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OOIDA on the Road

Where you can find us

Jon Osburn and OOIDA’s tour truck, The Spirit of the American Trucker, are at the TA in Commerce City, CO. That’s located at Exit 278 off Interstates 70 and 270. Stop in, say hi to Jon, and join OOIDA for a $20 discount. To see Jon’s full schedule, click here.

Also, OOIDA Life Member Ron Mermis and his NASCAR simulator are at the TA in Tampa, FL. That’s located at Exit 10 off Interstate 4. You can join at a discount with Ron as well. For more information about the simulator, click here

Air date: May 23, 2013.

This week's poll:

 

Archive for August, 2008

August 2008

Hurricane Gustav – Mark Reddig spoke with Jami Jones and David Tanner of Land Line Magazine about the storm, which is predicted to hit the U.S. Gulf Coast.

  • To find out the latest on the storm:
    • Tune to the emergency alert channel XM 247; or
    • The Weather Channel on XM 125; or
    • Traffic and weather in major cities on XM 210 through 230;
    • Read about the storm on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Web site here; or
    • View NOAA maps of the storm’s path here.
  • For state updates on traffic or other related information:
    • Louisiana – Call 1-877-4LA-DOTD (1-877-452-3683);
    • Texas – Call 1-800-452-9292;
    • Mississippi – Call 1-866-521-MDOT (1-866-521-6368);
    • Alabama – Call 1-888-588 2848;
    • Florida – Dial 5-1-1; or
    • Read more about preparation from Land Line Magazine here.
  • To find out about Hours of Service exemptions if you’re in the path of the storm:
    • Call one of the FMCSA’s regional service centers:
      • Southern Service Center - (404) 327-7400;
      • Midwestern Service Center - (708) 283-3577; or
      • Western Service Center - (303) 407-2350.
    • Or read more on the situation by Land Line Magazine here.

Air date: Aug. 29, 2008

Rapping the Turnpike – Turnpike opponents and privatization advocates The Commonwealth Foundation have released an ad critical of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

  • You can view the ad hereWARNING: The Commonwealth Foundation is a known advocate of leasing the state’s turnpike to private operators; OOIDA actively opposes placing tolls on or leasing existing highways.
  • OOIDA is also urging truckers to let the U.S. Department of Transportation know you oppose the 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: Aug. 29, 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 byLand Line Magazine below:

Air date: Aug. 29, 2008.

World’s Largest Trucking Convoy – The South Carolina leg of the convoy takes place Sept. 6. To find out where and where your state is holding a convoy leg, click here. Air date: Aug. 29, 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: Aug. 29, 2008

Calendar – For upcoming truck shows, click here to read “Land Line Now’s” industry calendar. Air date: Aug. 29, 2008.

Friday Rants: Where’s the soup-to-nuts freight? – Sandi Soendker shared her thoughts on how economic conditions affect the freight truckers haul. You can read Sandi’s comments and other entries in our Friday rants series here. Air date: Aug. 29, 2008.

Safe Driving Award – David N. Borchers of Blackburn, MO, has been recognized by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association for 30 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 from OOIDA.com, click here.

Air date: Aug. 31, 2008

Canadian Speed Limiters – In today’s news, Reed Black reported that Aug. 31 is the last day to comment on the proposed Ontario speed limiter regulations.

  • To read Land Line Magazine’s coverage of the comment period, click here;
  • To view the list of regulations proposed to accompany Bill 41, click here;
  • To submit your comments on speed limiters to the Regulatory Ministry:
    • You can do so electronically here; or
    • You can mail comments to Carrier Safety and Enforcement Branch, 3rd Floor, 301 St. Paul Street, St. Catherines, Ontario,Canada L2R 7R4;

When you file comments, be sure to reference “speed limiters” and the proposal number, 08-MTO003. Air date: Aug.28, 2008.

URGENT: I-80 Tolling – In today’s Listener Comment Line, Mark Reddig spoke about OOIDA urging truckers to let the U.S. Department of Transportation know you oppose the 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: Aug. 28, 2008.

State Update – Wyoming and Kansas – Reed Black spoke with Land Line MagazineState Legislative Editor Keith Goble. In Wyoming, lawmakers are discussing one option to help pay for needed road work. Meanwhile in Kansas, an advisory panel is looking into whether to reduce the speed limit by 5 mph on some highways.

  • To read about more legislation in Wyoming, click here
  • To read about more legislation in Kansas, click here.

Air date: Aug. 28, 2008.

Missouri lane restrictions – In today’s news, 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, August 28, 2008. To read more by Land Line Magazine, click here. Air date: Aug. 28, 2008.

Road closure – In today’s news, Reed Black reported that from 5:30 p.m. to about 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, both directions of I-25 from I-70 to U.S. 6 will be closed. That time coincides with Barack Obama’s acceptance speech at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium.

  • To read more by Land Line Magazine, click here.
  • For alternate routes, you can go to the Colorado Department of Transportation Web site here.

Air date: Aug. 28, 2008.

Diesel Dave – Terry Scruton talked with OOIDA member and Land Line Magazinecolumnist Diesel Dave Sweetman about roadside objects as an example of maintenance delay. To read some of Dave’s latest columns from the magazine, click on one of these links:

Air date: Aug. 28, 2008.

Oversized loads vs. wide loads – Terry Scruton spoke with Kip Hough of OOIDA’s Member Assistance Department, who answered a question off the Listener Comment Line.

  • For any questions that you may have, call OOIDA’s Member Assistance Department at 1-800-444-5791.
  • If you have a question you would like answered on the show, call the Listener Comment Line at 1-800-324-6856.

Air date: Aug. 28, 2008.

Drafting – In today’s Listener Comment Line, Mark Reddig spoke about an article inWoman’s World that spoke about following a truck to save on fuel.

  • You can read a blog by Terry Scruton here.
  • You can read other blogs from the Land Line Now Web site here.

Air date: Aug. 28, 2008.

Drug warnings – Mark Reddig spoke with Jami Jones about drug warnings that have come out on Byetta and Chantix, including one that could affect getting your medical certification. You can get more information from the FDA Web site below:

  • Byetta (Exenatide), click here.
  • Chantix (Varenicline), click here.

Air date: Aug. 27, 2008.

URGENT: I-80 Tolling – OOIDA is urging truckers to let the U.S. Department of Transportation know you oppose the 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: Aug. 27, 2008.

