Land Line Now

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 falls short

09:46 – Team drivers offer tips for success

24:24 – Roses and Razzberries

39:23 – Cargo thieves are trying new tricks

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 – Nominee to head NHTSA brings some agency experience to the table

24:24 – Congress drills down into truck parking issue

39:23 – The problems with trying to create truck parking

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

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 when you lease on

39:23 – Nine states eye changes to their fuel tax

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

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 on or off?

09:46 – Uptick in computer freight from Mexico

24:24 – The best places to put chrome on your truck

39:23 – Manual or automatic? The eternal transmission debate

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 picture

24:24 – Tending to your personal cybersecurity

39:23 – Mississippi eyes end to income tax, but more road funding

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

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

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 same: A trucker gets ripped off. Now, two bills are targeting the problem.

0:00 – What does the tariff war mean for trucking?

09:46 – Freight rates ended 2024 higher than they started

24:24 – Speaking out on things that need to be fixed

39:23 – Effort would take big steps toward combatting freight fraud