Fighting back against broker fraud and broker abuse starts with holding bad actors accountable. OOIDA has a new tool designed to make that a bit easier. Also, later this month, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance will launch its Human Trafficking Awareness initiative. So what’s involved? Jake Elovirta of CVSA comes on the show to explain. And 2023 ended on another down note in the spot market. But there are some bright spots to point out as we begin a new year with new hopes. Robert Rouse of ...
Jan 04, 2024•50 min
Annual spending bills now in Congress could block mandates of speed limiters and automatic emergency braking systems. But can those bills make it through the House and Senate? Also, a dream delayed is not a dream denied. Trucker Robyn Roberts says that was her mantra as she pursued her dream inside the cab of a truck. Robyn joins the show to talk about her pursuit of a college degree after two successful careers, one of which was behind the wheel. And what are the most easily avoided tickets out...
Jan 03, 2024•50 min
A report from the American Transportation Research Institute sheds some light on just how bad predatory towing practices have become. Also, we’ll look back at last year through the prism of our website, breaking down the five stories that yielded the most clicks in 2023. And when it comes to comfort in the cab, few things matter more than your seat. Manufacturers offer a wide variety of options, which we’ll discuss with Bryan Martin of Chrome Shop Mafia. Then, two state lawmakers in Oregon are p...
Jan 02, 2024•50 min
We’ll look back at the year through the prism of our website, breaking down the five stories that yielded the most clicks in 2023. Also, we’ll talk with a trucker whose actions helped save a victim of human trafficking. And a new research paper says the numbers don’t back up the narrative of a driver shortage. We’ll talk with one of the authors about why that narrative continues to be pushed. Then, two state lawmakers in Oregon are pushing for a one-day special session of the Legislature to reas...
Dec 30, 2023•50 min
As autonomous vehicle and autonomous technology companies race to get their products on the road, plenty of questions remain unanswered. Also, we’ll offer federal lawmakers and regulatory agencies some New Year’s resolutions to help truckers have a better 2024. And speed limiters are one of the hottest issues right now in the trucking industry. We’ll get an update on where the issue stands from OOIDA’s Doug Morris. 0:00 – Newscast 10:07 – Are autonomous vehicle policies missing the mark? 24:49 –...
Dec 29, 2023•50 min
The holidays often come with a lull on the spot market, which often means better rates for those who continue to work. Is that trend holding true this year? Robert Rouse of DAT tells us, and highlights a region of the country where owner-operators can make a little extra dough. Also, a longtime columnist for Land Line Magazine is putting down his pen for good. We sit down with Managing Editor Jami Jones to talk about Dave Sweetman. And for those who start their own trucking businesses, paperwork...
Dec 28, 2023•50 min
A new analysis from the American Transportation Research Institute lays out just how difficult it will be for California to go electric. Also, lawmakers are calling out the rampant problem of broker fraud in the trucking industry. We’ll cover that and more in our latest Land Line Roundtable. And a passion for trucks paired with a talent behind a camera led Chris Fiffie to create Big Rig Videos. We recently spoke with him about how he got started, his experience behind the wheel and how he's foun...
Dec 27, 2023•50 min
Federal regulators have big plans in 2024 for new trucking rules. We’ve previewed quite a few of the possible changes. OOIDA Director of Federal Affairs Jay Grimes joins the program to break down a few others. Also, we’ll have our annual tradition – a reading of the truckers’ version of the classic holiday poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” better known as “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Then, a current trucker and a former one have taken to preaching to truckers where they are – on the road....
Dec 26, 2023•50 min
Rep. Mike Bost of Illinois called out the rampant problem of broker fraud in trucking during a recent hearing in the U.S. House. Also, Andrew King of the OOIDA Foundation joins us to look at the third quarter trends in the freight market through the lens of owner-operators, leased-on owner-operators and company drivers. And New Mexico is taking a close look at a large section of Interstate 40 running through the state, determining the problems that exist along that stretch with an eye toward pos...
Dec 23, 2023•50 min
For truck drivers far from home – and far from their place of worship – the road can be a lonely place, especially this time of year. Two pastors, who both have spent time behind the wheel, tell us how they’re offering spiritual guidance for truckers. Then, new broker and emission rules are close to taking effect, but the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association renews its call for more action. And finally, Florida commits to addressing the state’s truck parking shortage, and voters in Was...
