Trucking with OOIDA

Whether you’ve got one truck or a thousand, it’s important to have people like Brendan Whisenant of CDL Legal in your corner. The industry expert joins the pod to talk about the importance of developing a safety culture within your fleet and preparing for those bad days that tend to pop up when you least expect them. CDL Legal: https://cdllegal.com/ Join or renew with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and use code PODCAST25 for a discounted membership: https://www.ooida.com/membership/ Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/ Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

The world suffered a huge loss last week with the passing of Dolly Parton – but her memory will live on thanks to her music, her kindness, her philanthropy and so much more. That includes a brand-new truck stop in the heart of Tennessee. In fact, the grand opening of Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop was one of her last public appearances. Mark Dukes, president of the travel stop, took some time before Dolly’s passing to tell us about the destination that is Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop, why it meant so much to her and why truckers held a special place in her heart. Dolly's Tennessean Travel Stop: https://dollystravelstops.com/ Dolly Parton's Imagination Library: https://imaginationlibrary.com/ Join or renew with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and use code PODCAST25 for a discounted membership: https://www.ooida.com/membership/ Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/ Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

Bryan Martin is in the “knocking your socks off” business – and business is good. The “boss man” of 4 State Trucks and Chrome Shop Mafia fills us in on what he’s been up to of late – and gives us a very early preview of next year’s Guilty By Association Truck Show. Plus, there are many ways in which OOIDA is built to have your back – and Amber Stinnett personifies that sentiment. The member support representative at OOIDA didn’t just go the extra mile to help an OOIDA member recently. She potentially saved his life. Join or renew with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and use code PODCAST25 for a discounted membership: https://www.ooida.com/membership/ Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/ Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

The trucking community is quite familiar with FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs by now, but how much do we know about the man behind the title? The administrator joins us to talk about his small-town beginnings in Florida and his lifelong dedication to safety and law enforcement, plus the life advice from his father that guides him today and more. Join or renew with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and use code PODCAST25 for a discounted membership: https://www.ooida.com/membership/ Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/ Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

At OOIDA, we’re always thinking about the best ways to represent our members – and to do that, it helps to know where you’ve been. With that in mind, we decided to open up the archives this week for a little show-and-tell with OOIDA President Todd Spencer, who’s been here since the early days. More than 50 years of pictures tell the story of an organization that was forged by the fires of a cause – one that was built by truckers, for truckers. Join or renew with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and use code PODCAST25 for a discounted membership: https://www.ooida.com/membership/ Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/ Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

If Kenny Ziglar II were in the market for a new nickname, “champ” would be a pretty good one. The Wyoming trucker just won his second straight Best of Show award at 44th annual Shell Rotella SuperRigs in Bristol, Tennessee. Kenny tells us how he went from “scrapin’ by” to winning big with his 2007 Peterbilt 379. Then we keep the SuperRigs party going with Heather Duffey of Shell Rotella. Heather is instrumental in putting the annual calendar together and shares how it all comes together to create a lasting tribute to the finest working trucks you’ll ever see. Shell Rotella SuperRigs: https://rotella.shell.com/en_us/superrigs.html OOIDA Safe Driving Program: https://www.ooida.com/safe-driving-program/ Join or renew with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and use code PODCAST25 for a discounted membership: https://www.ooida.com/membership/ Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/ Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

When it comes to YouTube, there’s no right or wrong way to find success. But it’s safe to say that Steven Howard has. The OOIDA life member has been an owner-operator for more than 20 years now, and in recent years has been documenting his adventures on his YouTube page, Big Belly and Son Trucking. And while trucking is a main character in his videos, it’s Steven’s family that really drives the content. What you get an authentic look at the everyday life of a truck driver centered around his faith and his family. And that is precisely what Steven says is responsible for the channel’s success. Steven walks us through how it all came to be. Fighting For Truckers, Highway Bill information: https://fightingfortruckers.com/policies/2026-highway-bill/ Eastern Transportation Coalition Bridge Strike Week: https://tetcoalition.org/projects/bridge-hit-media-and-strategy-toolkit/ OOIDA tour truck schedule: https://www.ooida.com/ooida-tour-truck/ Join or renew with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and use code PODCAST25 for a discounted membership: https://www.ooida.com/membership/ Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

