Land Line Now

LLN (10/21/21) – The FMCSA is asking questions about the supply chain – and OOIDA has responded. Meanwhile, what's up with two important federal nominees? Also, Pennsylvania debates a weigh station bypass system, while Michigan debates changing how they set speed limits. A Tennessee senator went to bat for truckers over a problem that's taken some off the road. OOIDA has issued a call to action. We continue to follow the progress of the bipartisan infrastructure bill. And we'll offer up some new information about what's happening at the ports. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Supply chain: What OOIDA says will work. 25:07 – Pennsylvania weigh station bypass; Michigan speed limits; Tennessee senator speaks up for truckers. 40:03 – Infrastructure bill; supply chain and the ports.

LLN (10/20/21) – What makes demand on some lanes, with certain freight types, red hot, while others remain stone cold? Dean Croke of DAT has the answer, plus the latest trends and numbers in the spot market. Also, no one gets into trucking to do paperwork. But if you're running your own trucking business, it's a necessity. Failing to do mandatory paperwork could earn you a huge fine, back payments, or in extreme cases, getting shut down. We'll review some of the basics. And the bipartisan infrastructure bill and the budget reconciliation remain bogged down in Congress, as representatives and senators try to work out enough of their differences to get something done. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Required paperwork. 25:07 – Freight – why it's hot here, not there. 40:03 – Infrastructure bill, reconciliation update.

LLN (10/19/21) – Because of the supply chain crisis, some drivers are walking into drug and alcohol testing clinics only to either wait or be turned away. We'll break down the problem and offer advice. The first induction ceremony for a brand new trucking hall of fame took place recently. Also, people across the U.S. will soon vote on using sales taxes, bonds or other means to pay for local transportation work. And part of OOIDA's mission is helping the mainstream press more accurately represent what's happening in trucking. The supply chain crisis has offered some real opportunities to move that agenda forward. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Supply chain affects drug testing. 25:07 – Local transportation ballot issues. 40:03 – The press, the supply chain and trucking.

LLN (10/18/21) – Confusion over various regulations or guidance can create all kinds of headaches – and few have created as much as the rules surrounding the use of your truck as a personal conveyance. We'll address some recent questions about that and split sleeper time. Also, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is – and that's especially true of lease-purchase agreements. The October issue of Land Line Magazine tackles that issue, along with “walk-away leases,” with tips on what to watch out for. And truck parking issues are heating up in local governments, and bill to pay for more truck parking remains under consideration in Congress. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Personal conveyance and the split sleeper rule. 25:07 – Land Line Magazine preview. 40:03 – Truck parking update.

LLN (10/15/21) – A journalist has been covering truck parking in Northern California; another city bans overnight truck parking; and the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act. Also, truckers are wondering whether the push for more electric vehicles is practical for trucks. Georgia residents are opposing a new truck stop outside Savannah, and truckers have a chance to speak out. And the U.S. DOT is asking truckers and others for help identifying how the department can make the supply chain work more efficiently; OOIDA says truck parking, detention time and more are part of the discussion. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – The Parking Zone. 25:07 – Electric trucks – are they practical. 40:03 – Truck parking, detention time and other supply chain problems.

LLN (10/14/21) – The White House has announced actions intended to help get the supply chain moving again. And those actions will affect truckers. Meanwhile, the Senate moves closer to Meera Joshi's confirmation, and new COVID border rules are put in place. Also, New Jersey, Nevada and Michigan work to curb ticket quotas, while Michigan also tries to make life easier for timber haulers. And the supply chain disruption debate is likely to affect the lives of many truckers. However, there's more on the topic that you need to know – including what truckers are up against and what they can do. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – White House supply chain announcement; Joshi confirmation; COVID border rules. 25:07 – State ticket quota legislation. 40:03 – More on supply chain problems.

