POPULARITY
Categories
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
Voice Of GO(r)D is very happy for the return of the finest investigative journalist in the world of trucking and freight, Clarissa Hawes. Over two decades of writing at both LandLine Magazine, the official media channel of OOIDA, and at FreightWaves, Clarissa has looked deeply into various issues and pathologies within trucking and has done a damn good job in reporting on them. Those who have been reading my Substack and articles for various publications will have read Clarissa's work, as I have cited her often.Clarissa fills us in on her career in journalism, and we dive into some of her more recent beats, including the abuse of migrants in trucking and her being the Bad News Bear of the FreightWaves “Layoffs and Bankruptcies” section, amongst many other threads she has pulled at over the years.Clarissa is now working on her own, but you can find an archive of her work at FreightWaves here - https://www.freightwaves.com/news/author/clarissahawesYou can find Clarissa at both Twitter and LinkedIn -https://x.com/cage_writerhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/clarissa-hawes-60a1b012a/If you've got a hot tip or a lead on a story for her - clarissahawes@gmail.comAnd in case you missed it, Clarissa appeared on the show back in August 2023 in a roundtable discussion on fighting freight fraud with Justin Martin, Mike Lombard, and Paul-Bernard Jaroslawski of FreightCaviar -https://autonomoustruckers.substack.com/p/avoiding-freight-scammers-a-logisticsQuestions, comments, suggestions, corrections and Hate Mail are welcomed and encouraged - gordilocks@protonmail.comI'm writing a book on the fate of the North American trucker in 2025 -https://autonomoustruckers.substack.com/p/book-project-announcement-and-a-major
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
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
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
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
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?
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
Voice Of GO(r)D is proud to present a brief chat with Lewie Pugh, the Executive VP of one of America's oldest and definitely largest driver advocacy organization in the country. I met up with Lewie at MATS 2025 and invited him on the show, and between all of the work and travel he has been up to, he very graciously squeezed me in. We discuss how he got into trucking, how and why he joined OOIDA, and what OOIDA is, is not, and various issues they are working on.This was recorded a couple of months ago (I know, I'm so behind on getting these out) and since recording, President Trump signed the Executive Order re-enforcing English Proficiency requirements for CDL drivers in America, which you can read about at this piece I wrote for The American Conservative and you can likewise see Lewie, along with Todd Spencer, OOIDA's Big Cheese, at an announcement about new enforcement directions with Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, down in Austin, Texas recently.Also, OOIDA recently released a white paper further debunking the driver shortage narrative, and what do you know, they even quoted my line in it - a system of “stealth corporate welfare disguised as a jobs training program”https://www.ooida.com/white-paper-request/?result=The%20Churn%20-%20A%20Brief%20Look%20at%20the%20Roots%20of%20High%20Driver%20Turnover%20in%20U.S.%20Trucking&file=22981You can find Lewie on Twitter - https://x.com/Lewie_PughHis Bio page at OOIDA - https://www.ooida.com/board/todd-spencer/lewie-pugh-2/Sign up for a membership at OOIDA - https://www.ooida.com/membership/As you know, I'm writing a book on the fate of the North American trucker in 2025, which you can read more about here -https://autonomoustruckers.substack.com/p/book-project-announcement-and-a-majorThanks for listening, and as always, questions, comments, suggestions, corrections and Hate Mail are welcomed and strongly encouraged - gordilocks@protonmail.com
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
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
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
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
