LLN (12/21/22) – One of the biggest problems in trucking is the way some shippers, receivers, brokers and others coerce truckers into violating the regulations. But OOIDA some years ago fought to get an anti-coercion regulation on the books. Also, loads were barely up and equipment was down on DATs MembersEdge load board. And Marty Ellis has been playing Santa to a whole hospital full of kids before getting back on the road. He’ll discuss that – and some advice for his fellow truckers who may be...
Dec 22, 2022•51 min
LLN (12/20/22) – A newly introduced bill that ensures access to restroom facilities for truckers “is a no brainer” according to the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Troy Nehls of Texas. The congressman joins us to talk about why he introduced the bill. Also, you don’t have to tell truckers that 2022 has been a busy year for regulations. We’ll take a look back at what’s happened over the past 12 months that could – or will – have an impact on your life. And a Missouri lawmaker wants to tap the state’s budget...
Dec 21, 2022•51 min
LLN (12/19/22) – A bill designed to give truckers access to the bathroom at facilities they pick up from and deliver to is now in Congress. Also, from a fire hose of questionable regulation proposals to new legislation that will actually improve the lives of truckers, we recap the big stories of 2022. And this weekend marked the annual Wreaths Across America event. We’ll speak with the president of a trucking and logistics company in Maine, who says he looks forward to this event to honor the na...
Dec 20, 2022•51 min
LLN (12/16/22) – Lots of truckers want those big, shiny straight pipes running up the side of their rig, but it’s not so easy with newer trucks. Or is it? Also, a lot of trucking issues are making headlines both in industry news publications and mainstream media. We’ll review some of those stories. And maintaining a truck is an expensive endeavor. And the stress of doing that is made all the worse by the economics of trucking right now, with low rates and high fuel costs, among other factors. An...
Dec 17, 2022•51 min
LLN (12/15/22) – Does a proposed worker classification rule protect owner-operators’ independence? Does it protect drivers who should be classified as employees? Those are just some of the questions about a U.S. Department of Labor proposal that could have a huge impact on your life. Also, our rundown of OOIDA’s biggest accomplishments in celebration of the Association’s 50th anniversary continues with a look at hours of service. And the governor of Tennessee has unveiled a plan to provide fundi...
Dec 16, 2022•51 min
LLN (12/14/22) – The American Transportation Research Institute has a new report that lays out the challenges associated with converting the nation over to a fully electric world. Jeff Short, vice president of ATRI, shares what the report turned up along with some possible solutions. Also, the threat of winter storms and unpredictable schedules is impacting the MembersEdge load board. We’ll have the latest in today’s market update with Stephen Petit of DAT. And you get a call that some kind of e...
Dec 15, 2022•51 min
LLN (12/13/22) – Are oil companies price gouging in California? We’ll take a look at what the state may do about that – and the potential for some fuel tax relief. Also, how do you make it easier for truckers to contact their lawmakers about legislation that affects them? Several years back, OOIDA tackled that very problem. We’ll explain how the effort started, and how it's helped the Association make headway on Capitol Hill. And when you’re pulled over either for a ticket or an inspection – or ...
Dec 14, 2022•51 min
LLN (12/12/22) – Although things may be settling a bit, Steve Tam of ACT Research says the market for buying trucks is still topsy-turvy. He tells us where things stand now – and where they may be headed as we look ahead to a new year. Also, when it comes to insurance, having a hired driver on your policy can come with increased risk. Trina Skywalker of OOIDA’s Truck Insurance Department explains what you should expect when getting a quote. And the U.S. Department of Labor has a proposal out to ...
Dec 13, 2022•51 min
LLN (12/9/22) – Inspections are not something that any trucker likes, but they are necessary for some purposes. Among them is the simple ability to get loads. Also, from a truck stop employee who went beyond the extra mile to a company that said goodbye to its workers by text message, we’ll bring you the good and the bad from recent news with some Roses and Razzberries. And what’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever seen? We all have some stories about weird stuff we’ve seen out on the road. Mart...
Dec 10, 2022•51 min
LLN (12/8/22) – Red-light camera use in Texas is nearing its death, and one state lawmaker wants to put the final nail in the coffin; meanwhile, a new law in Pennsylvania is intended to improve the safety of forestry product haulers in the state. Also, a veteran truck driver is gearing up for the annual Wreaths Across America day coming up on Dec. 17. And the FMCSA is taking a crack at changing how regulations are handled when an emergency declaration has been made; meanwhile, the U.S. Departmen...