LLN (10/13/21) – Drug test facilities are the latest part of the trucking world affected by both supply chain issues and problems filling vacant jobs. Also, as more and more truckers file for their own authority, certain aspects of the system are feeling the effects – and even slowing down under the strain. And that includes IRP and IFTA. We'll discuss some of the issues involved. And the last year-and-a-half has been full of surprises – most of them unpleasant. So many dominoes have fallen that Dean Croke at the folks at DAT have started calling our new reality the “Domino Economy.” He'll tell us which dominoes are likely to fall next. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – IFTA, IRP and authority filings. 25:07 – The Domino Economy. 40:03 – Supply chain problems; phishing scams.

LLN (10/12/21) – Many truckers have run into parts shortages caused by supply chain problems; but a lack of truckers was not the cause. Also, how to deal with an increase in phishing scams. We'll share a story from the longtime truckers and OOIDA life members Candy Bass and Richard Conaway involving a truck stop chaplain, the Grand Old Opry and a bucketful of glitter. An Iowa couple shows off their quarter-century-old rig. We'll get some flu prevention advice from Dr. John McElligott. And a Pennsylvania effort is designed to make ease truck registration, while Georgia voters will decide on taxes for road work. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – A glitter story; couple displays rig; flu prevention. 25:07 – Pennsylvania register help; Georgia road taxes. 40:03 – Supply chain problems; phishing scams.

LLN (10/11/21) – The recent Guilty By Association Truck Show included the FMCSA's director of enforcement and compliance answering truckers' questions. Also, if you've had to make an insurance claim on an old piece of equipment, you might be familiar with something called the “betterment clause.” We'll explain what you need to know about it. And federal officials and some industrial and tech concerns are working hard to bring autonomous and electric trucks to market – or even require them. Meanwhile, a case in Louisiana has highlighted the problem with staged wrecks in trucking. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – FMCSA official answers truckers questions. 25:07 – “Betterment clause” and your truck. 40:03 – Autonomous, electric trucks; staged wrecks.

LLN (10/8/21) – Controversy continues to swirl around California's independent contractor law, AB5, which is waiting on a court decision that will likely decide its fate – and the fate of thousands of owner-operators. Also, “social media influencers” – people who advertise themselves as experts in some topic – were a new feature of this year's Guilty By Association Truck Show. We'll find out how it went. And Marty Ellis has experienced something many truckers have over the past few months – the shortage of certain truck parts due to the lack of computer chips. But he's back on the road now, fielding questions about the hours-of-service emergency order. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Social Media influencers. 25:07 – Parts shortage hits The Spirit. 40:03 – How are states spending enforcement money?

LLN (10/7/21) – California wants to end exploitation of truck drivers at the state's ports, while also extending a pilot program to a mileage tax to pay for highways. Also, cold can freeze a battery that's not up to snuff, cold can gel fuel, winter road chemicals can rust out all kinds of parts – and on and on. So what systems require some attention as the colder months approach? And the feds pay states to carry out truck enforcement, distributed through the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program. Every year, those states have to file a plan with FMCSA. So what's in those documents? And how does that affect you? 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Prepping for winter weather. 25:07 – California targets trucker exploitation, eyes mileage tax. 40:03 – How are states spending enforcement money?

LLN (10/6/21) – A CPAP machine recall and computer chip shortage are creating problems for many truckers. The feds are considering some form of relief. Also, consumer demand has fueled historic volumes of freight this past year. Dean Croke of DAT has some insights about where we might be headed next. And the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it expects thousands of crashes each year from autonomous vehicles. And that raises questions about one of the basic justifications for the move toward that technology, which is the contention that it would improve safety. Jay Grimes returns to discuss the report. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – CPAP recall may prompt waiver. 25:07 – Consumer demand and a freight spike. 40:03 – NHTSA: Autonomous vehicles will cause “thousands” of crashes.

