FEBRUARY 2025 ISSUE
Gearing Up for Another 50 Years
Land Line Magazine kicks off a yearlong celebration of its 50th anniversary. Started in 1975, the magazine’s sole purpose was to cover trucking news from the perspective of truck drivers. At the core of that mission, we empower truckers to fight for their rights through education on the issues and a playbook on ways to advocate for or against trucking legislation and regulations.
About Land Line Media Magazine
For professional truckers, staying informed is just as essential as staying on the road. Land Line delivers the latest trucking news, industry updates, and regulatory changes that impact owner-operators and professional drivers nationwide. From breaking news on trucking legislation to in-depth analysis of business strategies, fuel prices, and equipment trends, we cover everything that matters to the trucking community. As the voice of truckers, we’re dedicated to providing accurate, timely, and driver-focused content to help you navigate the road ahead. Stay connected. Stay informed. Stay in control of your business.
The Sound of Silence
When it comes to advocating for your rights as a trucker, the sound of silence is not an effective weapon. Fight for your rights your way.
Jami Jones
Broker transparency rule: Time to finish the job
Broker transparency efforts started with protests in 2020. Now, truckers are asking the new administration to complete the task.
Mark Schremmer
FMCSA delays broker financial responsibility rule
FMCSA said it couldn’t keep the 2025 compliance date of its broker regulation because its new registration system wouldn’t be ready.
Mark Schremmer
Speed limiter mandate appears unlikely under new administration
History provides reason to think that a speed limiter mandate won’t be a priority for President Donald Trump’s administration.
Mark Schremmer
Truck Leasing Task Force aims to end predatory programs
If the Truck Leasing Task Force has its way, predatory lease-purchase programs in the trucking industry will soon be a thing of the past.
Mark Schremmer
Federal transportation leaders announced
Sean Duffy was picked by President Donald Trump to be the next DOT secretary. What will that mean for trucking?
Mark Schremmer
Beneficial ownership information reporting remains in limbo
Small businesses are not required to report beneficial ownership information, but a court ruling expected this spring could change that.
Tyson Fisher
Faded labels for rear guards not a compliance issue, FMCSA says
Does an illegible, incomplete or missing rear guard certification label establish a violation? Simply, FMCSA’s guidance says no.
Mark Schremmer
State Watch – February 2025
This month’s edition of State Watch takes a look at transportation legislation in six statehouses around the nation.
Keith Goble
Congestion pricing underway in New York City
After years of planning and an unexpected delay, New York City has finally started charging motorists a congestion pricing fee.
Tyson Fisher
Fuel tax rate changes now in effect across the country
Fuel tax rate changes of about 3 cents or less took take effect the first of the year in states from Utah to New Jersey.
Keith Goble
Advanced Clean Trucks needs the brakes
A coalition of trucking associations worked throughout 2024 to encourage states to slow down on the Advanced Clean Trucks rule.
Tyson Fisher
Transportation funding solutions discussed at statehouses
State lawmakers and other state officials around the country are looking into possible transportation funding options to address shortfalls.
Keith Goble
Rhode Island victorious in truck-only toll appeal
The latest ruling in a years long battle over truck-only tolls sided with Rhode Island. Opponents argued the toll was unconstitutional.
Ryan Witkowski
OOIDA says SMS reform falls short
FMCSA’s latest attempt to improve its SMS program still falls short of any meaningful reform, OOIDA said in recent comments.
Jami Jones
FMCSA adds new crash types to program
Before the calendar turned to 2025, FMCSA finalized some changes to its Crash Preventability Determination Program.
Mark Schremmer
Driver shortage claims eviscerated during live debate
An audience tuned in for a debate about the truck driver shortage. Instead, attendees heard the death knell of a decades-old myth.
Tyson Fisher
Will ATA give up on driver shortage myth?
Land Line’s John Bendel asks if the false narrative of a driver shortage is coming to an end. ATA has been fairly quiet on the issue.
John Bendel
Traffic fatalities involving large trucks trending downward
Truck-involved traffic fatalities are declining, but it’s not the regulations supported by safety groups that are driving that number down.
Tyson Fisher
Can paid truck parking save drivers money?
Truck drivers are adamant about not paying for a parking spot, but those who offer reserved truck parking claim it can save truckers money.
Tyson Fisher
The Truck Parking Zone – February 2025
Paid truck parking facilities are creating new spots at a rapid rate, but new traditional truck stops with free parking are still popping up.
Tyson Fisher
OOIDA to Ninth Circuit: AB5 harms leased owner-operators
Forcing leased owner-operators to relinquish their business is an excessive and unconstitutional burden, OOIDA argues.
Mark Schremmer
Advocate for your rights – your way
Just as people have different communication preferences, you have numerous options for effectively advocate for your rights as a trucker.
