A bill to stop any speed limiter mandate from FMCSA is back in Congress; meanwhile, 15,000 truckers will need to get a new DOT physical. Also, we’ll tell you who in recent news has been good and who’s been bad with some Roses and Razzberries. Then, Bryan Martin of Chrome Shop Mafia shares the top five tools to have in your truck in case you experience a breakdown. And OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis is hearing about whether truckers’ work ethic is the same as in the old days, as well as abou...
Apr 11, 2025•50 min
The Department of Transportation is asking what regulations you’d like to see gone – and truckers are obliging the agency with suggestions. Also, a new study found that increasing weight limits from 80,000 pounds to 91,000 pounds would put thousands of roads and bridges at risk. And in 2019, Michigan decided to spend over $3 billion dollars on transportation, but that money is almost gone. Now, the state is considering more spending. 0:00 – Newscast 10:12 – DOT: What regulations do you want to c...
Apr 10, 2025•50 min
An expert says the effect of tariffs is already having an impact on the Class 8 truck market. Also, despite reports to the contrary, the U.S. DOT says it will enforce an April 20 deadline to end New York City’s congestion pricing program. Then, we’ll have the latest on truck parking, from city-level online tools to state-level funding. And tariff concerns are moving global shipments forward in their delivery schedules, while load-posting volumes are continuing to increase. 0:00 – DOT determined ...
Apr 09, 2025•50 min
If you get a text message saying you owe a toll road money, watch out. It’s likely that message is a scam to get your personal information. Also, which type of physical damage policy is right for you: Actual Cash Value or Stated Limit? We’ll get some advice from our experts. 0:00 – Newscast 10:12 – Choosing the right coverage for your truck 24:48 – Text, email scams target toll road users
Apr 08, 2025•50 min
A massive “thermonuclear verdict” against Wabash trailers has increased the stakes in the rough-and-tumble world of trucking litigation. Also, the 2025 Mid-America Trucking Show wrapped up three days of fun, festivities and more last week. We’ll have a report from the event. And for years, we’ve heard about so-called chameleon carriers. Now, OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis says they’re making a comeback – but in a different form. 0:00 – Newscast: Trucking jobs are on the rise 10:12 – “Thermo...
Apr 04, 2025•50 min
A trucker, fired after a positive drug test, took his case against a CBD supplement company all the way to the Supreme Court – and won. Also, in an effort to make the next highway bill benefit truckers, OOIDA's executive vice president testified to a subcommittee in Washington, D.C. Then, we’ll update you on the transportation secretary’s testimony to the Senate, a proposed regulatory rollback and what happened at MATS. And plenty of people are skeptical about the safety of autonomous trucks. No...
Apr 03, 2025•50 min
There are plenty of people who have loomed large in the world of trucking over the past few decades – and any list of names is sure to include radio icon Dave Nemo and OOIDA President Todd Spencer. The two legends in their respective fields met at last week’s Mid-America Trucking Show for a reunion of sorts, and we had our microphones rolling. Then, Truckstop’s Brent Hutto calls in with positive news about load-posting volumes and one market in particular that’s doing very well. 0:00 – Newscast ...
Apr 02, 2025•50 min
A string of robberies and assaults at an Arizona rest area have targeted truckers. The local sheriff joins the show to offer some advice. Also, some small carriers have trouble keeping customers due to federal safety scores. Alex Clark of CDL Legal says “formalizing” pre-trips helps. And Collin Long of OOIDA’s Washington, D.C., office discusses the pro-trucker policies that make him optimistic about the near future. 0:00 – Newscast 10:01 – Sheriff offers advice on avoiding rest area robberies 24...
Apr 01, 2025•50 min
It’s a familiar frustration to any trucker – getting access to a restroom at the loading dock. We’ll tell you about an effort to fix that. Also, we’ll take another look at the driver shortage myth. Then, ELDs had Congress’ attention last week, and OOIDA’s Lewie Pugh was there to explain truckers’ point of view. And the Interstate 55 bridge over the Mississippi River in Memphis, Tenn., is at the end of its useful life. We’ll learn about plans to replace it. 0:00 – Bill designed to solve truckers’...
Mar 31, 2025•50 min
Provisions on size and weight, ELDs, retention and more could form the core of what might be the most pro-trucker highway bill ever. Then, Trina Skywalker and Lisa Waske of OOIDA's Truck Insurance Department discuss leasing on and your insurance. Also, for 35 years, truckers have put together the largest benefit convoy in trucking – the Mother’s Day Convoy benefitting the Make-a-Wish Foundation. 0:00 – Newscast 10:01– Creating the most pro-trucker highway bill ever 24:27 – Leasing on and your in...
