MAY 2025 ISSUE
Seat at the table
A highway bill has the potential to significantly affect the trucking industry for years to come, both positively and negatively. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association has communicated to Congress what should and should not be included in the upcoming legislation, addressing issues ranging from truck parking and driver training to truck size/weight and speed limiters.
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.
‘On your left’
OOIDA has spent the past 52 years fighting for the rights of all truckers. Managing Editor Jami Jones reminds truckers they have their back.
Jami Jones
OOIDA’s Pugh relays truckers’ needs for next highway bill
With the next highway bill on the horizon, OOIDA reminded lawmakers that this is their opportunity to improve the truck driving profession.
Mark Schremmer
Grand theft cargo
During a Senate subcommittee hearing, Sen. Todd Young said that cargo theft is estimated to cost as much as $35 billion annually.
Mark Schremmer
Cargo theft is costing the industry hundreds of millions
The rate of cargo theft continues to increase. Find out why thieves have been having a field day and what is being done to stop it.
Ryan Witkowski
OOIDA to CVSA: Enforce English-proficiency regulation
OOIDA petitioned the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance in early March to issue out-of-service orders for truckers who can’t speak English.
Jami Jones
Is interim final rule the end of BOI rollercoaster?
Only foreign companies are required to file a BOI report, and only for foreign owners. All U.S. persons and companies are off the hook.
Tyson Fisher
Rep. Bost committed to truck parking bill
As of press time, the bipartisan Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act had 28 co-sponsors. It would provide truck parking funding.
Tyson Fisher
Administration picks Derek Barrs as FMCSA’s next leader
Derek Barrs, who has more than three decades of experience in law enforcement, is in line to be the FMCSA’s next administrator.
Mark Schremmer
State Watch – May 2025
This month’s edition of State Watch takes a look at transportation bills in 11 statehouses around the nation.
Keith Goble
States pursue reform of third-party litigation funding
Third-party litigation financing is the subject of legislative reform efforts in states across the country.
Keith Goble
States present plans to adjust fuel tax rates
State lawmakers pursue the adoption of rule changes to revise how and how much states collect in fuel taxes.
Keith Goble
Tort reform to benefit truck drivers a topic at statehouses
State legislators around the country are pursuing tort reform to help address civil actions that could affect truck drivers.
Keith Goble
Truckers, brokers have spoken
Truck drivers and brokers have spoken. Now, it’s time for the FMCSA to determine whether to move forward with a broker transparency rule.
Mark Schremmer
Trucker takes broker transparency to the courtroom
The argument over broker transparency is being fought in multiple arenas – through the rulemaking process and in the courtroom.
Tyson Fisher
The Truck Parking Zone – May 2025
From California to Maryland, local and county officials are being forced to address truck parking. Find out what decisions are being made.
Tyson Fisher
Truckers and Republican lawmakers go after concealed carry reciprocity laws
Truck drivers and Republicans in Congress take aim at the patchwork of state concealed carry reciprocity laws that interstate travelers face.
Tyson Fisher
‘The bad guys will find a way’
Steve Rush, chair of the Truck Leasing Task Force, started with an open mind. He later determined the lease-purchase model should be banned.
Mark Schremmer
‘Ice Pick Bandit’ strikes again
OOIDA has heard several complaints from its members about vandals damaging truck tires at truck stops across the South.
SJ Munoz
OOIDA board member active in fight for truckers’ rights
OOIDA Board Member Linda Allen uses her political science background to advocate for the rights of truck drivers.
Land Line Media
Driver’s point of view can be powerful in D.C.
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association’s message to lawmakers is even more powerful when it comes from truck drivers.
Land Line Media
No state immune to toll collection scams
Toll collection scams are popping up everywhere – even in states without a toll program. Oregon and Missouri both reported scams.
Land Line Media
And the winner is … Fort Lee, N.J.
Fort Lee, N.J., is once again the recipient of a title no one wants. ATRI revealed the worst bottlenecks in the United States.
Tyson Fisher
OOIDA Regulatory Department seeks to assist truckers in any way possible
It’s a long list the OOIDA Regulatory Department is tasked with handling – an incredible benefit for the Association’s members.
SJ Munoz
Seamless transition
Cory Troxell won the 2024 Transition Trucking Driving for Excellence award. He talked to Land Line about his time in trucking so far.
SJ Munoz
Teaching the lifestyle of trucking
Angela and Scott Griffin struggled when transitioning to life on the road as team drivers and now use YouTube to share what they’ve learned.
Erin Wisdom-Watson
Angels among us
In March, the Truckload Carriers Association honored three truck drivers as Highway Angels of the Year for acts of heroism.
Land Line Media
Caught on the Lot – May 2025
Not long ago, 4 State Trucks – home of Chrome Shop Mafia in Joplin, Mo. – purchased a new 2024, 100th anniversary Kenworth W900L.
Bryan Martin
Trucking History – May 2025
This edition of Trucking History includes a trucking comedy film, a million-dollar lawsuit, minimum insurance and Truckers for Troops.
SJ Munoz
OOIDA on the Road – May 2025
Marty Ellis drives OOIDA’s tour truck all over the United States to spread the message about the Association and to hear from drivers.
Land Line Media
Slight Detour – May 2025
In this Slight Detour, we discuss hazards of the road, an interesting case of bribery and the loss of some iconic trucker attractions.
Ryan Witkowski
‘Silence of the Lambs’ shines in audiobook form
Looking for a good audiobook or podcast to listen to on the road? Check out Thomas Harris’ “Silence of the Lambs” narrated by Kathy Bates.
Sawyer Jacobs
Roses & Razzberries – May 2025
ROSES for bills addressing cargo theft and truck parking. RAZZBERRIES for a seemingly endless string of phishing scams.
SJ Munoz
‘Pro-trucking’ and ‘pro-trucker’ aren’t always the same
OOIDA’s Lewie Pugh informed the House Highways and Transit Subcommittee about what truck drivers need in the next highway bill.
Lewie Pugh
‘Driver shortage’ myth can lead to big problems
Allowing ATA to perpetuate the driver shortage myth can lead to big problems for the trucking industry and the nation’s truck drivers.
Mark Schremmer
Volvo unveils VNR regional hauler
Volvo Trucks North America unveiled the second version of its “all-new” heavy-duty VN series, a VNR regional model that’s based on the VNL.
Tom Berg
Leaning toward leasing?
For some drivers, working for a carrier makes more sense than becoming one. Truck To Success offers advice for entering that arrangement.
Erin Wisdom-Watson
Removal of per diem tax deduction costing employee truck drivers thousands
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is working to restore the per diem tax deduction for employee truck drivers.
Mark Schremmer
High hopes clouded by uncertainty
A potential upcycle in the freight market stalled in early 2025 after uncertainty in U.S. policy, the OOIDA Foundation said.
SJ Munoz
OOIDA Foundation pushes back against driver shortage report
A recent report from a factoring company suggested that a truck driver shortage is costing the freight industry billions of dollars.
Mark Schremmer
Trucking & Taxes – May 2025
Although there is a bill to abolish the IRS, federal income tax is the reality for now. Trucking & Taxes offers an “IRS Playbook.”
Barry Fowler
Road Law – May 2025
This edition of Road Law dives into the issue of medical certification for CDL holders and the varying state processes.
Jeff McConnell and James Mennella