DAC – In today’s news, Reed Black reported that OOIDA’s leaders are considering further action in the federal case against DAC Services. You can read a Special Report by Land Line Magazine here. Air date: Aug. 27, 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: Aug. 27, 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, “If you could talk to either of the Presidential candidates about the cost of fuel or the trucking industry, what would you say?” Air date: Aug. 27, 2008.

Canadian Speed Limiters – In today’s Listener Comment Line, Mark Reddig spoke about the speed limiter issue. Even though Ontario has already passed a law mandating speed limiters on trucks, interested parties will still have one last chance to submit comments through the end of August.

  • To read Land Line Magazine’s coverage of the comment period, click here;
  • To view the list of regulations proposed to accompany Bill 41, click here;
  • To submit your comments on speed limiters to the Regulatory Ministry:
    • You can do so electronically here; or
    • You can mail comments to Carrier Safety and Enforcement Branch, 3rd Floor, 301 St. Paul Street, St. Catherines, Ontario,Canada L2R 7R4;

When you file comments, be sure to reference “speed limiters” and the proposal number, 08-MTO003. Air date: Aug.27, 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 byLand Line Magazine below:

Air date: Aug. 27, 2008.

Road closure – In today’s news, Reed Black reported that from 5:30 p.m. to about 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, both directions of I-25 from I-70 to U.S. 6 will be closed. That time coincides with the conclusion of Barack Obama’s acceptance speech at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium. For alternate routes, you can go to the Colorado Department of Transportation Web site here. Air date: Aug. 27, 2008.

Safe Driving Award – Roger Larkins of Chubbuck, ID, has been recognized by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association for 15 years of safe, accident-free driving as part of The OOIDA Safe Driving Award Program.

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

Air date: Aug. 27, 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. Air date: Aug. 26, 2008.

Member offer – OOIDA members Richard Golsan, Jay Riley and Susan Walker are sponsoring the membership cost for 16 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: Aug. 26, 2008.

State Update – New Jersey – Reed Black spoke with Land Line Magazine StateLegislative Editor Keith Goble. At the New Jersey statehouse, the topic of trucking has been an item of interest this year. To read about more legislation in New Jersey, click here. Air date: Aug. 26, 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 byLand Line Magazine below:

Air date: Aug. 26, 2008.

Truck Insurance – Terry Scruton talked with Ed Briley of OOIDA’s Truck Insurance Customer Service Department about making sure you have the right 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: Aug. 25, 2008.

Truck tires – Terry Scruton recently talked with Guy Wallenga, engineering manager for Bridgestone Firestone truck tires, about balancing the demand for higher fuel mileage with the demand for more aggressive tire tread. If you have a question for Guy or any of the other engineers at Bridgestone Firestone, click here. Air date: Aug. 25, 2008.

Land Line Magazine – If you’re a trucker, and you’d like to subscribe to the Land Line’s Daily eNews, click here. Air date: Aug. 25, 2008.

Safe Driving Award – George F. Hanlon of Barefoot Bay, Florida, has been recognized by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association for 51 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: Aug. 25, 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: Aug. 25, 2008.

Road closure – In today’s news, Terry Scruton reported a couple of road closures that may affect your travels this weekend.

  • I-10 in Tucson, Arizona closed Thursday, Aug. 21, 2008, through this weekend. More information can be found online at Arizona DOT Web site here.
  • An 8-mile stretch of the eastbound Pennsylvania turnpike between Irwin and New Stanton will be closed for six hours Friday night for construction on a new overpass. The road will close at midnight and will reopen at 6 a.m. on Saturday morning. Traffic will be diverted onto Route 30 and toll Route 66 during the closure. More information can be found online at the Pennsylvania Turnpike Web site here.

Air date: Aug. 21, 2008.

Great American Truck Show – Reed Black spoke with Suzanne Stempinski, field editor for Land Line Magazine, and Norita Taylor, OOIDA’S Public Relations Coordinator about GATS in Dallas, Texas Thursday, Aug. 21 through Saturday, Aug. 23.

Air date: Aug. 22, 2008.

Road Law – Terry Scruton spoke with Jeff McConnell and James Mennella, who also write the “Road Law” column in Land Line Magazine. If you have questions or comments regarding transportation law, you can:

  • Call Road Law 1-888-276-8000 ;
  • Fax a question to them at (405) 242-2040; or
  • Send them an e-mail.
  • Or click here to view their Web site for more information.
  • If you have a question you would like answered on the show, call the Listener Comment Line at 1-800-324-6856.

Air date: Aug. 22, 2008.

Calendar – For upcoming truck shows, click here to read “Land Line Now’s” industry calendar. Air date: Aug. 22, 2008.

TRUCC – Reed Black spoke to Mike Joyce 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 two National Call to Action notices concerning TRUCC here and here.
  • For tips on writing your members of Congress, click here.
  • To call your U.S. senators or U.S. representative about TRUCC, 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: Aug. 22, 2008.

Fitch Ratings – Reed Black spoke with Mike Joyce about a company that rates different sectors of the economy for investors says putting private money into toll roads is becoming less attractive. Fitch Ratings recently downgraded its recommendation on toll road investments from ‘Stable’ to ‘Negative.’

You can read a Special Report by Land Line Magazine here.
You can read the Fitch Rating report here.

Air date: Aug. 22, 2008.

Road closure – In today’s news, Terry Scruton reported that I-10 in Tucson, Arizona closing tonight through this weekend. More information can be found online at Arizona DOT Web site here. Air date: Aug. 21, 2008.

Hours of service – Terry Scruton spoke with Kip Hough of OOIDA’s Member Assistance Department, who answered a question off the Listener Comment Line.

  • For any questions that you may have, call OOIDA’s Member Assistance Department at 1-800-444-5791.
  • If you have a question you would like answered on the show, call the Listener Comment Line at 1-800-324-6856.

Air date: Aug. 21, 2008.

Railroad Crossings – Terry Scruton spoke with Jeff McConnell and James Mennella – who also write the “Road Law” column in Land Line Magazine – about railroad crossing. If you have questions or comments regarding transportation law, you can:

  • Call Road Law 1-888-276-8000 ;
  • Fax a question to them at (405) 242-2040 ; or
  • Send them an e-mail.
  • Or click here to view their Web site for more information.
  • If you have a question you would like answered on the show, call the Listener Comment Line at 1-800-324-6856.

