Infrastructure – are we in, or out? » Land Line Media Now podcasts

LLN (5/31/19) – A bi-partisan group is working to fund infrastructure plan. However, infrastructure is not a big topic for 2020 presidential candidates. Also, drop and hook would seem to involve less hassle, but that might not be the case. Meanwhile, Illinois trucking groups are running out of time to repeal the state’s Commercial Distribution Fee. Jon Osburn is noticing a thirst for more education among truckers. And a transportation spending bill could affect several important issues for truckers.

0:00-9:57 – Newscast

9:57-24:43 – Infrastructure plan; Illinois fee repeal effort

24:43-39:38 – Drop and hook; thirst for education

39:38-49:22 – Infrastructure and the election; spending bill

Segment 1

Newscast

Kimble Recycling and Disposal wants FMCSA to allow its drivers a 14-hour work day. In its petition to the agency the disposal company says that ELDs have only made the problem worse, claiming their drivers must interact hundreds if not thousands of times a day. The FMCSA is taking public comments on the waiver request through June 27.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or EEOC is suing Stan Koch and Sons Trucking for charges of retaliation. Read more here: EEOC files gender discrimination complaint against Stan Koch & Sons Trucking.
OOIDA has honored Leo Johnson of Philadelphia for 20 years of safe, accident-free driving as part of the OOIDA Safe Driving Award Program. Learn more about the OOIDA Safe Driving Award Program or here: OOIDA recognizes drivers for safe driving records.
A series of five truck parking workshops are scheduled for June 4-6 in North Carolina. The two-hour meetings are to get your input on truck parking challenges, issues and possible solutions. These sessions are not associated with the ongoing Federal Highway Administration’s workshops.
- You can find locations and register for any workshops here;
- And you can read more here: North Carolina hosts truck parking workshops June 4-7.
Starting Tuesday, Jon Osburn and OOIDA’s tour truck, the Spirit of the American Trucker, will be at the Coffee Cup Fuel Stop in Steele, N.D. That’s at Exit 200 on I-94. Stop in, say hi to Jon and Sassi, and join OOIDA for a $10 discount.
You can write and post a review of the doctor who performed your DOT physical through the service DOT Doc at OOIDA.com.
The FMCSA seeks public comments on developing a second pilot program to allow drivers below 21-years-old to drive interstate commercial vehicles. Comments, due July 15, can be filed here.

Segment 2

Despite the infrastructure meeting between the President and House Democrats that fell apart before it ever happened, a bi-partisan group is working on funding a new infrastructure plan. It’s called the Problem Solvers Caucus. Mary McKenna talks with Jay Grimes with our Washington, D.C., office.

Illinois trucking groups are running out of time to get a repeal of the state’s Commercial Distribution Fee. Mary McKenna speaks with Matt Wells of the Midwest Trucking Association about its effort to eliminate the fee, which doesn’t even go toward transportation.

Read more here: Illinois bills cover truck fees, restrictions, firearms.

Segment 3

Drop and Hook – for many truckers, it seems like a way to operate that involves less hassle. However, that might not be the case. Mark Reddig gets the story from Adam Kleinschmidt of OOIDA’s Business Services Department.

Be sure to check out OOIDA Compliance Connection online.
You can find out more about what OOIDA’s Business Assistance department does, here.
And you can contact them at 816-229-5791.

Among all the truckers Jon Osburn sees, one thing is a constant right now –a thirst for more education. Mark Reddig talks with the man who drives the Spirit of the American Trucker.

See Jon’s full schedule, “The Spirit” Schedule.
Check out OOIDA’s educational offerings at OOIDAOnlineEducation.com.

Segment 4

While infrastructure is a big topic for truckers, for presidential candidates running for the 2020 election, it apparently is not. Mark Reddig talks with OOIDA’s Jay Grimes about that – plus a transportation spending bill that could affect several important issues for trucker.

Read more about the spending bill here: THUD appropriations bill has several trucking provisions.
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;