LLN (10/5/21) – The last highway bill is now extended, giving Congress another month to figure out how to pass the bipartisan infrastructure bill. And unfortunately, passage of that measure is now linked to the $3.5 trillion dollar budget reconciliation bill stalled in Congress. Also, electric vehicles are starting to enter the market – and that is going to have an effect on how we select tires. And three states are taking action on ticket cameras, while Massachusetts will ask voters whether they want the state to join a regional “climate pact” that could add 10 cents to fuel taxes. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – The push for electric vehicles and your tires. 25:07 – Three states on ticket cameras; Massachusetts climate pact. 40:03 – What's next on the infrastructure bill.

LLN (10/4/21) – OOIDA has been working state by state to fix problems with police-dispatched towing after a crash. We'll have an update on what's happening in one state on the topic. Also, no two things are mentioned more by health experts than diet and exercise. Proper diet can mean avoiding potentially harmful health conditions. Poor diet means a life that becomes steadily more difficult as time goes on. But which diet is the right diet? And it wasn't that long ago that Land Line Magazine was busting the myth of a “driver shortage.” Now, the October issue is back on the subject because of a subtle but important shift in the story. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Diet and your health. 25:07 – Driver shortage? Land Line Magazine says no. 40:03 – Towing problems in West Virginia.

LLN (10/1/21) – The infrastructure bill has become entangled into a mess that includes annual spending bills, the budget reconciliation and the debt limit. We'll make sense of it all and how it could affect you. Also, we'll offer up some Roses and Razzberries. GBATS featured an exact replica of the truck from “Maximum Overdrive.” We'll hear from the man who built it from scratch – and two actors from the film. And we'll also hear about how life used to be on the road – including the challenges faced by women; and a trucker discusses bicycling while out on the road. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Roses and Razzberries. 25:06 – “Maximum Overdrive” truck; trucker stories. 40:02 – Making sense of the mess in D.C.

LLN (9/30/21) – New guidance is out regarding a vaccine mandate for federal contractors – including which contractors would be covered and who at those companies would be affected. Also, an FMCSA official answers tuckers' questions; and a new form for using the hours-of-service emergency order. A new law in New York would require all new passenger vehicles be electric within 14 years, while Pennsylvania eyes a weigh station bypass system. We'll have information about upcoming truck shows on the Land Line Now Industry Calendar. And how is the computer chip shortage affecting the trucking industry. Plus, an update on the bipartisan infrastructure bill. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Town Hall with FMCSA; hours of service form; federal contractors and vaccine. 25:06 – New York electric vehicles; Pennsylvania weigh station bypass. 40:02 – Computer chip shortage; infrastructure bill update.

LLN (9/29/21) –The first GBATS in three years was a success by any measure. We'll hear from a longtime member of OOIDA, from a very young driver with a very small truck; and those who convoyed for Special Olympics. The ports are backed up, and that is clogging up the supply chain. We'll take a look at the effect of all those large container ships waiting to unload, as well as the latest spot market numbers and trends. And Congress is facing some serious deadlines, including a needed vote to prevent the government from shutting down and another to keep the U.S. DOT operating. But what are the possible consequences if they fail? 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Guilty By Association Truck Show. 25:06 – Backed up ports. 40:02 – What if Congress doesn't get the job done.

LLN (9/28/21) – A survey in Washington state gives truckers a rare opportunity to offer opinions about the parking situation, and be specific about where the problem is, and what's needed to solve it. Also, we'll discuss the upcoming Truck to Success seminar. Three states plan to increase their fuel tax on Oct. 1, while Pennsylvania lawmakers consider a change in state registration that could make it easier to comply. And debate starts soon in the U.S. House on the bipartisan infrastructure bill – but controversy surrounding what the House will vote on when, and how much everything will cost, could spell trouble for progress. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Parking survey; Truck to Success. 25:06 – Fuel taxes; Pennsylvania registration change. 40:02 – Infrastructure bill debate in House.

LLN (9/27/21) – Last week, FMCSA nominee Meera Joshi was in the hot seat at her confirmation hearing. And Joshi fielded a lot of questions. We'll bring you her answers. Also, when Old Man Winter comes to visit, your truck could very well become a casualty. When it comes to insurance, that can leave you out in the cold. But there are ways to protect yourself and your investment. We'll explain what they are. And we usually end our show talking about some of the most serious issues in the industry. But today, we're going to talk about some fun – all the events and good times from the recent Guilty By Association Truck Show. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – FMCSA nominee answers trucking questions. 25:06 – Protecting the truck from winter's wrath. 40:02 – Guilty By Association Truck Show.