Allen Lund lived a remarkable life – and fortunately for us, it’s documented in a new biography called, “Be Good: The Allen Lund Story”. From a life-changing event as a young man that shaped his faith and his early days in the business to the formation of the Allen Lund Company and raising a family, the book is a lesson in a life well lived. Kenny Lund, Allen’s son, joins the show for a talk about his father, his legacy that lives on today and why the family wanted the whole story told. “Be Good: The Allen Lund Story”: https://a.co/d/0a3TDIND Join or renew with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and use code PODCAST25 for a discounted membership: https://www.ooida.com/membership/ Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/ Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/ Allen Lund Company: https://www.allenlund.com/ Howes: https://howesproducts.com/ Penske: https://www.gopenske.com/ TaxHelpMD: https://www.taxhelpmd.com/ CAT Scale: https://catscale.com/

The folks at Highway appear to be onto something. The load board has made a robust verification process a priority and the result is less fraud. Brent Tittle and John Tozer at Highway join the show to talk about how Highway got started, how they’re using technology to maintain a level playing field and what the future may hold, particularly when it comes to AI. Highway: https://highway.com/ Join or renew with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and use code PODCAST25 for a discounted membership: https://www.ooida.com/membership/ Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/ Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

Anthony Moore had one of those days recently where nothing seems to go right. The South Carolina-based trucker got hit with delays and detours thanks to two separate problems with his truck. After his wife said that God might be trying to keep Anthony from something, he said that maybe God had something else in mind. Turns out, he was right. Later that day, he happened upon an apparent kidnapping victim and her alleged captor and jumped into action. Third seconds earlier – or thirty seconds later and the whole thing could’ve ended quite differently. The OOIDA member and pastor joins the show with the harrowing story – and the powerful lesson he hopes people take away from it. Join or renew with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and use code PODCAST25 for a discounted membership: https://www.ooida.com/membership/ Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/ Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

In celebration of Canada Day – and in advance of Independence Day in the U.S.A. – we’re embracing our similarities and differences with the help of a man who’s developed quite a following doing just that online. Joseph DeBenedictis explains how he went from working for the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres and Kelsea Ballerini to comparing food offerings in the U.S. and Canada on YouTube for tens of thousands of followers. Hey, Joseph - what’s it gonna take to make poutine a regular menu item at American restaurants? https://www.youtube.com/@JosephD Join or renew with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and use code PODCAST25 for a discounted membership: https://www.ooida.com/membership/ Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/ Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

The rollout of FMCSA’s new Motus registration system has caused quite a bit of frustration out there – and just as many questions. Caleb Sears of OOIDA’s permits and licensing department runs through some of the most common problems people are running into – and some of the most common questions OOIDA is getting. MOST COMMON MOTUS PROBLEMS RIGHT NOW 02:39 Not being able to link USDOT numbers up with system 03:19 Calling FMCSA and OOIDA for help 05:07 Common data transfers 06:17 Delays in authority activations 07:10 FMCSA’s response to issues/problems 08:33 Effect on day-to-day trucking operations ANSWERS TO COMMON MOTUS QUESTIONS 11:28 Can OOIDA register my Motus account for me? 12:24 Word of caution about scams 15:02 I was able to log in to Motus and complete my identity verification – now what? 16:12 I registered my account in Motus, but it charged me $300 and issued a new DOT/MC number. Did I do something wrong? 18:19 I registered my account as a TSP (Transportation Service Provider). How do I claim my USDOT now? 19:33 My information is not showing correctly since the transition to Motus. Do I need to do something to get it updated? 20:29 What is OOIDA doing to help? 23:39 Final advice if/when issues arise For help with Motus questions/problems, call OOIDA at 816-229-5791 and ask for permits and licensing. Join or renew with Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and use code PODCAST25 for a discounted membership: https://www.ooida.com/membership/ Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/ Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

Marty Ellis got to cross something off his bucket list recently when he hauled The Wall That Heals – a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial that travels around the country. The man who drives the OOIDA tour truck recounts the experience, but only after we get some background about the powerful tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, courtesy of Tim Tetz, director of outreach for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. The Wall That Heals: https://www.vvmf.org/The-Wall-That-Heals/ Join or renew with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and use code PODCAST25 for a discounted membership: https://www.ooida.com/membership/ Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/ Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

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. Disaster Relief Haulers: https://www.disasterreliefhaulers.org/ Join or renew with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and use code PODCAST25 for a discounted membership: https://www.ooida.com/membership/ Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/ Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

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 like to haul heavy equipment for a living, while imparting advice and lessons along the way. Check out the Blue Collar Trucker online: https://www.tiktok.com/@bluecollar_trucker | https://www.instagram.com/bluecollar_trucker/ Join or renew with Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and use code PODCAST25 for a discounted membership: https://www.ooida.com/membership/ Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/ Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

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

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

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

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

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