What’s involved in tracking your fuel taxes? And how do you avoid getting into trouble reporting them? Plus, information on updating your authority and predatory towing. Then, advice on preparing for enforcement blitzes, how to conduct yourself during an inspection and protecting yourself should something go wrong. And finally, updates on autonomous truck rules in California and road funding in Pennsylvania. 0:00 – Newscast 10:06 – Tracking fuel taxes, updating your authority and predatory towin...
Aug 30, 2023•50 min
There is no guidebook called “Trucking for Dummies,” but maybe there should be, because many challenges come with becoming an owner-operator and thriving as one. Fortunately, the OOIDA Foundation’s upcoming Truck to Success seminar is designed to help with those obstacles. Then, what started as a birthday wish for a young boy who loves trucks has turned into an annual event that draws hundreds of people every year. And finally, we look back at one of OOIDA’s biggest wins – an increase in broker ...
Aug 29, 2023•50 min
The spot market is bleak right now – and sure, the experts say we’ve likely hit the bottom, but how long will we scrape along? Also, in the 1980s, the commonwealth of Pennsylvania instituted an axle tax on large trucks. The tax ended up in court, where it was found unconstitutional. But the path there is an interesting story in trucking history. And ever connect to public Wi-Fi at a truck stop or restaurant or basically anywhere? You could be setting yourself up for a cybersecurity nightmare. 0:...
Aug 26, 2023•50 min
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration plans to study detention time in the trucking industry. We’ll discuss that – plus three companies that want FMCSA to ease requirements for driver training instructors – with OOIDA Director of Federal Affairs Jay Grimes. Also, a Texas man got the surprise of a lifetime when the truck he grew up playing in popped up unexpectedly on social media. We’ll speak with the man about the significance of the rig and how he was able to reunite with his grandfa...
Aug 25, 2023•50 min
What’s driving the autonomous vehicle push? Missy Cummings of George Mason University thinks Silicon Valley is partly to blame but predicts a serving of humble pie in the not-so-distant future. Also, you’re lining up another load, and the broker asks for your CDL. But don’t do it – it’s a scam. This one has the potential to ruin any trucking businesses that fall prey. We’ll discuss some of those recent scams and more. And the fall shipping season is getting closer. Coming up in today's Market Up...
Aug 24, 2023•50 min
A new first-in-the-nation truck weight enforcement rule in New York has drawn the ire of OOIDA. Meanwhile, an effort in Michigan would remove tolls from the Mackinac Bridge. Also, we recently talked on the program about the federal leasing regulations. But how often are those violated? And what can you do if they are? We’ll get some answers about that and more from Tom Crowley and Kristopher Synder of OOIDA’s Business Services Department. And there are a lot of ways to get crossways with the IRS...
Aug 23, 2023•50 min
San Francisco has become a testing ground for autonomous vehicle technology. This raises a simple and direct question: How is that test going? Also, Truckers Against Trafficking is continuing to expand its reach beyond the United States. And for several years, Shell has undertaken an experiment, developing a truck it calls the Starship to demonstrate new or innovative technologies. We’ll get a rundown on this year’s version of the truck from the project lead for Starship at Shell. 0:00 – Newscas...
Aug 22, 2023•50 min
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is going to take another look at rest break rules in two states. But what does that mean? Also, runaway truck ramps save lives, but not all are created equal. A novel concept is being used in Wyoming to bring runaway vehicles to a safe stop. And a truck convoy in Indiana tripled its goal of raising more than $17,000 for the Make-a-Wish foundation. Coming up, we’ll hear why this organization was chosen and how the generosity of truckers has once aga...
Aug 19, 2023•50 min
OOIDA is once again urging the FMCSA to take action on broker transparency. We’ll discuss that – plus the latest on FMCSA pre-emption of meal and rest breaks in two states – with OOIDA Director of Federal Affairs Jay Grimes. Also, a transport company recently stepped up to help deliver parts for a project to assemble a C47 at Camp Toccoa in Currahee, Georgia. And dating back to the mid-‘90s, several decisions were made that sought to open up the U.S. southern border to Mexico-based motor carrier...
Aug 18, 2023•50 min
The bad guys, as Brent Hutto of Truckstop likes to call them, have been active of late trying to steal money from hard-working truck drivers. The latest type of fraud on the rise? Fuel card theft. Brent explains what’s behind the increase and how to stop those bad guys in their tracks. Also, it can take a lot of work to get your own authority – and that includes insurance coverage. Today we look at some tips on what to look for when it comes to coverage as well as some questions to ask about you...
