Land Line Now

A U.S. Senator is calling on FMCSA to crack down on unlicensed commercial truck drivers in the wake of several incidents. We’ll discuss that, along with the denial of an ELD exemption request and more as we cover the news of the day. Then, with so much information out there, it’s easy to get fooled. How do you navigate through the confusion? Plus, we hand out roses to those doing right by truckers – and razzberries to those who aren’t – in our latest installment of Roses and Razzberries. And finally, some good advice when it comes to all this talk about the electrification of large trucks: take a deep breath.

0:00 – U.S. Senator calls for more CDL scrutiny

10:17 – Surviving the information age

25:00 – Roses & Razzberries

40:06 – Anxious about the future? Take a deep breath

Like a horror movie villain that just won’t stay down, the bid to raise the minimum insurance level for commercial trucks is back in the spotlight. Then, new details on California’s plan for autonomous trucks and a U.S. DOT update on speed limiters, broker transparency and more. Plus, why are some brokers charging certain fees that can cost thousands of dollars? And finally, full coverage of New Jersey’s efforts to comply with new Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse rules, along with California’s attempt to clarify its weight-limit rule for certain trucks.

0:00 – Bid to raise minimum insurance level

10:17 – Autonomous trucks in Calif., USDOT regulatory timelines

25:00 – Brokers tacking on extra fees

40:06 – N.J. complies while Calif. clarifies

Two nuclear verdicts targeting the trucking industry have made national headlines in recent days – and both raise serious questions and concerns about where we may be heading. Plus, cargo theft cases have skyrocketed in recent years. But just how bad is it out there? ATRI intends to find out. Then, a look at the latest truck parking news across the nation. And finally, Land Line Now checks in on the latest spot market data, courtesy of Truckstop.

0:00 – Nuclear verdicts target trucking industry

10:17 – Cargo theft survey

25:00 – The Parking Zone

40:06 – Spot market update

FMCSA is giving the public additional time to comment on whether its regulatory guidance documents need to be updated, while support grows for a bipartisan bill that would guarantee overtime pay for truckers. Plus, there’s nothing good about being involved in an accident, but if you are, look into something called “downtime compensation.” Then, Land Line Now details how even relatively normal weather events can involve insurance considerations. And finally, we look at the impact a potential government shutdown could have on the trucking industry.

0:00 – Guidance document review and GOT Truckers Act

10:17 – Downtime compensation

25:00 – Weather events and insurance considerations

40:06 – How could a government shutdown affect trucking?

The ripple effects of the pandemic continue to be felt in the trucking industry. Two new reports are a reminder of that. One shows a decline in the number of traffic fatalities, while another shows a drop in the number of trucking jobs. Plus, Pilot Flying J is spending the month of September giving thanks to professional drivers. An OOIDA member celebrates 3 million safe driving miles. And a ballot measure in the state of Washington will decide whether stricter emissions regulations remain in place.

0:00 – Traffic fatalities and trucking jobs both decline

10:17 – Pilot Flying J giving thanks to truckers; 3 million safe mile driver

25:00 – Initiative 2117 in Washington state

Another agency within the U.S. DOT is facing a change in leadership. We cover Shailen Bhatt’s departure as administrator of the Federal Highway Administration and analyze the DEA’s decision to delay marijuana reclassification. After that, a list of five products for your truck that offer the most bang for your buck. Then, an OOIDA member offers up a cautionary tale about selling your authority. And finally, Marty Ellis, driver of the OOIDA tour truck, has been hearing that some carriers are manipulating ELDs – and he’s got some thoughts.

0:00 – Bhatt leaving FHWA & marijuana reclassification 

10:17 – Five additions for your truck that won’t break the bank

25:00 – Cautionary tale about selling your authority

40:06 – Carriers manipulating ELDs

The government is pushing for electric trucks. But the difficulties caused when those trucks’ batteries catch fire have caught the Department of Transportation’s attention. Also, for many owner-operators, finding a load that pays well enough is half the battle – and requires spending some time on load boards. We’ll explain how to find a good one. Then, OOIDA and Truckers Against Trafficking have joined for a special giveaway to celebrate National Truck Driver Appreciation Week.

0:00 – Newscast 

10:07 – Electric truck fires draw attention of U.S. DOT

25:00 – How do you find a good load board?

40:06 – TAT, OOIDA join to honor truck drivers

Danny Ramon of Overhaul joins Land Line Now to talk about new trends taking shape in cargo theft and to offer updates on what’s being done. Also, the OOIDA Mary Johnston Scholarship has helped the children, grandchildren and legal dependents of truck drivers get an education. It’s now accepting applications. Then, CVSA’s Brake Safety Week and the lead-up to the Labor Day holiday weekend had an impact on the spot market. We’ll explain.

0:00 – Newscast 

10:07 – What’s being done about cargo theft?

25:00 – OOIDA scholarship now accepting applications

40:06 – Brake Safety Week, holiday have impact on freight market

Several localities across the U.S. will vote on billions in transportation funding, including Seattle, Nashville and two towns in Colorado. Also, if you’re an owner-operator, keeping on top of your taxes and bookkeeping isn’t just a good idea – it’s a necessity. Truck To Success will offer some advice. And predatory towing affects a small percentage of truck drivers – but a single instance of the problem can spell the end of your business.

0:00 – Newscast. 

10:07 – Taxes are a necessity of running your trucking business.

25:00 – Predatory towing can end your business.

40:06 – Transportation issues on local ballots in November.

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 Congressman Mike Collins of Georgia. We’ll bring you some of comments.

0:00 – Newscast

10:22 – Trucker’s ingenuity brings us the shipping containers we have today

45:05 – Trucker and congressman expresses his views on speed limiters