Trucking with OOIDA

Every five years or so, Congress releases something known as the Highway Bill. Long story short, it lays out funding and policies for the nation’s infrastructure moving forward. And yes, that includes trucking – especially this year. The Highway Bill is chock full of priorities that OOIDA made sure were prioritized in the months and years leading up to this moment – so much so that OOIDA is calling this the most pro-trucker Highway Bill in recent history. From support for truck parking and restroom access to tighter grips on predatory lease-to-own schemes and freight fraud, Collin Long and Bryce Mongeon of OOIDA’s Washington D.C. office break down what Collin considers the “Super Bowl of trucking” – and explain how you can (and should) get involved.Highway Bill details: https://fightingfortruckers.com/policies/2026-highway-bill/Join or renew with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and use code PODCAST25 for a discounted membership: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

Selling the youth on a career in trucking can be an uphill task, but it’s one Dave Dein takes on with enthusiasm. The former trucker created a CDL program at Patterson High School in California that paves the way for a career in trucking. Dave is one of those people who have found their calling, and he’s more than willing to share it. Plus, if you like classic trucks, Springfield, Missouri is the place to be next week. The American Truck Historical Society is hosting its annual convention and truck show there. ATHS President David Schnautz and board member Peter Wild offer up a preview. Join or renew with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and use code PODCAST25 for a discounted membership: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

Chances are Steen Gronlund has been on the road longer than you’ve been alive. The octogenarian and OOIDA life member has been trucking since the Sixties and he’s still on the road. We cover it all – from Steen’s early life in Denmark and his start in the business to his growing list of awards, his trucks, his journey to U.S. citizenship and his favorite spot to stop for a bite to eat on the road. Join or renew with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and use code PODCAST25 for a discounted membership: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

Does all this new truck technology actually make for safer driving? After recent experiences with a high-tech truck and a simpler one, Angela Griffin of the Simple Livin’ YouTube page isn’t so sure. She shares her big takeaways. Plus, Marty Ellis is getting a new truck any day now. The OOIDA tour truck driver reflects on the adjustments he and other drivers need to make when shifting to a new rig with new bells and whistles.Motus login: https://motus.dot.gov/Motus details: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/newsroom/important-steps-you-must-take-prepare-fmcsas-new-registration-systemATRI Operational Costs of Trucking survey: https://www.research.net/r/ATRI-2026-Ops-CostsJoin or renew with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and use code PODCAST25 for a discounted membership: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

FMCSA is rolling out a new registration platform called Motus – and if you’ve got a USDOT Number or USDOT Number and Operating Authority, you’ve got a few more days to log in before the new system launches. Julie Otto of FMCSA’s office of registration stops in to explain why the new system should be a big improvement on the old one and what you need to do before May 14.Motus login: https://motus.dot.gov/Motus details: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/newsroom/important-steps-you-must-take-prepare-fmcsas-new-registration-systemMore info from Land Line Media: https://landline.media/motus-is-coming-are-you-ready/

The average age of death for truck drivers is 61. That’s not just sad, it’s unacceptable – which is exactly why Jeremy Reymer founded Project 61. He and Dr. Mark Manera, president and chief health officer of the nonprofit, explain how they’re working to reverse the trend – one step at a time. Plus, CVSA roadside inspection specialist Jeremy Disbrow gets us ready for next week’s International Roadcheck event. Project 61: https://project-61.org/CVSA International Roadcheck: https://cvsa.org/news/2026-roadcheck/Get ready for FMCSA’s new registration system:https://landline.media/are-you-prepped-for-fmcsas-new-registration-system/Join or renew with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and use code PODCAST25 for a discounted membership: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

