Like a horror movie villain that just won’t stay down, the bid to raise the minimum insurance level for commercial trucks is back in the spotlight. Then, new details on California’s plan for autonomous trucks and a U.S. DOT update on speed limiters, broker transparency and more. Plus, why are some brokers charging certain fees that can cost thousands of dollars? And finally, full coverage of New Jersey’s efforts to comply with new Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse rules, along with California’s att...
Sep 12, 2024•51 min
Two nuclear verdicts targeting the trucking industry have made national headlines in recent days – and both raise serious questions and concerns about where we may be heading. Plus, cargo theft cases have skyrocketed in recent years. But just how bad is it out there? ATRI intends to find out. Then, a look at the latest truck parking news across the nation. And finally, Land Line Now checks in on the latest spot market data, courtesy of Truckstop. 0:00 – Nuclear verdicts target trucking industry ...
Sep 11, 2024•51 min
FMCSA is giving the public additional time to comment on whether its regulatory guidance documents need to be updated, while support grows for a bipartisan bill that would guarantee overtime pay for truckers. Plus, there’s nothing good about being involved in an accident, but if you are, look into something called “downtime compensation.” Then, Land Line Now details how even relatively normal weather events can involve insurance considerations. And finally, we look at the impact a potential gove...
Sep 10, 2024•51 min
The ripple effects of the pandemic continue to be felt in the trucking industry. Two new reports are a reminder of that. One shows a decline in the number of traffic fatalities, while another shows a drop in the number of trucking jobs. Plus, Pilot Flying J is spending the month of September giving thanks to professional drivers. An OOIDA member celebrates 3 million safe driving miles. And a ballot measure in the state of Washington will decide whether stricter emissions regulations remain in pl...
Sep 09, 2024•51 min
Another agency within the U.S. DOT is facing a change in leadership. We cover Shailen Bhatt’s departure as administrator of the Federal Highway Administration and analyze the DEA’s decision to delay marijuana reclassification. After that, a list of five products for your truck that offer the most bang for your buck. Then, an OOIDA member offers up a cautionary tale about selling your authority. And finally, Marty Ellis, driver of the OOIDA tour truck, has been hearing that some carriers are mani...
Sep 06, 2024•51 min
The government is pushing for electric trucks. But the difficulties caused when those trucks’ batteries catch fire have caught the Department of Transportation’s attention. Also, for many owner-operators, finding a load that pays well enough is half the battle – and requires spending some time on load boards. We’ll explain how to find a good one. Then, OOIDA and Truckers Against Trafficking have joined for a special giveaway to celebrate National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. 0:00 – Newscast 1...
Sep 05, 2024•51 min
Danny Ramon of Overhaul joins Land Line Now to talk about new trends taking shape in cargo theft and to offer updates on what’s being done. Also, the OOIDA Mary Johnston Scholarship has helped the children, grandchildren and legal dependents of truck drivers get an education. It’s now accepting applications. Then, CVSA’s Brake Safety Week and the lead-up to the Labor Day holiday weekend had an impact on the spot market. We’ll explain. 0:00 – Newscast 10:07 – What’s being done about cargo theft? ...
Sep 04, 2024•51 min
Several localities across the U.S. will vote on billions in transportation funding, including Seattle, Nashville and two towns in Colorado. Also, if you’re an owner-operator, keeping on top of your taxes and bookkeeping isn’t just a good idea – it’s a necessity. Truck To Success will offer some advice. And predatory towing affects a small percentage of truck drivers – but a single instance of the problem can spell the end of your business. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:07 – Taxes are a necessity of runnin...
Sep 03, 2024•51 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 Congressman Mike Collins of Georgia. We’ll bring you some of comments. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – Trucker’s ingenuity brings us the shipping containers we have today 45:05 – Trucker and congressman expresses his views on speed limiters
Sep 02, 2024•52 min
Being able to tell good brokers and bad brokers apart can save time, keep you out of a real financial bind – or avoid ending your business. Also, a new comprehensive report takes a look at some of the significant wrinkles that have to be ironed out in order to electrify trucks. And Marty Ellis has spent plenty of time waiting to load and unload – and that reminded him about issues such as hourly pay, overtime and truck ownership. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – Telling the good brokers from the bad 25:1...
