LLN (7/17/19) – Todd Spencer speaks out on an effort that would increase your insurance costs by raising the minimum requirements for truckers. Also, the Pennsylvania toll fight continues as OOIDA takes the appeal of its lawsuit against the Pennsylvania Turnpike back to court. Freight and rates got back to normal after the 4th of July holiday. And Fuel prices dipped slightly this week, and oil prices could pull them lower.
0:00-9:57 – Newscast
9:57-24:42 – PA toll lawsuit
24:42-39:40 – Post-holiday freight; fuel prices dip
39:40-49:31 – Effort to increase insurance costs
Segment 1
Newscast
- The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has officially extended the deadline for comments on a proposed pilot program that would allow drivers under the age of 21 to operate commercial vehicles in interstate commerce.
- Comments will be accepted until Aug. 14 and can be submitted at Regulations.gov by including Docket ID FMCSA-2018-0346, or by mailing Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation; 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE; West Building Ground Floor Room W-12-140; Washington, D.C. 20590-0001.
- You can read more here: FMCSA extends comment period on pilot program for under-21 drivers.
- The Minnesota Department of Transportation is conducting a study on truck parking in the state. You can find more information on the study as well as submit your own comments here.
- The Indiana State Police are seeking information and possible video of a police-involved shooting that happened at the Love’s in Memphis, Ind., around noon on Tuesday. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Matt Busick at 812-248-4375. You can read more about the incident here.
- The American Association of State Troopers is looking to find the best looking police cruiser as part of its annual Best Looking Cruiser Contest. Voting is open until July 30. You can see the cruisers and take the survey here.
- Michael E. Zanella of Columbus, Ohio, has been recognized by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association for 28 years of safe, accident-free driving as part of the OOIDA Safe Driving Award Program.
- You can see the most recent Safe Driving Award recipients online: OOIDA recognizes drivers for safe driving records.
- Learn more about the OOIDA Safe Driving Award Program.
- Starting Thursday, Jon Osburn and OOIDA’s tour truck, the Spirit of the American Trucker, will be at the Petro in Gary, Ind. That’s located at Exit 9 off Interstates 90 and 84. Stop in, say hi to Jon and Sassi, and join OOIDA for a $10 discount. See the full Spirit Schedule.
Segment 2
OOIDA took its appeal in the lawsuit against the Pennsylvania Turnpike to court last week. Terry Scruton will have an update on what happened featuring arguments from OOIDA lead attorney Paul Cullen Sr. of the Cullen Law Firm.
- Read more from Land Line Magazine: Federal appeals court hears oral arguments in OOIDA’s Pennsylvania toll suit.
Segment 3
Freight and rates got back to normal after the 4th of July holiday, but normal isn’t quite as good as it could be. Terry Scruton talks with Peggy Dorf of DAT, a company that provides market information for owner operators, carriers, brokers and shippers.
- Read more about freight this week: Spot rates dip as capacity returns.
- Visit the DAT website.
- Or you can call them at 800-547-5417.
- Be sure to check out their blog.
- Chat with them on Twitter.
- And find out more on the OOIDA Members Edge website.
- You can call OOIDA Members Edge at 866-487-8253.
Fuel prices dipped slightly this week, and with oil prices taking a tumble that dip could turn into a drop. Terry Scruton offers a detailed update on the price of diesel fuel and crude oil, including a break down by region and analysis.
- Here is this week’s price report by Land Line Magazine, Average price for diesel fuel across U.S. changes little in a week.
- Find Daily Fuel Prices by ProMiles.
- To see how to compute your own fuel surcharge use OOIDA’s online Fuel Surcharge Calculator.
- To download OOIDA’s fuel surcharge app for Android Smartphones, click here.
Segment 4
A bill introduced in Congress would increase insurance requirements for truckers, while another would require automatic emergency braking systems on new trucks. Mark Reddig discussed the bills and the issues involved with OOIDA President and CEO Todd Spencer.
- 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.
