Heard on the Air: September 2008

Heard On The Air

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

September 2008

Long Beach Ports – In today’s news, Reed Black reported that the Port of Long Beach Clean Truck Plan goes into effect Wednesday despite an appeal from the Federal Maritime Commission to delay the start. You can read more by Land Line Magazine here. Air date: Sept. 30, 2008.

Mexican trucks – In today’s news, Reed Black reported the U.S. DOT Inspector General released its report stating that the FMCSA used flawed formulas to come up with its safety statistics regarding Mexican trucks. You can read a Special Report by Land Line Magazine here. Air date: Sept. 30, 2008.

New Jersey toll hearing - In today’s news, Reed Black reported that Oct. 10, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority will hold a public hearing on proposed toll increases. The hearing will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, at:
New Jersey Turnpike Authority Headquarters
581 Main Street
Woodbridge, NJ 07095

State Update – Pennsylvania – Reed Black talked with Land Line Magazine State Legislative Editor Keith Goble. In Pennsylvania, a bill on the move is intended to reduce unnecessary idling of large trucks throughout the state. To read about more legislation in Pennsylvania, click here. Air date: Sept. 30, 2008.

Wisconsin APU Grants – In today’s news, Reed Black reported that Wisconsin grant money for APUs is available for OOIDA members through December.

For more information and to download an application, you can visit the Wisconsin Department of Commerce Web site here.
or contact Jean Beckwith at 608-261-2517,
via e-mail at Jean.Beckwith@wisconsin.gov
You can also:

Read more by Land Line Magazine, click here.
Go to the OOIDA Web site and check out OOIDA Equipment Financing for APUs here.
Go to the OOIDA Web site to see rebates including APUs, available through OOIDA here.

Air date: Sept. 30, 2008.

Why are diesel prices so high? – Terry Scruton gave us highlights of congressional hearing to examine why diesel fuel prices have been so high, and what can be done to address the situation. You can view the hearing in its entirety from the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Web site here. Air date: Sept. 30, 2008.

TWIC – In today’s Listener Comment Line, Mark Reddig talked about the Transportation Worker Identification Credential program. To learn more about TWIC, click here. Air date: Sept. 30, 2008.

Shhhhh, silent quilt auction - The OOIDA Board of Directors Scholarship Committee is offering members and other truckers a chance to bid on a neat quilt and contribute to the OOIDA Scholarship Fund.

You can see the quilt online – and see rules for bidding – by clicking here.
Bids may be placed online or by calling the OOIDA office at 1-800-715-9369, Ext. 1644.
You can read more by Land Line Magazine here.

Air date: Sept. 30, 2008.

Safe Driving Award – Gary C. Wiggins of Cleveland, TX, has been recognized by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association for 19 years of safe, accident-free driving as part of The OOIDA Safe Driving Award Program.

To read more about Gary, click here.
To learn more about the Safe Driving Award from OOIDA.com, click here.

Air date: Sept. 30, 2008.

ON THE LAND LINE NOW BLOG: Bad food, few choices, rotten results – Eating out at your favorite truck stop ain’t what it used to be. Mark Reddig discusses the state of things on the blog.

To read Mark’s blog, click here
To read other entries on the Land Line Now Blog, click here.

CVSA – Mark Reddig spoke with Rick Craig, Tom Weakley, Joe Rajkovacz and Woody Chambers of OOIDA about the recent Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance meeting. You can go to the CVSA Web site here. Air date: Sept. 29, 2008.

TWIC – During today’s news, Reed Black reported that all enrollment centers for the TWIC card had now opened. To learn more about TWIC, click here. Air date: Sept. 29, 2008.

TRUCC –Mark Reddig spoke with OOIDA’s Rod Nofziger about the TRUCC Act. The fuel surcharge legislation is listed in the Senate as S.2910. The House version is HR 5977.

You can read OOIDA’s three National Call to Action notices concerning TRUCC here, here and here.
To call your U.S. senators or U.S. representative about TRUCC, dial (202) 224-3121.
For tips on writing your members of Congress, click here.
To get a fax number, e-mail address or street address to write your members of Congress, call the OOIDA Membership Department at 1-800-444-5791.

Air date: Sept. 29, 2008.

OOIDA Business Seminar – The fourth OOIDA business seminar – Business Management for the Owner-Operator – will be offered from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 7-9 at the OOIDA headquarters in Grain Valley, MO.

To read more by Land Line Magazine, click here.
You can also call 1-800-444-5791, ask for the Membership Department and say you want to enroll in the business seminar.

Air date: Sept. 29, 2008.

Safe Driving Award – Gerald Mattingly of Louisville, Kentucky, has been recognized by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association for 6 years of safe, accident-free driving as part of The OOIDA Safe Driving Award Program.

To read more about Gerald, click here.
To learn more about the Safe Driving Award from OOIDA.com, click here.

Air date: Sept. 29, 2008.

ON THE LAND LINE NOW BLOG: Hey, idle this, buddy - Mark Reddig discusses an effort by Dane County, WI, officials to pass an idle-reduction ordinance.

To read Mark’s blog, click here.
To read other entries on the Land Line Now Blog, click here.

CVSA – Mark Reddig spoke with Rick Craig, Tom Weakley, Joe Rajkovacz and Woody Chambers of OOIDA about the recent Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance meeting. Among the topics discussed were:

Arizona laptop fines –To read more by Land Line Magazine, click on the links below:

TSP - The Trucking Security Program is being offered by HMS Inc. in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security, and with organizations such as OOIDA taking part. You can read a press release from OOIDA about the TSP here.
TRACER – The Transportation Alert Communication & Emergency Response program is a specialized, stand-alone communication and alert system created by OOIDA for its members.

