The number of trucking jobs in the U.S. economy went up last month – and while that may seem like good news, there’s another side to the story. Also, dispatching services are becoming more common, and more truckers are using them. So are they a good idea, or not? Tom Crowley and Joe Biggs of OOIDA’s Business Services Department come on the show to discuss that – and whether now is a good time to get your own authority. And a decrease in load volume on DATs load board. We’ll get the latest on mar...
Oct 12, 2023•50 min
The truck parking crisis hasn’t been solved, but at least we’re seeing movement on the federal level. Also, rate increases for your insurance policy are sometimes unavoidable, but why do they go up? We’ll sit down with the experts from OOIDA’s Truck Insurance Department to find out. And Election Day is just over a month away. So if you aren’t already registered to vote, it’s time to get it done. If you’re not going to be in town come Election Day, it’s time to look at absentee voting as an optio...
Oct 11, 2023•50 min
The race has begun to replace Rep. Kevin McCarthy as speaker of the House. But the lack of a speaker has real consequences, including for truckers. We’ll have the details. Also, a proposed rule to require automatic emergency braking systems in trucks has stirred quite a bit of controversy. But what are truckers saying about it? And girls in Wisconsin recently got a chance to explore the world of trucking. We’ll hear from a trucking company that was one of the event partners and taught young wome...
Oct 10, 2023•50 min
When it comes to increasing the fuel economy on your truck, there are plenty of scams and half-cooked ideas. So how do you tell the real from the fake? Also, a trio of OOIDA members have been honored as Road Warriors by Pilot Flying J – and we talk with the grand-prize winner, Don Crouse. And when OOIDA noticed that the state of Alabama was charging out-of-state truckers fuel marker decal fees, it took the state to court – and won. OOIDA’s Todd Spencer joins the program to talk about the fight, ...
Oct 07, 2023•50 min
New York City is taking action to alleviate at least part of the city’s truck parking problem. Zach Miller is the director of Metro Region Operations for the Trucking Association of New York. We’ll talk with him about the plan. Also, in an effort to combat human trafficking, transportation leaders from across the country met this week. We’ll have details from the meeting, including what efforts are being made in the trucking industry to train drivers. And California has been busy. Autonomous tru...
Oct 06, 2023•50 min
The Federal Highway Administration is taking nominations for a new advisory board that could help the agency toward an entirely new system for funding highways. Also, Christmas is more than 10 weeks away, but preparations for the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree ceremony are in full swing. Two Werner drivers will do the honor of picking up the tree and delivering it to Washington, D.C. And load-to-truck ratios increased for all three equipment types last week. We’ll get the latest details on what the...
Oct 05, 2023•50 min
Motor carriers operating in and through Arkansas should check their mail. You could have a letter seeking to register companies for the ad valorem tax. Jami Jones of Land Line Magazine helps us make sense of it. Also, a DAC report can make or break a trucker’s operation. So what is it, and how do you get a copy? And it was another successful year for the Guilty By Association Truck Show. We’ll wrap up our coverage with a few of the drivers who had trucks that caught a lot of attention at this ye...
Oct 04, 2023•50 min
The federal government is staying open for a while, giving Congress time to figure out annual spending bills. But how does that affect you? Also, there were lots of custom show trucks at the Guilty By Association Truck Show, but some delivered more than just eye-catching details. We spoke with drivers who use their trucks to spread awareness. And a new month means a new issue of Land Line Magazine. AEBs, OOIDA's 50th and a unique trucking connection to the band Alabama were just a few of the top...
Oct 03, 2023•50 min
The OOIDA Foundation doesn’t have a crystal ball, but it does have another tool in its toolbelt when it comes to predicting where the spot market may be headed. Then, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration had some surprises up its sleeve this week. We break down the speed limiter slipup and lengthened broker transparency timeline. And finally, the generosity of truck drivers yields more than $100,000 for Special Olympics. 0:00 – Newscast 09:51 – Predicting when the spot market will tur...
Sep 30, 2023•50 min
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is kicking the can down the road again with regard to broker transparency. Plus, what’s going on with the proposed mandates of speed limiters and automatic emergency braking systems? Then, an over-the-road truck driver tells us how he made his dream of owning a monster truck a reality. And finally, a recap of the trucking issues discussed at the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s annual conference and exhibition. 0:00 – Newscast 9:51 – Kicking th...
