Land Line Now

Andrew King of the OOIDA Foundation joins the show to talk about the feasibility – or lack thereof – of the EPA’s truck emission ambitions. Also, the Kansas Turnpike is going completely cashless July 1 – and it should make life easier for truckers on the road. And Brent Hutto at Truckstop breaks down the effect of CVSA’s International Roadcheck on the spot market.

0:00 – Newscast 

10:23 – Is the move to electric feasible?

25:17 – Kansas Turnpike goes cashless

40:25 – Roadcheck and its effect on the freight market

Cargo theft is a growing problem. We’ll explore how bad the problem has become and what truckers can do to avoid becoming a victim. Also, what do you do when you get a notice in the mail with a return address of “IRS”? We’ll get some advice from Shasta May of MBA Tax and Bookkeeping Service. And a law in Georgia that allowed people to sue a trucker’s insurance company directly is now off the books. Meanwhile, a new law allows local idling rules in Colorado.

0:00 – Newscast 

10:22 – How to avoid the growing cargo theft problem

24:59 – The best way to handle a notice from the IRS

40:23 – Georgia says “no” to direct suits against truck insurance companies

Shailen Bhatt, administrator of the Federal Highway Administration, discusses a $148 million round of grants aimed at reducing emission from large trucks at ports. Also, OOIDA advises everyone to avoid lease-purchase agreements at all costs, but some might wonder why. We'll take a look. And FMCSA has made some changes to the pilot program designed to bring drivers under 21 years of age into the interstate trucking workforce. We’ll have an update.

0:00 – Newscast 

10:22 – FHWA grants meant to replace trucks at ports

24:59 – OOIDA: Avoid the problems with lease-purchase agreements

40:23 – FMCSA tweaks under-21 pilot program to attract more people

Ryder has a new report that lays out the cost of transitioning from diesel to electric trucks, not only for Ryder itself but also for the greater economy. Then, Terry Wells joined the U.S. Navy at his mother’s urging – but later decided he wanted to pursue a career in trucking. Now, his carrier has purchased a truck for him that honors his military service.

0:00 – Newscast 

10:22 – Ryder says transitioning to electric will cost some big bucks

24:59 – Carrier honors veteran with the design of his new truck

The new rule on broker financial responsibility is final – something that has significant impact on truckers who interact with brokers. Also, an OOIDA board member had the honor of hauling the Wall That Heals recently. We speak with him about how, despite this being his third time, it's still one of the most memorable loads he's ever taken. And Marty Ellis is hearing from truckers about some pretty common concerns: inspections, warnings, personal conveyance and DataQ.

0:00 – Newscast 

10:22 – Vietnam Memorial replica gets another trip on a truck

24:59 – Broker financial responsibility rule is final

40:23 – Inspections, warnings, personal conveyance and more

The first four months of this year have been a challenge, but DAT expects to see the effects of seasonality on freight volumes and rates. Also, an OOIDA life member says it was his faith and trucking that brought him out of homelessness. We speak with Tim Guest, who shares his story of how losing everything led to a fulfilling life. And a hot temper on the side of the road could have a lasting effect if your behavior is noted on a traffic ticket. The guys at Road Law discuss how keeping your cool could help you legally.

0:00 – Newscast 

10:22 – Trucker describes his struggle to overcome homelessness

24:59 – Keeping your temper in check at roadside, and how it can help you

40:23 – How will the change in seasons affect the spot market?

Roadcheck isn’t the only safety blitz this year; Operation Safe Driver is also coming up. Jake Elovirta of CVSA will be with us to give you an idea of what you can expect. Also, the winner of this year’s Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award joins the program to discuss his life, his military experience and his post-military career. And the Ohio Turnpike is setting up a cashless system – although for some customers, tollbooths will remain in place. Chuck Cyrill of the Ohio Turnpike Commission explains.

0:00 – Newscast 

10:22 – A military career that transitioned to trucking

24:59 – Roadcheck is here; another enforcement blitz is ahead

Inspectors will fan out across the country to do Level 1 inspections on trucks – including focuses on drugs and tractor protection systems. Also, a trucker discusses his upcoming trip to haul the Wall That Heals, a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. And several states are considering or have passed changes to rules that govern automated cameras meant to enforce either red lights or speed limits.

0:00 – Newscast 

10:22 – Hauling the Wall That Heals.

24:59 – What will Roadcheck focus on this year?

40:23 – States consider changes to traffic camera rules

Our series commemorating Military Appreciation Month continues with an Army veteran/former truck driver who’s getting back on his feet thanks to the Veterans Community Project. Then, from admonishments in Congress to eyebrow-raising cost analysis from a well-known trucking company and more, the aggressive push to electrify the trucking industry is getting more attention and quite a bit more pushback. And finally, an OOIDA board member explains the importance of using your voice as a truck driver.

0:00 – Newscast 

10:33 – From homeless to full of hope

25:16 – Pushback on push to electrify trucking industry

40:24 – Using your voice for greater good

FMCSA is undertaking a project to alert the general public about sharing the road with large trucks. OOIDA’s Jay Grimes has the details. Also, Norita Taylor and Nikki Johnson of OOIDA discuss the Association’s work to help support U.S. troops overseas and at home. And ELDs have long been unpopular – due in part to their inflexibility. Marty Ellis says some truckers are trying to cope in a not-so-proper way, and one weigh station has figured that out.

0:00 – Newscast 

10:22 – OOIDA’s efforts to help support the troops

24:59 – FMCSA to cars: Time to share the road

40:23 – Weigh station figures out ELD shenanigans