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"Land Line Now" is the first daily news and information program designed specifically for America's truck drivers.

Land Line Now News Team


    • Jul 4, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 34m AVG DURATION
    • 2,964 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Land Line Now

    Land Line Now, July 4, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2025 49:27


    The Department of Transportation has a nine-point plan to improve truckers' lives – and two hours-of-service reforms are a key part of it. Also, an ad campaign for a bread company eventually led to trucking's best-known song – “Convoy” by C.W. McCall. We'll tell you how it happened. And Land Line Now's Mark Reddig, Scott Thompson and Ashley Blackford gather in studio A to discuss some high points from the program's two decades on the air. 0:00 – Hours-of-service reforms are on the table – what's next? 09:55 – How the trucking anthem “Convoy” came to be 38:43 – A final look back at 20 years of Land Line Now

    Land Line Now, July 3, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025 49:27


    DataQ is designed to correct mistakes in safety reporting – but truckers see a need for reform. Also, a small group of soldiers drove some specially modified vehicles during the Vietnam War. Then, a trucker driving to a delivery suddenly found himself on truck-restricted routes – and it cost him big. And the spot market has seen a big jump in reefer freight during week 25. 0:00 – DataQ reforms could make a big difference for truckers 09:55 – Gun Trucks and their drivers play key role in Vietnam 24:15 – Town's missing signs cost trucker a big fine 38:43 – Reefer freight a bright spot in freight market this week

    Land Line Now, July 2, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025 49:27


    OOIDA has long called for hours-of-service flexibility. The DOT has a plan for two pilot programs to test changes to the hours-of-service regulations. But will they do the job? Also, those programs are part of a DOT plan to improve truckers' lives. We'll get into the details. Then, in 2011, we discovered electronic highway signs warning of “zombies ahead.” We'll explain what really happened. And in 2010, the maker of the steel used in the World Trade Center brought back some of it for a memorial – and 28 truckers carried it home. 0:00 – Hours of service: What does the DOT want to change? 09:55 – A deeper look at the DOT's trucking plan 24:15 – Zombies ahead? Signs say yes 38:43 – A look back: Convoy brings World Trade Center steel home

    Land Line Now, July 1, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 49:27


    The Texas Supreme Court just tossed out a $100 million nuclear verdict against Werner. Also, perhaps the most famous role soldier-truckers ever played was the “Red Ball Express.” Then, the “Code Talkers Flag,” which honors Navajos who used their language to help the U.S. in World War II, was lost until a trucker found it. And in 13 states this year, fuel taxes will change, and most will go up. 0:00 – Nuclear verdict tossed out by Texas Supreme Court 09:55 – Truckers of the Red Ball Express played key role in WWII victory 24:15 – Trucker's action saved flag that honors the Code Talkers 38:43 – Fuel taxes to increase in 13 states today

    Land Line Now, June 30, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025 49:58


    CVSA wants the federal government to require electronic trackers on all trucks and has made it their top priority for the new highway bill. Also, two truckers who witnessed the fall of Saigon first-hand tell the story of that day – and the outsized role one tiny Navy vessel played. And FMCSA's announcement Friday was like an OOIDA wish list, hitting issues like truck parking, split sleeper berth, speed limiters and more. 0:00 – CVSA wants trackers on all trucks 10:12 – A look back: The fall of Saigon through the eyes of two truckers 39:16 – FMCSA action plan hits some very big trucking issues

    Land Line Now, June 27, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2025 49:58


    The DOT will act on several OOIDA priorities, including speed limiters, hours of service, truck parking and more. Also, we'll bring you a 2008 story about motorcyclists who travel every year to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Then, a good place to eat is a must for truckers – and a Louisiana restaurant fits the bill. It was the first entry in our “Semi Supper Club.” And Andy McCulloch of Michelin explains special considerations needed for tires on electric-powered trucks. 0:00 – DOT to make OOIDA wish list a reality 10:12 – A look back: Run for the Wall 24:48 – A Cajun joint that caters to truckers 39:16 – Special considerations for tires on electric trucks

    Land Line Now, June 26, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 49:57