On episode 839 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Dooner is catching up with SONAR's Will Hopping to learn all about their new Trade War Command Center, which tracks freight trends, rates and disruptions in real time. Nikola and CARB, who killed the hydrogen truck? William Hall took the plunge and bought a Nikola. Now that the company is bankrupt, have he and other owner-operators been left holding the bag? He shares his experience and updates us on his ownership experience. OOIDA is celebrating its annual Truckers for Troops event. Over the past 17 years, OOIDA has raised more than $800,000 and sent more than 3,278 care packages, serving more than 39,276 members of the military. Norita Taylor fills us in. 0:32 Trade War Command Center | Will Hopping at SONAR 16:59 Trucker vs cargo thieves 17:35 Truckers for Troops | Norita Taylor at OOIDA 22:18 Final Destination 23:30 Nikola and CARB who killed the hydrogen truck? | William Hall at Coyote Container Catch new shows live at noon EDT Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on FreightWaves LinkedIn, Facebook, X or YouTube, or on demand by looking up WHAT THE TRUCK?!? on your favorite podcast player and at 5 p.m. Eastern on SiriusXM's Road Dog Trucking Channel 146. Watch on YouTube Check out the WTT merch store Visit our sponsor SONAR Trade War Command Center Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On episode 839 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!? Dooner is catching up with SONAR's Will Hopping to learn all about their new Trade War Command Center, which tracks freight trends, rates and disruptions in real time. Nikola and CARB, who killed the hydrogen truck? William Hall took the plunge and bought a Nikola. Now that the company is bankrupt, have he and other owner-operators been left holding the bag? He shares his experience and updates us on his ownership experience. OOIDA is celebrating its annual Truckers for Troops event. Over the past 17 years, OOIDA has raised more than $800,000 and sent more than 3,278 care packages, serving more than 39,276 members of the military. Norita Taylor fills us in. 0:32 Trade War Command Center | Will Hopping at SONAR 16:59 Trucker vs cargo thieves 17:35 Truckers for Troops | Norita Taylor at OOIDA 22:18 Final Destination 23:30 Nikola and CARB who killed the hydrogen truck? | William Hall at Coyote Container Catch new shows live at noon EDT Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on FreightWaves LinkedIn, Facebook, X or YouTube, or on demand by looking up WHAT THE TRUCK?!? on your favorite podcast player and at 5 p.m. Eastern on SiriusXM's Road Dog Trucking Channel 146. Watch on YouTube Check out the WTT merch store Visit our sponsor SONAR Trade War Command Center Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
How is Aurora's autonomous truck project going in Texas? George O'Connor and Norita Taylor of OOIDA discuss when it may roll out. Also, which truck stops do the best job? Trucker Path has surveyed truckers about their top truck stops. And load volumes are still above the five-year average – but for how much longer? Brent Hutto with Truckstop says there have been a lot of ups and downs. 0:00 – Newscast 10:11 – Autonomous trucks, speed limiters making headlines 24:49 – Drivers name their top truck stops 39:32 – How long will better load volumes last?
The OOIDA Foundation takes a look at all the myths behind the so-called “driver shortage” and shares what the facts actually say. Also, if you're thinking about getting into a lease-purchase plan with a new carrier, you should hear what OOIDA's experts have to say first. And it turns out the EPA wasn't the only federal agency putting out emission rules – but DOT officials have put the kibosh on one. 0:00 – Newscast 10:11 – New research refutes so-called “driver shortage” 24:49 – Time for a refresher course on lease-purchase 39:32 – DOT emission rule is out
In this week's edition of Overdrive Radio, drop into our conversation with OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh at the Mid-America Trucking Show. Pugh was fresh off a whirlwind round of a whole lot of other talking himself, including a MATS-opening breakfast panel discussion you heard here a couple weeks back, then prior to that on Wednesday the week of the truck show in the halls of Congress where he joined a panel of trucking and other industry reps to talk through significant issues ahead of the highway bill reauthorization due next year. Pugh made headlines for his urging of federal reps to get a handle on the scope of so-called “non-domiciled CDLs” issued to residents of foreign countries by states here in the U.S. for work OTR or in other industries on a temporary basis. It's an issue that's risen to prominence this year as attention to it has increased. It's but one of the issues Pugh addressed in Congressional testimony, likewise in what follows in the podcast, yet one we heard about also from trucker Teresa Brittain in the wake of MATS. English proficiency violations used to be treated by the Comercial Vehicle Safety Alliance of inspectors and industry as an out of service violation, yet when CVSA removed that out of service violation about a decade ago now, FMCSA subsequently relaxed guidance on how to enforce the violation itself. Paired with some DOT changes for states around non-domiciled CDLs that happened