The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA)

Mission and Advocacy

Established in 1973, OOIDA – The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association has grown to represent over 150,000 members across all 50 states and Canada, collectively owning and operating more than 240,000 heavy-duty trucks and small fleets. OOIDA’s mission is to serve owner-operators, small fleets, and professional truckers by advocating for a fair business climate, promoting highway safety, and ensuring that truckers are treated equitably. The association actively engages with state, provincial, and federal government agencies, legislatures, courts, and private businesses to advance the interests of truckers. OOIDA participates in rulemaking, testifies at major hearings, and represents truckers in industry-wide organizations and conferences.

History

OOIDA was founded in response to the economic turmoil caused by the OPEC oil embargoes of the early 1970s, which severely impacted the trucking industry. The association’s founding members, including the late Jim Johnston (who served as president until 2018), traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for truckers’ rights. Recognizing the need for a unified voice, OOIDA was officially formed in 1973. The association’s first headquarters was a trailer in a truck stop parking lot in Grain Valley, Missouri, where it remains headquartered today.

Key Services and Benefits

OOIDA provides a wide range of services and benefits to its members, including:

• Advocacy and Representation: OOIDA fights for truckers’ rights in legislative and regulatory matters, ensuring that their voices are heard in Washington, D.C., and beyond.

• Education and Research: Through the OOIDA Foundation, the association offers online business education, economic and safety research, and resources to help truckers operate more efficiently and profitably.

• Truck Insurance: OOIDA offers specialized commercial truck insurance tailored to the needs of owner-operators, including liability, cargo, and physical damage coverage.

• Business Services: The association provides assistance with permits, licensing, compliance, and other essential business operations for truckers.

• Discounts and Rebates: Members can access savings on fuel, tires, equipment, and other trucking-related expenses through OOIDA’s partnerships with various suppliers.

• Media and Information: OOIDA publishes Land Line Magazine and produces Land Line Now, a daily news program on Sirius XM, to keep truckers informed about industry developments, regulations, and best practices.

Advocacy on Key Issues

OOIDA is actively involved in several critical issues affecting the trucking industry, including:

• Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): OOIDA has consistently opposed the ELD mandate, arguing that it imposes unnecessary burdens on small-business truckers without improving highway safety.

• Broker Transparency: The association advocates for greater transparency in broker transactions to ensure fair treatment of small carriers and owner-operators.

• Regulatory Fairness: OOIDA works to ensure that regulations are fair and do not disproportionately impact small trucking businesses.

Membership

OOIDA membership is open to all professional truckers, including owner-operators, leased drivers, and small fleet owners. By joining OOIDA, members gain access to valuable resources, advocacy, and a network of like-minded professionals working together to improve the trucking industry.

For more information about OOIDA and its services, visit their official website at www.ooida.com.