    A bill would free overtime pay from taxes. However, truckers – who don't get overtime – are not included. Another bill would change that. Also, a man survived one of the worst shipwrecks on the Great Lakes – and a trucker told his tale. We'll tell you about the S.S. Daniel J. Morrell. And late in 2024, two Iowa DOT workers stepped up to help a trucker in a bad situation. If they had not, the trucker might not have made it. 0:00 – Effort would give truckers overtime pay – and qualify them for more 10:12 – Trucker tells the story of sole survivor of shipwreck 39:16 – Iowa DOT workers step up to help trucker in need

    Land Line Now, June 25, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 49:57


    Nearly six decades ago, a trucker set world records by ballooning into the stratosphere. Also, Truckstop.com says that market pressure, rates, load availability and truck availability are all down. Then, low bridges can cause problems for truckers. But a pair of bridges in Iowa have developed a special reputation. And when a truck driver found himself in a jam, a local deputy and a group of inmates in Kentucky came to his aid. 0:00 – Rates are down in Week 24 of 2025 10:12 – Trucker sets world records during a ‘Magnificent Failure' 24:48 – The Truck-Eating Bridge of Davenport, Iowa 39:16 – Officer, inmates step up to help a trucker in need

    Land Line Now, June 24, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 49:58


    We continue our countdown to our final episode with more of our best work from the past 20 years. First, we'll bring you an encore of our 2009 story about a Minnesota effort to establish a fatigue test, which ended with a federal court decision. Also, in 2010, a young woman ran across the entire United States to raise awareness for the St. Christopher Fund. And show trucks are a longtime part of trucking, but few live up to Bob and Shelly Brinker's rig, “The Curse of the Black Pearl.” 0:00 – Newscast 10:12 – A look back: Minnesota's attempt to create a fatigue test 24:48 – A teenager's run across the country to support truckers 39:16 – Avast! It's a show truck to shiver me timbers

    Land Line Now, June 23, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 49:58


    Just weeks after resolutions passed striking down California's emission standards, the U.S. Supreme Court added its voice to the debate. Also, as part of our countdown to our final episode, we'll bring you a 2005 debate over broker issues between OOIDA's Jim Johnston and TIA's Bob Voltman. And the reconciliation bill – or the one big, beautiful bill – has run into some problems. We'll go over the holdups. 0:00 – Court gives fuel producers a win in California 10:12 – A look back: The Johnston-Voltman debate 39:16 – A few hiccups for the big, beautiful bill

    Land Line Now, June 20, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 49:58


    An Oregon man who's concerned about the potential ill effects of LED headlights is on a crusade to get them out of our vehicles. Also, from truckers stuck on a rural road to a man and his dog, we'll tell you who in recent news has been good and who's been bad with some Roses and Razzberries. Then, many in trucking have been searching for an alternative to diesel, and now Volvo Trucks North America thinks it may have a solution. 0:00 – Newscast 10:12 – Roses and Razzberries 24:48 – Volvo may have a line on an alternative to diesel 39:16 – Oregon man wants to alleviate harm from LED headlights

    Land Line Now, June 19, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 49:58


    What's required to get started with enforcement of English proficiency in trucking, and when will it happen? We'll get deep into the details. Also, what are all the current emergency declarations? What kind of regulatory relief do they offer? And to which truckers do they apply? Finally, two states are taking action regarding slow traffic in the left lane of interstate highways and other multilane highways. 0:00 – Fixing the chaos in emergency declarations 10:12 – How will FMCSA enforce English proficiency – and when? 39:16 – Fixing the problem of slowpokes in the left lane

    Land Line Now, June 18, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 49:58


    FMCSA will renew an exemption for oversize and overweight loads, in part because those rigs realistically have no place to park. Also, many truckers have tried CBD, but a doctor says it could cause truckers to fail a drug test. Then, court case delays, appearing in court and case dismissals – all three are things you need to know about if you're going to court. And the spot market is moving along according to seasonal expectations. Brent Hutto of Truckstop joins the show to break down all the numbers. 0:00 – Truck parking plays big role in oversize load exemption 10:12 – Doctor says that CBD is never safe for truck drivers 24:48 – Truckers need to know how things work in court 39:16 – Summer is here, and the spot market is acting appropriately

