Each month, the U.S. government releases its jobs report – and each month, we report on how many trucking jobs were lost or gained. But what does that mean for the trucking industry at-large? And more importantly, what do all those numbers mean for you and your livelihood? Also, a truck driver in New York is being applauded after he maneuvered his truck to stop a fleeing suspect in the shooting of a state trooper. And the spot market is starting to heat up. Land Line Now's Ashley Blackford has t...
Jul 20, 2023•50 min
Load boards are a vital resource for truckers who work the spot market. However, in recent times, fraud and scam artists have started to work the load boards, and truckers end up being the victims. Also, basic bookkeeping can do a lot for you and your business, and can mean the difference between profit and loss. And several states are changing their rules on various kinds of autonomous vehicles. Meanwhile, two states have altered their rules for how trucks use roundabouts. 0:00 – Newscast 09:55...
Jul 19, 2023•50 min
The scammers strike again. This time, a mom-and-pop trucking operation is left reeling after their MCS-150 was hacked. And while there are some safeguards in place, there are things you should be doing to keep your information and business safe. Then, a new report backs up what you’ve probably been feeling over the past several months: the cost of doing business is way up across the board. Plus, a new attempt in Congress to block FMCSA’s proposed speed limiter mandate. 0:00 – Newscast 09:55 – Sc...
Jul 18, 2023•50 min
Tired of being told to hold it? U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, co-sponsor of the Trucker Bathroom Access Act, explains how her bipartisan bill would help truckers and the supply chain at-large. Plus, from the rising cost of running a trucking operation to an effort to get more women into trucking and more, we hand out some Roses and Razzberries. And finally, OOIDA’s efforts to keep bigger, heavier trucks off our nation’s roadways. 0:00 – Newscast 9:55 – U.S. Rep. Houlahan on Trucker...
Jul 15, 2023•50 min
Imagine a world with no owner-operators, speed limiters in every truck and roadside fines. Without OOIDA’s influence over the past 50 years, the trucking industry would look a lot different right now. Plus, looking to make your rig shine? Storage probably isn’t the first thing you think of – but it can be part of what makes your truck look great. And finally, a deeper look at the task force dedicated to studying predatory lease-purchase agreements. 0:00 – Newscast 9:55 – Customize your storage i...
Jul 14, 2023•50 min
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg joins the show to talk about the department’s newly launched Truck Leasing Task Force – and says it all comes back to retention and safety. New truck parking spaces are going in across the country thanks to federal grants and private enterprise. And tips on what owner-operators can do right now to gain an advantage in the up-and-down spot market. 0:00 – Newscast 09:55 – U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg 24:24 – The Parking Zone 39:12 – Rid...
Jul 13, 2023•50 min
Maryland has made some changes to address problems with nonconsensual towing in that state. Meanwhile, Missouri’s governor has given his OK to widening Interstate 70 across the state. Also, most trucks are required to use and ELD. But how do you tell what the best ELD is for your operation? And if you get into legal trouble, you may not know where to turn with questions. But Road Law can help. 0:00 – Newscast 09:55 – How do you find the best ELD for you? 24:24 – Handling legal issues in trucking...
Jul 12, 2023•50 min
We continue to await a possible speed limiter proposal from FMCSA. But in the meanwhile, those who oppose the devices are not sitting still. We’ll discuss what OOIDA is doing with Collin Long of the Association’s Washington, D.C., office. Also, double brokering and broker fraud are running rampant. And that means educating carriers about those problems and how to avoid them is more important than ever. And the SuperRigs Calendar is one people look forward to every year. But how much work goes in...
Jul 11, 2023•50 min
A new program is designed to help trucks stop at fewer traffic signals in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Also, we don’t have a bridge in Brooklyn we’d like to sell you, but in Iowa, you can adopt, relocate and use a historic bridge. The warning lights are flashing red for Yellow. The carrier is taking hits on multiple fronts right now. Our panel from Land Line Magazine discusses what’s gone wrong and where things could be headed. And one of the most significant accomplishments of OOIDA in fighting ...
Jul 08, 2023•50 min
A proposal to require automatic emergency braking systems on heavy vehicles published earlier today. We’ll discuss that – plus an agency within the U.S. DOT asking for input regarding hazardous material regulations – with OOIDA Director of Federal Affairs Jay Grimes. Also, a 300-ton kiln made its way from Italy to Arkansas recently. We’ll talk with one man behind the mechanics of moving this 60-thousand-pound load to a hazardous waste company in Arkansas. And eight states have made changes to th...
