FMCSA has granted another exemption to the requirement trainers be in the jump seat while trainees drive – and OOIDA has some real concerns. Also, the U.S. DOT plans to be very busy over the next year, and unfortunately, a considerable amount of that attention is going to fall on truck drivers. And most states are looking for new sources of highway funding, with many turning to an obvious, untapped source: electric and hybrid vehicles. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – Another carrier gets a bye on front ...
Aug 01, 2024•52 min
Two members of the Advisory Committee on Underride Protection express concern about the group’s lack of consensus and unwillingness to consider worries about a mandate. Also, change is coming to the freight market, but it’s coming slowly. Brent Hutto of Truckstop shares the latest data from the market. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – Committee members dismayed by underride reports 40:23 – Change is a-coming to the freight market
Jul 31, 2024•52 min
Speed limiters are just one of the issues in the House version of the annual spending bill, but the Senate version is very different. Also, Greg Frary of Truck Tractor Trailer walks us through the biggest investment you’ll make as an owner-operator – buying a truck. And what happens if your state revokes your CDL? How does it happen? And what do you do? David Grimes of CDL Legal joins Land Line Now to answer those questions and more. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – The ins and outs of buying a truck 25:...
Jul 30, 2024•52 min
Author and historian Mark Levinson relates the story of Malcolm McLean, a pioneer in the use of shipping containers – and a truck driver. Also, several members of Congress have spoken out on the issue of speed limiters, and one of them is Rep. Mike Collins of Georgia. Land Line Now brings you some of comments. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – Trucker’s ingenuity brings us the shipping containers we have today 45:20 – Trucker and congressman expresses his views on speed limiters...
Jul 29, 2024•52 min
A misrepresentation of data about speed limiters by a congressman during a House subcommittee hearing led off the top news of the week. Also, the American Logistics Aid Network steps in to organize the logistics when disasters strike in the U.S. – and there are a lot right now. And large carriers continue to talk about an alleged driver shortage – but with turnover around 100 percent, is that the case? OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis offers a few thoughts. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – Network ste...
Jul 26, 2024•52 min
OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh told Congress this week that to fix issues like speed limiters, AEBs and more, legislators need to listen to truckers. OOIDA Director of Federal Affairs Jay Grimes offers some analysis of the hearing. Also, Tom Crowley and Aron Lynch of OOIDA's Compliance Department discuss ways you can avoid having problems with brokers in the first place. And Delaware and California have legislation in the works to limit what can be done with autonomous vehicles. 0:00 ...
Jul 25, 2024•52 min
An FMCSA report to Congress says the agency lacks the data and authority to do much of anything to combat illegal broker activity. Also, a Texas truck driver saved a 1-year-old boy who had been left abandoned on the side of Interstate 10. Land Line Now has his story. And when it comes to fighting Class A driver traffic tickets, there's a lot to keep in mind. We sit down with the guys from Road Law to discuss the process. Then, the freight market is showing signs of seasonality. Robert Rouse of D...
Jul 24, 2024•52 min
Among the states to tackle the idea of requiring drivers in autonomous trucks is New York, where a bill is moving through the Legislature. Also, truckers who are running their own business need to know where things stand – and one way to do that is a Mid-Year Accounting Review. And a U.S. House subcommittee is planning to take a look at various regulations at the U.S. Department of Transportation – including those that affect trucking. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – Proposal would require drivers in au...
Jul 23, 2024•52 min
Progress is being made on truck parking, and in some places, it is considerable. For example: Texas. Land Line Now details what’s happening. Also, Lewie Pugh and Andrew King of OOIDA discuss one part of an upcoming class for potential owner-operators – creating a business plan. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – To succeed, you have to have a plan 25:15 – Progress on parking in the Lone Star State
Jul 22, 2024•52 min
A federal consumer protection expert laid out how lease-purchase agreements are designed to benefit motor carriers, not truck drivers. Also, a trucker who sold his authority did get some cash, but trouble began quickly after the sale. Land Line has his story. And it can be pretty difficult to take the straight-and-narrow road if your truck is out of alignment. We’ll get some advice from Andy McCulloch of Michelin. Then, OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis says that while open road tolling and th...