LLN (9/24/21) – Today at the Guilty By Association Truck Show, OOIDA is holding a town hall meeting for truckers that includes Joe DeLorenzo of FMCSA, who is there to answer truckers' questions. We'll have some highlights. Also, imagine having a 9-year-old boy as your boss – a boss who's still learning his multiplication and division. One trucker in Alabama doesn't have to imagine it, because it's his reality. And Marty Ellis has been having some fun, including at a Special Olympics convoy last weekend, one that he's been involved in for a very long time. And right now, he's at the Guilty By Association Truck Show. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – The 9-year-old trucking boss. 25:06 – Special Olympics convoy; Guilty By Association Truck Show. 40:02 – OOIDA town hall in Joplin featuring FMCSA official.

LLN (9/23/21) – Rates are rising. That's good news for truckers, but shippers aren't happy, so they're pursuing a policy that would be bad news for truckers. Meanwhile, what is happening on truck parking now that the latest effort has fallen short? Also, the U.S. DOT wants your views about addressing supply chain challenges – including technology, cybersecurity risks, ELDs, detention time, hours of service and more. And Illinois officials say a new law there will help them better prioritize the state's road work, while Denver voters will decide whether to spend $63 million for transportation work. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – DOT on supply chain challenges. 25:06 – Illinois road work efficiency; Colorado road funds. 40:02 – What higher rates are making shippers do; truck parking.

LLN (9/22/21) – FMCSA nominee Meera Joshi is taking the next step toward an official Senate confirmation as administrator for the agency. We'll explain what she had to say on some top issues. Also, for any motor carrier, some things are simply not options. That includes an alphabet soup of terms – IFTA, IRP, UCR and HUT. So what are they, how do they work, and what do you need to do to comply so you can stay on the road? And there's no dispute that the driver pool has been disrupted since the pandemic began. We'll offer some perspective on the spot market side of things – and break down the latest numbers and trends in the van, reefer and flatbed markets. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – IFTA, IRP, UCR and NY HUT. 25:06 – Pandemic disruptions and freight. 40:02 – FMCSA nominee speaks out.

LLN (9/21/21) – A bill passed by state lawmakers means California speed limits will no longer be set using the national standard – the 85th percentile rule; meanwhile, they also acted to end what is described as exploitation of port drivers at the state's 11 ports and various inland distribution centers. Also, when we normally talk to the guys at Road Law, we focus on a very specific problem they've helped resolve for a trucker. But today we'll take a look at what happens when someone calls them for help. And Congress has once again said no to money for more truck parking – and when they did it made it a special kind of kick in the pants for truckers. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – How to solve a legal problem. 25:06 – California speed limits, port driver legislation. 40:02 – Truck parking.

LLN (9/20/21) – A COVID-19 vaccine mandate is likely coming for companies with more than 100 employees – how will it affect you? We'll have the facts. Also, the new entrant safety audit doesn't have to cause overwhelming stress. And the global chip shortage affecting heavy-duty truck manufacturing shows no sign of letting up. Tom Berg of Land Line Magazine explains the effect that's having on the market. Plus, talk at TMC about electric trucks. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – New entrant safety audit. 25:06 – The chip shortage and trucking equipment. 40:02 – COVID vaccine mandate.

LLN (9/17/21) – The truck parking problem isn't going away anytime soon, thanks in part to Congress' inability to get anything done, but not all hope is lost. There's one more solid path to victory. Why does it seem like more trucks are zooming too quickly through truck stop parking lots and onto highways? Plus, transportation issues on the Capitol Hill docket next week, including a confirmation hearing for FMCSA administrator. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Parking Zone. 25:06 – Observations from The Spirit. 40:02 – Government shutdown talks and transportation legislation.

