In this episode, we sit down with OOIDA’s Lewie Pugh to break down what’s really moving in Washington and how it directly affects everyday truckers. From the massive 2026 highway bill reauthorization to real funding for free truck parking, the long-stalled broker transparency fight, and practical defenses against freight fraud, Lewie Pugh maps the landscape and shares what OOIDA is pushing for—and what drivers can do right now.

We lead with parking because it’s the pain point everyone feels. Lewie details the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act, why federal grants must go toward building actual safe, well-lit lots with real capacity—not just signs or apps—and how states, cities, and private truck stops can access multi-year funding as long as parking stays free for drivers. Better lighting, secure restrooms, and more spaces don’t just ease HOS pressure; they make the industry safer and more welcoming, especially for women entering trucking.

Freight fraud gets its own hard look—how to report it effectively through FMCSA’s National Consumer Complaint Database, why looping in local law enforcement and associations makes a difference, and why staying proactive beats getting burned.

This episode is for every driver, owner-operator, and small-fleet boss who wants safer roads, fairer pay, and policies that actually work. Your voice matters—contact your lawmakers, share exactly how these issues hit your wallet, your hours, and your safety, and help OOIDA push practical fixes across the finish line.

Key Takeaways 👇

✅ Truck Parking Funding Fight — The Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act channels federal grants into real, free parking spaces (not just signs); states, cities, and truck stops can apply for multi-year builds with safe lighting, restrooms, and capacity to ease HOS crunches and boost industry safety
✅ English Proficiency & CDL Standards — OOIDA restored English as an out-of-service criterion, exposing CDL mills and training gaps that threaten road safety
✅ Broker Transparency Push — Status update on OOIDA’s 2020 petition: carriers should see broker pay electronically—no forced waivers; until then, verify counterparties, keep your name on the BOL, use vetted load boards, and build direct shipper ties
✅ Freight Fraud Defense — Report scams via FMCSA’s National Consumer Complaint Database; involve local law enforcement and associations for stronger follow-up and prevention
✅ Autonomous Trucks Red Flags — No full incident reporting, weak cybersecurity, or mandatory qualified driver in the cab = unacceptable risks for 80,000-lb vehicles in real-world conditions
✅ Your Power — Call lawmakers, tell them ho

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