    Land Line Now, June 17, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 49:58


    NHTSA is planning for autonomous vehicles and working to ease the transition, even for those that don't currently meet safety standards. Also, scams are nothing new, but the internet makes it easier to take advantage of others. We'll go over some common tax-related scams. 0:00 – NHTSA greasing the skids for autonomous vehicles 10:12 – Some of the most common tax-related scams

    Land Line Now, June 16, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 49:58


    Emergency declarations are causing problems, but some in Congress want FMCSA to clean up the situation. Also, insurance questions can pop up when you lease on to a motor carrier. Then, truckers and enforcement have had an ongoing disagreement about the use of personal conveyance. And now enforcement wants changes. And Congress has stepped in to put a stop to some of CARB's emission regulations. 0:00 – Lawmakers to FMCSA: Fix emergency declarations 10:12 – Insurance considerations when you lease on 24:48 – What is the right way to handle personal conveyance? 39:16 – Congressional action halts CARB rule – for now, at least

    Land Line Now, June 13, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 49:58


    Plenty of truck drivers have had the itch to do something to spruce up their rig, but understandably don't want to break the bank doing it. Bryan Martin of Chrome Shop Mafia has more than a few ideas. Then, we hear about a product that seeks to make the “trucker tan” a thing of the past. And finally, cybersecurity advice to keep the crooks at bay. 0:00 – Newscast 10:12 – Customize your truck without breaking the bank 24:48 – “Trucker tan” product 39:16 – Password protection advice

    Land Line Now, June 12, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 49:58


    President Trump just put a final nail in California's emission standards coffin. We break down what that could mean for the future of electric vehicle mandates. Plus, how is the administration's rollback of regulations going? We break out the grade sheet. Then, a look at crash preventability and its effect on truckers' safety scores. And finally, an infamous truck-eating bridge in Kansas City, Mo., gets a makeover. 0:00 – Final nail in California's emission standards coffin 10:12 – Regulatory rollback roundup 24:48 – Crash preventability and safety scores 39:16 – Truck-eating bridge gets a makeover

    Land Line Now, June 11, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 49:57


    One of the most common and easily recognized images in trucking and other freight-moving industries is the shipping container. But how did it come to be? For many years, one name has come up – that of Malcolm McLean, credited in numerous places as the inventor. However, the real story, as is so often the case, is a little more complex. We explore McLean's story and his role in history. 0:00 – Newscast 10:12 – Trucker's ingenuity brings us the shipping containers we have today

    Land Line Now, June 10, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 49:58


    Freight activity tends to slow down a bit as the months get warmer, so what's behind the recent increase in freight entering the market? Plus, you've heard the complaint from members of the public or an elected official – that truckers don't pay their “fair share” of the cost of our highways. But what do the cold, hard numbers tell us? Then, breaking down the merits of a traffic ticket service. And finally, how a love of driving led a bus driver to a career in trucking. 0:00 – Signs of strength in the freight market 10:12 – Are truckers paying their “fair share” of highway costs? 24:48 – Traffic ticket services 39:16 – Bus driver-turned-trucker shares her story

    Land Line Now, June 9, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 49:58


    A proposal that would have amounted to an extra fee for motor carriers just got thrown on the scrap heap by a U.S. Senate committee. What are the chances it pops back up? Plus, having an interest in lease-purchase agreements is understandable – but the horror stories should be enough to make you think twice. Then, if you want to save money while your truck is parked, don't pause your insurance – but do try this. And finally, some cybersecurity advice for truckers on the road and at home. 0:00 – Senate punts proposed new fee for truckers 10:12 – Just say no to lease-purchase agreements 24:48 – Save money while your truck is parked 39:16 – Cybersecurity 101

    Land Line Now, June 6, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 50:00


    Troopers in Louisiana say they just busted up another staged crash scheme targeting truckers – and Congress has a plan to stop future criminals from trying something similar. Then, on the 20th anniversary of Land Line Now's very first episode, we take a deep dive on another debut – “Convoy” by C.W. McCall, which hit the airwaves on June 6, 1975, and spurred a decade-long trucker craze. And the latest data on the freight market foretells more rough days ahead. 0:00 – Another staged crash scheme? 10:12 – 50th Anniversary of “Convoy” debut: Part I 24:48 – 50th Anniversary of “Convoy” debut: Part II 39:16 – Freight market data foretells more rough days ahead