LLN (9/16/21) – Separating fact from fiction on vaccine mandates can be a chore, so we clear up what you need to know as the order comes into focus. ATRI is asking drivers to let them know what concerns them most, whether it be vaccine mandates, the lack of truck parking or anything else. And Michigan is making moves on ticket quotas and road funding red tape. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – ATRI driver concern survey, traffic fatalities and highway safety. 25:06 – Michigan ticket quotas, road funding red tape. 40:02 – Vaccine mandates: separating truths from rumors.

LLN (9/15/21) – A new program is enlisting truckers in the fight against human trafficking and training is completely free. Two organizations have found new ways to honor commercial truck drivers. The spot market has cooled off a bit. Plus, an update on what the House labor committee is doing about the PRO Act. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Free training to fight human trafficking. 25:06 – Spot market check. 40:02 –PRO Act provisions in reconciliation bill.

LLN (9/14/21) – Like Charlie Brown with the football, Congress failed to pass another truck parking amendment and we've got the details, the analysis and the new path forward. Tips on quarterly estimated tax payments and tax extensions. Plus, California looks all but certain to extend a mileage tax pilot program and Alaska makes moves to raise its fuel tax rate for the first time in more than 50 years. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Quarterly estimated tax payments and tax extensions. 25:06 – California mileage tax pilot program, Alaska fuel tax rate. 40:02 – Truck parking amendment fails.

LLN (9/13/21) – Physical damage coverage may be optional, but it might as well be necessary. Why picking up the insurance coverage covers you on a number of fronts. A new song inspired by an OOIDA member involving terminal cancer, a Facebook post, a surprise gone wrong and a lasting tribute that the driver's widow will never forget. Plus, takeaways from the recent CVSA conference, tort reform, towing and medical certificates. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Pocketful of Quarters. 25:06 – Physical damage coverage. 40:02 – CVSA takeaways.

LLN (9/10/21) – In just two weeks, truckers will gather in Joplin, Missouri, for the biennial Guilty By Association Truck Show. We'll have a preview of the big event. Also, Marty Ellis is between truck shows, but in the meantime he's hearing plenty about driver retention and why there isn't very much of that. And it's been a while since the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement replaced NAFTA – including reforms to cross-border trucking. So how is it going? 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – GBATS preview. 25:06 – Driver retention and home time. 40:02 – NAFTA replacement update.

LLN (9/9/21) – The FMCSA is giving states money for truck safety, the IRS is giving some truckers a better tax break, and yet another carrier wants an exemption from driver training rules. Also, Michigan lawmakers may OK speed cameras in work zones; Pennsylvania may let local cops use speed radar; and California could change how they set speed limits. We'll have information about upcoming truck shows. And FMCSA sets regulations. But if you're put out of service, the officer likely followed out of service criteria written by the CVSA. We'll tell you what happened at that group's recent meeting and how it might affect you. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Safety grants; per diem; driver training exemption. 25:06 – Michigan speed cameras; Pennsylvania radar; California speed limits. 40:02 – CVSA meets.

LLN (9/8/21) – Over the past 15 or so months, it seems like COVID-19 has affected just about everything, but it's even affecting things you may not know about – or expect. And among those things is how you get an alcohol or drug test. Also, Hurricane Ida had a profound effect on the markets last week. We'll go over the scope of that impact and where it was felt the most, as well as where the market is trending now. And if you thought the price tag on the $3.5 trillion federal budget was high, you're not alone. Republicans are now joined by several Democrats who are expressing concerns. We'll explain what the concerns are and how they could affect you. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – The pandemic and drug testing. 25:06 – Hurricane Ida and the freight market – Part II. 40:02 – That's one big budget.