A lot of what OOIDA does happens behind the scenes. Case in point: ongoing efforts in Texas to make intersections safer via roundabouts and “innovative intersections.” Generally speaking, those conversations didn’t include the input of truckers in the past – but the Texas DOT is making sure to get that input now. Amanda Austin and Adam Hammons of TxDOT explain what they’re working on, while OOIDA executive vice president Lewie Pugh and OOIDA board member Ken Becker explain how they’re making sure truckers have a voice at the table. Oh, and ever had the urge to hunt rattlesnakes? Then Ken’s your guy. He’s been doing it for decades and makes the case to a very reluctant Ashley. Join or renew with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and use code PODCAST25 for a discounted membership: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

If you ain’t first, you’re last – and David Babcock is most definitely first in our books when it comes to Will Ferrell impersonators. Whether it’s Ricky Bobby, Ron Burgundy or Buddy the Elf, David tours the world bringing joy to people’s lives. But that wasn’t always the plan. David shares how it all happened and what life is like masquerading as one of the funniest people on the planet – plus, what it was like meeting the real Will Ferrell and more. Get some!Check out David Babcock’s work here: https://linktr.ee/impersonateComment on FMCSA’s new truck parking study: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/06/2026-06597/agency-information-collection-activities-approval-of-a-new-information-collection-requestTruckers for Troops: https://www.ooida.com/t4t/Submit a name for a care package courtesy of Truckers for Troops: [email protected] or renew with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and use code PODCAST25 for a discounted membership: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

In the fight against human trafficking, truckers have the means to be frontline heroes. All it takes is a little training followed by action, as Bob Bramwell found out one fateful Christmas Eve. He now uses that experience to encourage others truck drivers to prepare so they’re ready to step up when needed. Plus, Jacob Kirkman of Inland Kenworth is in on the fight too. He explains how they’re using a mixture of TAT training and generosity to fight back against human trafficking nationwide.TAT (Truckers Against Trafficking): https://tatnonprofit.org/National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888. If you suspect human trafficking, or if a crime is in progress, call 911 first, then contact the hotline. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.Join or renew with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and use code PODCAST25 for a discounted membership: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

Find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life, they say. And if that were to apply to anyone, it applies to James Murphy. It’s quite apparent that the trucker-turned-CDL trainer loves what he does. From the trucking movies that inspired him to become a trucker in the first place to his pivot toward training and his impressions of the up-and-coming crop of truck drivers, we find out what makes James tick. Then we talk with someone James namedrops in the conversation: Sylvia Dodson of OOIDA, who’s been with the Association since the Reagan administration. Sylvia takes us back to those early days, and fills us in on what keeps her going (hint: it’s you).Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and use code Podcast25 for a discounted membership: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

LJ Lowrey spends his time on Planet Earth as a truck driver, but his voice is living at a much higher altitude. The OOIDA member has embraced amateur radio as a hobby, one that keeps him busy on and off the road. Plus, they say there are two certainties in life. We can’t do much to help with one of them, but we can help when it comes to taxes thanks to Barry Fowler of Trucker Tax Tools, who has some sound advice that can help you all year round.Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

Paul Marhoefer isn’t about to let a little setback keep him from attending the Mid-America Trucking Show this year – and that’s because he’s not just attending. The musician/trucker known as Long Haul Paul will be living out a longtime dream, performing on trucking’s biggest stage in Louisville, despite being a bit hobbled. As he tells us, he’s got four bangers lined up, one of which will honor a MATS Wall of Fame 2026 honoree, “The Trucking Troubadour,” Bill Weaver. Plus, OOIDA has big plans for this weekend’s show – and a new booth location. Jordan Sedgwick and Trevor Williams have the details on what’s in store.Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/Mid-America Trucking Show: https://truckingshow.com/ Long Haul Paul: https://www.longhaulpaulmusic.com/

What better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than to take a trip to Ireland for a talk with Ger Hyland, president of the Irish Road Haulage Association, which was founded the same year OOIDA was: 1973. We get the inside scoop on the St. Patrick’s Day holiday from an Irishman’s point of view, and discover that Irish lorry drivers are facing many of the same challenges North American truckers face.https://www.irha.ie/Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

