Trucking for Nearly 40 Years and This Is the Load He'll Never Forget

Trucking for Nearly 40 Years and This Is the Load He'll Never Forget

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/ [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/ [https://landline.media/subscribe/]

Driving Into the Fire: "They're Just So Happy We're There"

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/ [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/ [https://landline.media/subscribe/]

The Heavy Haul Trucker Who Accidentally Went Viral – Here's What Happened

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/

Life is a Highway (Bill)

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/ [https://www.ooida.com/membership/] Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/ [https://landline.media/subscribe/]

This High School is Creating America’s Future Truckers

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/ [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/ [https://landline.media/subscribe/]