Dec 22, 2023•50 min
California’s got some ambitious goals when it comes to cutting down emissions. The state will be relying heavily on electric vehicles to get the job done, but new analysis from the American Transportation Research Institute lays out just how difficult that will be. Then, some freight is easier to transport than others, but a man in Arizona might have one of the more difficult loads – elephants. And finally, December is shaping up to be one of the slowest freight months in seven years. 0:00 – New...
Dec 21, 2023•50 min
Getting a traffic ticket can be a scary thing, especially if you decide to seek legal advice. We speak with the guys at Road Law about the process of fighting a ticket and what you need to know if it goes to court. And then, we take an extended walk down memory lane – or more specifically, Monfort Lane – with a couple drivers who say driving for Monfort was the best time of their lives. 0:00 – Newscast 10:19 – Road Law: fighting a traffic ticket 24:50 - A trip down Monfort Lane...
Dec 20, 2023•50 min
Meals for 18 Wheels, an organization that provides meals for truck drivers during the holidays, is ramping up for a busy couple of weeks. Then, the holidays can be tough for a lot of people, especially truck drivers who spend a lot of time away from home. Therapist Buck Black has some strategies for dealing with the holiday blues. Plus, as we’ve told you before, FMCSA and other agencies have big plans for 2024. We’ll continue running down the list of proposals in the pipeline next year. 0:00 – N...
Dec 19, 2023•50 min
“Listen to the truckers.” That was the message several GOP lawmakers had for U.S. DOT administrators during a sometimes-contentious hearing this week, with a special focus on possible mandates of speed limiters and AEB systems. Plus, New York State officials are taking a crack at the truck parking shortage. We then give roses to those who are improving the lives of truckers and razzberries to those who aren’t. And finally, a plea for the Supreme Court to turn down a case involving broker liabili...
Dec 16, 2023•50 min
Wreaths Across America continues this weekend, with a couple million volunteers and supporters hauling wreaths to the gravesites of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. An OOIDA senior member, participating for the first time, says it was an opportunity he just couldn’t pass up. Then, we have new insights into the DOT’s timeline for possible mandates of speed limiters and more. We cover that, plus a hearing in the House, where GOP members pulled no punches in expressing concerns about those ve...
Dec 15, 2023•50 min
Is the truck parking situation improving? We cover a new study that suggests there is more truck parking capacity than there was two years ago, and more, in our latest installment of The Parking Zone. Then, a new campaign seeks to get more girls interested in trucking careers, and Barbie plays a central role. Plus, December is shaping up to be a slow month on the spot market. We have tips for improving profitability while freight rates are low. 0:00 – Newscast 10:18 – The Parking Zone 24:49 – Ba...
Dec 14, 2023•50 min
If it seems like four-wheelers are behaving more erratically on roadways these days, you’re not wrong. A new study from AAA says more people are engaging in risky driving behaviors. Then, cargo theft is likely to spike in the coming weeks as we get closer to Christmas. Tips for keeping you and your stuff safe. Plus, a legislative panel in Georgia has some ideas for fixing a problem that doesn’t exist – but they may address other issues in trucking. 0:00 – Newscast 10:18 – Four-wheelers behaving ...
Dec 13, 2023•50 min
Talking to lawmakers on Capitol Hill is a vital part of what OOIDA does. We recently spoke with Lewie Pugh about his trip to Washington, D.C., and some of the topics he discussed with politicians regarding trucking. A plan in Arizona would add hundreds of truck parking spaces in the state. Also, Washington state officials say their rest areas are at a crisis stage. And later this week, a House subcommittee will take a look at how well the government has implemented the infrastructure law. We’ll ...
Dec 12, 2023•50 min
A new report from the American Transportation Research Institute sheds new light on just how bad predatory towing has become. Also, Land Line Magazine’s Mark Schremmer reports on his conversation with FMCSA Administrator Robin Hutcheson and breaks down a session that let truck drivers speak their mind through a proxy. And as a token of thanks for the help Boston provided back in 1917 during the Halifax explosion, Nova Scotia gifts a Christmas tree to the city every year. We speak with the driver...
Dec 09, 2023•50 min
What are the funding problems behind the truck parking crisis? How does it affect safety? And can technology help solve the issues involved? Those questions and more were answered at a recent meeting of the National Coalition on Truck Parking. Also, it was another successful year for OOIDA's Truckers For Troops telethon. And groups like OOIDA are throwing up speed bumps, hoping to stall or even stop California’s new emission rules for large trucks. Paul Torlina, OOIDA’s advocacy counsel, joins t...
