Ohio says a variable speed limit on Interstate 90 in the north of the state has reduced crashes. Matt Bruning of the Ohio DOT joins us to explain. Also, it’s additional optional coverage, but gap insurance is something that could save you a lot of money in the long run. And lawmakers in the state of Iowa may back away from protections against nuclear verdicts by targeting pain and suffering damages involving commercial motor vehicles, while bills that would tackle predatory towing are on the age...
Feb 14, 2024•51 min
Florida’s budget includes $25 million to add more truck parking, and this isn’t the first time the state has stepped up on the issue. Also, an iconic truck stop is celebrating 60 years of serving truck drivers. We speak with Iowa 80's senior vice president about its 60th anniversary. And OOIDA’s legislative efforts are not restricted to the Association’s Washington, D.C., office. Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh also heads to the capital often to speak with federal officials. We’ll cover his ...
Feb 13, 2024•51 min
While safety advocates on a NHTSA underride advisory committee keep pushing for more underride guard requirements, at least one member has warned of unintended consequences. Also, FMCSA is floating the idea of watering down the CDL skills test process. And New Jersey lawmakers have decided to hike the minimum insurance requirement for commercial trucks. Then, we’ll tell you who in recent news has been good and who’s been bad with some Roses and Razzberries. And we’ll speak with Mary Wilson, who ...
Feb 10, 2024•51 min
Is FMCSA going to make it easier, maybe even too easy, to get a CDL? Or is the agency simply making the process more efficient? OOIDA has some concerns. Also, a woman who operates one of the biggest pieces of equipment in the world is sharing her story of overcoming life's challenges. And Marty Ellis is set up at one of California’s busier truck stops, where he’s hearing from drivers who are worried about other drivers. A lot of it seems spurred by the generation gap we’re all experiencing. 0:00...
Feb 09, 2024•51 min
What freight markets will be busy this week for the upcoming Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day? We’ll take a look ahead with DAT after a not-so-great week. Also, an OOIDA member has once again claimed a Highway Angel award for stopping to help a fellow driver who crashed his truck. And some recent cargo theft incidents in Philadelphia have been making headlines. Aside from the obvious causes, should we be looking at whether a lack of available truck parking played a role? 0:00 – Newscast 10:00 – Tw...
Feb 08, 2024•51 min
A lawsuit contends that Oregon’s weight-distance tax puts too heavy a burden on trucking operations – and claims that violates the state’s constitution. Also, in a world where it seems like everything is going up in price, there is worry about insurance minimums increasing. OOIDA's Truck Insurance Department outlines what’s happening. Then, Colorado lawmakers are taking aim at trucks that travel in the state during the winter with a focus on chain laws – and lane restrictions have lawmakers’ att...
Feb 07, 2024•51 min
With all the talk about electric trucks these days, it’s worth remembering that diesel isn’t just the present. It’s also the future, especially when you take new, low-carbon formulations into account. Also, if you’re not paid when you think you should be for a load, can you hold the load until you are paid? We’ll have some answers. And finally, a look at what happens when OOIDA leadership meets with U.S. lawmakers behind closed doors. 0:00 – Newscast 10:10 – Alternative diesel fuels & pulsat...
Feb 06, 2024•51 min
Mark Schremmer and Ryan Witkowski give us the latest on the issues of broker transparency and broker fraud – and look ahead to what’s next. Also, having bike lanes on designated truck routes is causing problems in Oregon. We’ll talk with an industry organization about what they’re proposing as a solution. And when it comes to Washington, D.C., there’s no question that money talks. The people still have the power – but they have to harness it to make change come about. 0:00 – Newscast 09:58 – The...
Feb 03, 2024•51 min
Despite delays in the process, FMCSA still plans to issue a rulemaking on speed limiters in trucks this year. We’ll have the latest on that, as well as on broker transparency. Also, do your lawmakers hear you over the din of so many people contacting them? The staff of Land Line Magazine offers some tips – and examples of what can result. Then, Marty Ellis and the Spirit of the American Trucker have run into a few problems, including significant potholes on America’s highways and possibly a need...
Feb 02, 2024•51 min
Diesel prices have been pretty steady over the past few weeks. But what do the next few weeks or even months have in store? That depends, says Tom Kloza of the Oil Price Information Service. Also, an OOIDA life member and former board member was named Overdrive's Trucker of the Year. We speak with him about how life behind the wheel quickly went from a job to a passion. And the recent cold snap that thumped the U.S. had ripple effects on the spot market. Robert Rouse of DAT joins the program for...