    Land Line Now, June 5, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 49:59


    Some of America's bridges are in need of help, and the Federal Highway Administration is stepping up with some money to set things right. Also, Canadian and OOIDA board member Johanne Couture chats about life on the road and what it's like trucking from up North to the Lower 48. And what kind of person drives an older, long-nosed conventional truck? OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis wonders what truckers think when they see them on the road. 0:00 – Newscast 10:12 – Feds send big money to help fix bridges 24:48 – The ins and outs of cross-border trucking for Canadians 39:16 – What does a long-nosed conventional tell you about the driver?

    Land Line Now, June 4, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 49:59


    A Nevada trucking group is threatening a $500 delivery surcharge in Clark County if officials do not address truck parking. Also, time spent sitting can lead to many health problems, including “dead butt syndrome.” Then, a bridge called the Can Opener in the town of Delaware, Ohio, has been named a historic site. And market demand, loads and truck availability were all down last week, but compared to last year, things are looking good. 0:00 – Truck parking problem may lead to delivery surcharge 10:12 – Avoiding the scourge of ‘dead butt syndrome' 24:48 – Bridge in Ohio opens trucks up like a can opener 39:16 – Spot market falters just a bit this week

    Land Line Now, June 3, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 49:58


    The biennial update is something every trucker on his or her own authority has to do – but it's not that hard, and you can do it yourself. Also, the easy way isn't always the best way. That's why leased-on truckers should have their own insurance coverage. And Washington state's governor has OK'd a $15.5-billion, two-year transportation budget – one that includes new and increased taxes and fees. 0:00 – Newscast 10:12 – Biennial update is an easy do-it-yourself item for truckers 24:48 – Why it's better to have your own insurance and not the carrier's 39:16 – Washington state to spend billions on roads – and hike taxes

    Land Line Now, June 2, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 50:00


    Instead of pointing to new technology or regulations, an NTSB report linked a recent collision to the need for more truck parking. Also, OOIDA board member Ken Becker recently met with the Texas Freight Advisory Committee to discuss important issues such as truck parking. And from tornados to heavy trucks, June's Land Line Magazine explores some of the biggest dangers you need to be aware of out on the road. 0:00 – Newscast 10:05 – Truck parking on the agenda at Texas freight panel 24:32 – Big trucks and twisters and scammers, oh my! 39:32 – Report on wreck points to need for more truck parking

    Land Line Now, May 30, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 50:14


    One court struck down the Trump tariff plan – and another put it back in place. We'll offer some analysis about the effect on trucking. Also, truckers love coffee. But for one woman from Puerto Rico, an interest in coffee led her to begin her path into the trucking industry. And OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis says we used to share the road, but now we fight on the road. He'll offer his thoughts on the state of road rage and more. 0:00 – Tariff back-and-forth – how will it affect trucking? 10:05 – How coffee led one woman to a career in trucking 39:32 – Anger among drivers is making our roads less safe

    Land Line Now, May 29, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 50:14


    FMCSA's effort to cut a number of regulations is targeting rules that could be eliminated with little to no impact on highway safety. Also, the annual American Truck Historical Society National Convention and Antique Truck Show kicks off next week in Wisconsin's state capital. And several states are working on bills that would affect the move toward autonomous trucks, while Oregon debates two versions of road funding. 0:00 – Newscast 10:05 – Regulatory rollback targets rules that don't affect safety 24:32 – Nation's biggest antique truck show just down the road 39:32 – States taking a closer look at autonomous trucks

    Land Line Now, May 28, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 50:15


    The Trump administration promised to strip transportation regulations if it doesn't hurt safety – and that effort appears to have begun. Also, SuperRigs kicks off Thursday, May 29 in Atlanta. Then, many people don't know what cabotage is, but it's an important issue that can affect the rates you get. And fewer loads and more trucks are being seen on the spot market for week 20. 0:00 – Effort to cut regulations is underway, in a big way 10:05 – SuperRigs is this weekend – here's what you can expect 24:32 – Cabotage – what it is and why you should care 39:32 – Truckstop says fewer loads on the roads this week