Land Line Media
OOIDA touts pro-trucker priorities
OOIDA quickly went to work identifying pro-trucker priorities that have a good chance of being packaged into the next highway bill.
Mark Schremmer
Communication resources provided by OOIDA foster constant contact
OOIDA is dedicated to giving professional drivers the essentials to communicate with appointed and elected officials and with agencies.
Keith Goble
Truckers, keep flexing your grassroots muscles
It has never been more important for small-business truckers to flex their grassroots muscles, OOIDA’s Collin Long says.
Land Line Media
Nehls advocates for truckers on restroom access, overtime
Soon after Rep. Troy Nehls was informed that truck drivers were being denied restroom access, a bill was introduced in the House.
Mark Schremmer
OOIDA board member utilizes Land Line to reach lawmakers
OOIDA Board Member Danny Schnautz has been mailing federal, state and local lawmakers copies of Land Line Magazine for nearly 20 years.
Mark Schremmer
Federal lawmakers are available via phone or email
Make the most of your communication pursuits with federal lawmakers through phone calls, letters and emails.
Keith Goble
Join the front lines on the regulatory battle
Filing comments is your chance in the process of creating new regulations to help shape the future for your trucking life.
Land Line Media
Citizens can bring change without legislative help
Taking matters into your own hands through the initiative, referendum or recall processes offers an alternative to legislation for citizens.
Keith Goble
Congestion costs trucking more than $100 billion in 2022
Traffic congestion comes at a cost of more than $100 billion to the trucking industry and thousands of dollars to individual truck drivers.
Tyson Fisher
TQL wants Supreme Court to resolve broker negligence issue
On Dec. 10, 2024, TQL filed its brief with the Supreme Court in a case stemming from a fatal crash involving a motor carrier it hired.
Tyson Fisher
Werner case: Proof that tort reform is needed?
As the industry eagerly awaits the ruling in a nuclear verdict case involving Werner, many stakeholders suggest that tort reform is needed.
Tyson Fisher
Truckers For Troops continues support of veterans organization
Truckers For Troops took its mission of supporting veterans to the “next level” in 2024, according to the director of one veterans organization.
Ryan Witkowski
Maintenance team at OOIDA has 65 years of combined expertise
The OOIDA maintenance crew is responsible for routine and unexpected issues at the Association’s headquarters in Grain Valley, Mo.
SJ Munoz
Which truck show events are you attending in 2025?
Major truck show events are scheduled for the coming months, including the Mid-America Trucking Show and Guilty By Association Truck Show.
SJ Munoz
Purple Heart recipient Cory Troxell wins Transition Trucking’s top honor
This year’s Transition Trucking: Driver for Excellence award winner is Cory Troxell, an Army veteran and driver for Stevens Transport.
SJ Munoz
Trucking radio host prepares to pass the torch
Trucking radio host Dave Nemo has spent over 50 years behind the mic. As he steps into retirement, he’s leaving his show in good hands.
Ryan Witkowski
Caught on the lot – February 2025
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.
Jami Jones
OOIDA on the Road – February 2025
Many OOIDA members have a family history of trucking. However, there are plenty of others who did other things before becoming a truck driver.
Land Line Media
Slight Detour – February 2025
This month’s Slight Detour trucks us down a road with wild hog hunts, bouts of flesh-eating bacteria, and full-on aerial assaults.
Ryan Witkowski
Trucking History – February 2025
From truckers getting a voice within FMCSA to one of the more campy, yet iconic, trucking movies February is a busy month in trucking history.
SJ Munoz
Roses and Razzberries – February 2025
Roses for a broker transparency rule proposal and a new truck-parking facility. Razzberries for increased toll fees and the latest scams.
SJ Munoz
TIA takes wild swing at broker transparency proposal
FMCSA finally issued a broker transparency proposal in late 2024. Then TIA had a response. Oh, boy, did they.
Jami Jones
Truckers to FMCSA: Remove the bad actors
FMCSA finally issued a broker transparency proposal. Many truckers filed comments to let the agency know why it’s needed.
Land Line Media
Truck To Success teaches the whys and hows of building a business plan
Challenges specific to the trucking industry make it especially vital for owner-operators to have a solid business plan.
Erin Wisdom-Watson
Truck drivers seeking better pay, more home time
More than 40% of truck drivers are looking for a new trucking job, according to a survey conducted in 2024. Pay is the top reason.
Tyson Fisher
2025 freight market: Better times ahead?
Better times for truckers appear to be on their way. OOIDA’s latest update says the freight market looks poised to flip in the near future.
SJ Munoz
Trucking & Taxes – February 2025
Tax professional Barry Fowler details changes to the federal tax code in 2025 that may affect your financial planning this year.
Guest Author
Road Law – February 2024
Some of you recently called Road Law and asked if this so-called “robot lawyer” service was real or was just a scam. Judge for yourself.
Jami Jones