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

A bill in the last Congress to fight freight fraud didn’t pass, but that bill is back before lawmakers now. Also, the Senate has confirmed the president’s picks for the U.S. DOT and EPA. And both of them wasted no time in getting to work. Then, Mark Schremmer and Tyson Fisher of Land Line Magazine join us with some analysis of those new agency heads, as well as what’s next. And OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis is hearing about continuing problems truckers are having with lease-purchase agreements. 

0:00 – Bill would put teeth into fight against fraud

09:46 – DOT, EPA have new leaders – who are they?

24:24 – What’s next now that DOT and EPA leaders are on the job?

39:23 – Truckers having more problems with lease-purchase

Lawmakers in five states are considering legislation that would require a human driver to be present in autonomous trucks on public roads. Also, a career in the coffee industry eventually led a woman from Puerto Rico to get into trucking. OOIDA member Natasha Cruz-Sanchez joins the show.

0:00 – Newscast

09:46 – How coffee led a woman to a trucking career

39:23 – States push for safety drivers in autonomous trucks

The president ordered a freeze on proposed rules, including some that directly affect trucking. Also, we’ve talked about the high costs of predatory towing. But some truckers say the cost of regular towing is getting pretty high, as well. Then, an ATRI report says traffic congestion is getting worse – and it’s also costing truckers a lot of money. And there’s lots of optimism concerning the year ahead for the spot market.

0:00 – What trucking rules will Trump’s freeze affect?

09:46 – Truckers concerned over rising towing bills

24:24 – Study says traffic congestion is getting worse

39:23 – Blue skies ahead for spot market? Some signs say yes