You can learn read a letter about TRACER here.
You can enroll in TRACER here.

The CVSA Web site can be found here.

Air date: Sept. 26, 2008.

Join the Call to Action Team – You can take a more active role in trucking issues by joining the OOIDA Call to Action list. To sign up, just send an e-mail with your name, membership number and current e-mail address here. Air date: Sept. 26, 2008.

Safe Driving Award – Richard Gehman of Blakeslee, Pennsylvania, has been recognized by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association for 17 years of safe, accident-free driving as part of The OOIDA Safe Driving Award Program.

To read more about Richard, click here.
To learn more about the Safe Driving Award from OOIDA.com, click here.

Air date: Sept. 27, 2008.

TWIC hearing – Terry Scruton gave us highlights of a hearing by the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on the Transportation Worker Identification Credential Program.

You can listen to the hearing from the U.S. House of Representatives Homeland Security Web site here.
You can read more by Land Line Magazine here.
You can visit the Transportation Security Administration Web site here.

Air date: Sept. 25, 2008.

State Update – Michigan and California – Reed Black talked with Land Line Magazine State Legislative Editor Keith Goble. In Michigan, a state lawmaker wants to change how the state allocates money to counties for road work. While in California, a bill on the governor’s desk would prohibit adults from text messaging while driving.

To read about more legislation in Michigan, click here.
To read about more legislation in California, click here.

Air date: Sept. 25, 2008.

BMI and Sleep Apnea – In today’s Listener Comment Line, Mark Reddig spoke about BMI. Mark has written several blogs about the federal proposal to require all truckers over a certain body mass index to undergo yearly testing for sleep apnea.

You can read more from Land Line Magazine’s July 2008 issue here.
To read Mark’s blogs on the topic, click on one of these links:

BMI – it stands for “Bums Messing up the Industry” Maybe the FMCSA should sleep on it …
BMI – a bloody mess, indeed

You can read a blog by Land Line Magazine’s Charlie Morasch, here.
You can visit Medical Review Board Web site here.
You can visit CDC, Center for Disease Control and Prevention Web site here to calculate your BMI.

Air date: Sept. 25, 2008.

E-news – You can keep up on what’s happening in trucking by having our daily news sent to you automatically. Just go the Land Line Magazine Web site, here, and sign up for Land Line's daily e-News report. Each day, a summary of the day’s news – and links to the complete stories – is sent directly to your e-mail inbox.

To read more about Richard, click here.
To learn more about the Safe Driving Award from OOIDA.com, click here.

Air date: Sept. 25, 2008.

Cattle Haulers – In today’s news, Reed Black reported that the Texas Department of Agriculture are in need of more trucks to haul as many as 20,000 cattle out of the hardest hit coastal counties. Anyone who is interested can contact the Texas Department of Agriculture at 1-877-429-1998. Due to the volume of calls, you may go to voicemail; leave your name and phone number for a return call. Air date: Sept. 25, 2008.

EPA Grant – Reed Black reported today that the Environmental Protection Agency has named OOIDA as one of the first four organizations that will receive federal grant money to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from diesel engines. You can read a Special Report by Land Line Magazine here. Air date: Sept. 24, 2008.

Evacuation plan survey – In today’s Follow-Ups, Reed Black spoke with Irwin Redlener, associate dean for public health preparedness at Columbia University and president of the Children’s Health Fund. Redlener recently helped conduct a survey about parents trying to pick their kids up from school during a disaster. You can read the results of the survey from The Children’s Health Fund Web site here. Air date: Sept. 24, 2008.

Diesel update – Terry Scruton presented an update on the price of diesel fuel and crude oil.

To read this week’s price report by Land Line Magazine, click here.
To check the price today through ProMiles, click here.
To see how to compute your own fuel surcharge through OOIDA’s online guide, click here.

Air date: Sept. 24, 2008.

Diesel comments – If you have questions or a comment about diesel prices, or you’ve seen some interesting highs and lows at the pumps wherever you are, call our “Land Line Now” Diesel Price Line. Dial 1-800-324-6856, and then press 2 to record your message. This week, we’re also asking truckers who call the line to answer this question, “Have you seen any diesel shortages this week and, if so, where?” Air date: Sept. 24, 2008.

Safe Driving Award – George W. Pierce Jr. of Wills Point, TX, has been recognized by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association for 16 years of safe, accident-free driving as part of The OOIDA Safe Driving Award Program.

To read more about George, click here.
To learn more about the Safe Driving Award from OOIDA.com, click here.

Air date: Sept. 24, 2008.

ON THE LAND LINE NOW BLOG: What, is there no crime in Jersey? - Mark Reddig discusses an effort to allow local law-enforcement officers to inspect trucks in New Jersey.

To read Mark’s blog, click here.
To read other entries on the Land Line Now Blog, click here.

Senate oil speculation hearing – Terry Scruton gave us highlights of a Senate hearing on the role of speculative investment in the energy market.

To hear the hearing in its entirety from the Senate Committee of Energy & Natural Resources, click here.
To read Terry’s blog on the topic, click here.
To read Mark’s blog on the topic, click here.
To read other entries on the Land Line Now Blog, click here.

Air date: Sept. 23, 2008

State Update – California – Reed Black talked with Land Line Magazine State Legislative Editor Keith Goble. Transportation funding is a hot topic in states throughout the country. California is no exception as the November elections loom. Also, The California Legislature has approved a bill that would tap on truckers and others to help reduce pollution. To read about more legislation in California, click here. Air date: Sept. 23, 2008.