Jul 19, 2024•52 min
If a regulation was not ordered by Congress, it may be in trouble – after two recent decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court. Also, when a broker fails to pay a trucker for a load, one of the final things truckers can turn to is the broker bond. But how do you file against it? Land Line offers a primer. And a new law in Louisiana addresses truckers’ liability when it comes to optional equipment on their truck. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – The entire way regulations are made could be upended by two court ...
Jul 18, 2024•52 min
A member of Congress wants to set up a federal task force and command center to tackle cargo theft. We’ll get the details on his plan. Also, Greg Akselrod, chief technology officer at truck parking company Outpost, explains how it’s now utilizing artificial intelligence to serve customers. And rates continue to scrape the bottom of the barrel, but Brent Hutto of Truckstop says there are some lanes and markets out there yielding some good returns. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – Bill would set up federal...
Jul 17, 2024•52 min
How should we pay for our highways? For decades, the answer has been the fuel tax. And for a long time, that worked fine. But as the Highway Trust Fund dwindles, it seems more likely that we will have to find a new way to pay. But what will that be? Dr. Asha Weinstein Agrawal discusses the results of a survey on the topic. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – Survey: Americans good with fuel tax – if the money is spent right
Jul 16, 2024•52 min
An annual spending bill now moving on Captiol Hill would impact many more issues beyond speed limiters, including truck parking and ELDs. Also, Lewie Pugh, Andrew King and Charles Sperry offer a preview of the upcoming Truck to Success seminar offered by OOIDA. And truckers like a hearty breakfast. But where is the best place to get one? A website called Cheapism has taken a look at the topic. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – Learning what you need to know to be successful 25:15 – Where to get a good, ch...
Jul 15, 2024•52 min
The Supreme Court decision stripping federal agencies of some of their power could affect some trucking rules but not touch others. Also, a spending bill now before Congress would quash a proposed speed limiter rule; meanwhile, an underride guard report ends up being a mess. And Bryan Martin of Chrome Shop Mafia offers up a few opinions about the best places to add some chrome to your truck. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – Spending bill, court decision and more may affect speed limiter effort 25:15 – To...
Jul 12, 2024•52 min
Where is FMCSA headed on speed limiters, AEBs and broker transparency as a federal document indicates when those rules might be out? Also, two drivers discuss their role in supporting the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund – and what the group does for truckers. Then, some large carriers who have commercial learner’s permit holders in a truck with a trainer don’t want that trainer in the jump seat – and OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis has a few thoughts. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – Speed limit...
Jul 11, 2024•52 min
Truckers from across the U.S. and Canada are gathering in Wisconsin as the Waupun Truck-N-Show is preparing for its 35th and final run. Also, what if you could charge an electric truck while you drive? Researchers at Purdue University are giving it a shot. And the July Fourth holiday made for a short week, which had an impact on the spot market. We’ll find out just how much load posts dropped and what impact the holiday had on rates. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – Long-running truck show takes its fina...
Jul 10, 2024•52 min
Ohio is trying a unique idea called “Smart Lanes” to deal with traffic congestion – and it appears to be a cost-effective way to cope. Also, when it comes to hiring on a driver, there are a few things you should take into consideration. We’ll discuss the impact this could have on your operation. And 11 states made changes to their fuel taxes on July 1, with most of them increasing what you’ll pay at the pump. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – Ohio’s ‘Smart Lanes’ a unique way of handling congestion 25:00 ...
Jul 09, 2024•51 min
Spending bills in Congress would stop any speed limiter requirement, and also deal with truck parking, ELDs and independent contractors. Land Line Now also updates you on a partnership that includes Daimler Truck is working on a nationwide network of EV charging stations for heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles. And the Pennsylvania Turnpike is moving to open road tolling, following several other toll roads that have done so. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Partnership aims to plug in electric trucks. 25:...
Jul 08, 2024•51 min
Truck and trailer payments: up. Repair and maintenance costs: up. Insurance premiums: also up. You see the trend. Breaking down the American Transportation Research Institute’s latest report on operational costs and putting them into perspective. Then, Bexar County, Texas is the latest to ramp up enforcement of commercial truck drivers – and alarm bells are already going off. And finally, rates are slowly inching toward a more profitable place for van freight. 0:00 – Newscast 10:33 – Operational...
