From the Editor
Editor’s Page – October 2020
Land Line Managing Editor Jami Jones warns readers to buckle up before reading the jam packed October issue full of news important to truckers.
News
A better way
OOIDA goes to bat for truck drivers during the 2020 Truck Safety Summit, encouraging measures that value drivers and actual driver training.
FMCSA poised to put new HOS rules into effect
As of press time in mid-September, the FMCSA was moving full steam ahead toward enacting its new hours-of-service rules on Sept. 29.
FMCSA undergoes another round of leadership changes
James “Wiley” Deck assumed leadership of the FMCSA on Aug. 31, becoming the third person to direct the agency in less than a year.
Additional flexibility?
FMCSA seeks comments on pilot program for HOS provision.
More crashes?
The push to allow under-21 drivers to operate in interstate commerce continues. In September, FMCSA announced plans for a pilot program.
Broker transparency the goal of OOIDA petition
OOIDA’s petition to FMCSA regarding the need to address the lack of broker transparency led to a request for comments from the agency.
ELD self-certification under scrutiny
Recent research by OOIDA and an FBI bulletin put a spotlight on some of the concerns involving FMCSA allowing ELD providers to self-certify
FBI bulletin: ELDs vulnerable to cybersecurity compromise
The FBI bulletin notes that the ELD mandate contains no cybersecurity or quality assurance requirements for suppliers of the devices
Hair raising
HHS releases federal hair testing guidelines, but a rulemaking would be required to adopt them.
Coalition of lawmakers fight insurance increase
Sen. Steve Daines and several of his fellow lawmakers are showing their opposition for a plan to increase motor carriers’ insurance rates.
Can a per-mile fee replace the fuel tax in Florida?
The James Madison Institute released a report outlining how Florida can move to a VMT tax.
Many trucking issues addressed in California Freight Mobility Plan
Big changes in trucking may be on the horizon, according to recommended plans.
Government privilege takes center stage in Rhode Island toll lawsuit
Gov. Gina Raimondo and two other state officials are trying to invoke government privilege in ATA’s truck-only toll lawsuit.
Ninth Circuit hears arguments for AB5 injunction
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit will decide whether an injunction blocking California’s AB5 on motor carriers should be kept in effect.
State Watch – October 2020
The majority of state legislatures have wrapped up their work for this year. Here’s our early fall roundup of what governors signed into law in recent weeks and of other items still active.
Parking Zone – October 2020
The Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act is picking up steam, Northeast parking study results are in, Canadian parking news and more.
New Jersey fuel tax rate increases by nearly a dime
A 2016 New Jersey law is being cited for a fuel tax rate increase for gas and diesel resulting in a nearly 10-cent rate hike.
Election 2020
All of Land Line's comprehensive Election Guide 2020 coverage is in here.
IRS backlog may delay proof of 2290 payments
In August, the Internal Revenue Service sent a notice to states regarding enforcement of Form 2290 payments because of the pandemic.
Coalition, including OOIDA, pushes for FAST Act extension
A coalition, including OOIDA, asked Congress on Sept. 9 to extend the current surface transportation law. It was set to expire Sept. 30.
FMCSA acts as consumer reporting agency, OOIDA says
OOIDA says FMCSA acts as a consumer reporting agency subject to the FCRA when it reports personal driver information to third parties.
U.S. DOT unveils long-term plan for moving nation’s freight
The U.S. Department of Transportation released its National Freight Strategic Plan for long-term investments in infrastructure.
In This Issue:
News
- A better way
- FMCSA poised to put new HOS rules into effect
- FMCSA undergoes another round of leadership changes
- Additional flexibility?
- More crashes?
- Broker transparency the goal of OOIDA petition
- ELD self-certification under scrutiny
- FBI bulletin: ELDs vulnerable to cybersecurity compromise
- Hair raising
- Coalition of lawmakers fight insurance increase
- Can a per-mile fee replace the fuel tax in Florida?
- Many trucking issues addressed in California Freight Mobility Plan
- Government privilege takes center stage in Rhode Island toll lawsuit
- Ninth Circuit hears arguments for AB5 injunction
- State Watch – October 2020
- Parking Zone – October 2020
- New Jersey fuel tax rate increases by nearly a dime
- Election 2020
- IRS backlog may delay proof of 2290 payments
- Coalition, including OOIDA, pushes for FAST Act extension
- FMCSA acts as consumer reporting agency, OOIDA says
- U.S. DOT unveils long-term plan for moving nation’s freight
Opinion
Features
- Live from Grain Valley, it’s Wednesday
- Representing essential workers
- 45 years of Land Line
- The shows must go on
- ‘This is for Kay’
- Remembering the ‘Midnight Cowboy’
- The legend of Cisco
- Mafia Secrets – October 2020
- Look for The Spirit in the Northeast this fall
- Strange Things & Filthy Lies – October 2020
- Dashboard Confidential – October 2020
- Roses & Razzberries – October 2020
Business
Features
Live from Grain Valley, it’s Wednesday
OOIDA brings a new talk show to truck drivers.
Representing essential workers
OOIDA board member featured at Republican National Convention.
45 years of Land Line
On the 45th anniversary of Land Line Magazine, reality from the road remains the same. “We all do better when the person behind the wheel does better.”
The shows must go on
Even though the COVID-19 pandemic continued through the summer, truck shows kept on whether in person or virtually.
‘This is for Kay’
Jerry Kissinger is a standard installation at the Waupun Truck-N-Show held for the 31st consecutive year this past August in Waupun, Wis.
Remembering the ‘Midnight Cowboy’
Radio legend Bill Mack was an advocate for the trucking industry.
The legend of Cisco
In the days before deregulation, strong unions made it difficult or at times impossible to fire a driver, even one as shifty as Cisco.
Mafia Secrets – October 2020
A trip back in time.
Look for The Spirit in the Northeast this fall
Jon Osburn, skipper of OOIDA’s tour trailer, plans a Northeast U.S. tour this fall, collecting driver feedback and discussing issues affecting truckers.
Strange Things & Filthy Lies – October 2020
Need extra money for Christmas? Start collecting lion poop now and beat the pesky holiday rush.
Dashboard Confidential – October 2020
Good service worthy of a thank you.
Roses & Razzberries – October 2020
A fresh bouquet of roses and a bushel of razzberries are being handed out for the good and bad in trucking.
Business
Get the info you need on becoming an owner-operator
A driver considering the jump to becoming an owner-operator needs to prepare by figuring out all the angles. OOIDA’s Truck to Success course can help.
Preparing for winter
Make sure you and your truck are ready for cold, ice and snow.
Fight winter driving coercion with traffic cameras
Traffic cameras are an overlooked tool that can save truckers their freight and their lives.
OOIDA Chain Law Roundup 2020
Tire chain laws for all 50 states.
Canada tire chain laws
A comprehensive list of Canadian tire chain laws in all 10 provinces and three territories for commercial vehicles.
Hot Stuff and Cool Services – October 2020
Tools, LED lights, muscle relief and a suspension upgrade to smooth out the rough spots in your ride.
Advice
Maintenance Q&A – October 2020
Getting trucks back on the road; cabin air filters
Road Law – October 2020
October's edition of Road Law tackles drivers’ failures to respond or appear in court to resolve traffic violations and the problems that ensue.
Tax Tips – October 2020
Discussing the importance of planning ahead for your taxes, it’s good to start with an income tax projection.