Loans for truckers – Reed Black spoke with U.S. Rep. Brian Baird and OOIDA member Sherrie Bond about a bill Baird has introduced a bill, HR 6922, that would allow small-business truckers to apply for low-interest loans to keep their businesses going due to record high fuel prices.

To read more by Land Line Magazine, click here.
Click here to read the text of Baird’s bill.

Air date: Sept. 23, 2008.

Member offer - OOIDA members Allen Burleigh, Duane Miller, Mark Lemke, David Bell, and Thomas Beld are sponsoring the membership cost for 14 people to join OOIDA. To take part, all you have to do is call our special member offer line. Just dial 1-800-324-6856, and press 3. The offer is open only to new, first-time members. Air date: Sept. 23, 2008.

Safe Driving Award – Wendell Penny of Dieterich, IL, has been recognized by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association for nine years of safe, accident-free driving as part of The OOIDA Safe Driving Award Program.

To read more about Wendell, click here.
To learn more about the Safe Driving Award from OOIDA.com, click here.

Air date: Sept. 23, 2008

ON THE LAND LINE NOW BLOG: Pirates of the Subprimean - Reed Black has found some modern pirates - but not where you might think.

To read Reed’s contribution to the Land Line Now Blog, click here.
To read other entries on the blog, click here.

LISTEN ONLINE: Who sets the price? - Terry Scruton explores how the price of diesel is set in a discussion with Holly Alfano of Natso. To listen to this and other clips from the show, click here.

Fuel Surcharge – Mark Reddig discussed a Defense Department Authorization Bill with OOIDA’s Mike Joyce. Truckers are urged to call their members of the House and Senate and ask that the fuel surcharge provision from the House bill be included in the final bill that emerges from the conference committee. To call any member of Congress, dial (202) 224-3121. Air date: Sept. 22, 2008.

Mexican Trucks – Mark Reddig discussed a possible Continuing Resolution, and a provision to end the cross-border trucking pilot program that some lawmakers may add to that measure, with OOIDA’s Mike Joyce. Truckers are urged to call their members of the House and Senate and ask for the provision to be added to any continuing resolution. To call any member of Congress, dial (202) 224-3121. Air date: Sept. 22, 2008.

U.S. Rep. John Peterson – Mark Reddig spoke with U.S. Rep. John Peterson about tolling I-80 and an energy bill, HR 6709.

To read more on the denial of I-80 tolling by Land Line Magazine, click here.
To read HR 6709 in its entirety from Thomas, Library of Congress, click here.
You can visit U.S. Rep. John Peterson’s Web site here.
To call your U.S. senators or U.S. representative, dial (202) 224-3121.

Air date: Sept. 22, 2008.

Brake Safety Week – Reed Black reported that CVSA’s brake safety blitz nationwide Sunday, Sept. 21, through Saturday, Sept. 27.

You can read more by Land Line Magazine here.
You can go to CVSA Web site here.

Air date: Sept. 22, 2008.

OOIDA discounts – OOIDA offers members discounts and rebates on more than 30 different product lines, from computers, to APUs, to new and used trucks. For more information, click here . Air date: Sept. 22, 2008.

ON THE LAND LINE NOW BLOG: Do you see what I see? – Terry Scruton talks about signs, motorcycles, trucks and safety.

To read Terry’s blog, click here.
To read other entries on the Land Line Now Blog, click here.

Fixing Bridges – Mark Reddig reported on Congressman Oberstar’s plan to fix the nation’s bridges, as well as other efforts to shore up the Highway Trust Fund.

You can read more by Land Line Magazine below:

Trust Fund short-term fix signed into law
SPECIAL REPORT: Senate votes to bail out Highway Trust Fund

Click here to read Congressman Oberstar's written testimony to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Air date: Sept. 19, 2008.

Loans for truckers – Mark Reddig spoke to Mike Joyce about U.S. Rep. Brian Baird’s bill that would allow small-business truckers to apply for low-interest loans to keep their businesses going. To read a Special Report by Land Line Magazine, click here. Air date: Sept. 19, 2008.

To read more by Land Line Magazine, click here.
You can also call 1-800-444-5791, ask for the Membership Department and say you want to enroll in the business seminar.

Air date: Sept. 19, 2008.

FRIDAY RANTS: Things are not as they seem – Terry Scruton discusses an experts advice – printed in a national magazine – that the expert says he never gave. To read Terry’s comments and other entries in our Friday rants series, click here. Air date: Sept. 19, 2008.

Calendar – For upcoming truck shows, click here to read “Land Line Now’s” industry calendar. Air date: Sept. 19, 2008.

Safe Driving Award – Betty Beaudoin of Dieterich, IL, has been recognized by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association for nine years of safe, accident-free driving as part of The OOIDA Safe Driving Award Program.

To read more about Betty, click here.
To learn more about the Safe Driving Award from OOIDA.com, click here.

Air date: Sept. 19, 2008

LAND LINE NOW PRE-EMPTED THIS SATURDAY – This fall, some of Open Road’s regularly scheduled Saturday programming may be pre-empted so that XM can air select college football games. The first pre-emption will be from 7 p.m. to midnight EDT this Saturday, Sept. 20. This will pre-empt the Saturday afternoon airing of Land Line Now. You can still hear that Land Line Now program at 6 a.m. EDT/3 a.m. PDT Sunday morning. XM apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and will make every attempt to minimize these occurrences. For a weekly schedule of pre-emptions, click here.

