Feds want answers on I-40 bridge crack

June 24, 2021

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Land Line Now, June 24, 2021.

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The U.S. DOT and Federal Highway Administration will look into how the crack that closed the Memphis I-40 bridge went undetected so long.

I-40 bridge Interstate 40 bridge Photo courtesy Arkansas Department of Transportation.
Damaged steel beam on the Interstate 40 bridge. Photo courtesy Arkansas Department of Transportation.

I. Today’s news with Terry Scruton

Minneapolis looks at a potential truck parking ban in city limits. A pedestrian bridge collapse in DC might have been caused by a truck. And wonder what you could buy with a “Get out of Jail Free” card?


II. I-40 bridge crack – feds wonder how it went unnoticed so long

The U.S. DOT and the Federal Highway Administration are reviewing how the crack that closed the Interstate 40 bridge in Memphis went undetected so long, while the nominee to head the FMCSA visits the Port of New York and New Jersey.


III. Texas protects carriers from ‘frivolous’ lawsuits

A new state law in Texas is designed to protect trucking operations from “frivolous” lawsuits, while Pennsylvania considers increasing the allowable weight of trucks to pave the way for electric rigs. Also, truck show season is actually happening, so we’ll bring you some of what’s coming up on the Land Line Now Industry Calendar.


IV. Breakthrough on infrastructure

Federal officials may finally have a breakthrough in negotiations over a possible infrastructure bill, which could potentially pump hundreds of billions into our nation’s road and bridges – and meetings continue at this very moment.


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Links, email addresses, phone numbers and more information

  • OOIDA is urging truckers to call their representatives and ask them to oppose HR3684. The bill contains numerous anti-trucking provisions, including one that would raise minimum insurance requirements by more than 160%. Call your representative today at 202-224-3121.
  • Learn more about the OOIDA Safe Driving Award Program.
  • Marty Ellis and OOIDA’s tour truck, the Spirit of the American Trucker, are at the Idella M. Hansen Petro in North Little Rock, Ark. That’s at Exit 161 off Interstate 40. You can find upcoming Spirit stops here.
  • S. DOT and FHWA have launched an investigation into I-40 bridge crack. Read about that here.
  • FMCSA deputy administrator visits Port of New York and New Jersey. Find out more here.
  • To read about state legislation, visit Land Line Magazine’s Daily News by State.
  • View notices on the Bulletin Board.
  • If you’ve been hauling COVID-19 vaccines across the country in recent weeks, we want to hear from you for a story we’re working on. Just send an email to LandLineNow@OOIDA.com and we’ll get back to you.
  • OOIDA has an online resource to provide access to information needed to operate in the coronavirus pandemic. Click on the COVID-19 menu at the top of the page on the Land Line Media website.
  • It’s helpful for our members to keep us apprised of conditions on the roads and any problems they encounter. If you have situations to report call OOIDA at 816-229-5791 or email Questions@OOIDA.com.

Land Line Now Industry Calendar

June

 The Southern Idaho Truck Show

The Southern Idaho Truck Show is scheduled to take place June 25-26, at the Twin Falls County Fairgrounds in Filer, Idaho. Show trucks and a smoked prime rib dinner are featured, and all proceeds benefit the Anna Cheri Foundation.

For information, call 208-731-6459 or visit Southern Idaho Truck Show.

Midwest Classic Truck Show

The Midwest Classic Truck Show will be held June 2526 at the Big Rig Boulevard at Raceway Park of the Midlands in Pacific Junction, Iowa. Show trucks, a light show and drag racing will be offered.

For more information, go to the event’s page on Facebook.

July

Walcott Truckers Jamboree

The Walcott Truckers Jamboree takes place July 8-10 at the Iowa 80 Truckstop in Walcott, Iowa. Food, vendors, show trucks and antique trucks are featured. The show includes concerts by the Dani Lynn Howe Band, North of 40, Lonestar and Mo’s Garage. Marty Ellis and the Spirit of the American Trucker will be there as well.

Go to Iowa80Truckstop.com/Trucker-Jamboree for more information.

Expedite Expo

The Expedite Expo is scheduled for July 16-17 at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Ind. The show is the only event exclusively for expeditors. OOIDA will be there as well.

Go to ExpediteExpo.com.

STS Truck Wash and Chrome Shop Truck Show

The STS Truck Wash and Chrome Shop Truck Show takes place July 16-17 in Brigham City, Utah. The show truck event also features a light show.

For more, go to their Facebook page.

Gulf Coast Big Rig Truck Show

The Gulf Coast Big Rig Truck Show is planned for July 16-17 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center in Biloxi, Miss. The full trade show includes a show truck competition and a convoy.

For information, call 985-630-9171 or visit GulfCoastBigRigTruckShow.org.

Western Nebraska Truck Show 

The second annual Western Nebraska Truck Show takes place July 17 at the Panhandle Cooperative in Scottsbluff, Neb. A show truck competition, and a metal polishing demonstration are featured, and Marty Ellis will have the Spirit of the American Trucker there as well. The event benefits Autism Speaks.

For information, call 308-765-3956 or visit Western Nebraska Truck Show.

Top Gun Large Car Shootout

The Top Gun Large Car Shootout takes place July 23-25 at the Rantoul National Aviation Center in Rantoul, Ill. The working class truck show includes a parade of lights, children’s events and more.

For information, call 217-304-3332 or visit TopGunLargecarShootout.com.

Shell Rotella SuperRigs

Shell Rotella SuperRigs, the Cadillac of show truck competitions, will take place July 29-31 at the Love’s Truck Stop in Hampshire, Ill. Show trucks will compete for more than $25,000 in prizes, and several will be selected for the 2022 SuperRigs Calendar.

Information will be posted at a later date at the SuperRigs website.

Gear Jammer Truck Show 

The Gear Jammer Truck Show takes place July 30-31 at the Monadnock Speedway in Winchester, N.H. Truck pulls, show trucks, a beer pavilion and live music are featured. Proceeds will benefit the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for children with Autism.

For information, call 508-212-9998 or visit GearJammerMagazine.com.

August

Carlisle Truck Nationals

The Carlisle Truck Nationals will take place Aug. 6-8 at the fairgrounds in Carlisle, Pa. The event includes a show and shine competition, as well as other types of vehicles on display.

Go to the event website for more information.

Ault Truck Show

The Ault Truck Show takes place Aug. 7 north of Highway 14 on CR 33 west of Ault, Colo. The event includes a show truck competition. Marty Ellis will have the Spirit of the American Trucker there as well.

For information, call 254-433-6527 or visit their Facebook page.

Great Salt Lake Truck Show

The Great Salt Lake Truck Show takes place Aug. 13-14 at Electric Park at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah. The show truck competition features numerous vendors and benefits Kidney Kamp for Kids.

For information, call 800-877-1320 or visit SaltLakeTruckShow.com.