Sep 29, 2023•50 min
Every day, truckers across the country get scam emails, texts and even letters by snail mail. However, some of the communications truckers receive are very real and need to be attended to. That was the case recently with a state that was informing truckers about a tax they need to pay. Also, eventually, every trucker will face an inspection at roadside. How you react and what you do next can have a huge impact on your operation. And a decrease in load volume and truck posts has registered on the...
Sep 28, 2023•50 min
We thought we knew what speed limit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration had landed on for heavy trucks. But then, hours later, it backtracked and said the stated limit of 68 mph had been released in error. We’ll get some clarity, courtesy of OOIDA President Todd Spencer and OODIA Director of Legislative Affairs Bryce Mongeon. Also, from carving wood to carving pork, the Guilty By Association Truck Show offered up a lot of unique exhibits. We’ll have more from the show. And two states...
Sep 27, 2023•50 min
The FMCSA has announced that it intends to require speed limiters set at 68 mph, despite comments from thousands of truckers. Another successful Guilty By Association Truck Show is in the books. We caught up with Bryan Martin to recap this past weekend’s event. Also, drivers tend to focus on making sure they have good tires – especially on the steer position. Most of us don’t mind paying more for good tires, but it’s important to make sure you get a return on this large investment. 0:00 – Newsca...
Sep 26, 2023•50 min
What matters to you as a truck driver? The American Transportation Research Institute is asking truckers across the country that question as part of its annual Top Industry Issues Survey. And OOIDA’s 50th anniversary celebration is underway right now at the Guilty By Association Truck Show at 4 State Trucks in Joplin, Missouri. Also, summer is behind us and fall is here, which means it’s about time to get your paperwork and permits in order. We detail a few you should ensure are on your radar. 0...
Sep 23, 2023•50 min
Speed limiters and broker issues are both top issues in the industry right now. And the OOIDA Board of Directors is meeting to strategize how to tackle those and more. Also, the Veterans Community Project attempts to fill a gap in care for our nation’s most vulnerable veterans. And how secure is your smartphone? Not very, especially if you’re doing any one of several things. 0:00 – Newscast 09:51 – Speed limiters, broker issues on the agenda at OOIDA Board meeting 24:34– Project fills a need for...
Sep 22, 2023•50 min
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg appeared before the House Transportation and Infrastructure committee on Wednesday to answer questions about U.S. DOT policies. But as far as trucking matters go? There wasn’t much. Also, a situation has come up that has serious potential consequences – drivers being stranded by their carriers. We’ll discuss that – plus scam text messages and how to pull an MVR – with Joe Biggs and Aron Lynch of OOIDA’s Business Services Department. The Brooklyn Queens Exp...
Sep 21, 2023•50 min
FHWA Administrator Shailen Bhatt talks about his agency’s role in addressing the truck parking shortage, when the issue first reached his radar, what he’s doing in Wyoming this week and more. Also, few things will create anxiety more quickly than finding you’re going to be the subject of an IRS audit. We’ll get an idea of what the risks are and what you can do to reduce them from Shasta May of MBA Tax and Bookkeeping Service. And a California bill intended to slow efforts to put autonomous truck...
Sep 20, 2023•50 min
Higher oil prices mean higher prices at the pumps, and that’s the forecast for the rest of the year. A senior marketing analyst with the U.S. Energy Information Administration joins us to talk about predictions in this month's short-term energy outlook. Also, in an effort to unite African American women and women of color within the trucking industry, an association was formed. We recently spoke with the president and co-founder of the African American Women in Trucking Association. And a coalit...
Sep 19, 2023•50 min
The state of Rhode Island's attempt to overturn a ruling that ended the state's truck-only tolls scheme is now in the hands of the U.S. Court of Appeals. We get up to speed on the state's appeal and where things go from here. Plus, truck drivers have a lot of problems with the DataQs process, and reform begins now. We provide context for that conversation and the one surrounding this week’s House hearing on autonomous trucking. And finally, in celebration of OOIDA’s 50th anniversary, we look bac...
Sep 16, 2023•50 min
The Guilty By Association Truck Show is just a week away, and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association has big plans. We get a sneak peek and also find out from organizers what’s new this year. Then, we’ll run through the latest news on the regulatory front, from new grant money for truck parking to scrutiny of the DataQs process. And finally, Georgia’s fuel tax holiday is back, while a new legislative panel in the state is tasked with fixing a problem that just doesn’t exist. 0:00 – N...
