Land Line Now

A new fuel called hydrotreated vegetable oil is different from biodiesel and similar to traditional diesel. Also, filing season for Form 2290 is underway. And our roundtable discusses a new piece of legislation that would give the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration some muscle when it comes to dealing with fraudsters and legal action against the Environmental Protection Agency’s emission rules. Then, you may be leaving the front door open to hackers if you’re not doing a few simple things regarding your passwords. 0:00 – It’s time to file Form 2290 again  10:23 – Volvo pioneers a possible replacement for diesel 25:17– Bill would give FMCSA some anti-fraud punch 40:25 – Some basic advice on computer passwords

Bryce Mongeon of OOIDA explains how a measure in the U.S. House would give the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration more power to crack down on fraudsters. Also, what are the actual figures regarding underride crashes involving large trucks? OOIDA’s Jay Grimes offers an update on the debate. And OOIDA’s advocacy counsel, Paul Torlina, discusses broker-carrier agreements. Then, OOIDA tour truck driver Marty Ellis is a big supporter of various trucking charities. One he regularly gives to – Truckers Final Mile – helps families during one of the most difficult times in their lives. 0:00 – Bill targets rampant fraud in trucking  10:23 – Underride debate rages on at committee 25:17– The red flags in broker-carrier agreements 40:25 – A group that helps trucking families in their worst moment

Andrew King of the OOIDA Foundation joins the show to talk about the feasibility – or lack thereof – of the EPA’s truck emission ambitions. Also, the Kansas Turnpike is going completely cashless July 1 – and it should make life easier for truckers on the road. And Brent Hutto at Truckstop breaks down the effect of CVSA’s International Roadcheck on the spot market. 0:00 – Newscast  10:23 – Is the move to electric feasible? 25:17 – Kansas Turnpike goes cashless 40:25 – Roadcheck and its effect on the freight market

Cargo theft is a growing problem. We’ll explore how bad the problem has become and what truckers can do to avoid becoming a victim. Also, what do you do when you get a notice in the mail with a return address of “IRS”? We’ll get some advice from Shasta May of MBA Tax and Bookkeeping Service. And a law in Georgia that allowed people to sue a trucker’s insurance company directly is now off the books. Meanwhile, a new law allows local idling rules in Colorado. 0:00 – Newscast  10:22 – How to avoid the growing cargo theft problem 24:59 – The best way to handle a notice from the IRS 40:23 – Georgia says “no” to direct suits against truck insurance companies

Shailen Bhatt, administrator of the Federal Highway Administration, discusses a $148 million round of grants aimed at reducing emission from large trucks at ports. Also, OOIDA advises everyone to avoid lease-purchase agreements at all costs, but some might wonder why. We'll take a look. And FMCSA has made some changes to the pilot program designed to bring drivers under 21 years of age into the interstate trucking workforce. We’ll have an update. 0:00 – Newscast  10:22 – FHWA grants meant to replace trucks at ports 24:59 – OOIDA: Avoid the problems with lease-purchase agreements 40:23 – FMCSA tweaks under-21 pilot program to attract more people

Ryder has a new report that lays out the cost of transitioning from diesel to electric trucks, not only for Ryder itself but also for the greater economy. Then, Terry Wells joined the U.S. Navy at his mother’s urging – but later decided he wanted to pursue a career in trucking. Now, his carrier has purchased a truck for him that honors his military service. 0:00 – Newscast  10:22 – Ryder says transitioning to electric will cost some big bucks 24:59 – Carrier honors veteran with the design of his new truck

The new rule on broker financial responsibility is final – something that has significant impact on truckers who interact with brokers. Also, an OOIDA board member had the honor of hauling the Wall That Heals recently. We speak with him about how, despite this being his third time, it's still one of the most memorable loads he's ever taken. And Marty Ellis is hearing from truckers about some pretty common concerns: inspections, warnings, personal conveyance and DataQ. 0:00 – Newscast  10:22 – Vietnam Memorial replica gets another trip on a truck 24:59 – Broker financial responsibility rule is final 40:23 – Inspections, warnings, personal conveyance and more

The first four months of this year have been a challenge, but DAT expects to see the effects of seasonality on freight volumes and rates. Also, an OOIDA life member says it was his faith and trucking that brought him out of homelessness. We speak with Tim Guest, who shares his story of how losing everything led to a fulfilling life. And a hot temper on the side of the road could have a lasting effect if your behavior is noted on a traffic ticket. The guys at Road Law discuss how keeping your cool could help you legally. 0:00 – Newscast  10:22 – Trucker describes his struggle to overcome homelessness 24:59 – Keeping your temper in check at roadside, and how it can help you 40:23 – How will the change in seasons affect the spot market?

Roadcheck isn’t the only safety blitz this year; Operation Safe Driver is also coming up. Jake Elovirta of CVSA will be with us to give you an idea of what you can expect. Also, the winner of this year’s Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence Award joins the program to discuss his life, his military experience and his post-military career. And the Ohio Turnpike is setting up a cashless system – although for some customers, tollbooths will remain in place. Chuck Cyrill of the Ohio Turnpike Commission explains. 0:00 – Newscast  10:22 – A military career that transitioned to trucking 24:59 – Roadcheck is here; another enforcement blitz is ahead

Inspectors will fan out across the country to do Level 1 inspections on trucks – including focuses on drugs and tractor protection systems. Also, a trucker discusses his upcoming trip to haul the Wall That Heals, a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. And several states are considering or have passed changes to rules that govern automated cameras meant to enforce either red lights or speed limits. 0:00 – Newscast  10:22 – Hauling the Wall That Heals. 24:59 – What will Roadcheck focus on this year? 40:23 – States consider changes to traffic camera rules