    Land Line Now, May 27, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 50:14


    From the company driver per diem to overtime pay for truckers and more, OOIDA has some real concerns about the contents of the budget reconciliation bill. Also, because of all the ways it's tracked, your history in previous jobs could give you some real problems when you're searching for a new one. 0:00 – Newscast 10:05 – The ghost of jobs past could haunt your future 39:32 – Provisions in reconciliation bill could hit truckers

    Land Line Now, May 26, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 50:14


    One of the biggest things that can mess up your truck is hitting a large animal. Now, the Oregon DOT thinks it has a solution. 0:00 – Newscast 10:05 – Helping Bambi avoid hitting your truck

    Land Line Now, May 23, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 50:14


    Mark Schremmer and Tyson Fisher of Land Line Magazine join the show with an update on the driverless/non-driverless Aurora situation. Also, trucking is difficult and lonely, which can sometimes lead to depression and other struggles. Ben Stafford of Lamar State College wants to help. Then, many will remember the song “Convoy” and the 1978 film based on it. A recent truck show got OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis thinking about that film. 0:00 – Newscast 10:05 – Project has a chance to save lives 24:32 – Driverless trucks pull back from being driverless 39:32 – Event harkens back to classic trucking movie

    Land Line Now, May 22, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 50:14


    Officials are working out the details on how to handle English-proficiency enforcement out on the road. We'll have a primer. Also, May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Therapist Buck Black joins the program to explain when you should reach out for help. And two states are making changes to speed limit rules, while another is considering a bill that discourages ticket quotas. 0:00 – Newscast 10:05 – What will English-proficiency enforcement look like? 24:32 – Tips on when to reach out for help 39:32 – Two states eye speed limit changes

    Land Line Now, May 21, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 50:14


    Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy joins the program in an exclusive one-on-one to talk English-proficiency enforcement, his department's deregulatory push, his own background in trucking and more. Then, why do some truckers camp out in the middle lane on the interstate? And how do you find an electronic logging device that will fit your operation? You ask, OOIDA answers. And finally, a check on the spot market shows the impact of CVSA's International Roadcheck. 0:00 – Newscast 10:05 – Exclusive with Transportation Secretary Duffy 24:32 – FAQ with OOIDA compliance 39:32 – Spot market check

    Land Line Now, May 20, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 50:14


    OOIDA joins the U.S. transportation secretary on stage to support the contention that English proficiency is a matter of safety on the road. Also, the California Advance Clean Fleets rule and calls for electric trucks are on the way out, and a lawsuit led by Nebraska got the job done. And scammers are constantly after your money, but the IRS is providing information on how they go about it so you can keep your finances safe. 0:00 – Newscast 10:05 – Nebraska AG discusses lawsuit that brought down CARB rule 24:32 – The IRS' list of top tax scams 39:32 – Duffy, OOIDA say English proficiency is about safety

    Land Line Now, May 19, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 50:14


    Truckstop's Sean Dehan says despite the uncertainty in the freight market now, truckers are optimistic about the next three to six months. Also, a man who's never worked as a trucker went to a truck show and got the drive of his dreams thanks to an International cabover. 0:00 – Newscast 10:05 – Truckers hopeful about the next half-year 24:32 – Reconnecting with a family's trucking past

    Land Line Now, May 16, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 50:14


    Aurora's driverless trucks are out, but pushback in Texas is growing – and a new report says the company's plans may not be set for the long haul. Also, SJ Munoz, Tyson Fisher and Ryan Witkowski of Land Line Magazine will tell us who in the news has been good and who's been bad with some Roses and Razzberries. And we close Mission: Military Appreciation with a look back at this week and at what Truckers for Troops has done over the years. 0:00 – Driverless truck company has a bad week 10:05 – Roses and Razzberries 24:32 – And that's a wrap on Mission: Military Appreciation

    Land Line Now, May 15, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 50:13