Feb 01, 2024•50 min
A lawsuit now before an appeals court is challenging California’s AB5 independent contractor law – and OOIDA is throwing its support behind the effort. Also, some truckers are expressing confusion and concerns about standard drug testing required in the industry. We’ll clear that up with some help from CMCI, OOIDA’s drug testing consortium. And a new bill in Wisconsin would tackle so-called “nuclear verdicts” in the trucking industry, while bills in two states deal with speed limiters and underr...
Jan 31, 2024•50 min
An effort in California would require speed limiters on all vehicles in the state – including large trucks. We’ll discuss that, plus efforts at the federal level to require speed limiters on trucks. Also, can you get a second chance on a ticket once the court closes the case? David Grimes and Alex Clark of CDL Legal join the program to explain. And trucker Robyn Roberts also joins the show to talk about her pursuit of a college degree after two successful careers, one of which was behind the whe...
Jan 30, 2024•50 min
A turnaround in the spot market is coming, but when? The OOIDA Foundation helps us understand the forces keeping rates stagnant. Also, the results are in for the top truck stops for 2023, and this year, locations in Iowa and Florida took the winning titles. And in late November, Sean O’Malley was driving his rig through Wyoming on his very last run as a long-haul trucker. Now, the veteran trucker is fighting for his life. 0:00 – Newscast 09:58 – December market data shows few signs of improvemen...
Jan 27, 2024•50 min
FMCSA has made several changes to its Medical Examiner Handbook, which guides the doctors who perform DOT physicals. And some of those changes are positive for truckers. Also, a 68-year-old Louisiana truck driver decided retirement wasn’t for him and has started a new career as a sheriff's deputy. And Spirit driver Marty Ellis covers what you should keep in your truck in extreme winter cold. 0:00 – Newscast 09:58 – Changes to handbook for DOT physicals 24:36 – Trucker starts new career as sherif...
Jan 26, 2024•50 min
An upcoming decision in the U.S. Supreme Court could end up hamstringing agencies like FMCSA when it comes to making rules and regulations. Also, when it comes to ways you can pretty up your rig, there’s a real debate about which is better: paint or vinyl. And as temperatures dropped across the country last week, the number of loads on the DAT load board increased, as did spot rates for all three equipment types. 0:00 – Newscast 09:58 – Supreme Court case could upend how regulations are made 24:...
Jan 25, 2024•50 min
NHTSA has formed an advisory committee on underride protections – a prelude to a possible regulation to require them on trucks. We’ll have the details. Also, FMCSA is proposing a significant increase to UCR fees for 2025. And some truckers are selling or transferring their authority to someone else. So why is that, and what’s involved? We’ll get answers about that and more. Then, more and more states are taking a stand on autonomous trucks in an effort to slow down the push for those vehicles. A...
Jan 24, 2024•50 min
The U.S. Department of Labor recently issued a final rule to define who is and is not an independent contractor. That rule has raised concerns among many independent contractors in trucking. So what does the rule say, and what does it mean? We’ll have a rundown. Also, when it comes to factoring, you have to take a lot of things into account to ensure you keep yourself and your business safe. We’ll have some advice. And what documents do you need in order to file your taxes? What are the actions ...
Jan 23, 2024•50 min
FMCSA Administrator Robin Hutcheson is resigning. What does that mean for current and future rulemakings, most notably the speed limiter proposal? Also, we’ll have a roundtable discussion to analyze the latest attempt at increasing a motor carrier’s minimum liability insurance, to break down a new broker rule and more. The Truck Leasing Task Force held its third meeting this week, and talks centered on a very important question: Is the lease-purchase model even worth saving? Then, Marty Ellis ha...
Jan 20, 2024•50 min
Federal meetings Thursday, Jan. 18 are tackling topics such as speed limiters, automatic emergency braking, autonomous trucks and lease-purchase plans, among others. Also, a wide variety of ages and experiences make up the OOIDA board. We recently spoke with two younger board members about the importance of being politically active in the trucking industry. And a renewed effort at the Missouri statehouse would tackle the issue of predatory, nonconsensual towing in the state. Meanwhile, competing...
Jan 19, 2024•50 min
Charles Sperry of the OOIDA Foundation discusses artificial intelligence and other topics from a recent meeting of the Transportation Research Board. And a truck stop in Arizona is celebrating 70 years in business. We speak with the granddaughter of the owner, who started the truck stop with a mission to serve the men and women behind the wheel. Also, the holidays are over, and freight volumes are down across the board. We speak with DAT's Stephen Petit about load posts and how weather is impact...
