Land Line Now

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 start to the year for the spot market. We’ll discuss how this past week went and find out what demand will look like as we move into the spring.

0:00 – Newscast 

10:00 – What do new reporting requirements mean for your business?

24:52– New Jersey classification case finally settled

39:54 – A rough start for the 2024 spot market

Ohio says a variable speed limit on Interstate 90 in the north of the state has reduced crashes. Matt Bruning of the Ohio DOT joins us to explain. Also, it’s additional optional coverage, but gap insurance is something that could save you a lot of money in the long run. And lawmakers in the state of Iowa may back away from protections against nuclear verdicts by targeting pain and suffering damages involving commercial motor vehicles, while bills that would tackle predatory towing are on the agenda in Florida and Missouri.

0:00 – Newscast 

10:00 – Ohio experiments with a speed limit that changes

24:52– Gap insurance can save you some real trouble

39:54 – Iowa lawmakers may back up on nuclear verdicts

Florida’s budget includes $25 million to add more truck parking, and this isn’t the first time the state has stepped up on the issue. Also, an iconic truck stop is celebrating 60 years of serving truck drivers. We speak with Iowa 80's senior vice president about its 60th anniversary. And OOIDA’s legislative efforts are not restricted to the Association’s Washington, D.C., office. Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh also heads to the capital often to speak with federal officials. We’ll cover his latest trip today.

0:00 – Newscast 

10:00 – Florida has big plans to improve truck parking

24:52– Marking Iowa 80’s 60th anniversary

39:54 – Pugh discusses truck parking, speed limiters and more in D.C.

While safety advocates on a NHTSA underride advisory committee keep pushing for more underride guard requirements, at least one member has warned of unintended consequences. Also, FMCSA is floating the idea of watering down the CDL skills test process. And New Jersey lawmakers have decided to hike the minimum insurance requirement for commercial trucks. 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 speak with Mary Wilson, who got her start behind the wheel of a bus, which then led to a career in trucking.

0:00 – How far is too far on underride guards? 

10:00 – Pushback on FMCSA’s CDL testing proposal

24:52 – Roses and Razzberries

39:54 – Job driving a bus leads to a career in trucking

Is FMCSA going to make it easier, maybe even too easy, to get a CDL? Or is the agency simply making the process more efficient? OOIDA has some concerns. Also, a woman who operates one of the biggest pieces of equipment in the world is sharing her story of overcoming life's challenges. And Marty Ellis is set up at one of California’s busier truck stops, where he’s hearing from drivers who are worried about other drivers. A lot of it seems spurred by the generation gap we’re all experiencing.

0:00 – Newscast 

10:00 – OOIDA spots problems in FMCSA’s proposed CDL changes

24:52– A really big rig

39:54 – Drivers worried about other drivers

What freight markets will be busy this week for the upcoming Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day? We’ll take a look ahead with DAT after a not-so-great week. Also, an OOIDA member has once again claimed a Highway Angel award for stopping to help a fellow driver who crashed his truck. And some recent cargo theft incidents in Philadelphia have been making headlines. Aside from the obvious causes, should we be looking at whether a lack of available truck parking played a role?

0:00 – Newscast 

10:00 – Two-time Highway Angel helps out fellow trucker

24:52– Are cargo thefts connected to lack of parking?

39:54 – What effect will Super Bowl, Valentine’s have on freight?

A lawsuit contends that Oregon’s weight-distance tax puts too heavy a burden on trucking operations – and claims that violates the state’s constitution. Also, in a world where it seems like everything is going up in price, there is worry about insurance minimums increasing. OOIDA's Truck Insurance Department outlines what’s happening. Then, Colorado lawmakers are taking aim at trucks that travel in the state during the winter with a focus on chain laws – and lane restrictions have lawmakers’ attention, as well.

0:00 – Newscast 

10:00 – Lawsuit targets Oregon’s weight-distance tax

24:52 – Concerns about insurance minimums increasing

39:54 – Lawmakers want changes in Colorado’s chain laws

With all the talk about electric trucks these days, it’s worth remembering that diesel isn’t just the present. It’s also the future, especially when you take new, low-carbon formulations into account. Also, if you’re not paid when you think you should be for a load, can you hold the load until you are paid? We’ll have some answers. And finally, a look at what happens when OOIDA leadership meets with U.S. lawmakers behind closed doors.

0:00 – Newscast 

10:10 – Alternative diesel fuels & pulsating brake lights

25:05 – Can you hold that load until you’re paid?

39:59 – OOIDA leader heads to Capitol Hill

Mark Schremmer and Ryan Witkowski give us the latest on the issues of broker transparency and broker fraud – and look ahead to what’s next. Also, having bike lanes on designated truck routes is causing problems in Oregon. We’ll talk with an industry organization about what they’re proposing as a solution. And when it comes to Washington, D.C., there’s no question that money talks. The people still have the power – but they have to harness it to make change come about.

0:00 – Newscast 

09:58 – The latest in the battle against broker fraud.

24:36 – Do bikes and trucks belong on the same road?

39:21 – When it comes to D.C., grassroots efforts are still the way to go

Despite delays in the process, FMCSA still plans to issue a rulemaking on speed limiters in trucks this year. We’ll have the latest on that, as well as on broker transparency. Also, do your lawmakers hear you over the din of so many people contacting them? The staff of Land Line Magazine offers some tips – and examples of what can result. Then, Marty Ellis and the Spirit of the American Trucker have run into a few problems, including significant potholes on America’s highways and possibly a need for some more road signage along the way.

0:00 – Newscast 

09:58 – FMCSA still full steam ahead on speed limiters

24:36 – Making sure your voice is heard

39:21 – Seeing a lot of potholes? You’re not alone.