MARCH-APRIL 2024 ISSUE
Battle Mode
As regulatory, legislative fights intensify, OOIDA calls truckers to the front lines. Autonomous trucks, broker fraud, speed limiter mandates, predatory lease-purchases and automatic emergency braking are in the battle plan.
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 wise words of Eric Hansen
It’s been a decade (or two) since I’ve actually played the game, but I was quite the basketball player back in the day – if I do say so myself. I played point guard and could knock down three-pointers and free throws with crazy high percentages of success. I went...
Jami Jones
Is slower automatically safer?
When it comes to FMCSA’s speed limiter rulemaking for large trucks, the agency appears to be oversimplifying the problem.
Mark Schremmer
States pursue speed limit revisions
Measures in statehouses from Oklahoma to New Jersey cover speed limit revisions for motorists and truckers on interstates and highways.
Keith Goble
Truckers to feds: Hit the brakes
NHTSA and FMCSA are scheduled to release final rules this spring that would mandate AEB technology on passenger vehicles and large trucks.
Mark Schremmer
A long road
OOIDA’s efforts to fight against broker problems have made strides in recent years, but the Association is urging FMCSA to do more.
Mark Schremmer
A sneak attack on broker transparency
A representative for brokers recently told lawmakers that FMCSA should do more to stop fraud but not to enforce broker transparency rules.
John Bendel
Fix it or end it?
The Truck Leasing Task Force hopes to put an end to predatory lease-purchase arrangements in the trucking industry.
Mark Schremmer
Short circuit
The push toward mandated sale and use of electric trucks has more obstacles than green lights when all factors are taken into consideration.
Jami Jones
Robotruck
Autonomous truck companies are starting to deploy tractor-trailers with no human inside on U.S. highways. Should truckers be worried?
Tyson Fisher
Autonomous truck restrictions pursued in multiple statehouses
Legislation in a growing number of statehouses addresses the pursuit of permitting autonomous trucks on state roadways.
Keith Goble
New leadership at FMCSA
Robin Hutcheson’s tenure at FMCSA has ended, and the agency is likely to move forward with an interim leader until after the presidential election.
Mark Schremmer
FMCSA proposes changes to CDL requirements
FMCSA is proposing several changes to the trucker CDL requirements that will “increase flexibility” for state driver licensing agencies.
Mark Schremmer
What’s FMCSA springing on truckers?
FMCSA is projected to publish notices about automation, automatic emergency braking systems and speed limiters in the spring.
Mark Schremmer
Truckers push back against proposed increase to UCR fees
As truckers have struggled to make ends meet through a difficult freight market, FMCSA has proposed a 25% increase to UCR fees for 2025.
Mark Schremmer
This again?
Members of Congress are making yet another attempt to drastically increase the minimum insurance requirement for motor carriers.
Mark Schremmer
FMCSA updates National Registry, Medical Examiner Handbook
In January, FMCSA issued notices attempting to clean up the National Registry and to update the Medical Examiner Handbook.
Ryan Witkowski
State Watch – March/April 2024
This month’s edition of State Watch takes a look at various transportation bills under review in 11 statehouses across the country.
Keith Goble
What problems are FMCSA’s emergency relief ruling solving?
FMCSA issued a final ruling in late 2023 to limit the period of regulatory relief during an emergency to 14 days. But why?
SJ Munoz
Left lane use under review in six statehouses
Travel in the left lane for large trucks and other drivers is the topic of legislation in at least six statehouses around the country.
Keith Goble
Constitutionality questioned
OOIDA is playing a role in another case that questions the constitutionality of California’s worker classification law, AB5.
Mark Schremmer
New York City’s congestion pricing faces multiple lawsuits
New York City’s congestion pricing plan is being challenged in federal court by residents, businesses, elected local officials and one state.
Tyson Fisher
How will it work?
On Jan. 10, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division published a final rule to determine worker classification.
Mark Schremmer
A court ruling not to sleep on
New judicial precedent addressing sleeper berth time may have some carriers paying more for team driver operations.
Tyson Fisher
Federal agency power on the line
The Supreme Court will rule on whether the Chevron doctrine stays intact. Find out what that means for federal agencies and regulations.
