OOIDA Wants Practical Solutions for Trucking
Instead of Tech Mandates and Regulations

Landline Media reports that the OOIDA wants practical solutions and new ways to regulate trucking. On July 24, Lewie Pugh, OOIDA’s Executive Vice President, spoke at a House Highways and Transit Subcommittee hearing. He urged lawmakers to focus on practical solutions instead of adding more technology rules.

Problems with Current Rules

Pugh said that current rules for truckers are too complicated. He called them “dysfunctional” and said they focus too much on technology and not enough on real improvements. Pugh believes these rules do not make the roads safer and create more problems for truckers.

Issues with New Proposals

Recent suggestions for new rules have worried many truckers. These include speed limiters on trucks, side underride guards, and big increases in minimum insurance. OOIDA thinks these changes could push skilled drivers out of the industry and hurt the supply chain.

Practical Solutions Suggested

Pugh offered several practical ideas to improve trucking:

• Better Driver Training: Pugh stressed the need for better training standards for new drivers to ensure they are safe on the road.
• Broker Transparency: He called for more openness in broker deals to protect drivers’ earnings and ensure fair practices.
• Overtime Pay: Pugh urged the removal of the rule that prevents truckers from getting overtime pay, saying it would improve working conditions and attract more drivers.

Debate Over the Viability of Speed Limiters

A big part of the hearing focused on the idea of speed limiters on trucks. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is considering this rule. OOIDA is against it, saying it would create dangerous speed differences between trucks and other vehicles. Pugh pointed out that having all traffic move at the same speed is safer. He warned that the proposed rule could lead to more crashes.

Looking Ahead

OOIDA wants rules that are based on solid research and that address the real needs of the trucking industry. Pugh’s testimony called for a balanced approach, asking lawmakers to listen to the people who drive trucks every day. By focusing on practical solutions instead of more technology, OOIDA aims to make the industry safer and more sustainable.

Watch the House Highways and Transit Subcommittee hearing on YouTube.

Thank you to Landline Media and OOIDA.