Missouri tackles towing overcharges

LLN (2/12/19) – Missouri tackles towing overcharges. Also, we’ll have an update on a case of a trucker and a load of industrial hemp. Speed differentials in several states are under review, and changes may be on the way. And a member of Congress says that an infrastructure bill is possible this year, but faces critical challenges.

0:00-9:41 – Newscast

9:41-24:25 – Missouri towing; hemp load

24:25-39:22 – Split speed limits

39:22-49:09 – Infrastructure bill possible

Segment 1

Newscast

• Commercial trucks have been banned from numerous highways in Pennsylvania. You can find more information here: https://www.511pa.com/current_alerts.aspx.
• Terry Scruton reports that the American Transportation Research Institute has released its annual list of the worst bottlenecks in America. You can view the complete list here: https://truckingresearch.org/2019/02/06/atri-2019-truck-bottlenecks/.
• Spots are filling up fast for OOIDA’s upcoming live business seminar, “Truck to Success.” The class takes place March 12-14 at the Courtyard by Marriott at Exit 21 on I-70 in Blue Springs, Mo. Registration is open through March 1, and the block of discounted hotel rooms is available through Feb. 13.
  • To register, go to the Truck to Success page.
• You can write and post a review of the doctor who performed your DOT physical to be shared with your fellow truckers through the online service DOT Doc.

Segment 2

Missouri is making another attempt to address the growing problem of non-consensual towing and outrageous charges. OOIDA’s manager of government affairs Mike Matousek details the effort and why the Association is supporting it. Also, a case involving a trucker and a load of industrial hemp made national headlines recently when the trucker was arrested for carrying what the police said was marijuana. The case is currently in U.S. District Court in Idaho. Terry Scruton has the latest update from the lead attorney for the company that owns the load.

• Learn about non-consensual towing:
• Missouri lawmakers introduce bills to provide towing protections.
• OOIDA works to add consumer towing protections in Missouri.
• OOIDA testifies in support of Missouri towing reform bill.
• Pennsylvania bills would revise towing rules for large trucks.
• West Virginia tow company pays almost $74,000 in damages to OOIDA, member.

Segment 3

Officials in several states are taking aim at trucks and other vehicles hanging out in the left-lane of interstates and other highways. Mary McKenna gets the details from our state legislative experts, Mike Matousek and Keith Goble. Also: Mary and Mark Reddig offer up some important notices from the Land Line Now Community Bulletin Board.

• Read Land Line Magazine’s coverage of split speed limits and other speed limit issues:
  • OOIDA weighs in on proposed speed limit changes in three states.
  • Speed differential, limit changes considered in 10 states.
  • Eight states consider raising speed limits, eliminating speed differentials.
  • California bills cover truck speed limits, parking, inspections.
• To read about legislation in a particular state, visit the OOIDA Legislative page.

Segment 4

A member of Congress says that an infrastructure bill is possible this year, but faces critical challenges. Mark Reddig finds out what he said and why it matters from Nile Elam of OOIDA’s Washington, D.C., office.

• 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.
• Learn more about the infrastructure debate:
  • Infrastructure and NAFTA on Trump’s agenda.
  • House T&I committee hearing to examine infrastructure needs.