A handful of states are considering measures that are meant to deter protesters from exercising their First Amendment rights on highways. Also, an effort underway right now in South Dakota is designed to combat human trafficking – and to involve truckers in the effort. Then, we sit down with OOIDA's Truck Insurance Department to discuss what additi…

The U.S. EPA is forging ahead with strict new emission standards for heavy-trucks. We’ll explain why OOIDA objects. As Baltimore recovers from the recent bridge collapse, several issues need to be resolved – including truck parking. Also, the 35th annual Make-A-Wish Mother's Day Convoy will pay homage to the very first Make-A-Wish kid, who started …

A well-paid trucker is a safe trucker. Michael Belzer of Wayne State University concluded that about both intrastate and interstate truckers. Also, the CVSA wants FMCSA to change inspection report procedures. Meanwhile, a rare unanimous decision by the Supreme Court has implications for the trucking industry. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – CVSA inspection…

An FMCSA Research Forum is coming up next week, and what comes out of it could have a significant impact on your life as a truck driver. Meanwhile, a request by Florida for an exemption from CDL testing rules failed to succeed. Also, a man who started as a funeral director talks about what led him to a career in trucking. And Marty Ellis has notice…

The unofficial start to produce season has been announced. On this week's Market Update, we'll discuss with Robert Rouse of DAT how that will impact certain markets. Also, heat remains the No. 1 enemy of your tires, but there are things you can do to mitigate and prevent damage. Andy McCulloch of Michelin has the cure. Then, knowing what to do befo…

The push for electric trucks generates a lot of concerns. But what about hybrid semis? Revoy, a California-based company, is investing heavily in the technology and thinks it might be the future. Plus, while a few states move to address the truck parking problem, several others are looking at changes to their move-over laws. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 –…

A lot of people assume that using CBD products is safe for truck drivers, but is that really the case? Plus, weigh stations are a regular part of life for truckers, but more and more scales are virtually invisible to those who drive over them. And finally, we’ll break down OOIDA’s concerns about the cybersecurity vulnerabilities of electronic loggi…

The list of big cities instituting truck parking bans keeps getting longer. We’ll have updates on the cities giving truckers the cold shoulder, the cities and states adding truck parking spots and more. Then, we’ll hand out roses to those who are doing right by truckers – and razzberries to those who aren’t – in our latest installment of Roses and …

To say that participation in FMCSA’s under-21 pilot program has been lackluster would be an understatement. We’ll have analysis of the new data, as well as details on the road to reopen the Key Bridge. Then, we’ll break down how the mainstream media is covering – and the general public is reacting – to the EPA’s strict new heavy-truck emission rule…

When the mandate for electronic logging devices began, so did the concerns about what hackers might be able to do if they were to gain access. And now we know it can be done – because researchers at Colorado State University did it. They tell us how they hacked an ELD, what happened when they did and what the implications could be. Then, Brent Hutt…

A new survey from AAA indicates just how anxious the general public is about self-driving vehicles – although it’s a slightly different story when it comes to driver-assist technologies. Plus, we’ll break down the new beneficial ownership information reporting requirements for small-business truckers. And finally, Florida gets serious about predato…

From Kentucky to Missouri and other states in between, more and more state legislatures are taking aim at predatory towing practices. What’s behind the current trend? Plus, an update on the Florida Trucking Association’s Share the Road program. And finally, state and federal regulators come together with industry stakeholders for the Missouri Comme…

While a lot of truckers are fanatics about maintaining their rigs, obvious things that should be taken care of are sometimes overlooked. We break down the most commonly overlooked maintenance items. Then, analysis of the EPA’s new emission standards for heavy trucks and FMCSA’s push to water down CDL training requirements. And finally, a look at a …

OOIDA has given the FMCSA and its Truck Leasing Task Force an earful regarding what should be done about lease-purchase contracts. Also, Marty Ellis talks about shippers and receivers who have shown through their actions that they care about the truckers who pick up from and deliver to their facilities. And a trucking couple was just three miles aw…

The number of cargo theft incidents across the board spiked in 2023. Keith Lewis of CargoNet breaks down what’s behind the dramatic increase. Also, Erin Buchanan of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development explains why truckers need to avoid a construction zone on I-20 and where they should travel instead to avoid fines. And the s…

New Jersey soon will increase the tax on both gas and diesel fuel – and a new law means those increases will continue to be automatic. Meanwhile, six states have legislation in the works dealing with ticket quotas. Also, Rodolfo Giacoman of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance talks about the CVSA’s International Driver Excellence Award. And how …

OOIDA’s Lewie Pugh joined a call with U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg about the Baltimore Bridge Collapse, and discussed how it’s affecting truckers. Also, trucking radio legend Dave Nemo recently announcement his retirement. We’ll chat with him about what his plans are, and hear about his career and the Last Ride of the Road Gang. And…