Sep 15, 2023•50 min
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg joins the show to talk truck parking from an event in South Dakota dedicated to the issue. Automated trucks take the spotlight during a hearing in the House, and in the absence of a witness representing truck drivers, lawmakers step up to raise some valid concerns and questions. And finally, DAT expects the spot market to pick up a bit as retailers shift from back-to-school season to the holiday season. 0:00 – Newscast 9:54 – Secretary Buttigieg: U.S. D...
Sep 14, 2023•50 min
Sep 13, 2023•50 min
A House subcommittee is drawing fire from the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association for holding a hearing about trucking with no trucker representation on the panel. We’ll also take a look at how a journalist at Time Magazine is educating the public about what’s going on in trucking. And many truckers enjoy fishing in their down time. We talk to one such person who was able to go pro. 0:00 – Newscast 9:54 – Former trucker goes pro on Bassmasters 24:39 – Time Magazine on trucking 39:33 –...
Sep 12, 2023•50 min
Wyoming is celebrating a newly finished project that truckers who travel I-80 also will be celebrating come winter. Then we check in with Canada-based ET Transport for insight into the informational and entertaining content they’re producing for social media. Next, roses for those doing good and razzberries for those doing less-than-good within the trucking industry. And finally, a look back at OOIDA’s efforts to end the national 55 mile an hour speed limit. 0:00 – Newscast 9:54 – I-80 Winter Fr...
Sep 09, 2023•50 min
The House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee is holding a hearing during Truck Driver Appreciation Week that OOIDA says is akin to a “kick in the teeth” to hardworking truck drivers. C.H. Robinson has big plans for Truck Driver Appreciation Week. And a whole host of new laws and rules related to trucking are now in effect in Texas. 0:00 – Newscast 9:54 – Regulatory Roundup: “kick in the teeth” 24:39 – Truck Driver Appreciation Week 39:33 – New rules and laws in Texas...
Sep 08, 2023•50 min
Sen. Steve Daines of Montana joins the program to talk about the DRIVE Act, which he introduced to stop FMCSA from imposing a speed limiter mandate. Then, Tyson Fisher of Land Line Magazine joins us with all the latest truck parking news in our latest installment of The Parking Zone. And finally, we check in on the spot market. The week before the holiday weekend had a positive effect on both demand and rates. 0:00 – Newscast 9:54 – Sen. Steve Daines on speed limiters 24:39 – The Parking Zone 39...
Sep 07, 2023•50 min
Trucking can be a lonely profession, but there are strategies for dealing with the feelings that sometimes arise. Then, the violations you get in your personal vehicle count against your commercial insurance policy. We have all the details when it comes to your driving record, accidents and the professional repercussions they could carry. And finally, if a speed limiter mandate goes into effect, it won’t just be truck drivers who are impacted. We look at the ways the general public would notice ...
Sep 06, 2023•50 min
Anytime there’s a holiday weekend, cargo thieves get to work. We go over the best practices for protecting yourself and your cargo. Then, the Guilty By Association Truck Show returns this month, bigger and better than ever. Bryan Martin of Chrome Shop Mafia tells us which fan favorites are returning to GBATS this year, what’s changing and what’s new. And finally, K.A. Browning and J. Doyle Holopter of PopSkull Rebels join us to talk about their latest song and the origins of their band. 0:00 – N...
Sep 02, 2023•50 min
The U.S. DOT is forging ahead with a proposed mandate of automatic emergency braking systems for heavy trucks. If the idea of another mandate gives you pause, there’s a way to slow the process down. Then, OOIDA is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year – and life member Jim Bolton has been around for basically all of ‘em. As you might imagine, he’s got more than a few stories to share. And finally, a preview the OOIDA Foundation’s upcoming Truck to Success seminar and how it helps attendees ...
Sep 01, 2023•50 min
Whether it be the truck parking crisis, broker fraud, fuel prices or something else, we all have concerns about the trucking industry. And the American Transportation Research Institute wants to hear them. Then, what is going on in New York City with weigh-in-motion scales? We’ll explain. And lastly, finally some positive developments to talk about on the spot market. 0:00 – Newscast 10:06 – ATRI’s Top Industry Issues Survey 24:50 – Weigh-in-motion scales in NYC 39:18 – Positive developments on ...
Aug 31, 2023•50 min