Jul 03, 2024•51 min
When roads or bridges go down, truck drivers usually end up getting the short straw. Problems on U.S. 50 in southwest Colorado are one example, prompting a conversation about resiliency and practicality. Then, the agriculture industry depends on the trucking industry to succeed. Here’s how to navigate the exemptions for ag haulers. And finally, visitors to the OOIDA tour truck are noticing a growing number of inconsistencies within the Department of Transportation physical process. 0:00 – Newsca...
Jul 02, 2024•51 min
A truck driving school in Arizona has a unique instructor on staff – a chicken. That’s right, a chicken. We look into what Chester’s role is in bringing attention to the school. Then, editorial staff members of Land Line Magazine explain why they dedicated so much of the July issue to the EPA’s new emission standards. And finally, Ohio's Department of Transportation breaks down the planning it takes to get a superload safely from Point A to Point B. 0:00 – Newscast 10:32 – CDL training with Ches...
Jul 01, 2024•51 min
The Supreme Court has overturned a long-standing precedent that directly impacts federal agencies’ ability to issue and enforce regulations. Also, new research shows what can hurt recruitment and retention of women in trucking – and the list contains some familiar issues. Then, Bryan Martin of Chrome Shop Mafia joins us to run through the most commonly overlooked maintenance items in large trucks. And the U.S. transportation secretary says recent federal changes will not alter the rules truckers...
Jun 28, 2024•51 min
FMCSA’s new acting administrator has a long history in the DOT – and it may offer a guide for those wondering where the agency is headed. Also, in an effort to spark an interest in the industry, a woman in Minnesota has started writing children's books about trucking. And OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis is hearing from truckers about a fairly ridiculous situation involving turn signals, as well as some real concerns about load securement. 0:00 – Newscast 10:14 – What can we expect out of new...
Jun 27, 2024•51 min
A Georgia state senator discusses an effort to look into the “driver shortage” and what sorts of trucking problems came to light instead. Also, increased loads and fewer carriers are what DAT is seeing on its load board as we head into the summer months. Robert Rouse of DAT also looks ahead to the July Fourth holiday. 0:00 – Newscast 10:14 – A look into the ‘driver shortage’ uncovers something else 40:09 – How a decrease in trucks is impacting the spot market
Jun 26, 2024•51 min
David Spencer of Arrive Logistics discusses some of the factors that feed into the trucking slump and when the industry may turn around. Also, when it comes to seeking legal help for traffic violations, Road Law is here to help. But how many tickets is too many? And lawmakers in California, New York and Delaware are working on legislation to regulate autonomous trucks and how they operate on their roadways. 0:00 – Newscast 10:14 – When will the trucking turnaround arrive? 25:09 – When it comes t...
Jun 25, 2024•51 min
A California bill mandating drivers in autonomous trucks is making another run at passage in California – despite a veto last year. Also, a truck driver is on the road to recovery after a pastor in Florida jumped into action following a crash that caused the trucker to go off the road. And a hearing on a spending bill coming up this week in a U.S. House committee could address trucking issues such as speed limiters and truck size and weight. 0:00 – Newscast 10:14 – Bill would mandate drivers in ...
Jun 24, 2024•51 min
FMCSA hosted a healthy debate between those in trucking calling for greater protections, and those in towing listing their concerns. The OOIDA Foundation’s latest report backs up what you likely feel – but also offers some insight into how to make things better. Also, FMCSA is tackling predatory towing and predatory lease-purchase agreements, and that process has begun already through a set of public meetings. And OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis is talking about some serious topics, includin...
Jun 21, 2024•51 min
In a few years, proposed emission standards would require 25% of new trucks to be all electric. So what can you do? We’ll offer some advice. Also, over the past few years, many truckers have been the victims of predatory towing practices. Now, FMCSA has set a meeting to examine the issue. And four states have acted this year to address predatory towing and booting of commercial motor vehicles. 0:00 – Newscast 10:14 – What you can do about the push for electric trucks 25:09 – FMCSA gets involved ...
Jun 20, 2024•51 min
When it comes to lease-purchase agreements, OOIDA advises everyone to avoid them at all costs. But some might wonder why. A host of mental health issues can often come with a trucking job – and loneliness is at the top of the list. 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 picking up a USB you see sitting around or using public Wi-Fi could expose you to the risk of being hacked. OOIDA’s IT Depa...
Jun 19, 2024•51 min