Aug 30, 2024•52 min
FMCSA is about to spend millions of dollars to improve training at several facilities. And the training includes some for current drivers. Also, there are things you can do to mitigate and prevent tire damage from heat. Andy McCulloch of Michelin has the cure. And New Jersey lawmakers are taking a closer look at a mandate for electric vehicles put in place by a state agency, while West Virginia is ready to spend a chunk of change on road work. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – Improving driver training, o...
Aug 29, 2024•52 min
The Canadian rail work stoppage may be over, but the threat of another is very real. We look at the implications – and the opportunities. Also, when an officer gives you a ticket at roadside, it can be a stressful situation. We’ll explain what you can do that may lead to a better outcome. And rates and load postings were down on the spot market last week, but Brent Hutto of Truckstop isn’t surprised, or even worried for that matter. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – How could a Canadian rail shutdown affe...
Aug 28, 2024•52 min
A federal document shows PHMSA wants to raise fees for hazmat haulers. But an agency official says the situation is not quite that simple. Also, a bridge called the Can Opener is creating problems for unwary truckers who try to pass under it – and the city where it’s located is trying to fix the situation. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – Another bridge takes a bite out of trucking 25:10 – PHMSA wants to avoid higher fees for small hazmat haulers
Aug 27, 2024•52 min
Truckers gather each year to support the athletes in Special Olympics. And this year, one of those efforts is celebrating a landmark. Also, aspiring owner-operators have a lot of decisions to make with regard to insurance. We’ll share what Truck to Success attendees will learn about the insurance and claims process. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – Seminar tackles truck insurance decisions 25:10 – Special Olympics benefit marks special anniversary
Aug 26, 2024•52 min
A wreck involving a truck and a teen driver spurred the NTSB to issue a safety alert about the dangers of marijuana use while driving. Also, the U.S. DOT is leaning into something called vehicle-to-everything, or V2X technology. So what the heck is it? We’ll explain. Then, OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis is hearing about several issues from truckers, and high on the list is a decline in the number of tradesmen, including diesel mechanics. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – Agency issues warning about d...
Aug 23, 2024•52 min
An electric truck was on fire for 16 hours earlier this week. Now, the DOT will gather experts to decide what to do in such a situation. Also, broker problems continue to be a major topic for truckers, including a growing number of motor carriers filing against broker bonds. And six states are revising their rules that govern the use of cameras to enforce speed limits and red lights. Meanwhile, Wisconsin has set up a program to help train more truck drivers. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – Feds to exami...
Aug 22, 2024•52 min
You can charge your cell phone simply by setting it on a charging pad with no connections. What if you could do the same for your truck? Also, there are ways truck drivers can protect themselves against predatory towing and outrageous bills – and your insurance can play a big role. Then, the dog days of summer are usually a quiet time on the spot market, and this year is no different. But that’s about to change. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – Charging trucks on the go? 25:10 – The ins and outs of towin...
Aug 21, 2024•52 min
Many truckers would agree that electric vehicles should pay their fair share for roads. Now, a Pennsylvania law aims to do just that. Also, a tax projection can help you foresee what you’ll pay in taxes each year – and help you succeed in business. And some of the concerns about AI – artificial intelligence – are specific to transportation, including to trucking. OOIDA recently alerted the U.S. DOT to a few. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – New Pennsylvania law makes electric cars pony up for roads 25:10...
Aug 20, 2024•52 min
For the average truck driver, truly smooth roads are hard to find. But one group is working to ensure that more pavement meets the standard. Also, three of OOIDA’s experts discuss gaining your authority and going through the complicated permits-and-licensing process. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – Authority, permits and licensing – what’s required 25:10 – The benefits of smooth concrete
Aug 19, 2024•52 min
OOIDA’s Todd Spencer and Lewie Pugh discuss the Association’s efforts to fight for truckers on issues such as AI and predatory towing. Also, OOIDA’s Truckers For Troops sends some needed supplies to benefit homeless veterans through the Veterans Community Project in St. Louis. And truckers who have long parked their rigs at home are fighting a new ban on the practice in two Florida towns. We’ll talk with one of them. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – AI and predatory towing: OOIDA says remember truckers w...
