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 …

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 t…

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 …

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 ge…

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 i…

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 …

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…

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…

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 …

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 …

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 Mar…

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…

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 dism…

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 yo…

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 inge…

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 – …

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 problem…

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 kee…

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 reg…

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 – Pro…

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 o…

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’ li…

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 …

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 – S…

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 …

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 b…

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 wit…

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…

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 Jul…

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…

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 …

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, vis…

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…

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 comm…

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 r…

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…

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 regula…

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. …

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 t…

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 to…

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 wa…

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance plans yet another safety blitz – Brake Safety Week – and also has results from a one-day enforcement effort earlier this year. Also, it turns out that if you get into a specific kind of financial difficulty, you can set up an installment plan with the IRS. We’ll explain how. And it doesn't appear the rate rece…

As fully autonomous trucking becomes a reality in Texas, we take a closer look at where the technology is and what the concerns are. Also, bridges generally are built to transport people, but a new structure being constructed in California will provide a safe path for wild animals – and help vehicles avoid collisions with them. And singer Makenzie …

A recent report from Ryder lays out the high cost of transitioning from diesel to electric trucks – not just for Ryder itself but for the greater economy at large. Then, we hand out roses to those doing right by truckers and razzberries to those doing wrong. And finally, visitors to the OOIDA tour truck have been talking about one thing more than a…

New Jersey has long collected a tax from truckers “doing business” in the state. Now, an enforcement effort is catching some by surprise. Also, does FMCSA do a good job of determining which carriers are safe enough to be on the road? And does its system need updating? An upcoming listening session will explore those questions. And four states are t…

Three states are taking the pulse of trucking regarding the parking crisis. Land Line’s Tyson Fisher explains why it’s important to chime in. Also, when you get your own authority, getting insurance is usually one of the first orders of business. We’ll discuss what coverage is needed and more. And plenty of capacity means less negotiating power for…

Researchers at the University of Connecticut are looking to go beyond state lines in hopes of sparking investment in parking expansion. 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 New York has delayed its congestion pricing plan, so what does that…

A new law in Colorado is going to change the state’s chain laws and will look at adding chain-up areas, parking options in some high-impact locations, left lane restrictions and more. We’ll go over what’s happening and why it’s important with Greg Fulton of the Colorado Motor Carriers Association. And we’ll discuss a lawsuit over a truck ban in the…

Many truckers do their own maintenance. Either way, it’s a good idea to have some tools with you. Bryan Martin of the Chrome Shop Mafia covers the top five. Also, the discussion over a possible side underride guard requirement will now go into next year – with the group discussing it severely divided. And OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis recentl…

Now that New York City’s congestion pricing is on hold, will it move forward, and when? And what will happen regarding lawsuits over the plan? Also, a safety group is shining a light on the importance of non-commercial drivers securing their loads. We speak with the woman who started Secure Your Load Day. And Louisiana lawmakers are taking a look a…