Dec 08, 2023•50 min
What’s behind the constant claims of a driver shortage? Turns out turnover is a cheaper way to do business. That’s the subject of a new research paper. We’re joined by one of its authors, professor Stephen Burks of the University of Minnesota Morris. Also, this month's issue of Land Line Magazine takes a detailed look at important upcoming rulemaking dates, speed limiters and automated driving systems. And things are getting back to normal on the spot market. After a historically slow Thanksgivi...
Dec 07, 2023•50 min
The OOIDA Foundation is asking truckers to take part in two surveys on significant issues in the trucking industry – detention time and freight rates. Also, what are the most easily avoided tickets out there? We’ll get a rundown on that and more from David Grimes and Alex Clark of CDL Legal. And North Carolina is increasing the penalties for taking part in cargo theft, while California’s governor has said no to a truck driver training grant program. 0:00 – Newscast 10:07 – OOIDA surveying trucke...
Dec 06, 2023•50 min
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum explains why he’s pushing back against FMCSA’s new rule that limits state emergency waivers to 14 days. Then, a father and son explain how a love for trucking was passed down through the generations and why it’s still going strong. And finally, a preview of Tuesday’s National Coalition on Truck Parking and a review of what’s been accomplished in recent years. 0:00 – Newscast 10:20 – North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum on emergency waiver changes 24:50 – Father and son sha...
Dec 05, 2023•50 min
Research analyst Andrew King takes a few swings at the American Trucking Associations’ newest claims about the Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act. Also, we continue our conversation with Bryan Martin of Chrome Shop Mafia about seating, including information about the basics you should have in any seat. And you may be leaving the front door open to hackers if you’re not doing a few simple things. Jason Lutes and Tim Storhoff of OOIDA’s IT department provide some useful advice. 0:00 – Newscast...
Dec 02, 2023•50 min
Sen. Alex Padilla explains how his GOT Truckers Act would finally compensate truckers for all the hours they work. Does detention time affect truck safety? What about the ways truckers are paid? Or the lack of truck parking? Those issues and more were discussed this week at the Midwest Commercial Vehicle Safety Summit. Also, when it comes to comfort in the cab, few things matter more than your seat. We’ll discuss the options. And finding that perfect gift for the trucker in your life just got a ...
Dec 01, 2023•50 min
A shorter shipping week made for a large drop in load volume last week. We’ll speak with DAT's Robert Rouse about how the Thanksgiving holiday impacted the spot market and how the price of diesel is impacting rates. Also, a drivers’ retreat has opened in Missouri. We’ll speak with the man behind the idea to offer a place for drivers to rest and relax. And a museum in Dallas houses 120 years of motorized masterpieces that combine motorcycles and art. 0:00 – Newscast 10:07 – Drivers’ retreat in Mi...
Nov 30, 2023•50 min
We’ll talk with a union president about why his group is making the case for slowing, or stopping, the march toward autonomous vehicles. Also, for those who start their own trucking businesses, paperwork becomes a very big part of life. And a big part of that paperwork involves taxes and the record-keeping needed to file them. Then, a bill in Florida would further restrict left lane use. State legislative expert Keith Goble discusses that – as well as two states looking at move-over rules. 0:00 ...
Nov 29, 2023•50 min
OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh is headed to Washington, D.C., to talk with lawmakers, regulators and members of the press about the big issues in the industry right now. Also, when it comes to getting a ticket, the guys at Road Law have some advice on what your next steps should be. The Ohio Department of Transportation and its DriveOhio division are starting a two-year pilot project using new car technology to identify hazardous road conditions across the state. And a toll bridge tar...
Nov 28, 2023•50 min
When it comes to increasing fuel economy, plenty of scams and half-cooked ideas await a chance to separate you from your money. 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. Then, the director of the FBI recently warned Congress that the attack by Hamas against Israel could inspire attacks here in the United States. 0:00 – Newscast 10:07 – Improving fuel economy: real vs. fake 24:50 – Honoring a Road Warr...
Nov 25, 2023•50 min
A state lawmaker in Michigan is asking the state to take another look at how it sets speed limits. Also, we’ll bring you our annual reading of a short story about truckers, “Something for Stevie,” by author Dan Anderson. And girls in Wisconsin recently got a chance to explore the world of trucking. 0:00 – Newscast 10:07 – “Something for Stevie” 24:50 – Learning about the world of trucking 39:29 – Changing how speed limits are set
Nov 24, 2023•50 min