later, it seems to have gotten simpler for foreign country residents to come into the country to work over the road with a CDL. How many such people are working in the U.S. today? Nobody can really answer that question, as has been evident from Overdrive's Alex Lockie's ongoing reporting around the issue: https://www.overdriveonline.com/15741322/ Brittain flagged the importance of the English language proficiency regs, though, particularly when it comes to roadside inspections. She noted a conversation at MATS she herself had with Kentucky state truck enforcement about the issue. “How does any state law enforcement officer do an inspection on the truck if the driver cannot follow instructions to inspect it?” she asked. Inspectors told her essentially they can't inspect such an operator's truck, she said, “for their own safety. They told me they give 15 minutes after the initial request for the driver to contact their company and provide driver's license and required paperwork, then just let them go if the paperwork is compliant.” No inspection for the truck. Considering such dynamics, Terea Brittain then quipped, “Next inspection, I'm speaking Martian!” OOIDA along with some from the law enforcement community petitioned CVSA to return English proficiency to the out of service criteria, and CVSA's spring Workshop event is but one week away. Pugh noted owner-operators might stay tuned for any news on that front in the coming couple of weeks. Also in the podcast: RaceTrac Travel Centers Marketing Manager Nick LaFalce details growth in his company's mostly Southeast regional network of truck stops in what was once mainly just a fuel-stop network for automobile drivers. Since 2018, the RaceTrac company's been expanding high-flow diesel options and acquiring land to even add parking options within the network. As mentioned in the podcast: **Recent coverage of the parking issue: https://overdriveonline.com/15742614 **Detail from recent Congressional hearing: https://overdriveonline.com/15741287 **More from MATS: https://www.overdriveonline.com/t/4372607
We'll discuss what truckers are telling the DOT about cutting regulations. Also, the Small Business Administration held a roundtable on deregulation, and trucking issues were front and center. Then, OOIDA was at the Mid-America Trucking Show to offer some education about operating a successful trucking business. And OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis says people may not manage personal finances the way they used to, but if you want your business to succeed, it's a must. 0:00 – U.S. DOT asks what regulations you want to see go 10:11 – Roundtable focuses on small business, transportation and regulations 24:49 – OOIDA Pro Talk offered tips for business success 39:32 – Managing money a must for your business
On Episode 826 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Dooner is joined by OOIDA's Lewie Pugh to talk about a new bill in Arkansas fining truckers who cannot speak English sufficiently. Will it be enough to keep our roads safe or should noncompliant drivers be put out of service? The trade war is a constantly evolving situation causing some industries to freeze in their tracks. Vinturas' Alexander Style stops by to talk about how tariffs are impacting his clients in the OEM, automotive and trucking space. Shippers are getting tempted by foreign forwarders to commit classification and country-of-origin fraud; what do we need to look out for? In headlines, tender volumes drop 9% year over year; intermodal benefits from freight pull forward; Trump exempts smartphones and computers from tariffs; more. Catch new shows live at noon EDT Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on FreightWaves LinkedIn, Facebook, X or YouTube, or on demand by looking up WHAT THE TRUCK?!? on your favorite podcast player and at 5 p.m. Eastern on SiriusXM's Road Dog Trucking Channel 146. Watch on YouTube Check out the WTT merch store Visit our sponsor Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On Episode 826 of WHAT THE TRUCK?!?, Dooner is joined by OOIDA's Lewie Pugh to talk about a new bill in Arkansas fining truckers who cannot speak English sufficiently. Will it be enough to keep our roads safe or should noncompliant drivers be put out of service? The trade war is a constantly evolving situation causing some industries to freeze in their tracks. Vinturas' Alexander Style stops by to talk about how tariffs are impacting his clients in the OEM, automotive and trucking space. Shippers are getting tempted by foreign forwarders to commit classification and country-of-origin fraud; what do we need to look out for? In headlines, tender volumes drop 9% year over year; intermodal benefits from freight pull forward; Trump exempts smartphones and computers from tariffs; more. Catch new shows live at noon EDT Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on FreightWaves LinkedIn, Facebook, X or YouTube, or on demand by looking up WHAT THE TRUCK?!? on your favorite podcast player and at 5 p.m. Eastern on SiriusXM's Road Dog Trucking Channel 146. Watch on YouTube Check out the WTT merch store Visit our sponsor Subscribe to the WTT newsletter Apple Podcasts Spotify More FreightWaves Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you get a text message saying you owe a toll road money, watch out. It's likely that message is a scam to get your personal information. Also, which type of physical damage policy is right for you: Actual Cash Value or Stated Limit? We'll get some advice from our experts. 