LLN (9/7/21) – Work has started on a $3.5 trillion budget – including yet more money for transportation and infrastructure. But where will that money be spent, and on what? And will truck parking finally get some attention? Also, maintaining a healthy lifestyle when you're sitting behind a wheel for hours on end is difficult – but it doesn't have to be impossible, and exercise doesn't have to include access to a gym and long runs. And a bill in Michigan would use $1.6 billion dollars in pandemic relief to fix local bridges. Meanwhile, Georgia voters will decide on a 1% local transportation tax. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Exercise out on the road. 25:06 – Michigan local bridges; Georgia local transportation tax. 40:02 – Will truck parking get some cash?

LLN (9/3/21) – Truckers who want to help out in a crisis like Hurricane Ida have few options. Now, there's a way they can help. Meanwhile, one city develops a plan to keep overweight trucks on a fragile highway. Also, from a good Samaritan truck driver to a motor carrier that wants to put trainees in the driver's seat without a trainer who's awake, we'll tell you who in recent news has been good and who's been bad with some Roses and Razzberries. And Marty Ellis continues to make his way through this year's truck shows, but in the meantime he's hearing from truckers about a lack of key parts for trucks in need of repair. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Roses and Razzberries. 25:06 – Shortage of truck parts. 40:02 – Helping out in disasters; New York overweight trucks.

LLN (9/6/21) – Earlier this year, industry watchers predicted a qualified driver shortage could lead to a fuel shortage across the U.S. We'll have an encore of a roundtable discussion on the topic. Also, to figure out what trucks need in terms of highway infrastructure, it's probably a good idea to know which trucks are going to be on the highways. A survey is planned to discover just that – and OOIDA says it could be good news for truckers. And the lawsuit against California's AB5 may go to the Supreme Court, while another related law has been ruled unconstitutional. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Upcoming survey on trucks and roads. 25:06 – Revisiting a fuel shortage prediction. 40:02 – Update on worker classification laws.

LLN (9/2/21) – The FMCSA will allow states to extend CDLs through November – and has extended its hours of service emergency declaration, with some changes. Also, a new rule in Texas will protect trucking operations from frivolous lawsuits, while three states open the door for electronic ticket cameras. We'll have information about upcoming truck shows. Why are you an owner-operator? Why are you either leased on or on your own authority? A new survey asks that and more, while the government is offering a chance to help improve a coercion reporting system. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – FMCSA extends hours of service order, CDLs and medical cards. 25:06 – Texas lawsuit protection; electronic ticket cameras. 40:02 – Why are you an owner-operator; coercion reporting system.

LLN (9/1/21) – The lawsuit against California's AB5 – the law meant to determine who is and isn't an independent contractor – may go to the Supreme Court, while another related law has been ruled unconstitutional. Also, when a broker doesn't pay, federal law requires them to carry a bond to cover carriers who have hauled a load. But in practice, it only comes through in a limited number of cases, and usually not for the full amount owed. And Hurricane Ida is already having an impact on the markets. We'll explain what's happened so far and what could happen over the coming days. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Broker bonds. 25:03 – Ida and the freight market. 39:58 – AB5 and Prop 22 update.

LLN (8/31/21) – The people pushing to require speed limiters in trucks have lost another battle after they attempted to attach the requirement on a defense spending bill. However, that's not likely to stop them or those fighting against a requirement. Also, the list of what affects fuel consumption includes your tires. We'll discuss how to maximize fuel efficiency by paying attention to what you're running on. And Election Day is quickly approaching. And if you're not yet registered to vote, it is important to take that step now to ensure your voice is heard on Election Day. That, or get an absentee ballot. We'll tell you how. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Tires and fuel economy. 25:03 – Registering to vote; absentee ballots. 39:58 – Speed limiter requirement blocked.

LLN (8/30/21) – For years, mainstream media outlets have accepted the driver shortage myth, and no amount of evidence convinces them otherwise. So why is that? Also, the Santa Fe Trail is billed as America's first great international commercial highway, and it's about to celebrate its 200th birthday. The chairwoman of Santa Fe Trail 200 organization will explain what traders on the trail back then have in common with the truckers of today. And have you noticed your insurance costs going up, up, up of late? There are more than a few reasons for that – our experts will explain what they are – as well as what you can do to help bring those costs down a little. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Santa Fe Trail 200th anniversary. 25:03 – Insurance costs. 39:58 – Driver shortage and the mainstream media.