Elections – Mark Reddig spoke to Melissa Theriault about the upcoming elections and registering to vote. You can go to OOIDA’s voter information site, TruckVote.com, here. Air date: Sept. 18, 2008.

State Update – Nevada and Ohio – Reed Black talked with Land Line Magazine State Legislative Editor Keith Goble. In Nevada, a legislative panel is talking over potential solutions for how to pay to build highways throughout the state. Meanwhile, in Ohio, a bill would prohibit people from text messaging while driving.

To read about more legislation in Nevada, click here.
To read about more legislation in Ohio, click here.

Air date: Sept. 18, 2008.

Convoys – In today’s news, Reed Black reported the World’s Largest Truck Convoy to raise money for the Special Olympics takes place in many states and provinces Saturday, Sept. 20. If you you’d like to participate, click here. Air date: Sept. 18, 2008.

PDMD – Terry Scruton talked with Dr. John McElligott of the Professional Drivers Medical Depots about energy drinks. To learn more about the clinics, click here. Air date: Sept. 18, 2008.

Diabetic help – Terry Scruton spoke with dietitian Debbie Latham about new therapies for diabetes treatment. You can visit Debbie’s Web site here. Air date: Sept. 18, 2008.

Safe Driving Award – Patrick Carty of Port Hueneme, CA, has been recognized by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association for three years of safe, accident-free driving as part of The OOIDA Safe Driving Award Program.

To read more about Patrick, click here.
To learn more about the Safe Driving Award from OOIDA.com, click here.

Air date: Sept. 18, 2008

ON THE LAND LINE NOW BLOG: Supply and demand rears its lovely head – Terry Scruton says something very profound has happened in the global oil market – and it could be good news for all of us.

To read Terry’s Blog, click here
To read other entries on the Land Line Now Blog, click here.

Air date: Sept. 18, 2008.

Dane County, WI Call to Action – OOIDA has issued a Call to Action. The Dane County Board could vote as early as Oct. 2 on an ordinance that would restrict idling on large trucks in the county. Residents can provide comments on the proposal during a meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, in Room 201 of the City-County Building, 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Madison, WI. If you are unable to attend the meeting, please take time now to contact the board members to share your views on this important topic.

To read OOIDA’s Call to Action about the proposal, click here.
You can find a list of names, phone numbers and e-mail addressed for the supervisors here.
You can comment to all supervisors at once by sending an e-mail here.
To read the proposed ordinance, click here.

Air date: Sept. 17, 2008.

Diesel update – Terry Scruton presented an update on the price of diesel fuel and crude oil.

To read this week’s price report by Land Line Magazine, click here.
To check the price today through ProMiles, click here.
To see how to compute your own fuel surcharge through OOIDA’s online guide, click here.

Air date: Sept. 17, 2008.

Diesel comments – If you have questions or a comment about diesel prices, or you’ve seen some interesting highs and lows at the pumps wherever you are, call our “Land Line Now” Diesel Price Line. Dial 1-800-324-6856, and then press 2 to record your message. This week, we’re also asking truckers who call the line to answer this question, “Did you see any diesel price spikes during or after hurricane Ike and where did you see them?” Air date: Sept. 17, 2008.

Safe Driving Award – Howard Brouwer of Welland, Ontario, has been recognized by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association for 10 years of safe, accident-free driving as part of The OOIDA Safe Driving Award Program.

To read more about Howard, click here.
To learn more about the Safe Driving Award from OOIDA.com, click here.

Air date: Sept. 17, 2008.

Oil Speculation Analysis – Terry Scruton reported on speculation in the oil market and the effect it is having on oil prices.

To read the report issued by Michael Masters and Adam White, click here.
For the report issued by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, click here.
To read Mark’s blogs on the topic, click here.
To read other entries on the Land Line Now Blog, click here.

Air date: Sept. 16, 2008.

State Update – Illinois and Indiana – Reed Black spoke with Land Line Magazine State Legislative Editor Keith Goble. In Illinois, a new bill is intended to help prevent wrecks between law enforcement vehicles and the motoring public. Meanwhile, in northeast Indiana, the mayors of two towns say they’ll ask state lawmakers to authorize use of cameras to nab red light runners.

To read about more legislation in Illinois, click here.
To read about more legislation in Indiana, click here.

Air date: Sept. 16, 2008.

Volunteers needed – Reed Black reported today that the Red Cross and the Salvation Army are seeking volunteer (unpaid) drivers to deliver disaster relief supplies to areas devastated by Hurricane Ike.

The Red Cross in Dallas needs 100 volunteers to drive 18- to 26-foot trucks. The trucks and fuel are provided. If interested, contact: Jim Wellington, Red Cross coordinator at 571-205-3218.
The Salvation Army’s Christie Sutton says the organization needs trucks and drivers to transport supplies to the area hit by Hurricane Ike. While the loads do not pay, the Salvation Army is able to reimburse truckers for the cost of fuel when they haul for the charity. Send her your name and contact phone number. Her e-mail is Judith_Rowland@uss.salvationarmy.org. Truckers can also contact their local chapters of the Salvation Army. You can look those up at Salvation Army’s Web site here.

Air date: Sept. 16, 2008.

Ike – In today’s news Reed Black gave an update on the aftermath of Ike in the Galveston Island and Houston area. Below are links to learn more:

To call Texas DOT toll free for road conditions: 1-800-452-9292.
You can visit Texas DOT Web site here.
To read more on fuel by Land Line Magazine, click here.
To read more on road conditions by Land Line Magazine, click here.

Air date: Sept. 15, 2008.

