The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance plans yet another safety blitz – Brake Safety Week – and also has results from a one-day enforcement effort earlier this year. Also, it turns out that if you get into a specific kind of financial difficulty, you can set up an installment plan with the IRS. We’ll explain how. And it doesn't appear the rate recession that freight is experiencing will improve any time soon. We'll break down the current market conditions and spot-freight data with Brent Hutto o...
Jun 18, 2024•51 min
As fully autonomous trucking becomes a reality in Texas, we take a closer look at where the technology is and what the concerns are. Also, bridges generally are built to transport people, but a new structure being constructed in California will provide a safe path for wild animals – and help vehicles avoid collisions with them. And singer Makenzie Phipps has just released a song about a truck driver. We’ll talk with her about how she drew inspiration from the trucking industry to bring this song...
Jun 17, 2024•51 min
A recent report from Ryder lays out the high cost of transitioning from diesel to electric trucks – not just for Ryder itself but for the greater economy at large. Then, we hand out roses to those doing right by truckers and razzberries to those doing wrong. And finally, visitors to the OOIDA tour truck have been talking about one thing more than anything – that the price of just about everything seems to be going up. 0:00 – Newscast 10:25 – The transition to electric trucks will cost how much?!...
Jun 14, 2024•51 min
New Jersey has long collected a tax from truckers “doing business” in the state. Now, an enforcement effort is catching some by surprise. Also, does FMCSA do a good job of determining which carriers are safe enough to be on the road? And does its system need updating? An upcoming listening session will explore those questions. And four states are taking action intended to help alleviate the truck parking shortage, while a new Utah law takes aim at those who take part in road rage. 0:00 – Newscas...
Jun 13, 2024•51 min
Three states are taking the pulse of trucking regarding the parking crisis. Land Line’s Tyson Fisher explains why it’s important to chime in. Also, when you get your own authority, getting insurance is usually one of the first orders of business. We’ll discuss what coverage is needed and more. And plenty of capacity means less negotiating power for drivers. Our Market Update covers load-to-truck ratios and looks ahead to reefer traffic on the July Fourth holiday. 0:00 – Newscast 10:14 – States a...
Jun 12, 2024•51 min
Researchers at the University of Connecticut are looking to go beyond state lines in hopes of sparking investment in parking expansion. Also, another successful SuperRigs is in the books – and this year's winner says he went just to have fun, because it was in his own backyard. And New York has delayed its congestion pricing plan, so what does that decision mean for other cities that were considering similar proposals? 0:00 – Newscast 10:14 – Researchers look to tech to help solve the truck park...
Jun 11, 2024•51 min
A new law in Colorado is going to change the state’s chain laws and will look at adding chain-up areas, parking options in some high-impact locations, left lane restrictions and more. We’ll go over what’s happening and why it’s important with Greg Fulton of the Colorado Motor Carriers Association. And we’ll discuss a lawsuit over a truck ban in the commercial areas of the town of Vail, Colo. – and its implications nationally – with Fulton and OOIDA’s state affairs expert, Doug Morris. 0:00 – New...
Jun 10, 2024•51 min
Many truckers do their own maintenance. Either way, it’s a good idea to have some tools with you. Bryan Martin of the Chrome Shop Mafia covers the top five. Also, the discussion over a possible side underride guard requirement will now go into next year – with the group discussing it severely divided. And OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis recently saw a disturbing situation involving a truck parking at the roadside. He’ll tell us about that – and the need for some better signage at exit ramps....
Jun 07, 2024•51 min
Now that New York City’s congestion pricing is on hold, will it move forward, and when? And what will happen regarding lawsuits over the plan? Also, a safety group is shining a light on the importance of non-commercial drivers securing their loads. We speak with the woman who started Secure Your Load Day. And Louisiana lawmakers are taking a look at changes to rules for truck owners’ liability and towing. Meanwhile, Florida is putting some restrictions on how vehicle taxes and fees can be used. ...
Jun 06, 2024•51 min
One challenge of electric trucks is keeping them charged. But what if you could charge while driving? Two researchers are looking into it. Also, how big are nuclear verdicts getting, and what is the impact on owner-operators? Phil Singer of Marathon Strategies joins us to discuss recent research on the topic, and Travis Ginest of OOIDA talks about the impact on owner-operators. 0:00 – Newscast 10:14 – Charging electric trucks on the fly – is it possible? 25:09– How big nuclear verdicts are getti...
