The rising problem of cargo theft was in the spotlight on Capitol Hill Thursday when a U.S. Senate subcommittee took up the issue, calling on witnesses that included OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh. What happens next? Then, the author of a children’s book about trucking tells us what inspired her to write it. And finally, we offer a fresh take on an old problem at loading docks – including how it could benefit truckers everywhere if it catches on. 0:00 – Newscast 10:04 – U.S. Senate ta...
Feb 28, 2025•50 min
We’ve all heard the horror stories about carriers leaving a trucker stranded in the middle of nowhere – so what steps should you take if it happens to you? Then, we’ll share the inside scoop about law enforcement ticket quotas with tips on steering clear of trouble. And finally, we’re finally out of the pandemic era. We’ll look at how the return to “normal” is shaping up on the spot market. 0:00 – Newscast 10:03 – Don’t be left stranded 24:24 – Inside scoop on ticket quotas 38:53 – A return to “...
Feb 27, 2025•50 min
Many businesses have been hurt by massive jury verdicts – including trucking businesses. Now, Georgia’s governor is proposing a solution: tort reform. Also, the California Highway Patrol is following several other states in using ELD technology to send safety messages to truckers traveling there. And you learned in school how important it is to check your work. But it’s doubly important when it comes to your income taxes. 0:00 – Newscast 09:46 – California to use ELDs to send safety messages 24:...
Feb 26, 2025•50 min
California’s aggressive push to electrify commercial motor vehicles in the state has hit a roadblock, and some in trucking welcome the news. Also, two Senate committees will look at how infrastructure money is being spent – and discuss some serious cargo theft and freight fraud problems. 0:00 – Newscast 09:46 – Push for electric trucks loses some power 39:23 – Infrastructure, cargo theft catch Senate’s attention
Feb 25, 2025•50 min
As President Donald Trump rounds out his Cabinet, we’re keeping an eye on some of the latest selections and how they could impact your livelihood. And the principal investigator of an FMCSA truck parking study explains how technology is playing a role in solving the problem. Also, we’ll review the week’s headlines, including the end of New York’s congestion pricing. Then, OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis is seeing truckers who leave their rig at the fuel island for an extended period – and ho...
Feb 22, 2025•50 min
With the latest changes in beneficial ownership information filing requirements, you may wonder whether to file now or wait for yet another court decision. Also, truck stops are truckers’ home away from home, where you can get a hot meal and a shower, among other things. So which ones do the best job? And lawmakers in several states are considering legislation that would change the rules for the use of the left lane on multi-lane highways. 0:00 – Newscast 09:46 – Beneficial ownership information...
Feb 21, 2025•50 min
A court ruling means small businesses again are required to file beneficial ownership information with federal officials – at least for now. Also, are the conditions right for a freight recovery? Trucking software maker Motive says its economic analysis points that direction. Then, Tom Crowley and Aron Lynch of OOIDA’s Compliance Department discuss requests by carrier-vetting services for information off truckers’ ELDs. And we're into a transitional month for the spot market. Rates are down a bi...
Feb 20, 2025•50 min
FMCSA is now taking more comments from truck drivers and others on a proposed regulation to tighten broker transparency rules. Also, a former truck driver looked at a problem – trucks hitting low-clearance bridges – and came up with a solution. We have the story. 0:00 – Newscast 09:46 – System helps you avoid ‘truck-eating bridges’ 39:23 – FMCSA gives truckers another crack at broker transparency
Feb 19, 2025•50 min
What’s behind the recent freight boom at the southern border that’s being led by computer-related freight coming from Mexico? We’ll explain. Also, trucker and singer Long Haul Paul has released a new trucking song, “Four Million Miles Deep.” We’ll talk with him about that and more. And the cargo theft problem shows no sign of slowing anytime soon – and to make matters worse, criminals seem to changing methods and cargo. 0:00 – Newscast 09:46 – What’s behind this freight boom? 24:24 – A trucking ...
Feb 18, 2025•50 min
Andrew King of the OOIDA Foundation joins us to offer some analysis of a new report claiming a truck driver shortage. Also, a husband and wife who share life on and off the road offer some tips to keep things running smoothly. 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 hear how cargo thieves are evolving, using new methods and targeting different cargo from Danny Ramon of Overhaul. 0:00 – Analysis – driver shortage report f...
