Tax reform law costs company drivers per diem

LLN (2/25/19) – The tax reform law cost company drivers per diem, a valuable deduction that took thousands off their taxable incomes. Also, the attorney for trucker Dominic Oliveira discusses his victory at the Supreme Court over New Prime over arbitration. In addition, you need to consider the long-term effects hiring a driver will have on your trucking business. And a Colorado group is trying to overturn some hard won towing protections for truckers.

0:00-9:41 – Newscast

9:41-24:25 – Attorney in New Prime case

24:25-39:22 – Concerns when hiring a driver; per diem

39:22-49:08 – Towing protections

Segment 1

Newscast

• The Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association wants Missouri to do something about the growing problem of non-consensual towing and outrageous towing bills. Read more about the issue:
  • OOIDA testifies in support of Missouri towing bill.
  • Missouri lawmakers introduce bills to provide towing protections.

Segment 2

Rather than accept arbitration of his claim against New Prime, trucker Dominic Oliveira took his case to the Supreme Court – and won. Mary McKenna and Land Line Magazine’s Mark Schremmer talk with his attorney, Jenner Bennett.

• Read more about the Oliveira case:
  • Supreme Court rules in favor of trucker, saying independent contractors exempt from arbitration.
  • As part of New Prime case, Supreme Court dissects wording of Federal Arbitration Act exemption statute.
  • OOIDA files amicus brief to High Court in support of truck driver’s case against Prime.
  • Truck driver to Supreme Court: Federal Arbitration Act doesn’t apply.
  • Supreme Court to decide if independent truckers are exempt from arbitration.
  • SCOTUS’ New Prime decision highlights need for groups like OOIDA.

Segment 3

Before you hire a driver, you need to consider the long-term effects that decision will have on your trucking business. Mary McKenna finds out what those might be from Trina McIntyre and Stacey Sanders of OOIDA’s Truck Insurance Department.

• Find out more information about OOIDA’s Truck Insurance.
• You can also call the insurance department directly at 800-715-9369.
• If you have a question about truck insurance you’d like answered on the air, you can call the Land Line Now Listener Comment Line at 800-324-6856.

Also, the tax reform bill passed in late 2017 did a lot of things – but among them was one that has created significant financial challenges for a particular group – employed company truck drivers. Mark Reddig gets the details from Jim Jefferson of OOIDA’s Business Assistance Department.

• You can find out more about what OOIDA’s Business Assistance department does, here.
• And you can contact them at 816-229-5791.
• Learn more about the per diem issue:
  • OOIDA sends letter to congressional leaders about per diem changes.
  • Appellate court rules Werner’s tax-free, per diem program considered wages.

Segment 4

A Colorado group is trying to overturn some hard won protections for truckers. And OOIDA has responded to the effort. Mark Reddig discusses the ins and outs with the OOIDA’s Manager of Government Affairs Mike Matousek.

• It’s never too late to share your views with lawmakers. You can do that at FightingForTruckers.com.
• To call members of Congress, dial 202-224-3121.
• Read OOIDA’s Guide to Contacting Lawmakers.