0:00 – Newscast 10:12 – Choosing the right coverage for your truck 24:48 – Text, email scams target toll road users
Schoolhouse Rock taught a generation how laws are made. But now, a big measure like the highway bill is the best way to fix some issues. Also, Linda Allen, an OOIDA board member who fell into the business of trucking, has become an important voice on behalf of truckers and veterans. And the city of Chicago has developed a bad reputation in trucking as the location of a significant amount of fraud that targets truck drivers. 0:00 – Newscast 10:12 – Making her voice heard on behalf of truckers 24:48 – Chicago's reputation for freight fraud 39:32 – Highway bill could fix some big trucking issues
A massive “thermonuclear verdict” against Wabash trailers has increased the stakes in the rough-and-tumble world of trucking litigation. Also, the 2025 Mid-America Trucking Show wrapped up three days of fun, festivities and more last week. We'll have a report from the event. And for years, we've heard about so-called chameleon carriers. Now, OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis says they're making a comeback – but in a different form. 0:00 – Newscast: Trucking jobs are on the rise 10:12 – “Thermonuclear verdict” makes case for lawsuit reform 24:48 – A quick trip back to the Mid-America Trucking Show 39:32 – Chameleon carriers making a comeback
A trucker, fired after a positive drug test, took his case against a CBD supplement company all the way to the Supreme Court – and won. Also, in an effort to make the next highway bill benefit truckers, OOIDA's executive vice president testified to a subcommittee in Washington, D.C. Then, we'll update you on the transportation secretary's testimony to the Senate, a proposed regulatory rollback and what happened at MATS. And plenty of people are skeptical about the safety of autonomous trucks. Now, several states are taking a closer look at the issue. 0:00 – Trucker's lawsuit over CBD wins at Supreme Court 10:01– Trump administration regulatory rollback is on 24:27 – OOIDA's Pugh describes what's needed to make the highway bill pro-trucker 39:25 – States take a closer look at autonomous trucks
A string of robberies and assaults at an Arizona rest area have targeted truckers. The local sheriff joins the show to offer some advice. Also, some small carriers have trouble keeping customers due to federal safety scores. Alex Clark of CDL Legal says “formalizing” pre-trips helps. And Collin Long of OOIDA's Washington, D.C., office discusses the pro-trucker policies that make him optimistic about the near future. 0:00 – Newscast 10:01 – Sheriff offers advice on avoiding rest area robberies 24:27 – Formalizing pre-trip can prevent trouble later 39:25 – Pro-trucker policy discussions a reason for optimism
It's a familiar frustration to any trucker – getting access to a restroom at the loading dock. We'll tell you about an effort to fix that. Also, we'll take another look at the driver shortage myth. Then, ELDs had Congress' attention last week, and OOIDA's Lewie Pugh was there to explain truckers' point of view. And the Interstate 55 bridge over the Mississippi River in Memphis, Tenn., is at the end of its useful life. We'll learn about plans to replace it. 0:00 – Bill designed to solve truckers' bathroom access problem 10:01 – Congress hears the truth behind the driver shortage myth 24:27 – What it takes to replace a major river crossing
Provisions on size and weight, ELDs, retention and more could form the core of what might be the most pro-trucker highway bill ever. Then, Trina Skywalker and Lisa Waske of OOIDA's Truck Insurance Department discuss leasing on and your insurance. Also, for 35 years, truckers have put together the largest benefit convoy in trucking – the Mother's Day Convoy benefitting the Make-a-Wish Foundation. 0:00 – Newscast 10:01– Creating the most pro-trucker highway bill ever 24:27 – Leasing on and your insurance 39:25 – Mother's Day Convoy gets ready for another big event