LLN (8/27/21) – A new song is inspired by a truck driver – and that alone is a good story. But this one involves an OOIDA member, terminal cancer, a Facebook post, a surprise gone wrong and a lasting tribute that the driver's widow will never forget. While Marty Ellis is enjoying some fine baked goods in Wisconsin, truckers are getting really heated over carrier-based lease-purchase plans. And a recent court judgement might appear to support raising insurance minimums. But go just an inch deep into it, and it's an obvious example both of why that idea won't fix anything, and the extent to which verdicts are out of control. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Song honors trucker. 25:03 – Lease-purchase plans spark anger. 39:58 – 3G shutdown, microchip shortage and cybersecurity threats.

LLN (8/26/21) – Yet another company has requested an exemption to the hours of service, allowing their drivers to work longer hours than allowed under the rules, while the FMCSA has proposed a change to vision standards. Also, Massachusetts is looking for creative ways to raise local road money. Meanwhile, New Jersey wants to make it easier to get a REAL-ID compliant CDL. And cell phone carriers are shutting down 3G networks; a microchip shortage delays many products; and a White House meeting on cybersecurity. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Carrier asks for hours of service exemption; changing the vision standard. 25:03 – Massachusetts creative road funding; New Jersey REAL-ID licenses. 39:58 – 3G shutdown, microchip shortage and cybersecurity threats.

LLN (8/25/21) – The markets are often at the mercy of Mother Nature, and this past week was no different. Severe weather out east and extreme heat out west are having an effect on freight rates. We'll review what's happened and what's expected to happen in the markets. Also, who should pay the cost for a load that's damaged? Federal law contains some instructions on the topic, but in reality, it's the contracts between brokers and carriers that ends up deciding the question. And the U.S. House is finally moving ahead on both the bipartisan infrastructure bill and the annual federal budget. However, that doesn't mean it's all a done deal. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Damaged freight, contracts and brokers. 25:03 – Mother Nature and the markets. 39:58 – Infrastructure, budget move ahead.

LLN (8/24/21) – For more than a half century, speed limits have been set using the “85th percentile rule.” Now, California may change how they do it. Meanwhile, local transportation ballot issues are coming up across the country. Also, problems in your truck's engine can catch you by surprise – unless you're doing regular oil analysis. We'll discuss what makes for an effective analysis program and what red flags you really need to look out for. And a Commerce Department report used the “driver shortage” to justify actions that could jeopardize safety. And OOIDA is saying that proposed solution would actually solve nothing. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Oil Analysis. 25:03 – California speed limit rules; local transportation ballot issues. 39:58 – OOIDA to Commerce Department: not so fast.

LLN (8/23/21) – It's well-known that detention time is a big issue for truckers, and can eat away at their ability to make a living. What many don't consider is the role brokers play, and how little existing regulations protect them. Also, we all know the idea of raising minimum insurance requirements by 167 percent is a bad idea – and the latest Land Line Magazine tells us why. And many truckers are confused, especially about changes in federal regulations. Many of those truckers call OOIDA looking for clear answers. And many of the questions come in from several truckers. We'll clear up some of the most common problem areas. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Detention time and brokers. 25:03 – Raising insurance minimums: It's bad. 39:58 – Common regulation questions.

LLN (8/20/21) – Truck parking advocates struck out trying to get funding added to the infrastructure bill, but the truck parking bill, HR2187, still has a pretty good shot of advancing. Also, a couple of tragic situations that can be attributed to a lack of parking and a California city charging truckers to park at their own homes. Marty Ellis is spending some time in Wisconsin encouraging those he talks with to get some education – and he has just the place to get it. And the infrastructure bill appears to be moving slowly forward with no money for truck parking. So OOIDA is looking for the next opportunity to get funding to pave more spaces. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – The Parking Zone. 25:03 – Getting some trucking education. 39:58 – The next chance in Congress to get money for more truck parking.

