OCTOBER 2024 ISSUE
‘Dysfunctional’
Not many professions are burdened by a mountain of regulations like truck drivers face. Land Line Magazine covers testimony from OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh before Congress that underscored the disconnect between regulatory agencies and the reality truckers live on the road.
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.
Perception is (not necessarily) reality
“Perception is reality” is a common phrase we discuss around here at Land Line. But what does that mean when it comes to "news"?
Jami Jones
FMCSA considers revising safety fitness determinations
Over the summer, FMCSA held three listening sessions to get feedback on how to determine a motor carrier’s safety fitness rating.
Mark Schremmer
Trucking companies file lawsuits over DOL rule
A worker classification rule from the U.S. Department of Labor has prompted multiple trucking related lawsuits.
Tyson Fisher
Trucking needs new regulatory environment, OOIDA says
Trucking’s current regulatory environment is “dysfunctional,” OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh told Congress at a recent hearing.
Mark Schremmer
Broker transparency
OOIDA asked FMCSA in 2020 to issue a proposal to address the lack of broker transparency. That proposal is scheduled for October.
Mark Schremmer
Compliance date for FMCSA’s Clearinghouse rule approaching
An important compliance date is approaching for truck drivers who carry a prohibited status in FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.
Ryan Witkowski
OOIDA, other trucking groups call out predatory towing
Truck drivers say that some unscrupulous companies capitalize on nonconsensual and predatory tows and charge exorbitant rates.
Mark Schremmer
Will V2X tech improve roadway safety?
In August, the DOT announced goals and target dates to implement vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technologies across the nation.
Tyson Fisher
Predatory truck leases an extensive problem, CFPB says
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau spent hours outlining the predatory nature of lease-purchase agreements in the trucking industry.
Mark Schremmer
State Watch – October 2024
This month’s edition of State Watch takes a look at various transportation legislation in six statehouses around the country.
Keith Goble
Open-road tolling coming to Pennsylvania Turnpike in 2025
The Pennsylvania Turnpike will convert to open-road tolling for eastern sections in 2025 and statewide by 2027. It’s announced new rates.
Land Line Media
Governor’s congestion pricing pause is unlawful, three lawsuits argue
Three lawsuits claim Gov. Kathy Hochul overstepped her authority by indefinitely pausing New York City’s congestion pricing plan.
Tyson Fisher
Advanced Clean Trucks not good for Washington, trucking group says
The Washington Trucking Associations wants the Evergreen State to abandon Advanced Clean Trucks rules and move back to federal standards.
Tyson Fisher
Transportation security bill would eliminate redundancy
Streamlining the transportation-credentialing process for truck drivers and other workers is common sense, OOIDA said.
Mark Schremmer
Truckers say EPA Advanced Clean Fleets regulation impractical
OOIDA and other truckers used a marathon public hearing to inform the EPA that “misguided” mandates are doing more harm than good.
Mark Schremmer
OOIDA keeps fight against AB5 alive
The lawsuit against California’s worker classification law, AB5, will continue. But the California Trucking Association has left the fight.
Mark Schremmer
How to solve the truck driver retention dilemma
Truck driver retention is a major problem that can be fixed with several solutions already on the table, OOIDA told freight stakeholders.
Tyson Fisher
Partial automation may not be route to highway safety
Partial automation is supposed to prevent crashes and improve highway safety, right? A new study suggests that’s not the case.
Tyson Fisher
The Parking Zone – October 2024
From California to New Jersey, cities across the nation are addressing their truck parking problems. Some solutions are good, some are not.
Tyson Fisher
Cargo theft problems persist in Philadelphia
The cargo theft problem in Philadelphia persists. A robbery in August left Philadelphia’s police fishing for clues.
Ryan Witkowski
Gone phishing?
Email phishing scams are becoming more prevalent, especially for truckers. FMCSA recently warned truck drivers of a phishing scam.