Aug 16, 2024•52 min
Should the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency give California a waiver allowing it to move forward with its Advanced Clean Fleets initiative? Some are not so sure. Also, how do you warn other truckers about a bad broker or a fake broker scam? Land Line Now gets some advice on that and other broker issues. And OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis talks about a longtime motor carrier going out of business, as well as a problem a number of truckers are having with toll roads and transponders. 0:00...
Aug 15, 2024•52 min
Seasonal factors continue to impact the spot market. Brent Hutto of Truckstop says a closer look at the data – and at how bigger carriers are operating – tells us something about the future. Also, a lawyer representing a New Mexico trucking company explains why it’s taking the feds to court over the new independent contractor rule. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – Lawsuits target new independent contractor rule 40:08 – Action by bigger carriers offers a look at freight future
Aug 14, 2024•52 min
A report by INRIX says that traffic congestion is worsening in the United States – and offers some interesting data that may show why. Also, an effort in California that originally would have put speed limiters on all vehicles now calls for putting “speed warning devices” on all new vehicles. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – Traffic congestion – it’s not getting better 40:08 – California lawmakers want to warn you about speed
Aug 13, 2024•52 min
FMCSA has taken an interest in an issue that’s festered in trucking for some years now – predatory towing. But what might the agency do? Also, what do you need to know about leasing on to a carrier? OOIDA’s upcoming Truck To Success seminar details what you need to know. And some truckers get caught by surprise when they find out their license is in trouble – or maybe even suspended – due to some violation in their car. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – A clear path to how you can lease on 25:15 – How per...
Aug 12, 2024•52 min
Another email scam aims to get personal information through phishing – and it’s just one of many ways bad actors target truckers. Also, from a trucker stepping up to fulfill a child’s dream to a trucker with a lame excuse for a bad incident, Land Line Now brings you some Roses and Razzberries. And artists are giving an infamous truck-eating bridge in Kansas City, Mo., a new look. One of them joins us to talk about the project. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – Email scam phishes truckers for information 2...
Aug 09, 2024•52 min
OOIDA recently warned about the use of artificial intelligence in the trucking industry, based on truckers’ experience with other tech. Also, some important changes were made recently in the regulations regarding broker bonds, which could have a direct impact on how you interact with brokers. And OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis is hearing about artificial intelligence. He says some people are finding uses for the technology – but not in a way that’s great for truckers. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 ...
Aug 08, 2024•52 min
Many owner-operators don’t know what beneficial ownership information is or why they have to file it, so Land Line Now gets answers from two experts. Also, expect a big push over the coming months on truck parking in Washington, D.C. – whether it’s through appropriations or legislation. And load-to-truck ratios for all three equipment types were up last week. That usually translates to higher rates. Robert Rouse of DAT explains. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – Clearing up confusion over beneficial owner...
Aug 07, 2024•52 min
Truckers have faced all kinds of challenges in past hurricanes. Now that the next round is upon us, Land Line Now explains what you need to know to prepare. Also, four states have taken action to change the rules for the use of the left lane on highways. And California wants to make it easier to pass certain local ballot questions. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – What you need to know as hurricane season ramps up 40:23 – States changing left lane rules
Aug 06, 2024•52 min
A coalition of organizations – including OOIDA – has asked members of the U.S. House to pass the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act. Also, Truck To Success takes a hard look at the challenges of financing new equipment, as well as a warning about avoiding lease-purchase agreements. And the latest example of truckers and troopers working together is in Wisconsin, which for several years now has had a program called “Trooper in a Truck.” 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – How are you going to pay for that ...
Aug 05, 2024•52 min
Andrew King of the OOIDA Foundation injects some realistic expectations, facts and figures into the conversation about the freight market. Also, the first thing people see as your truck approaches is that bumper. So how do you help it make a good first impression? Bryan Martin of Chrome Shop Mafia offers some advice. And OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis is getting an earful from truckers about a new form that small businesses have to file with the federal government, among other issues. 0:00 ...
Aug 02, 2024•52 min