LLN (8/19/21) – Werner wants to let some trainees drive without a trainer in the jump seat. Also, a federal agency investigates Tesla's Autopilot, while a coalition sues over recent hours of service changes. Texas voters will decide whether counties can issue transportation bonds, while several cities and counties there have lined up highway-related ballot questions. Some in the private sector and federal government are crying “driver shortage” to justify their own goals. And we'll examine what security warnings truckers may see as we approach the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – CLP exemption request; autopilot investigation; hours of service lawsuit. 25:03 – Texas transportation bonds, ballot issues. 39:58 – ‘Driver shortage'; Security warnings.

LLN (8/18/21) – As broker problems pile up for some carriers – problems such as refused loads, terrible or nonexistent detention pay or fines for arriving early – carriers are looking for solutions. We'll have some advice on handling those and more. Also, CVSA's Brake Safety Week is right around the corner. We'll have some tips about how to pass with flying colors, as well as the latest on freight trends in the spot market. And now that the Senate has given its OK to the infrastructure bill, the battle moves to the House. So how are Democrats approaching that bill, as well as the $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation? 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Broker problems and advice. 25:03 – Tips for Brake Safety Week. 39:58 – The House on infrastructure.

LLN (8/17/21) – What do you do when something shows up on your CSA report but you don't think it should be there? You file a DataQ challenge. We'll go through how you use that system and when it's appropriate. Also, a Pennsylvania lawmaker has offered an alternative to the plan to toll bridges in the state. Meanwhile, another effort would allow local police departments to use radar to enforce speed limits. And a federal agency is taking a long, hard look at Tesla's Autopilot system after nearly a dozen crashes in which it was a factor. The announcement comes after OOIDA warned the agency about the problem. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Making a DataQ challenge. 25:03 – Pennsylvania bridge toll alternative; local speed radar. 39:58 – Tesla autopilot gets a long hard look from feds.

LLN (8/16/21) – The infrastructure bill would allow more “asset recycling” – fancy talk for more toll roads. We'll examine which states might do that. An Ohio U.S. Senate candidate says it's a bad idea to get more women behind the wheels of trucks. Also, two Citizen Driver honorees discuss their time in the spotlight; an OOIDA life member's generous act; and the Association of Christian Truckers' upcoming jamboree. And when you go shopping for truck insurance, don't just shop around for insurance coverage; also do some research. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Women behind the wheel; Citizen Drivers; scholarship donation; upcoming jamboree. 25:03 – Shopping for insurance. 39:58 – Which states might add tolls?

LLN (8/13/21) – Many of us remember the 1970s, when truckers were heroes both on the road – and on major Hollywood films. We'll discuss some of the classic trucking movies with Bryan Martin of the Chrome Shop Mafia. Also, Marty Ellis has a truck show nearly every weekend for the rest of the summer, and he's headed to two of the best. And ever since the advent of the Spaghetti Western, we've all heard a phrase used to describe countless situations – “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.” With apologies to Clint Eastwood, today, we'll take a look at the good, the bad and the ugly of the Senate infrastructure bill. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Classic trucking movies. 25:03 – A big run of truck shows for the Spirit. 39:58 – Infrastructure bill: the good, the bad and the ugly.

LLN (8/12/21) – The infrastructure bill that just passed in the U.S. Senate would require automatic emergency braking systems, create a pilot program for under-21 truck drivers, and more. Also, four states are changing the rules for left lane use on superhighways, while Missouri clears the final hurdle to increasing its fuel tax for the first time in 25 years. We'll have information about some upcoming truck shows on the Land Line Now Industry Calendar. And China is ramping up industrial production – and exports – and it's having an effect on U.S. ports and trucking. Meanwhile, the Biden administration is considering how to react to the COVID surge. 0:00 – Newscast. 10:14 – Infrastructure bill and regulations. 25:03 – Left lane rules; Missouri fuel tax increase. 39:58 – Export surge; COVID surge.