Our series commemorating Military Appreciation Month continues with an Army veteran/former truck driver who’s getting back on his feet thanks to the Veterans Community Project. Then, from admonishments in Congress to eyebrow-raising cost analysis from a well-known trucking company and more, the aggressive push to electrify the trucking industry is getting more attention and quite a bit more pushback. And finally, an OOIDA board member explains the importance of using your voice as a truck driver. 0:00 – Newscast  10:33 – From homeless to full of hope 25:16 – Pushback on push to electrify trucking industry 40:24 – Using your voice for greater good

FMCSA is undertaking a project to alert the general public about sharing the road with large trucks. OOIDA’s Jay Grimes has the details. Also, Norita Taylor and Nikki Johnson of OOIDA discuss the Association’s work to help support U.S. troops overseas and at home. And ELDs have long been unpopular – due in part to their inflexibility. Marty Ellis says some truckers are trying to cope in a not-so-proper way, and one weigh station has figured that out. 0:00 – Newscast  10:22 – OOIDA’s efforts to help support the troops 24:59 – FMCSA to cars: Time to share the road 40:23 – Weigh station figures out ELD shenanigans

The Veterans Community Project is unique among similar programs. It doesn’t just allow dogs into its communities – it welcomes them. Also, Andrew King of the OOIDA Foundation tells us about the importance of creating a business plan and how people can avoid being part of the 50% of businesses that fail by their fifth year. And spot freight volume increased 2.6% week over week. We'll have the latest on market conditions, including the ups and downs over the past two weeks, with Brent Hutto of TruckStop. 0:00 – Newscast  10:22 – Veterans Community Project has gone to the dogs – and it’s a good thing 24:59 – The importance of creating a business plan 40:23 – Freight volume up on the spot market

Tyson Fisher brings us an update on the truck parking crisis, including plans for tens of thousands of paid truck parking spaces nationwide. Also, Sylvia Dodson, Mike Schermoly and Jay Grimes discuss how taking part in Mission: Military Appreciation can benefit truckers as well as our troops. And Colorado lawmakers have finished work on a bill that would change chain laws, left lane rules and speed enforcement in the state. 0:00 – Newscast  10:22 – A mission that helps truckers as well as the troops 24:59 – Will the free market solve truck parking? 40:23 – Big changes to truck rules may be coming to Colorado

Truckers are pointing out a new trend – shippers and others requiring those truckers to download a specific app on their smartphones. Also, this week is Mission: Military Appreciation at OOIDA. Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh describes how he got into trucking in the U.S. Army and how that led to a career in a commercial motor vehicle. And violations in your personal vehicle don’t stay there – they can impact your commercial driver's license, as well. 0:00 – Newscast  10:22 – Getting into trucking via the military. 24:59 – Personal vehicle violations can follow you into trucking 40:23 – Why are shippers making truckers download apps?

Trent Cameron, CEO and co-founder of Outpost, shares his company’s ambitious plan to dot the nation with private truck parking lots. Also, we’ve all likely heard of a basic concept in technology – garbage in, garbage out. That applies to technology in trucking, including autonomous vehicles. And an OOIDA member has a unique way of saving some money – solar panels. We speak with him about the process and how he thinks it will become a lot more common in the future. 0:00 – Newscast  10:22 – A private approach to truck parking 24:59 – The downside to all the tech in trucking 40:23 – Saving money on your truck with solar

Four members of Congress are working to blunt the Biden administration’s push for electric vehicles. But will their efforts have a real effect? Also, OOIDA's Paul Torlina discusses what advice he has when it comes to factoring and some of the red flags to be aware of. And headlights and turn signals are more than just lights – both are also communication devices. But Marty Ellis thinks some truckers are forgetting this basic utility of their lights. 0:00 – Newscast  10:22 – Will congressional action shut down push for electric vehicles? 24:59 – The red flags to avoid in factoring 40:23 – Old-style trucking: Using lights to communicate

A new report from the American Transportation Research Institute includes some promising data about renewable diesel. Jeff Short of ATRI explains the details. Also, would a new seat make your cab more comfortable? What would a new bumper do? Bryan Martin of Chrome Shop Mafia takes a look at the top five upgrades for a truck. And weekly load posts on DAT One decreased last week, but there is a bright spot when it comes to the renewed strength in the produce market. 0:00 – Newscast  10:22 – Is renewable diesel an alternative to electric? 24:59 – The top five upgrades for your rig 40:23 – Bright spot in the market: produce

Rep. Mike Collins of Georgia has been clear about his opposition to increasing truckers’ minimum insurance requirements. He’ll join the show to discuss his position. Also, David Grimes and Alex Clark of CDL Legal discuss how to handle tickets that come in the mail. And several states are taking action to protect truckers from predatory towing practices and outrageous towing fees. 0:00 – Newscast  10:22 – Effort to increase minimum insurance requirements draws some heat 24:59 – Tickets coming in the mail need to be handled differently 40:23 – States act against predatory towing

Driver training, fraud, electric vehicles and AEBs were all top-of-mind when the truckers on the OOIDA Board of Directors met recently. Also, we catch up with EZ Pete Interiors to talk about what it's like transforming a truck’s interior into a driver's dream come true. Then, Tennessee has a new transportation plan – and it includes some lanes that will charge tolls. 0:00 – Newscast  10:22 – Transforming the interior of your truck 24:59 – Tolls to play a role in Tennessee highway plan 40:23 – Truckers on board discuss training, fraud, EVs and more