Mark Schremmer
Transition Trucking winner to be announced in December
Ten rookie truckers with a military background are vying for the 2024 Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence award.
Land Line Media
TA has named Citizen Drivers since 2013
Soon, TravelCenters of America will announce another class of Citizen Driver award recipients. Nominations are being accepted.
Land Line Media
KC’s truck-eating bridge gets a new look
An infamous truck-eating bridge in Missouri is getting a facelift. Organizers say the bridge’s new look is about more than just clever art.
Ryan Witkowski
Still backing the troops
Truckers For Troops will host its annual fundraiser to provide care packages and necessities to active troops and veterans Nov. 11-17.
SJ Munoz
4 million and counting
OOIDA senior member Alan Kitzhaber recently surpassed 4 million miles behind the wheel. Kitzhaber currently drives for Oakridge Transport.
SJ Munoz
The time is now to apply for the 2025 Mary Johnston Scholarship
Applications for the 2025 OOIDA Mary Johnston Scholarship are now being accepted. More than $400,000 has been awarded through the program.
SJ Munoz
Roses & Razzberries – October 2024
Roses to award semifinalists and updated rest area amenities for truck drivers. Razzberries for phishing scams and CARES Act fraud.
SJ Munoz
Trucking History – October 2024
October is a busy month in trucking history with anniversaries of everything from a historic legal win in New York to the creation of the DOT.
SJ Munoz
Slight Detour – October 2024
In this edition of Slight Detour, we find a pair of incredibly honest crooks, some interesting facts about Weinermobile drivers and a trucker with all the right moves.
Ryan Witkowski
OOIDA on the Road – October 2024
OOIDA’s Spirit tour truck stayed busy throughout the summer, meeting some new and old friends along the way.
Land Line Media
Caught on the Lot
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
Trucker restroom bill needs more support
Support for the Trucker Bathroom Access Act has been slow. Land Line’s Mark Schremmer says the bill is about human decency.
Mark Schremmer
Truckers weigh in
Those who know truck drivers know that they are seldom short on opinions. Here’s what truckers are saying about the latest regulatory issues.
Land Line Media
OOIDA puts future owner-operators on the road to success
Think you’re ready to be an owner-operator? OOIDA’s Truck to Success course gives you the tools you need to succeed.
Ryan Witkowski
Beneficial ownership information filing – what is it?
Existing companies are required to submit beneficial ownership information reports by the start of 2025. Find out what you need to know.
Tyson Fisher
Trucker’s lack of fault doesn’t stop nuclear verdict
Motor carriers continue to have to combat nuclear verdicts. A $90 million verdict was reached even though the trucker wasn’t at fault.
John Bendel
TuSimple agrees to $189M settlement
TuSimple reached a large settlement in a lawsuit that accused the company of misrepresenting the capabilities of its self-driving trucks.
Tyson Fisher
Freight rates firming, OOIDA Foundation says
Freight rates have improved some, but the trucking market is not out of the woods quite yet. That’s according to the OOIDA Foundation.
SJ Munoz
Slippery when wet?
Isn’t salting road pavement supposed to keep it from getting slippery when snow arrives? Yes, but what happens when trucks encounter liquid salt brine?
Tom Berg
Carpe per diem: How to seize the tax deduction
Per diem is the daily allowance truckers receive to cover expenses, such as meals, when they are away from home. Find out how it works.
Land Line Media
Road Law – October 2024
You talked to a lawyer, but did you actually retain an attorney’s services? Read this edition of Road Law to eliminate any confusion.
Jami Jones
Trucking & Taxes – October 2024
This edition of Trucking & Taxes provides tips on how to reduce your tax burden. From expenses to charity, make sure you’re prepared.
Jami Jones
The (chain) laws of the land
Keep this trucking guide to chain laws on-hand to stay compliant while driving in winter weather in the U.S. and Canada.
Erin Wisdom-Watson