From the Editor
Editor’s Page – August/September 2019
With a nod and apologies to the Apollo 13 space mission, the misquoted statement about the disaster on the Apollo 13 space mission is very appropriate in summing up trucking today.
News
‘A monstrous problem’
The issue of detention time isn’t new. For years, truck drivers have been at the mercy of shippers and receivers. Often with no compensation for their time.
‘Wrong direction’
OOIDA President Todd Spencer’s told the Highways and Transit Subcommittee that an increase in regulatory compliance hasn’t led to improved highway safety.
Drivers share message of inflexible hours of service
As part of an interview for an article about FMCSA’s upcoming rulemaking on hours-of-service reform, OOIDA General Vice President Terry Button took a reporter from the Associated Press on a ride-along.
Truck-involved fatalities up during first year of ELD mandate
Traffic fatalities were down overall for the second consecutive year in 2018 and the seventh consecutive quarter, according to NHTSA.
HHS sends hair testing guidelines to White House for review
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ final rule regarding the use of hair testing for drugs was sent to the White House on June 11.
OOIDA to senators: Speed limiter amendment would ‘fail to improve safety’
A proposal to mandate speed limiters would not only fail to improve safety but “would lead to more crashes involving commercial vehicles.”
Appeals court hears oral arguments in OOIDA’s Pennsylvania toll lawsuit
Attorneys for OOIDA and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission presented their oral arguments in front of an appellate panel in July.
OOIDA backs bill clarifying ‘automobile transporters’ definition
A new bill aims to support the OOIDA's attempts to reform the federal definition of a conventional automobile transporter.
Fuel tax changes implemented in 15 states
Since the first of July, fuel tax collection changes have been made in more than one dozen states. The tax rate changes range from a 24.5-cent increase on diesel fuel in Illinois to a fractional price increase for gas and diesel in Nebraska.
Legislation still under construction at certain statehouses
As fall approaches, some state legislatures are still in regular session, and dozens of trucking-related bills are on the radar.
Four states attempt to limit left lane lollygagging
Revisions to left lane use rules continue to be made at statehouses around the country.We collected some notable efforts to address the left lane.
State Watch – August/September 2019
The majority of state legislatures have wrapped up their work for this calendar year. Here’s our end-of-summer review of bills you found of interest.
The Parking Zone – August/September 2019
New reports regarding local truck parking are too numerous and small in scope to report on individually. We have the latest truck parking related news.
Making changes for the better
Elected as an OOIDA board member in 2018, Brad Peterson says it’s important for drivers to be part of an association like OOIDA
New director of legislative affairs signs on with OOIDA
Bryce Mongeon is the newest member of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association’s government affairs team in Washington, D.C.
New Truckers Advantage fuel card offers bigger savings than before
OOIDA has launched its new Truckers Advantage fuel card that offers bigger savings than the old version using a “cost plus” discount.
OOIDA board member featured in FMCSA video series
In a new video produced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, OOIDA Board Member Dick Pingel explains that truckers are people too.
Company ordered to rehire trucker who refused to drive in inclement weather
OSHA has ordered a Kentucky trucking company to reinstate a truck driver who refused to operate during inclement weather.
Proposal eliminates CDL testing provision to ‘streamline process’
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced a notice of proposed rulemaking on June 27 that the agency said aims to streamline CDL process.
Livestock transportation bill gradually gains support
A bill that would provide livestock haulers some relief from hours-of-service regulations is gradually gaining support in the House and the Senate.
Canada publishes federal ELD mandate, effective June 2021
Electronic logging devices will become mandatory in June 2021 for most Canadian motor carriers who are federally regulated.
Trucking jobs reach an all-time high
Trucking jobs are back at an all-time high, according to a report from the U.S. Census Bureau, exceeding pre-recession highs.
Nevada ranks best for infrastructure; Rhode Island ranks worst
Road and bridge conditions vary state by state. When it comes to infrastrucutre, Nevada is doing relatively fine whereas Rhode Island is in bad shape.