Dec 09, 2022•51 min
LLN (12/7/22) – The potential rail strike was averted last week, but according to DAT some shippers still took preventative measures and diverted some volume to truckload. Also, the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute is continuing its efforts to teach people how to safely share the road with truck drivers. We’ll hear from one of the senior research associates who is getting creative when it comes to showing motorists the vantage point of a truck driver, and why it's important to keep that in...
Dec 08, 2022•51 min
LLN (12/6/22) – Broker complaints are nothing new in trucking, but it seems sometimes as if brokers are trying to find whole new ways to make things difficult for carriers. We’ll discuss a couple of recent examples. Also, what is the secret to getting better fuel economy? A number of maintenance items can have a big impact – and they’re things you should probably be doing anyway. And a campaign in Massachusetts wants to give drivers a break on fuel tax to help combat increasing prices. Meanwhile...
Dec 07, 2022•51 min
LLN (12/5/22) – A push has started to get the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act through the U.S. Senate. We’ll explain where that effort stands. Also, the trucking industry is becoming more diverse. We recently spoke with the North American Punjabi Trucking Association about how it got started and how itis working to bring awareness to the growing number of Punjabi truck drivers. And a new issue of Land Line Magazine is out. It’s taking a look at the new year, when OOIDA will celebrate 50 yea...
Dec 06, 2022•51 min
LLN (12/2/22) – A bill dedicated to adding truck parking throughout the country has been introduced in the U.S. Senate. Now what? Todd Spencer and Bryce Mongeon of OOIDA stop by to explain how they helped bring the legislation to light – and what needs to be done to get it over the finish line. Also, the OOIDA Foundation Market Update for the month of October reveals some new things about where things stand right now – and where they may be headed. And want more proof that the so-called “driver ...
Dec 03, 2022•51 min
LLN (12/1/22) – A Senate version of a truck parking bill is now officially in play. And what happens next could have a big impact on the lives of many truckers out on the road. Also, in an effort to retain drivers, a woman has started a mentor-mentee program. We’ll speak with her, and to a member of OOIDA who credits her successful career to the support she's received from the program. And lawmakers in New Jersey are considering whether to revise the amount of time that both gasoline- and diesel...
Dec 02, 2022•51 min
LLN (11/30/22) – A new book called “Data Driven” examines how digital surveillance is upending life and work on the open road for truckers. Load posts took a nosedive last week, and other observations from the spot market. Plus, unique electronic identifiers and regulation fatigue. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:05 – Data Driven. 24:29 – Spot market update. 39:23 – Regulation fatigue.
Dec 01, 2022•51 min
LLN (11/29/22) – Our series celebrating OOIDA’s top accomplishments over the last 50 years continues with a look at the war being waged against minimum insurance hikes. Also, there are several benefits to trucking with a pet, but finding pet-friendly stops along your route can be a difficult task. And freezing or suspending fuel taxes is all the rage at statehouses across the country right now – and two states are revisiting the issue. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:05 – Waging war against minimum insuranc...
Nov 30, 2022•51 min
LLN (11/28/22) – A new Congress will soon take shape in our nation’s capital. That means new members who lack a basic understanding of the trucking industry. And that is a big opportunity. Also, air inflation systems are a convenience, but don’t overestimate them. While they can take some of the stress out of monitoring your trailer tires, they’re not going to do all the work for you. And we’re less than a month away from the first official day of winter, but many areas have already experienced ...
Nov 29, 2022•51 min
LLN (11/25/22) – We’ll look back at $44.4 million court victory in New York state related to registration and decal taxes, as well as OOIDA’s case that overturned 30-minute break violations in Virginia. Also, truck parking and overtime pay continue to make headlines, and OOIDA's lending a voice to those stories. We’ll hear from OOIDA’s chief operating officer to learn more about him and his role at the association. And this weekend is the time of the year when we remember what we’re thankful for...
Nov 26, 2022•51 min
LLN (11/24/22) – We’ll have our annual Thanksgiving reading of the short story about truckers, “Something for Stevie,” by author Dan Anderson. We’ll also bring you Jami Jones’s original interview with author Dan Anderson about what inspired him to write the story. Also, most truckers who deal with brokers are well aware that they typically don’t share all the information they’re supposed to. So what information do the regulations say they’re supposed to share? And we’ll discuss OOIDA’s efforts t...