Bill Rethwisch and his family are an American success story. When Bill and his wife Sarah started out their trucking company nearly 20 years, they had one truck. Today? They have more than 40 – and both their sons are poised to follow in their footsteps, led by 18-year-old Luke, who’s racking up wins on the show truck circuit. From the challenges of starting and growing a business and the importance of relationships to their passion for customizing and showing off the company's trucks and more, Bill and Luke detail their commitment to the trucking industry. Plus, Bob Glenn of Penske joins the show to explain why the time to buy a used truck is now. Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

When it comes to fishing, there’s not really a right way or wrong way to go about it if you subscribe to the notion that there’s no such thing as a bad day fishing. But if you’re a bit more serious about the craft, science can help. Lifelong friends Corbin Healy and Sam Huckabee are in that latter group. Over time, they realized they wanted answers to questions that would yield more largemouth bass. Why are they biting this and not that? Does bait color matter? How about the phase of the moon? These are among the questions Corbin and Sam dive into on their podcast, Science of the Strike – and today, they answer ours about how they got started. Then, Marty Ellis pops in to discuss what keeps him occupied when he’s touring the country in the OOIDA tour truck.Science of the Strike: https://www.youtube.com/@ScienceoftheStrikeOOIDA Tour Truck Schedule: https://www.ooida.com/ooida-tour-truck/Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

Trucking is a stressful profession, and Shaun Lezer knows that as well as anyone. The Utah-based truck driver found himself at a crossroads a few years back, and the path he took has made a world of difference for his mental and physical health. Now, Shaun uses that experience to mentor other truckers going through similar issues. He joins the show to share some tips for getting past the bad and embracing the good. Then, therapist Buck Black specializes in treating truck drivers, and he’s got some professional advice on ways to reach out and connect with someone who can help. Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund health and wellness programs: https://truckersfund.org/healthwellness/988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/

The heyday of Route 66 may be long behind us, but its memory is still going strong for a number of reasons. More than just a road, Route 66 is a symbol of American adventure, history, and culture – a reflection of our growth, struggles, and dreams. In this, the 100th year since it was established, we welcome historian David Dunaway to the show to talk about Route 66’s origin story, its impact on American culture and more, then dive into his newest book dedicated to eyeglasses.Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/A Route 66 Companion: https://www.amazon.com/Route-Companion-David-King-Dunaway/dp/0292726600A Four-Eyed World: https://afoureyedworld.com/Across the Tracks: A Route 66 Story:https://route66.unm.edu/OOIDA Foundation Freight Rate Survey: https://ooida.questionpro.com/a/TakeSurvey?tt=xvcsDqGZvVsECHrPeIW9eQ%3D%3DJason’s Law survey: https://tti.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8HVTBNft24a2Rfg

To say 2025 was a busy year is an understatement. It’s also worth noting that it was a productive year as well, with movement on hours-of-service flexibility, non-domiciled CDLs and more. To recap 2025, we call in Todd Spencer, Lewie Pugh and Andrew King of OOIDA before looking ahead to what the Association plans to accomplish in 2026.Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

Every now and then, an idea comes along that makes you wonder why it isn’t already being done. The Congressional Trucking Caucus is a prime example. The idea, just now taking shape, will bring together lawmakers on a regular basis to talk over trucking issues – and take action. Rep. David Taylor of Ohio, who’s spearheading the caucus, joins Trucking with OOIDA to discuss how the idea came about, how it’ll work and how you can help shape the steps the caucus takes.Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

Natasha Cruz-Sanchez has had a busy and prosperous year. Aside from her everyday job of hauling freight, the OOIDA member has also filed a petition with FMCSA on English-language proficiency, appeared on national television and launched a coffee company, not to mentioning acting as a first responder at the scene of an accident in the middle of the night. We catch up with Natasha to see how everything’s going – and find out what she has planned for 2026.Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/NACRUSÁN - "Where Coffee and Trucking Meet": https://www.nacrusan.com/

If you’re not quite in the Christmas spirit yet, Angela Griffin has the cure. The professional truck driver, who’s gained a following with her Simple Livin’ YouTube channel, has a lot of ideas for making the holidays a bit merrier, even if you’re spending it on the road. Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association:https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded:https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