Salvation Army - Christie Sutton with the organization’s Disaster Services division said that the organization could use trucks and drivers to transport supplies to the area hit by Hurricane Ike. While the loads do not pay, the Salvation Army is able to reimburse truckers for the cost of fuel when they haul for the charity. Truckers who are interested should e-mail the officials in charge of the logistics effort, Judith Rowland. Her e-mail is Judith_Rowland@uss.salvationarmy.org. Truckers can also contact their local chapters of the Salvation Army. You can look those up at Salvation Army’s Web site here. Air date: Sept. 15, 2008.

Canada congestion pricing and diesel tax – Mark Reddig talked with Land Line Magazine’s David Tanner about a congestion pricing study and diesel tax reduction plan in Canada. You can read more by Land Line Magazine below:

Air date: Sept. 15, 2008.

Truck Insurance – Terry Scruton talked with Ed Briley of OOIDA’s Truck Insurance Customer Service Department about trailer interchange coverage.

You can visit the new OOIDA Truck Insurance Web site here.
If you have a question about truck insurance, you can call 1-800-715-9369.
If you have a question about truck insurance you’d like answered on the air, you can call our comment line at 1-800-324-6856.
You can e-mail questions about insurance you’d like answered on the air here.

Air date: Sept. 15, 2008.

BMI – In today’s Listener Comment Line, Mark Reddig spoke about Body Mass Index. Mark has written several blogs about the federal proposal to require all truckers over a certain body mass index to undergo yearly testing for sleep apnea.

To read Mark’s blogs on the topic, click on one of these links:

To read other entries on the Land Line Now Blog, click here.

Air date: Sept. 15, 2008.

Pennsylvania’s toll denial – In today’s Listener Comment Line, Mark Reddig spoke about Pennsylvania’s application for tolling I-80 being denied. To read more by Land Line Magazine, click here. Air date: Sept. 15, 2008.

Political ads – Mark Reddig spoke with Melissa Theriault about the Presidential campaigns and their commercials. Below are some links to help you research the truth:

You can go to truckvote.com here.
You can go to FactCheck.org here.
You can go to Vote Smart.org here.

Air date: Sept. 15, 2008.

Safe Driving Award – Frank Kopp of Graham, Washington, has been recognized by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association for 32 years of safe, accident-free driving as part of The OOIDA Safe Driving Award Program.

To read more about Frank, click here.
To learn more about the Safe Driving Award from OOIDA.com, click here.

Air date: Sept. 15, 2008.

Hurricane Ike - Reed Black reported that with Hurricane Ike heading for Houston, XM 247 is partnering with KHOU-TV in Houston, to bring you up-to-the-minute coverage of Hurricane Ike. KHOU is a CBS-TV affiliate and XM will be supplementing their coverage with KHOU live reports from the Texas coast. Special coverage will be on XM 247 throughout the weekend. To follow Ike’s path or to read the latest forecast, click here. Air date: Sept. 12, 2008.

To read Mark’s blogs on the topic, click on one of these links:

To read other entries on the Land Line Now Blog, click here.

Air date: Sept. 12, 2008.

Los Angeles and Long Beach Ports – In today’s Listener Comment Line, Joe Rajkovacz answered a call about the ports in Los Angeles and Long Beach. You can read more by Land Line Magazine here. Air date: Sept. 12, 2008.

Calendar – For upcoming truck shows, click here to read “Land Line Now’s” industry calendar. Air date: Sept. 12, 2008.

Victories – Mark Reddig had a discussion with Todd Spencer, Rod Nofziger and Norita Taylor about 3 major victories on the legislative and regulatory front the past two weeks: The passage of the Mexican Truck bill in the House; the fix for the highway trust fund going through; and the denial of Pennsylvania’s I-80 toll petition. Read more from Land Line Magazine in the links below:

SPECIAL REPORT: FHWA denies Pennsylvania’s application to toll I-80
SPECIAL REPORT: Senate votes to bail out Highway Trust Fund
SPECIAL REPORT: House votes to end cross-border program with Mexico

Air date: Sept. 12, 2008.

I-80 tolls – Mark Reddig spoke with Mike Joyce about the denial of Pennsylvania’s I-80 tolling application by FHWA. You can read more by Land Line Magazine here. Air date: Sept. 11, 2008.

Hurricane Ike – Reed Black reported on the progress of the storm as it heads toward the Texas coast. To follow Ike’s path or to read the latest forecast, click here. Air date: Sept. 11, 2008.

State Update – New Jersey – Reed Black spoke with Land Line Magazine State Legislative Editor Keith Goble. In New Jersey, as the state prepares to reconvene for the fall, several bills that could come up for consideration are of interest to truckers. To read about more legislation in New Jersey, click here. Air date: Sept. 11, 2008.

John Ewing – Terry Scruton spoke with John Ewing of The Truckers Helper about credit cards vs. debit cards and the advantages and disadvantages of both. For more information, check out The Truckers Helper on the Web site here. Air date: Sept. 11, 2008.

Tire talk – Terry Scruton spoke with Kevin Rohlwing, senior vice president of training for the Tire Industry Association, about keeping proper tire inflation. You can visit the Tire Industry Association Web site here. Air date: Sept. 11, 2008.

Safe Driving Award – Rodney Abrams of Dayton, OH, has been recognized by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association for 11 years of safe, accident-free driving as part of The OOIDA Safe Driving Award Program.

To read more about Rodney, click here.
To learn more about the Safe Driving Award, click here.