Aug 17, 2023•50 min
Two state lawmakers want to put speed limiters on the vehicles of New York City’s worst speeders. Also, how does an escrow work – or at least, how is it supposed to work – and what’s involved in trying to get it back when the time comes? And some Class A drivers have been having a hard time lately with the court system when it comes to traffic tickets. We’ll speak with the guys at Road Law to find out what those drivers can do to help them have a chance of winning their traffic ticket case. 0:00...
Aug 16, 2023•50 min
A change regarding overweight fines in New York City could cost truckers a lot of money. And some questions are being raised. Also, new broker fraud schemes pop up every week. We’ll talk about red flags to look out for and what you should do if you've fallen victim to broker fraud. And Michigan is setting up what it calls the “truck stop of the future,” and electric truck charging is at the center of the project. 0:00 – Newscast 10:06 – Red flags that indicate broker fraud 24:50 – ‘Truck stop of...
Aug 15, 2023•50 min
Autonomous vehicles and autonomous trucks are coming to a road near you, whether you like it or not. But before it happens on a large scale, some important questions need to be asked and answered. Also, from a federal agency late on an important deadline to a state adding truck parking in an area with none, SJ Munoz and Ryan Witkowski tell us who in recent news has been good and who’s been bad with some Roses and Razzberries. And this fall, voters in Maine will decide on a proposed “right to rep...
Aug 12, 2023•50 min
A watchdog in the Department of Transportation has a few things to say about the FMCSA’s oversight of cross-border trucking with Mexico. We’ll have that and an update on the automatic emergency braking rulemaking. Every year OOIDA recognizes dozens of drivers through its Safe Driving Award Program. We’ll speak with one of them. And the effort to end split speed limits continues for OOIDA. We’ll take a look back on how the association has fought to end speed differentials in many states across th...
Aug 11, 2023•50 min
From two new Nikola battery electric trucks and a new driver assistance product, to new technology designed to increase fuel efficiency, contributing editor of Land Line Magazine Tom Berg has been busy doing test drives. Also, a deadly crash outside of St. Louis is bringing the truck parking crisis into the national spotlight. Tyson Fisher of Land Line Magazine breaks down the latest on that story. Finally, fall shipping season is right around the corner and DAT is starting to see an increase in...
Aug 10, 2023•50 min
Broker fraud is running rampant in trucking, and it’s causing all kinds of problems for owner-operators who work with those companies. Also, policy endorsements can be an important part of your insurance plan. We’ll discuss what additional coverage you should have. And Minnesota has legalized the use of marijuana, but some are concerned about the effect on highway safety. Meanwhile, two states take two different courses for deal with price gouging at the pump. 0:00 – Newscast 10:06 – Broker frau...
Aug 09, 2023•50 min
Women in Trucking has a very specific mission – and to see how things are going toward that mission, they’ve developed their own set of statistics – the WIT Index. Also, several members of Congress are taking aim at the rule requiring entry level driver training in trucking. A passion for art and an interest in trucks has turned into a career for an Ohio woman. And it’s August, and lawmakers are back in their home districts meeting with constituents. That means opportunity for truckers intereste...
Aug 08, 2023•50 min
Pushback against separate proposals on speed limiters and automatic emergency braking systems is growing. We’ll talk about the big stories of the week – plus remember and honor the life of OOIDA board member Bob Esler. A new program is designed to help trucks stop at fewer traffic signals in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Also, in Iowa, you can adopt, relocate and use a historic bridge. And it’s the story of a Canadian truck driver who wrecked her truck in Pennsylvania, got hit with a DUI and then ...
Aug 05, 2023•50 min
After nearly three decades in the trucking business, Brenny Transportation has been named the top woman-owned business for 2023 by Women in Trucking. We’ll speak to the woman behind the business about its success and what sets them apart. Also, Howe's Hall of Fame has named its newest inductee. We’ll hear from Kate Whiting, who says it was a 1973 Kenworth that peaked her interest and got her into the industry. And what’s the big trend in truck mods? Whether it’s exterior or interior, truckers ar...
Aug 04, 2023•50 min
Diesel prices had been on a slow but steady decline in recent months. But not any longer. Tom Kloza of the Oil Price Information Service tells us what's driving prices up, and what the tea leaves say about what's coming next. Also, three companies have requested an exemption from FMCSA’s entry-level driver training rule. Meanwhile, the sponsor of a Senate bill on speed limiters says the FMCSA’s efforts on that issue are “overreaching” and “out of touch.” And end of July shipping had a slight imp...
