Land Line Now

Andrew King of the OOIDA Foundation joins us to offer some analysis of a new report claiming a truck driver shortage. Also, a husband and wife who share life on and off the road offer some tips to keep things running smoothly. Then, we’ll tell you who in recent news has been good and who’s been bad with some Roses and Razzberries. And we’ll hear how cargo thieves are evolving, using new methods and targeting different cargo from Danny Ramon of Overhaul. 0:00 – Analysis – driver shortage report falls short 09:46 – Team drivers offer tips for success 24:24 – Roses and Razzberries 39:23 – Cargo thieves are trying new tricks

A House subcommittee took a close look at autonomous vehicles, while a bill would ensure electric vehicle owners help pay for roads. Also, we have a nominee to head NHTSA, a federal agency with a huge impact on trucking. Then, the new Congress wasted no time drilling down into the truck parking crisis. And what does it take for a private individual to create some truck parking? A trucker told OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis. 0:00 – Congress hears plea for autonomous vehicle safeguards 09:46 – Nominee to head NHTSA brings some agency experience to the table 24:24 – Congress drills down into truck parking issue 39:23 – The problems with trying to create truck parking

Jason Miller of Michigan State University provides analysis of the planned tariffs on Mexico and Canada and of their effect on trucking. Also, market conditions are starting to ramp up, according to Truckstop. We speak with Brent Hutto, who says 2025 will be a year of increasing rates. 0:00 – Newscast 09:46 – Tariffs 101: How they might affect you 39:23 – Good news ahead in the spot market

Nine states are taking a long, hard look at their fuel taxes, and several that have had regular increases may slow that process down. Also, trucking singer Long Haul Paul – a longtime trucker and OOIDA member – has come out with a new song about another trucker’s life. And a lot of questions around insurance can pop up when you lease on to a motor carrier. We’ll go over some of the considerations. 0:00 – Newscast 09:46 – Trucker and singer releases a new song 24:24 – Insurance considerations when you lease on 39:23 – Nine states eye changes to their fuel tax

State officials looking to improve safety at highway intersections are trying some of the newer designs – and the results are promising. Also, why should truckers call their lawmakers about industry issues, and what role does that play in helping to create positive change? 0:00 – Newscast 09:46 – Redesigning intersections to improve safety 39:23 – The importance of contacting lawmakers

The government has opened the door for the beneficial ownership information requirement to go back into effect, but with possible changes. Also, an Uber Freight expert explains the freight boom at the southern border. And truckers like shiny things. But where are the best places to put some chrome? Then, more and more trucks have automatic transmissions, and some larger carriers prefer them. Why is that, and why do old-timers mostly favor manual? 0:00 – Beneficial Ownership Information – is it on or off? 09:46 – Uptick in computer freight from Mexico 24:24 – The best places to put chrome on your truck 39:23 – Manual or automatic? The eternal transmission debate

It’s been hard to keep up with the back-and-forth battle over tariffs, with changes sometimes happening within hours, rather than days or weeks. Also, an expert on cybersecurity discusses the most recent trends on the topic and offers some tips for keeping yourself and your company safe. And a Mississippi effort would trim and gradually end the state’s income tax – but would significantly increase funding for transportation. 0:00 – Newscast 09:46 – Nailing down the rapidly changing tariff picture 24:24 – Tending to your personal cybersecurity 39:23 – Mississippi eyes end to income tax, but more road funding

Do truckers want better pay? Home time? Or better treatment? A recent survey took a look at the factors that could drive better retention. Also, optimism is growing in the spot market this week. Brent Hutto with TruckStop says strength in the U.S. economy will help trucking profitability. 0:00 – Newscast 09:46 – Survey says pay, home time are high on truckers’ list 39:23 – Economy driving trucking profitability

A smart-port project is designed to move freight more efficiently and could lead to shorter wait times for truckers working in the area. Then, what is factoring? And when should a trucker use it? Our experts offer some advice on how it could help – or hinder – your operation. 0:00 – Newscast 09:46 – The upsides and downsides of factoring 24:24 – Texas smart port could offer truckers big benefits

As the battle between nations over tariffs continues, we discuss what we do and don’t know about potential effects on the trucking economy. Also, OOIDA’s Freight Rate Survey details the average freight rate, which went up, the average cost of operations, which went down, and much more. Then, truckers’ voices are needed to speak out on plenty of issues in trucking – such as broker transparency, lease-purchase programs and more. And freight fraud comes in many forms, but the result is often the same: A trucker gets ripped off. Now, two bills are targeting the problem. 0:00 – What does the tariff war mean for trucking? 09:46 – Freight rates ended 2024 higher than they started 24:24 – Speaking out on things that need to be fixed 39:23 – Effort would take big steps toward combatting freight fraud