Tyson Fisher
The Parking Zone – March/April 2024
In addition to more federal investment in truck parking, there have been several developments in truck parking throughout the nation.
Tyson Fisher
Berkshire, Pilot reach agreement for remaining stake
Berkshire Hathaway recently acquired Pilot Company’s remaining 20% stake of Pilot Travel Centers. It ended a $1 billion lawsuit.
Tyson Fisher
Another detention time study in the works
Another effort is underway to determine the true effects of detention time on truckers and the trucking industry. The American Transportation Research Institute is asking motor carriers and owner-operators to complete a survey on the ATRI website about the consequences of driver detention in the trucking industry. “Driver detention is...
Land Line Media
Ponzi scheme saga plays out
A long series of fraud incidents, including a $40 million Ponzi scheme, led a trucking company owner to a lengthy prison sentence.
Tyson Fisher
Pet project
Through the volunteer efforts of truckers, nonprofit organization Operation Roger has transported almost 1,000 pets in need of a ride home.
Erin Wisdom-Watson
Living his dream
Jamie Hartman spent time as a truck driver before making the decision to pursue his dream of becoming a professional fisherman in 2017.
SJ Munoz
‘Delayed is not denied’
A truck driver recently proved it’s never too late to follow your dreams. Here’s what led a 63-year-old grandmother back to school.
Ryan Witkowski
MATS readies for 2024 show
The Mid-America Trucking Show is set for March 21-23 this year, as more than 55,000 attendees and 860-plus exhibitors are expected to take part.
SJ Munoz
The wishes keep rolling
Annual Mother’s Day Truck Convoy enters its 35th year of benefitting the local Make-A-Wish chapter. Find out how you can get involved.
Ryan Witkowski
Mission: Military Appreciation
Mission: Military appreciation, a Truckers For Troops campaign, will be held by OOIDA in May. Find out how to participate.
Land Line Media
Caught on the Lot – March/April 2024
The latest edition of Caught on the Lot takes a look at Chrome Shop Mafia’s experience building the Ranch Hand.
Guest Author
Slight Detour – March/April 2024
Life on the road can often feel like a set of reruns. This edition of Slight Detour features some familiar stories with their own twists.
Ryan Witkowski
Trucking History – March/April 2024
This edition of Trucking Industry includes an OOIDA win against a mega carrier in federal court, a famous trucking song and more.
Land Line Media
Roses & Razzberries – March/April 2024
Roses to the reopening of a famed Tennessee truck stop. Razzberries to a renewed effort to increase insurance minimums and increased toll pricing.
SJ Munoz
Best investment ever made
OOIDA President Todd Spencer discusses the importance of investing in yourself by joining the association.
Todd Spencer
Harness grassroots power
Grassroots advocacy from truck drivers goes a long way toward getting lawmakers to know why a regulation will or won’t work.
Guest Author
DOT shouldn’t gamble with AEB tech before it’s ready
AEB technology hasn’t been perfected, and the U.S. DOT appears to know it. However, the feds are gambling that it will be in a few years.
Mark Schremmer
A chance to score big with truck parking
With truckers’ efforts to improve truck parking showing signs of success, now is the time to ramp up advocacy while the iron is hot.
Tyson Fisher
Watch your step
Broker abuse is a harsh reality of the trucking industry. Here are some ways to protect yourself from becoming a victim.
Ryan Witkowski
Flashing brake lamps – why?
Flashing brake lamps have been gaining in popularity. Land Line’s Tom Berg explains the appeal and relays what studies have found.
Tom Berg
U.S. Supreme Court declines to hear broker liability case
In January, the U.S. Supreme Court opted to not hear a case involving broker liability. It was the second denial in recent years.
Tyson Fisher
Road to recovery
Carriers going under. Low spot rates. High diesel prices. A freight recession has wreaked havoc on truckers, but there may be hope in 2024.
Tyson Fisher
Road Law – March/April 2024
This edition of Road Law breaks down what it means to have your record expunged and how it still could end up on your MVR.
Guest Author
Trucking & Taxes – March/April 2024
This edition of Trucking & Taxes explains what “bracket creep” is and outlines the inflation adjustments for 2024.
Guest Author