Feb 15, 2025•50 min
A House subcommittee took a close look at autonomous vehicles, while a bill would ensure electric vehicle owners help pay for roads. Also, we have a nominee to head NHTSA, a federal agency with a huge impact on trucking. Then, the new Congress wasted no time drilling down into the truck parking crisis. And what does it take for a private individual to create some truck parking? A trucker told OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis. 0:00 – Congress hears plea for autonomous vehicle safeguards 09:46 ...
Feb 14, 2025•50 min
Jason Miller of Michigan State University provides analysis of the planned tariffs on Mexico and Canada and of their effect on trucking. Also, market conditions are starting to ramp up, according to Truckstop. We speak with Brent Hutto, who says 2025 will be a year of increasing rates. 0:00 – Newscast 09:46 – Tariffs 101: How they might affect you 39:23 – Good news ahead in the spot market
Feb 13, 2025•50 min
Nine states are taking a long, hard look at their fuel taxes, and several that have had regular increases may slow that process down. Also, trucking singer Long Haul Paul – a longtime trucker and OOIDA member – has come out with a new song about another trucker’s life. And a lot of questions around insurance can pop up when you lease on to a motor carrier. We’ll go over some of the considerations. 0:00 – Newscast 09:46 – Trucker and singer releases a new song 24:24 – Insurance considerations whe...
Feb 12, 2025•50 min
State officials looking to improve safety at highway intersections are trying some of the newer designs – and the results are promising. Also, why should truckers call their lawmakers about industry issues, and what role does that play in helping to create positive change? 0:00 – Newscast 09:46 – Redesigning intersections to improve safety 39:23 – The importance of contacting lawmakers
Feb 11, 2025•50 min
The government has opened the door for the beneficial ownership information requirement to go back into effect, but with possible changes. Also, an Uber Freight expert explains the freight boom at the southern border. And truckers like shiny things. But where are the best places to put some chrome? Then, more and more trucks have automatic transmissions, and some larger carriers prefer them. Why is that, and why do old-timers mostly favor manual? 0:00 – Beneficial Ownership Information – is it o...
Feb 08, 2025•50 min
It’s been hard to keep up with the back-and-forth battle over tariffs, with changes sometimes happening within hours, rather than days or weeks. Also, an expert on cybersecurity discusses the most recent trends on the topic and offers some tips for keeping yourself and your company safe. And a Mississippi effort would trim and gradually end the state’s income tax – but would significantly increase funding for transportation. 0:00 – Newscast 09:46 – Nailing down the rapidly changing tariff pictur...
Feb 07, 2025•50 min
Do truckers want better pay? Home time? Or better treatment? A recent survey took a look at the factors that could drive better retention. Also, optimism is growing in the spot market this week. Brent Hutto with TruckStop says strength in the U.S. economy will help trucking profitability. 0:00 – Newscast 09:46 – Survey says pay, home time are high on truckers’ list 39:23 – Economy driving trucking profitability
Feb 06, 2025•50 min
A smart-port project is designed to move freight more efficiently and could lead to shorter wait times for truckers working in the area. Then, what is factoring? And when should a trucker use it? Our experts offer some advice on how it could help – or hinder – your operation. 0:00 – Newscast 09:46 – The upsides and downsides of factoring 24:24 – Texas smart port could offer truckers big benefits
Feb 05, 2025•50 min
As the battle between nations over tariffs continues, we discuss what we do and don’t know about potential effects on the trucking economy. Also, OOIDA’s Freight Rate Survey details the average freight rate, which went up, the average cost of operations, which went down, and much more. Then, truckers’ voices are needed to speak out on plenty of issues in trucking – such as broker transparency, lease-purchase programs and more. And freight fraud comes in many forms, but the result is often the sa...
Feb 04, 2025•50 min
A bill in the last Congress to fight freight fraud didn’t pass, but that bill is back before lawmakers now. Also, the Senate has confirmed the president’s picks for the U.S. DOT and EPA. And both of them wasted no time in getting to work. Then, Mark Schremmer and Tyson Fisher of Land Line Magazine join us with some analysis of those new agency heads, as well as what’s next. And OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis is hearing about continuing problems truckers are having with lease-purchase agreem...