Air date: Sept. 11, 2008

Cross-border trucking – Mark Reddig spoke with Rod Nofziger about the passing of HR 6630 that will require the immediate termination of the DOT’s crossborder trucking pilot program.

To read a National Call to Action about the vote, click here.
To read the text of HR 6630, click here.
You can read a Special Report by Land Line Magazine here.
You can view a press release issued by OOIDA on the topic today here.

Air date: Sept. 10, 2008.

Highway Trust Fund fix – Mark Reddig spoke with Rod Nofziger about different ideas to fix the Federal Highway Trust Fund. You can read more from Land Line Magazine below:

Air date: Sept. 10, 2008

Highway Trust Fund – In today’s Follow Up, Reed Black reported on a plan by U.S. Rep. James Oberstar, D-MN, to fix the highway trust fund. You can read more by Land Line Magazine here. Air date: Sept. 10, 2008.

Diesel update – Terry Scruton presented an update on the price of diesel fuel and crude oil.

To read this week’s price report by Land Line Magazine, click here.
To check the price today through ProMiles, click here.
To see how to compute your own fuel surcharge through OOIDA’s online guide, click here.

Air date: Sept. 10, 2008.

Safe Driving Award – David Billinger of Osawatomie, KS, has been recognized by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association for 16 years of safe, accident-free driving as part of The OOIDA Safe Driving Award Program.

To read more about David, click here.
To learn more about the Safe Driving Award, click here.

Air date: Sept. 10, 2008

Highway Trust Fund Crisis – Mark Reddig spoke with Mike Joyce about the Highway Trust Fund Crisis. To read more by Land Line Magazine, click here. Air date: Sept. 9, 2008.

Hurricane Ike – Reed Black reported on the progress of Hurricane Ike, which could hit the U.S. Gulf Coast.

To read more by Land Line Magazine, click here.
To follow Ike’s progress or read warnings related to the storm, click here.

Air date: Sept. 9, 2008.

Los Angeles and Long Beach Ports – Reed Black reported that a U.S. District Court judge in California had tentatively rejected a legal challenge to the “clean truck” programs at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. To read more by Land Line Magazine, click here. Air date: Sept. 9, 2008.

CHP Summit – Terry Scruton spoke to OOIDA Regulatory Affairs Specialist Joe Rajkovacz about the Commercial Vehicle Safety Summit organized by the California Highway Patrol. To read more by Land Line Magazine, click here. Air date: Sept. 9, 2008.

State Update – California and New York – Reed Black spoke with Land Line Magazine State Legislative Editor Keith Goble. In California, the governor signed a bill into law that revises a transit initiative to be included on the November ballot. And in New York, state lawmakers have approved legislation that would fine fuel companies for pricing gasoline and diesel higher in certain areas.

To read about more legislation in California, click here.
To read about more legislation in New York, click here.

Air date: Sept. 9, 2008.

TRUCC – In today’s Listener Comment Line, Mark Reddig spoke about the TRUCC Act. The fuel surcharge legislation is listed in the Senate as S.2910. The House version is HR 5977.

You can read OOIDA’s three National Call to Action notices concerning TRUCC here, here and here.
To call your U.S. senators or U.S. representative about TRUCC, dial (202) 224-3121.
For tips on writing your members of Congress, click here.
To get a fax number, e-mail address or street address to write your members of Congress, call the OOIDA Membership Department at 1-800-444-5791.

Air date: Sept. 9, 2008.

Cost of Operation – In today’s Listener Comment Line, Mark Reddig spoke about knowing your cost of operation. Below are several links to assist you:

An online guidebook that leads you through figuring your cost of operation can be found here.
A spreadsheet you can use online can be found here. (This requires no additional software on your computer.)
A worksheet you can download on your computer and modify can be found here. (Please note, this is an Excel program and you must have Excel on your computer to download it.)
You can also read Land Line Magazine’s coverage of the issue here.

Air date: Sept. 9, 2008.

Safe Driving Award – Doug Thee of St. Joseph, MO, has been recognized by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association for 16 years of safe, accident-free driving as part of The OOIDA Safe Driving Award Program.

To read more about Doug, click here.
To learn more about the Safe Driving Award, click here.

Air date: Sept. 9, 2008

Refer and Win - You could win a new set of Bridgestone tractor tires through OOIDA’s refer and win competition. That prize will go to the member who signs up the most new members between now and Sept. 15. For details, click here. Air date: Sept. 9, 2008.

Cross-Border Trucking – OOIDA has issued a national Call to Action concerning HR 6630, a bill that would end the Mexican cross-border trucking pilot program. Congress is back in session today, and HR 6630 is scheduled to be voted on by the full House of Representatives tomorrow (Tuesday). It is imperative that you contact your Congressman or Congresswoman today to tell them to vote for HR 6630.

You can read the Call to Action here.
To view the text of the actual bill, click here.
To call any member of Congress, dial (202) 224-3121.
To get a fax number, e-mail address or street address to write your congressman, call the OOIDA Membership Department at 1-800-444-5791.

Air date: Sept. 8, 2008.

OOIDA Business Seminar – The fourth OOIDA business seminar – Business Management for the Owner-Operator – will be offered from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct 7-9 at the OOIDA headquarters in Grain Valley, MO. Mark Reddig discussed what’s in the course with OOIDA’s Tom Weakley.

To read more about the seminar or how to enroll, click here.
To read more by Land Line Magazine, click here.
You can also call 1-800-444-5791, ask for the Membership Department and say you want to enroll in the business seminar.

Air date: Sept. 8, 2008.

