Land Line Now

Connected vehicle technology links vehicles to other vehicles and even infrastructure – and the feds don’t want it coming from China. Also, for 11 years now, TA-Petro Travel Centers has honored truckers with a special program that names a truck stop after them. And truckers continue to talk about low rates, but there are signs on the horizon that things may soon get better. We’ll get an update fro...

An incident involving a car driven by a teenager has prompted a federal safety agency to issue a warning about marijuana and driving. Also, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has given another motor carrier an exemption for flashing brake lights. And a hurricane threatens Florida. Then, a bill in Congress would force federal agencies to think about the “little guy” when crafting new r...

A need to preempt natural avalanches prompted Utah Department of Transportation officials to come up with a better, safer system to use in winter months. Also, average diesel prices are up for the first time in more than two months, and the U.S. Department of Labor is stepping in with a port strike looming next week. Then, people really need a second chance sometimes. One place that’s true is in c...

The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety took an in-depth look at distracted driving and what’s causing it in a new report. Also, Land Line Now offers an overview of OOIDA’s Truck To Success seminar scheduled for October, including what truckers will learn there. And two communities in Florida have changed their rules after many years, now banning truckers from parking their rigs at their h...

Opposition to a New York City program that relies on residents to report idling trucks is growing. Jami Jones of Land Line Magazine explains. Also, brokers are adding more and more contract requirements that truckers are obligated to meet – and it’s causing problems for truckers. Then, LEDs allow you to do all kinds of things with lights that were never possible before. Bryan Martin of Chrome Shop...

An NTSB investigation into a 2022 crash put most of the blame on a motor carrier, but there is far more to the story. We’ll explain. Also, Bryce Mongeon of OOIDA offers some insight into a new study regarding detention time. And a Georgia congressman explains why he opposed a bill that would raise the minimum required insurance coverage for motor carriers. Then, OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis...

A possible dockworkers’ strike on the East Coast and Gulf Coast could create problems in the trucking industry, at ports and beyond. Also, an ATRI survey on detention time found that on the whole, the problem is on the decline in the trucking industry. And when it comes to hiring on a driver, there are a few things you should take into consideration – including your insurance. Then, the number of...

OSHA is cracking down on a company that thumbed its nose at hours-of-service rules – and it’s going to cost the company a substantial fine. Also, a Texas program that is designed to turn traffic lights green for trucks in city traffic is expanding to new parts of the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Then, how do attorneys handle the situation when a client could be numerous states away from the court? Jeff...

The OOIDA Foundation is tracking some positive developments in its latest quarterly market report – but don’t get your hopes up quite yet. Plus, getting a ticket or inspection violation is frustrating enough, even more so when you don’t know how it’s going to affect your record. This advice might help. Then, the American Logistics Aid Network steps in to organize the logistics when disasters strik...

A U.S. Senator is calling on FMCSA to crack down on unlicensed commercial truck drivers in the wake of several incidents. We’ll discuss that, along with the denial of an ELD exemption request and more as we cover the news of the day. Then, with so much information out there, it’s easy to get fooled. How do you navigate through the confusion? Plus, we hand out roses to those doing right by truckers...

Like a horror movie villain that just won’t stay down, the bid to raise the minimum insurance level for commercial trucks is back in the spotlight. Then, new details on California’s plan for autonomous trucks and a U.S. DOT update on speed limiters, broker transparency and more. Plus, why are some brokers charging certain fees that can cost thousands of dollars? And finally, full coverage of New J...

Two nuclear verdicts targeting the trucking industry have made national headlines in recent days – and both raise serious questions and concerns about where we may be heading. Plus, cargo theft cases have skyrocketed in recent years. But just how bad is it out there? ATRI intends to find out. Then, a look at the latest truck parking news across the nation. And finally, Land Line Now checks in on t...

FMCSA is giving the public additional time to comment on whether its regulatory guidance documents need to be updated, while support grows for a bipartisan bill that would guarantee overtime pay for truckers. Plus, there’s nothing good about being involved in an accident, but if you are, look into something called “downtime compensation.” Then, Land Line Now details how even relatively normal weat...