Air date: Aug. 21, 2008.

State Update – Massachusetts and West Virginia – Reed Black spoke with Land Line Magazine State Legislative Editor Keith Goble. In Massachusetts, funding has been allotted to speed up repairs for up to 300 of the most neglected bridges in the state. Meanwhile in West Virginia, concern about road funding has the state’s Division of Highways focusing more on road maintenance instead of road building.

  • To read about more legislation in Massachusetts, click here.
  • To read about more legislation in West Virginia, click here.

Air date: Aug. 21, 2008.

Diabetic help – Terry Scruton spoke with dietitian Debbie Latham about diet suggestions for diabetics on the road. You can visit Debbie’s Web site here. Air date: Aug. 21, 2008.

Canadian Speed Limiters – Reed Black spoke with Laura O’Neill who gave us an update on the speed limiter issue. Even though Ontario has already passed a law mandating speed limiters on trucks, interested parties will still have one last chance to submit comments through the end of August.

  • To read Land Line Magazine’s coverage of the comment period, click here;
  • To view the list of regulations proposed to accompany Bill 41, click here;
  • To submit your comments on speed limiters to the Regulatory Ministry:
  • You can do so electronically here; or
  • You can mail comments to Carrier Safety and Enforcement Branch, 3rd Floor, 301 St. Paul Street, St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada L2R 7R4;

When you file comments, be sure to reference “speed limiters” and the proposal number, 08-MTO003. Air date: Aug.21, 2008.

GATS – In today’s follow up, Reed Black talked to OOIDA life member, John Timmons, otherwise known as “Old Sarge”and Jerry Simms of Gulf Coast Oil Filters about a charity poker run to benefit John in his upcoming surgery Aug. 25th. The poker run begins at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, and continues through 4 p.m. Friday. Participating booths include Engine Maxx at Booth No. 14087 – where the run starts – as well as OOIDA at Booth No. 13089 and Gulf Coast Filters Inc. at Booth No. 8998.

  • You can visit the Great American Trucking Show Web site here.
  • You can visit the Gulf Coast Filter Web site here.
  • You can visit the Engine Maxx Web site here.

Air date: Aug. 20, 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: Aug. 20, 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, “Do you think the presidential election will affect diesel prices in any way? If so, how?” Air date: Aug. 20, 2008.

Brakes – Stephen Petit of Roll Audio discusses brakes. You can check out Stephen Petit’s Web site here. Air date: Aug. 20, 2008.

Bridgestone-Firestone Canadian Truck Hero Award - The annual truck hero award goes to a Canadian driver who demonstrates selflessness and bravery in helping someone else during an emergency. The deadline for the Bridgestone-Firestone Canadian Truck Hero award is September 29th.

  • For the Bridgestone-Firestone Canadian Truck Hero Award nomination guidelines, click here.
  • For the Bridgestone-Firestone Canadian Truck Hero Award nomination form, click here.
  • To read more by Land Line Magazine, click here.

Air date: Aug. 19, 2008

Who sets the price for fuel? – Terry Scruton talked to John Eichenberger, vice president of government affairs for the National Association of Convenience Stores. You can visit NACS Web site here. Air date: Aug. 19, 2008.

State Update – California and Massachusetts – Reed Black spoke with Land Line Magazine State Legislative Editor Keith Goble. In California, a bill on its way to the governor’s desk would generate about $400 million annually from shippers at ports in the state. Meanwhile in Massachusetts, funding has been allotted to speed up repairs for up to 300 of the most neglected bridges in the state.

  • To read about more legislation in California, click here.
  • To read about more legislation in Massachusetts, click here.

Air date: Aug. 19, 2008.

Changes in pay – Jami Jones talked with Dale Watkins from OOIDA’s Member Assistance Department about pay changes that are occurring with some companies.

  • If you have a question that you’d like answered on the air, you can call our comment line at 1-800-324-6856.
  • You can contact the Member Assistance Department at 1-800-444-5791.

Air date: Aug. 19, 2008

TRUCC – Jami Jones spoke with Dale Watkins 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 two National Call to Action notices concerning TRUCC here and here.
  • For tips on writing your members of Congress, click here.
  • To call your U.S. senators or U.S. representative about TRUCC, 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: Aug. 19, 2008.

Information Update – Iowa – OOIDA has issued an information update for truckers in Iowa. The Iowa Department of Transportation is asking for public comments on its four year transportation improvement plan. The meeting to accept public comments is scheduled from 1:30 to 3:30 pm, Aug. 20th at the Iowa DOT headquarters, 800 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa in the Office of Systems Planning conference room.

Comments must be received by Sept. 5 to be considered prior to submittal to the Federal Highway Administration. Air date: Aug. 19, 2008.

Senator Conrad energy bill – Jami Jones spoke with Rod Nofziger of OOIDA’s Washington, DC, office about the New Energy Reform Act from Senator Kent Conrad, D-ND. You can read more about Senator Conrad’s New Energy Reform Act from his Web site here. Air date: Aug. 19, 2008.

Highway Hero – Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. is looking for a few good men and women to help it celebrate the 26th year of the Highway Hero program. Nominees must be full-time U.S. or Canadian truckers. Nominations are due by November 30, 2008.

  • For rules for applying, click here.
  • For more information or to download a nomination form, click here,
  • To call the Goodyear Highway Hero Hotline, the number is (330) 796-8183.

Air date: Aug. 18, 2008.

Port grants – Reed Black spoke to Rick Craig and Joe Rajkovacz about the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach offering grants to Mexican carriers. You can read a Special Report by Land Line Magazine here. Air date: Aug. 18, 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: Aug. 18, 2008.

Onboard power – Stephen Petit of Roll Audio discusses the issue and how it relates to idling. You can check out Stephen Petit’s Web site here. Air date: Aug. 18, 2008.

Offshore drilling – Jami Jones spoke to Rod Nofziger about Speaker Pelosi’s offshore-drilling proposal.

  • You can hear Nancy Pelosi’s radio address from the House blog site here.
  • You can read a press release from House Republican leader, John Boehner here.

Air date: Aug. 18, 2008.

