August-September 2019

‘A monstrous problem’

Studies indicate that detention time costs truck drivers thousands of dollars each month.

News

freight brokers Observers note slowdown in freight

‘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.

Truck crash

‘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.

Daylight Saving Time

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.

Fatal crashes

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.

hair testing

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.

speed limiters speed limiter legislation speed limiters, speed limiter mandate

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.”

Mileage Tax, Welcome to Pennsylvania sign

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.

auto transporter

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.

better fuel economy fuel tax

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.

state legislature

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.

left lane

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.

legislation, state watch, bills

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.

Truck Parking Zone

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.

Brad Peterson

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

Bryce Mongeon

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.

fuel card

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.

Dick Pingel

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.

bad weather

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.

CDL testing

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.

ELD electronic paperwork

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.

jobs

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.

infrastructure

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.

August-September 2019

In This Issue:

Opinion

Mark Schremmer, Big Trucking, truckers

ATA contradicts itself in attempt to lower driving age

Jami Jones Congress

Pay to comply? CVSA profiteers from out-of-service criteria

trucking history

Trucking History – August/September 2019

Notable moments in trucking history for the months of August and September.

Features

PSC

‘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.

Rubel

‘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.

Mackinac

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.

Arnulfo Gonzalez art

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

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

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.

The Spirit - OOIDA on the Road

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

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.

Woodstock

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

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

tracking

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.

echo

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.

motor oil

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.

wheel fire

Hot hubs, cool lubes

class

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.

truck products hot stuff and cool services

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

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 scams

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.

Road Law

Road Law – August/September 2019