Who doesn’t love a good convoy, especially one that revolves around a Christmas theme? Truck driver Noah Melton tells us about the Red Arrow Convoy in Michigan, which just wrapped up its third event – and it was bigger than ever. Noah walks us through the origins of the convoy, and the message he hopes everyone takes away from it. Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association:https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded:https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

OOIDA has been consistent about its stance on non-domiciled CDLs from the jump. The Association believes the program should be completely eliminated – and the Trump Administration and Congress are taking important steps to reign in the program. But meaningful, long-term progress on non-domiciled CDLs is going to take a collective effort, one the Association continues to lead. Lewie Pugh, OOIDA’s executive vice president, and Collin Long, OOIDA director of government affairs join Trucking with OOIDA to set the record straight and issue a call to action.Download a copy of OOIDA's comments to FMCSA about the non-domiciled CDL program: https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FMCSA-2025-0622-8006Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

There really isn’t anything quite like the American Truck Historical Society in the country, much less the world. Is it a truck club? A museum? Or maybe a research library? Brad Patterson, membership director of ATHS, says it’s all those things. But more importantly, it’s a place that honors the men and women who have dedicated their lives to the trucking industry, preserving their place in history as the backbone of the supply chain and country. Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/For more on what the American Truck Historical Society has to offer, check out their website: https://www.aths.org/

If you’re going to factor, there are a few things you need to know in advance. Linking up with a factoring company comes with risks, and OOIDA has the receipts and horror stories to prove it. For that reason, the Association tells its members to avoid factoring if they can help it. But OOIDA is also realistic and knows that many people rely on factoring to keep their business running – so if you’re going to factor, Tom Crowley, Jim Jefferson and Trevor Williams have some advice that could save you some sizeable headaches – or even worse.Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

The temperatures may be low, but the passion for trucking burns bright for Alaskan driver Tiff Hargraves — known to many as “Dalton Darlin” on YouTube. She joins Trucking with OOIDA to share what life is like on the road and how her career journey took her from commercial fishing to commercial trucking.Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association:https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded:https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

Today we’re talking chips, not micro but of the salty variety. For nearly two centuries people have been enjoying these thin slices of potato. Trucking with OOIDA hosts, Scott and Ashley recently got to talking about this household staple and wondered how this salty snack came to be. They turned to Alan Richer, better known as the Toga Chip Guy. He joins the show to talk about the history of the Saratoga Chip, how it grew in popularity and what it is about this universal snack that as one company coined the phrase, “betcha can’t eat just one”.Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association:https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded:https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

Solving the truck parking crisis is going to take a team effort, so when a state like Indiana takes action, we like to celebrate it. The state DOT is in the early stages of a plan that will add more than 1,200 truck parking spaces throughout the state. Natalie Garrett, INDOT’s strategic communications director, breaks down where they are – and where they’re heading. Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

Living in Hawaii comes with some definite perks – and we’re not going to lie, trucking in Hawaii sounds pretty great, too. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t challenges. Narrow roads. Truck parking problems. And a few more. As the now-former leader of the Hawaii Transportation Association, Kelvin Kohatsu is quite familiar with all the issues drivers face in Hawaii. He shares those with us, along with a driver training program for new truckers that could be a good model for the rest of the country and more.Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

It’s a running joke, but like a lot of things in life, it’s funny because there’s some truth to it. And it’s especially true for professional truck drivers in Alaska, who keep hitting the road despite an endless wave of challenges in their way. Jamie Benson, president and CEO of the Alaska Trucking Association, breaks it all down for us – from living part of the year in constant darkness and moose guards to breakdowns on one of the most dangerous and isolated roadways in North America and more. Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

This is the time of year when things normally pick up – but as you have probably noticed, the bump we normally have isn’t the bump we’re currently having. Carter Vieth, research analyst for ACT Research, explains what’s happening out there, before expressing some cautious optimism about a recovery in 2026.Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

