From the Editor
Editor’s Desk – May 2021
Managing Editor Jami Jones takes on how law makers use legislation as a modern day Trojan Horse to sneak in questionable mandates.
News
Red light, green light
As the next highway bill begins to take shape, OOIDA is working to get certain measures in the legislation while keeping others out.
The infrastructure problem
Report highlights desperate need for infrastructure funding.
Infrastructure plan aims to create jobs, modernize transportation system
President Joe Biden touted his $2.25 trillion infrastructure plan as a “once-in-a-generation investment in America.”
OOIDA: Bigger trucks not the answer
Coalition says effort would make nation’s infrastructure problem worse.
‘Discriminatory proposal’
OOIDA opposes truck-only vehicle-miles-traveled tax.
‘Missed opportunity’
Department of Labor proposes to withdraw worker classification rule.
Congress extends PPP loans through May
In late March, the Senate passed a bill to extend PPP loans. Days later, President Joe Biden signed the legislation into law.
A new vision
OOIDA supports change to vision standards.
Report says DOT needs to do more to publicize drug testing data
The Government Accountability Office suggests the DOT should do more to publicize its drug and alcohol testing data.
Up to speed
OOIDA lets new DOT secretary know why speed limiter mandate isn’t needed.
Important distinction
Trottenberg turns conversation from ‘shortage’ to ‘retention.’
Joshi poised to be next FMCSA administrator
President Joe Biden has announced his intent to nominate Meera Joshi to take the permanent role as administrator of the FMCSA.
NTSB takes Tesla to task
The National Transportation Safety Board wants to see minimum standards imposed on automated driving systems and called out Tesla specifically.
New commercial drivers in B.C. will be held to stricter driver training standards
New Class 1 drivers in British Columbia will have stricter driver training standards to meet in order to be licensed, beginning October 1.
Canada ELD mandate update: ‘Soft enforcement’ begins June 12
When Canada’s ELD mandate takes effect next month, officials say truckers can expect a ‘soft enforcement’ period as the industry adjusts.
States push for more fees on electric, hybrid vehicles
Work continues at eight statehouses to increase revenue to address road needs through fees collected on hybrid and electric vehicles.
Legislation addresses ticket camera rules
Some state legislators are discussing how to expand the use of red light or ticket cameras, but others are clamping down on using them.
Roadside drug testing pilot program off course
Nearly a quarter of all positive results in Michigan’s roadside drug testing oral swab pilot program were later overturned by blood testing.
OOIDA seeks rehearing in Indiana Toll Road lawsuit
After a federal appeals court upheld a decision dismissing its case against the Indiana Toll Road, OOIDA petitioned the court to hear it again.
State Watch – May 2021
OOIDA keeps a close watch on legislative action in statehouses near you. Get the latest info from Land Line's State Watch.
Will 2021 be the year for truck parking?
A reintroduced truck parking bill and serious discussions about infrastructure gives truckers reasons to be optimistic.
Fate of California’s AB5 in the trucking industry remains unclear
More than seven months after oral arguments, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit still hadn’t ruled on AB5.
Shedding light on traffic signals
Report reveals how much time is wasted waiting for the green light.
A call for transparency
Full disclosure of automation safety performance should be mandatory, OOIDA says.
Court sides with CRST in lawsuit over rest breaks
A federal appeals court dismissed a lawsuit against CRST, dealing a blow to truckers alleging the company didn’t provide breaks.
In This Issue:
News
- Red light, green light
- The infrastructure problem
- Infrastructure plan aims to create jobs, modernize transportation system
- OOIDA: Bigger trucks not the answer
- ‘Discriminatory proposal’
- ‘Missed opportunity’
- Congress extends PPP loans through May
- A new vision
- Report says DOT needs to do more to publicize drug testing data
- Up to speed
- Important distinction
- Joshi poised to be next FMCSA administrator
- NTSB takes Tesla to task
- New commercial drivers in B.C. will be held to stricter driver training standards
- Canada ELD mandate update: ‘Soft enforcement’ begins June 12
- States push for more fees on electric, hybrid vehicles
- Legislation addresses ticket camera rules
- Roadside drug testing pilot program off course
- OOIDA seeks rehearing in Indiana Toll Road lawsuit
- State Watch – May 2021
- Will 2021 be the year for truck parking?
- Fate of California’s AB5 in the trucking industry remains unclear
- Shedding light on traffic signals
- A call for transparency
- Court sides with CRST in lawsuit over rest breaks
Opinion
Features
Business
- The authority on ‘Getting Your Own Authority’
- OOIDA’s Truck to Success course open for registration
- Peterbilt updates vocational models 567 and 520
- Shell aims for net-zero emissions by 2050
- Production of H2 fuel cell trucks are years away, but time’s flying
- The push toward self-driving trucks
- Kenworth’s T680 Next Gen a looker inside and out
- Hot Stuff and Cool Services – May 2021
Features
MATS moved to 2022; other shows still on
The biggest truck show of the year has been canceled, but there are still others to attend this year.
Road to retirement
Jon Osburn, skipper of OOIDA’s tour trailer, has decided to retire from professional truck driving after decades traveling coast to coast.
Mansion on the move
Scott Heavy Movers haul 139-year-old mansion through crowded San Francisco streets.
Little Big Boss
Nine-year-old working as operations manager for Alabama trucking company.
‘If it wasn’t for their help’
Families grateful for Truckers Final Mile helping bring their loved ones home.
Mafia Secrets – May 2021
‘Get after it’
New skipper of The Spirit takes on three tasks
As we head into summer, a new skipper is at the helm of OOIDA’s tour trailer. Marty Ellis has three main objectives as he hits the road.
Dashboard Confidential – May 2021
Helping the race to space just a little.
Anything can happen
Trucking in Manhattan can be quite the adventure.
Slight Detour – May 2021
Immobile homes, falling couches, and swim aside, Champy, it’s the Stockton Kraken. All that and more in Land Line’s ‘Slight Detour.’
Roses & Razzberries – May 2021
This edition of Roses & Razzberries thanks a trucker who went above and beyond to return a lost dog and calls out unfair tolls.
Business
The authority on ‘Getting Your Own Authority’
OOIDA Foundation video series walks you through the process.
OOIDA’s Truck to Success course open for registration
Year’s membership included for those who sign up by Oct. 1.
Peterbilt updates vocational models 567 and 520
Peterbilt updated its vocational trucks – Model 567 dump truck and Model 520 refuse truck – the company announced earlier this year.
Shell aims for net-zero emissions by 2050
Shell Rotella has set its sights on becoming a net-zero emissions energy business by 2050 or sooner.
Production of H2 fuel cell trucks are years away, but time’s flying
A few are running out of California seaports, and familiar companies are developing the silent and clean powertrains.
The push toward self-driving trucks
Despite claims, safety is not the motivation.
Kenworth’s T680 Next Gen a looker inside and out
There’s a lot to like about the newest Kenworth, from its digital dash to comfy sleeper.
Hot Stuff and Cool Services – May 2021
The latest truck products on offer in Land Line's Hot Stuff & Cool Services include smart security, personal comfort and hands-free comms.
Advice
Maintenance Q&A – May 2021
What suspension and axle ratio do I need?
Trucking & Taxes
Business credit – what do you know?
Road Law – May 2021
It's not over until it's over.