Feb 01, 2025•50 min
Lawmakers in five states are considering legislation that would require a human driver to be present in autonomous trucks on public roads. Also, a career in the coffee industry eventually led a woman from Puerto Rico to get into trucking. OOIDA member Natasha Cruz-Sanchez joins the show. 0:00 – Newscast 09:46 – How coffee led a woman to a trucking career 39:23 – States push for safety drivers in autonomous trucks
Jan 31, 2025•50 min
The president ordered a freeze on proposed rules, including some that directly affect trucking. Also, we’ve talked about the high costs of predatory towing. But some truckers say the cost of regular towing is getting pretty high, as well. Then, an ATRI report says traffic congestion is getting worse – and it’s also costing truckers a lot of money. And there’s lots of optimism concerning the year ahead for the spot market. 0:00 – What trucking rules will Trump’s freeze affect? 09:46 – Truckers co...
Jan 30, 2025•50 min
The president’s executive order to end electric vehicle mandates raises questions about the future of some states’ Advanced Clean Trucks rules. Also, income tax paperwork is a reality any small-business owner has to deal with, so we’ll bring you some advice on what you need to do. 0:00 – Newscast 09:46 – States’ clean truck rules in limbo after executive order 24:24 – Paperwork – a pain in the butt, but necessary
Jan 29, 2025•50 min
A federal task force says the lease-purchase model is a “tool of … oppression” and should be banned. Also, we’ll review some press coverage of trucking issues, including broker transparency, the “driver shortage” and more. Then, David Grimes of CDL Legal offers advice on how truckers can successfully get through one of the many safety blitzes occurring each year. And for some time, truckers traveling in parts of the American South have faced someone slashing tires. We’ll hear from a recent victi...
Jan 28, 2025•50 min
The beneficial ownership information reporting mandate is off – again – despite action at the Supreme Court. We’ll have an update. Also, as more states legalize marijuana, the demand for trucks to haul those loads increases. Then, how do you handle a carrier who is slow to pay or hits you with chargebacks? And OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis is hearing about how long brokers expect you to sit at the loading dock before they pay you for detention time. 0:00 – Beneficial ownership information ...
Jan 25, 2025•50 min
OOIDA spells out why it thinks now is the time for broker transparency – and why FMCSA needs to make that happen. Also, f0or seven years now, trucker Angela Griffin has been offering advice on her YouTube channel on everything from cooking and cleaning on the road to customizing a rig to fit your needs. And an effort in Indiana would end the state’s long-running split speed limit, while six other states also are considering changes to their speed limits. 0:00 – Newscast 09:46 – OOIDA makes the c...
Jan 24, 2025•50 min
An executive order reverses the push for electric vehicles by the president’s predecessor, and trucking is part of the deal. Also, truckers are known for helping after disasters. But hauling a FEMA load requires a lot of advance work. Then, since 2018, Shell has used its Starship truck to demonstrate how to make rigs more fuel efficient – and the latest version is no exception. And trucking continues to climb out of a two-year slump. Brent Hutto of Truckstop brings us the latest numbers. 0:00 – ...
Jan 23, 2025•50 min
Mark Schremmer of Land Line Magazine discusses the broker transparency proposal, OOIDA’s comments and what happens next on the issue. Also, a wildlife crossing planned in the state of Oregon would help reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions along a section of Interstate 5. 0:00 – Last chance to speak out on broker transparency 09:46 – Bridge would allow wildlife to cross busy interstate
Jan 22, 2025•50 min
Every two years, members of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association choose who will fill positions on the Association’s Board of Directors. As part of that process, here on the show, we bring you interviews with each one of those candidates so you have the information you need to vote. Today, we’ll have interviews with Mike Nichols, Grover Nelson, Aaron Treece and Casey Mulder. Also, Daimler has resumed sales of diesel trucks in Oregon, but the state’s truck emission rule could still ...
Jan 21, 2025•50 min
Daimler has resumed sales of diesel trucks in Oregon, but the state’s truck emission rule could still wreak havoc on the trucking industry. Also, there’s a trend of company drivers being given a 1099 instead of a W2. Then, California no longer wants a federal waiver for its Advance Clean Fleets rule, killing the proposal. And Marty Ellis is hearing about the Clean Truck Check in California, among other topics. 0:00 – Clearing up confusion about Oregon emission rule 09:46 – What do company driver...
Jan 18, 2025•50 min