If you’re in the market for a new truck, Andrej Divis has some advice. The executive director of global heavy truck research at S&P Global says a number of factors are impacting the North American truck market right now, which by extension impact your buying decisions. Plus, the U.S. is trailing other countries when it comes to the development and deployment of electric semis. Is there a future here for them?Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

OOIDA has celebrated a lot of wins on the regulatory side of things this year. Proposed speed limiter mandate? Bye-bye. An honest-to-goodness exploration of hours-of-service flexibility? Check. Forcing action on non-domiciled CDLs and English language enforcement? Roger that. But make no mistake, there’s a lot more work to do. One person who understands that is Collin Long. OOIDA’s director of government affairs is not one to rest on his laurels, and he’s got his sights set on bigger wins in 2026. Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

Linda Allen and Johanne Couture love trucking, which is one reason both joined the OOIDA board of directors. In a wide-ranging conversation, Linda and Johanne share stories from the road and express their wishes for making the industry a more welcome place for everyone. Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

Mark Elrod, Danny Schnautz and Monte Wiederhold have had successful trucking careers, ones you can measure in decades and millions of miles. So when the trio of OOIDA board members impart their advice and wisdom, it’s worth something. The three reflect on where they’ve been, how the industry has changed over the years, and why a mind for mechanics combined with some self-reliance and a whole lot of “stick-to-itiveness” is still a pretty good formula for making it in the industry.Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

We’re lucky here at OOIDA headquarters in that twice a year, board members come in from all parts of North America to check in and talk about the direction the Association is taking. And since they're already here and already in a talking mood, we thought why not get them into Studio A to chat? So we did. In the first of three roundtable discussions, Matthew Bradley, Tilden Curl, Mike Nichols and Harry Smith stop by to talk about culture, cohesion and camaraderie in the trucking industry, the issues they’re most concerned about right now and more. Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

Our Truckers for Troops campaign continues with Lee Cooper, veterans service officer for the Larimer County, Colorado Veterans Service Office. His job description is both simple and complicated. Simple in that his day-to-day is dedicated to helping veterans in need, but complicated because providing that help is often accompanied by bureaucratic red tape. It’s enough to make you feel helpless, but luckily there’s an antidote for helplessness: action. Lee explains how you can make a difference. Truckers for Troops runs through Sunday, Nov. 16. Donate online, 24/7: www.ooida.com/t4t or call 816-229-5791. Veterans Community Project: https://vcp.org/Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

Jennifer Seybold, executive director of the Veterans Community Project in Longmont, Colorado, knows the struggle too many veterans face all too well, which is why she dedicates herself each and every day to helping. That’s what the VCP does, and that’s why OOIDA’s Truckers for Troops campaign dedicates itself to supporting the nonprofit. Jennifer walks us through how you can as well, and the difference even a small donation can make.Donate online, 24/7: www.ooida.com/t4tOr by calling 816-229-5791 during business hours. Veterans Community Project: https://vcp.org/Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

Truckers for Troops week continues with Chris Admire, executive director of the Veterans Community Project. Yes, it’s a tiny home community for veterans who need a place to live while they get their lives back on track. But it’s also so much more, most notably a place to get help in any form it’s needed, no matter what, no questions asked. Failure is not an option, and that attitude informs every decision VCP makes. Veterans Community Project: https://vcp.org/Are you in crisis? Feeling overwhelmed? Not sure where to turn? You are not alone. Call or text 988Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association:https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

OOIDA’s Truckers for Troops campaign is underway! Since 2007, more than $800,000 has been raised to send care package overseas to active-duty military – and in recent years – toward veterans in need here at home. Since it’s day one of the weeklong campaign, we figured it might be nice to talk to a few people who have been involved with Truckers for Troops since day one of the event itself. Brad Hennon, Nikki Johnson, Jami Jones and Norita Taylor explain how it began, what those early days were like and how all the money raised over the years has been a big thank you to all who served.Donate online, 24/7: www.ooida.com/t4tOr by calling 816-229-5791 during business hours. Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