FRIDAY RANTS: Hatchet job – Charlie Morasch shares his thoughts on mainstream media’s coverage of the GAO study that perpetuates bad stereotypes about truck drivers in general. To read Charlie’s rant, click here. Air date: Aug. 15, 2008.

Calendar – For upcoming truck shows, click here to read “Land Line Now’s” industry calendar. Air date: Aug. 15, 2008.

Maintenance Q and A – Land Line Magazine’s Senior Technical Editor, Paul Abelson, answered some maintenance questions. You can read Paul’s articles in the Land Line Magazine.

  • If you’re a trucker, and you’d like to receive the magazine, click here.
  • If you would like to subscribe to Land Line’s Daily eNews, click here.
  • You can view Land Line Magazine’s Web site here.

Air date: Aug. 15, 2008.

Canadian Speed Limiters – Mark Reddig spoke with Laura O’Neill about her trip to Canada. Even though Ontario has already passed a law mandating speed limiters on trucks, interested parties will still have one last chance to submit comments through the end of August.

  • To read Land Line Magazine’s coverage of the comment period, click here;
  • To view the list of regulations proposed to accompany Bill 41, click here;
  • To submit your comments on speed limiters to the Regulatory Ministry:
    • You can do so electronically here; or
    • You can mail comments to Carrier Safety and Enforcement Branch, 3rd Floor, 301 St. Paul Street, St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada L2R 7R4;

When you file comments, be sure to reference “speed limiters” and the proposal number, 08-MTO003. Air date: Aug.15, 2008.

Safe Driving Award – Robert Ravenscroft of Juneau, Wisconsin, has been recognized by OOIDA for 39 years of safe, accident-free driving as part of The OOIDA Safe Driving Award Program.

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

Air date: Aug. 18, 2008.

John Ewing – Terry Scruton spoke with John Ewing of Truckers Helper about credit cards with reward points. For more information, check out Truckers Helper on the Web here. Air date: Aug. 14, 2008.

Tire talk – Terry Scruton spoke with Kevin Rohlwing, senior vice president of training for the Tire Industry Association, who had some advice on tires and trucking. You can visit the Tire Industry Association Web site here. Air date: Aug. 14, 2008.

Safe Driving Award – Glen E. Klipp of Ranson, WV, has been recognized by OOIDA for 42 years of safe, accident-free driving as part of the OOIDA Safe Driving Award Program.

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

Air date: Aug. 14, 2008.

State Update – Kentucky and Illinois – Reed Black spoke with Land Line MagazineState Legislative Editor Keith Goble. In Kentucky, a judge has ruled that the General Assembly cannot stop the clock and work beyond its constitutional deadline. They approved a roads plan after that midnight deadline. And with lawmakers in many states looking into ways to curb distracted driving, an Illinois effort is focused on distracted walking.

  • To read about more legislation in Kentucky, click here.
  • To read about more legislation in Illinois, click here.

Air date: Aug. 14, 2008.

Off shore drilling – Mark Reddig spoke with Rod Nofziger about a bipartisan energy bill that is in the House, HR 6709.

  • To learn more about HR 6709, you can visit Rep. John Peterson’s Web site here.
  • To read a summary of HR 6709, click here.

Air date: Aug. 14, 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. Air date: Aug. 14, 2008.

Meeting with congressman – In today’s Follow-Up, Reed Black spoke with OOIDA member Sherri Bond about a meeting involving Washington state truckers and U.S. Rep. Brian Baird.

  • To read more by Land Line Magazine, click here.
  • To view Rep. Baird’s Web site, click here.

Air date: Aug. 13, 2008.

Outlook on trucking – In today’s follow up, Reed Black spoke with Lee Klaskow of Longbow Research and Donald Broughton of Avondale Partners about how they view the current state of the trucking economy.

  • You can visit Longbow Research Web site here.
  • You can visit Avondale Partners Web site here.
  • You can read more by Land Line Magazine here.

Air date: Aug. 13, 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: Aug. 13, 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, “What was the most you paid for a fill-up this summer?” Air date: Aug. 13, 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 byLand Line Magazine below:

Air date: Aug. 13, 2008.

Blue light special – In today’s Listener Comment Line, Mark Reddig spoke about research by the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, about how blue light produces alertness. You can visit the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Web site  target=”_blank”here. Air date: Aug. 13, 2008.

ON THE LAND LINE NOW BLOG: Thank you for visiting Dallas! Here’s your ticket– Mark Reddig talks about idling regulations that could affect the upcoming Great American Trucking Show in Dallas.

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

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 byLand Line Magazine below:

Air date: Aug. 12, 2008.

State Update – California and South Carolina – Reed Black spoke with Land Line Magazine State Legislative Editor Keith Goble. In California, a bill is intended to make it easier to open toll roads. Two more bills also address tolling. Meanwhile, in South Carolina, the leading transportation official says the state no longer can depend on its traditional funding source to pay for road work because of rising prices at the fuel pump.

  • To read about more legislation in California, click here.
  • To read about more legislation in South Carolina, click here.

Air date: Aug. 12, 2008.

Contacting lawmakers – Mark Reddig spoke with OOIDA’s Mike Joyce about the importance of contacting your lawmakers – and of sharing that correspondence with OOIDA’s staff.

  • To mail OOIDA a copy of letters you send to Congress – along with copies of any response you receive – mail it to Government Affairs, OOIDA Headquarters, PO Box 1000, Grain Valley, MO, 64029.
  • To e-mail that same material to the OOIDA Government Affairs Department, click here.
  • To contact any member of the U.S. House of Senate, call (202) 224-3131.
  • To get an e-mail address, street address or fax number for state or federal lawmakers, either:
    • Call the Membership Department at OOIDA at 1-800-444-5791;
    • Or click here, and enter your Zip code. That will bring you to a page with links to all the elected officials who serve you.

Air date: Aug. 12, 2008.

Who sets the price? – Terry Scruton talked to Holly Alfano, vice president of government affairs for NATSO, the national association that represents truck stop and travel plaza owners, about who sets the price for fuel. You can visit NATSO Web site here. Air date: Aug. 12, 2008.

Safe Driving Award – Corwyn A. Hodge of Lena, WI, has been recognized by OOIDA for 12 years of safe, accident-free driving as part of The OOIDA Safe Driving Award Program.

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

Air date: Aug. 12, 2008.