The administration has named their nominee to lead the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration – someone with a law-enforcement background. Also, Congress hears plenty about trucking issues. But earlier this week, OOIDA's Lewie Pugh gave them truckers' points of view. And truckers are telling Marty Ellis about truck rollovers from recent high wind incidents, and the ongoing technology vs. training debate. 0:00 – Newscast 10:01– Pugh offers the facts on major trucking issues 24:27 – What we know about the FMCSA nominee 39:25 – Rollovers from high winds have truckers' attention
A House subcommittee covered some of the biggest issues in trucking, from truck parking and increased size and weight to AEBs and overtime. Also, trucking singer Long Haul Paul is back with another road-related tune. Then, cargo theft continues to torment trucking. We'll explain what you can do to ensure your safety and avoid theft claims. And we're heading back to a normal freight market, with load availability up last week. 0:00 – Parking, AEBs, other trucking issues top hearing 10:01– Singer offers up another trucking tune 24:27 – What you need to know about cargo theft 39:25 – Heading toward a normal freight market
Scams targeting motor carriers and their authority are on the rise. Also, OOIDA asks CVSA to put the English-proficiency requirement back into the out-of-service criteria used by enforcement officers. Then, mistakes happen, but if they are mistakes on your federal income tax forms, you may need to file an amended return. And the federal fuel tax hasn't changed since 1993, but several state legislatures are considering changes to theirs. 0:00 – OOIDA wants enforcement of English-proficiency rule 10:01 – Authority scams are on the rise in trucking 24:27 – Made a mistake? File an amended return 39:25 – States eye changes to fuel taxes
OOIDA has some concerns about NHTSA's proposed regulations for autonomous trucks – including that fact that reporting would be voluntary. Also, Andrew King with the OOIDA Foundation explains which trucking issues he'll talk about during the upcoming Mid-America Trucking Show. And how long should a restart of your weekly clock take under the hours-of-service regulations? OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis says some truckers object to the current requirement. 0:00 – Newscast 10:01– Should autonomous vehicle reporting be voluntary? 24:27 – The big issues that will come up at MATS 39:25 – Some truckers say 34 hours is too long for restart
OOIDA wants NHTSA to require greater transparency regarding autonomous vehicles instead of voluntary reporting of testing and other issues. Also, CVSA has compiled a list of what constitutes a great truck driver – and it plans to honor one trucker with a special award. Then, should a trucker ask law enforcement for a ticket instead of a warning? That raises a lot of questions. We'll get some answers from Road Law. And for years, states have slowly but surely moved away from split speed limits. Now, one state is considering legislation to create a new one. 0:00 – OOIDA: Require reporting on autonomous vehicles 10:01– CVSA will honor a driver for excellence 24:27 – A ticket instead of a warning? Maybe, maybe not 39:25 – New Mexico considers split speed limit
The EPA says it will reconsider rules that would have required a move toward electric trucks and big changes to diesel-powered trucks. Also, we'll also have information about an Illinois battle over California-style emission regulations. Then, from helping abandoned animals at rest areas to a trucker who helped earthquake victims, we'll bring you some Roses and Razzberries. And for truckers going the wrong way, one possible fix is a U-turn. But some carriers are not OK with that. OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis offers a few thoughts. 0:00 – A big week for state and federal emission rules 10:01 – EPA readies a rollback on truck rules 24:27 – Roses and Razzberries 39:25 – Carriers unhappy with truckers making U-turns
As nuclear verdicts continue to raise concerns, several states are taking action by addressing the reasons for high-dollar judgments. Also, some drivers who work for a company as an employee are receiving a 1099 at the end of the year instead of a W2 – which is a problem. And if you're looking for ways to save money while your truck is parked, OOIDA's truck insurance experts have some helpful suggestions. 0:00 – Newscast 10:01– When you get a 1099 but you shouldn't 24:27 – Saving some money while your truck is parked 39:25 – States battle big verdicts with tort reform