Aug 03, 2023•50 min
From an RV chained to a parking lot lamp post to celebrating 50 years fighting for the rights of all truckers, Land Line Magazine is celebrating OOIDA with a special issue dedicated to its evolution. Plus, when a trucker has a question, concern or problem, they often call OOIDA for answers. We’ll break down the hottest topics lighting up the Association’s phones these days, from yet another new scam to paperwork requirements and more. And finally, one state is paving the way for autonomous truck...
Aug 02, 2023•50 min
A bill that would prevent a regulation to require speed limiters is now in the U.S. Senate. We’ll discuss the bill, the background and what it all means with Collin Long of OOIDA’s Washington, D.C., office. Also, every year dozens of truck drivers volunteer to haul a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial that honors the men and women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. We’ll hear from one about his experience. And earlier today, news broke that Yellow Freight was filing for bankruptcy. It’s ...
Aug 01, 2023•50 min
It’s good news, bad news when it comes to the spot market. The bad news: it appears we’ve finally hit bottom when it comes to rates and load posts. But the good news is that there’s only one way to go, and that’s up. Also, it's been a busy week in the news, with information breaking about automatic emergency braking, a new DOT number scam, Julie Su’s nomination to be labor secretary and more. And a tentative deal for one company, and talk of filing for bankruptcy for another. We’ll speak with DA...
Jul 29, 2023•50 min
You may not know trucker Josh Gentry by name, but you probably know his father's. Teddy Gentry is one of the founding members of Alabama. They’re back on tour this year and Josh is along for the ride. Ryan Witkowski of Land Line Magazine recently spoke with Josh about what it’s like to have a world-famous dad, his love of trucking and what he's learned by working with his father.
Jul 28, 2023•27 min
A recent survey found 50% of professional truck drivers travel with their pet. We’ll speak with the man behind the survey about the numbers and the benefits of having a furry friend riding shotgun. Also, the Women of Trucking Advisory Board is about to meet again, and some important topics are on the agenda. Meanwhile, FMCSA has removed more devices from the list of approved electronic logging devices. And you may not know trucker Josh Gentry by name, but you probably know his father’s. Teddy Ge...
Jul 28, 2023•50 min
How long will the ongoing freight recession last? Jason Miller of Michigan State University doesn’t know – but he’s got a pretty good guess. We’ll ask Professor Miller about that, the strike that was averted at UPS and Yellow’s ongoing troubles, among other topics within the supply chain. Also, by now, you’re probably familiar with the term “nuclear verdict.” The fact is, they’ve been a problem for a while in trucking. Now, some are taking a closer look at the problem. And OOIDA has many tools i...
Jul 27, 2023•50 min
Scams are rapidly becoming a nearly daily feature of trucking, and it’s getting harder all the time to avoid them. The latest one has the potential to ruin any trucking businesses that fall prey. Also, what should you do when you get a ticket? What are some of the reasons you might want to take that ticket to court? Many truckers will face this situation. How you handle it can have an impact on everything going forward. And a new law in Washington state that is designed to guarantee truckers acc...
Jul 26, 2023•50 min
The government is moving forward with a proposed rule to require automatic emergency braking, or AEB, in trucks. OOIDA has some very real concerns about that. We’ll get an update from Bryce Mongeon of OOIDA’s Washington, D.C., office. Also, when it comes to fixing the truck parking crisis, all ideas are on the table, including one that would turn old drive-in theaters into safe spots for trucks to park. And as the EPA pushes strict new emission standards, a new report found that a majority of he...
Jul 25, 2023•50 min
Congress actually went to bat for truckers this week. From setting up a roadblock on FMCSA’s plans for a speed limiter rule to a letter questioning the EPA’s strict emission rules and more, our Land Line roundtable rounds up the big stories of the week. Then, a recent report by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has some significant implications for trucking. The Utah DOT is educating the public about how to share the road with big trucks. And finally, without OOIDA, roadside drug testing ...
Jul 22, 2023•50 min
OOIDA is speaking out on a proposal to require side underride guards on trucks. Meanwhile, a portion of a transportation spending bill is designed to address the recent push for speed limiters. And we're taking a walk down memory lane, or more specifically, to the Monfort Lane. We’ll speak with a couple of drivers who say driving for Monfort was the best time in their life. 0:00 – Newscast 09:55 – OOIDA speaks against side underride guards 24:24 – A trip down the Monfort Lane...
Jul 21, 2023•50 min