    The truckers on the OOIDA Board of Directors express strong opinions on the English proficiency regulation. Also, gator tails are a reality on the open road. But what do you do if you're the one who created the gator? OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis offers some advice. And OOIDA President Todd Spencer joins us as part of our Mission: Military Appreciation coverage to share how he got his start in the Army. 0:00 – Newscast 10:05 –English proficiency high on truckers' agenda 24:32 – What should you do when you leave a gator behind? 39:32 – Spencer discusses how the Army led to a trucking career

    Land Line Now, May 14, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 50:14


    The only real solution to the truck parking crisis is more spaces. But some states also use technology to help truckers find spaces. Then, we'll take a look back at some of the troops who received care packages paid for by your donations to Truckers For Troops. And freight availability continues to be above the five-year average. We'll break down all the numbers and look at how rates will do over time. 0:00 – Newscast 10:05 – Members of the military express gratitude for care packages 24:32 – States turn to truck parking technology 39:32 – Freight availability above five-year average

    Land Line Now, May 13, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 50:14


    OOIDA member Darren Farago spent six years serving his country, but in the end, he pursued his lifelong dream of becoming a truck driver. Also, how does a lawyer negotiate a better outcome for a traffic ticket? Jeff McConnell and James Mennella, the attorneys with Road Law, explain. And a coalition of groups and truckers' calls turned the tide in the battle against an attempt to double insurance requirements in Nevada. 0:00 – Newscast 10:05 – Time in the Navy turned into a trucking career 24:32 – Attorneys explain how they negotiate on a traffic ticket 39:32 – Truckers calls pushed back attempt to increase insurance requirements

    Land Line Now, May 12, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 50:14


    OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh joins the show to discuss how his career in the military, including driving a truck, led him to the trucking industry. Also, OOIDA's aid to veterans has come in many forms, but the Association always looks for new ways to help. Its director of PR, Norita Taylor, is on the job. And although an effort in Nevada to double the minimum insurance requirements for trucking operations looked like it might pass, it failed in the end. 0:00 – Newscast 10:05 – A trucking career with its roots in the military 24:32 – What do veterans need? We've taken a look 39:32 – Insurance increase attempt fails

    Land Line Now, May 9, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 50:16


    We've entered a new era in the trucking industry, as the first truly driverless trucks haul freight on an American interstate highway. Also, Land Line Now has the latest on independent contractor rules, speed limiters and more. Then, summer brings higher heat and red-hot pavement. So some attention has to be paid to the components in your truck that might be affected. And the word “utility” typically means water or electricity and the like. But OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis heard trucking fits the definition of “essential utility.” 0:00 – Driverless trucks hit the roads – what does it mean? 10:05 – Big developments on independent contractors, speed limiters 24:32 – The top items on your truck's summer prep list 39:32 – Is trucking an ‘essential utility'?

    Land Line Now, May 8, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 50:15


    OOIDA President Todd Spencer says English proficiency is a matter of life and death. We hear from him about OOIDA's fight to get this regulation enforced. Also, for three days every spring, commercial vehicle inspectors across the U.S. and Canada take part in International Roadcheck. And that starts this coming Tuesday, May 13. Then, from insurance costs and entry-level driver training to in-cab monitoring and cabotage, ATRI reveals its research priorities for 2025. And Mary Wilson, who got her start behind the wheel of a bus, talks about how that led her to a career in the trucking industry. 0:00 – Spencer: English proficiency a must 10:05 – Roadcheck's coming soon – here's what it's all about 24:32 – ATRI prepares to delve into insurance, training and more 39:32 – Woman's bus job led to trucking career

    Land Line Now, May 7, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 50:15


    Truckstop says there's more freight showing up in the spot market than normal, including one commodity that saw a 10-cent jump in rates. Also, predatory towing is a continuing problem – but regular towing isn't cheap for truckers, either, and some say it's getting even worse. And the North American Punjabi Trucking Association recently took an active role in urging FMCSA to get serious about broker transparency. 0:00 – Newscast 10:05 – More freight shows up in spot market 24:32 – The cost of towing a truck is on the rise 39:32 – Punjabi group joins the fight for broker transparency

    Land Line Now, April 6, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 50:14


