Wisconsin toll and VMT study nixed

July 16, 2019

LLN (7/16/19) – Wisconsin’s Governor vetoes a toll and VMT – or vehicle miles traveled – study. Also, the FMCSA allows truckers more time to comment on a possible pilot program allowing interstate truckers under age 21. Meanwhile, the Texas DOT has a plan to extend Interstate 27 – and a proposal to improve the state’s port-of-entry wait times. We’ll have some important notices from the Land Line Now Community Bulletin Board. And a new federal rule permanently bans anyone convicted of human trafficking from driving a truck.

0:00-9:57 – Newscast

9:57-24:42 – Wisconsin toll and VMT Study nixed; more time to comment on under-21 plan

24:42-39:40 – Texas I-27 extension; port-of-entry wait times

39:40-49:34 – Human trafficking ban

Segment 1

Newscast

Wayne Baker of Sioux Falls, S.D., has been recognized by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association for 61 years of safe, accident-free driving as part of the OOIDA Safe Driving Award Program.
- You can the most recent Safe Driving Award recipients online: OOIDA recognizes drivers for safe driving records.
- Learn more about the OOIDA Safe Driving Award Program.
Jon Osburn and OOIDA’s tour truck, the Spirit of the American Trucker, are at the Petro in Rochelle, Ill. That’s at Exit 99 on Interstate 39. Stop in, say hi to Jon and Sassi, and join OOIDA for a $10 discount. See the full Spirit Schedule.

Segment 2

Wisconsin’s Governor recently vetoed a $2.5 million state study for tolls and mileage-based fees to pay for infrastructure in the state. Mary McKenna talks with Neil Kedzie of the Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association and Dick Pingel, a member of OOIDA’s Board of Directors.

The FMCSA is allowing truckers more time to speak out on a possible pilot program allowing drivers under 21 – not just those with a military background – to operate an interstate commercial motor vehicle. Mark Reddig talks with OOIDA’s Collin Long.

Comments can be submitted here until Aug. 14. Or you can mail comments to 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.

Segment 3

In an effort to help improve the movement of goods and services from Mexico through the U.S. and ultimately into Canada, Texas will now require the state’s DOT to study certain improvements to extend Interstate 27. The governor has also signed a bill that is intended to improve wait times at ports of entry in Texas. Mary McKenna gets the details from Land Line Magazine’s Keith Goble.

Read more from Land Line Magazine, Texas to study extension of Interstate 27.
You can also read, New Texas law intended to improve POE wait times.
To read about legislation in a particular state, visit the OOIDA Legislative page.

Segment 4

A new federal rule will permanently ban anyone convicted of human trafficking from ever driving a truck. Mark Reddig covers that with OOIDA Manager of Government Affairs Mike Matousek.