From the Editor
News
What’s the driving force?
As companies are motivated to deploy autonomous trucks as soon as 2024, lawmakers and others are raising safety concerns.
Nothing to see here
For a few moments, truckers thought they knew FMCSA’s top speed in its speed limiter proposal. Now, they must wait until December.
Trick or treat?
FMCSA suggested it was going to take action on broker transparency this summer. Now, truckers must wait until late 2024.
‘Toothless’
A report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office exposed problems with FMCSA’s National Consumer Complaint Database.
GAO affirms legality of Su’s role
Julie Su can continue to lead the U.S. Department of Labor even though she doesn’t appear to have the votes for confirmation.
FMCSA proposes DataQs appeals process
FMCSA said that truck drivers have expressed concerns regarding the transparency and uniformity of requests for data review.
State Watch – November 2023
The November edition of State Watch takes a look at various transportation bills in seven statehouses around the country.
New York increases tolls for 2024
New York has approved a system wide tolls increase for 2024. Find out how much they will rise and how you can save money at the gantry.
Georgia panel studies ‘shortage’ of truck drivers
A Georgia legislative study panel is tasked with coming up with solutions for an inadequate supply of truck drivers in the state.
200 new truck parking spaces coming to Wyoming
The Federal Highway Administration announced 200 new truck parking spaces in Laramie, Wyo. Read about the details of the parking.
Blindsided
New York state suspended fuel taxes from June 1 through Dec. 21, 2022. However, local sales and use taxes were not suspended.
Florida, Wyoming among states looking to tap electric vehicles for new fees
Electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles are the topic of efforts in Florida and Wyoming to capture needed transportation revenue.
‘Minimal truck parking’
At an event in South Dakota, DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg, OOIDA President Todd Spencer and others discussed the truck parking crisis.
The Parking Zone – November 2023
The topic of truck parking has been brought up several times at the federal level, but is what the government doing enough?
ATA vs. Freightwaves
FreightWaves published an article in September that said there was not a driver shortage. Then ATA threw a blog-style tantrum.
AB5 case heats up ahead of next battle
California’s Assembly Bill 5 is in violation of the U.S. Constitution, according to the California Trucking Association and OOIDA.
Get in the game
OOIDA held its Fall Board of Directors meeting in September in Joplin, Mo. There, board members also celebrated OOIDA’s 50th anniversary.
TA helps raise more than $150K for trucking charity
TravelCenters of America’s annual campaign generated more than $150,000 for the St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund.
Research takes look at barriers for women in trucking
ATRI is working on a study aimed at identifying barriers that keep women from entering the trucking profession.
In This Issue:
News
- What’s the driving force?
- Nothing to see here
- Trick or treat?
- ‘Toothless’
- GAO affirms legality of Su’s role
- FMCSA proposes DataQs appeals process
- State Watch – November 2023
- New York increases tolls for 2024
- Georgia panel studies ‘shortage’ of truck drivers
- 200 new truck parking spaces coming to Wyoming
- Blindsided
- Florida, Wyoming among states looking to tap electric vehicles for new fees
- ‘Minimal truck parking’
- The Parking Zone – November 2023
- ATA vs. Freightwaves
- AB5 case heats up ahead of next battle
- Get in the game
- TA helps raise more than $150K for trucking charity
- Research takes look at barriers for women in trucking
Opinion
Features
- GBATS shines through
- All the difference
- Awarding excellence
- The other side of the lens
- OOIDA members honored by Pilot Flying J
- Calling all heroes
- Lucky No. 17
- Remembering the fallen
- A Christmas tradition
- Mafia Secrets – August/September 2023
- Cool Gifts 2023
- How to stay healthy on the road
- Trucking History – November 2023
- Slight Detour – November 2023
- Roses & Razzberries – November 2023
Opinion
Autonomous trucks: Close encounters of the dangerous kind
There are plenty of examples of AI technology failing. It doesn’t create much confidence in the safety of autonomous trucks.
It’s about time CSA data gets real scrutiny
From the beginning, FMCSA’s CSA program lacked due process. Now, truck drivers have a chance to help correct the program’s flaws.
Features
GBATS shines through
Rain and severe weather threatened the fan favorite GBATS, but show organizers and attendees trucked on, making this year’s one of the biggest ever.
All the difference
The Mary Johnston Scholarship has helped children, grandchildren and legal dependents of OOIDA members achieve their higher education goals.
Awarding excellence
The Transition Trucking award recognizes drivers who have made the transition from active duty military service to the trucking industry.
The other side of the lens
We’ve heard how drivers feel to be selected for the Shell Rotella SuperRigs calendar. But what about the photographer?
OOIDA members honored by Pilot Flying J
Pilot Flying J’s Road Warrior winners for 2023 are all OOIDA members, including grand prize winner, Don Crouse. Read more about the winners.
Calling all heroes
Andrew Waits, a driver from Tacoma, Wash., was named Goodyear’s Highway Hero last year for assisting an unconscious motorcyclist.
Lucky No. 17
Throughout the 17 years of the Truckers for Troops campaign, OOIDA and its members have continued to give back even during tough times.
Remembering the fallen
Every year in December, truck drivers help fulfill the mission of Wreaths Across America to remember fallen U.S. military veterans.
A Christmas tradition
Four truck drivers from Werner Enterprises will be tasked with delivering the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree and ornaments to Washington, D.C.
Mafia Secrets – August/September 2023
You never have to look far for good looking trucks caught on the lot at 4 State Trucks home of the Chrome Shop Mafia in Joplin, Mo.
Cool Gifts 2023
Don’t know what to buy the trucker in your life for the holidays? Land Line has you covered with this year’s Cool Gifts guide.
How to stay healthy on the road
Long-haul trucking is not an easy profession. Being on the road for weeks at a time can take a toll physically and mentally.
Trucking History – November 2023
This edition of Trucking History includes the Minnesota State Patrol's fatigue enforcement, an OOIDA milestone and more.
Slight Detour – November 2023
Truckers get the blessing, instant karma over a stolen parking spot and a story that’s no bull make up this edition of Slight Detour.
Roses & Razzberries – November 2023
A trucker is rescued, Forbes identifies the worst states for road rage and grants are awarded for truck parking and CDL improvements.
Business
No-nonsense appearance
Mack Trucks had a “honey wagon” and other medium-duty trucks available for driving and inspection at a fall event in Wisconsin.
Maintenance Q&A – November 2023
This edition of Maintenance Q&A takes a look at the right way to perform wiring repairs so that they last for the long haul.
Permit renewal deadlines near
Three permits for owner-operators have renewal deadlines of Dec. 31. Learn more about the process and who is required to pay.
Trucking & Taxes – November 2023
So, you owe the IRS a lot of money in taxes. This edition of Trucking & Taxes will help walk you through the entire process.
Road Law – November 2023
This edition of Road Law takes a look at the differences between receiving a citation on federal property vs. from a state officer.