Jan 18, 2024•50 min
On U.S. 26 between Portland and Bend, Ore., sits one spot where both the state and national governments are needed for developing a solution to a very local problem. Doug Decker of Oregon Solutions joins us to discuss what’s being done. Also, how many tickets is too many? We speak with the guys at Road Law about what happens when repeat offenders seek legal help. And later this week, the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will hold a hearing titled, “The State of Transportati...
Jan 17, 2024•50 min
Chris Bauer, director of transportation planning at the Capital Region Transportation Council, talks about a just-released study on the truck parking situation throughout parts of New York state. Plus, Wyoming and Indiana are acting to significantly increase the number of truck parking spaces within their borders. Also, we recently spoke with father-son duo Doug and Harry Smith about their love for trucking – and how it has impacted their family through the years. And Tom Crawford, president and...
Jan 16, 2024•50 min
Tom Crawford, president and CEO of the Missouri Trucking Association, talks about this year’s effort to reform predatory towing practices in the state. Also, Andy McCulloch of Michelin has some helpful advice for utilizing automatic air inflation systems in the best and safest way possible. And we’ll tell you who in recent news has been good and who’s been bad with some Roses and Razzberries. 0:00 – Newscast 10:07 – Some rules for automatic tire inflation systems 24:49 – Roses and Razzberries 39...
Jan 13, 2024•50 min
New figures on the number of new truck orders – plus other figures on the economy – may point to a better 2024. We’ll hear from Kenny Vieth, president and senior analyst at ACT Research. Also, the U.S. Department of Labor has unveiled its final rule aimed at preventing companies from misclassifying workers as independent contractors. However, some have concerns that the rule may go too far – especially in trucking. Over the past few years, several attempts have been made to increase the required...
Jan 12, 2024•50 min
We sit down with OOIDA’s Government Affairs counsel to discuss broker-carrier agreements, what some red flags are and what you should do to keep yourself and your business safe. Also, Tyson Fisher of Land Line Magazine drops by to brief us on all the latest truck parking news. And we're into the second week of the year and starting to get some early indicators of how strong the spot market will be for January. 0:00 – Newscast 10:07 – Red flags to watch for in broker-carrier agreements 24:49 – Th...
Jan 11, 2024•50 min
A new survey seeks more answers about the challenges women face in the trucking industry. Abbigail Huffman of ATRI explains. Also, we’ll sit down with the folks from OOIDA's Truck Insurance Department to discuss hired drivers and the impact they can have on your operation. And a Missouri lawmaker wants to get tough on people who try to break into multiple vehicles. Meanwhile, a new proposal would combat graffiti on roads and bridges in Washington state. 0:00 – Newscast 10:07 – Survey looks at ch...
Jan 10, 2024•50 min
CARB is requiring every truck that operates in the state to register for a new emission control program. Many of those trucks could face testing of their emissions. And when it comes to getting a ticket, the guys at Road Law have some advice for what your next steps should be. Also, Congress has announced a deal to establish government spending levels for the next year – and potentially to keep the government open, avoiding a shutdown. 0:00 – Newscast 10:07 – CARB requiring all vehicles operatin...
Jan 09, 2024•50 min
If 2024 is going to be the year we see meaningful progress on truck parking, the Capital Region Transportation Council will play a big role. It just released a new study on the truck parking situation throughout parts of New York state. Also, most truckers need to be able to perform basic maintenance on the road. We’ll discuss what tools you should have with you. Then, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is working on a proposal designed to prevent impaired driving. And a Florida ...
Jan 06, 2024•50 min
Two states are acting to significantly increase the number of truck parking spaces within their borders. Wyoming is adding spaces to one location with a history of problems, while Indiana will add spaces to rest areas across that state. We’ll talk with both states’ DOTs to get the details. Also, 2024 is looking to be another big year for new regulations – and many of them do not appear favorable to truck drivers. We’ll get a rundown from OOIDA Director of Federal Affairs Jay Grimes. And it’s a n...
Jan 05, 2024•50 min
Robyn Roberts has been behind the wheel of a truck since 2008. But in the past few years, she has pursued a dream she’s long had – getting a college degree on the way toward a law degree. Here is our full interview with Robyn.
Jan 05, 2024•24 min