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance has updated its out-of-service criteria. The changes go into effect on Monday, April 1. Kerri Wirachowsky, CVSA’s director of inspection programs, explains what changes were made and why. And Lewie Pugh argues that the people still have the power in our nation’s capital – but they have to harness it to make ch…

The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after being struck by a container ship. That raises questions and concerns about what’s next. Also, an OOIDA member has been named one of Goodyear's Highway Heroes. We speak with the trucker who risked his life to help stop a man who was fleeing after shooting at a state trooper. And Marty Ellis has some thoug…

Whether it’s predatory lease-purchase agreements, a pay-by-mile compensation model or any number of other issues, Steve Viscelli has thoughts on how to change things. Also, market conditions are looking up as bid season begins to close. Truckstop says we'll see soon see how seasonal forces impact freight. We'll have more on this, including numbers,…

We’ll get some basic insight into what truckers should do in light of the Baltimore bridge collapse. The Truck Leasing Task Force sought opinions about lease-purchase agreements at its most recent meeting and learned that they’re ruining livelihoods. Also, the last and only 2025 Peterbilt 389C is up for grabs, and all for a good cause. And a lawmak…

For some time, an advisory committee has been studying possible underride requirements for large trucks. Now, OOIDA is pointing out changes that threaten the panel’s work. Also, we’ll have an update on an effort to fix a major highway bottleneck in Oregon and on efforts to reform the state’s weight-mile tax. And what do you do if your MVR, PSP or C…

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance will change its out-of-service criteria on April 1. We’ll find out what changes were made and why. Also, we’ll have a roundtable with the folks from Land Line Magazine on the week’s news, including the Truck Leasing Task Force, British Columbia’s crackdown on infrastructure crashes, speed limiter legislation a…

The Biden administration has just released new emission regulations for cars and other light- and medium-duty vehicles. But heavy-vehicle regulations are soon to follow. And a city councilman discusses efforts to stop the truck strikes at the “truck-eating bridge” in Kansas City, Mo. Also, Marty Ellis has noticed some changes in how detours are han…

Carter Vieth of ACT Research explains how private fleet expansion and other factors are keeping the freight market depressed. But he does see brighter days ahead. Also, what do you do if you look at tax forms and other documents, and something doesn’t look right? We’ll get some advice from Shasta May of MBA Tax and Bookkeeping. And the spot market …

A research organization in Texas says that the trucking fuel of the future may not be fuel cells or electricity – it may be hydrogen combustion. Also, six states have been considering changes to their rules for idling by trucks and other vehicles. And some other states are looking at expanding truck parking, while one wants to increase fines for il…

A lot of people assume that using CBD – or cannabidiol, an extract from the hemp plant – is safe for truckers. But is that really the case? Also, we’ll speak with a chapter of Crime Stoppers about how the program works and how it’s assisted law enforcement over the years. And later this week, tens of thousands of truckers will gather in Louisville,…

An advisory committee made its views known this week on whether older trailers should be required to be retrofitted with underride guards. Also, the Technology and Maintenance Council held its annual meeting in New Orleans, discussing everything from diesel technology to artificial intelligence and more. And truck parking is a problem nationwide. B…

FMCSA is planning a study on sexual assault and harassment in trucking. OOIDA has a few ideas about what should be done, and how. Also, the freight market feels as though it’s running on empty. Brent Hutto at Truckstop discusses the condition of rates and takes a look at some of the top regions and lanes from last week. Then, the Mid-America Trucki…

Speed limiters, the bathroom bill and AV trucks were just a few topics of discussion during Lewie Pugh's recent visit to Washington, D.C. Also, truckers are talking with Marty Ellis about problems getting parts and ELD troubles. And DAT is tracking some possible signs of life on the spot market. Could the long-awaited turnaround finally be coming? …

Some states are considering action to limit nuclear verdicts. But in Illinois, lawmakers are going the other direction – which has some concerned. And a photo project called Sisters of the Road that features 40 female truck drivers is making its way through the U.S. Also, several states are undertaking efforts to reform towing practices within thei…

A previous version on the federal government’s independent contractor rule included a provision that opened the door to carriers requiring owner-operators to use speed limiters. Also, truck parking, driverless trucks and broker fraud are a few trucking issues that are being discussed in mainstream media. We speak with OOIDA's communications team ab…

Confused by the Department of Labor’s new worker classification rule? You’re not alone. The folks from Land Line Magazine clear things up. Also, from a fire crew that rescued a trucker dangling from a bridge to a federal agency whose certification process is creating problems for truckers, we’ll tell you who in recent news has been good and who’s b…