    Truckers hope the U.S. Department of Transportation will axe some regulations that fail to promote improved safety – and this might happen. Also, rates are at historic lows, so it's more important than ever that truckers learn to negotiate. Then, secondary liability is important to many trucking operations. We'll explain why it's needed. And a new law now on the books in Arkansas is designed to put an end to predatory towing. 0:00 – Regulations: DOT eyes which ones to cut 10:05 – Want to do better? Learn to negotiate 24:32 – The importance of secondary liability 39:32 – Arkansas sets its sights on predatory towing

    Land Line Now, May 5, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 50:14


    The U.S. DOT is looking for regulations to roll back, and it's asking truckers to help. OOIDA has a few rules it would like to see changed. Also, we're into a new tax year, and experts are encouraging you to start the year organized and on top of things. We'll offer some advice. Then, who is an employee, and who is an independent contractor? The U.S. Department of Labor is out with its latest guidance for businesses. 0:00 – Newscast 10:05 – What regulations would you like to see rolled back? 24:32 – The time to get organized for taxes is now 39:32 – Labor Department changes course on worker classification

    Land Line Now, May 2, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 50:14


    An OOIDA petition and presidential order made CVSA act quickly to return English proficiency to the out-of-service criteria for truckers. Also, tough times call for flexibility and agility – basically adjusting to the conditions in order to survive. So, how do you do that? And truckers have some strong opinions about the rule that they must be able to read and speak English sufficiently to operate safely. 0:00 – Newscast 10:11 – Analysis: How we got here on English proficiency 24:49 – Reinventing your operation to survive tough times 39:32 – English proficiency issue has truckers talking

    Land Line Now, May 1, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 50:14


    Federal officials are working hard to make a reality of President Donald Trump's executive order to require English-proficiency enforcement. Also, what could, or should, the next highway bill look like, and where are we with beneficial ownership information? We'll have an update. And state senators in Nevada have approved a bill that would double the insurance requirements for in-state truckers. Now, the issue is in the state's House of Representatives. 0:00 – Newscast 10:11 – English-proficiency effort gains steam 24:49 – The latest on the highway bill, BOI 39:32 – Nevada one step closer to doubling insurance requirement

    Land Line Now, April 30, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 50:14


    The freight market remains in limbo, but Brent Hutto of Truckstop sees evidence that market conditions are headed in a good direction. Also, today is the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon. We'll bring you an encore of our story about two truckers who were there that day. 0:00 – Newscast 10:11 – Encore: Two truckers experience the fall of Saigon 39:32 – Truckstop: Signs the market is getting stronger

    Land Line Now, April 29, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 50:15


    The president has ordered enforcement of the English-proficiency regulation. But how it's enforced on the ground is going to be up to CVSA. Also, sometimes, past tickets can take you off the road in the present. The guys from CDL Legal discuss that and what to do when you get a scary letter. Then, Congress is discussing the state of the Highway Trust Fund, and OOIDA is letting lawmakers know what truckers need in that – and what they don't. 0:00 – English proficiency – the ball's in CVSA's court 10:11 – When tickets come back for round 2 … 39:32 – What truckers need in a Highway Trust Fund fix

    Land Line Now, April 28, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 50:14


    The U.S. DOT plans to set a policy for oversight of autonomous vehicles – just as one company gears up to test them on Texas roadways. Also, all traffic jams are not created equal, and some stand out nationally. An ATRI study has identified the nation's worst traffic bottlenecks. 0:00 – Newscast 10:11 – A turning point for autonomous trucks? 24:49 – The nation's worst traffic bottlenecks

    Land Line Now, April 25, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 50:14


    Driver-facing cameras are not popular with truckers. But some carriers see them very differently. One driver offers his point of view. Also, an accidentally leaked document may throw a wrench into the fight over New York City's congestion tolling system. We'll explain. And the CEO of the Nevada Trucking Association offers his assessment of the chances for a bill that would double minimum insurance requirements. 0:00 – A new wrinkle in New York's congestion tolling situation 10:11 – Nevada trucking group says insurance bill unlikely to become law 24:49 – Driver-facing cameras – it's worse than you thought

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