LLN (6/9/22) – We go into greater detail on Robin Hutcheson’s nomination hearing for FMCSA administrator, where there was a lot of chatter about a perceived “driver shortage.” Meanwhile, in the House, a separate hearing on roadway safety delved into the truck parking crisis. Also, while Hutcheson’s comments about the so-called driver shortage grabbed headlines, she also was asked about a number of other important issues. And a new law in Colorado would give owner-operators access to occupational accident insurance, while a new law in Oklahoma permits the use of fully autonomous vehicles on state roadways.

0:00 – Newscast.

09:55 – FMCSA confirmation hearing.

24:48 – FMCSA confirmation hearing - analysis.

39:21 – Colorado insurance; autonomous in Oklahoma.

LLN (6/8/22) – Ignoring a problem doesn’t make it go away, so we’re going to take some of the current ones head-on with the help of Jim Jefferson and Aron Lynch of OOIDA’s Business Services Department. We talk high diesel prices, low freight rates and DEF shortages. Also, as the price of fuel continues to rise, many may wonder how this impacts the spot market. Stephen Petit with DAT discusses this concern, and what to look out for when diesel prices spike. And the acting administrator and nominee to head FMCSA talked with senators today about what she would do in the top role at the agency.

0:00 – Newscast.

09:55 – Diesel prices, freight rates.

24:48 – Diesel prices and the spot market.

39:21 – FMCSA nominee in the hot seat.

LLN (6/7/22) – New York has made it official, becoming the fifth state to cut its fuel tax in response to high fuel prices. Meanwhile, Michigan is taking extra steps to protect workers in highway construction zones. Also, oxygen is essential to life as we know it, but when it comes to your engine oxygen can cause problems. Nick Rivera of Mobil Delvac tells us all about oxidation and how to prevent its worst effects starting with routine oil analysis checks. And when it comes to technology, truckers typically focus on engine, drive train, tires and so on. But that’s not so anymore. We’ll discuss what you need to know about aftertreatment.

0:00 – Newscast.

09:55 – Oxidation and oil.

24:48 – Aftertreatment.

39:21 – Fuel tax holiday; work zone safety.

LLN (6/6/22) – Two top trucking issues – speed limiters and truck parking – will be front and center in our nation’s capital this week. We’ll explain what we’re likely to see and why it matters. Also, it’s been called the Cadillac of show truck competitions: Shell Rotella SuperRigs will take place this year in Branson, Mo., to choose the best of the best and the trucks for the next SuperRigs calendar. And we pull in the heavy hitters from Land Line Magazine to go over the talk surrounding speed limiters, plus takeaways from a recent commercial vehicle safety summit in Kansas City, Mo., and a preview of the upcoming Shell Rotella SuperRigs event.

0:00 – Newscast.

09:55 – Speed limiters and truck parking.

24:48 – SuperRigs.

39:21 – News Roundtable.

LLN (6/3/22) – Cargo theft is on the rise. We’re joined by Keith Lewis, V.P. of operations for CargoNet, to talk about what thieves are targeting, how they’re going about it, and how to protect yourself and your haul. Also, we’ve established that there’s federal money out there that could be used for truck parking – so what’s the holdup? Tyson Fisher of Land Line Magazine stops by to clear up some confusion about federal grants and why states aren’t jumping at the chance to use them. And one thing from the old days is very much needed now – a little road etiquette. And Marty Ellis has a few thoughts on the topic. I’ll talk with the man who drives the Spirit of the American Trucker.

0:00 – Newscast.

09:55 – Cargo theft.

24:48 – The Parking Zone.

39:21 – Road etiquette.

LLN (6/2/22) – FMCSA is one step closer to finally having a confirmed chief. Meanwhile, the agency once again extends its COVID-19 emergency declaration. Also, one week from now, hundreds of trucks will gather for the American Truck Historical Society’s National Convention and Truck Show. We’ll hear from some of the show’s organizers about what’s planned. And a bill close to passage in Ohio would authorize nearly $700 million dollars for transportation, including funding for the Brent Spence Bridge project. Meanwhile, Louisiana lawmakers continue to pursue double fines on an important bridge.

0:00 – Newscast.

09:55 – Antique truck show.

24:48 – FMCSA nominee.

39:21 – Ohio highway funding.

LLN (6/1/22) – Parking is a problem across the nation for truckers, but in the Eastern states, it’s intense. And officials are looking for solutions along I-81. The winner has been announced for the OOIDA Mary Johnston scholarship. Andrew King with the OOIDA Foundation discusses this long-standing tradition. Also, a truck driver who’s been behind the wheel for more than three decades is sharing her thoughts about life on the road, and the changes she’s seen over the years. And expect the unexpected – that’s the advice for carriers, brokers, and shippers from DAT when it comes to hurricane season.

0:00 – Newscast.

09:59 – Scholarship winner; life on the road.

24:53 – Hurricane season and freight.

39:35 – Parking meetings.

LLN (5/31/22) – Truckers always seem to have plenty of complaints about California. But lately an old situation is leading to new problems for truckers who haul in that state. Also, making sure you're getting the right insurance after you get your own authority – it’s not easy. The experts from OOIDA’s truck insurance department discuss what questions you should be asking and what coverage you should have. And Georgia’s governor has extended that state’s fuel tax holiday, lawmakers in Michigan want to suspend fuel tax collections for three months, and Maryland is expanding its requirement to move over for vehicles along the roadside.

0:00 – Newscast.

09:59 – California split speed enforcement.

24:53 – Insurance on your own authority.

39:35 – Fuel tax holidays.

LLN (5/26/22) – Wondering how to contest incorrect violations on a driver vehicle inspection report? We’ll find out from attorneys Jeff McConnell and James Mennella of Road Law. Also, actual cash value or stated limit? Trista Roby and Trina Skywalker of OOIDA’s Truck Insurance Department talk physical damage policies and explain which is best depending on what you own. And OOIDA has been supporting a bill that would eliminate truckers’ exemption from the Fair Labor Standards Act. But now, a very powerful set of interests is objecting to the idea.

0:00 – Newscast.

09:59 – Contesting incorrect violations.

24:53 – Which policy is right for you?

39:35 – FLSA bill draws opposition.

LLN (5/27/22) – When we think about truck shows, it’s obvious to think about show trucks. And a lot of those trucks had their start in one place – the Chrome Shop Mafia in Joplin, Mo. We’ll go over some highlights of the truck show season now underway with the Chrome Shop Mafia’s bossman, Bryan Martin. Also, a nurse turned singer-songwriter is singing the praises of truck drivers. John Perkins recently wrote a song dedicated to the hard-working men and women on the road. And Marty Ellis is running into something unexpected – owner-operators considering selling their trucks while the market is hot and taking a job as a company driver.

0:00 – Newscast.

09:59 – Singing about truck drivers.

24:53 – Truck show season.

39:35 – Owner-operators cashing it in.