LISTEN ONLINE: CDL Medical Oversight Hearing – U.S. Rep. James Oberstar of Minnesota led a hearing in which U.S. House members grilled the FMCSA about trucking medical issues. To hear this sound clip or others from our program, click here.

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. Air date: Aug. 12, 2008.

Idle restrictions – In today’s Listener Comment Line, Mark Reddig talked about idling restrictions. You can read more out of Land Line Magazine’s August/September issue below:

Air date: Aug. 11, 2008.

Canadian speed limiters –In today’s Listener Comment Line, Mark Reddig spoke about the Canadian speed limiter issue. Even though Ontario has already passed a law mandating speed limiters on trucks, interested parties will still have one last chance to submit comments through the end of August.

When you file comments, be sure to reference “speed limiters” and the proposal number, 08-MTO003. Air date: Aug.11, 2008.

Contacting lawmakers – Mark Reddig spoke with OOIDA’s Mike Joyce about contacting lawmakers.

  • To contact any member of the U.S. House of Senate, call (202) 224-3131.
  • To get an e-mail address, street address or fax number for state or federal lawmakers, either:
    • Call the Membership Department at OOIDA at 1-800-444-5791;
  • Or click here, and enter your Zip code. That will bring you to a page with links to all the elected officials who serve you.

Air date: Aug. 11, 2008.

Beef recall – In today’s news, Terry Scruton reported that Nebraska Beef Limited has recalled more than 5.3 million pounds of ground beef after more than 40 people became ill in six states. You can read more from the FDA Web site here. Air date: Aug. 11, 2008.

Pump scam – In today’s news, Terry Scruton mentioned a Land Line Magazine report on the use of skimming devices to obtain credit and debit card information from fuel pumps. To read more by Land Line Magazine, click here. Air date: Aug. 11, 2008.

North Carolina Toll Road – OOIDA has issued an Information Update for truckers in North Carolina. Your thoughts have been requested on a proposed toll road know as the Garden Parkway or Gaston East-West Connector. A public meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., Monday, Aug. 11, at Gastonia Adult Recreation Center, 519 W. Franklin Boulevard, Gastonia. People unable to attend the meeting may comment on the proposal by:

  • Calling the Turnpike Authority at 919-571-3000;
  • By sending e-mail to gaston@ncturnpike.org;
  • Or by writing to:
    Jennifer Harris
    North Carolina Turnpike Authority
    1578 Mail Service Center
    Raleigh, NC 27699-1578
  • To read the OOIDA Information Update, click here. Air date: Aug. 8, 2008.

Calendar – For upcoming truck shows, click here to read “Land Line Now’s” industry calendar. Air date: Aug. 8, 2008.

Tolling Pennsylvania I-80 – Mark Reddig spoke with Mike Joyce, who gave us an update on the latest proposals from the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.

Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
c/o McCormick Taylor
101 Innovation Blvd.
Suite 206
State College, PA 16803

  • Or you can click here to access the online comment form.

Air date: Aug. 8, 2008.

Friday Rants: Debunking a few myths about TRUCC – Joe Rajkovacz has heard some of the arguments against the TRUCC Act – and he’s not buying what they’re selling. Joe expressed his opinion as part of our “Friday Rants” series. You can read Joe’s comments here. Air date: Aug. 8, 2008.

Safe Driving Award – David J. Edwards of Payette, ID, has been recognized by OOIDA for eight years of safe, accident-free driving of a commercial tractor-trailer.

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

Air date: Aug. 10, 2008.

Knoxville Parkway – In today’s news, Reed Black reported that the public influence has kept Knoxville Parkway toll free. To read more by Land Line Magazine, click here. Air date: Aug. 7, 2008.

Dave Sweetman – Terry Scruton talked with OOIDA member and Land Line Magazinecolumnist Diesel Dave Sweetman about staying healthy on the road and how you should never ignore seemingly small symptoms that could turn into something far worse. To read some of Dave’s latest columns from the magazine, click on one of these links:

Air date: Aug. 7, 2008.

State Update – New Jersey and Michigan – Reed Black spoke with Land Line Magazine State Legislative Editor Keith Goble. In New Jersey, several legislative efforts are of interest to truck drivers that address transportation funding. Meanwhile, in Michigan, a committee appointed by the governor has concluded that Michigan transportation spending needs to double because the roads are worse that most states’. They are looking at alternative ways for funding.

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

Air date: Aug. 7, 2008.

Commenting on speed limiters –Mark Reddig spoke to OOIDA’s Laura O’Neill, who gave us an update on the Canadian speed limiter issue. Even though Ontario has already passed a law mandating speed limiters on trucks, interested parties will still have one last chance to submit comments through the end of August.

  • To read Land Line Magazine’s coverage of the comment period, click here;
  • To view the list of regulations proposed to accompany Bill 41, click here;
  • To submit your comments on speed limiters to the Regulatory Ministry:
    • You can do so electronically here; or
    • You can mail comments to Carrier Safety and Enforcement Branch, 3rd Floor, 301 St. Paul Street, St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada L2R 7R4;

When you file comments, be sure to reference “speed limiters” and the proposal number, 08-MTO003. Air date: Aug.7, 2008.

ON THE LAND LINE NOW BLOG: Cash or credit? – Mark Reddig talks about how cash discounts work at fueling stations.

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

Safe driving award – Elton Manzione of Athens, GA, has been recognized by OOIDA for nine years of safe, accident-free driving of a commercial tractor-trailer.

  • To read the press release, click here.
  • To learn more about the Safe driving award from OOIDA.com, click here.

Air date: Aug. 7, 2008.

Highway privatization – In today’s follow up, Reed Black talked about a study done by Public Interest Research Group on why privatized highways are attractive to investors. You can visit the PIRG Web site here. Air date: Aug. 6, 2008.

Blue light special – In today’s follow up, Reed Black talked to Mariana Faguiero, a researcher from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, about how blue light produces alertness. You can visit the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Web site here. Air date: Aug. 6, 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: Aug. 6, 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 these questions, “Are you still seeing different prices for credit and cash? Does it affect the way you purchase fuel?” and “Have you seen fuel for under $4.00?” Air date: Aug. 6, 2008.

Commenting on speed limiters – In today’s Listener Comment Line, Mark Reddig spoke about Canadian speed limiters. Even though Ontario has already passed a law mandating speed limiters on trucks, interested parties will still have one last chance to submit comments through the end of August.