An FMCSA task force on lease-purchase agreements has a meeting set at MATS. We’ll discuss what the panel hopes to do and how you can participate. Also, when it comes to getting a ticket, high pressure and stress may lead you to pay it right away. The guys at Road Law have some advice on what you should do instead for a better outcome. And new idlin…

The Tennessee DOT has reversed course on split speed limits for passenger vehicles and commercial trucks on a 22-mile stretch of Interstate 81. Also, two communities in two different states recently gave two middle fingers to truck drivers just looking for a safe place to park. And the DAT load board saw an increase last week in load posts, but ove…

Wisconsin lawmakers have taken action to stop nuclear verdicts, and other states are addressing the issue, as well. Meanwhile, nine states are working on left lane legislation. Also, a situation has come up that has serious potential consequences – drivers being stranded by their carriers. We’ll discuss that, plus scam text messages and how to pull…

OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh is headed to our nation’s capital – and both speed limiters and bathroom access are on his agenda. Also, a Florida bill is taking aim a predatory towing, both for trucks and for cars. We’ll hear from Florida state Sen. Keith Perry. And is electric power a practical alternative to diesel? Mike Kucharski of J…

The Prove It Act would force federal agencies to think about the “little guy” when crafting new regulations. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Brad Finstad of Minnesota, joins the program. Also, looking ahead at speed limiter proposals, electric trucks and AEBs, we sit down with Land Line Magazine staff to discuss this month's issue. And the 2024 independen…

A bill designed to prevent nuclear verdicts is close to becoming law in Wisconsin. We’ll hear from the author of the House version of the bill. Also, FMCSA is asking truckers for their input on sexual assault and sexual harassment in trucking and is gathering lease-purchase agreements. And Marty Ellis has been hearing a story that a lot of us have …

Load-to-truck ratios are approaching an all-time low. We’ll speak with Robert Rouse of DAT about similarities between now and how things looked during the pandemic. Also, with the advent of LEDs, you can do all kinds of things with lights that were never possible before. We’ll discuss the options. And the Minnesota Trucking Association has named it…

Trucking interests in Oregon contend that the state’s weight-mile tax is too high, violating the state’s constitution. Now, lawmakers in the state are discussing how to fix that. Also, respiratory illnesses have always been a problem, but now, three of those illnesses are going around at the same time. We’ll have what you need to know. And one of t…

Truckers are concerned about California’s Clean Truck Check. What is the state doing, and how are truckers experiencing it? We’ll have some answers. Also, the Mid-America Trucking Show is right around the corner. We’ll speak with MATS President Toby Young about this year’s event and what attendees can expect. And we may again be headed toward a gov…

The OOIDA Foundation is out with the results of two new surveys – one on detention time, the other on freight rates. Andrew King of the OOIDA Foundation stops by to discuss the topics. Also, the final push to keep FMCSA from imposing a speed limiter mandate has begun. We’ll get an update on that from Jami Jones and Mark Schremmer of Land Line Magaz…

A massive outage has hit AT&T customers nationwide, which has implications for ELD users using the network. OOIDA’s Lewie Pugh and Tom Crowley walk us through what we need to know. Also, FMCSA plans to study detention time and how it affects trucking – but the agency first needs to gather some information. Then, CVSA is in the middle of a weeklong …

John Hausladen says a new, comprehensive report about the electrification movement highlights significant issues that must be ironed out. Also, David Proctor has taken his show, called “Grabbing the Hammer Lane,” on the road. We speak with him about his new endeavor and this play telling a trucker’s story. And for the second week in a row, DAT has …

Eric De Campos of the National Insurance Crime Bureau discusses predatory towing and efforts to combat the problem in the state of Florida. Also, tax time is quickly approaching, and truckers ought to be gathering what they need in order to file by the deadline. But sometimes, you don’t receive everything you should for that task. And recently, the…

Support is growing in our nation’s capital for two bills that have big implications for trucking – one that would stop a new speed limiter requirement and another that would give truckers access to bathrooms at shippers and receivers. Also, shopping for insurance will never top the list of “fun things to do,” but it doesn’t need to be quite so pain…

Doug Smith is often the voice of reason on the Advisory Committee on Underride Protections. He talks about how it’s going and if there’s a compromise ahead. Also, getting a ticket can be stressful, but fighting that ticket and being required to appear in court can make things even more difficult. And truckers often are known for stopping to help ot…

Lewie Pugh has traveled to Washington, D.C., to discuss speed limiters, truck parking and more. We’ll find out why face-to-face meetings are important. Also, FMCSA is working on a new method for determining safety fitness – and OOIDA has some ideas of what the agency should not do in creating that new standard. Then, Marty Ellis describes an encoun…

New federal reporting requirements meant to prevent money laundering will have a big impact on small businesses. We’ll have what you need to know. Also, a long-running court case involving who is an employee and who is an independent contractor in trucking finally has been settled, nearly a decade and a half since it started. And it's been a rough …