Trucking with OOIDA
In the spirit of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, which has had the back of truckers since 1973, Trucking with OOIDA puts the issues that are relevant to the trucking industry front and center. Trucking with OOIDA, hosted by Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson, aims to inform and entertain with a mix of industry experts, over-the-road truckers and other interesting guests, along with news and analysis that gets to the heart of what you do each and every day. So hop on into the cab, and get to Trucking with OOIDA.
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Driving Into the Fire: "They're Just So Happy We're There"
<p>When disaster strikes, the Disaster Relief Haulers spring into action. The nonprofit has a very specific focus: providing hay, supplies and assistance to farmers and ranchers impacted by natural disasters. A recent example – when wildfires broke out recently in Nebraska. In short order, volunteers assembled in Ohio, loaded up their trucks and started up a convoy heading west. Levi Foss, president of Disaster Relief Haulers, and Keith Withrich, who volunteers for the organization, sit down to explain why – and how – they do it. </p><p>Disaster Relief Haulers: https://www.disasterreliefhaulers.org/</p><p>Join or renew with the Owner...
The Heavy Haul Trucker Who Accidentally Went Viral – Here's What Happened
<p>One of the best things about social media is showing the world things they’d never get to see otherwise. And few people are showing the world what Andy Specht is showing them. After starting out in the Marines and working as a mechanic, Andy shifted to heavy hauling. And when he started cataloguing his life online as the Blue Collar Trucker, he didn’t think it would amount to much – until it did. Today, he boasts tens of thousands of followers – and to hear Andy tell it, there’s no secret formula. He’s just showing the world what it’s li...
Life is a Highway (Bill)
<p>Every five years or so, Congress releases something known as the Highway Bill. Long story short, it lays out funding and policies for the nation’s infrastructure moving forward. And yes, that includes trucking – especially this year. The Highway Bill is chock full of priorities that OOIDA made sure were prioritized in the months and years leading up to this moment – so much so that OOIDA is calling this the most pro-trucker Highway Bill in recent history. From support for truck parking and restroom access to tighter grips on predatory lease-to-own schemes and freight fraud, Collin Long and Bryce Mongeo...
This High School is Creating America’s Future Truckers
<p>Selling the youth on a career in trucking can be an uphill task, but it’s one Dave Dein takes on with enthusiasm. The former trucker created a CDL program at Patterson High School in California that paves the way for a career in trucking. Dave is one of those people who have found their calling, and he’s more than willing to share it. Plus, if you like classic trucks, Springfield, Missouri is the place to be next week. The American Truck Historical Society is hosting its annual convention and truck show there. ATHS President David Schnautz and boar...
Six Decades in a Truck and Counting
<p>Chances are Steen Gronlund has been on the road longer than you’ve been alive. The octogenarian and OOIDA life member has been trucking since the Sixties and he’s still on the road. We cover it all – from Steen’s early life in Denmark and his start in the business to his growing list of awards, his trucks, his journey to U.S. citizenship and his favorite spot to stop for a bite to eat on the road. </p><p>Join or renew with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and use code PODCAST25 for a discounted membership: https://www.ooid...
Old School Truckers React to Modern Trucks
<p>Does all this new truck technology actually make for safer driving? After recent experiences with a high-tech truck and a simpler one, Angela Griffin of the Simple Livin’ YouTube page isn’t so sure. She shares her big takeaways. Plus, Marty Ellis is getting a new truck any day now. The OOIDA tour truck driver reflects on the adjustments he and other drivers need to make when shifting to a new rig with new bells and whistles.</p><p>Motus login: https://motus.dot.gov/</p><p>Motus details: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/newsroom/important-steps-you-must-take-prepare-fmcsas-new-registration-system</p><p>ATRI Oper...
FMCSA’s Motus System Goes Live This Week
<p>FMCSA is rolling out a new registration platform called Motus – and if you’ve got a USDOT Number or USDOT Number and Operating Authority, you’ve got a few more days to log in before the new system launches. Julie Otto of FMCSA’s office of registration stops in to explain why the new system should be a big improvement on the old one and what you need to do before May 14.</p><p>Motus login: https://motus.dot.gov/</p><p>Motus details: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/newsroom/important-steps-you-must-take-prepare-fmcsas-new-registration-system</p><p>More info from Land Line Media: https...
Take Care of Your Body, Take Care of Your Truck
<p>The average age of death for truck drivers is 61. That’s not just sad, it’s unacceptable – which is exactly why Jeremy Reymer founded Project 61. He and Dr. Mark Manera, president and chief health officer of the nonprofit, explain how they’re working to reverse the trend – one step at a time. Plus, CVSA roadside inspection specialist Jeremy Disbrow gets us ready for next week’s International Roadcheck event. </p><p>Project 61: https://project-61.org/</p><p>CVSA International Roadcheck: https://cvsa.org/news/2026-roadcheck/</p><p>Get ready for FMCSA’s new registration system:</p><p>https://landline.media/are-you...
Controlling Traffic and Handling Rattlesnakes
<p>A lot of what OOIDA does happens behind the scenes. Case in point: ongoing efforts in Texas to make intersections safer via roundabouts and “innovative intersections.” Generally speaking, those conversations didn’t include the input of truckers in the past – but the Texas DOT is making sure to get that input now. Amanda Austin and Adam Hammons of TxDOT explain what they’re working on, while OOIDA executive vice president Lewie Pugh and OOIDA board member Ken Becker explain how they’re making sure truckers have a voice at the table. Oh, and ever had the urge to hunt rattlesnakes...
"Will Ferrell" Takes Over the Show
<p>If you ain’t first, you’re last – and David Babcock is most definitely first in our books when it comes to Will Ferrell impersonators. Whether it’s Ricky Bobby, Ron Burgundy or Buddy the Elf, David tours the world bringing joy to people’s lives. But that wasn’t always the plan. David shares how it all happened and what life is like masquerading as one of the funniest people on the planet – plus, what it was like meeting the real Will Ferrell and more. Get some!</p><p>Check out David Babcock’s work here: https://linktr.ee/impersonate<...