Jun 05, 2024•51 min
New Jersey’s Department of Transportation is looking for truckers’ feedback about the state’s parking situation, with an eye toward addressing the shortage. Also, what kind of amenities are you looking for at truck stops? The folks at TruckerPath were curious about that, so they conducted a survey. We’ll discuss the results. Then, not many changes are showing up on the spot market, and it appears that may be the case for the summer. We’ll speak with Brent Hutto of Truckstop. 0:00 – Newscast 10:1...
Jun 04, 2024•51 min
FMCSA is taking notice – and potentially taking action – to address predatory towing, starting with a meeting later this month. Also, the Road Angel Truckers Center offers a safe haven to drivers traveling through Illinois. We speak with the director of the center about what it offers. And the Land Line Magazine staff takes a deep dive into hacking ELDs and the dangers of driverless trucks. 0:00 – Newscast 10:14 – A place for truckers in Illinois to get some rest 25:09– Magazine examines the dan...
Jun 03, 2024•51 min
For several decades now, Doyle Archer has mostly gone by one title, professional truck driver. But now, he can add a new one. Guinness World Records recently confirmed him as the world’s oldest active professional truck driver. The 90-year-old trucker shares a lifetime of trucking stories with us. Then Marty Ellis, the man who drives the OOIDA tour truck, tells us about his recent travels, along with thoughts on FMCSA’s so-called Green Book, a new trend that involves speeding and social media an...
May 31, 2024•51 min
The 42nd annual SuperRigs is underway in Texas. We speak with an organizer about the event and one of the judges about what's in store. Plus, new details into FMCSA’s plans to streamline its online registration system and stifle fraudsters in the process. And finally, we’ll take a trip to Colorado, where the governor just signed a bill into law that puts several new restrictions on truckers in place. 0:00 – Newscast 10:34 – 42nd annual SuperRigs underway 25:18 – Overhaul of online registration s...
May 30, 2024•51 min
Lower freight volumes and lower spot rates have been the norm for several months now – but are better times right around the corner? Owner-operators who took part in a new survey seem to think so. Then, breaking down the implications of moving from one state to another on your commercial driver’s license. And finally, June is a busy month for spot freight. We'll have the latest numbers on load-posting activity and the lanes to monitor as we head into summer. 0:00 – Newscast 10:34 – Bloomberg/Tru...
May 29, 2024•51 min
Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers explains his involvement in two separate lawsuits against the EPA and California Air Resources Board over their strict new emission rules. Then, two younger OOIDA board members talk about the importance of being politically active in the trucking industry. And finally, a preview of the next two meetings of the Truck Leasing Task Force. 0:00 – Newscast 10:34 – Nebraska AG Mike Hilgers on EPA, CARB lawsuits 25:18 – Importance of political activism as a trucke...
May 28, 2024•51 min
The filing season for the Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax, Form 2290, is officially open. We’ll have a refresher on what you need to know. Also, a hot temper on the side of the road could have a lasting effect if your behavior is noted on a traffic ticket. We speak with the guys at Road Law about keeping your cool. And Jake Elovirta, CVSA’s Director of Enforcement Programs, joins us to give you an idea of what you can expect at the group’s next safety blitz, Operation Safe Driver. 0:00 – It’s time...
May 27, 2024•51 min
A new fuel called hydrotreated vegetable oil is different from biodiesel and similar to traditional diesel. Also, filing season for Form 2290 is underway. And our roundtable discusses a new piece of legislation that would give the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration some muscle when it comes to dealing with fraudsters and legal action against the Environmental Protection Agency’s emission rules. Then, you may be leaving the front door open to hackers if you’re not doing a few simple thin...
May 24, 2024•51 min
Bryce Mongeon of OOIDA explains how a measure in the U.S. House would give the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration more power to crack down on fraudsters. Also, what are the actual figures regarding underride crashes involving large trucks? OOIDA’s Jay Grimes offers an update on the debate. And OOIDA’s advocacy counsel, Paul Torlina, discusses broker-carrier agreements. Then, OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis is a big supporter of various trucking charities. One he regularly gives to –...
May 23, 2024•51 min
Andrew King of the OOIDA Foundation joins the show to talk about the feasibility – or lack thereof – of the EPA’s truck emission ambitions. Also, the Kansas Turnpike is going completely cashless July 1 – and it should make life easier for truckers on the road. And Brent Hutto at Truckstop breaks down the effect of CVSA’s International Roadcheck on the spot market. 0:00 – Newscast 10:23 – Is the move to electric feasible? 25:17 – Kansas Turnpike goes cashless 40:25 – Roadcheck and its effect on t...
