Land Line Now

If a regulation was not ordered by Congress, it may be in trouble – after two recent decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court. Also, when a broker fails to pay a trucker for a load, one of the final things truckers can turn to is the broker bond. But how do you file against it? Land Line offers a primer. And a new law in Louisiana addresses truckers’ liability when it comes to optional equipment on the...

A member of Congress wants to set up a federal task force and command center to tackle cargo theft. We’ll get the details on his plan. Also, Greg Akselrod, chief technology officer at truck parking company Outpost, explains how it’s now utilizing artificial intelligence to serve customers. And rates continue to scrape the bottom of the barrel, but Brent Hutto of Truckstop says there are some lanes...

How should we pay for our highways? For decades, the answer has been the fuel tax. And for a long time, that worked fine. But as the Highway Trust Fund dwindles, it seems more likely that we will have to find a new way to pay. But what will that be? Dr. Asha Weinstein Agrawal discusses the results of a survey on the topic. 0:00 – Newscast  10:22 – Survey: Americans good with fuel tax – if the mone...

An annual spending bill now moving on Captiol Hill would impact many more issues beyond speed limiters, including truck parking and ELDs. Also, Lewie Pugh, Andrew King and Charles Sperry offer a preview of the upcoming Truck to Success seminar offered by OOIDA. And truckers like a hearty breakfast. But where is the best place to get one? A website called Cheapism has taken a look at the topic. 0:0...

The Supreme Court decision stripping federal agencies of some of their power could affect some trucking rules but not touch others. Also, a spending bill now before Congress would quash a proposed speed limiter rule; meanwhile, an underride guard report ends up being a mess. And Bryan Martin of Chrome Shop Mafia offers up a few opinions about the best places to add some chrome to your truck.  0:00...

Where is FMCSA headed on speed limiters, AEBs and broker transparency as a federal document indicates when those rules might be out? Also, two drivers discuss their role in supporting the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund – and what the group does for truckers. Then, some large carriers who have commercial learner’s permit holders in a truck with a trainer don’t want that trainer in the jump se...

Truckers from across the U.S. and Canada are gathering in Wisconsin as the Waupun Truck-N-Show is preparing for its 35th and final run. Also, what if you could charge an electric truck while you drive? Researchers at Purdue University are giving it a shot. And the July Fourth holiday made for a short week, which had an impact on the spot market. We’ll find out just how much load posts dropped and...

Ohio is trying a unique idea called “Smart Lanes” to deal with traffic congestion – and it appears to be a cost-effective way to cope. Also, when it comes to hiring on a driver, there are a few things you should take into consideration. We’ll discuss the impact this could have on your operation. And 11 states made changes to their fuel taxes on July 1, with most of them increasing what you’ll pay...

Spending bills in Congress would stop any speed limiter requirement, and also deal with truck parking, ELDs and independent contractors. Land Line Now also updates you on a partnership that includes Daimler Truck is working on a nationwide network of EV charging stations for heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles. And the Pennsylvania Turnpike is moving to open road tolling, following several other tol...

Truck and trailer payments: up. Repair and maintenance costs: up. Insurance premiums: also up. You see the trend. Breaking down the American Transportation Research Institute’s latest report on operational costs and putting them into perspective. Then, Bexar County, Texas is the latest to ramp up enforcement of commercial truck drivers – and alarm bells are already going off. And finally, rates ar...

When roads or bridges go down, truck drivers usually end up getting the short straw. Problems on U.S. 50 in southwest Colorado are one example, prompting a conversation about resiliency and practicality. Then, the agriculture industry depends on the trucking industry to succeed. Here’s how to navigate the exemptions for ag haulers. And finally, visitors to the OOIDA tour truck are noticing a growi...

A truck driving school in Arizona has a unique instructor on staff – a chicken. That’s right, a chicken. We look into what Chester’s role is in bringing attention to the school. Then, editorial staff members of Land Line Magazine explain why they dedicated so much of the July issue to the EPA’s new emission standards. And finally, Ohio's Department of Transportation breaks down the planning it tak...