Mar 28, 2025•50 min
The administration has named their nominee to lead the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration – someone with a law-enforcement background. Also, Congress hears plenty about trucking issues. But earlier this week, OOIDA’s Lewie Pugh gave them truckers’ points of view. And truckers are telling Marty Ellis about truck rollovers from recent high wind incidents, and the ongoing technology vs. training debate. 0:00 – Newscast 10:01– Pugh offers the facts on major trucking issues 24:27 – What we k...
Mar 27, 2025•50 min
A House subcommittee covered some of the biggest issues in trucking, from truck parking and increased size and weight to AEBs and overtime. Also, trucking singer Long Haul Paul is back with another road-related tune. Then, cargo theft continues to torment trucking. We’ll explain what you can do to ensure your safety and avoid theft claims. And we're heading back to a normal freight market, with load availability up last week. 0:00 – Parking, AEBs, other trucking issues top hearing 10:01– Singer ...
Mar 26, 2025•50 min
Scams targeting motor carriers and their authority are on the rise. Also, OOIDA asks CVSA to put the English-proficiency requirement back into the out-of-service criteria used by enforcement officers. Then, mistakes happen, but if they are mistakes on your federal income tax forms, you may need to file an amended return. And the federal fuel tax hasn’t changed since 1993, but several state legislatures are considering changes to theirs. 0:00 – OOIDA wants enforcement of English-proficiency rule ...
Mar 25, 2025•50 min
Recently, a group in Texas broke ground on what we will be a new truck parking facility that will have 140 truck parking spots and more. Also, a Pennsylvania state senator is proposing a plan that would give truckers a solution for removing snow and ice from atop their rigs. And OOIDA’s Lewie Pugh will speak to a congressional subcommittee about truck parking, restroom access, truck size and weight and more. 0:00 – Newscast 10:01– Company offers a truck parking solution in Texas 24:27 – Official...
Mar 24, 2025•50 min
What’s next in the battle over congestion tolling in New York City after the transportation secretary extends the city’s deadline? Also, the chair of the Truck Leasing Task Force discusses how everyday truckers showed how the system is broke. Then, as autonomous vehicle companies ramp up their plans to deploy products, the public’s concerns grow. And spring thaw restrictions are going into effect. A Minnesota DOT official explains how it all works. 0:00 – DOT extends deadline to stop congestion ...
Mar 21, 2025•50 min
OOIDA has some concerns about NHTSA’s proposed regulations for autonomous trucks – including that fact that reporting would be voluntary. Also, Andrew King with the OOIDA Foundation explains which trucking issues he'll talk about during the upcoming Mid-America Trucking Show. And how long should a restart of your weekly clock take under the hours-of-service regulations? OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis says some truckers object to the current requirement. 0:00 – Newscast 10:01– Should autonom...
Mar 20, 2025•50 min
The head of the Canadian Trucking Alliance joins us to discuss how carriers are handling the effects of the ongoing trade war. Also, the Mid-America Trucking Show will take place next week in Louisville, Ky. Bryan Martin of Chrome Shop Mafia in Joplin, Mo., talks about what his crew has planned for the big show. And freight and rates are up, according to Truckstop. We speak with Brent Hutto to find out how strength is continuing to build in the market. 0:00 – Newscast 10:01 – Tariff uncertainty ...
Mar 19, 2025•50 min
OOIDA wants NHTSA to require greater transparency regarding autonomous vehicles instead of voluntary reporting of testing and other issues. Also, CVSA has compiled a list of what constitutes a great truck driver – and it plans to honor one trucker with a special award. Then, should a trucker ask law enforcement for a ticket instead of a warning? That raises a lot of questions. We’ll get some answers from Road Law. And for years, states have slowly but surely moved away from split speed limits. N...
Mar 18, 2025•50 min
Two members of Congress have introduced legislation that would cut back on state and federal emission regulations on large trucks. Also, a former trucker has created a product to protect you from something virtually every trucker faces – damage to their left arm from the sun. And among the many complex things about running a trucking business is IFTA taxes – and if you don’t do it right, you could face an audit. 0:00 – Newscast 10:01– Product designed to combat the ‘trucker tan’ 24:27 – How to a...
Mar 17, 2025•50 min
Research into self-driving vehicles shows they should be put in park. A professor discusses the topic and the uncertainty that surrounds it. Also, Aurora plans to deploy fully autonomous trucks in Texas soon, despite efforts to slow the process. We’ll answer some of the questions involved. And with some still pushing for electric trucks, it raises some questions – including ones about the effects of these vehicles on the tire selection process and performance expectations. 0:00 – Debate over aut...
