Land Line Now

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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