  • To read Land Line Magazine’s coverage of the comment period, click here;
  • To view the list of regulations proposed to accompany Bill 41, click here;
  • To submit your comments on speed limiters to the Regulatory Ministry:
    • You can do so electronically here; or
    • You can mail comments to Carrier Safety and Enforcement Branch, 3rd Floor, 301 St. Paul Street, St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada L2R 7R4;

When you file comments, be sure to reference “speed limiters” and the proposal number, 08-MTO003. Air date: Aug.6, 2008.

It only takes one – During today’s Listener Comment Line, a caller mentioned a story written and voiced by Land Line Now Traffic Coordinator Sherry Murry, in which she talks about the effect truckers can have on other people’s lives. To read Sherry’s rant, click here. Air date: Aug. 6, 2008.

ON THE LAND LAND NOW BLOG: Getting the priorities straight - Mark Reddig discusses cell phone laws in California.

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

Air date: Aug. 6, 2008

Howard and Pam Hart will have OOIDA’s Tour Truck, the Spirit of the American Trucker, at the Petro truck stop in Rochelle, IL. The Petro is located at Exit 99 off Interstate 39. Meanwhile, Ron Mermis and the OOIDA NASCAR simulator are headed to Waupun, WI, for the annual Waupun Truck and Show, which takes place Friday and Saturday. Waupun is southwest of Fond Du Lac, WI, on U.S. 151. To follow the Spirit’s schedule online, click here. Air date: Aug. 6, 2008.

Land Line Magazine – Terry Scruton previewed the upcoming August/September issue of Land Line Magazine on today’s program.

  • If you’re a trucker, and you’d like to receive the magazine, click here.
  • If you would like to subscribe to Land Line’s Daily eNews, click here.
  • You can view Land Line Magazine’s Web site here.

Air date: Aug. 5, 2008.

State Update – North Carolina and New Jersey – Reed Black spoke with Land Line Magazine State Legislative Editor Keith Goble. In North Carolina, the governor signed a budget that includes funding for a toll road in western Wake County. Meanwhile, in New Jersey, fueling stations could be required soon to clearly display both the cash and credit prices for fuel purchases.

  • To read about more legislation in North Carolina, click here.
  • To read about more legislation in New Jersey, click here.

Air date: Aug. 5, 2008.

Cross-Border trucking – In today’s Listener Comment Line, Mark Reddig spoke about the cross-border pilot program extension.

Air date: Aug. 5, 2008.

ON THE LAND LINE NOW BLOG: Barn door closed, horse long gone, while foxes guard hen house – Reed Black pans the U.S. Department of Transportation’s new “comprehensive new transportation plan.”

  • To read Reed’s blog, click here.

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

Cross-Border trucking – Mark Reddig spoke to Rod Nofziger about the cross-border pilot program extension.

Air date: Aug. 4, 2008.

Washington state meeting – In the news today, Reed Black covered a scheduled community forum with U.S. Rep. Brian Baird, D-WA, to discuss the impact of high fuel costs on truckers in Washington state. The meeting will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Aug. 8 at the W.F. West High School in Chehalis, WA.

  • To read the Washington Call to Action, click here.
  • To read more by Land Line Magazine, click here.
  • For truckers who will be on the road and who can’t attend the forum, written testimony will also be accepted. Comments can be mailed to:
    Kelly Love, District Director
    General O.O. Howard House
    750 Anderson St., Suite B
    Vancouver, WA 98661
  • Comments can also be submitted via e-mail to: kelly.love@mail.house.gov.

Air date: Aug. 4, 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: Aug. 4, 2008.

Incorporating – Terry Scruton spoke with John Turner, CPA and owner of The Trucker’s Accountant. You can find more information on his Web site here, or you can call directly at (281) 464-9443. Air date: Aug. 4, 2008.

Truck tires – Terry Scruton talked to Guy Wallenga, engineering manager for Bridgestone/Firestone truck tires. If you have a question for Guy or any of the engineers at Bridgestone/Firestone, click here. Air date: Aug. 4, 2008.

LISTEN ONLINE: Trucking Security Program – Mark Reddig spoke with OOIDA Senior Security Adviser Don L. Rondeau about the new Trucking Security Program led by HMS Inc. To listen to this and other recent sound clips from the show, click here.

ON THE LAND LINE NOW BLOG: ‘I’m Mad As Hell’ – Reed Black thinks the world is going to hell in a handbasket.

  • Find out why by reading Reed’s blog here.
  • To read other entries in the Land Line Now Blog, click here.

Commenting on speed limiters – In today’s Listener Comment Line, Mark Reddig spoke about Canadian speed limiters. Even though Ontario has already passed a law mandating speed limiters on trucks, interested parties will still have one last chance to submit comments through the end of August.

  • To read Land Line Magazine’s coverage of the comment period, click here;
  • To view the list of regulations proposed to accompany Bill 41, click here;
  • To submit your comments on speed limiters to the Regulatory Ministry:
    • You can do so electronically here; or
    • You can mail comments to Carrier Safety and Enforcement Branch, 3rd Floor, 301 St. Paul Street, St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada L2R 7R4;

When you file comments, be sure to reference “speed limiters” and the proposal number, 08-MTO003. Air date: Aug.4, 2008.

Wisconsin diesel grants – Mark Reddig spoke with Tom Coogan of the Wisconsin Department of Commerce about the Wisconsin Diesel Exhaust Retrofit Grant Program. The deadline to take part is Aug. 15.

  • To read more by Land Line Magazine, click here.
  • For more information about the program, click here.
  • You can also call for more information at 608-267-9214 or 608-261-2517.

Air date: Aug. 1, 2008.

Calendar – For upcoming truck shows, click here to read “Land Line Now’s” industry calendar. Air date: Aug. 1, 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 byLand Line Magazine below:

Air date: Aug. 1, 2008.

FRIDAY RANTS: Strike up the (lap) band – Terry Scruton discusses weight loss surgery, and how views about it have changed.

  • You can read Terry’s thoughts here.
  • You can read other entries in our Friday Rants series here.

Air date: Aug. 1, 2008.

Taxed to death

It’s no secret that many truckers – like many other Americans – face so many different taxes, so many things pulling away bits of their income, that they feel taxed to death.

But truckers have specific concerns, and face specific challenges on this topic not faced by other Americans.