The Supreme Court has overturned a long-standing precedent that directly impacts federal agencies’ ability to issue and enforce regulations. Also, new research shows what can hurt recruitment and retention of women in trucking – and the list contains some familiar issues. Then, Bryan Martin of Chrome Shop Mafia joins us to run through the most commonly overlooked maintenance items in large trucks....

FMCSA’s new acting administrator has a long history in the DOT – and it may offer a guide for those wondering where the agency is headed. Also, in an effort to spark an interest in the industry, a woman in Minnesota has started writing children's books about trucking. And OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis is hearing from truckers about a fairly ridiculous situation involving turn signals, as wel...

A Georgia state senator discusses an effort to look into the “driver shortage” and what sorts of trucking problems came to light instead. Also, increased loads and fewer carriers are what DAT is seeing on its load board as we head into the summer months. Robert Rouse of DAT also looks ahead to the July Fourth holiday. 0:00 – Newscast  10:14 – A look into the ‘driver shortage’ uncovers something el...

David Spencer of Arrive Logistics discusses some of the factors that feed into the trucking slump and when the industry may turn around. Also, when it comes to seeking legal help for traffic violations, Road Law is here to help. But how many tickets is too many? And lawmakers in California, New York and Delaware are working on legislation to regulate autonomous trucks and how they operate on their...

A California bill mandating drivers in autonomous trucks is making another run at passage in California – despite a veto last year. Also, a truck driver is on the road to recovery after a pastor in Florida jumped into action following a crash that caused the trucker to go off the road. And a hearing on a spending bill coming up this week in a U.S. House committee could address trucking issues such...

FMCSA hosted a healthy debate between those in trucking calling for greater protections, and those in towing listing their concerns. The OOIDA Foundation’s latest report backs up what you likely feel – but also offers some insight into how to make things better. Also, FMCSA is tackling predatory towing and predatory lease-purchase agreements, and that process has begun already through a set of pub...

In a few years, proposed emission standards would require 25% of new trucks to be all electric. So what can you do? We’ll offer some advice. Also, over the past few years, many truckers have been the victims of predatory towing practices. Now, FMCSA has set a meeting to examine the issue. And four states have acted this year to address predatory towing and booting of commercial motor vehicles. 0:0...

When it comes to lease-purchase agreements, OOIDA advises everyone to avoid them at all costs. But some might wonder why. A host of mental health issues can often come with a trucking job – and loneliness is at the top of the list. Also, another successful SuperRigs is in the books, and this year's winner says he went just to have fun because it was in his own backyard. And picking up a USB you se...

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance plans yet another safety blitz – Brake Safety Week – and also has results from a one-day enforcement effort earlier this year. Also, it turns out that if you get into a specific kind of financial difficulty, you can set up an installment plan with the IRS. We’ll explain how. And it doesn't appear the rate recession that freight is experiencing will improve an...

As fully autonomous trucking becomes a reality in Texas, we take a closer look at where the technology is and what the concerns are. Also, bridges generally are built to transport people, but a new structure being constructed in California will provide a safe path for wild animals – and help vehicles avoid collisions with them. And singer Makenzie Phipps has just released a song about a truck driv...

A recent report from Ryder lays out the high cost of transitioning from diesel to electric trucks – not just for Ryder itself but for the greater economy at large. Then, we hand out roses to those doing right by truckers and razzberries to those doing wrong. And finally, visitors to the OOIDA tour truck have been talking about one thing more than anything – that the price of just about everything...

New Jersey has long collected a tax from truckers “doing business” in the state. Now, an enforcement effort is catching some by surprise. Also, does FMCSA do a good job of determining which carriers are safe enough to be on the road? And does its system need updating? An upcoming listening session will explore those questions. And four states are taking action intended to help alleviate the truck...

Three states are taking the pulse of trucking regarding the parking crisis. Land Line’s Tyson Fisher explains why it’s important to chime in. Also, when you get your own authority, getting insurance is usually one of the first orders of business. We’ll discuss what coverage is needed and more. And plenty of capacity means less negotiating power for drivers. Our Market Update covers load-to-truck r...