Cost of Operation – In today’s Listener Comment Line, Mark Reddig spoke about knowing your cost of operation. Below are several links to assist you:

An online guidebook that leads you through figuring your cost of operation can be found here.
A spreadsheet you can use online can be found here. (This requires no additional software on your computer.)
A worksheet you can download on your computer and modify can be found here. (Please note, this is an Excel program and you must have Excel on your computer to download it.)
You can also read Land Line Magazine’s coverage of the issue here.

Air date: Sept. 8, 2008.

Hurricane Ike – Reed Black reported on the progress of Hurricane Ike, which could hit the U.S. Gulf Coast. To follow Ike’s progress or read warnings related to the storm, click here. Air date: Sept. 8, 2008.

Roses & Razzberries – Terry Scruton and Jami Jones offered up some of our patented Roses & Razzberries. If you are an OOIDA member and want to offer up your own rose or razzberry for our consideration, you can do it through the Members Only section of our Web site. Just click here. Air date: Sept. 8, 2008.

Safe Driving Award – Jose R. Hernandez of Deltona, FL, has been recognized by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association for 10 years of safe, accident-free driving as part of The OOIDA Safe Driving Award Program.

To read more about Jose, click here.
To learn more about the Safe Driving Award from OOIDA.com, click here.

Air date: Sept. 8, 2008

Hurricane update – Several states have waivers for hours of service and weights for drivers offering assistance with hurricane relief efforts. Below are links for further information:

You can read more by Land Line Magazine here.
Click here for Land Line Magazine’s Hurricane Handbook for Truckers.

Air date: Sept. 5, 2008.

Highway Trust Fund – In today’s news, Terry Scruton reported the U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Mary Peters held a press conference on Friday asking Congress to approve $8 billion dollars in emergency funding for the federal Highway Trust Fund.You can read more by Land Line Magazine here. Air date: Sept. 5, 2008.

Chantix – In today’s Listener Comment Line, Mark Reddig spoke about Chantix (Varenicline) after a growing concern by the FDA and a statement from the FMCSA.

You can read more on Chantix by Land Line Magazine here.
You can read a statement by FMCSA Administrator John Hill here.
You can read more information from the FDA Web site here.

Air date: Sept. 5, 2008.

Longer, heavier trucks – In today’s Listener Comment Line, Mark Reddig spoke about the issue of longer and heavier trucks. You can read Special Reports on the topic by Land Line Magazine below:

Air date: Sept. 5, 2008.

Information for the Technology Impaired – Mark Reddig spoke with journalist, writer and all-around technophile Patsy Terrell about social networking sites. You can learn more by clicking through to those sites below:

Air date: Sept. 5, 2008.

Laptop recall – In today’s news, Terry Scruton reported that Sony recalled 73,000 Vaio laptops in the U.S. because faulty wiring could cause severe overheating. To see whether your laptop is part of the recall, go to Sony's Web site here or call 1-888-526-6219. Air date: Sept. 5, 2008.

World’s Largest Truck Convoy – In today’s news, Terry Scruton reported that Southern Nevada Special Olympics have canceled the World’s Largest Truck Convoy that was to take place in Las Vegas on Saturday, Sept. 6. To read more by Land Line Magazine, click here. Air date: Sept. 5, 2008.

Friday Rants: Are you tired? – Land Line Magazine’s Charlie Morasch discusses how the people who are “worried” about you being fatigued are also people who profit from it. To read Charlie’s comments and other entries in our Friday rants series, click here. Air date: Sept. 5, 2008.

LAND LINE NOW PRE-EMPTED THIS SATURDAY – This fall, some of Open Road’s regularly scheduled Saturday programming may be pre-empted so that XM can air select college football games. The first pre-emption will be from 7 p.m. to midnight EDT this Saturday, Sept. 6. This will pre-empt the Saturday afternoon airing of Land Line Now. You can still hear that Land Line Now program at 6 a.m. EDT/3 a.m. PDT Sunday morning. XM apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and will make every attempt to minimize these occurrences. For a weekly schedule of pre-emptions, click here.

Calendar – For upcoming truck shows, click here to read “Land Line Now’s” industry calendar. Air date: Sept. 5, 2008.

Air date: Sept. 4, 2008.

State Update – New Jersey and Michigan – Reed Black spoke with Land Line Magazine State Legislative Editor Keith Goble. In New Jersey, a lawmaker has targeted speeders to help pay for patrols in small towns. While in Michigan, multiple bills address the challenges of paying for road work.

To read about more legislation in New Jersey, click here.
To read about more legislation in Michigan, click here.

Air date: Sept. 4, 2008.

PDMD – Terry Scruton talked with Dr. John McElligott of the Professional Drivers Medical Depots clinics about pain management. To learn more about the clinics, click here. Air date: Sept. 4, 2008.

Diabetic help – Terry Scruton spoke with dietitian Debbie Latham about choosing the right doctor to help with your diabetes. You can visit Debbie’s Web site here. Air date: Sept. 4, 2008.

Drafting – In today’s Listener Comment Line, Mark Reddig spoke about a story that appeared in Woman’s World about drafting behind trucks to improve fuel mileage. Terry Scruton recently shared his thoughts in a blog.

To read Terry’s blog, click here.
To read other entries on the Land Line Now Blog, click here

Air date: Sept. 4, 2008.

Cross-border program – In today’s Listener Comment Line, Mark Reddig spoke about the Cross-border program that continues despite Congress cutting off funds. You can read Special Reports by Land Line Magazine below:

BREAKING NEWS: Cross-border program extended despite opposition
SPECIAL REPORT: Cross-border opponents not deterred by extension

Air date: Sept. 4, 2008.