The GOT Truckers Act, a piece of federal legislation that would guarantee company drivers receive overtime pay, is back in Congress. Also, OOIDA's Lewie Pugh headed to Washington, D.C., recently to get federal officials up to date on freight fraud in trucking. Then, after a long back-and-forth among businesses, agencies and the courts, it appears a beneficial ownership information requirement is out. And some carriers have moved toward use of inward-facing cameras, but those devices can create problems. OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis shares a recent example. 0:00 – Bill to give truckers overtime pay is back 10:01– Pugh to feds: Freight fraud a growing problem 24:27 – Beneficial ownership information – it may finally be over 39:25 – Carriers may regret inward-facing cameras
Data theft is widespread now – and it's only going to become a bigger problem as the world becomes more and more connected. We have tips for how to keep you and your information safe. Plus, we talk often about the high costs of predatory towing – but some truckers say the cost of regular towing is getting pretty high, as well. And finally, a sheriff's deputy in Kentucky recounts the harrowing rescue of a truck driver in need. 0:00 – Newscast 10:04 – Hands off my data! 24:25 – Truckers concerned over rising towing bills 38:54 – Inmates and deputy save truck driver
The rising problem of cargo theft was in the spotlight on Capitol Hill Thursday when a U.S. Senate subcommittee took up the issue, calling on witnesses that included OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh. What happens next? Then, the author of a children's book about trucking tells us what inspired her to write it. And finally, we offer a fresh take on an old problem at loading docks – including how it could benefit truckers everywhere if it catches on. 0:00 – Newscast 10:04 – U.S. Senate takes aim at rising cargo theft problem 24:25 – Atlas the Trucker Dog 38:54 – Fresh take on old problem at loading docks
We've all heard the horror stories about carriers leaving a trucker stranded in the middle of nowhere – so what steps should you take if it happens to you? Then, we'll share the inside scoop about law enforcement ticket quotas with tips on steering clear of trouble. And finally, we're finally out of the pandemic era. We'll look at how the return to “normal” is shaping up on the spot market. 0:00 – Newscast 10:03 – Don't be left stranded 24:24 – Inside scoop on ticket quotas 38:53 – A return to “normal” on the spot market
In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Lewie Pugh, Executive Vice President of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA). They discuss trucking advocacy, regulations, and business profitability. Lewie shares how OOIDA has stood up for truckers for over 50 years, the ongoing battles with Washington D.C., and why truckers must take control of their industry. They dive into understanding the impact of regulations like ELDs, business strategies, and rate transparency to ensure profitability as an owner-operator.
As President Donald Trump rounds out his Cabinet, we're keeping an eye on some of the latest selections and how they could impact your livelihood. And the principal investigator of an FMCSA truck parking study explains how technology is playing a role in solving the problem. Also, we'll review the week's headlines, including the end of New York's congestion pricing. Then, OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis is seeing truckers who leave their rig at the fuel island for an extended period – and honestly, he doesn't like it. 0:00 – How will president's Cabinet picks affect you? 09:46 – The role that technology plays in truck parking 24:24 – Congestion pricing is out and other headlines of the week 39:23 – The problem with camping out at the fuel island
A court ruling means small businesses again are required to file beneficial ownership information with federal officials – at least for now. Also, are the conditions right for a freight recovery? Trucking software maker Motive says its economic analysis points that direction. Then, Tom Crowley and Aron Lynch of OOIDA's Compliance Department discuss requests by carrier-vetting services for information off truckers' ELDs. And we're into a transitional month for the spot market. Rates are down a bit, but Brent Hutto of Truckstop says they should come back soon. 0:00 – Beneficial ownership information is back – again 09:46 – Freight recovery ahead? Motive says the signs are good 24:24 – Carrier-vetting outfits asking for ELD data 39:23 – Rates down a bit but should come back soon
In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Lewie Pugh, Executive Vice President of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA). They discuss Lewie's journey from growing up around trucking in Ohio to becoming an advocate for truckers on Capitol Hill. From his early days driving for Schneider to owning his own trucking business, Lewie shares the pivotal moments that shaped his transition into leadership at OOIDA. They delve into the importance of industry relationships, the fight for truckers' rights, and why advocacy matters more than ever.