDA uses show to interact with members....
Mar 26, 2022•51 min
LLN (3/24/22) – New Mexico’s governor has vetoed a left-lane rule in that state, and Virginia’s governor will soon have a chance to sign one. Meanwhile, several states are close to requiring vehicles to remove snow and ice accumulated on top. Also, the FMCSA is here at the Mid-America Trucking Show to discuss some of the agency’s recent and planned actions – as well as how those actions will affect your life. And MATS is an opportunity to talk with truckers and get their take on the issues of th...
Mar 25, 2022•51 min
LLN (3/23/22) – As diesel prices continue at historic levels, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland and Virginia are all close to passing some version of a fuel tax holiday. Also, three nominees are up for Women in Trucking’s Driver of the Year. We’ll hear from each of them on what lead them down the road of this career. And there are strategies owner-operators can use to keep costs in check and maximize loaded miles. Stephen Petit of DAT shares some of those tips as concerns continue to rise with oper...
Mar 24, 2022•51 min
LLN (3/22/22) – Some specific financial companies are preying on small motor carriers, trapping them into factoring deals and agreements that can be very financially damaging – and impossible to get out of. Also, the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund has a program called “Rigs Without Cigs.” There are a number of decisions you need to make after getting a ticket. One of the first should be calling an attorney. Next is whether to fight it. And physical damage coverage isn’t required by law, so...
Mar 23, 2022•50 min
LLN (3/21/22) – The emergency declaration from FMCSA meant to cope with the pandemic – and its exemptions from the hours of service – sounds broad, but in reality it’s very specific. So why are truckers confused? And why do violations keep happening? Also, there are a lot of benefits that come with having a dashcam in your cab. We look at the insurance implications of having one. And the CVSA is having a conference. We’ll find out what they’re likely to discuss – plus offer an update on towing r...
Mar 22, 2022•51 min
LLN (3/18/22) – Marty Ellis has just finished with his first trucking event of the year and is now headed to the largest – his first Mid-America Trucking Show as driver of the Spirit of the American Trucker. Also, from a state acting to improve parking and bathroom access for truckers to a federal agency that’s pursuing a regulation no matter how it hurts America’s truckers, we’ll offer up some Roses and Razzberries. And a Trump administration rule broadening who can be an independent contractor...
Mar 19, 2022•51 min
LLN (3/17/22) – Washington state lawmakers have OK’d money to keep the state’s rest areas open, and they passed a bill to ensure that truckers who work at the state’s ports have access to restrooms there. Also, the White House has announced an initiative to improve data flow in the supply chain. But how will that work? Meanwhile, the president’s Trucking Action Plan hits the 90-day market – we’ll fill you in on where it stands. And the sales pitch for the infrastructure bill was that it would fi...
Mar 18, 2022•51 min
LLN (3/16/22) – States across the country are considering a fuel tax holiday, and some have even urged the federal government to temporarily suspend the federal fuel tax. We’ll have an update on where things stand. Also, the Mid-America Trucking Show is right around the corner, and attendees will have a chance to honor our nation’s heroes through a Veterans in Trucking showcase. We’ll talk with a coordinator of the event about what people can expect to see. And what are the current freight trend...
Mar 17, 2022•51 min
LLN (3/15/22) – The annual practice of daylight saving time changes continues to be a topic of discussion at statehouses around the country. And federal efforts could potentially end the practice of changing clocks in the spring and fall. Also, if Aaron Terrazas of Convoy were to describe the February jobs numbers for the transportation industry in one word, that word would be “strong.” But uncertainty is rearing its ugly head again. And industry stakeholders are asking CARB to pause the deadlin...
Mar 16, 2022•51 min
LLN (3/14/22) – The price of fuel is doubtless the No. 1 topic in the industry right now, and recovering some of that expense may require a fuel surcharge. Also, items 1, 2 and 3 in trucking news right now might be fuel prices. In a roundtable discussion, Jami Jones and Mark Schremmer of Land Line Magazine talk about what’s driving the news right now – from fuel prices and fuel surcharges to the convoy in D.C. and hours-of-service challenges. And an effort to reform police-dispatched towing in M...
Mar 15, 2022•51 min
LLN (3/11/22) – It should be no surprise to anyone that truckers are thinking about fuel prices. And Marty Ellis, driver of the OOIDA tour trailer, is hearing about it all as he heads into his first trucking event of the year. Also, the votes are in and a truck stop in Kansas is now dubbed the best independent truck stop in North America. Meanwhile, an Illinois truck driver is being credited with saving the lives of four people after he came upon a vehicle that was on fire following an accident....
Mar 12, 2022•51 min
LLN (3/10/22) – The EPA is going all-in on its cleaner transportation initiative, with the White House announcing several actions addressing greenhouse gas emission, including stricter emission standards for trucks. Also, Washington state lawmakers are close to approving bills to keep the state’s rest areas open and give truckers access to rest rooms in the state’s ports. And the U.S. House has finally reached agreement on annual spending bills, but Senate approval remains ahead. We’ll hear abou...
Mar 11, 2022•51 min
LLN (3/9/22) – Rising diesel prices are likely to have an ongoing effect on the spot market. Stephen Petit of DAT tells us what to expect before getting into the latest numbers and trends. Also, when it comes to technology, truckers for the most part focus on what makes the truck go – engine, drive train, tires and so on. Past that, it was through the muffler and out the stack. But that’s not so anymore – and after-treatment is now a big deal. And the FMCSA has dropped two proposals related to p...
Mar 10, 2022•51 min
LLN (3/8/22) – A year ago this month, U.S. Rep. Mike Bost of Illinois introduced the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act. But despite bipartisan support, the bill hasn’t really gone anywhere. Why not? Afterward, we’ll hear about what it will take to get something done on parking from Todd Spencer and Lewie Pugh of OOIDA. Also on today’s program: Lawmakers in six states are trying to end ticket quotas in their jurisdictions, while Michigan officials are working to cut red tape and open the spigo...
Mar 09, 2022•51 min
LLN (3/7/22) – The Mid-America Trucking Show is normally a place to see shiny new trucks and the latest doo-dads. But for MATS 2022, the show’s 50th anniversary edition, a lot of emphasis is being put on the education seminars. We’ll explain, and bring you what OOIDA plans for the big show. Also, you’re involved in a crash that requires clean-up and maybe even a tow. Do you know whether your insurance is going to cover those services? And we urge people on this program every day to contact their...
Mar 08, 2022•51 min
LLN (3/4/22) – At long last, the stars appear to be lining up on truck parking. There’s action on the federal, state and local levels – but in our latest installment of The Parking Zone, Tyson Fisher of Land Line Magazine tells us what it’s going to take to keep the momentum going. Also, Marty Ellis has been hearing how tired truckers are of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and how frustrated they are of short-sighted proposals, like the proposed gas tax holiday. And recent data from the Natio...
Mar 05, 2022•51 min
LLN (3/3/22) – Over the next few months, federal officials are likely going to be busy as they develop new proposed regulations. So what do they have brewing, and how might these affect the trucking industry? Also, the FMCSA has once again extended its emergency declaration related to the pandemic, bringing it to two years in effect. Other orders covering CDLs, medical cards and learner’s permits are also being extended – but for how long? And Washington state is drawing fire over an “export tax...
Mar 04, 2022•51 min