In This Issue:
News
- ‘A monstrous problem’
- ‘Wrong direction’
- Drivers share message of inflexible hours of service
- Truck-involved fatalities up during first year of ELD mandate
- HHS sends hair testing guidelines to White House for review
- OOIDA to senators: Speed limiter amendment would ‘fail to improve safety’
- Appeals court hears oral arguments in OOIDA’s Pennsylvania toll lawsuit
- OOIDA backs bill clarifying ‘automobile transporters’ definition
- Fuel tax changes implemented in 15 states
- Legislation still under construction at certain statehouses
- Four states attempt to limit left lane lollygagging
- State Watch – August/September 2019
- The Parking Zone – August/September 2019
- Making changes for the better
- New director of legislative affairs signs on with OOIDA
- New Truckers Advantage fuel card offers bigger savings than before
- OOIDA board member featured in FMCSA video series
- Company ordered to rehire trucker who refused to drive in inclement weather
- Proposal eliminates CDL testing provision to ‘streamline process’
- Livestock transportation bill gradually gains support
- Canada publishes federal ELD mandate, effective June 2021
- Trucking jobs reach an all-time high
- Nevada ranks best for infrastructure; Rhode Island ranks worst
Opinion
Features
- ‘We kicked ass’
- ‘I can never do enough to thank them’
- How the Mackinac Bridge ties a state together
- Dirty Art Work
- Mafia Secrets – August/September 2019
- GBATS going big
- OOIDA on the road – August/September 2019
- Strange Things & Filthy Lies – August/September 2019
- Dashboard Confidential – August/September 2019
- Roses and Razzberries – August/September 2019
Business
Opinion
Trucking History – August/September 2019
Notable moments in trucking history for the months of August and September.
Features
‘We kicked ass’
Jim Johnston would describe the Tennessee Public Service Commission case as one of the most satisfying legal victories the OOIDa ever won.
‘I can never do enough to thank them’
Ilana Rubel believes she and her family owe their lives to a pair of good Samaritan truck drivers on a chilly night in late January 2001.
How the Mackinac Bridge ties a state together
When the Mackinac Bridge opened on Nov. 1, 1957, it answered a need that had become increasingly pressing since Michigan became a state in 1837.
Dirty Art Work
Trucker Arnulfo Gonzalez didn't plan on being a trucker when he majored in art all those years ago. Today, he transforms dirty trailers into works of art.
Mafia Secrets – August/September 2019
The CSM crew was a bit surprised when we saw Ron Lang of Grinnell, Iowa, at Louisville and he told us about his Peterbilt 389 glider that was underway.
GBATS going big
For the first time since 2008, there will be no GBATS in the fall. They are using the time to make truck show even better in 2020.
OOIDA on the road – August/September 2019
For much of September, Jon Osburn is set to guide the Spirit of the American Trucker to stops in the Midwest. Check out the rest of the Spirit's plans.
Strange Things & Filthy Lies – August/September 2019
It’s all fun and games until someone gets licked by a cat. Land Line Staff Writer Wendy Parker delivers some worthy advice about dumpster cats in this STFL.
Dashboard Confidential – August/September 2019
Fifty years ago, this month, columnist Dave Sweetman was a 17-year-old kid fresh out of high school. With no interest beyond music he headed to Woodstock.
Roses and Razzberries – August/September 2019
Land Line serves up scoops of roses and razzberries to deserving individuals, business and even government agencies for the good and bad.
Business
Welcome to the third age of tracking
According to an OOIDA Foundation survey of company drivers in May, 45% say they are tracked. That’s the average. Welcome to the third age of tracking.
Competition’s Echo
Call it the “echo effect.” You shout “hello” into a canyon, the sound bounces off the walls, and you near lots of “hellos,” one right after another. Something like that is going on in the tracking business.
Think thinner and synthetic for motor oils, lubes
Think “low vis.” Low viscosity, that is, for motor, transmission and rear-end oil, and probably grease in the hubs. Embrace synthetics.
OOIDA classes aim to prep drivers for success
OOIDA is offering classes aimed at providing prospective owner-operators all the tools they need to be successful when launching their own business.
Hot Stuff and Cool Services – August/September 2019
Land Line Magazine brings you the hottest new products and cool new services tailored to make your business and life as a truck driver easier.
Advice
Maintenance Q&A – August/September 2019
Senior Contributing Technical Consultant Paul Abelson tackles tough questions on how to improve fuel efficiency and how to diagnose tire trouble.
Tax Tips – August/September 2019
PBS Tax and Bookkeeping tackles your questions on buying news equipment and fields some mid-year commonly asked tax questions.