May 22, 2024•51 min
Cargo theft is a growing problem. We’ll explore how bad the problem has become and what truckers can do to avoid becoming a victim. Also, what do you do when you get a notice in the mail with a return address of “IRS”? We’ll get some advice from Shasta May of MBA Tax and Bookkeeping Service. And a law in Georgia that allowed people to sue a trucker’s insurance company directly is now off the books. Meanwhile, a new law allows local idling rules in Colorado. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – How to avoid t...
May 21, 2024•51 min
Shailen Bhatt, administrator of the Federal Highway Administration, discusses a $148 million round of grants aimed at reducing emission from large trucks at ports. Also, OOIDA advises everyone to avoid lease-purchase agreements at all costs, but some might wonder why. We'll take a look. And FMCSA has made some changes to the pilot program designed to bring drivers under 21 years of age into the interstate trucking workforce. We’ll have an update. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – FHWA grants meant to repl...
May 20, 2024•51 min
Ryder has a new report that lays out the cost of transitioning from diesel to electric trucks, not only for Ryder itself but also for the greater economy. Then, Terry Wells joined the U.S. Navy at his mother’s urging – but later decided he wanted to pursue a career in trucking. Now, his carrier has purchased a truck for him that honors his military service. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – Ryder says transitioning to electric will cost some big bucks 24:59 – Carrier honors veteran with the design of his ...
May 17, 2024•51 min
The new rule on broker financial responsibility is final – something that has significant impact on truckers who interact with brokers. Also, an OOIDA board member had the honor of hauling the Wall That Heals recently. We speak with him about how, despite this being his third time, it's still one of the most memorable loads he's ever taken. And Marty Ellis is hearing from truckers about some pretty common concerns: inspections, warnings, personal conveyance and DataQ. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – Vie...
May 16, 2024•51 min
The first four months of this year have been a challenge, but DAT expects to see the effects of seasonality on freight volumes and rates. Also, an OOIDA life member says it was his faith and trucking that brought him out of homelessness. We speak with Tim Guest, who shares his story of how losing everything led to a fulfilling life. And a hot temper on the side of the road could have a lasting effect if your behavior is noted on a traffic ticket. The guys at Road Law discuss how keeping your coo...
May 15, 2024•51 min
Roadcheck isn’t the only safety blitz this year; Operation Safe Driver is also coming up. Jake Elovirta of CVSA will be with us to give you an idea of what you can expect. Also, the winner of this year’s Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award joins the program to discuss his life, his military experience and his post-military career. And the Ohio Turnpike is setting up a cashless system – although for some customers, tollbooths will remain in place. Chuck Cyrill of the Ohio Turnpike C...
May 14, 2024•51 min
Inspectors will fan out across the country to do Level 1 inspections on trucks – including focuses on drugs and tractor protection systems. Also, a trucker discusses his upcoming trip to haul the Wall That Heals, a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. And several states are considering or have passed changes to rules that govern automated cameras meant to enforce either red lights or speed limits. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – Hauling the Wall That Heals. 24:59 – What will Roadcheck focus on this...
May 13, 2024•51 min
Our series commemorating Military Appreciation Month continues with an Army veteran/former truck driver who’s getting back on his feet thanks to the Veterans Community Project. Then, from admonishments in Congress to eyebrow-raising cost analysis from a well-known trucking company and more, the aggressive push to electrify the trucking industry is getting more attention and quite a bit more pushback. And finally, an OOIDA board member explains the importance of using your voice as a truck driver...
May 10, 2024•51 min
FMCSA is undertaking a project to alert the general public about sharing the road with large trucks. OOIDA’s Jay Grimes has the details. Also, Norita Taylor and Nikki Johnson of OOIDA discuss the Association’s work to help support U.S. troops overseas and at home. And ELDs have long been unpopular – due in part to their inflexibility. Marty Ellis says some truckers are trying to cope in a not-so-proper way, and one weigh station has figured that out. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – OOIDA’s efforts to he...
May 09, 2024•51 min
The Veterans Community Project is unique among similar programs. It doesn’t just allow dogs into its communities – it welcomes them. Also, Andrew King of the OOIDA Foundation tells us about the importance of creating a business plan and how people can avoid being part of the 50% of businesses that fail by their fifth year. And spot freight volume increased 2.6% week over week. We'll have the latest on market conditions, including the ups and downs over the past two weeks, with Brent Hutto of Tru...
May 08, 2024•51 min