A bill in the last Congress to fight freight fraud didn’t pass, but that bill is back before lawmakers now. Also, the Senate has confirmed the president’s picks for the U.S. DOT and EPA. And both of them wasted no time in getting to work. Then, Mark Schremmer and Tyson Fisher of Land Line Magazine join us with some analysis of those new agency heads, as well as what’s next. And OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis is hearing about continuing problems truckers are having with lease-purchase agreements.  0:00 – Bill would put teeth into fight against fraud 09:46 – DOT, EPA have new leaders – who are they? 24:24 – What’s next now that DOT and EPA leaders are on the job? 39:23 – Truckers having more problems with lease-purchase

Lawmakers in five states are considering legislation that would require a human driver to be present in autonomous trucks on public roads. Also, a career in the coffee industry eventually led a woman from Puerto Rico to get into trucking. OOIDA member Natasha Cruz-Sanchez joins the show. 0:00 – Newscast 09:46 – How coffee led a woman to a trucking career 39:23 – States push for safety drivers in autonomous trucks

The president ordered a freeze on proposed rules, including some that directly affect trucking. Also, we’ve talked about the high costs of predatory towing. But some truckers say the cost of regular towing is getting pretty high, as well. Then, an ATRI report says traffic congestion is getting worse – and it’s also costing truckers a lot of money. And there’s lots of optimism concerning the year ahead for the spot market. 0:00 – What trucking rules will Trump’s freeze affect? 09:46 – Truckers concerned over rising towing bills 24:24 – Study says traffic congestion is getting worse 39:23 – Blue skies ahead for spot market? Some signs say yes

The president’s executive order to end electric vehicle mandates raises questions about the future of some states’ Advanced Clean Trucks rules. Also, income tax paperwork is a reality any small-business owner has to deal with, so we’ll bring you some advice on what you need to do. 0:00 – Newscast 09:46 – States’ clean truck rules in limbo after executive order 24:24 – Paperwork – a pain in the butt, but necessary

A federal task force says the lease-purchase model is a “tool of … oppression” and should be banned. Also, we’ll review some press coverage of trucking issues, including broker transparency, the “driver shortage” and more. Then, David Grimes of CDL Legal offers advice on how truckers can successfully get through one of the many safety blitzes occurring each year. And for some time, truckers traveling in parts of the American South have faced someone slashing tires. We’ll hear from a recent victim. 0:00 – Task force: Ban lease-purchase deals 09:46 – Broker transparency, “driver shortage” and more in recent news 24:24 – How to survive a safety blitz 39:23 – Trucker has all 18 tires slashed, out thousands of dollars

The beneficial ownership information reporting mandate is off – again – despite action at the Supreme Court. We’ll have an update. Also, as more states legalize marijuana, the demand for trucks to haul those loads increases. Then, how do you handle a carrier who is slow to pay or hits you with chargebacks? And OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis is hearing about how long brokers expect you to sit at the loading dock before they pay you for detention time. 0:00 – Beneficial ownership information mandate is off again 09:46 – The ins and outs of hauling marijuana 24:24 – Dealing with a slow-pay, no-pay carrier 39:23 – Detention time, detention pay on truckers’ minds

OOIDA spells out why it thinks now is the time for broker transparency – and why FMCSA needs to make that happen. Also, f0or seven years now, trucker Angela Griffin has been offering advice on her YouTube channel on everything from cooking and cleaning on the road to customizing a rig to fit your needs. And an effort in Indiana would end the state’s long-running split speed limit, while six other states also are considering changes to their speed limits. 0:00 – Newscast 09:46 – OOIDA makes the case for broker transparency 24:24 – Trucker gets her message out on YouTube 39:23 – Indiana’s split speed limit subject of another effort

An executive order reverses the push for electric vehicles by the president’s predecessor, and trucking is part of the deal. Also, truckers are known for helping after disasters. But hauling a FEMA load requires a lot of advance work. Then, since 2018, Shell has used its Starship truck to demonstrate how to make rigs more fuel efficient – and the latest version is no exception. And trucking continues to climb out of a two-year slump. Brent Hutto of Truckstop brings us the latest numbers. 0:00 – How will Trump’s move on electric vehicles affect trucking? 09:46 – How do you sign up to haul FEMA loads? 24:24 – Shell’s latest Starship and better fuel economy 39:23 – Trucking makes progress getting out of slump

Mark Schremmer of Land Line Magazine discusses the broker transparency proposal, OOIDA’s comments and what happens next on the issue. Also, a wildlife crossing planned in the state of Oregon would help reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions along a section of Interstate 5. 0:00 – Last chance to speak out on broker transparency 09:46 – Bridge would allow wildlife to cross busy interstate

Every two years, members of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association choose who will fill positions on the Association’s Board of Directors. As part of that process, here on the show, we bring you interviews with each one of those candidates so you have the information you need to vote. Today, we’ll have interviews with Mike Nichols, Grover Nelson, Aaron Treece and Casey Mulder. Also, Daimler has resumed sales of diesel trucks in Oregon, but the state’s truck emission rule could still wreak havoc on the trucking industry. 0:00 – Clearing up confusion about Oregon emission rulesss 09:46 – OOIDA Board of Directors election: Mike Nichols 24:24 – OOIDA Board of Directors election: Grover Nelson and Aaron Treece 39:23 – OOIDA Board of Directors election: Casey Mulder