On top of the typical income, sales and property taxes, truckers have federal fuel tax, IFTA, IRP fees, 2290s, and on and on. And that’s if you don’t count the most insidious tax of all – tolls.

One trucker asked the obvious question: How many times do I have to pay for the same road before it’s really paid for?

Truckers are not alone in caring about this. We do here at OOIDA, and we’re working hard to fix as much of this problem as we can.

The fact is, truckers pay as much as 36 percent of the money going into the federal Highway Trust Fund. And I’m pretty sure they aren’t 36 percent of the traffic.

One of the first things we’re working toward is to make sure the road taxes you do pay really do go toward roads.

If they were spent on roads, instead of being diverted to other purposes, the government, state, local or federal, wouldn’t need more of your money.

The question that trucker asked me – how many times do I have to pay for the same road before it’s really paid for? – is a good one. And we’re asking it all the time. But to arrive at a real solution, we need your help.

Call your members of Congress, and tell them all the taxes and fees you pay. Explain it all, including the extra tax if you ever buy a new truck. Explain how it’s supposed to be used to pay for the roads you use.

Make sure they understand that truckers are paying 36 percent of that federal Highway Trust Fund. Stress that all that money is supposed to pay for roads, but doesn’t. And tell them that if they don’t want to spend road money for roads, then they need to stop asking for more.

We need to work together. We are making progress, but the job isn’t finished yet. We intend to keep fighting until we’ve won. We hope you’ll join us.

Things are not always as they seem

I get plenty of suggestions for Roses & Razzberries every day. That’s not to say that I have more than I need. By all means, keep them coming.

Most of them are pretty straightforward. A Razzberry for some ambulance-chasing lawyer here, a Rose for a good truck repair shop there.

There are some, however, that seem to be one thing, but when you start scratching at the surface, turn out to be something else altogether. I have to examine these more carefully. After all, I wouldn’t want to fire off a Razzberry in the wrong direction and hit some innocent bystander.

Roses and Razzberries aren’t things to be taken lightly. Someone could lose an eye.

I recently received a suggestion for a Razzberry for Woman’s World magazine, and, more specifically, for an article that quoted Jason Toews, a man who runs a Web site called Gasbuddy.com.

In the article, Toews was quoted as saying one of the best ways to save fuel is to drive behind a semi. Drafting, I believe, is the technical, NASCAR-approved term. Toews was quoted as suggesting that doing this could save you as much as 10 percent on fuel.

While that may be true, I’m sure everybody reading this is already saying to themselves “yeah, but it’s dangerous as hell.” And it is, no question about it.

So why would Toews recommend this as a way to save fuel? Truth is, he didn’t. I e-mailed Toews when I saw the article and demanded (yeah, I went a little overboard) to know why he would make such a dangerous and irresponsible recommendation.

Here is the response I got:

Although I have not seen the article, I vehemently expressed to the reporter that one should NOT do that because of the dangerous nature of drafting. I had used it as an example of how much impact wind resistance has at highway speeds, and that the impact is exponential as you go faster. If there was no/limited wind resistance at highway speeds, your fuel economy would be significantly better. I’m surprised that they would print this, especially considering that it does not seem to have come with any warnings to NOT do it.

Translation: Jason never recommended drafting behind big trucks. He used it as an example of how wind resistance can affect your gas mileage. Woman’s World took that as a recommendation and ran with it. With no warning whatsoever about how dangerous and stupid it would be to ride five feet from the bumper of a truck rolling down the highway at 65 miles per hour.

What’s more, Land Line Magazine staff writer Clarissa Kell-Holland talked to the folks at Woman’s World, who told her they stand by what they printed, in spite of our warnings and Jason’s insistence that they include a warning in the article.

Now we have moved beyond the realm of simple incompetence and into the realm of willful ignorance, arrogance and just flat-out irresponsible journalism.

I’m glad we checked that out; otherwise, I would have unfairly given a Razzberry to Jason instead of putting the blame squarely where it belongs: with Woman’s World magazine.

Good Samaritans make good neighbors

I’ve been at OOIDA for over three years, and in that time I’ve seen some heartbreaking stories. One of the most heartbreaking was the story of Randy Jay Tomblin, a truck driver from Flatwoods, KY.

Randy first appeared in the pages of Land Line Magazine in 1999 because of an incident that happened at a truck stop the day his son died. I won’t go into the full details, but Randy got an emergency call from his wife on the road and when he went to the truck stop to try and call her back to find out what happened, the folks at the truck stop were less than accommodating.

But that was just the beginning of Randy’s troubles.

In 2006, Randy stopped to help what appeared to be a stranded motorist alongside the highway. He was rewarded for his good deed with a knock on the head, a gunshot wound to the back and an empty wallet.

All of that was bad enough, but it was what Randy said in an interview after the incident that really broke my heart. He said his days of helping others were over.

I can’t really blame Randy for having that sentiment. What breaks my heart is that we live in a society where that sentiment is even necessary. That we are so afraid for our lives that we can’t bring ourselves to help others in need.

Too many stories like that tend to make for jaded, bitter journalists, and jaded, bitter truck drivers.

Thankfully, there are other stories that come along and balance everything out. The kind of stories that make you think, OK, maybe the world isn’t doomed after all. The kind of stories that give you hope.

The story of Dave Marsden and Bob Griffith is one of those stories. In case you missed the recent broadcast, Bob is a truck driver who is struggling just to get by. He told an Associated Press reporter that he couldn’t even afford to buy a prom dress for his daughter.

Dave is a retired truck mechanic and Navy veteran who read Bob’s story and couldn’t just stand by and do nothing. So he called Bob up and offered to pay for his daughter’s prom dress.

When I first read the story, I knew I had to talk to these guys and I’m glad I did. Dave Marsden reminded me that there are good people left out there. They may be hard to find, but they are there.

You see, what Dave did for Bob wasn’t just a one-time thing. It’s the way Dave lives his life. If he sees someone who needs help, he helps them out as much as he can. It’s that simple. He doesn’t question it. He doesn’t think about it. He just does it. It’s as natural to him as breathing.

Just the beginning

So the ATA wants bigger, heavier trucks. What’s the big deal? What makes those trucks any different than our regular, 53-foot, 80,000-pound rigs?

We got a wake-up call about a year ago that spelled it out – the I-35 bridge collapse in Minneapolis.