Good news, bad news with regard to cargo thefts in the United States and Canada. The number of thefts appears to be leveling off. That’s the good news. The bad? The financial impact of cargo thefts is surging to record levels. Keith Lewis, VP of Operations at CargoNet, breaks down the numbers, the commodity thieves are targeting more than ever right now and the ways you can keep the bad guys at bay, as their tactics evolve.#trucker #truckdriver #trucking #truckingindustry #truckingnews #cargotheftJoin the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

Take the 20 states that make up The Eastern Transportation Coalition, and you’ve got yourself the third largest economy in the world. So it stands to reason that getting those states on the same page when it comes to maintaining an efficient and safe interstate system is a tall task. And an important one. Executive director Trish Hendren explains how they do it – and why it’s important.Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

OOIDA has long been leading the fight for more broker transparency, so when executive vice president Lewie Pugh made the trip to Orlando last month for the Broker Carrier Summit, he knew the issue would come up. And it did, because Lewie made sure it did. And as a result, summit founder Dan Lindsey said some misunderstandings were cleared up, which is the whole point of the Broker Carrier Summit – narrowing the divide between brokers and carriers. Dan and Lewie explain how that ends up benefitting the industry as a whole. Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

With the Trump administration cracking down on English-language proficiency and non-domiciled CDLs, there’s an important issue at the very center of the conversation: driver training. Lots of folks are doing it right – but too many are not – which is what led us to reach out to a group that’s making sure its members do it right, the Commercial Vehicle Training Association. Executive Director Andrew Poliakoff and Chairman of the Board Jeff Burkhardt joins us to talk entry-level driver training standards, CDL mills, the Training Provider Registry and more.#trucker #truckdriver #trucking #truckingindustry #truckingnews Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

The American Transportation Research Institute is out with its annual Top Industry Issues report, and a few new issues cracked the top 10. But what might strike you is the difference between what motor carriers are concerned about and what truck drivers are concerned about. They don’t exactly line up. ATRI President Rebecca Brewster said there’s a lesson there, one that carriers would do well to learn.Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association: https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

Is the driver shortage narrative finally coming to an end? Mark Schremmer of Land Line Magazine is cautiously optimistic based on a number of recent developments. He tells us why, then looks at the current slate of bills dedicated to English-language proficiency and non-domiciled CDLs (there’s a lot of them, for good reason) and then ahead to medium- and heavy-duty truck tariffs set to take effect (probably) this weekend.

As the conversations around English-language proficiency ramped up several months ago, Professor Alex Scott got curious. So he did what he does. The associate professor of supply chain management at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville started to study the issue, which led to a report titled, “Are English-Language Violations Associated with Unsafe Carriers?” And while the answer to that question may not surprise you, the study yielded important conclusions while also raising important questions about the carriers that are making the problem worse.Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association:https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded:https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

There is no hotter topic in trucking right now than non-domiciled CDLs – and while the Trump administration has made enforcement a focal point, long-standing changes will take an act of Congress. Enter Representative David Rouzer of North Carolina, who recently introduced a bill that would create stricter requirements for the issuance of non-domiciled CDLs. The congressman joins the show to tell us what prompted the move – and why he feels the legislation could pick up bipartisan support on its way to becoming law.Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association:https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded:https://fightingfortruckers.com/Land Line Magazine covers Rep. Rouzer's bill:https://landline.media/bill-would-cement-fmcsas-emergency-cdl-rule/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

Jimmy Mac’s voice is familiar to anybody who listen to Radio Nemo – but how much do you know about the man you hear on the mic every morning? We set out to find out what makes Jimmy tick.Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association:https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded:https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print):https://landline.media/subscribe/

Women In Trucking is hosting its annual Accelerate! Conference and Expo in a couple weeks, and Jennifer Hedrick is ready to roll. The president and CEO of Women In Trucking walks us through the event and what to expect. Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association:https://www.ooida.com/membership/Tired of watching your rights eroded:https://fightingfortruckers.com/Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print):https://landline.media/subscribe/