Mar 14, 2025•50 min
The EPA says it will reconsider rules that would have required a move toward electric trucks and big changes to diesel-powered trucks. Also, we’ll also have information about an Illinois battle over California-style emission regulations. Then, from helping abandoned animals at rest areas to a trucker who helped earthquake victims, we’ll bring you some Roses and Razzberries. And for truckers going the wrong way, one possible fix is a U-turn. But some carriers are not OK with that. OOIDA tour truc...
Mar 13, 2025•50 min
After years of effort, another attempt to reform predatory towing in Missouri is on the agenda, with one lawmaker determined to get it done. Also, from a reintroduced federal truck parking bill and Missouri’s efforts to address the parking shortage to an FMCSA study that fell a bit short and new truck parking apps, we have plenty of parking news to share. And there’s lots of optimism showing up in the spot market. Brent Hutto with Truckstop says load-posting volumes were above the five-year aver...
Mar 12, 2025•50 min
As nuclear verdicts continue to raise concerns, several states are taking action by addressing the reasons for high-dollar judgments. Also, some drivers who work for a company as an employee are receiving a 1099 at the end of the year instead of a W2 – which is a problem. And if you're looking for ways to save money while your truck is parked, OOIDA's truck insurance experts have some helpful suggestions. 0:00 – Newscast 10:01– When you get a 1099 but you shouldn’t 24:27 – Saving some money whil...
Mar 11, 2025•50 min
Since the very start, truckers have been exempt from receiving overtime pay. Now, a bill is back in Congress that would change that. Also, the SuperRigs calendar has captured some of the finest trucks in the business. Shell Rotella’s Julie Wright explains what it means for those featured. Then, which states have the best roads, and which have the worst? Consumer Affairs looked at the issue and came up with a list. 0:00 – Newscast 10:01 – The SuperRigs Calendar is out – here’s what you can expect...
Mar 10, 2025•50 min
A congressman is determined that his legislation to expand the nation’s number of truck parking spaces will pass into law this year. Also, trucking news this week was topped by important issues such as overtime pay, truck parking and freight fraud. We’ll bring you some analysis. And Missouri's Department of Transportation is in the process of drafting its freight plan, which will address truck parking. 0:00 – Newscast 10:01 – Bost optimistic for truck parking bill this year 24:27 – Overtime pay,...
Mar 08, 2025•50 min
The GOT Truckers Act, a piece of federal legislation that would guarantee company drivers receive overtime pay, is back in Congress. Also, OOIDA’s Lewie Pugh headed to Washington, D.C., recently to get federal officials up to date on freight fraud in trucking. Then, after a long back-and-forth among businesses, agencies and the courts, it appears a beneficial ownership information requirement is out. And some carriers have moved toward use of inward-facing cameras, but those devices can create p...
Mar 07, 2025•50 min
Spot market freight is up 13.1% above its normal average – and Brent Hutto says it's so important to pay attention to what happens over the next 30 days. Also, a bridge in Michigan’s capital city of Lansing has for years caused problems for truck drivers due to its low clearance. And proper maintenance is something every trucker should maintain. So what are the most common oversights in this area? 0:00 – Newscast 10:01– Truck-eating bridge keeps turning up like a bad penny 24:27 – Common mainten...
Mar 06, 2025•50 min
Economists have serious concerns about the impact tariffs going into effect today might have on the economy, its supply chain and more. Also, since 2017, FMCSA has reviewed crashes to determine whether they’re preventable – which makes truckers’ safety scores more accurate. And five states are considering programs to either use weigh-in-motion scales or to increase funding for weigh stations, while other states look at changes in weight rules for trucks. 0:00 – Tariffs are here – what does that ...
Mar 05, 2025•50 min
A number of federal lawmakers have put their weight behind a bill that is designed to expand the number of truck parking spaces nationwide. Also, an Ohio Turnpike official lays out a plan to go after tolls left unpaid after the highway moved to open-road tolling for E-ZPass users. And Land Line Magazine’s staff joins the show to discuss how 2025 is expected to be a pivotal year in the march toward autonomous trucks. 0:00 – Newscast 09:46 – Ohio Turnpike targets unpaid tolls 24:24 – The road ahea...
Mar 04, 2025•50 min
Data theft is widespread now – and it’s only going to become a bigger problem as the world becomes more and more connected. We have tips for how to keep you and your information safe. Plus, we talk often about the high costs of predatory towing – but some truckers say the cost of regular towing is getting pretty high, as well. And finally, a sheriff’s deputy in Kentucky recounts the harrowing rescue of a truck driver in need. 0:00 – Newscast 10:04 – Hands off my data! 24:25 – Truckers concerned ...
Mar 01, 2025•50 min