March-April 2023

Speed bump

Truckers fight back against attempt to mandate speed limiters

News

Speed limiters

Speed bump

OOIDA and individual truckers have provided reasons why they believe a speed limiter mandate would cause more harm than good.

truck parking

Truck parking touted as major supply chain issue

A House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing provided a glimpse into what issues lawmakers will focus on in 2023.

Nehls

A trucker’s reality

Rep. Troy Nehls worked with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association to introduce the Trucker Bathroom Access Act.

Automated driving systems

Rulemaking takes detour

Before moving forward with a proposal on automated driving systems, FMCSA wants more feedback from industry stakeholders.

Emergency declaration

OOIDA to FMCSA: Why now?

OOIDA, AASHTO and some state departments of transportation are speaking out against FMCSA’s proposal to place limits on emergency declarations.

roundabouts

States work to revise roundabout rules for trucks

State lawmakers pursue action to grant large trucks permission to perform a maneuver intended to properly navigate through roundabouts.

restroom

Washington Senate panel advances bill covering restroom access for truck drivers

A Washington panel has advanced a bill to help address concern of professional drivers about restroom access at shippers and consignees.

tax

The battle continues

As concerns continue to grow regarding Connecticut’s new highway use tax, one trucking groups says they considering all their legal options.

Delaware

CDL holders in Delaware can now self-certify online

CDL holders in Delaware can take advantage of a new online self-certification option through the Delaware DMV.

Truck Parking Zone

The Parking Zone – March/April 2023

In this edition of The Parking Zone, the Ohio DOT adds more truck parking, a new truck stop in Nebraska and more.

AB5

Going to California?

OOIDA and the California Trucking Association both recently filed motions for preliminary injunctions against California’s AB5.

Truck driver pay

Money matters

Is there a link between truck driver pay and highway safety? Many experts say there is and relayed that information to a committee.

traffic fatalities

Traffic fatalities drop

Traffic fatalities went down in the first nine months of 2022 when compared to the previous year, according to NHTSA.

Trucking Alliance

Undeterred, Trucking Alliance maintains push for hair testing requirements

The Trucking Alliance was denied in its request to include hair testing in the FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. It’s not over though.

OOIDA

Buyer beware

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is warning truckers of potential scams. Don’t pay more than you have to.

DOT

Infrastructure grants aim to reduce traffic fatalities

The U.S. DOT announced in February that it was releasing $800 million toward infrastructure projects aimed at improving safety.

ELD

Quebec to begin ELD enforcement in April

By the end of April, Canada’s electronic logging device mandate will take effect in Quebec. Most of Canada started enforcement Jan. 1.

Women In Trucking

Women in Trucking names new leader

On Jan. 18, the Women in Trucking Association announced Jennifer Hedrick as incoming president and chief executive officer for the association.

cannabis

Cannabis a growing concern, NTSB says

A report from NTSB found that while alcohol is most often detected alone, cannabis was often detected with alcohol or other drugs.

Opinion

Mark Schremmer, driver shortage, hair testing, clearinghouse, distracted driving, speed limiters, Trucking Workforce Improvement Act, driver retention, hours of service, truck drivers, ELDs, AI, AEB

Flexible hours don’t cause crashes

Before changing a rule, FMCSA needs sufficient data. Without even knowing it, the agency conducted a pilot program on the hours of service.

Speed limiters

Truckers mince no words on speed limiters

FMCSA is considering mandating speed limiters on heavy-duty trucks. Thousands of truckers oppose the potential requirement.

Features

OOIDA

OOIDA’s biggest legal wins

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association has won countless legal battles involving truckers’ rights over the last 50 years.

self-driving truck

Confessions of a self-driving truck

The idea of self-driving trucks is fashionable these days. But what’s the truth? Well, find out directly from a self-driving truck.

Mid-America Trucking Show, MATS

Here’s to 51

The Mid-America Trucking Show is right around the corner. Here’s everything you need to know to get ready for MATS 2023.

OOIDA, MATS

As OOIDA turns 50, group keeps mission alive at MATS

Last year, the Mid-America Trucking Show celebrated its 50th anniversary. For the 2023 version of MATS, it’s OOIDA’s turn.

Aussie Kingdom

A wild ride

Aussie Kingdom brings the Australian outback to events across the country in a semitruck driven by company president Carolyn Lantz.

Class 8 Ford truck

A one-of-a-kind ride

Being in the right place at the right time was the key to Keith Woltman acquiring one of the most unique trucks on the road today.

Make-A-Wish

Raising the bar

The 2023 Mother’s Day Convoy for Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware and Susquehanna Valley will be May 14 in Manheim, Pa.

trucks

Mafia Secrets – March/April 2023

Take a look at the hard working, eye-catching trucks caught on the lot at 4 State Trucks home of the Chrome Shop Mafia in Joplin, Mo.

thankful, OOIDA, tour trailer

OOIDA on the Road – March/April 2023

March is an exciting month for OOIDA's tour trailer, the Spirit of the American Trucker, as it will be at the Mid-America Trucking Show.

trucking history

Trucking History – March/April 2023

In this edition of Trucking History, find out about prices of CB radios in the 1970s, OOIDA's new Western Star tour truck and more.

Slight Detour

Slight Detour – March/April 2023

As luck would have it, this edition of Slight Detour celebrates the tales – both good and bad – of a few “lucky” truckers.

truckers, Roses and Razzberries, Roses & Razzberries

Roses & Razzberries – March/April 2023

ROSES to new online certification and move over rules. RAZZBERRIES for several recent scams aimed at professional truck drivers.

Business

brokers

Staying ahead of the game

For carriers, dealing with a broker can come with a number of concerns. Here are some ways to spot issues before they become a problem.

Western Star

A close look at Western Star’s edgier 57X

Western Star’s 57X is an even more edgy-looking ride than its predecessor, the 5700 XE. Production started in 2023.

preventive maintenance

Lifeblood of your truck

Preventive maintenance is essential to the health of your truck and engine. Travel Centers of America has tips on what you need to know.

marijuana

In the weeds

As more states legalize marijuana, navigating the rules can be tricky for truck drivers. A recent court case highlights the issue.

Trucking & Taxes

Trucking & Taxes – March/April 2023

Do you really want to pay more taxes than you legally have to? Trucking & Taxes takes a look at the importance of planning.

Road law

Road Law – March/April 2023