Action in the U.S. Senate this week calls for turning back a key EPA regulation that affects the trucking industry – one that could cost truckers thousands. We’ll explain what happened and why it’s important. Also, an advisory committee that will aid the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on the issue of side underride guards will soon meet. And a bill designed to give truck drivers in Washington state access to restrooms at shippers and receivers they visit has finally been passed by state lawmakers.

0:00 – Newscast. 

10:13 – Senate votes to turn back EPA rule.

24:32 – Underride committee set to meet.

38:45 – Washington state lawmakers OK restroom bill.

U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley has expressed strong reservations Julie Su’s nomination for labor secretary, and he hasn’t changed his mind. Also, load posts increased last week. If things continue to track to 2019 levels, then DAT expects it’ll see similar load volumes for the next couple of weeks. We’ll get the details from Robert Rouse of DAT in today’s Market Update. And Marty Ellis recently witnessed one of those unfortunate things that happens at truck stops – one that does nothing good for the reputation of the industry, even though it’s the exception instead of the rule.

0:00 – Newscast. 

10:13 – Congressman: Su not right for labor secretary.

24:32 – Loads running at 2019 levels.

38:45 – Seeing red over trucker bombs.

For several years, trucking industry interests in Missouri have pushed a bill to reform large truck towing. And for years, the governor has blocked that measure from becoming law. Also, the OOIDA Mary Johnston Scholarship has helped more than 120 students further their education in trade schools, community colleges and four-year universities. And there are as many different types of violations as there are regulations in the books. However, some come up more commonly than others. We’ll discuss some of the violations coming up right now with Alex Clark and David Grimes of CDL Legal.

0:00 – Newscast. 

10:13 – Helping students get an education.

24:32 – Common violations on the road.

38:45 – Missouri tries again on towing reform.

We’ll have details on truck shows set for May and some of the causes benefitting from them, including Make a Wish and mental health. Also, the importance of supplemental towing and cleanup is the topic of this week’s Insurance Interchange. Trina Skywalker and Trista Roby of OOIDA’s Truck Insurance Department discuss how this additional coverage can be fairly inexpensive but can save people a lot of money. And the nomination of Julie Su to be secretary of labor has generated more than its share of controversy. Now, a committee in the U.S. Senate is posed to vote on her nomination.

0:00 – Newscast. 

10:13 – May truck shows raise money for good causes.

24:32 – Supplemental towing and cleanup.

38:45 – Committee poised to vote on Su nomination.

AB5 loomed large over Julie Su’s confirmation hearing for labor secretary. Plus, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg suggests that the U.S. DOT is holding firm on ELDs and speed limiters. Also, we’ll tell you who in recent news has been good and who’s been bad with some Roses and Razzberries. And the government is making a big push to reduce vehicle emissions, with the both California and the Environmental Protection Agency focusing on large trucks. And Marty Ellis says that raises all kinds of questions.

0:00 – Newscast. 

10:13 – Su, Buttigieg in the hot seats.

24:32 – Roses and Razzberries.

38:45 – Electric truck push raises questions.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has taken the first step toward a requirement for side underride guards on large trucks. Another organization has requested an exemption from the hours of service. Also, reuniting truck drivers and their family in the event of tragedy is the goal of Truckers Final Mile, but that wouldn't be possible without donations. And Ohio’s governor has signed a new transportation plan that will put billions into the state’s roads. Meanwhile, North Dakota lawmakers are considering higher speed limits on the state’s fastest roadways.

0:00 – Newscast. 

10:13 – Helping truckers on their final mile.

24:32 – Side underride guards a step closer.

38:45 – Ohio puts billions into highways.

The freight market is expected to get back into a more normal rhythm. We’ll have the latest details from Robert Rouse of DAT in today’s Market Update. Also, some one-person motor carriers are trying to run under another carrier’s authority – even though that’s not advisable to do. And it’s no secret that a lot of truck shows center their efforts on benefitting a charity, with many of them specifically supporting organizations that benefit children. And that’s true as well for one of Marty Ellis’s most recent stops, as well as an event Marty has a long history with.

0:00 – Newscast. 

10:13 – Running under another carrier’s authority not a good idea.

24:32 – DAT: Freight headed back to normal.

38:45 – Truck shows: Doing it for the children.

LLN (4/18/23) – Driver-facing cameras are not popular among the professional truck-driving community. An ATRI survey turned up some interesting feedback about the controversial technology. Also, we’ll hear from a fitness instructor who learned the ins and outs of life behind the wheel to tailor a program for drivers to incorporate exercise into their day to better their physical and mental health. And Texas is starting down the path to a pilot program to test vehicle miles traveled – and commercial vehicles are the first target. Meanwhile, several states are eyeing changes to their fuel tax, with many focusing on fuel tax relief.

0:00 – Newscast. 

10:13 – Study focuses on driver-facing cameras.

24:32 – Designing a fitness program for truckers.

38:45 – Texas considers test of VMT.

LLN (4/17/23) – The nomination of Julie Su to be the new secretary of labor continues to move forward – and so do efforts to oppose that nomination. Also, how did Land Line Now come about and what went in to making it happen? OOIDA Marketing Director Mike Schermoly joins us for some stories about how it all began. And Jami Jones and Mark Schremmer join us to talk about FMCSA’s renewed commitment to technology in the name of safety. They also have thoughts on bills in Florida that could put potentially put some truckers out of business, and FMCSA’s crash preventability program.

0:00 – Newscast. 

10:13 – Land Line Now – how it all came together.

24:32 – FMCSA’s pursuit of technology.

38:45 – Opposition to Su nomination mounts.

LLN (4/14/23) – A man who spent 20 years in prison decided to turn his life around, and now operates three businesses, including a trucking company. We’ll hear from about what he’s doing with his second chance. Also, for a decade now, TravelCenters of America has recognized professional drivers who demonstrate traits that bring a high level of respect to the truck driving profession. They’re called Citizen Drivers – and this year’s class of two fits the bill. And Marty Ellis is hearing from truckers about how we train new drivers – or more precisely, how we don’t train new drivers.

0:00 – Newscast. 

10:13 – Citizen drivers have a few things in common.

24:32 – Making the most of a second chance.

38:45 – The lack of driver training.