Nov 25, 2022•51 min
LLN (11/23/22) – As FMCSA considers a mandate on unique electronic identifiers, we bring in someone with a unique perspective on the matter. Doug Morris of OOIDA says a mandate would create major problems on the state enforcement level. Also, for the past 50 years the province of Nova Scotia has gifted the tree to the people of Boston as a thank you for aiding them after the Halifax Explosion in 1917. We’ll hear from the truck driver who’s hauling the tree. And big events make an impact on the s...
Nov 24, 2022•51 min
LLN (11/22/22) – For the past two years, we’ve had a bit of a break from one of the more common seasonal illnesses – influenza. But that may be coming to an end. We’ll have some advice. Also, there are lots of ways you can pretty up your rig, but few things have as much impact as paint. However, whether it’s a traditional paint scheme or something more ornate, you now have an option – vinyl wraps. And over the past few years, OOIDA has been a lynchpin in a multi-state effort to address non-conse...
Nov 23, 2022•51 min
LLN (11/21/22) – The OOIDA Board of Directors met last week to discuss the issues the Association will pursue in the coming months. And the highlight was a discussion with two top federal trucking regulators. Also, it was a record year for the annual Women in Trucking Accelerate conference and expo. The event took place last week in Dallas. We’ll take a look back at the event. And the work that OOIDA’s Washington, D.C., office does on the federal level often gets the headlines, but the work they...
Nov 22, 2022•51 min
LLN (11/18/22) – Marty Ellis has been hearing about speed limiters. That includes the FMCSA’s possible push to mandate the devices in all trucks, as well as the problems they can potentially cause. Also, truck parking and overtime pay continue to make headlines, and OOIDA's lending a voice to those stories. We’ll discuss those topics with our Government Affairs staff, and sit down with OOIDA’s chief operating officer to learn more about him and his role at the association. And expanding mandates...
Nov 19, 2022•51 min
LLN (11/17/22) – The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance is asking federal regulators to require what’s called unique electronic identifiers on trucks. And the proposal raises all kinds of concerns. Also, you’ve broken out the winter coats and gloves, the chains are loaded up in the event you’ll need them out on the road – but don’t forget about your engine. Nick Rivera of Mobil Delvac gives us some tips for keeping your engine running through the winter months. And a bill in the Pennsylvania Gen...
Nov 18, 2022•51 min
LLN (11/16/22) – If you’re looking to get in a festive mood as we enter the holiday season, the spot market’s not going to do it. Load post volume is down. So are rates. Stephen Petit of DAT discusses the current state of affairs. Also, when Virginia issued citations for 30-minute break violations, turns out, they had no legal right to do it – and OOIDA made sure they made it right. We look at how the Association took on the state of Virginia and won. And chaining up is a reality for many trucke...
Nov 17, 2022•51 min
LLN (11/15/22) – Most truckers who deal with brokers are well aware that they typically don’t share all the information they’re supposed to. So what information do the regulations say they’re supposed to share? Also, we're talking tickets today with lawyers Jeff McConnell and James Mennella, the attorneys with Road Law. That includes how to fight tickets and what to do if you have one on your record. And a bill moving through the New Jersey statehouse is intended to improve customer service at t...
Nov 16, 2022•51 min
LLN (11/14/22) – Results are still not settled in a few races, but we have a better idea now of what the results of the recent election are. But what effect will those have on the trucking industry? Also, many truckers who lease on to a carrier are unaware that there are rules for how those contracts are supposed to be written and what they’re supposed to contain. And those can have a direct impact on your success. And perhaps one of the most common questions insurance companies get is, “Why are...
Nov 15, 2022•51 min
LLN (11/11/22) – It’s Day 5 of the OOIDA Truckers for Troops fund drive. All this week, we’re raising money to send care packages to U.S. troops overseas and supports efforts of the Veterans Community Project to end veteran homelessness. Also, for most of his life, Bryan Martin has been holding on to a classic Peterbilt. Now, he’s on the road, and preparing to restore that truck into a working vehicle. And Marty Ellis has found himself in the center of a controversial debate – whether to do dayl...
Nov 12, 2022•51 min
LLN (11/10/22) – It’s Day 4 of the OOIDA Truckers for Troops fund drive. All this week, we’re raising money to send care packages to U.S. troops overseas and support efforts of the Veterans Community Project to end veteran homelessness. Also, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration says it wants to improve the regulations regarding electronic logging devices. But there may be some disagreement with truckers in terms of what “improve” means. And a slew of state and local ballots had voter...
Nov 11, 2022•51 min
