Matt ColeMatt Cole is the Senior Editor for Overdrive and CCJ. Reach him at [email protected].RegulationsFMCSA's safety rating revamp: Could new reports mean in-cab tech will play a role?The agency last month added six studies/reports to the regs docket for its efforts to develop a new methodology for motor carrier safety rating. Critics see limitations, and worry over the use of safety technologies in a new methodology.February 22, 2024Custom Rigs'Mad Skills': A Peterbilt 379 that floatsOhio-based Scott Carder built this tritoon boat from the ground up, with a Peterbilt 379 cab as the centerpiece. Everything else on the build is custom, Carder said.February 15, 2024RegulationsInspectors keying in on tractor protection systems, drug and alcohol possession during RoadcheckCVSA's International Roadcheck will be held May 14-16. For trucks, inspectors will focus specifically on the tractor protection valve, trailer supply valve and anti-bleed back valve, which may be overlooked during trip and roadside inspections.February 12, 2024RegulationsNew DOL rule on contractor/employee status under fair-labor law: The legal perspectiveLegal minds echo the overarching theme of owner-operators' own perspectives on the contractor status featured in Part 1 of this report -- that the control factor does/should weigh heavily. How the courts will interpret the rest is up in the air.February 9, 2024Custom Rigs'I just had to have it': Missouri cattle hauler's '71 Pete 359Satha Kilgore, owner of small fleet S&J Kilgore Trucking, bought this custom classic in the Fall of 2022 after plenty personal history working on it with the prior owner. Kilgore's since put it to work hauling cattle as part of his business.February 8, 2024RegulationsAre leased owner-operators really 'independent contractors'?Short answer: It's complicated. Following DOL's final rule on employee/contractor classification, this series examines the opinions of legal experts and the perspectives of owner-operators on just what makes a true independent contractor in trucking.February 7, 2024Custom Rigs2019 Pete 389 glider a patriotic tribute to owner's trucking mentorsThe truck, a 550-hp Cat-powered beauty of a glider, was built in memory of owner Robert Burleson's father, Alex, and trucking mentor, Jack Hicks. It features a patriotic theme inside and out, as well as a touching tribute.February 1, 2024BusinessOregon hit with lawsuit over truckers' 'disproportionate' highway taxesThe Oregon Trucking Association and three fleets filed suit claiming the state is violating its constitution with the amount of highway taxes it collects from truckers. Also: Mexican driver busted with cocaine in Alabama; Nevada runaway truck ramp closed.January 31, 2024Trucker of the YearBitterman Trucking bounces back to build on long, strong trucking legacyOne-truck owner-operator Leslie Bitterman won a near-fatal bout with COVID, fighting back to the truck to keep her business going. Her perseverance, and more, shines through with her nomination as Overdrive's January Trucker of the Month.January 31, 2024Overdrive ExtraPotential broker-transparency rule not 'signficant,' yet FMCSA 'remains committed' to pursuitThe agency said a potential rulemaking changing brokered-transaction transparency regs was not 'significant,' hence not included in Monday's DOT Significant Rulemaking Report. Many owner-ops, no doubt, beg to differ.January 30, 2024Previous PagePage 29 of 187Next PageTop StoriesPride & Polish'Heavy Hook' 2024 389's tall order: Promoting tow-company positivity to truckingKentucky-based CTS Towing owner-operator Clifton Parsley uses his custom 2024 Peterbilt 389, "Heavy Hook," to promote a positive image of the towing industry to truckers. Truckers recognized Parsley's efforts and the impressive work on the rig with a win in Overdrive's Pride & Polish.RegulationsNon-domiciled CDLs are back: New Jersey resumes issuance after FMCSA crackdownTrucker of the YearOverdrive's 2026 Trucker of the Year honors: Enter your businessBusinessCould U.S. action in Venezuela bring diesel prices down?Featured SponsorH3 Sport Gear - Show your personality with quality, licensed, and custom headwear, socks, tees, blankets, bags, and more.