While I hesitate to ever say that trucks were involved in something like this, the incredibly heavy trucks parked on the bridge during construction may have played some role in the event.

Our infrastructure is designed with an 80,000 pound truck in mind.

We have a system for dealing with the occasional load that’s larger – we permit them, we often have special routes for them, and we have a bridge formula that’s specifically designed to deal with them in a way that protects our roads and bridges.

You know, since we’re here in Missouri, I wanted to check that state’s regulations for how and why they permit heavier loads. And I found something very interesting indeed.

It says this: “Economic factors in either the saving of time or costs for routing will not be considered of primary importance in the routing process and the department reserves the right to designate routing and travel time for all movements.”

So what does that mean in English? Just because it costs the carrier less doesn’t mean the state has to let them do what they want with a larger, heavier load. The state has the right to route and set times for the load that protect safety and the integrity of the road.

The bigger carriers and their shipper and receiver allies want to stop this system and let those 97,000 pound trucks roll as a matter of regular routine.

So what happens if we throw that all out and just let these suckers loose on our roads?

I shudder to think. Minneapolis could be just the beginning. And that is a scary thought indeed.

Looking at the world through rose-colored lenses (or some other color)

Reed Black reported a little while back about research showing that intensely blue light produces alertness – and about researchers in Troy, NY, who are working on a device to take advantage of the light’s effect.

Shortly after that aired, I got a call from an OOIDA member named John Tolbert. John said that on the U.S.S. Missouri – the famed battleship on which the Japanese surrendered at the end of World War II – the bridge used blue lights instead of red during battles.

It thought that was pretty interesting – apparently, the Navy knew about this effect for quite some time.

But then John went on to say that he wears yellow-tinted glasses for better vision at night. Just like the blue lights, I had never heard of that before.

So I checked into it. Often, on the Web, they were referred to as yellow-tinted polarized lenses.

I also found a number of references to those lenses being used in hunting and shooting – and being prescribed for folks who have difficulty seeing at night.

Other sites refer to them being use for enhancing color contrast and depth perception.

But a lot of those sites also note that before you use yellow lenses, you should probably talk to your optometrist and make sure they’re right for you.

It may seem like something far less important than what we usually discuss on this blog – the more serious topics of trucking. But what could be more important than being able to see better at night?

Insult on top of injury

If you want to get truckers really mad, you only need a few words to do it. One example: brokers.

Another one sure to get a rise is the word, “lumpers.”

A recent call we received here at OOIDA headquarters is a good example of why.

The trucker said he recently delivered to a loading dock in the St. Louis area. The lumper fee was a whopping $120 – a figure that I find astounding, but which – unfortunately – I acknowledge is more common in some places than I really want to think about.

When our friend the trucker tried to pay the lumper with a ComCheck, he was told doing that would cost him $3 extra.

So let me get this straight: Truckers don’t get the surcharge for real increases in fuel costs, but a lumper – someone who’s probably not even reporting the income, someone who may not even be in the country legally – gets to charge him an extra $3 just so they can cash the check he paid them?

It’s ridiculous that you have to pay for a lumper at all; it’s even more ridiculous that you have to pay $120 for the lumper’s so-called service.

To be handed a $3 charge just because of how you paid them – that’s insult on top of injury.

Political horse trading

We all know about how the Canadian province of Ontario has passed a law requiring speed limiters on trucks there.

One of our callers recently pointed out that the same folks who pushed for the limiters have also pushed for longer, heavier vehicles there in Canada.

For a long time, OOIDA officials have said the push for limiters here was being made for several reasons. I’ve talked most about the competitive reasons, such as driver recruitment.

But here in the U.S., again, those carriers pushing for limiters are the same ones pushing for longer, heavier trucks.

It’s pretty obvious this is an attempt at a political trade. We give you slower trucks; you reward us with bigger trucks.

We need to make sure that our politicians understand what is happening here. Speed limiters make roads less safe. Trucks the same size as a Boeing 707 make highways less safe.

So this isn’t a trade off … this is a combination of two factors both of which will make our highways less safe for everyone.

I encourage everyone reading this to call your elected officials, and make sure they understand those basic facts.

Big truck insanity

Recently, the ATA and a number of shipper and receiver groups started yet another push to allow longer, heavier trucks onto our nation’s highways.

It’s not really a new fight for them, or for all of us. But this time, they are trying some new angles to get Congress to agree with their request.

But the facts behind this discussion haven’t really changed at all.

One of them I haven’t brought up lately is a simple matter of measurement – there are a lot of places where a double, much less a triple, wouldn’t fit on the existing streets, or into an existing dock.

A trucker recently called in to remind us about that. He mentioned some of the spots he drives in California, but what we’re talking about here isn’t unique to California – not by far.

In fact, there are plenty of cities where the whole infrastructure system is built around a single 48-foot trailer – where they even have trouble with a single 53-foot trailer.

Putting doubles or triples into that situation is insane.

What we’re seeing here is larger carriers whose office-bound bean counters have determined that this will save them cash. And that’s what this is about – their money.

It’s not about safety, it’s not about the environment – it’s money.

We were all taught in Sunday school that the love of money is the root of all evil. Seems sometimes that old wisdom is the best wisdom.

A revelation in Ontario: Heavy things go down hills fast!

The new speed limiter law in Ontario isn’t yet in effect. The province still has to create a regulation to enforce that law.

The proposed regulation contains the method officials want to use for enforcement.

Here’s how it will work, straight from the proposed regulation:

“A truck charged with a speeding offence … will be deemed not to have a functioning speed limiter.”

That and the rest of the regulation don’t indicate any leniency for a rig going faster due to a downhill grade.

But it’s pretty obvious that will happen. Heavy things go faster down hills, and those speed limiters don’t have a switch that activates the brakes (to all you folks in Ontario government: That was not a suggestion!)

Well, it turns out that not only are provincial officials aware of this little bit of basic physics; they even acknowledged that downhill grades can have an effect.

Another part of the proposed regulation says, “A speed limiting system is functioning properly if it prevents a driver from accelerating to, or maintaining a speed greater than 105 km/h on level ground.”

They seem to be acknowledging that a downhill grade can push the limited truck faster, but they offer no break if that happens.

We’ve encourage truckers to file their comments on this. I hope everyone who reads this will file comments and point out this obvious contradiction.