From the Editor
Editor’s Page – August/September 2020
At work and at home drivers are keeping it rolling by way of 'Trucker Tenacity'
News
Trucking through trying times
Drivers share their stories of how they are persevering as individuals and as businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic.
FMCSA’s emergency HOS waiver set to last at least five months
FMCSA extended its emergency declaration for another month. The unprecedented waiver will last at least five months.
Underrepresented?
Report: 3,200 long-haul trucking companies received PPP loans.
Forging ahead with flexibility
Reformed hours-of-service regulations set to go into effect Sept. 29.
Highway to nowhere
Original highway bill marred by partisanship,minimum insurance amendment
A welcome change
In July, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association welcomed the official launch of USMCA, which adds protections to U.S. long-haul truckers.
A matter of discretion
FMCSA is allowing flexibility in random drug test requirements because of the pandemic.
FMCSA approves CDL test examiner waiver through September
FMCSA has announced that its waiver for states regarding third-party CDL skills test examiners was extended for three months, until Sept. 30.
OOIDA backs plan to streamline CDL issuance regarding drug violations
OOIDA backs a proposal that would stop states from issuing a CDL to anyone prohibited from driving because of a substance violation.
Oversized-load carrier group receives 30-minute break exemption
FMCSA granted the Specialized Carriers and Rigging Association a five-year exemption from the agency’s mandatory 30-minute rest break.
FMCSA accepts Werner’s exemption request during ELD switch
FMCSA accepted an hours-of-service exemption request from Werner Enterprises, allowing certain provisions during an eight-day transition
States continue to make changes to absentee voting
Concern about voters safely being able to fill out ballots for upcoming elections has spurred states all over the map to simplify absentee voting.
Fuel rate changes hit several states in July
July 1 marked changes in fuel tax collections in states across the country. Rate changes range from a nickel to fractional amounts.
Multitasking microbusiness
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a steep toll on small businesses. But for the smallest trucking “microbusinesses” it means adapting to survive.
Iowa governor signs law to protect class of owner-operators
A new law in Iowa is meant to protect the classification of independent contractor for owner-operators in the wake of California’s battle to address issue.
State Watch – August/September 2020
Most state legislatures have wrapped up their work for this calendar year. Here’s our end-of-summer review of bills.
Truck screening technology expanded at Arizona ports
Truck travel through the ports of entry in Arizona may run smoother now that ADOT has expanded its use of truck-screening technology.
Debating the dashcam defense
Is a dashcam video credible evidence in a truck-related crash? That’s a question before the Florida Supreme Court.
Move away from regulations that don’t improve safety, OOIDA’s Spencer says
At the MCSAC meeting on July 14, OOIDA President Todd Spencer said FMCSA should move away from regulations that don’t improve safety.
Salute to America White House event included OOIDA reps
Several OOIDA members attended the White House Salute to America Fourth of July celebration to represent owner-operators across the nation.
Parking Zone – August/September 2020
One truck parking bill out, one more left to go
Remembered
Jim Johnston Memorial Bridge is dedicated in honor of longtime OOIDA president.
A call for change
Texas Supreme Court ruling in a case involving an allegedly overworked trucker leads one justice to ask for legislative action.
Driver Training: The key ingredient
The key to producing safe truck drivers is a good training program, not a bunch of gadgets
COVID-19 testing expands as part of Ontario pilot program
Ontario’s provincial government launched a pilot program making it easier for truckers to access COVID-19 testing.
DOT physical scheme leads to home confinement, probation
A Florida-based certified medical examiner has been sentenced for falsifying Department of Transportation physical examinations.
Treasury provides $700 million loan to YRC
As health insurance for YRC employees neared the 11th hour before lapsing, the U.S. Treasury bailed the company out with a $700 million CARES Act loan.
Distracted driving persists as problem on nation’s roads
A new study reveals that distracted driving, including engaging in sexual activities and shaving while driving, continues to be a problem.
TAT announces upgrades to show trailer
The Freedom Driver Project is getting a facelift and implementing virtual tours of the 48-foot renovated TAT show trailer.
In This Issue:
News
- Trucking through trying times
- FMCSA’s emergency HOS waiver set to last at least five months
- Underrepresented?
- Forging ahead with flexibility
- Highway to nowhere
- A welcome change
- A matter of discretion
- FMCSA approves CDL test examiner waiver through September
- OOIDA backs plan to streamline CDL issuance regarding drug violations
- Oversized-load carrier group receives 30-minute break exemption
- FMCSA accepts Werner’s exemption request during ELD switch
- States continue to make changes to absentee voting
- Fuel rate changes hit several states in July
- Multitasking microbusiness
- Iowa governor signs law to protect class of owner-operators
- State Watch – August/September 2020
- Truck screening technology expanded at Arizona ports
- Debating the dashcam defense
- Move away from regulations that don’t improve safety, OOIDA’s Spencer says
- Salute to America White House event included OOIDA reps
- Parking Zone – August/September 2020
- Remembered
- A call for change
- Driver Training: The key ingredient
- COVID-19 testing expands as part of Ontario pilot program
- DOT physical scheme leads to home confinement, probation
- Treasury provides $700 million loan to YRC
- Distracted driving persists as problem on nation’s roads
- TAT announces upgrades to show trailer
Opinion
Features
- The show will go on … in 2021
- A trucking anthem
- Fitness apps for the road warriors
- The story of Jersey Jim
- Mafia Secrets – August/September 2020
- OOIDA on the Road – August/September 2020
- Trucking in America poster contest
- Dashboard Confidential – August/September 2020
- Strange Things & Filthy Lies Sanitized – August/September 2020
- Roses & Razzberries – August/September 2020
Business
Features
The show will go on … in 2021
GBATS reschedules in-person show for next year.
A trucking anthem
A new song by Jesse James Dupree called “It Didn’t Fall From the Sky” salutes truck drivers.
Fitness apps for the road warriors
Technology makes it easier than ever to stay in shape whether out on the road or quarantined at home
The story of Jersey Jim
A fast-talking character attempts to grow his trucking business.
Mafia Secrets – August/September 2020
A truly fine 359
OOIDA on the Road – August/September 2020
Jon Osburn, skipper of OOIDA’s tour trailer, tours the Upper Midwest this summer.
Trucking in America poster contest
Crack out the crayons and markers and show the truckers some love.
Dashboard Confidential – August/September 2020
Dave Sweetman looks back on a former co-worker who was one of the hardest workers and best BS artists he ever met.
Strange Things & Filthy Lies Sanitized – August/September 2020
Can you be ticketed for farting in public?
Roses & Razzberries – August/September 2020
Another bouquet of roses and a bushel of razzberries are doled out by Land Line's Terry Scruton.
Business
Electric and automated trucks progressing, including strictest emission standards in nation
In addition to CARB’s new Advanced Clean Trucks regulation, plans for electric truck and automated truck corridors are in the works.
Fuel-squeezing strategies
There’s more than one way to avoid buying too much diesel oil.
Hot Stuff & Cool Services – August/September 2020
The latest edition features a variety of trucking-centric products for your home on the road.
Advice
Maintenance Q&A August/September 2020
Tire retreads can save you money, but remember the need to match tires when selecting where to get the retreading done.
Road Law – August/September 2020
A truck driver received a parking ticket while inside the truck without first being asked to move.
Tax Tips – August/September 2020
How to prepare for an emergency