Jul 07, 2023•50 min
The final week of June was a solid week for anyone who hauls freight on the spot market. We’ll get the latest details on the market from Robert Rouse of DAT, along with what truckers can expect in the weeks ahead. Also, an OOIDA life member who recently won a company driver of the year award didn’t just get a trophy and a pat on the back. Dave Sweetman got the carpet rolled out for him over a weekend of experiences in Winston Salem, N.C. And what is the importance of secondary liability? We’ll h...
Jul 06, 2023•50 min
From July 9 through July 15, enforcement officers across the U.S. and Canada will take part in Operation Safe Driver, an annual campaign during which they look for unsafe driving behaviors by any vehicle. Also, in Macon, Ga., a company is offering pay parking options in the area. Running from now through Labor Day, truckers who stop at TA & Petro travel centers have a chance to support the St. Christopher Fund. And OOIDA's Washington, D.C., office does the boots-on-the-ground work with gover...
Jul 05, 2023•50 min
Two universities are exploring the idea of converting existing diesel trucks into electric trucks. And this month, they put on an event to showcase how the transformation would work. OOIDA President Todd Spencer and Land Line Magazine Staff Writer Tyson Fisher attended the event. Also, a New York trucker is being applauded after he maneuvered his truck to stop a fleeing suspect in the shooting of a state trooper. And OOIDA has many tools it uses to influence what happens in Washington, D.C., on ...
Jul 04, 2023•50 min
The issue of nonconsensual towing hasn’t come up in a while, but that doesn’t mean nothing has been happening. We’ll talk about recent action in Maryland with OOIDA Director of Safety and Security Operations Doug Morris. Also, getting 1099 pay? We break down who should and shouldn’t be paid as independent contractors and what you can do if you think you’re being paid wrong. And the July issue of Land Line Magazine will soon be delivered. This month’s magazine focuses on all the efforts in Washin...
Jul 01, 2023•50 min
A petition from OOIDA on broker transparency may soon result in regulatory action by FMCSA. We’ll discuss that – and an upcoming proposal to require electronic IDs on commercial motor vehicles – with OOIDA Director of Federal Affairs Jay Grimes. Also, from the insurance implications of autonomous vehicles to the safety problems we’re already seeing, Tyson Fisher of Land Line Magazine joins us to talk about the unseen costs of autonomous technology. And Land Line Magazine Staff Writer Ryan Witkow...
Jun 30, 2023•50 min
A truck driver in New York is being applauded after he maneuvered his truck to stop a fleeing suspect who had shot a state trooper. He’ll talk with us about what happened, and how he says he was just in the right place at the right time. Also, from July 9 through July15, enforcement officers across the U.S. and Canada will take part in Operation Safe Driver, an annual campaign during which they look for unsafe driving behaviors by any vehicle, commercial or passenger. And it’s an important week ...
Jun 29, 2023•50 min
Two universities are exploring the idea of converting existing diesel trucks into electric trucks. And this month, they put on an event to showcase how the transformation would work. Also, what do you need to know about PSP? We’ll get a primer on the subject from Alex Clark and David Grimes of CDL Legal. And several states are considering measures that would affect the ability of trucks to use the left lane on interstates and other multi-lane highways. 0:00 – Newscast. 09:25 – Can diesel trucks ...
Jun 28, 2023•50 min
Automated surveillance has passed from science fiction into cold, hard reality for truck drivers. A federal agency has asked for feedback from the public on the topic, and OOIDA has given them an earful. OOIDA’s executive vice president recently participated in a panel discussion about understanding the needs of the trucking industry, put on by the Eastern Transportation Coalition. We’ll speak with the director of the Freight Program about the panel. Also, Connecticut is dealing with an unusual ...
Jun 27, 2023•50 min
In the late 1980s, truckers staged a boycott of the state of Indiana in response to actions of state officials toward trucks. As part of our ongoing series on OOIDA’s 50th anniversary, we’ll take a look back at what happened and why with OOIDA President and CEO Todd Spencer. Also, the Land Line Magazine staff breaks down the biggest news of the week, including the proposed automatic emergency braking mandate, the possibility of hair testing and FMCSA’s desire to target unsafe motor carriers. 0:0...
Jun 24, 2023•50 min
Two federal agencies have announced action regarding automatic emergency braking – or AEB. And the proposal targets large trucks. Also, in Macon, Ga., an ordinance has stopped truckers from parking their trucks at their homes. And that has created a need for local truck parking. Stepping into that void are several companies offering pay parking options. Running through Labor Day, truckers who stop at TA & Petro travel centers have a chance to support the St. Christopher Fund. And concern abo...