Safe Driving Award –Dennis McGuire of Clarksville, Indiana, has been recognized by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association for three years of safe, accident-free driving as part of the OOIDA Safe Driving Award Program.

To learn more about Dennis, click here.
To learn more about the Safe Driving Award from OOIDA.com, click here.

Air date: Sept. 4, 2008

LAND LINE NOW PRE-EMPTED THIS SATURDAY – This fall, some of Open Road’s regularly scheduled Saturday programming may be pre-empted so that XM can air select college football games. The first pre-emption will be from 7 p.m. to midnight EDT this Saturday, Sept. 6. This will pre-empt the Saturday afternoon airing of Land Line Now. You can still hear that Land Line Now program at 6 a.m. EDT/3 a.m. PDT Sunday morning. XM apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and will make every attempt to minimize these occurrences. For a weekly schedule of pre-emptions, click here.

Hours of Service – In today’s news, Terry Scruton reported that hours of service have been waived in four states affected by Hurricane Gustav to allow relief supply deliveries.

To read more by Land Line Magazine, click here.
More information on waivers can be found on FMCSA’s Web site by clicking here.

Air date: Sept. 3, 2008.

Landstar – In today’s news, Terry Scruton reported an update in the OOIDA lawsuit against Landstar.

You can read a Special Report by Land Line Magazine here.
You can read the ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit here.

Air date: Sept. 3, 2008.

Missouri lane restrictions – In today’s follow up, Reed Black reported that a left lane restriction for heavy trucks in the Missouri cities of Kansas City and St. Louis goes into effect Thursday, Aug. 28. To read more by Land Line Magazine, click here. Air date: Sept. 3, 2008.

Diesel update – Terry Scruton presented an update on the price of diesel fuel and crude oil.

To read this week’s price report by Land Line Magazine, click here.
To check the price today through ProMiles, click here.
To see how to compute your own fuel surcharge through OOIDA’s online guide, click here.

Air date: Sept. 3, 2008.

Diesel comments – If you have questions or a comment about diesel prices, or you’ve seen some interesting highs and lows at the pumps wherever you are, call our “Land Line Now” Diesel Price Line. Dial 1-800-324-6856, and then press 2 to record your message. This week, we’re also asking truckers who call the line to answer this question, “How high would the price of diesel have to go before you parked your truck and hung it up?” Air date: Sept. 3, 2008.

I-80 Tolling – In today’s Listener Comment Line, Mark Reddig mentioned that OOIDA is urging all truckers to contact the U.S. Department of Transportation about the proposed tolling of I-80 in Pennsylvania. Below are places to contact:

Thomas J. Madison Jr.
Administrator
Federal Highway Administration
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave., SE
Washington, DC 20590
Mary E. Peters
Secretary of Transportation
U.S. Department Of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave, SE
Washington, DC 20590
To call your U.S. senators or U.S. representative, dial (202) 224-3121.
To get a fax number, e-mail address or street address to write your members of Congress, call the OOIDA Membership Department at 1-800-444-5791.

Air date: Sept. 3, 2008.

CDL permit proposed rule – Terry Scruton spoke with Joe Rajkovacz and Tom Weakley about comments made by OOIDA to the FMCSA on the proposed CDL permit process. To read more by Land Line Magazine, click here. Air date: Sept. 2, 2008.

State Update – Colorado, Alabama, Missouri and Nevada – Reed Black spoke with Land Line Magazine State Legislative Editor Keith Goble. As Election Day approaches, there are transportation initiatives on ballots in several states.

To read about more legislation in Colorado, click here.
To read about more legislation in Alabama, click here.
To read about more legislation in Missouri, click here.
To read about more legislation in Nevada, click here.

Air date: Sept. 2, 2008.

Chantix – In today’s Listener’s Comment Line, Mark Reddig spoke about Chantix (Varenicline) after a growing concern by the FDA and a statement from the FMCSA.

You can read more on Chantix by Land Line Magazine here.
You can read a statement by FMCSA Administrator John Hill here.
You can read more information from the FDA Web site here.

Air date: Sept. 2, 2008.

ON THE LAND LINE NOW BLOG: Things are not always as they seem – Terry Scruton tells us the story behind a recent article that suggested “drafting” behind trucks to improve fuel mileage.

To read Terry’s blog, click here.
To read other entries on the Land Line Now Blog, click here

Democratic and Republican Platforms – Mark Reddig spoke with OOIDA’s Rod Nofziger about the Democratic and Republican platforms, and how they affect the transportation industry.

You can read the Republican Platform here.
You can read the Democratic Platform here.

Air date: Sept. 2, 2008.

I-80 Tolling – In today’s Listener Comment Line, Mark Reddig spoke about OOIDA urging truckers to contact the U.S. Department of Transportation about the proposed tolling of I-80 in Pennsylvania. Below are places to contact:

Thomas J. Madison Jr.
Administrator
Federal Highway Administration
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave., SE
Washington, DC 20590
Mary E. Peters
Secretary of Transportation
U.S. Department Of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave, SE
Washington, DC 20590
To call your U.S. senators or U.S. representative, dial (202) 224-3121.
To get a fax number, e-mail address or street address to write your members of Congress, call the OOIDA Membership Department at 1-800-444-5791.

Air date: Sept. 2, 2008.

BMI – In today’s Listener Comment Line, Mark Reddig spoke about proposed rules regarding truckers and Body Mass Index. Mark has written several blogs about the federal proposal to require all truckers over a certain body mass index to undergo yearly testing for sleep apnea.