The ripple effects of the pandemic continue to be felt in the trucking industry. Two new reports are a reminder of that. One shows a decline in the number of traffic fatalities, while another shows a drop in the number of trucking jobs. Plus, Pilot Flying J is spending the month of September giving thanks to professional drivers. An OOIDA member celebrates 3 million safe driving miles. And a ballo...

Another agency within the U.S. DOT is facing a change in leadership. We cover Shailen Bhatt’s departure as administrator of the Federal Highway Administration and analyze the DEA’s decision to delay marijuana reclassification. After that, a list of five products for your truck that offer the most bang for your buck. Then, an OOIDA member offers up a cautionary tale about selling your authority. An...

The government is pushing for electric trucks. But the difficulties caused when those trucks’ batteries catch fire have caught the Department of Transportation’s attention. Also, for many owner-operators, finding a load that pays well enough is half the battle – and requires spending some time on load boards. We’ll explain how to find a good one. Then, OOIDA and Truckers Against Trafficking have j...

Danny Ramon of Overhaul joins Land Line Now to talk about new trends taking shape in cargo theft and to offer updates on what’s being done. Also, the OOIDA Mary Johnston Scholarship has helped the children, grandchildren and legal dependents of truck drivers get an education. It’s now accepting applications. Then, CVSA’s Brake Safety Week and the lead-up to the Labor Day holiday weekend had an imp...

Several localities across the U.S. will vote on billions in transportation funding, including Seattle, Nashville and two towns in Colorado. Also, if you’re an owner-operator, keeping on top of your taxes and bookkeeping isn’t just a good idea – it’s a necessity. Truck To Success will offer some advice. And predatory towing affects a small percentage of truck drivers – but a single instance of the...

Author and historian Mark Levinson relates the story of Malcolm McLean, a pioneer in the use of shipping containers – and a truck driver. Also, several members of Congress have spoken out on the issue of speed limiters – and one of them is Congressman Mike Collins of Georgia. We’ll bring you some of comments. 0:00 – Newscast 10:22 – Trucker’s ingenuity brings us the shipping containers we have tod...

Being able to tell good brokers and bad brokers apart can save time, keep you out of a real financial bind – or avoid ending your business. Also, a new comprehensive report takes a look at some of the significant wrinkles that have to be ironed out in order to electrify trucks. And Marty Ellis has spent plenty of time waiting to load and unload – and that reminded him about issues such as hourly p...

FMCSA is about to spend millions of dollars to improve training at several facilities. And the training includes some for current drivers. Also, there are things you can do to mitigate and prevent tire damage from heat. Andy McCulloch of Michelin has the cure. And New Jersey lawmakers are taking a closer look at a mandate for electric vehicles put in place by a state agency, while West Virginia is...

The Canadian rail work stoppage may be over, but the threat of another is very real. We look at the implications – and the opportunities. Also, when an officer gives you a ticket at roadside, it can be a stressful situation. We’ll explain what you can do that may lead to a better outcome. And rates and load postings were down on the spot market last week, but Brent Hutto of Truckstop isn’t surpris...

A federal document shows PHMSA wants to raise fees for hazmat haulers. But an agency official says the situation is not quite that simple. Also, a bridge called the Can Opener is creating problems for unwary truckers who try to pass under it – and the city where it’s located is trying to fix the situation. 0:00 – Newscast  10:22 – Another bridge takes a bite out of trucking 25:10 – PHMSA wants to...

Truckers gather each year to support the athletes in Special Olympics. And this year, one of those efforts is celebrating a landmark. Also, aspiring owner-operators have a lot of decisions to make with regard to insurance. We’ll share what Truck to Success attendees will learn about the insurance and claims process. 0:00 – Newscast  10:22 – Seminar tackles truck insurance decisions 25:10 – Special...

A wreck involving a truck and a teen driver spurred the NTSB to issue a safety alert about the dangers of marijuana use while driving. Also, the U.S. DOT is leaning into something called vehicle-to-everything, or V2X technology. So what the heck is it? We’ll explain. Then, OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis is hearing about several issues from truckers, and high on the list is a decline in the nu...