Jun 23, 2023•50 min
You may remember the case of a truck driver who flew to Arizona hoping to buy a truck at auction – only to have his $40,000 seized by law enforcement. Dan Alban of the Institute for Justice joins us to talk about the case and offers some advice on what to do if you find yourself facing questions about cash you’re carrying. Also, when it comes to getting a ticket, you may be encouraged to pay it right away, but the lawyers with Road Law say it be worth your while to wait and ask a few questions. ...
Jun 22, 2023•50 min
Are changes to CSA good news or bad news for small motor carriers? What’s required to survive a safety audit? What are the upsides and downsides of using shipper’s load and count? What is DataQ and how can you use it to your benefit? Also, when you do anything, you have to start with the basics – the things that form the foundation of what you’re doing. In terms of taxes, that ends up being the basics of business recordkeeping. And the first day of summer is tomorrow, and according to DAT, spot ...
Jun 21, 2023•50 min
Tracking fuel tax state to state can be a confusing, complicated matter, but it’s something you have to have done right. We’ll discuss that – and updating the MCS 150 – with Tom Crowley and Joe Biggs of OOIDA’s Business Services Department. Also, it can take a lot of work to get your own authority - and that includes insurance coverage. And OOIDA has many tools it uses to influence what happens in Washington, D.C., on behalf of truckers. And one of those is its PAC. 0:00 – Newscast. 09:25 – Gett...
Jun 20, 2023•50 min
Most everyone in the trucking industry is aware of the truck parking problem. But some are actually trying their hands at a solution, even if only for their own drivers. We’ll talk with David Lowry of Bennett Motor Express out of Georgia. Also, Ohio’s Department of Transportation is looking at renovating or even replacing facilities at many of its rest areas. Ohio DOT spokesman Matt Bruning joins us to explain. We’ll tell you who in recent news has been good and who’s been bad with some Roses an...
Jun 17, 2023•50 min
OOIDA says it supports expanding the FMCSA’s Crash Preventability Determination Program for truckers. We’ll discuss that – and a presidential veto of a resolution regarding a new EPA regulation for trucks – with OOIDA Director of Federal Affairs Jay Grimes. Also, we’ll speak with Stephen Fritz about his operation of transporting elephants, both on land and air. And a 1,600-mile journey behind the wheel of the OOIDA tour truck has left Lewie Pugh with many thoughts on new truck technology and spe...
Jun 16, 2023•50 min
Side underride guards were the topic of a recent documentary by PBS’s Frontline – and OOIDA’s Lewie Pugh was interviewed for the show. We’ll sit down with him to discuss the documentary and find out where the Association stands on the issue. Also, we have some positive updates on parking, such as the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act passing out of committee – but also some bad, including another major city banning truck parking. And rain and cold temperatures have led to a late start to prod...
Jun 15, 2023•50 min
There have been new developments with regard to AB5 in California and Julie Su’s nomination to lead the Labor Department. U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley of California returns to the program to talk about both issues. Also, it was a busy weekend with SuperRigs and the American Truck Historical Society’s annual truck show happening. We’ll sit down with Land Line staff who attended the shows to talk about how they went and to find out what set the winners apart from the other trucks at SuperRigs. And states...
Jun 14, 2023•50 min
A bill to give truckers access to bathrooms at shippers and receivers is now before Congress. So what’s the next step for that measure, and what are its chances for passage? Also, ATRI is out with a new report that examined the expansion of marijuana legalization nationwide – and what effect that’s having on the trucking industry. And planning on sitting your truck for a few months – or maybe firing up the RV for a summer trip? Make a note to do a thorough tire check. 0:00 – Newscast. 09:25 – St...
Jun 13, 2023•50 min
Tracking fuel tax state to state for IFTA can be a confusing, complicated matter, but it’s something that must be done right. Also, from reintroduction of the restroom access bill and oversight of autonomous vehicle testing to two days of Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee meetings – we recap the biggest stories of the week. And the issue of broker fraud has reached epidemic proportions in the trucking industry – and some people in Washington are taking notice. 0:00 – Newscast. 09:25 – Answ...
Jun 10, 2023•50 min
The Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee or MCSAC is meeting, discussing topics that could have a direct impact on your life and your business. Also, the American Transportation Research Institute has released its research priorities for 2023. And OOIDA has many tools it uses to influence what happens in Washington, D.C., on behalf of truckers. And one of those is its political action committee. 0:00 – Newscast. 09:25 – ATRI sets research priorities. 24:19 – Advisory panel discusses regulatio...
Jun 09, 2023•50 min
